Featured Artisan -- Gala Glass

I'm so honored to present this week's featured artisan, Angelo Tiozzo, an Italian-born glass artist who has been creating handmade crystal glass creations for over 50 years. The artist behind Gala Glass in Toronto, Angelo hails from Murano, Italy, the world's premier center for crystal glass artistry. In 1966, Angelo traveled from Murano to Canada to exhibit his talents at the 1967 World Fair and Exposition in Montreal with a rudimentary knowledge of English and just $20 in his pocket. After the Expo, he stayed on and helped build Gala Glass, a small workshop made up of Murano artists in Canada. Many thanks to Angelo for participating in this interview!

Tell me a little bit about you and what you do.
I was born in Murano, Italy (a small island close to Venice), known worldwide for its deep tradition in glassmaking. My family was quite poor, so when I was eleven years old I started working in the famous Murano glass factories. I have been doing this for over 50 years now. My wife and my sons are now part of the business which is great!

What 3 phrases best describe your work?
· Handmade creations

· World class craftsmanship

· Affordable

What inspires you?
Everything inspires me, but I think that nature (and all its wonderful colors) is my biggest inspiration. I try to think of what people would like and make it into a work of art.


What drives you to create what you do?
I like to innovate and to dream up of different designs and shapes. It’s part of me, it comes from inside.

What makes your work unique?
All the creations we offer are handmade so they are, by definition unique. No two creation will be exactly the same. The fact that I am originally from Murano and have worked with the great Murano glass masters for over a decade also gives me a different perspective on glass art.


What role does your work play in your life? What role would you like it to play?
I’m a workaholic – my wife and son are the same way – so work plays a very large part of our lives. Most days it does not feel like work because we are lucky to be doing something that we love.

How do you see your work and/or your business evolving in the next five years?
Today as in the future, I seek to find creations that appeal to people. I love what I do and always try to create the highest quality possible.


Where can we find you on the web?
You can find all our handmade creations at our online boutique: www.galaglass.com




Are you an artist or craftsperson? Would you like to be featured here? I would love to hear from you. Leave a comment here with a link to your shop, and I'll be in touch about future opportunities.

Dear Kid Sunday

Welcome to this week's installment of "Dear Kid." As always, full credit to Christina of Cutest Kid Ever for the fabulous idea. Want to write a "Dear Kid" letter of your very own? Learn more about how to participate here.

Hi baby girl,

I took this picture on Friday after you absolutely INSISTED there was no way you could possibly take a nap. See? Here's the proof, missy moo. The second I tucked you in on the couch, you were out like a light.

We had a nice week, I think. Don't you? You had gymnastics camp on Tuesday and Thursday, which you LOVE, and we were making secret plans for Daddy's birthday and Father's Day this weekend. We surprised him with a party at Buca di Beppo and lots of friends, and then had a cookout at our house last night for Father's Day. You've been super well-behaved considering the late nights and I know Daddy has appreciated it.

You said the sweetest thing on Monday. We were just sitting around and you were thinking hard about something. Suddenly you looked over and said, "Know what, Mom? True love is what I'm really looking for." I had to give you lots of cuddles for that one. And we had a great talk about what love is and what it means between people. You told me how much we all love each other in our family, which I thought was pretty awesome.

You're experimenting right now with a particular kind of defiance. I'd love to tell you that you're good at it... but you're really not. It's more of a playing-dress-up-with-being-bad kind of thing. Every now and then when Daddy or I say "no" to something, you'll give us a mean face and try out some nastiness. On Tuesday you said, "Mom, whenever you say that, I make a sign that says 'NO MOMS ALLOWED!'" Oh my goodness. You're also testing out what happens when you kick things gently, like the couch. Our interaction usually goes something like, "That's not very nice behavior." "Oh yeah? How about THIS behavior?!" Very strange. I'm hoping it's a short-lived phase, since it's really not very consistent with your personality and, frankly, you're not really giving it much effort. Still, it's interesting that you feel the need to try.

We've implemented a new rewards system for the summer - you're learning lots of new life skills. Because you're sometimes reluctant to try things you don't already know how to do perfectly, I thought it would be cool to make a sticker chart and give you some rewards to work toward. Boy, that sure did the trick. You can now get your own breakfast, pack your own lunch, get dressed, hang up your clothes, take care of your own bathroom business (yay!), and open all kinds of tricky containers. After only a week I've already shelled out a new sticker book, a little stuffed puppy and a Fancy Nancy game. That's called "working the system," my friend. Nice work. I'm gonna have to up my game this week!

You had a big emotional breakthrough this week. We were watching a movie that had a happy ending, and you cried because you were happy. I mean, you really, REALLY cried. You were so confused and upset about feeling sad and happy at the same time that you wanted me to hold you and rock you for a long, long time. You kept saying that you didn't understand why you were feeling so sad. I told you what a grown-up thing it is to feel empathy, and how proud I am that you care so much about other people.

We've got a big week ahead - lots of preparing to do for our Seattle trip! Thanks for giving me so many great opportunities to love, laugh, and grow with you.

Sincerely,
Mommy

I Want It

Isn't this pretty??? This gorgeous ocean jasper wire wrapped ring by Casto Creations is custom made. I'm in love with this perfectly imperfect pink, but it's also available in green, white, or tan with a variety of patterns. Get it here. And be sure to check out the Casto Creations blog here.

Are you a creative blogger? The Creative Bloggers Blog Ring is all about paying it forward - supporting other creative people through blogging. You can get involved here.

Wordless (or is it Wordful?) Wednesday

Featured Artisan -- Lisa of LMcreation

This week's featured artisan is Lisa of LMcreation. Lisa creates pretty little handmade pouches, wristlets, and bags that feature fabulous prints and fun color schemes.

Tell me a little bit about you and what you do.
My name is Lisa, my company is LMcreation and I make handmade handbags, purses, business card holders ... basically anything that I can sew. I'm a working mom with a full time day job, and I've been sewing since I was a little girl. I enjoyed crafts and learned to sew making dolls clothes! I've always enjoyed sewing as a hobby and even made some of my own clothes when I was a teenager.


What 3 words best describe your work?
Contemporay, Colorful, Functional, Fun (OK, that's four, I know I cheated!)

What drives you to create what you do?
I'm inspired by the many, many beautiful fabrics that are available these days. When I see the right fabric I just know that it's got to be made into a special bag or wristlet or whatever.


What makes your work unique?
I aim to make the best quality piece that I can in my own style and with fabrics that really appeal to me. When everything comes together in the right way it almost feels like I've made a fabric sculpture, not just a bag or purse.

What role does your work play in your life? What role would you like it to play?
Sewing and creating new things is a way for me to relax and express my artistic side. That's the most important role for my work and I don't want it to change. Even though I've been sewing ever since I was small, I didn't try to sell anything because I didn't really know what to do or have a way to find customers, or even think that people would buy my things. LMcreation came along much later. I think that discovering Etsy motivated me to start LMcreation. Finding a site just for handmade goods and that was friendlier than ebay meant I could set up an online business in a few hours, which was just fantastic. I thought about it for two or three months then started my store in January 2008. I really didn’t know anything about running a business, but luckily that didn’t stop me. I’m still learning a lot and hopefully getting better each month. My husband has been a great help here, and helps out with a lot of the “boring but important” bits like keeping track of the finances when I'm short on time.


How do you see your work and/or your business evolving in the next five years?
Now that I've established that I can generate steady business for LMcreation online, I've started to do craft shows as well. I've still got a lot to learn but if I can do eight or ten shows a year plus keep my online business going (plus be a mom and keep my regular job!!) then I'll be happy for now. I would love to make LMcreation my full time job one day, but that would need some careful planning.

Where can we find you on the web?
You can find me on Etsy www.LMcreation.etsy.com, on Twitter http://twitter.com/LMcreation and on Flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/andrew_lisa/


Are you an artist or craftsperson? Would you like to be featured here? I would love to hear from you. Leave a comment here with a link to your shop, and I'll be in touch about future opportunities.

Giveaway Winner!

Congrats to my lucky former colleague and all-around classy gal Meg, the winner of last week's Retrocrafted Paper Goods blank note set giveaway! Thanks so much to all who entered - your nice comments were very much appreciated!

I Want It

I know it's June, but will you be my valentine? I adore the simple concept and gorgeous pink and red color combo in this sweet bracelet by S & T Creations. Get it here. And be sure to check out the S & T Creations blog here.

Are you a creative blogger? The Creative Bloggers Blog Ring is all about paying it forward - supporting other creative people through blogging. You can get involved here.

Wordless Wednesday

Super Cute Kitschy Notecards Giveaway!

It's a giveaway! Why? Just 'cause. Last week's AbbaDabba Bags giveaway reminded me that I haven't done one of my own in a loooooooong time. And so, because I like you and I'm grateful to you for reading my silliness and supporting my fellow artisans, I'm giving away a set of Kitschy Kitschy Coo blank notes from my Retrocrafted Paper Goods collection. These notecards feature super cute restored vintage artwork printed on 100% post-consumer recycled cardstock, and are accompanied by invitation-weight recycled bright white envelopes.

Leave a comment here to enter! I'll announce the winner on Tuesday, June 16th. Good luck!

Featured Artisan -- Roseworks Jewelry

This week's featured artisan is Ruthie of Roseworks Jewelry. Ruthie makes cool beaded jewelry with an earthy, eclectic feel.

Tell me a little bit about you and what you do.
I'm an eccentric artisan who loves to try her hand at just about anything! It shows in my shop too - I'm always experimenting with new forms of jewelry! I also love to read, write, and do anything that involves people :)


What 3 words best describe your work?
eccentric, bead-weaving, bright

What inspires you?
Other artisans, books, magazines, and things in every day life.

What drives you to create what you do?
One big drive is that I am disabled. Because of this I have long periods of time where I am very limited in what I am capable of doing. Creating jewelry is something I can do sitting still and when I'm not feeling well. It gives me a way to stay connected to the world and to feel productive! I also just love seeing the finished products.


What makes your work unique?
When you look in my shop you'll find a wide-range of styles and price-points. This means that there's something for everyone!

What role does your work play in your life? What role would you like it to play?
My work is my therapy and my solace. I'd love to have it start paying the bills at some point too.


How do you see your work and/or your business evolving in the next five years?
I forsee a lot of growth as a bead weaver, and hopefully in some other crafty areas as well. Hopefully I will have grown my business to the point where it helps pay some of the household bills.

Where can we find you on the web?
My Main Etsy Shop: www.roseworksjewelry.etsy.com
My Artfire Studio: www.roseworksjewelry.artfire.com
My Second Etsy Shop: www.kstreasures.etsy.com
My Blog: www.roseworksjewelry.blogspot.com


Are you an artist or craftsperson? Would you like to be featured here? I would love to hear from you. Leave a comment here with a link to your shop, and I'll be in touch about future opportunities.

Dear Kid Sunday

Welcome to this week's installment of "Dear Kid." As always, full credit to Christina of Cutest Kid Ever for the fabulous idea. Want to write a "Dear Kid" letter of your very own? Learn more about how to participate here.

Dear Sweets,

We were unstoppable this week! Preschool is officially over and we had the week to ourselves. Despite Mommy's persistent laryngitis, we had lots of fun and took on lots of cool creative projects. Monday we made some stilts out of cans and velcro. You thought they were pretty awesome and I was glad to have dissuaded you from trying to make "rollerskates" out of your plastic cars. Lately you have lots of very detailed plans for "inventions," many of which are a little scary for me from a safety perspective. I was glad we could agree on stilts and then work together to figure out how to make them.

Tuesday morning you told me one of your stuffed dogs was going to have a baby and started asking lots of questions about how that might be possible. I confess - I was thrown off. I didn't expect to have the "where do babies come from" conversation for a while. I was very relieved when you clarified your questions. Apparently you only wanted to know how babies get fed when they're in their mommies' tummies. Whew! That one I could handle. But that conversation sure did get me motivated to do a little research on the best way to talk to you about... things like that!

Wednesday morning, you informed me that your stuffed dog's baby had been born - a little yellow bear named "Applebug Goose." What a great name! You were very busy taking care of the baby for most of the morning and you wanted to know if your cousin Twinkle could come over so you could take care of her too. I hate to break it to you, but she's not a baby anymore! Thursday morning, another one of your puppies had a baby named "Rocky Hockey." Boy, those puppies have been busy.

Daddy took Thursday and Friday off, which he doesn't get to do very often. We were ready for some serious family fun! We hit the science museum first, which you thought was actually kind of scary. Daddy and I were surprised - you love science and nature shows on TV. Maybe everything was just a little bit too big and too "real" for you. Anyway, you got a big kick out of the gravity lab (wasn't it cool to float those ping-pong balls over the air vent??), the mini tornado, and the giant kaleidoscope.

Friday we went to the zoo, which is pretty much one of my favorite places EVER. Once again, you surprised us a little bit. You weren't really impressed with any of the animals. You were actually way more interested in the little wagon we'd rented than whatever exhibit we were looking at. Dad and I were feeling a little discouraged, but when we got to the penguin exhibit, you had enough fun to make the whole day worthwhile. Apparently penguins are VERY funny.

This week you start your summer gymnastics camp and you're pretty psyched about it. I don't think you've quite figured out that preschool is over for the year - you keep asking about your teacher and which day you're going back. I'm hoping camp turns out to be a good distraction, and I'll bet you're going to love having a nice long gymnastics class twice a week.

I love you, baby girl.

Sincerely,
Mommy

Giveaway Winner!

Congrats to Casual Cottage, the winner of last week's AbbaDabba Bags clutch giveaway! Thanks so much to all who entered. I know Monica appreciated all the compliments and I always love the chance to showcase someone who does such amazing work. Look for my next feature on Monday!

Wordless Wednesday - Fashions of the Future

I Want It

I don't know if it's the colors or the shapes... this gorgeous asymetrical necklace by amber leilani definitely reminds me of childhood. The vintage opaque Swarovski crystals conjure up images of vintage baby books and candy necklaces. The blackened sterling silver chain "dirties it up" just enough. Fabulous.

Get it here. And be sure to check out the amber leilani blog, Yellow Flower.

Featured Artisan -- Red Marionette

This week's featured artisan is Kelli of Red Marionette. Kelli makes adorable little pocket critters and other whimsical loveliness.

Tell me a little bit about you and what you do.
My name is Kelli. I have been a crafter and lover of handmade all of my life. I have dabbled in fine arts, sculpting, sewing and many other areas. I teach art at a Computer Animation University and maintain Red Marionette on the side.


What 3 words best describe your work?
Kooky, Whimsical and Cheery

What inspires you?
Colors and Fabrics. I love fabric. Its nearing an addiction.. I have to touch and feel all kinds of fabric to see if it would work well with my character designs.

What drives you to create what you do?
Originally Red Marionette started as a stress reliever. I was working in Construction Management and that was not an easy job so I would come home and sew fun little critters. It grew from there and I have since moved on from that job, so it came with me.


What makes your work unique?
Hand sewing quality and the design, definitely. I hand stitch all of the characters. No glue or quick stitching. They are durable and sturdy. I design everything from start to finish and try to keep the continuity of the look through all of the Red Marionette products.

What role does your work play in your life? What role would you like it to play?
It does not have to be the stress reliever it used to be, so now its much more lighthearted. I do it now as a passion not because I would go insane without having an outlet. I would love to be able to do it as a part time job and be employed part time through the school. I love both of my jobs now, I wish I had more time for Red Marionette.


How do you see your work and/or your business evolving in the next five years?
Continuing to grow at a steady pace. I am learning so much about the business side of things still that by then I will have honed advertising and marketing for my products. I am always developing new products and designs. I hope in the future to have more time to execute the designs I have stockpiled.

Where can we find you on the web?
My Shop: http://redmarionette.com
My Blog: http://redmarionette.blogspot.com


Are you an artist or craftsperson? Would you like to be featured here? I would love to hear from you. Leave a comment here with a link to your shop, and I'll be in touch about future opportunities.