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.

  

Vintage Marble Necklace.

13. What milestones, goals, or achievements are you striving for right now?

For me, I strive to always improve the quality of my work, and create fresh and interesting pieces of jewelry.

Thank you so much for taking the time to answer my questions!!  Here are some other places you can find Lisa:

Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/thatoldbluehouse2

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/thatoldbluehouse

Pinterest:  https://www.pinterest.com/thatoldblue/

Instagram:  https://instagram.com/thatoldbluehouse/

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/thatoldblue

Etsy Finds 11.20.14.

Enjoy these wonderful things via Etsy.  Links below.

All Images Via Their Respective Etsy Shops.

1.  No. 113 Green Tea and Lemongrass Soy Candle via CocoandBubbles.
2.  Potted Snake Plant Painting via SugarCreekArt.
3.  Hare Illustration Print via stephaniecoleDESIGN.
4.  Entomology Tab. VI Print via vladimirsart.
5.  Paper Cloud Light Sculpture via leschiwelt.
6.  "There Are Secrets There" Mixed Media Encaustic Painting via AngelaPetsisArt.
7.  Women's Moon Tee via blackbirdtees.
8.  "Force Field" Original Oil Painting via PaintingWell.
9.  Turquoise Ring via JeanneHandmade.

Artist Interview: Amber Leilani Middleton.

Today's interview is with Amber Leilani Middleton.  Her shop features art dolls, collages, paintings and some jewelry too.  I really enjoy all the characters that she creates.  Let's get to know her a bit better, shall we?

1. Were you always an art kid, or did you stumble upon it later in life?  

Actually, a little bit of both. I was very creative as a child, but where I lived there were no art programs. I didn’t study art in college because my family didn’t think I could make a living as an artist. I took some jobs after college that had me trying to fit in with certain situations and people, and one day I realized I was squashing my creativity for people and jobs I didn’t even like!! It’s taken me about 10 years to feel comfortable with who I am as an artist and really begin to open up that creativity that I suppressed for so many years.

Bearded Lady, Gerilyn.

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

I really don’t have a favorite style of art. I like so many different things: folk art, illustration, pop surrealism, fantasy. I can’t narrow it down to just one! It would be unfair to all the others (right now I’m really in to pop surrealism and it is starting to influence my work. But, shhh…don’t tell the other styles!)

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

I suppose my main inspiration is music. I HAVE to have music playing while I work. I can listen to the same music every day and get a new idea from a song I’ve heard a thousand times. I am also greatly influenced by other artists – some of my favorites at the moment are Michele Lynch, Lateefah Wright, Travis Louie, and Anthropomorphica ArtDoll Oddities. But, I mostly let the ideas come to me when I am actually working on a piece. I find that if I just let go and immerse myself in the process that that is when the best ideas come!

Blue and Silver Cabochon Necklace.

 4. Walk us through your creative process from idea to finished project.  Also what made you choose Art Dolls?

My process is a bit scattered, I suppose. Sometimes I have an idea of what I want to do – I have journals full of sketches and ideas, but mostly I will just sit down and start sculpting faces. As each piece is being formed, I let it guide me through what it wants to be. After I sculpt the face I will add any horns, scars, or masks…whatever might add to the personality of the doll. Then I make my armature for the body. After that is finished I then attach the head and neck. Then the piece has to dry. When it’s dry, I then smooth out the features and body if need be and add any embellishments such as hair, clothing, or hats. Then I set it aside to dry again. Once the piece is completely dry (and it can take several days for some pieces to dry) I then paint and seal the piece.

As to why I chose art dolls…I really had never heard of an art doll until 3 years ago. I was recovering from a wrist injury that had put my jewelry making career on hold. I was looking at magazines one evening at the local book store and a copy of Art Doll Quarterly caught my eye. I was mesmerized!! I had my first block of paper clay within a week and I’ve never looked back!! It turns out that sculpting doesn’t hurt my wrist as much as repetitive beadwork!

"Eternal Love."

5. What is a typical day in your life?

Oh, goodness! I absolutely have to have my coffee in the morning! I really like to ease in to my day. I once saw a meme online that read “ I’m not a morning person. I’m not a night person. But I can rock 11am like it’s nobody’s business!” That’s me! I try to be in the studio by 10am on the days I am not at my retail job. I try to work an 8 hour day in the studio whenever possible. I also play with my cats, listen to music, and take a lunch break so I can watch a little tv (I watch way too much television). When my mister comes home, we eat and then it’s usually back in to the studio for a few hours before bed. I would say that’s a pretty typical day. I’m not a very good housekeeper, as I feel life is too short to do dishes rather than make art!

Yellow and Brown Cabochon Necklace.

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

Usually a sense of playfulness or a certain dark aesthetic. Or both! Haha! I am really drawn to portraits or sculptures of people. I love the human face…the emotions you can see even in the tiniest of frames. I am also drawn to certain textures. I am trying to teach myself to paint and there are several styles I am drawn to in painting, but it’s usually about the texture.

7. What are your interests/hobbies?

Does eating count? I love to eat! A good meal and a good bottle of wine are my absolute most favorite things in the world! I also enjoy well written television and movies, historical mysteries, steampunk novels, all things Harry Potter, and taking pictures – except of my work. Which I hate! It’s so hard to get good pictures at my house. I also collect writing journals and instruments. I love paper in its many forms and wish people still sent real letters….I miss getting letters in the mail.

Bunny Girl, "Eliza."

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

I work at home most of the time, but I do have a part time retail job that I really enjoy. I work for an independently owned gift shop that sells cool and kitschy items and fun, funky jewelry.

Carnival Queen.

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

Ok, this is weird, but it’s a piece called “Self - Portrait with Bunny Ears.”  I made it after I had major surgery this past September on my left ear to remove a growth behind my ear drum. It was pretty painful and it turned out that I was allergic to my pain medication, so it was not a pleasant experience. It really defined who I was for several months. The “self - portrait” piece was my way of dealing with it all after the fact. She is a very pissy and defiant bunny. She’s not happy at all despite her flowers and lovely dress….and it looks absolutely NOTHING like me except for the big scar on her left ear! That piece is at Dollirium Art Doll Emporium in London, Ontario, Canada. She hasn’t sold yet and if she doesn’t I am definitely keeping her. I kind of hope she doesn’t sell….

Frida Kahlo Day of the Dead Collaged Card.

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

Be absolutely true to yourself, no matter what!! Look and research and experiment and never stop learning. Don’t compare yourself to others. You have to find your voice. Even if you think it’s weird and no one will like it, make it anyway. And never compromise on what you will or won’t do just to make money. Most importantly have fun!!

Circus Strongman, "Jean Pierre."

11. Describe your work space.

I work at home so my space is the back bedroom in our fairly small apartment. I share it with my mister, but it’s really mine. Mwahahah! To sculpt or paint I work at an antique dining room table, which I have lined with wax paper. I also have an antique writing desk where I do my jewelry making. My cats hang out with me when I’m working, and one of them even has a box on the table where he sits and keeps me company when I’m working. I have a lot of supplies and a goodly amount of art and dolls I have collected over the years. It’s a fairly sunny room (painted yellow) and I’ve tried to make it as cheery and inspirational as possible. But, it’s nowhere near as large as I would like…or as clean. And I absolutely HATE the carpet! But, I guess you can’t have everything. All in all, it’s a nice place to work and beats my old work space in our last apartment, which was in the hallway outside the bathroom. 

Amber at work.

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

Well, I did have a hard time growing up as a creative kid in a rural area where most people just thought I was weird. I never fit in. And my parents weren’t keen on me going to art school, so I have a sociology degree. I always knew I was an artist at heart, but I tried for many years to have a “normal” career and fit in and all that nonsense. I think I may have been my own little setback more than once. It’s taken me years to really get back in touch with that creativity. And I am NOT letting it go any time soon!!

Her workspace.

13. What milestones, goals, or achievements are you striving for right now?

I want to be a better artist!! There is so much to learn and I feel like I just got started (and I’m not getting any younger)…and I really want to be able to make a living making art full time. I’m still not there yet. I keep trying. I was just published in ART DOLL QUARTERLY this winter, and that was a HUGE goal of mine over the last few years. I would love to be able to do more group shows and of course, have a solo show sometime in the future. Right now I’m really just loving being able to do what I love. To me, the most wonderful feeling in the world is having someone purchase something I made with my own two little hands….

You can also find her:

FLICKR:  http://www.flickr.com/photos/yellowflower/

FACEBOOK:  https://www.facebook.com/amberleilanidesign

BLOG:  http://amberleilani.blogspot.com

ETSY:  http://www.etsy.com/shop/amberleilani

Thanks so much for taking the time to answer with such awesome responses!

Thoughts On My Non-Pierced Ears.

I'm twenty-seven years old, and my ears aren't pierced.  I have to be part of an incredible minority as my generation seems to have more piercings and tattoos than ever before.  It's not that I have any qualms with either form of self-expression, I've just always wanted to be sure that I really know I want it done before I do it.  This decision is a big one for me, and this year I'm finally going to do it.  It's the reward I'm giving myself to establishing an exercise routine in my life.  I've committed myself to keeping it going until the beginning of May, then I'll reward myself.  Of course the next thought is of what to wear in the piercings I'm going to create.  I know for a fact it won't be anything large or dangly or fancy.  I prefer simplicity, and so I thought I'd share some of my favorite Etsy finds with you:

via VerreEncore.

via oblissjewellery.

via jibbyandjuna.

via CraftsGardenofZen.

via MapleandMauve.

via BRadleyBB.

via MapleandMauve.

There are plenty of other beauties, but these have caught my eye of late.  I'll let you know in May when my goal date ends as to how the piercing went and if any of these pretties will be adorning my ears.  Which are your favorites?

Etsy Love: Rabbit Edition.

ONE.  TWO.  THREE.  FOUR.  FIVE.  SIX.  SEVEN.  EIGHT.  NINE.  TEN.

Etsy Love: Bison Edition.

ONE.  TWO.  THREE.  FOUR.  FIVE.  SIX.  SEVEN.  EIGHT.

I love Etsy: My Birthday Wishlist.

Here.

My birthday is in August, so a long way off, and I don't expect anybody to spend the kind of money asked for on this page, but golly I'd own each and every one of these pieces if I had the cash to spend.  What fantastic items there are on Etsy.  I swoon every time I window shop.  I like the idea of a wishlist, so I wanted to showcase all these awesome items.  Enjoy.