The Gallivanting Girl Blog: Artist Interview: Lisa Schureman of ThatOldBlueHouse2 on Etsy.

When you take lots of nifty, vintage, worn things and turn them into something new that still looks old, then you've got my attention. This artist does such a wonderful job creating lovely trinkets that I wanted to get to know her better. Please join me as I chat with Lisa Schureman of ThatOldBlueHouse2 on Etsy.

1. Were you always an art kid, or did you stumble upon the creative life later on?

Growing up I wouldn’t say I was an art kid. I appreciated art but never felt exceptionally talented or gifted. I couldn’t draw or paint so I didn’t consider myself an artist, craftsperson yes, but artist no. I didn’t discover stained glass until I was on my own, out of college. I took a stained glass class because I wanted to make myself a lampshade, and fell in love with glass.

Vintage 1930s Paper Earrings.

2. What style of art/craft is your favorite and why?

I love all different styles of art, but am particularly drawn to Black and White Photography and Collage. My Grandfather started a mail order photofinishing studio which my father & uncle inherited. I loved going to work with my dad as a child. The shop was in an old building & it was a great place to hang out & watch the film processing. This was back in the late sixties – seventies.

Black Lace Circle Necklace.

3. What do you use for inspiration, or how do you generate ideas?

After I took my first Stained Glass class I made my lampshade, then suncatchers from glass pattern books. As my experience grew, I started to experiment with my own ideas and creations…I began creating glass windows in quilt patterns which incorporated old quilt pieces in the design. Now I mainly create jewelry….I find the older I get I enjoy the immediate gratification I get from jewelry, versus the length of time it takes to make a window! The inspiration for my jewelry comes from antique & vintage pieces I find when rummaging through antique shops and auctions.

Star Shaped Button Necklace.

4. Walk us through your creative process from idea to finished project.

Since I love going to auctions and antique shops, I tend to pick up different items here and there without any particular idea for their use in mind. For instance, I have containers full of old lace, buttons, marbles, crazy quilts, old paper etc….I may pick up an awesome glass button/buttons (my latest obsession) with a necklace in mind. When I get home I will look in my glass button box & am inspired by buttons I haven’t seen for a while, so then my day becomes a glass button jewelry day! So in other words, there is no rhyme or reason, just whatever hits me that particular day.

Charm Necklace.

5. What is a typical day in your life?

My typical day is up around 6 a.m….a few cups of coffee. If I have orders I need to make I usually work on those first thing. I always try to get orders out before I work on creating new pieces…That way I get the “have to” done before I work on the “create and fun” stuff. I am most efficient in the mornings, maybe it’s the coffee! Afternoons I finish up & ship orders, work on promoting my etsy shop on the computer and then plan the items I will be working on for the next day & prep them so I can work on them in the house in the evening.

Clay Marble Necklace.

6. What do you think draws you to other people's work?

I am drawn to Artists that are great craftsmen & create unique things. I enjoy all art forms, but love work that makes me say “wow, who would have thought of that”!

Crochet Lace Earrings.

7. What are your interests/hobbies?

My hobbies are antiquing and going to auctions. Also, attending my kids sporting events.

Art Deco Glass Necklace.

8. Is this your full time job, or do you have a job out-of-studio?

My goal when my children were young was to be able to stay at home with them. I worked hard to try and achieve that goal by selling my glass at shows in the early days, then wholesale and shows, and now online. Now that my youngest is a senior, I have just taken a seasonal job at the local grain elevator for fall harvest…yes I live in a farming community!

Lace Pin Brooch.

9. What is your favorite piece you've ever made and why?

I don’t know if I have a favorite piece. I love everything that I have made or else I wouldn’t make it.

Lisa in her workspace--I love the Texas Farm Road Sign and Cactus!!

10. What advice would you give to an artist/crafter just starting out in the business world?

My advice for an artist/crafter just starting out would be to first, perfect your craft/art. Second, find your own style…don’t copy . Then throw it out there – Do some shows, you will find some good & some bad ones. Talk to people at shows and glean as much information as you can. Don’t be discouraged, I have lots of people that just walk past my booth – my style is not their cup of tea, however, when you find the people that love your work, it is worth it!! Also use social media, and create a website etc….

Green Apple Glass Nugget Necklace.

11. Describe your work space.

My husband and I took a section of our old shed and made an efficiency apartment for my mother to live in when she was ill. After she passed, it became my workshop. I keep all my “stash” out there, and I cut glass, solder, construct, box, and ship from there. Prior to having this workshop, I cut glass & soldered in an unfinished basement & did everything else in my kitchen, den etc…

Embroidered Flower Bib Necklace.

12. Did you face any setbacks on your path to being an artist/maker?

There have been a few “bumps in the road” along the way. There was a period where I did a lot of wholesale selling, but due to unforeseen circumstances that side of my business stopped & I had to re-evaluate what I really wanted to do.