Creative Corners - Louise Goodchild Designs

It's been a little while since we last took a sneak peek at someone's Creative Corners, but I'm thrilled to be talking to the lovely Louise Goodchild this weekend! I have been a follower of Louise's amazing wire-work since I stumbled across her Flickr and it has been an absolute joy to watch as Louise's wire-work skills have developed, along with her own whimsical style!

What do you think is important about handmade?

It’s individual and unique, so the customer gets something special, and I like to support people who are doing all the hard graft themselves and know that the money goes directly to them, not some nameless corporation which is paying its employees peanuts.

What are your work space essentials?

Natural light, music and coffee! (Follow Louise's Facebook Page for some interesting discussions about music! It's clear that it's close to her heart! - Clair.)

What tools, etc, can you not work without?

Pliers, cutters and my fingers!

What is inspiring you right now?

The flowers and buds springing to life and all the colour that’s beginning to bloom – I’m very inspired by the changing seasons.

When do you feel most creative?

Often when I’m unable to create! When I have my head down working on commissions, the ideas often flow, so I have to make a quick sketch so I don’t forget them.

What do you do to keep yourself/your space organised?

I write a to-do list for the next day almost every evening to keep myself organised, but my workspace is often an epic disaster area!

You can find all of Louise's beautiful wire-work in her etsy store Louise Goodchild or in her folksy store Louise Goodchild Designs. You might also want to consider following her beautiful blog or signing up for her newsletter!

Creative Corners - Sincerely Yours By Tracy

After finishing 'what I was working on' last weekend, I needed a little time away from everything to catch up on some much needed sleep (and clean the house!) so, it's been a while since we took a peek at someone's Creative Corners. Are you ready for a bit of snooping?

Tracy Weslager from Sincerely Yours By Tracy makes seriously beautiful, high-quality and completely customisable greetings cards, invitations and stationery. Uniquely, for every greetings card purchased, Tracy sends a card to an active member of the US Armed Forces. For every, single card. How amazing is that?

How did you get started?

My creative journey began in 2006 when I decided to leave corporate America and fulfil my dream of combining art, fashion, and my obsession of all stationery products.

What inspires you?

I have color all over my studio…markers, paper, embellishments…at times when those items get pushed onto each other, it catches my eye and a new idea will pop in my head to try. It’s amazing what new creations come from my “mess”.

When do you feel most creative?

I am a morning person so once the coffee pot is full, I’m ready to dive into the fun and create in the studio for hours!

What are your work space essentials?

I think my studio has more tools than my husband’s workshop since he is always asking me if I have certain tools he can borrow! A few that I cannot live without and freak if I loose are my three adhesive rolls that need to be near me at all times, a ruler because I’m a perfectionist and everything must be exact and of course, my paper cutter (or fifteen paper cutters) that I currently own.

What do you do to keep yourself andyour space organised?

To stay organized I make sure I take some time at the end of every week and attack the mess and piles! It makes me feel better and ready to attack the following week!

If you had to be selective, what is your favourite things about the space?

My favorite things about my design studio are my “fun” chair that I can sit with a cup of coffee, research and just doodle for new designs! I am a candle person so if I have candles burning while working, I’m smiling!

What are your top tips for improving your work space?

My main tip to improve my workspace and any workspace is stay organized! As I mentioned, if you take some time each week to go clean up, organize etc. it will really make a difference for the new weeks’ projects. Go from pile to pile and soon you will see the difference it made!

Um...so how amazing does Tracy's creative workspace look? I'm feeling a little bit jealous right now! I hope that you've enjoyed finding out a little bit more about Tracy's Creative Corners, but if that hasn't quite fulfilled all of your 'nosiness needs' then you can also seek her out on Facebook, Twitter or Pinterest. I'll be following Tracy's advice and having a creative corner cleaning session! 

Creative Corners - Sweetiepips

It's Sunday! That means one thing around here - it's time for another peek at someone's Creative Corners! Each week, I'm interviewing one of my favourite crafters, makers or entrepreneurs and will be asking them to share their 'creative corners', along with a little bit about how their creative process has affected the design and organisation within their space, as well as learning a little bit more about them and their creative endeavours.

Rustic Hammered Fire Patina Copper & Freshwater Pearl Earrings

This week, it's my absolute pleasure to introduce you all to the rather lovely Katrien Pierce from etsy store Sweetiepips, who I have had the pleasure of working with through our etsy team, Afternoon Tea, Chat & Treasuries. Kat has created a wonderfully whimsical collection of jewellery that incorporates seed beads, wire and hammered metals - all a delight for the senses. Let's find out a bit more about her, shall we?

How did you get started? 

I studied Art and Applied Social Sciences at university, and though I specialized in ceramics I followed the painting route when I left, working as a freelance artist, writer and musician. In between I spent 14 years managing high street fashion stores until nearly two years ago when I had a baby (unexpectedly and unplanned.) I was extremely ill before and after the pregnancy and it's a miracle I'm here to tell the tale.

However, my son, affectionately nicknamed Bobbins (incidentally one of the first pieces of jewellery I sold was a pair of earrings made from vintage sewing machine bobbins) has never been a good sleeper so I started tinkering about with beads and jewels in the early hour of the morning to keep myself occupied while my son played, watched DVDs, looked at books, etc, as it meant I could also keep an eye on him at the same time.

Why did you decide to start your own business?

Selling those creations on etsy seemed a natural progression and I soon developed a personal style started to experiment with other mediums for my jewellery such as clay, leather, wire and metalwork.

Personalized Custom Pink Leather Strand Freshwater Pearl and Heart Bracelet

My creations have continued to be popular at craft fairs and my sales on etsy are steady so I saw no reason to alter the lifestyle path I had inadvertently stumbled upon. Furthermore, I enjoy every minute of the creative process, even at 3am in the morning. And it means I get to wear unique and beautiful adornments!

What do you think is important about handmade?

Buying handmade, to me means I am getting something that has occupied someone else's personal thought and time. The maker has taken care and attention in both quality and service because they have loved creating it. I personally buy handmade or from independent makers as often as possible to support fellow artists and craftspeople that are 'in the same boat' as me!

Can you tell us a little bit about your workspace?

I adore metalworking and although it's not easy to produce or work to the scale I would like from my kitchen/studio (especially with a toddler bumbling around) it does the job for both metalwork and my polymer clay jewellery.

Kat's 'Workbench'

I am fortunate that I am able to make a lot of noise (hammering) in my kitchen/studio as it is attached to a part of the house that doesn't disturb anyone else. It is incredibly bright as it's south facing and living literally a stones throw from the sea I get that nostalgic and evocative marine sea spray scent wafting through the windows often. The other obvious perk to having your studio in a kitchen is the constant supply of coffee and snacks!

What are your work space essentials?

My absolute favourite tools I couldn't get by without are my humble little steel bench block and trusty hammer. I have three hammers but my favourite is a well worn in, small and very old hammer that I see as a work of art in itself. I truly love my hammer and it would be the first thing I would grab if there was a fire and I had to leave instantly. (Oh and of course my son!) I often feature my hammer as a photo prop for my hammered pieces on etsy to add a bit of character.

I continually add to my workspace paraphernalia and would be lost without my simple tools such as my ring mandrel, wire strippers and metal punch.

Kat's Favourite Hammer

What is inspiring to you right now?

Living so near the sea is a huge inspiration to me and means I can drop everything and be at the beach within two minutes. I love beach combing and I never tire of promenading (Worthing has lovely long promenade!) whatever the weather. Occasional beach finds have been known to end up in my creations.

Well, I hope that you've all enjoyed getting to know Katrien - she's the loveliest of people to work with! I'm in love with the idea of her, well adorned with her beautiful creations, strolling along the promenade at weekends!

Kat is offering everyone who visits via Obstinate Pursuit a 20% discount on all products in her store. Just use the discount code OPBLOG20 when you checkout. Thanks so much Kat!

Fancy Being Featured?

I'm still looking for more creatives and crafters to interview for Creative Corners. Please e-mail me at obstinatepursuit[at]live.co.uk for more information about the series and how to get involved.

Creative Corners - Stone Lily Stitches

Welcome to Creative Corners! Each Sunday, I'm interviewing one of my favourite crafters, makers or entrepreneurs and will be asking them to share their 'creative corners', along with a little bit about how their creative process has affected the design and organisation (or complete lack of organisation) within their space, as well as learning a little bit more about them and their creative endeavours.

Rita's beautiful range of floaty dresses. Just lovely!

This morning, I'm delighted to be introducing Rita, from Stone Lily Stitches. Rita makes super stylish - and ever so cute - clothing and accessories - filling her beautiful Etsy store with wardrobe must-haves!

How did you get started?

Since I remember myself, I was interested in creative activities, especially sewing and other needleworks. At the age of ten my favourite occupation was making clothes for Barbie dolls together with my girlfriends. I had bags full with tiny garments. I was also interested in art and design, so I ended up in school of arts and crafts and graduated with a diploma in fashion design.

Since graduating, I have been studying and also working in a completely different fields not connected with art or fashion. Also I have lived abroad and it was hard for me to own a sewing machine due to travelling a lot. However I still have a passion for a sewing and design. So I have moved back to my hometown now and when a friend told me about Etsy, I felt it was a great opportunity and I opened a shop straight away.

Why did you decide to start your own business?

It felt as a matter of course. I just need to do it in order to fulfil my creative needs!!

When do you feel most creative?

At this season it’s a few hours before the sunset when it’s quiet and calm and I can hear the birds singing (I am living by the forest). This is the time when I really feel a lot of new ideas coming into my head. I also love early mornings, for sewing mostly not brainstorming though.

How do the materials you use influence your design?

The fabrics (and other details) I have chosen for the particular project always gives me the greatest inspiration and leads me to a particular garment. I like natural fabrics like cotton and linen for casual, loose fitted garments. I love layering and linen is great for that! But I also love bright synthetic fabrics, but mostly only for making one of a kind party dresses. My taste is pretty eclectic and I’m just making whatever crosses my mind at that time.

What is inspiring to you right now?

Right now I find linen inspiring to work with. Also the music I am listening to inspires me and helps me to create the right mood. And of course mother nature!!

What do you do to keep your space organised?

For now I don’t have a lot of stuff at my work space and it is easy to organise everything. I often go to the fabrics stores and in the past i have had many fabrics bought in total mind eclipse (fabrics stores is my addiction). They created mess at my workplace and also in my head. So I got rid of them and now I try to do only well considered and planned purchases. That keeps my mind and my workplace organised.

What are your work space essentials?

Good lighting - a big window during the day and super bright table lamp for the evening. Also a big table for cutting the fabrics and my working tools - sewing and overlock sewing machine, sharp scissors, pins and a mirror. A part of my work is also to take a photos, therefore my camera is a must! I would love to have a mannequin one day, it also helps a lot when making a garment, but if i still haven’t got one, it’s apparently not so essential.

Light floods in from Rita's large windows!

What do you think is important about handmade?

Direct communication/collaboration between me and a customer always gives me a great pleasure. I believe it’s the same for the most of the Etsy sellers and I hope for the buyers as well!! This is important about handmade - direct communication and positive vibrations! :)

Cornflower Dress, Black with Blue Lace, £54.11, from Stone Lily Stitches.

As a bonus, Rita is offering 10% off any purchase from Stone Lily Stitches until the 15th June 2014. Just use the coupon code LILY10 at the checkout!

Creative Corners - Clara Bella

Welcome to Creative Corners! Each Sunday, I'm interviewing one of my favourite crafters, makers or entrepreneurs and will be asking them to share their 'creative corners', along with a little bit about how their creative process has affected the design and organisation (or complete lack of organisation) within their space, as well as learning a little bit more about them and their creative endeavours.

This morning, I'm delighted to be introducing Clara, who I have had the pleasure of working with through our etsy team, Afternoon Tea, Chat & Treasuries. Clara's etsy store Clara's Handmade and, her accompanying blog - Clara's HandMade - are wonderful expressions of Clara's own 'shabby chic' aesthetic. I hope you'll enjoy our 'short, but sweet' interview!

Make Up Clutch Style Bag

How did you get started? 

I got started after I wanted a sewing machine, after getting one I made loads and couldn't keep it all so, with the nagging of a former co-worker, I opened a shop on etsy!

What are your workspace essentials?

My work space essentials include good light and my trusty red sewing machine 'Bob'!

Good light is essential for Clara's 'handmade' photography set up!

How organised are your Creative Corners? 

My creative space is small so it has to stay organised or it all falls on the floor!

I love how Clara's little space is boths stylish and functional!

What do you think is important about handmade?

For me handmade is about quality and original design. I try to incorporate vintage materials like old lace and crochet as much as I can. I also include vintage pieces in my shop as they fit in my interests and my theme -which is country cottage style like the embroidered table clothes and crochet place mats.

A little peek into the cupboards. Anyone else want to rummage?

What is inspiring you right now?

I am constantly inspired by the old to create something new. I adore old doilies, crochet lace and fabrics, they bring me so much joy. I am in love with the Swedish, Shaker and French Châteaux styles. 

Clara's collection of old doilies and lace!

It is a soft, relaxed, feminine, romantic way of decorating that looks comfortable and inviting. The pieces I make are what I call modern vintage.

If you've enjoyed reading about Clara and her Creative Corners, you can find out more by following Clara's Handmade on Twitter and Pinterest!

Creative Corners - Amumiinaturals

Welcome to Creative Corners! Each Sunday, I'm interviewing one of my favourite crafters, makers or entrepreneurs and will be asking them to share their 'creative corners', along with a little bit about how their creative process has affected the design and organisation (or complete lack of organisation) within their space, as well as learning a little bit more about them and their creative endeavours.

I'm so happy to be introducing Annalisa from ammuminaturals who makes the most beautiful skin and home care products with ingredients from her own organic garden in the heart of the Italian countryside.

How did you get started?

I have always loved being at home and I have always loved crafts. I am passionate about anything crafty. I embroider, sew, bake, make jewelry and I really enjoy making soap. I had stress-related psoriasis and therefore I decided to start making my own skin and home products. At the time, I had two small kids and I was keen to make 100% natural products that all the family could use, since I was extremely conscious about all the chemicals and potentially dangerous ingredients contained in commercially produced skin products.

What do you think is important about handmade?

A handmade product is made with care and craftmanship. It is something made by an individual who is passionate about that object. Anything handmade creates a connection between individuals who often don't know each other and probably never will. To me, handmade is important as it means having an idea in my head and being able to create it. People who buy handmade care. They know they are not simply purchasing a product - they are buying a story, a work of art. Some of the people who buy handmade are making a stand against mass production, which at this time and age is definitely refreshing. Some others appreciate the authenticity and originality of handmade goods. As far as the products I make are concerned, buying handmade means caring about your body and soul.

A beautiful example of Annalisa's handmade packaging!

What are your work space essentials?

My work space has an incredible high number of spatulas! And a laptop. I also use my sewing machine to package some incredibly cute soap favours which seem to be a hit throughout the world. Useless as it might seem, I also keep a radio in my study - I am not a fan of television and I don't particularly enjoy working in silence, so I have often have the radio on.

What is inspiring you right now?

The Umbrian countryside and its beauties, plants and natural products. I am originally from Italy and I moved to the Italian countryside with my family four years ago after 10 years spent in the hustle and bustle of busy London. Whilst I still miss living in the the city the UK in general, I have learnt to appreciate this small part of the world. Orvieto is a lovely village and the Italian countryside is just beautiful. I have natural plants and ingredients practically at my doorstep - we grow lavender, camomile, calendula, roses, herbs and much more in our own garden, without the use of pesticides or other nasties. I am so proud to be able to make such great soap and body products with all of this.

When do you feel most creative?

Usually, ideas for new products come to me in the evening or in the middle of the night. (Yes - I dream about soap!). I keep a notebook and a pen on the coffee table so that I can jot or make notes as soon as an idea comes to mind. If I don't do it, it's often gone for good! However, I find that early morning is definitely the time at which I am most productive in terms of soapmaking.

Don't you love how Annalisa has staged her photographs?

What are your top tips for improving your work space?

I don't think there's a rule for this, as we are all different. I am happiest when I am surrounder by tidiness and order, so I have painfully come to terms with the fact that I need to keep that tidiness going if I want to be creative and productive. I use a lot of transparent containers and drawer units so that I can see everything easily, but at the same time I can put things away on shelves and in drawers fairly quickly.

If you've enjoyed reading about Annalisa and her Creative Corners, you can find out more by following Amumiinaturals on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest!

Offer! Offer! Offer! 

Annalisa is very kindly offering readers a 10% discount on all purchases from ammuminaturals - just use the coupon code 10OFF2014 when you checkout!

Creative Corners - Rocks For Frocks

Welcome to Creative Corners! Each Sunday, I'll be interviewing one of my favourite crafters, makers or entrepreneurs and will be asking them to share their 'creative corners', along with a little bit about how their creative process has affected the design and organisation (or complete lack of organisation) within their space, as well as learning a little bit more about them and their creative endeavours.

I'm delighted to be starting the series with local, lovely Gail Bell from Rocks For Frocks - a family owned business specialising in beautiful, bridal jewellery and tiaras.

The Rocks For Frocks Boutique @ The Wedding House, Liverpool

How did you get started? And when did you decide to start your own business?

I did jewellery making at college for a year and should have really gone to university to carry it on, but didn't really have the confidence to do it. I ended up going into computers as my mum told me it was the future! I have always been a maker of things, sewing, knitting, making anything. Jewellery was a hobby.

I was working in a job I hated, my children had finished education and both started working. I had recently lost my father, and before that my mother, and realised that life was too short to be unhappy, so basically just took the plunge.

On Display - Swarovski Headpiece.

A friend was getting married and showed me some hand made headpieces that she liked and I said "I can make that for you" and I did. Then I realised that there was a specific market and I really enjoyed making them. My daughter was doing a fashion marketing degree at the time and made me some business cards and a logo for a Christmas present, I booked a wedding fair and went from there.

I thought I would try a year and see what happened and if I could manage to pay the rent on the shop I could manage. I don't think I'll ever be rich, find it very stressful at times, but wouldn't change it!

What do you think is important about handmade?

Individuality, items not looking mass produced and too static. I even like a little bit not being perfect, in a way. 

What are your work space essentials? 

I can't live without my Lindstrom pliers, I get very protective of them and don't like anyone else using them. My pliers and cutters are always in a certain order on my pliers rack and they are always right in front of me on the desk. I could spend hours on the internet looking at tools!

Pliers On Hand (And Evidence Of Healthy Eating!)

What do you do to keep your creative corners organised?

My space is so small I have to be organised and also, it is in my shop, so I can't be too messy, which is very difficult. A colleague pointed out that although my desk is sometimes a 'right mess' I always put things back in the same place so I can reach them without getting up. 

Cubbies Filled With Goodies

My crystals and findings are all in plastic storage boxes on a shelf above the desk so I can reach them and see what's in each box and I have a cupboard to the side with boxes of pearls, diamanté pieces, lace, veiling, headbands and combs.

I have two girls who work for me, both of whom are more tidy minded than me and often tidy me up!

What is inspiring you right now?

Beading and colour. As a bridal designer I work mostly with clear crystal and pearls but I am experimenting with pale golds, opals and silvers. There are some gorgeous new Swarovski colours now available in stones like navettes and ovals, which have not been available before. I recently visited the bridal trade shows for 2015 and pale colours like blush, honey and lilacs were on the catwalks for wedding dresses.

Competition Time!

Want to win these stunning, little Crystal Pear Drop Earrings? Simply head over to Rocks For Frocks Facebook Page and comment on the Competition Post before the 15th May for a chance to win!

Creative Corners - Introduction

I'm introducing a new series today - and I couldn't be more thrilled. The idea for this series has been taking shape for an awfully long time, but I haven't had the opportunity or (more honestly) the motivation to 'make it happen'. All I needed was a little bit of focus - my One Little Word for 2014 - and now, happily, I can introduce 'Creative Corners'. 

Each Sunday, I'll be interviewing one of my favourite crafters, makers or entrepreneurs and will be asking them to share their 'creative corners', along with a little bit about how their creative process has affected the design and organisation (or complete lack of organisation) within their space, as well as learning a little bit more about them and their creative endeavours. 

What I hope will happen along the way is that you'll see 'creative corners' that inspire you to let go of the idea that your work space must be perfect, before you can create something beautiful in it! 

My Own Creative Corner 

I'm lucky enough to have my own little 'creative corner' - the smallest bedroom in my home. I set the room aside for crafting as soon as I moved in, but the room itself has been in a constant state of evolution.

Over time, I have come to realise that I work best - and can focus more easily - if I am in a calm, clean and clutter-free setting. This means that I have had to find 'a place' for everything! The materials and tools that I use most often are all stored on, or around, my corner desk. I adore the little 'cubbies' underneath the desk - and store my sewing machine, my packaging materials and some beading materials that I use often (but not quite often enough for them to sit on top of my desk.) 

While I'm beading, my desk is usually clear and clutter-free (but when I'm paper-crafting and it looks like all hell has broken loose) and I will have a small selection of materials to hand. The wicker baskets on the left-hand side of the desk contain my stash of pearls and fire-polished beads. The plastic boxes in the corner contain my selection of glass, ceramics, natural stones and gemstones. The little dish on top contains my small (teeny) selection of Swarovski crystal, stones and pearls.

On the right, my Beadsmith 'Bead Tower' stores all of my seed beads  (I still only have a small selection!) This is usually on the floor, just to the right-hand side of the desk, but it's handy enough to pull up and look through when I need a new size, shape or colour to work with.

My Creative Corner Essentials

There are a few things that I have come to value in my creative corner and excellent lighting is at the top of the list. The room is usually quite light and bright, but during the long evenings (and the endless winters) I use a Daylight Lamp for colour selection - and to extend my working hours. I would also be completely lost with my bead scoop and my Thread Zapper. Completely and utterly lost!

The most exciting addition to my creative corner has been my ASUS Transformer. When I'm busy creating, it sits on one side of the desk in it's 'tablet form' so that I can have instant access to all of my favourite music on Spotify. When I'm busy working on the not-so-fun stuff, like invoicing, I use it in it's keyboard setting, like a little laptop. It has totally transformed the way that I work within my creative corner - no more cables for a start!

For me, making my space work has meant putting function first and beauty second. There is nothing wrong with having a craft room (or an alcove, or a bookshelf) that looks pretty, but if it doesn't work functionally, you won't be inspired to actually use it!

Next week, I'll be interviewing the lovely Gail from Rocks For Frocks. I hope you'll join me for a little peek at her Creative Corners.