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Artists In The Garden XII: Beth of UberArt

posted by Karrita on Aug 01 2009

Today's interview will be with Beth of UberArt.

http://uberart.etsy.com/

http://uberartshop.blogspot.com/

1. What is your art, hobby or craft? How did you come to creating it?

I'm a self-taught book artist and have been making books since around 2003. I have an undergraduate degree in studio art and a masters in Art Therapy. I've studied everything from paper arts to jewelry design, collage andpottery.http://uberart.etsy.com/

2. How does your garden or nature influence your art?

I love floral designs and name many of my books after flowers or gardenthemes, such as

"Enchanting Peony Journal"

and "Tea Rose Journal"

3. Will you share a picture or pictures of your garden with us?

My current garden at my new house is too young to have any decent pictures just yet. I've got a bit of rearranging to do this fall--things are doing well here and not there, and filling in bare spots.

4. Will you share a few pictures of your favorite plants?

Blue Hydrangea

Gardenia

Echinacea- complete with bee!

5. Do you have a favorite public garden to recommend?

I enjoy the Norfolk Botanical Gardens. http://www.norfolkbotanicalgarden.org/
If Ilived closer I would visit there all the time! They have programs all yearround, a beautiful butterfly garden, and a fabulous light show at Christmas.

6. What is the best lesson you have learned from the garden or nature?

I cannot control nature! It's best just to go with it and let it do it'sthing, just like art. If you try to control it too much, you take all thejoy and fun out of it.

7. Are you creating anything new that you'd like to share with us?

I recently was commissioned to make a backstage guest book for Grammywinning rock band, The Fray, for their summer tour. Here is my blog articlewith pictures of the finished book-http://uberartshop.blogspot.com/2009/06/backstage-guest-book.html

8. Show us your favorite item in your etsy shop.

Blossoms and Birds Journal

9. Share a favorite garden or nature related item from another etsy shop. TraceyGurley original art painting Cream Peonies.

Beth, thank you for sharing your creative self with us today!

Wordless Wednesday

posted by Karrita on Jul 22 2009

"Christmas in July" Craft Show Dates and New Colorful Bird Feeders and Toad Abodes

posted by Karrita on Jul 16 2009

I just unloaded this colorful new style of bird feeders and toad abodes from the kiln today. My first craft show of the summer will be the "Christmas in July" event next week July, 25 and 26 at the Fort Lauderdale, War Memorial Auditorium. Stop by and visit us! If you mention my blog you'll get a 10% discount on your order. Stop by the shop Mymothersgarden.etsy.com and use code "My Mother's Garden Blog" in the message to seller at check out for a 10% refund on your entire online order thru July 23 .

Artists In The Garden XI: Sandy of PunkyJane

posted by Karrita on Jul 09 2009

Today's interview will be with Sandy of PunkyJane.

http://www.punkyjane.com/

http://www.punkyjane.etsy.com/

http://punkyjane.blogspot.com/

1. What is your art, hobby or craft? How did you come to creating it?

I create hand stamped and personalized jewelry and accessories. I was in search of a necklace for myself with my daughters' names on it after seeing a friend wearing one. I was never able to decide what to order... and decided to start making them myself. I have such a love of typography...I've been a graphic designer for over 20 years. This was a perfect way to use one of my passions in a new and different way.

Click on photo for more info.

2. What is your inspiration?

Making people smile. One of the best things about creating this jewelry is doing custom orders and working with my customers to create their vision to honor, celebrate, remember... creating something meaningful to them. And hearing back how much they love it gives me such a boost!

3. How does your garden or nature influence your art?

My garden helps keep me calm and helps me remember that beauty doesn't mean perfection. I tend to be a very literal and symmetric type. I think it helps be loosen up!

4. Will you share a few pictures of your garden with us?

5. Will you share a picture of your favorite plant?

No question that lavender is my favorite. Any variety.

6. Do you have any photos of your art in the garden to share?

Click on photo for more info.

7. What is the best lesson you have learned from the garden or nature?
Patience. There is nothing instant about a beautiful garden. You work hard, wait, and enjoy all the little phases. And embrace what is presented to you. Don't force it. What will thrive in your garden might not work for someone else. I believe that's true in life as well.

8. Do you have a gardening tip to share with fellow gardeners?
I like the idea of having meaningful plants in my garden. Might be a favorite from my childhood, or something my grandma grew. I want to ‘feel' my garden and have it be a place filled with memories.

9. Are you creating anything new that you'd like to share with us?
I am currently working on personalized garden markers. Customers can order these markers handstamped with special sayings, names, plant names...just about anything.
Garden markers: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=27504439

10. Show us your favorite item in your etsy shop.

I wear my Just Breathe ring everyday as a constant reminder to slow down and breath. Sometimes that's hard to do balancing family (I have two young girls) and work. I catch a glimpse of my ring and exhale.

Click on photo for more info.

11. Please share a favorite garden or nature related item from another Etsy shop.

I recently found http://www.herbanlifestyle.etsy.com/. While everything in this shop looks wonderful, the Lavender Chamomile Facial Masque makes me relax just looking at it! I hope to order some soon!

Click on photo for more info.

Sandy, thank you for sharing your garden and inspiration with us today!