"Don't stop believin'..."

1. There is Only Make by groundwork
2. cruz by pamkesito
3. wish necklace by Laurel Denise
4. there is nothing wrong with you by SuspectShoppe
5. building blocks - little thoughts for your day by palomasnest

Heart Lab: Jennifer Koshbin

My jaw literally dropped when I saw Jennifer Koshbin's book sculpture series The Book Project: diggin’ for the truth - and when I finally manged to pick it up - the words HOLY SH!T soon followed! I couldn't believe it... did she actually cut each page one by one with the precision of a heart surgeon??

If you're lucky enough to be in the San Antonio area (lucky dogs!) then make sure you head out to see:

>> Off with Their Heads
New works by Jen Koshbin
One9Zero6 Gallery, San Antonio, Texas
Saturday June 14th.
PRESALE - ALL WORK AVAILABLE NOW - PRIOR TO SHOW OPENING

1. Concept: After reading whatever I can on the subject that I’m working on, and collaborating with my husband who is a philosophy prof, I look over my own sketches as well as other artists’ works that inspire me before deciding what I want to take to the public. Concepts and images are continually floating in and out of both my studio space and my head space.

This takes a lifetime, but for each book I probably spend 4-5 hours deciding on which image to use next.

2. Finding "The One": In Ballast/Levity, which came out of The Book Project I, I chose a book that makes most sense to what I am seeking to resolve. 1 hour

3. Sketching: I sketch out an image on the inside cover. 3 hours

4. Cutting: Using a cutting tool, I cut the pages one by one. 2 hours

5. Assemble, glue and attach: I assembled the cut pieces, individually glued them back together, and attached them to the opposing inside cover, so book would close. 1 hour

6. Drying, Self-convincing & Framing: As the piece dried I had time to convince myself it was finished, which is difficult if not impossible. Then I framed the piece. 1 hour

7. Photoshoot: Next I took photos of the work. 1/2 hour

8. Website: Posted it on website. 1 hour

9. Reflection: I typically work in series. Each series reflects a passion or perhaps a problem to be solved. I think we are all working in genres that help us understand who we are and who we aren’t. So now I sit back with all my favorite foods in hand, look at my work and reflect on what I’ve done. Another lifetime.

Miriam of elefante, é a vida!

Miriam, Aveiro, Portugal Brand: elefante, é a vida! Blogs: felty.blogs.sapo.pt Shop: miriam.etsy.com

I'd like to say a big thank you to Miriam for agreeing to be interviewed, especially since she went to the trouble of arranging for a translator to supply her answers in English! Muito obrigada!

I love Miriam's creations - her choice of colors, shapes, materials ... all remind me of a Utopian land far far away.

The fact that my grandfather and my father were tailors was a big influence in my life

>> click here to continue reading the interview

1. How would you describe your style?

I don't think I really have a style, it's hard to define myself... contemporary?!... don't know! It's easier for other people to categorize us... but, in fact, I don't really like being categorized :D

2. How long have you been doing this for and how did it all begin?

It was a natural process! I'm a professional graphic designer and I have always been a very "crafty" person. When I was younger, I used to make gifts for my friends & family and because of that I become very good at working with various craft techniques. I don't know exactly when it all began, but I know I was very little. The fact that my grandfather and my father were tailors was a big influence in my life, as well as being surrounded by seamstresses and sewing machines. I began selling my creations on the web and in various shops in 2004 - thanks to a lot of encouraging friends!

Hmmm to get past crafter's block? I don't know exactly, I do this because I love it, so when I'm not inspired, I simply just stop and make other things... and inspiration naturally comes and goes.

3. What inspires you? How do you get past crafter's block?

I'm inspired by everything around me... my boyfriend, my friends, nature, beach, old houses (I love old houses), retro tiles, a lot of books, ohhh and I love music.

Hmmm to get past crafter's block? I don't know exactly, I do this because I love it, so when I'm not inspired, I simply just stop and make other things... and inspiration naturally comes and goes. There are a lot of days that I can't create anything at all, but I've gotten used to that ... it's also like that in my professional job.

I don't consider myself a mentor... but I guess if I think about it, I have a blog that's read by a lot of people, I have an online shop, my creations are sold at real shops... so I guess it is only natural that other people are inspired by my work, just like I am inspired by others.

4. The handmade community is such a close knit group, I notice that most people are either mentors to aspiring crafters/designers or have mentors who have been in the business for a while and are eager to share their experiences with budding crafters/artists. Do you have a mentor? And are you a mentor yourself?

I tend not to think of things in that way... obviously it's almost impossible not to feel inspired by anyone. Actually, I'm inspired by a lot of people. It's not like me to have a mentor, it's not part of the way that I think...maybe it's due to my education or my profession. I follow a lot of designers and illustrators that I like, I read a lot of blogs and books, I devour magazines, and so on.

Essentially, I listen to a lot of advice from the people I love, so maybe my mentors are my family and friends. I don't consider myself a mentor... but I guess if I think about it, I have a blog that's read by a lot of people, I have an online shop, my creations are sold at real shops... so I guess it is only natural that other people are inspired by my work, just like I am inspired by others.

I prefer to sell in smaller shops where there is a closer relationship with the buyer, where I know the shop owner and can continue to create unique, one-of-a-kind handmade objects on a smaller scale.

5. If you could put your products on the shelves of any 3 stores (international), which ones would you choose?

Ohh this one is really hard... topshop, vinçon, urban outfitters maybe, that is if I was to produce my objects on a massive scale.

But honestly, I prefer to sell in smaller shops where there is a closer relationship with the buyer, where I know the shop owner and can continue to create unique, one-of-a-kind handmade objects on a smaller scale.

6. One of the hardest things for artists to do is to stand apart from everyone else. How did you come up with your measuring tape concept? What advice can you give aspiring artists struggling to find their own voice and look?

The idea of using measuring tapes have been lingering in my head for quite a long time, I think maybe 2 years before I gave it a practical use. A few years ago, I don't remember where exactly, I found some beautiful tape measures with vivid colors and bought them. I began to look at them with a different eye and began collecting them.

I collect a lot of things in my house, things that I find everywhere and anywhere. My mother hated that! Now that I'm in a new home, I do the same ... basically I keep everything that I find graphically pleasing, it was exactly how I came upon the measuring tapes! I just didn't know exactly how to start, nor what to do with them. It was my father that helped me sew my first ever purse in the beginning of 2005. Since then I've found a whole variety of measuring tape with different colors and numbers. I even have a few that I can't get myself to cut... so I keep them!

It's hard to give advice, especially since I don't consider myself an expert crafter =) I think everyone should follow their own inspiration, research a lot, keep creating their own style and, more importantly, be really honest with themselves and others.

7. Do you do this full-time? If not, what pays the bills?

No! I teach design at the University of Aveiro and I'm a graphic designer also. My free time is dedicated to crafts and creating new products.

8. Who is your idol or current craft-crush?

I read a lot of blogs, but actually... I think I don't really have an idol. I love so many crafters, for the materials they use, for the forms of their creations, or just for the amazing imagination they have. I love so many people it would be unfair to mention just one and forget the others =)

9. Can you share any recently discovered blogs and or artists?

Yes I can, but just a few... I love so many people ;)
I love the recent screenprinted fabric from maria joão arnaud, I love kjoo's new bracelets, ox-hill necklaces, it makes me smile the eikumpel´s cute monsieur virgule, I love the funny fruit necklaces of vento na praia the fantastic deditos from fric de mentol, just an example of some of my favourite Portuguese girls...

I've found so many creative people lately... let me think... well, here it goes more of my favourite etsy shops: lealandmabe.etsy.com, daisyjanie.etsy.com, cocoondesigns.etsy.com, syko.etsy.com

Thanks Miriam!!

Don't be so square!

1. Temporary Bouquet by michellemoode
2. May Necklace by tinctory
3. Pair of Textured Tiles 29 by melabo
4. Soft Crater Necklace by jessicajane

To Have and to Hold... Wedding Registry (Part II)

1. Red and White Love Tree by gypsyandtwink
2. Family Time - set of 6 screenprinted placemats by 12gypsies
3. Personalized Thank You Cards by lepapierdesigns
4. Royale - Original Map Painting by rachelaustin
5. Ferris Wheel and Russian Dolls Votive Duo by maryink

To Have and to Hold... Wedding Registry (Part I)

I have a handful of friends tying the knot this summer, so here's some inspiration for both givers and receivers!

1. Wisdom Paper Wreath (you can also add a message) by haru
2. Gray Vessel Set by Up in the Air Somewhere
3. Lets Grow Old Together by ground work
4. His and Hers Wall Decals by decorette

Anna Laura

Anna Laura, Melbourne, Australia Site: annalaura.com.au Blogs: annalauraart.blogspot.com + Flickr + myspace Shop: annalaura.etsy.com + DaWanda

I have to admit that it was Anna's lovely badge ladies that first caught my eye, but as I started working on her feature I soon discovered her geniosity extends further into her more traditional art work and collages...

>> continue reading Anna Laura's interview

1. How would you describe your style?

Eclectic. I have a lot of different styles happening. I like being able to do different things and mix it up a bit. I completed a BFA in Painting and Drawing, so I have fine art training, but I love to do stuff which is design based as well. Then there are the badge ladies with a different style to them also. They all link together and I think the different styles work with one another but finding words to describe them all is hard.

Sometimes when you look at other designer’s work you get overwhelmed by what is out there and wonder if your own stuff is good enough. I find it helps to work on something that you know how to do well and is a bit automatic. That way you feel like you’re accomplishing something so you don’t feel worse about not working.

2. What inspires you? How do you get past crafter's block?

When I get it I know, I often feel sick as well, so it should be an illness diagnosed by a doctor. Taking a break is a good start. Sometimes when you look at other designer’s work you get overwhelmed by what is out there and wonder if your own stuff is good enough. I find it helps to work on something that you know how to do well and is a bit automatic. That way you feel like you’re accomplishing something so you don’t feel worse about not working. Watching some television, a nice pot of tea and some badge ladies to stitch up always makes me feel better.


3. What tool(s) can't you live without?

Needles, thread, sharp scissors, sewing machine, silkscreen, ink, small squeegee, computer, Photoshop. Just to name a few things. The list goes on and on.

4. You've sold over 175 items via Etsy and your goods are stocked in multiple shops - can you give us some advice on the best way to get noticed. Is it just a matter of luck and good timing or do you have a recipe for success?

Just keep doing what you’re doing. Keep posting blogs, updating your websites like flickr and myspace. Get in contact with other people, go out and meet them and email them and make friends and talk shop to people. Make things well, make different things and get creative and buy from other people to help keep the creative marketplace going. Buy handmade gifts for people and tell people about what you do so they know and understand that there is a marketplace out there making beautiful products.

5. Can you share any of your favorite sources for supplies?

I love going to the opshop (thrift stores) because it is an unknown, you don’t know what you will find and it could be the best thing ever, or you could come home with nothing. They are my favourite.


6. One of the hardest things for artists to do is to stand apart from everyone else. How long did it take you to come up with your own style and signature look? What advice can you give aspiring artists struggling to find their own voice and look?

I think everyone has their own look when they start, although aspects might be similar to other designers they still have something about them that sets them apart. I think my style has developed a lot since I have been working in 2006. When I first started I had been pretty dormant with my creativity, so the things I produced were maybe a little more basic and it has developed over time.

7. Who is your idol/current artist-crush?

Oh, I thought you were going to say who is my current boy crush, an I was going to say Commander Chakotay from Star Trek and get totally nerdy on you. But now that I have my nerdyness out there I can answer the question correctly. Lara Cameron and Ashley G are two I really like, not only are they both super talented, but also they are also really friendly and down to earth.

8. What can we expect to see from you in the future?

More artworks. I really want to expand that part of what I do and have an exhibition. I’ve got some ideas for some larger artworks I want to try involving screen-printing and painting, but not in the conventional way. Lots of experimenting is what keeps me happy.

Thanks Anna!!

Heart Lab: Nicola Starr

Nicola emailed me samples of her work and I knew right away that I had to get her on the site before she got too big and busy for lil' old me!

Her collages have an air of simplicity, almost Zen in nature. Each element is balanced, right down to the last pixel. The page could have 10 very different elements on it, but somehow everything is in harmony. By no means do I equate simplicity with easy, in fact, I think simplicity is one of the hardest things to achieve (in life, in art, in cooking ... I guess in everything).

Don't take my word for it, have a look at her website and her flickr gallery.

Step 1: Searching
The image search begins. Old magazines (1950's and 1960's national geographics are my favourites), old books, stamps and envelopes. I also take swatches of colour from modern glossy magazines = Usually I spend about 45 minutes finding the images and 30 minutes re-reading the magazines (very bad habit!)

Step 2: Cutting
Now for the cutting out of images and shapes and paper. I have a scalpel obsession, I have to change the blade on mine constantly, I can't stand a blunt blade = I find it beneficial to both my work and fingers if I spend at least 30 minutes cutting out slowly!


>> continue reading Heart Lab

Step 3: Layout, layout, layout
Working out my layout/composition can sometimes take minutes sometimes hours. If something isn't working, I flick through some of my favourite design books (End of Print - David Carson, All Messed Up - Anna Gerber) for some inspiration = hard to put a time on this one, on a good day 25 minutes, but I have been known to spend about 3 hours moving a square frame about 2 inches in either direction.

Step 4: Finishing by Hand
I used a lot of lines, letters and general doodles to pull all parts of the collage together = I like to take my time with finishing touches I usually spend about 45 minutes.

Step 5: Scanning
Scan the collage into my lovely laptop = if Butch, my laptop, is behaving nicely this usually takes about 10 minutes.

Step 6: Tweaking
I use Photoshop to clean up the image, balance colours and add a few elements = Again I have been known to play around with one image for at least 3 hours but I aim to get this done in about 30 minutes

Step 7: Uploading
I usually upload to my flickr account or send the image to the printers depending on who I created the collage for = this again is dependent on "Butch" and the interweb so sometimes 10 minutes, sometimes I'm resizing for an hour!!

Thanks Nicola!!

Claire Platt

Claire Platt, London, UK Brand: xfreshbatteryx Blogs: xfreshbatteryx.livejournal.com + Flickr Shop: xfreshbatteryx.etsy.com + The Shiny Squirrel

Claire is no stranger to Heart Handmade, she graciously invited us to explore her unbelievable skills with needles and floss on Heart Lab last month. So now it's time we get to know her a little better...

“You’re going to hand-sew an anatomical drawing? That’s insane! It will take far too long it takes you ages drawing them!” and that did it for me really, I thought it’s a little odd but I think it’ll work.

>> continue reading Claire Platt's interview

1. How did you come up with the name xfreshbatteryx?

I actually cannot remember why I thought to carry it over to be my online art-alias as it’s actually my screenname for a No Doubt Fan Forum! I’m a huge fan and it’s a lyric from one of my favourite songs ‘New’ “Like a fresh battery I’m energised by you” but I’m just attached to that expression now! I love it!

2. I know that you were part of a show last summer. Has your work been recently shown in any galleries? What advice could you give aspiring artists on the best way to get noticed and invited to be part of a gallery exhibition?

Unfortunately it hasn’t! Although I have been involved with a few things on the internet recently, The Shiny Squirrel for one, which is a wonderful site that promotes and sells work by up and coming artists and designers! I was also part of poppytalk's greenpop!


GET ONLINE: I would say the best way to try and get noticed is to have a blog! As mine brought me many opportunities.


NETWORK: Also just put yourself forward for anything and everything. Write to galleries that you’d like to show at, contact blogs who might feature your work! It also helps to have a good network of other artists to talk to be it online or offline. One friend in particular - Camilla Stacey has been really good for me, thanks to her flickr I got a bit more attention and she invited me to be part of a group show. If you’re a student/ex-student I’d recommend grouping together with some classmates and trying to get some kind of group together for exhibiting as two heads are better than one!

3. How did you come up with the concept of embroidering organs and planes and displaying them in embroidery hoops?

Oddly my mother asked me this exact same question last night and I think the answer is somewhat long-winded, so this is my best attempt at condensing it…

The organs as a subject matter came first. I was given a selection of texts for a project at University and our work had to stem from that. I selected a text called ‘a brief reflection on test tubes’ that discussed the human body in parts and I thought ah-ha! Organs! That led to around 6 months of work that was just drawings with slightly more experimental/texture based embroidery.

In my final year of university I decide to keep on the same theme of Organs but became more interested in anatomical drawings and literally sewing them. I think the thing that did it for me was when a housemate said in response to me drawing one “You’re going to hand-sew an anatomical drawing? That’s insane! It will take far too long it takes you ages drawing them!” and that did it for me really, I thought it’s a little odd but I think it’ll work. The frames were literally some that I had lying around from a bunch of sewing stuff I inherited from my great-grandmother and I was just using them as embroidery hoops! Though I swiftly decided I had to find more of these things and that my work had to stay in them.

Overall I think it started as me trying to cram everything I’d ever considered doing into one project. I like frames, a touch of humour, brushing on feminism, I like old-fashioned silhouettes, I like bright colours, beads, sequins, organs and most of all I love sewing.

The aircraft’s are a new inspiration. I moved back to my parents after my studies and we live fairly close to Biggin Hill Airport, which is a airport for local aircraft use. I went up there and had a look one day and then went and looked up military aircraft drawings and recognition guides and found the drawings have them same technicality that anatomical one do. I guess I have a bit of a soft spot for scientific drawings…
4. How long have you been doing this for and how did it all begin?

When I started college I didn’t really know what to take… so I picked art and graphics! I’ve been studying art as a student for the last 6 years (college and university combined!) I graduated University in June 2007 so I suppose I’ve been doing what I’m currently doing for around eight months. Everything is a little new to me, I feel a bit like a fresher. Also my studying left me out of pocket so I juggle working full-time with continuing my practise!

5. What tool(s) can't you live without?

Lots of different needles and threads, sequins, embroidery hoops (particularly flexi-hoops), Muji pens and those dressmakers pins with the coloured bobbles on top! I even have some with hearts on! They are awesome!

6. If you had to choose one piece, what would be your all-time favourite and why?

Ohhh. That’s really difficult. I’m really rather partial to my ‘golden child’ piece I suppose. I’ve even re-made it a few different ways, with a pink satin for the shiny squirrel and in a square frame for the Abracadabra show. I imagine it’s mostly to do with it being so shiny with all the metallic thread and gold sequins…

7. Who is your idol/current craft-crush?

I have a few actually. Emily Barletta, Suzanne Carlsen, Claire Coles. I was also particularly excited this month as Lizzie Finn’s website was updated, she does amazing mainstream/advertising embroidery type pieces.


8. What are the first 3 blogs that you read every day?

Poppytalk, It’s my home page, so it’s the first thing I see when I start the Internet!

Mochimochi Blog - Amazing free knitting patterns!

ICiNG - Because it’s fun!

And of course heart handmade!

9. What can we expect to see from you and xfreshbatteryx in the future?

Hopefully a lot more aircraft pieces and hopefully some kind of exhibition involving them. I’ve also been making some little aircraft brooches! Also come October I’m very excited as I’ve been accepted on to an MA course in Textiles, so hopefully my work will be progressing with some more technical knowledge and hopefully the opportunity to mix some printing techniques with my embroidery!

Don't forget to check out Claire's blog and this blog + Flickr gallery + shops at xfreshbatteryx.etsy.com and at The Shiny Squirrel.

Thanks Claire!!

Zine Machine

1. Subscription! What Did You Buy Today for a YEAR! or here by Obsessive Consumption
2. Someone's Not Talking Zine by makisquarepatch
3. I Heart Jacky by makisquarepatch
4. First Song - Illustrated Book by sprouthead
5. The Artist's Guide to Making Money book by Artist Guide
6. An Art Bureau Trifecta ... Three of Our Best Sellers in One Bundle by Art Bureau

Hanna Melin

Hanna Melin, London, UK Website: hannamelin.com Shop: allthingsoriginal.com

I first spotted Hanna's work while browsing around allthingsoriginal.com. I instantly emailed her, crossed my fingers and hoped that she would agree to do an interview...

1. How would you describe your style?

My style is often being described as "naive" , which I think I can agree with. I like to call it "naive humor". I am from Sweden, and I think that sometimes comes out in my images, pure and isolated but with a heart.

2. You've been commissioned by a number of top names (e.g., Guardian, Top Shop, Elle, Paul Smith, Daily Telegraph, Televisual, Bulb Magazine, Hotel Intercontinental), can you share your top 3 favorite projects and why?

Just Jack, an English "pop star" video. My drawings where mixed with live photage to make this video. My drawings became animated, which was a first, so very exciting. Loved to see them being handled by some one else, to see how he saw them and made them work with the surrounding.

>> click here to continue reading Hanna's interview

Hotel Intercontinental. My handwriting was made into the sign for the hotels cafe. menus, pens, pads, boards etc were made. It was put on the window and made into a plaque for the cafe door. It excites me every time I go pass it on a bus in Marble Arch.

Guardian jobs. All of them really, they sometimes phone me up, and I got three hours to make a picture. You draw it feeling the adrenaline pumping and fighting against time. Its fun,

3. I know that you've been part of a handful of exhibitions including the Hidden Art show and your work has been featured in a number of galleries. What advice could you give aspiring artists on the best way to get noticed and invited to be part of a gallery exhibition?

I think first make a good series of work. A series is always better than one image, and then just send it out. maybe go around and look at galleries that have similar style as you and try them first.

4. Can you pinpoint the exact time in your life when you decided to make a living out of creating art? Or an exact time when you started to believe that you could actually make a living doing what you loved.

I think I still haven't made that decision. Its a scary business.

5. One of the hardest things for artists to do is to stand apart from everyone else. How long did it take you to come up with your own style and signature look? What advice can you give aspiring artists struggling to find their own voice and look?

I have actually tried to do art without my style, and I cant. it just creeps in to it. so I suppose my style is me and I cant get rid off it. It hard because sometimes my style isn't "commercial" enough for advertising etc, so I had to find an alternative way. You have to wait for the right project to come you way, and spread the style the best you can.

6. Who is your idol/current artist-crush? hella jongerious

7. Can you share with us a couple of blogs that you've recently discovered and love? decor8

8. What can we expect to see from you in the future?

I'd like to do more animation. I am also working on more ceramics, which I love.

Thanks Hanna!

Out on a whim

1. love by kristine mays
2. In the city PRINT by shelbyhealey
3. Butterfly Jubilee Wallpaper by Mod Green Pod
4. you murder all the liars by emilyday
5. Miniature Clay House - A Home For Your Gnome by thelittlereddoor

Heart Lab: xfreshbatteryx

This week's Heart Lab is brought to you courtesy of the lovely Claire Platt of xfreshbatteryx. I was first introduced to her work last summer, when Jan of Poppytalk blogged about a show she was a part of. I was so happy when she agreed to participate because I had an inkling that her work would be perfect for Heart Lab.

By the way, my inkling was an understatement - WOW, look at how much goes into her work...

1. Initial Drawing: Before I even start to sew I spend time drawing and then selecting which drawings I want to use for my embroideries. I spend around 30 mins. - 1 hour on the drawing itself and am always seeking inspiration for the drawings.

2. Sourcing Fabric: Recently very time consuming as I’ve moved cities and didn’t know where to look, but now that I’ve found somewhere from my house there and back it takes around 2 hours.

3. Sourcing the Frames: I’ve found a seller on Ebay who always seems to stock the ones I need in bulk now. From when I place an order it takes approx. 3 days to receive my frames.

4. The outline: Once I’ve settled on an image I’ll draw it onto the fabric using a removable fabric pen and stitch the initial outline. In this case it’s the black lines that form the main body of the plane 1 hour to do, then I have to wash/wet the fabric to remove the pen marks and leave it to dry.


5. Filling: Once the outlines done I start to work on the filling. The timing of this ranges quite a bit as I tend to work on the spot so I’m deciding what stitches to use where, as well as sewing at the same time! I tend to spend 4-5 hours in total on this part.

6. Beading: Beading is something I usually leave till last. In this case there aren’t too many so it would’ve taken 15-20 minutes. It can be an hour or two if it’s a really solid section and I tend to prick myself with the needles countless times whilst doing so!

7. Fixing the back: the fabric sticking round the outside isn’t meant to be there, so at some point I will trim it so it’s more circular, do a running stitch around the edge and pull for tension then stitch it across to hold it in place and make sure you can’t see it from the front! Subsequently my pieces look a little crazy from the back. This is my least favourite part of the process as it’s a formality more than a use of my creativity. It takes 30-45 minutes roughly.

8. Photographing the work: I have to get out my ‘fake wall’ which is a big piece of wood I’ve painted white. Hammer a pin or two in, as they are rather fiddley and then photograph the piece, followed by uploading it and adjusting sizes and things! 1 hour

9. Updating my blog: The end part of the process is when I make a new blog entry with the pictures of my new piece! 30 minutes

Thanks again Claire for giving us such an in-depth behind-the-scenes peek at your creative process!!

You can check out Claire's latest collection at her Etsy shop xfreshbatteryx and don't forget to visit her blog to say hello! Stay tuned for Part II of Claire Platt where she answers a bunch of Heart Handmade questions!

Acajou by Mink Hebert

Mink Hebert, Seattle, WA, USA Brand: Acajou Shop: acajou.etsy.com, Maket Featured on Trunkt

Bags in general are hard to resist and Mink Hebert, maker of the lovely Acajou collection, does not help matters!

I love her modern take on patchwork and the subtle details she adds to each one her goodies. I think what I love most about them, is that they're feminine and cutesy, but not in an overly girly-pinky kind of way. I'm a new fan!

“I wish there were nine of me to accomplish everything I'd like to do and make- travel, research, paint, design, sew, learn how to cook, etc. I am a nightbird and work until early morning when I usually get a flood of ideas.”

1. What do you call yourself? (e.g., Independent designer, crafter, maker, artist) Sometimes I call myself an artist or designer though mostly I say that I "make things". That phrase seems to sum it up!

2. What inspires you? How do you get past crafter's block? I design things that I would have loved as a child. There is a seamless connection between what I create now and stuff I made when I was young. There is so much that inspires me... ocean life, children's books, the animal kingdom, anatomy, friends, origami, music, visual culture, and often the textiles themselves spark something! I keep sketchbooks that are filled with a collection of scraps and images of color and textural combinations that clarifies my overall concept for Acajou.

“ I wanted to construct bags that were beautiful and strong and unique in response to the city and people I met.”

“Music is always the background soundtrack to my work and keeps me energized.”

I don't suffer much from crafter's block. On the contrary- I wish there were nine of me to accomplish everything I'd like to do and make- travel, research, paint, design, sew, learn how to cook, etc. I am a nightbird and work until early morning when I usually get a flood of ideas. I narrow them down, and then push those ideas. I try and work a design to the point where construction becomes effortless. When I am stuck, I find it is helpful to either go inside- meditate, or go out in the world and absorb... visual stimulation can be found everywhere.

3. What tool(s) can't you live without? My necessary tools include, a sweet beast of a sewing machine, my laptop, camera, and mountains of fabric. Music is always the background soundtrack to my work and keeps me energized.

4. Who is your idol, current craft-crush? My idols include anyone who makes things on their own terms. Etsy is great for discovering crushes. Here are three that I just love... stiksel, for wallets and things, modofly, for etched moleskin notebooks, fluxproductions for screenprinted clothing.

5. How long have you been doing this? I started making bags when I lived in San Francisco a few years ago. I worked at a fabric store where I would dream about things to make while being surrounded by a forest of towering bolts of fabric. I wanted to construct bags that were beautiful and strong and unique in response to the city and people I met.

6. Where did you learn your craft? My mother is an artist and she taught me how to sew at a very young age. She made elaborate, complex clothing for herself and my siblings and I, so being around sewing and artmaking was very much a part of my early life. Later on, when I lived in San Francisco, I picked up tips, knowledge, and enthusiasm from fashion students I worked with as well as from local designers. I am still refining my craft and I learn something new with each bag that I make.


7. Do you do this full-time? If not, what pays the bills? I am looking into wholesale options for my bags. In the meantime I work as an editor part-time and I watch children.

8. How would you describe your style? Bold and defined yet soft. Childlike while being sophisticated. Functional and playful with French, Scandinavian, and Japanese influences.

9. Can you share any of your favorite sources for supplies? My most favorite supply source that I have found is an obscure place in San Francisco that I can't disclose because it is a guarded secret! It had a lot of remnants and cast-offs from the design district. Once I was able to buy an entire bolt of fabric for $3.

The Human Touch

:: Radiolaria Bracelet by nervoussystem
:: Radiolaria Earrings by nervoussystem
:: 6oz tea cup brains by Circa Ceramics
:: Yellow heart and Blue clitoris by xfreshbatteryx
:: Gold Weird Science Dried Organ Bottle by Jack Rabbit

essimar by Ester Ramirez

Esther Ramirez, Chicago, Illinois USA Brand: essimar Blog: essimar.blogspot.com Shop: essimar.etsy.com 22 independent boutiques and growing!

As usual, I had the toughest time narrowing down the number of items to showcase from this collection. Esther's shop is full of the most delectable pieces. She mentioned being inspired by beautifully decorated cupcakes and I can clearly see that in her work. I never gave it much thought before, but most pastries do have a certain organic sexiness to them.

“I can’t live without paper scraps, glue and my xacto. Also without pastries from Alliance Bakery in Chicago, Yum.”

I love her provocative use of color and texture. I also appreciate the fun she seems to be having while creating her masterpieces. Like most cupcakes I come across, Esther's creations instantly put a smile on my face!

I love her rigid lines and angles that have the ability to appear soft as circles!

1. What do you call yourself? (e.g., Independent designer, crafter, maker, artist) A maker who loves to give color.


2. What inspires you? How do you get past crafter's block? Found colors, palettes, architecture and landscapes. To get past a crafter's block I like to put things away and come around the next day. The concept and perspective change drastically.

See what I mean by organically sexy? The intricate cut-outs
add a layer of mystery and are subtly revealing.

3. What tool(s) can't you live without? I can’t live without paper scraps, glue and my xacto. Also without pastries from Alliance Bakery in Chicago, Yum.

4. Who is your idol, current craft-crush? My idols are a married couple who make large-scale environmental installations using fabrics. Hmmm, current craft-crush would totally be rod hunting. He meticulously line sketches vintage technology and screen-prints them. Wow, he sure knows how to make a fine line.

5. How long have you been doing this? Since I was five. I’ve always collaged and made tiny paper installations and such. There is many, many more things out there to learn.

6. Where did you learn your craft? Maybe my grandmother or maybe the dirt.

7. Do you do this full-time? If not, what pays the bills? Yes, but I also have a job. Illinois is not the smartest place to park if your looking to be a full-time crafter or maybe it is.