Etsy shop find...a chat with Sarah Cray

This months etsy interview is with Sarah Cray aka Dandelion Paper Co.

You can purchase Sarah's beautiful handpainted artwork as either original pieces of art or as wall art prints or cards.

Her shop is full to bursting with gorgeous watercolour florals, custom pet portraits and whimsical typography designs.

**Sarah is very kindly offering readers of loveprintstudio a special promotion for 25% off any orders received, just enter 'loveprintstudio' at the checkout of her etsy shop.**

So lets get to know a little about Sarah shall we...

1. Can you tell us a bit about you and your background... 

I have always had an interest in art, I have been drawing and painting since I can remember, but I didn’t think of doing it as my career until I took my first art class as a senior in high school. 

I realized that I would love to be an art teacher, so I majored in studio art (emphasis on painting and drawing) at Sacramento state with the intent of doing their MA program so I could teach community college. 

Around the time I was graduating and applying for the MA program I started my own little etsy shop, selling fun watercolor illustrations. 

Although I was accepted to their MA program, I decided to decline and give being a freelance artist/illustrator a chance. 

It has been going great and I absolutely LOVE what I am doing! 

Recently I finished illustrating a book on Motherhood with Gibbs Smith (which will be released March 2018) and I am part of the West Elm Local Artist program, which means a few of my prints are available for purchase in California West Elms.

2. How did you decide on the name for your etsy shop and is there a specific meaning behind it?

My husband actually came up with the name for my etsy shop, he was taking a botany class at the time and they were learning about compound inflorescences (which means that one flower is made up of a bunch of a little flowers called florets) like dandelions and sunflowers. 

I knew I wanted something to do with flowers or botanicals because of how much I use them in my work and once Dandelion Paper was said, it just felt right.

3. Who are your design heroes and what inspires you?

Some design heroes are Iris Apfel, Mary Blair, Shannon Kirsten, Anna Bond. 

I think I am inspired by multiple things in different ways. 

Sometimes it’s really colorful or old architecture, or the colour of the rice fields by my house, or sometimes I think I am inspired by artwork in general, whether or not it is my preference of style or colour, seeing other people create and showing their passion makes me want to pick up a brush and go!

4. Tell us about a typical day for you...

Well I am a mother to two young girls, one of which stays home with me. 

So usually I wake up, get my eldest daughter ready for school, drop her off, run to the gym (which I found has extremely helped with my mental health), come home and work while my youngest daughter eats lunch and takes a nap. 

Usually I consult my calendar (where I have created to-do lists for each day) and I start painting whatever project is due that week. 

I also will do a mini “photoshoot” of a painting that I will post to Instagram either that day or the next.  

I run and pick my daughter up from school and while she works on homework I am answering emails and digitally editing work for customers. 

Because my youngest daughter is a bit on the high-energy side, I usually can’t pick up the paints again until my daughters go to bed around 8:30. 

After they lay down for the night I am finishing up on my to-do list for the day and answering any emails that are in my inbox, usually finishing up around 11 p.m. 

I also have a few other responsibilities, like meeting with the youth of my church once a week and doing some scheduling for my Uncles window shutter installation on the side. Basically, I just fit those in when I can, and all day, every day, I am on the go!

5. Can you give us an insight into your creative process?

I feel like my creative process is a bit on the slow side, if I have an idea for a painting, I like to ponder on it for a while. I picture in my head how I will address certain problems, and do a couple different versions just using my imagination. I have found that when I go straight to paper with an idea, I get frustrated because it is not turning out exactly how I want. I have found that I do better work when I have time to absorb the idea fully before actually painting it. 

6. Where do you work? Describe your studio/work area…

Right now my husband and I are saving for a house, so we are living in a little studio apartment that is attached to my parents house. 

My office/work desk is in the same room as the kitchen, the living room, everything! 

My work area takes up the length of one entire wall, and that is where I do my painting, printing, and packaging for all of my work. 

It is definitely tight, and I dream about having a studio, but for now this works. 

7. What’s the most rewarding thing about being a designer/illustrator?

The BEST thing about my job is I know that if I somehow won millions of dollars, I would still be doing EXACTLY what I am doing right now. 

Sometimes I do custom work, but for the most part I am able to have creative freedom over projects, which is so amazing. 

 

8. How would you describe your style/ work?

I feel like there a few different components to my work, I guess I would describe it as bright, colorful, a bit messy, and a bit whimsical. 

I absolutely do a lot of florals and portraiture, but my favorite work is when I combine unexpected elements with flowers, like using flowers as a head on a body. 

9. What makes you laugh?

Oh goodness, I feel like I laugh at so many things. 

I guess my favourites are witty memes, compilation videos of people tripping (but not seriously injured) and my husband is literally the funniest person I have ever met. 

10. What are your favourite books from your childhood?

I was and still am an avid reader, the books that I remember loving as a child are Ella Enchanted, Island of the blue dolphin, a Wrinkle in Time, the entire Harry Potter series (which I still reread about every 2 years), and any Nancy Drew book. 

11. What’s the most popular item for sale in your etsy shop? 

And your personal favourite? 

I would say my most popular item on my etsy shop is my floral womb print and my personal favorite is the custom botanical silhouette. I love that idea of being able to see what you would look like if you were made out of flowers!

12. What are you currently passionate about or fascinated by and how is it inspiring your work?

I am currently fascinated with delicate flowers and really nice textured paper. 

I think it is a bit opposite to the work I create, so whenever I see simplistic flowers on handmade paper I just swoon. 

It doesn’t make me want to create work that looks exactly like that, but it gives me this light, airy feeling in my chest which is my body telling me that I need to go paint. 

A huge thanks to Sarah for taking the time to share a glimpse into her world.

You can follow Sarah here...

website | etsy | instagram

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Etsy shop find... a chat with Eliza Schneider - Green

Another etsy interview for you today, and this time its the turn of Eliza Schneider-Green of The Silk and Cotton Shop.

Based in Florida, Eliza sells her beautifully hand painted cards, postcards, art prints and original art in her etsy shop.

Full of rich foliage and lush fauna with an abundance of teals and greens, yummy palette!

Let's get to know the artist shall we... 

Grab that cuppa!

1. Can you tell us a bit about you and your background...

I’ve been painting since I was old enough to hold a paintbrush, and spent most of my childhood and teen years taking art classes in the summer and filling sketchbooks with drawings.  

My Mom chose to homeschool both my sister and me, so our educations were tailored to our specific interests.  

When I wasn’t painting or drawing, I was taking photos, dancing, or exploring my native Florida.  

I got my Associates of Arts degree from Tallahassee Community College and took several studio art classes during my time there, but my true love and passion for art didn’t take hold until graduating and leaving the college environment.  

In the two years since I graduated, I’ve strived to fill my life with as much art as I can!

At the moment I work part time at a vintage clothing shop and spend the rest of my time immersed in my studio.

2. What books/ magazines are you currently reading?

I’m currently reading Barbara Kingsolver’s Poisonwood Bible (I’m a sucker for Barbara’s writing) and David Sedaris’s Me Talk Pretty One Day.  

One drips with rich emotion and imagery and the other is just plain hilarious.  

A good balance, if you ask me!

As far as magazines go, I love Flamingo Mag, a local publication based here in Florida.  

I also love Uppercase Magazine – it consistently inspires me!

3. Who are your design heroes and what inspires you?

Georgia O’Keeffe, Frank Lloyd Wright, Frida Kahlo, David Hockney, Henri Matisse, Andrew Wyeth, and Barbara Cooney are just a few of my favorite visual artists and designers.  

I’m constantly inspired by bright colours, the vastness of nature, and the clean lines and smooth silhouettes of midcentury modern design and architecture - it’s as good as it gets!

4. Tell us about a typical day for you...

I’ve lived most of my life as a night owl, but have recently converted to being a morning person.  

On days when I’m not working in town, I like to get up around 8 (sometimes earlier). 

The first thing I do is stumble into the kitchen, say hello to the cats, and start some water boiling.  

I can’t start my day without a big cup of extra-strong PG Tips with a teaspoon of honey and a splash of almond milk.

     Next, I sit down at the dining room table, get my computer out, and listen to my favourite morning shows on NPR.  

After sending emails, doing some Facebook-browsing, and goofing off on Pinterest, I fix breakfast and head to the studio.  

      Once I’ve finished painting for the day, I’ll fix dinner and then usually head to the park to go for a walk with my mom.  

In the evenings (when I’m not rehearsing with my folk band, Liza and the Wise Guys), 

I like to watch an old movie or Antiques Roadshow on PBS, and head to bed by 11.

 

5. Can you give us an insight into your creative process?

I operate very much on the “just do it and don’t think about it” system.  

My favourite art teacher in college said you just have to make art and not think in terms of “good” or “bad,” so I try to do that as much as I can.

     When I get inspired to create, I like to work quickly, while the inspiration is fresh.  But I’m learning how to slow down and really take my time with a project. 

6. Where do you work? 

Describe your studio/work area…

My studio/bedroom is typically a mess!  

It has large windows that fill the room with lots of natural light on sunny days.  

I’m a collector of vintage hats, so my studio is overrun with headwear.  

There are usually several unruly stacks of old books on the floor.  

My desk faces a large window so I can look out on the banana trees and palm trees in my front yard (and occasionally spy on the neighbours).  

Despite being an artist, I have very little art on my walls – mostly because, as a photographer, having my studio walls blank saves time when I’m creating a set for a shoot.

7. What’s the most rewarding thing about being a designer/illustrator?

I really love seeing an idea all the way through to completion. 

Going from a rough idea, to a partially-formed idea, to something more solid, and then to a completed project is incredibly satisfying and rewarding.  

Turning an abstract idea into something tangible is so, SO exciting!

8. What are your top three blogs?

A Cup of Jo, The House That Lars Built, and The Man Repeller.

9. What makes you laugh?

I Love Lucy.  

Even if I’ve watched all of the episodes a million times.

10. What's your guilty pleasure?

Soap Operas.  

When I’m spending the day in the studio, I’ll watch The Young and the Restless on my lunch break.  

I’m not proud!  

11. What’s the most popular item for sale in your etsy shop? 

And your personal favourite?

My original gouache paintings have become very popular lately – each one is different and completely original.  

My personal favourite item is the “Flora” thank you card – a simple pink background, surrounded by lush green leaves.  

This is the oldest design in my shop, and for years it’s been my go-to thank you, birthday, or greeting card design for friends and family!

12. What are you currently passionate about or fascinated by and how is it inspiring your work?

I’m currently (and always) deeply inspired by nature.  

I’m also a collector of 1940s, 50s, and 60s ephemera – ads, magazines, cookbooks, fashion catalogs, etc.  

The illustrations are incredibly inspiring and the colour schemes are iconic (turquoise, chartreuse, mauve, orange, gray).  

Anytime I’m feeling stuck, I like to crack open a 1950s LIFE magazine and flip through it, finding inspiration on each beautiful page.

A huge thanks to Eliza for giving us an insight into her world, and what a lovely one it is too!

Follow Eliza here...

instagram | etsy | facebook 

x x x

Etsy shop find... a chat with Amber Davenport

This months etsy interview is with Amber Davenport.
Amber is a textile artist currently studying at Manchester School of Art, just about to venture into her final year.
Inspired by botanical gardens and interesting plants, Ambers paintings are full to bursting with lush colour, exotic foliage, beautiful texture, mark making and pattern.

You can buy some of her original paintings in her etsy shop, but she also sells greeting cards, notebooks, prints and ceramics too.

So, let's get to know Amber shall we...

1. Can you tell us a bit about yourself? 

I’m Amber a plant and cat enthusiast and I’m just about to go into the final year of my degree (so scary) studying textiles at Manchester School of Art. 
I’ve always been creative, art was the only thing I was ever good at at school, I was just average at everything else. 
When I started college I actually wanted to be a fine artist, I only chose textiles to fill a gap in my timetable. I decided on textiles about an hour before the deadline! 
It's safe to say I’m so relieved I did! 
Once I’d finished college I couldn’t decide between art and textiles, but finally decided on textiles as I wanted to learn more about screen printing, dying and repeat pattern. 

2. What books/ magazines are you currently reading? 
And whats your favourite childhood book?

I’m so awful at reading! I’ve just finished Louis Theroux’s book ‘Travels in American subcultures’ which was great although totally unrelated to my work! 
My favourite childhood book is definitely ‘The Fat Cat’ by Jack Kent. 
I’ve always been surrounded by cats; my Nan has between 10-15 cats at any one time. 
She looks after strays which sleep in a very cozy shed in her back garden, she even fills them hot water bottles! 

3. Who are some of your favourite illustrators/designers 
and what it is about their work that you love?

Ernst Haeckel and Katie Scott’s eye for detail and colour, Josef Frank and Matisse's pattern and form and I’m always hugely inspired by Wes Anderson movies; the way his colours make you feel nostalgic and happy – that’s definitely something which I try to inject into my work! 

4. Can you give us an insight into your creative process?

I enjoy visiting botanical gardens, but when I’m not able to travel far I go for walks in a little forest next to my house. It's full of overgrown plants, textured leaves and my favourite colour, green! 
I then sketch out an outline using pencil, sometimes I like to draw without a reference image, this allows you to be more creative. I love inventing plant species!

I then begin to mix my paints (I usually use acrylics or gouache) and go for it! 
I never really plan my work as I enjoy making it up as I go along, experimenting with placing different textures alongside others. 
Once I’m done with the painting I usually scan it into my computer and make it look a little neater as I’m a messy painter. I’m the worst for spilling tea on my paintings. 

5. Tell us ten random facts about yourself...

I’m 4ft 11.

I love hot water bottles all year round.

I have three cats, one of which thinks she's a human.

If I wasn’t doing my degree in textiles, I would love to decorate cakes.

I’m Hall and Oates’ biggest fan. 

I'm rubbish at sports.

I’d love to illustrate a children’s book one day.

I’m currently saving to go travelling with my boyfriend next year.

I'm happiest with a cup of tea.

I paint better in Pyjamas.

6. How would you describe your work?

Narrative, colourful and playful!

7. There's a lovely Moroccan influence coming through in some of your pieces…
Where else have you travelled that inspired your art?  

I recently visited ‘Jardin Exotique’, a botanical garden in Monaco, 
its one of my favourite places I’ve been! 

8. What makes you laugh?

 Any movie with Will Ferrell in, I have a silly humour.

9. What would be your dream job?

My dream is to be a Freelance Illustrator and designer. 
I'd love to focus on expanding my etsy shop into a full time business selling illustrated patterned goods! 
Hopefully one day I'll have my own screen printing facilities too! 
It would be amazing to have a job which allowed me to work from anywhere in the world also. 

10. What are you currently passionate about or fascinated by 

and how is it inspiring your work?

Plants and nature! 
Always has been really! 
I'll never get bored of the patterns and textures I find in plants!

11. What’s the most popular item for sale in your etsy shop? 
And your personal favourite?

The most popular item changes all the time, but if there’s one stable variable it's cats! Whether it be a Jaguar or domestic kitty! 
My personal favourite changes constantly also, I’m very critical of myself so anything I created more than a few months ago generally bugs me. 
My favourite at the moment is my Jungle Leopard Painting!

A big thank you to Amber for taking the time out to be part of the etsy interview feature.

If you'd like to Follow Amber on instagram, click here...

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