Monday, January 19, 2009
Saturday, January 3, 2009
real art for kids
Bobs and Bits has become one of my favorite neighbors in the Childs Play market.
Her story and shop continue to inspire me each day.
Bobs and Bits has become my creative outlet to do what I love and have been unable to do at my “regular” job. Although I have been drawing and painting most of my life (and also have a degree in Architecture), I have been a professional social worker for the past ten years. While I love doing that kind of work as well, after the onslaught of hurricane Katrina and the subsequent birth of my son (now a healthy, busy toddler), I desperately needed a place to expend some creative energy. Because I was evacuated during my pregnancy, and later displaced due to storm damage to my home, I did not have the full “nesting” experience that most women get to have, so I am making up for it now!
I began this venture by making things for my own son and by making gifts for the children of family and friends. Because of their positive reactions, and because of the enthusiastic support of my husband, I have decided to open the doors to other people as well. Out of my love for drawing and painting, for “nesting,” and for making other people happy, Bobs and Bits was born. I hope you enjoy my work as much as I have enjoyed creating it!
-Wendy
Interview by Childish Thoughts:
You make handcrafted children's furnishings and decor. When did you first start your craft, and what made you want to try?
I have been drawing and painting since I was an adolescent and have a background in architecture (where I learned the art of “technical” drawing), but less than a year ago, I painted my first children’s painting. I have a friend who was going through a difficult pregnancy and I wanted to create something special and meaningful to her. So, you could say I decided to enter the world of children’s art as a gift to a friend. I was immediately awestruck and have been creating for children ever since then. There seems to be a special sort of joy in making things for other people, especially children, that I have not experienced before in creating other things.
What do you love the most about the items you make?
I love the cheerful colors and attention to detail. I want someone to look at my work and immediately think, “Wow, she must love what she does.” I spend a lot of time planning designs, selecting color schemes and completing the painting process and I hope that shines through. It is impossible for me not to be content while I am creating. I think that people “feel” this.
The thought you’ve put into your items does certainly show!
Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?
First and foremost, I am mom to my son, now two and a half. He is my continued inspiration – and my guinea pig too! I also have the good fortune to be married to a creative person who “gets” what I am doing. Thank goodness he can cope with all of the paintbrushes everywhere and me wandering around in my painting apron on a regular basis! As I mentioned before, I have an Architecture degree, but I also have a Social Work degree (strange combination, I know). I still work part-time as a social worker, but I quit working full-time last summer in order to be more available for my son, to pursue my dream of being an artist/entrepreneur and to be free to travel more (which we do a lot of). When you work as a social worker, especially in New Orleans (still recovering from hurricane Katrina), you must constantly find ways to revitalize yourself. Painting, creating and forming my business has helped to keep me grounded. Traveling helps too and I have had the good fortune to spend 4-5 weeks during the past two summers in Ireland.
You said your son is your guinea pig.
How long did it take him to get used to that giant plastic ball to run around in?
Well, he is two and a half, so it did not take very long. I just let him think it was his own idea.
How about your favorite color?
There is not one color without potential. On their own, colors are not all that exciting and I usually think about colors in certain combinations. I do especially like green because it is calming. Okay, now I am thinking about how green looks with turquoise,
how it looks with chocolate brown…
What is something you really want to try making?
I would love to be able to create an entire room from top to bottom,
including color schemes, furniture, art, and accessories.
My wife and I have a bit of “color fear”, too bad you don’t live closer!
Are there any other craft fields you dabble in?
I have dabbled in so many things it is hard to keep up. For a while, I was making and selling jewelry. I also have learned to make simple stained glass pieces and can sew at a novice level, but I started out painting and that is what I always return to.
Who is your favorite super hero and why?
Wonder Woman, of course. She's as strong and invincible as Superman and Batman, but she also has the ability to make people tell the truth.
I’m just impressed she could always find her invisible jet.
What brought you to 1000Markets?
I was actually surfing around trying to learn how to twitter, when I stumbled upon someone twittering about 1000 Markets. I decided to investigate it and when I did, I set up my shop immediately. I was so impressed with the aesthetics that I took a leap.
It was quite an easy leap!
If you could give 1 piece of advice to somebody just starting in your field, what would it be?
Well, since I am just starting out in this field, I should probably be the one seeking advice. : ) I would tell someone not to be afraid of taking their craft to the next level – every process is a learn-as-you-go one. It does take a certain amount of discipline and commitment to succeed at something new, but I think of it all as gaining
knowledge and improving my skills and you cannot go wrong with that.
as well as find her on Twitter :
A few of my personal favorites!!
Stepping Stool
Got this for the Oregon Bugs!
Once I purchase this...Julian will be ready to go!
If I had a little girl...maybe I'll get it for me :)
Happy New Year Seamsters & Crafters
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