Featured on a Lovely Blog

Melissa from So About What I Said… just put me in her Sponsor Spotlight! So if you are interested in a little interview about my Etsy shop and bookmarks, you can head on over there. And I urge you to check out her blog in general.

Melissa writes such a great blend of posts. She likes to share pretty things, but doesn't shy away from more serious life issues either. She'll make you smile and think. So if that sounds like your cup of tea, I suggest you pay her a visit.

Interview with Ashlie from Painting Bliss

Well, I'm sure you spotted Ashlie's banner in my sidebar last month, because those amazing little birds are not easily overlooked! I am a huge fan of her art work, a regular reader of her lovely blog and also lucky enough to own a custom portrait. And I was very excited to interview Ashlie and learn more about all the lovely things she does. Hope you'll enjoy the interview too!

It seems art has always been a part of me as I have been drawing since I could lift a pencil. Always encouraged by those around me and nurtured whilst growing up I couldn't help but continue to create. I found my way to mixed media art only in the last 3 years after trying everything separately. It never occurred to me that it was "okay" to combine mediums until I picked up an issue of Somerset Studio. My world was opened wide open and once I allowed myself to create with an array of materials, I knew I found my happy little niche.  

Always always. I was always the kid in art class who completed the project before the teacher fully explained the instruction, sitting idly waiting for others to finish up. At home I would wield the hot glue gun like a cowboy with his pistol, making and creating all sorts of things. In fact, I don't think I was ever NOT in a project of some sort. 

Inspiration comes from many sources for me, but I am deeply inspired by nature. I love wildlife, rolling hills, and the way sun hits the hills around 4pm on a late autumn evening. I am an observer. I see all sorts of things that others may not notice, and this is inspirational. I like having the ability to notice the small things. At times I am inspired by my children's musings or ideas. Other times I am inspired by a dream I might have had. I am often visited in the night by whatever it is that plants ideas in ones head. It's not rare for me to come up with an idea on the verge of sleep or as I wake in the morn. 

A pair of pink zebra print headphones, music, and something to sip... which I often mistake for my paint water. Always a smile and an ooops as I wash a brush off in my coffee! 

My perfect Sunday consists of a hot cup of coffee piled high with swirling sweet whipped cream from the can. From there it's table time with the hubby while responding to emails and sharing that day's blog post with twitter and facebook. Once the essentials are taken care of it's into the studio where first I warm my buns by my personal gas powered wall heater. Some paper, my scissors, music, and other assorted materials I get lost in the lyrics of my tunes while pouring forth onto paper. The perfect Sunday afternoon is spent napping in bed. Every day is better with a nap. 

 Oh I plan to take over the world in the next year! Ok, maybe not literally... but I do plan to push myself even farther than I did last year. So far I have an upcoming article in Cloth Paper Scissors come their May/June issue. I have high expectations of myself and my talent, so if I have it my own way... that won't be the only publication. This coming year I plan to increase my studio time and do a lot more drawing in between actual art pieces so that I can hone in and perfect my skills. Personally, I like to have goals but I also love the things that come my way. The best projects or ideas come unplanned because they are spontaneous and spontaneity brings forth powerful inspiration. So visit me at my blog and you'll be sure to see what I am up to at the moment, I would love to have you! 

If you can't get enough of Ashlie and her work be sure to subscribe to her blog and heart her on Etsy. She's a very busy bee, so you'll find new things on both sites very regularly!

Interview with Julia from EarlybirdPrints

My friend Julia is here today to answer some questions! She's not only responsible for the lovely blog "a Girl with Horn-Rimmed Glasses", but she recently opened up an Etsy shop as well. She very kindly gave away a print a little while ago and today she's back so you can get to know her a bit better. Enjoy!

-Have you always enjoyed creating things?-

As far as I can remember, yes. I've had times where I wasn't too interested into crafty things, but I've always drawn as a child. When I got older I started using graphic programs on my computer and that's how I got interested in being a graphic designer. I've always wanted to make things that other people will see. Only logical that I got into advertising. ;) 

-Where does your inspiration comes from?-

Everywhere! It can be little things, shapes or colors of an object I see. It can be food, or furniture. Or it can be a picture I see that sparks a thought of something completely different or a solution to a design/conceptual problem that I had before and couldn't solve. Of course I love collecting pretty stuff I see in books or online (thanks for Pinterest!), and I love reading all kinds of creative blogs. 

Music and movies can be quite inspiring too. 

-Do you have a certain ritual for when you create? Do you listen to music or do certain other things?-

It depends on what kind of creative work I do. If it's work or uni-related, I tend to make my workplace ready, all clean, everything aligned and in it's place, have a cup of tea, and start. If it's "recreational", like the Etsy prints, I like to draw while lounging on the sofa and having some TV or music as "background noise".  

-When do you feel a project is finished?

When I'm sick of seeing it! ;D When it comes to illustrations, I start with a clear picture in mind of how it should look, and what parts it consists of. I'm always scared of ruining an illustration when I draw too much in it. With graphic design work, I usually spend quite some time with a project, and after a while, you will think "Ugh, did I really think this was the ideal look?" even if it's fine. That always happens to me after I finish a project. One never stops thinking "I could have done more". 

-What does your perfect Sunday look like?-

As my Sundays at the moment are full of work, my perfect Sunday would contain none of that. I'd love to spend it reading, going on a walk, and some kind of crafty work – I'd like to get into knitting or sewing. 

I like my Sundays as "boring" as possible, as it's my least favorite day in the week.

-Do you have any plans for your blog or shop that you'd like to share already?-

As for my blog, it's been a little neglected for the last months because I was so busy doing uni projects. Same goes for the shop. I hope to blog more regularly with more interesting posts in the next months. I would also like to get crafty a bit more often and share those experiences on the blog. Next month, Hamburg will host a lovely handmade market ("Hello Handmade!" at the Kampnagel) again, and I want to show my readers all the great Etsy and DaWanda sellers I will see there. 

For my shop, I would love to draw more and add new items. Maybe add items that aren't prints as well?! If anyone has any suggestions, I would love to hear them…! :) 

-Is there anything else you want to tell the Blue Eyed Night Owl readers?-

Hi there?! I hope you found reading at least a bit interesting compared to Laura's usual awesome posts. (My favs are the Owl Things Considered because I love owls so much, what are yours?) Have a great day and maybe pop by my blog sometime? :) 

Interview & Giveaway with Olga from wassupbrothers

If you've been reading my blog lately I'm sure you spotted some of Olga's owls recently. Well, she's here today! Not just with another giveaway, but also to answer some questions so you can get to know here better. Enjoy!

-When did you start making your beautiful creatures?-

Over the past 10 years I tried to find myself in different kinds of art: illustration, painting, fashion. But lately I've been stuck on the art soft toys. They give me the opportunity to use all the skills and creativity that I have accumulated, and bring me much joy and pleasure. I make them for not long time, and decide to come out with them seriously in the beginning of 2012. When i made my first owl, I did not think it's serious and now I can't imagine that there once was a time when I did not create my soft little friends. Huge Thanks to my husband, who believe in me and support in every way from the start and now!

-Have you always enjoyed crafts and creating things?-

From early childhood I loved to do something with my hands. Thanks to my mom, who always sewed clothes for the whole family, and dad, who carved wood, and grandma, a very crafty, positive and inspirative woman. I sew on my grandmother's Singer machine and it reminds me of her every day and inspires me to work more productive.

Some years ago in my life I was uncontrolled user, not shopaholic, but I’ve used too many things I don’t need. Unnecessary, and needless things. I used too much, I ate too much, i wasn't happy and satisfied with all the things that are bought.
In 2009 i became vegan and many things get clear for me about food, life, and everything.
I think people have to think, why do they have to buy something, if they can do it themselves. Planet resources are not endless. And I’m happy the number of people who think about it and want to change something is growing.Recycled and handmade things have not only ethic nature, its always about past and story behind them. They are soulful and have many energy.

-Where does your inspiration comes from?-

My inspiration come from nature, morning sunshine, pieces of fabrics, strange colors combinations, my husband smile, our wonderful funny dogs. Sometimes you can take single button and in the end you will have beautiful bird or lion. You never know what you will see in the end, that’s why I do not use patterns mostly.It's a magic to see, how tiny pieces of fabric, vintage buttons, old dresses or embroidered table runner turn to a soulful creations.

-Do you have a certain ritual for when you create? Do you listen to music or do certain other things?-

I would like to say that my daily ritual is what I get up early in the morning, do my yoga and breathing exercises, drink fresh fruit juice, and attune to the positive and the love for the world ....... and after that i start working
It also happens)))
In reality, half of the day I do a million necessary and unnecessary things, I can sit for hours in the Internet, then tear off myself from computer and start clearing the workplace from fabric scraps, yesterday tea cups and many other things. After that, I turn on music that did not distract from the process, and work.
(Last month i like to listen Smolik or old Olive songs ) I know once i sit down with my sewing machine, I'm stuck there for long, and it is my favorite time!

-What does your perfect Sunday look like?-

My perfect sunday is definitely Sunny and spent together with my husband out of the box. 
Plush Picnics with my owls, photo sessions, watching movies and simple walks around are perfect.

-Do you have any plans for your blog or shop that you'd like to share already?-

I want to expand the horizons and think maybe about open one more Etsy store. For now I have not decided on what to stop first, but I'm interested in doing accessories, handbags, jewelry and clothing. Everything that I do for myself for a long time and happily like to share with others. 

-Is there anything else you want to tell the Blue Eyed Night Owl readers?-

Dear readers, thank you for your interest in Laura's wonderful blog, and my interview. Stay positive and enjoy the summer time , even though summer is not pleased us with the hot sunny days this year. Stay crafty and creative!

-

I hope you enjoyed the interview! But as I mentioned earlier, that wasn't all. There's also a chance to win little Mocco Manuel!

For a chance to win simply fill out the rafflecopter widget below. Visit Olga's shop to enter and to unlock all extra entries for an even better chance to win.


a Rafflecopter giveaway

You can enter until the end of July.

Good luck!

Interview with Eline S.

You have probably already spotted this months exclusive sponsor, Eline S. Well, I have interviewed her for the occasion, so today you'll find out all about this fellow Etsian and blogger.

How did you get started blogging?

I accidentaly started blogging while surfing the internet, looking for more inspiration.
I found some great help and inspiration through other blogs.
After a little while i wanted to create my own place on the web with my thoughts, creations and products i liked.

What do you hope people take from your blog?

I hope people first of all find some inspiration to start being creative themselves.

I think everyone can be creative, you only have to find something where you can put your soul in.

People may also find travel ideas, music,... on my blog.

When did you start crafting? And what are your favorite crafts to do?

I started crafting in 2010, before that i was looking for something i wanted to do.

My boyfriend likes to draw and paint, but it turned out that it only made me sad when i couldn't paint or draw things the way i wanted to.

In 2010, i started with making my own jewelry. Next to that i also make bookmarks or other things when they walk in my mind.

I really love making jewelry and the way i can make other people happy to make them that piece they always wanted.

What gets you in the creative-zone?

I love to listen to some nice cds while creating something.

There are many bands and music genres i like, mostly i let my mood decide what kind of music i would like to listen to.

Lately Pinterest is a great source for inspiration for my 'future home', DIY-projects,...

What does your perfect Sunday look like?

In my family Sundays are always spend together with my whole family.
It's a tradition we come together to do something or just do nothing at all.

Perfect Sundays for me would be walking in the forest/on the beach on a sunny day.

Do you have any plans for your blog you can share with us already?

I wanted to create a place where people can connect with other creatives.

That's why I started the free sponsorship a few months ago for crafty people or people who like to write on their blog.

In the future i would love to have more give aways on my blog and i would like to change my lay-out a bit.

What can we expect from your shop when it opens again?

Currently my shop is closed to organize myself and my shop.
At the moment there's nothing on my Etsy shop but i'm making new stuff.

People can still follow me and find photos on facebook, my blog and twitter.

Anything else you want to say to the Blue Eyed Night Owl readers?

They're always welcome to say hi on my blog. :)

Thanks, Eline, for doing this interview!

Hope you enjoyed it! Don't forget to keep an eye on her Etsy shop, which is reopening this summer. And be sure to check out her blog as well. Eline will be back soon though, with a great surprise for you guys!

Interview with Kayte

On this special day I'm posting an interview with a very special lady. Kayte, whom you may know from Mermaid Eyes, has recently released a brand new blog called Katie Imaginary. It is full of unique ideas and thought-provoking articles. She has also started this amazing project called Define "Queer", in which she'll interview people that don't fit into the heterosexual box of either male or female due to their sexual orientation and/or gender identity.

She's a very busy bee who has, and will continue to, keep us entertained, inspired and informed. And today she's here to answer some of my questions. Off we go!

How did you get started blogging?

The answer varies every time I'm asked this, because I never know which time to reference! I suppose I’ll answer for all of them!

The first time I started blogging, it was organic. I think I morphed from a MySpace poetry blog to a BlogSpot poetry blog to a WordPress poetry blog to a Wordpress photo blog to a Wordpress spiritiuality blog to a Wordpress personal blog. I’m not sure where I went after that -- probably more personal blogs until I started Mermaid Eyes on March 31, 2011. The point is, it just happened. I’m born to write and my opinionated nature & writing style suit me to blogging. I also love being heard, so writing online has always made sense. I’ve been doing that for four or so years now.

When I started Mermaid Eyes in spring 2011, it was a concious effort to get my name noticed, as well as an outlet for optimism in the midst of the messy, chaotic world I was inhabiting at that time. I read a lot of Gala Darling and thought, well, if she can get famous blogging – why couldn’t I?

A month or so ago, I started Katie Imaginary, which right now functions as my mainly article-based blog, with Mermaid Eyes hosting everything else I can think of: memes, photos, short articles, contests, sponsor posts, etc. When I started Katie Imaginary, I wanted to make a more cohesive place to store my writing online. Mermaid Eyes, if you dig far enough back in the archives, is a bit scattered and messy, and the whole blog isn’t very focused. I decided to start Katie Imaginary for a fresh slate, a new start, and so I could truly be myself.

What do you hope people take from your blog?

Inspiration to keep on trying, keep on improving, keep on striving, and keep on adventuring. I want people to read my posts and take away rad ideas that jump-start them into action. On the other hand, I want to comfort people too. There’s a lot of people in this world who are just miserable – trust me, I used to be one of them! – and I want my blog to make them feel some kind of hope and solace. I’d like to say that my blog is split between posts that offer adventurous ideas for a sparkly lifestyle, and posts that offer a technological shoulder to cry on.

If you could change one thing in the world, what would it be?

I’d let people know that to change their lives, all they have to do is change their attitude and change their expectations. If everyone knew – and used, and put into regular action – that information, we’d be a world full of dynamic creators, logic-lovers, and helping hands. The world would literally heal itself if it was populated by that kind of person.

What gets you in the creative-zone?

A cup of English breakfast tea and a clock that says it’s past midnight! I’m such a night owl. I love writing late at night and I get my best writing done then too.

What does your perfect Sunday look like?

Honestly, I don’t like Sundays much. I’m bad at relaxing, and for some reason there’s something about the laid-back attitude of my family on Sundays that drives me up the wall with restlessness. My dream Sunday would be a repetition of my drean Saturday: lock myself in my room with tea and my words!

If your life had a soundtrack what would it be?

Lullaby radio stations on Pandora. I’m playing the “Rockabye Baby” one right now, and it’s totally perfect!

Do you have a role model or someone that inspires you tremendously?

My great-granddad! He passed when I was little, but I still feel incredibly connected to him. I draw a lot of strength from my heritage, and knowing that I have such a strong spirit backing my choices empowers me tremendously.  

And finally, what do you have in store for us on your blog this year?

I don’t know! I’m figuring it out as I go along. :D

Thanks, Kayte, for doing this interview!

I hope you all enjoyed it:)

Be sure to hop on over to Katie Imaginary (as well as Kayte's other blog Mermaid Eyes) to catch up on her blogposts and to say hi!

Interview with Hannah Rosengren

I'm sure you've spotted the amazing bird painting currently residing in the large sponsorspot. Well, today I have a very special interview with the creator of that stunning bird and many other beautiful illustrations, paintings and creative projects. Do not forget to check out Hannah Rosengren's blog for more of her art work as well as other fun and inspirational posts.

Now on to the interview!

How did you get started in illustration?

I originally went to school for Studio Art, but after two years at a liberal arts college decided that I needed to make a change. I wasn’t happy with my work and I wasn’t happy with the department. I’ve always been interested in narrative work and children’s media, and realized that Illustration would make much more sense for me. So, I transferred to art school, and have loved it ever since.

What are your favorite materials to work with?

Currently I’d say my favorite materials to work with are acrylic paints. I also really love working with watercolors, but usually find that acrylics suit my style of illustration. And I enjoy using pen and ink every now and then when I’m feeling fancy.

Do you have any special projects planned for this year?

I always have random ideas floating around in my head, but lately I’ve really wanted to do a series on houses in a picture book kind of format. A lot of my illustration work so far has been pretty stylized and flatly colored, and I want to push myself to make much more detailed work this year.

If you’re in need of inspiration what do you do?

It definitely depends on the kind of inspiration that I need. A lot of the time it applies to a certain project, where I have an idea for an assignment but am not really sure how to make it happen. For example, when I wanted to make felt cardinals and chickadees but wasn’t sure how to approach it, I looked at some of Charley Harper’s work and how he simplified birds to get started. If I need inspiration in general, I’ll go to my bookcase and look through a bunch of my art books at once until something catches my eye. Looking through my giant Gustav Klimt book usually does the trick.

When do you feel a project is finished?

That’s a tough one! With some projects, I never feel like they’re finished. I could change little things about them every day for the rest of my life. But with most illustrations or paintings, I feel like it’s finished when the image in front of me is exactly (or close to) the image I originally had in my head.

Who is your favorite artist or the one that inspires you most?

I probably change my mind on this all of the time, but right now I’d say my favorite painter is Claude Monet, my favorite designer is Andy Warhol, and my favorite illustrator is Arthur Rackham. I’m really inspired by Monet’s sense of atmosphere and portrayal of light, and am always awed when seeing his work in person. Warhol’s color palettes always inspire me, and I love his early commercial work. And Rackham was just unbelievably talented. I love the fantastical creatures he created and the way he illustrated classic stories like Cinderella.

What do you have in store for us on your blog?

Lots and lots of work! My spring semester is full of studio classes, and I’ll also be illustrating a picture book by a local author. In the nearer future you can expect to see pages from my sketchbook for the Sketchbook Project every couple of days, since I’m trying to finish it before classes start.

Anything else you’d like to share?

Just a huge thank you for interviewing me and helping to support my blog! It’s one thing to make work and post it but another to have people actually see it. I’m always excited to get any feedback on my work and I love finding new blogs so I can see other people’s work too!

-

Be sure to check out Hannah's blog to keep track of her projects and activities and her website to see her portfolio.

Interview at Chickiedee

RobbieLee just started a new series on her amazing blog Chickiedee, this time interviewing people about their creative process. I was very honored to go first, and if you're interested in some behind the scenes Blue Eyed Night Owl action you should head on over there now.

And be sure to subscribe to her blog to see the rest of the series too!

P.S. The interview also features some pictures of my creative process and... my newly re-done desk area. Which I promised to show you guys.

Interview with Pam Creates

Today I wanted to shine the spotlight on head sponsor Pam who has a lovely Etsy store full of scrapbooking supplies. She very kindly answered a few questions so you can get to know her a little better. Enjoy!

What is it you love most about scrapbooking?

Creating something that will last for generations to come and knowing that my scrapbooks will be passed down for other and enjoyed.

When did you first get into scrapbooking?

When my daughter was about 2. So about 10 years ago.

But I have been doing crafts since I was about 7.

Do you have any tips for people who'd like to start scrapbooking?

The best tip I have is to pick one event and start with that. Birthdays are the easiest and have many items on the market to create with. Books with scrapbook sketches or templates are also a wonderful way to start. They give you your basic layout and all you do is add the pictures, papers and embellishments as you like.

Do you have any other creative hobbies?

I love creating digital items as well in photoshop. Bookmarks, gift tags and scrapbook embellishments. They are so much fun to create and use in your scrapbook layouts.

What's your fondest crafting memory?

When my grandma would teach me to sew. She had a room all set up and we would make all sorts of fun items on her sewing machine. It was always so much fun to go to grandmas and sew something special with her help.

Be sure to check out Pam's shop! It's filled with loads of fun items and lots of themed things for Autumn, Winter and the holidays. She's currently having a Black Friday sale with 25% off your entire order. You can also check here, for more of her offers.