Friday, September 18, 2009

Sept. Meeting recap

We had another great meeting at Inside the Bungalow on Wednesday! Our exchange theme was stormy or inclement weather. It was a difficult theme, but everyone came up with some really great ideas. I need to start taking photos of what everyone brings. It is usually the highlight of our meetings.

In attendance for our Sept meeting were:
Nancy
Jeannie
Renee
Melissa
Me
and we had two visitors:
Kristen
Amanda

Kristen sent me an email and decided to join as a member today! We welcome her to the group! She makes antique brass necklaces that are embellished with designs that are copies of her original paintings. She brought several to share with the group. She does very nice work!

Our show and tell went on for a while this meeting. Many of us brought things we are working on and things we have completed to show the group. It was great to see such creativity and inspiration coming out of our group.

We discussed several shows that are coming up between now and Christmas. Many EVA members will be vending at these events. We will post all of them here and let you know who will be showing at the events. The first one will be in Downtown Mesa for 2nd Fridays near 41 W. Main Street. The theme for this 2nd Friday is Oktoberfest. It is October 9 from 6pm - 10pm. The next event is our very own Craft-oberfest on October 24th. The details for Craft-oberfest are all in the previous post.

We didn't have the opportunity to do a tutorial this meeting. Melanie, who was going to share some blogging tips, took a job volunteering on Wednesday nights. We will miss her, but her services are understandably needed elsewhere.

Upcoming:
Oktoberfest, Craft-toberfest, and our theme for October is simply Autumn.

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

Craft-oberfest October 24th!

Etsy team, The East Valley Artisans, is excited to present Craft-oberfest! Our Halloween event will feature hand-made jewelry, glass beads, bath and body items, accessories, paper crafts, food, fun ... and more. Everyday and Halloween items will be available for purchase. Put Saturday October 24 on your calendar and come see what we are all about!

Sunday, September 13, 2009

Artist of the Month: Len Springer


1. Who in your life has influenced you most creatively, and why?

My cousin Myisha of Springcartdesigns.etsy.com Since childhood we've been drawn to all things creative and chic and we are always inspired by one another. We still have all night craft sessions whenever we get together.

2. Do you have fond memories of something you made in art class in school? Describe what you did.
It actually wasn't art class. A childhood friend Carolyn and I decided one Summer to sit on her grandma's porch and make a two story house out of left over popsicle sticks. We collected, cleaned and dried them from all the kids in the neighborhood. I guess you could say we were up-cycling before it became mod. We spent all Summer on that house and it was great. Until her grandparents sheep dog sat on it and broke it.
We still agonize and laugh about that Summer.

3. Describe your ideal creative day ...
Very simple. Of late, to have a whole day, any day to just be creative and have my home studio in utmost order. A nice glass of wine or herbal ice tea and a nice big bowl of strawberries and some sort of cheese would be divine.

4. Name your three favorite:
I must add this is a difficult part of the interview because I try to remain open to most things in life so it's hard to narrow it all down. Here it goes...

Books -
Who Moved My Cheese by Spencer Johnson, M.D., The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis, Women Hollering Creek by Sandra Cisneros
Movies -
Gladiator, The Godfather, Elizabeth, The Golden Age (oh, please let me mention The Sound of Music & Breakfast at Tiffany's)
Bands -
Aerosmith (Rock Star Legends), The Roots (only rap group that sings and plays real instruments), Miles Davis (was one of the most influential Jazz musician creating and scoring music across the board) Yes all amazing live

Websites -
http://www.kennethbrowndesign.com/
http://www.craftmaniaonline.co.uk/
http://www.vintage-books.com/

5. What is your favorite holiday and why?
Thanksgiving! We (my sis & I) cooked for 40-60 family members, friends and all those in between. We start the day by serving others at a local Womens Organization, have games and movies for everyone. I'd make invitations (of course) have a full menu including appetizers, two signature drinks and our traditional Gumbo. Anyone that did not have a place to be would always be welcome. A wonderful time to reflect and be grateful for the little things.

6. What is your day job?
During the day I change lives. My specific title is Admissions Coordinator for The Skin & Makeup Institute of Arizona. I have the wonderful opportunity to guide students into a career path within the skincare & beauty industry. It's wonderful to be at the starting phase of someone choosing a path that isn't the standard one like being an accountant. Careers in Aesthetics (skincare), Professional Makeup Artistry, Permanent Makeup and Medical/Laser certification with the training we take pride in offering our students gives them wings . I also play an integral part in all of our marketing/advertising/event planning. For example, we just had a charitable event for the Women's Fresh Start foundation where we hosted 120+ clients providing a full spa & boutique day. Last year we hosted the Arizona try-outs for America's Next Top Model casting. Two Arizonans (Talia & FO) both made it onto the show.

7. Tell us about new creative projects or classes that you would like to pursue ...
Working with handmade Japanese paper. Hair Accessories. Rings. I'm using simple bases some with a patina and vintage filigree look with stones I get from a turquoise expert here in the valley. I'm slowly venturing into making jewelry. I love Czech beads. I want two types of lines. One that is simple and to the point somewhat of a vintage-inspired line; the other involving glass & paper. I'd like to take a class on working with glass as well as learning different mediums to use my love of all things paper.

Also working on a new & improved website
8. If you were a movie actor or actress, who would it be and why?
Ahh.... Today I would be Cate Blanchett because she always has such a presence that commands attention in a non-pretentious way and there is a classic vibe she brings that is so needed again; like that of Audrey Hepburn.

List your websites or anywhere else on-line that your art is featured:
www.uninhibitedspirit.com
www.uninhibitedspirit.etsy.com
www.uninhibitedspirit.blogspot.com