It has been a little over a month since we set up shop at Happy Delusions, in Renton, WA, sharing this unique venue with many other talented artisans.  Mary Clymer is the very charming owner and operator of this thriving little gift shop in downtown Renton, which features many “one of a kind”, handmade designs from an array of arts and crafts.  We would like to share with you a few of our items, along with some artisan favorites, although there are too many to show here.  We hope that if you visit downtown Renton that you stop in, and check it out for yourself.  Our local festival, Renton River Days is coming soon!

• Pookasplace
• Happy Delusions
• AnnaMaries Accessories

And here’s a little preview of our items…TLC Inspirations

We are experiencing many changes this year, most of them positive.  Rachel has moved to North Carolina (due to hubby’s job) which has brought a slew of challenges for her and her family.  It was an 8 day journey with a moving truck trying to avoid floods and tornados, but they made it!  They are currently getting settled in their new home, and new community.  Since they have never been anywhere on the east coast, there should be a lot to learn and explore.  I miss them, but sometimes moms just need to let go, and let live.  We have many ways to stay connected, and continue our TLC Inspirations partnership, thanks to technology.

Since we closed down our online shops temporarily, we have been expanding our crafting into new directions.  Rachel has been learning how to machine and needle felt, and she has created some adorable and unique handbags.  I, on the other hand, have become more interested in machine embroidery, and trying to implement that beautiful craft into some of my bag designs.  We hope to have some of these new creations available to our customers online soon.  We will keep you posted.

On another note, we started a YouTube channel a couple of months ago, and will be creating tutorials, so that we can share our experiences, ideas, and knowledge.  We hope that you will watch for upcoming tutorials, and visit our YouTube Channel, and subscribe as we add more content.

Find us on FB, Twitter, YouTube, and of course, here on our blog.

Bonnie & Rachel

Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse. The stockings were hung by the chimney with care, In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there; The children were nestled all snug in their beds…

Not Even a Mouse / Penguin Christmas Card Set / Vintage Inspired Wreath

Felted Nativity Scene / Upcycled Snowflake Stocking / Eggnog Buttercreams

Snowstorm Hand painted Ornament / Christmas Owl Garland / Santa’s Cookie & Milk

Wishing everyone a Happy Handmade Holiday,
❅ ❅ ❅ Rachel & Bonnie ❅ ❅ ❅

Recycled Art, Vintage People

Sometimes creativity just runs through a person’s veins, and Terrie, of Temporary Insanity is one of those people.  Her and her husband are on a constant search for everything, and anything they can recycle into art.  The Vintage People are extroadinary creations  made from vintage hardware that has taken a new form.    She blames it on “Temporary Insanity” but we view as uniquely creative.   Terry has graciously accepted our invite for an interview, and we are thrilled, and priveledged to share her story with you.

Tell us a little about yourself. I have been creating art all my life. I had my first art show at my grandmother’s house when I was about five. My relatives obligingly paid dimes and even quarters for my first creations. If I remember correctly, they were drawn with crayon, the big box of 64 colors. Then I moved on to painted rocks that my uncle sold for me in his flower shop. Later, as a rebellious teenager, I began fashioning deerskin leather halter tops and purses. (Am I dating myself now?) They were adorned in hand cut lacing, feathers, and turquoise stones. As an adult I became a floral designer and later I started the first incarnation of Temporary Insanity. I wanted to work at home with my then two small children and I started a hand painted clothing business that had a cowboys and Indians theme.(I live in Colorado.) That lasted for seven years and we had a great run. Fun times!

Now I juggle my art with interior design, which I also consider to be an art form. My people come from all the stuff I’ve collected over the years, simply because I was attracted to it and knew that one day , it would become something real, like The Vintage People.
I am a full time interior designer with my own business, Design the Hall-Way, as well as an artist. Interior design is really a giant 3D collage, mixed media assemblage of colors and textures, space and form. When I am designing a home, a most personal, sacred space, I am creating art in 3-D for the person who lives there. I am very passionate about it!

One word that describes you. Quirky

One word that describes your designs. Original

Do you work better in quiet or chaos? I work better in chaos. Things are spread out all around me. If I can’t find something, I’m usually sitting on it. There is always music playing!

Do you have an idea in mind when you are searching for vintage or recycled pieces to create your artwork, or is it the other way around? Do you just find unusual items and then the inspiration begins? I look at things in a very different way now. I see body parts everywhere, in everything!

Are any of your altered art creations based on ACTUAL people?   What is your inspiration for your designs? The first Vintage People that I made were for Christmas presents for my family. I used their pictures and sentimental items that reminded me of each person. We painted a large tree on a couple of old doors and it became a “family tree.” As I start each Vintage Person, it’s like they reveal their story to me as they are created. I love writing up the story! They make me laugh. The more outrageous, the better, and yes, sometimes, I am thinking of someone I know.

What is your favorite creation or project that you’ve made? My favorite thing that I’ve made is probably the family tree. Everyone got such a kick out of it and they argued about who would get the door with the tree on it. It was very fulfilling.

Is there an art medium, or a craft that you would like to learn that you haven’t attempted yet? I want to learn how to paint and I want to learn the art of mosaics. I just joined a creativity cluster with other women and we are going to try our hand at clay next month. I love to brainstorm and work with a group!

Do you have any words of wisdom for other artisans? Hmmm….words of wisdom for other artists….do NOT listen to the voices in your head that say,”that’s not good enough. Who would buy that? So and so is a better artist than I am…blah, blah, blah.” You are not a judge of what you create. It is simply your job to create without any self-conscience, because your vision is unique!

It seems your life has taken many creative turns. Do you think you will still be doing this in five years? I don’t know if I will still be creating The Vintage People in 5 years, but I absolutely know that I will always be creating something because it makes me so happy!

Thank you,
Terrie Hall

A little “Temporary Insanity” is good for all of us!

Temporary Insanity Blog

Temporary Insanity on Facebook

Thank you Terrie, for sharing your creative journey with us!

Bonnie & Rachel

Once in awhile, I get a serious itch to try something new, and this is one of those times.  Rachel and I  know how to crochet, although we still have a lot to learn.  We admire those needle artists that crochet and knit such intricate, complicated designs, and drool with a little envy.  After looking at some knitting tutorials, working with TWO needles is just way too intimidating. ONE needle is enough of a challenge! Don’t get me wrong, I love a challenge, but this seemed to be a road to frustration.

Recently, I ran across a website promoting loom knitting, which is an ancient technique in it’s own right.  Are you familiar with this form of knitting?

THE HISTORY OF LOOM KNITTING: (Borrowed from internet, original author unknown)
Looms were used during the Middle Ages in France, Britain, Germany and other parts of Europe to knit tasseled caps, shawls, petticoats, blankets, stockings, bags, purses, sacks, nets, hammocks and curtains. It’s believed that the apprentices of Guilds knit the carpet required for their Master on frames (knitting boards) as well.

I was fascinated with the possibilities, and excited to try it.  Maybe I could actually learn how to knit!  I shared it with Rachel, and she was also intrigued and interested. I bet you can guess where I am going with this…

After a little internet searching, and research, I decided that we should order a knitting boards and round looms (it was conveniently Rachel’s birthday, so guess what I got her for her birthday?).

After 2 weeks, and a bit of awkwardness, we have managed to get the hang of the rib stitch and the stockinette stitch.  We have not actually made an item yet, but I am gearing up, and with a little luck, skill, and perseverance, you will begin to see knitted items appearing in the TLC Inspirations Artfire and Etsy shops.  I am beginning to understand how  all the stitches, amazingly, come together.  I am fascinated with yarns, and threads, and how they can be be woven, stitched, knitted, knotted, crocheted, embroidered, twisted, and crafted into so many beautiful creations.  The texture, color, and movement conjures up endless possibilities.   I will be thrilled if I can create a great hat and scarf or a cozy, warm shawl to wrap around my shoulders when our predicted cold winter arrives.  These knitting loom techniques have inspired  us to step out of our comfort zones and broaden our horizons.

Here we go, into the busy holiday season!  Have fun!

Just a reminder that we will have a crafty new artisan interview (who will it be??) and our giveaway coming soon.  Thanks to all of our readers.  We hope you enjoy our posts, as we try to post a little something for everyone’s interest, and share a piece of our daily lives with you.

Bonnie & Rachel

“True art is characterized by an irresistible urge in the artist.” ~ Albert Einstein

Most of us have seen her adorable creations on Facebook, and you can’t help falling in love with them. We are so happy to have been granted an interview with Holly Ernst of Holly Craft. If you haven’t seen her magic yet, you are missing out. We invite you to join us in getting to know Holly.

A little history about yourself and your venture.

My name is Holly Ernst. I have been married for 15 years(on Sept. 9!) to my husband Dan. I have 2 kids, Noah age 7 and Karina age 2. I would have to say my mom has been my biggest influence in the arts and crafts. She got me interested in sewing and crafts when I was very young. I really just started a few years ago trying to sell some of my creations on Etsy. I started just to pay for my hobby.

One word that most describes you

Crafty

How did you get started making appliques?

I was doing a lot of scrapbooking at the time, with the birth of my daughter. I saw some flowers on a scrapbooking site that were made of fabric. They cost too much so I said, I can do that myself…and here I am today.:)

What do you like most about the craft you have chosen?

I like it because I can take my artistic style and abilities and them onto fabric.

What is you creation process, where do you derive your inspiration from?

I have always liked drawing and painting since I was very young…I am more of a cartoonist. I like to sit down and look at things and draw them into my style and think how can I turn this into an applique? One of my favorite artists is Mary Englebreit.

Do you work better in solitude or chaos?

CHAOS!! LOL

What is your proudest moment? or your biggest failure?

I would have to say giving birth to my 2 children would be my proudest moments!

How do you balance your home life with your Etsy shop?

Well I have to honestly say, I am still trying to figure that out!

What advice do you have for other Etsy Artists?

Find something you enjoy doing and stick to it…If it sells. If not…do something else you like. That is what I did. I just kept going with different things I enjoyed doing until I found something people wanted…

What is your BIG (crafty) dream? Where do you want to take this venture?

My dream is to just be able to stay a WAHM. But I would like to have my own spot to create. So I probably am working on getting a bigger house!

Thanks again for this opportunity! Happy crafting!

~ HOLLY ERNST

Holly Craft Blog

Thank you, Holly, for sharing your story with us! Tune in next month for another “Featured {Crafty} Friend” Interview. Oh, and a giveaway is also in the making…