Archive for the ‘Features Interviews and Guest Bloggers’ Category
Interview with Rawfish Designs
I recently asked Laila from Rawfish (on etsy!) to answer a few questions about her craft. She generously agreed and this is your chance to learn all about her craft and what inspires her fabulous fiber art! She’s also offering Mireio readers $5 off of any Spun to Order yarn. Just mention “mireio” in the notes to seller at check-out! (until 10/4).
Are you ready to read on and get inspired by the quirky and energetic Laila? You won’t regret it!
The Interview : Rawfish Designs
1. So, tell me a little bit about you personally and your store.
My name is Laila, and I am 23 years old. I am a small little lady (on a tall day, I’m a whoppin’ 5′3”) but I definitely have a BIG personality!
Since I run the shop (and every facet of the company) it is really based around my likes. I really believe in the “do-it-yourself” movement, and living the handmade life. I trade and support other etsy sellers constantly, and some of my favorite projects have been the “COOLabos” where I collaborate with other etsy sellers. I really do love the bright colors that can be seen in the newly launched spun-to-order line. I actually LIVE in an environment that bright! Turquoise living room, bright green bedroom, tangerine kitchen!
I want people to come into the shop and instantly feel welcome and have it easy to navigate, but also like they are being hugged by their best, weirdest friend with my quirky drawings and bright attitude. I really love my customers, and I like that my shop is small so I can really spend time with each person.
I spend almost every waking minute thinking about yarn. I have a lot of ideas that roll through my brain every day, and I have a zillion little notebooks where I jot my big plans. I try to launch new products every couple of months, sometimes they aren’t as successful and they get phased out, but as a creative soul I need that new inventiveness that comes with brainstorming! I keep a binder where I collect inspirations and snippets from magazines. I spend a lot of time thinking about TEXTURE. Knits are wonderful because of the warmth, but really I’m attracted to the luscious comforting texture. Knits are something you feel like you could squeeze through your computer screen!
I am hugely inspired by: wood and natural elements, modern lines, layering, color, juxtaposed materials (like wool and metal), softly lit dream-like photography, my cozy colorful home, bunting garland banners flags, current fashion trends and couture, indie music – especially creative song titles, ice cream candy treats, eclectic styles and material culture…. and so much more.
Interview with Osage Orange Studio
Shades of Water by Osage Orange Studio
I recently “met” Linda of Osage Orange Studio and I thought Mireio readers might like to learn a bit about this amazing jewelry artist and her work! In addition to her interview, Linda is offering a 20% discount on anything in her store through the end of September! Just let her know you saw her work on Mireio in the notes to seller.
We Have a Winner
We have a winner! Is it you?
I plugged in the comment numbers into a random number generator and the lucky number is: 10! The winning comment:
Susannah: ‘Hand In Hand’ is my favorite one from her shop! This particular piece touched my heart! It spoke to me of tradition and passing on the values each family holds…of men teaching boys…My 5 year old son has been trying to understand the death of his great grandfather which has been the topic of much discussion lately. This is just so sweet~
Thank you!
(I’m having a little difficulty getting the code of the generator to stick—so, you’ll have to take my word for it this time!)
Thank you to everyone for playing along! I so appreciate it. Congratulations to Susannah. And a special thank you to Lisa, for being such a generous guest on this blog!
An Interview with Illustrator Lisa Kaser — Plus a GIVEAWAY!
The fabulous work of Lisa Kaser
Recently, I featured the fabulous work of Lisa Kaser as part of The Best of Etsy—but I adore her whimsical work so much I asked her if she’d be up for an interview as well. She not only agreed but she’s also genersouly offered some REALLY great deals to Mireio readers—which you’ll find out after you read her fantastic interview!
Bloom: a photo e course
“Bowl of Strawberries” by Rachel Ballard. All rights reserved.
If you don’t know Rachel Ballard, she is (among other things!) a fabulous photographer. Her images are absolutely gorgeous and now she’s offering to share her expertise with you!
Recently, I had a chance to ask the lovely Rachel a few questions about her upcoming photo e course “Bloom.” I don’t know about you, but I’m always looking for new ways to become a better photographer and Rachel’s new course has me really intrigued. The thought of actually being able to use the “manual” setting on my camera makes me giddy. And let’s face it, any time I can do something in my pajamas, well. . . sign me up!
But I’m also a bit nervous about taking a course in photography. What if I’m not good enough? What if it’s all math and I don’t do math! What if. . . So, I put my questions to Rachel and she was gracious enough answer. You’ll find she’s warm and funny, just what you want from an instructor. Read on, my friends. . . you won’t regret it!
