Getting To Know The Cre8ive Crew: Welcome New Member Karen Thomas

Please join me in welcoming Karen Thomas, artist and creator at Purpleberry Design

I live in a small Edwardian house in the leafy suburb of Mitcham (Melbourne, Australia) with my husband and twin boys.

What kind of art is your passion?

I am passionate about drawing and painting faces, and making cards and mini-books. I usually work in watercolour and coloured pencil am still learning about mixed media and have just discovered Copic markers!

How often do you create?

If I’m not creating everyday, I think about what I’m going to create.

How does it make you feel when you’re creating something?

When I’m in the zone and creating I feel that nothing can touch me and that there is nothing else in the world except the art that I am creating at that moment.

Describe your personality in three words.

Funny, quirky, dichotomy

What is your normal (bad word, none of us are normal) day like?

As the mother of twin boys my normal day can best be described as chaotic and busy but rarely dull!

What’s your superpower?

Sketching, I believe that I can sketch anything.

If you could hang out with any artist dead or alive who would it be and why?

Rudolf von Larisch, who was a Viennese lettering artist in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. I’ve just finished my Master of Arts thesis (38,000 words), which analysed his theories and discussed his under acknowledged contribution to modern graphic design theory. It would be nice to see if I was on the money.

What was your worst job?

Packing dried fruit into little bags, nearly sent me insane!

Which side of the bed do you sleep on? Can you sleep if forced to change sides?

Right and yes.

What’s your least favourite food? … most favourite?

brussel sprouts…asparagus.

Are you an introvert or extrovert? How do you feel about that?

I like to think of myself as a walking dichotomy. My Myer-Briggs profile is strongly extroverted (ENFP), but sometimes I want to crawl in a hole and not talk to anyone. I’m okay with that but it can confuse some people.

If we all came to your house for dinner what would you make for us?

Spaghetti with bacon, cherry tomato and asparagus topped with black pepper and grated Parmesan.

Find Karen at her blog, Pinterest and Etsy shop.

Give Karen a welcoming hello on our Facebook page:

Cre8ive Klatch

Getting To Know The Cre8ive Crew: Welcome New Member Patti Pruhs

Please welcome our newest member to the fold!

Patti is a wonderful artist with a focus in stunning romantic jewelry and a business called Three Beads and a String.

Read on and get to know her better!

I love to surround myself with beauty in everything that I do. I love vintage, shabby chic, peonies, pearls, chandeliers, all things French, shopping, flea markets and white. I am a bit of an eclectic and love to decorate, garden, and repurpose things.

I lived the first 38 years of my life in Michigan and moved to Juneau, Alaska after meeting my (now) husband at my sisters wedding. We lived there for 5 years and moved to Arizona when my son was 4 years old.

What kind of art is your passion?  

I enjoy making any type of art but my passion is making jewelry. I also love to solder and bend wire into crusty crowns.   

How often do you create?

I create pretty much every day.  Not only is it a stress release for me, but it makes me feel whole. My sister was here visiting a few weeks ago and told my family that when we were young I was ALWAYS making something ~ that made me smile.   

How does it make you feel when you're creating something? 

I feel very content and peaceful. I’m in my own little world...exactly where I want to be. 

Describe your personality in three words.

Creative. thoughtful. funny. 

How do you know when a piece is finished? 

It’s never a question for me. I know by looking at it. It either needs something or it’s finished. 

When/how did you realize your life had to have art in it?

Probably when I was around 7 or 8 years old. I made and sold potholders in our neighborhood, embroidered little girls dresses for the ladies at church, made dried flower arrangements for my mom’s friends and would draw/paint/create every day. My mom always made sure I had all the supplies that I needed. I love her for that!

Would you say your entire way of life is creative? 

Definitely. From they way I dress, how I wear my hair, how I decorate my home, how I display the food on our plates…everything!

Tell us how your creativity blends over into the rest of your life?  

No matter where I’m at, I’m always thinking about what I could make out of everything that I see. I love finding what others would consider ‘junk’ and making something cool out of it. My sister-in-law once admitted to me that she was thinking to herself…”what in the world is she going to do with that?” After she saw what I made…she told me she was amazed. 

Whats your superpower?  

My intuition is pretty strong. Is that a superpower?

How did you get started...who inspired you?  

I don’t recall anyone inspiring me when I was young, but I got started making jewelry after complimenting a doctor on her two stretchy beaded bracelets. After telling me that she got them in Mexico for $1, I left her office and went directly to a bead store where I bought beads to make a necklace. The following week, I wore the necklace that I made to the appointment. She loved it so much that I gifted it to her for being my inspiration. I’ve been pretty much self taught ever since, other than a soldering class I took a few years ago.

Whats the worst job you ever had?  

I was an Office Administrator for an insurance company for 17 years. Sitting at a desk and dealing with the public for 8 hours a day is NOT my idea of fun. 

If money were no object in what country, place, or on what planet would you live? ...and why? 

I would live in France. I adore the architecture, the culture and their way of life. I would live in a little brick house with lavender everywhere, drink wine, eat baguettes and shop. Am I there yet? Ooh la la…

Whats your least favorite food? ...most favorite? 

My least favorite is anything raw such as muscles, clams or sushi. I think I’d die if I had to eat something that slid down my throat. My most favorite food is vegetables and rice and I crave it all the time.

Are you an introvert or extrovert? How do you feel about that? 

I’m an introvert. I’m rather shy and prefer to be alone. I’m perfectly fine with it and quite honestly, I wouldn’t want to be any other way. Give me peace and quiet…a few art supplies and I’m happy. 

If you could change your name what would it be? 

I always wanted to be called Trish.

Whats your most embarrassing moment? 

I was in downtown Toronto and walked over a grate on a busy sidewalk which blew my dress up over my head. What a funny and embarrassing moment ~ we laughed so hard! 

Tell us three things about yourself that others don’t readily know. 

My first ‘real’ drawing was of a naked man ~ I was in kindergarten. Hey ~ it was art. 

I don’t own a television.

I could live on French Burnt Peanuts and wine.

You can find out more about me at the following places: 

FacebookInstagram @Three Beads and a StringTwitter @PattiPruhsMy Etsy shop PinterestGoogle+: Patti Pruhs

Come join the conversation at our Facebook :

Cre8ive Klatch

Meet Our Cre8ive Vagabond

Hi there fellow Cre8ives!

My name is Janet Forrest, and I'm new to this group. Well, at least visibly.

When Susan, Lori, and Ursula first launched this new new project I thought it was a GREAT idea. But because of my crazy lifestyle I felt unable to commit to projects and deadlines. I’ve just been watching the progress from a distance, trying to be supportive, but wishing I could participate without setting myself (and them!) up for disappointment.

Well, those sweet ladies did it! They found a way for me to be involved on a flexible timetable that fits my reality. I’m now their “Cre8ive Vagabond” - a guest blogger and occasional participant. 

I hope to bring you a different perspective on cre8ivity, based on my need to find it in some pretty non-traditional places.

But let’s start with a little background.

For twenty years I owned a brick and mortar business - a florist and gift shop that was non-traditional, as well (you’ll figure out pretty fast that’s the way I do life!) It was heavy on the gifts, unlike most florist shops, but gifts came first and flowers were added later. It began as an outlet for my creativity - my arts and crafts - but I quickly discovered that there weren't enough hours in the day to be supplier, displayer, salesperson, janitor, accountant, etc. so I had to re-define creativity. For many years I had to express myself through the products I purchased for sale, and creating displays that made people NEED to have the merchandise in their own home.

As the store grew (from under 500 sq. ft. to 2500 sq. ft) I added staff and was able, eventually, to return to designing and producing (with the help of some talented ladies!) merchandise for sale in the store.

But then life changed again when grandchildren started arriving. With them came the need to reassess what was important in life, and the store lost. In 2005, just a few months shy of its 20th birthday, I sold it and embarked on a new adventure.

I was having so much fun with my new granddaughter that it took a few years for me to realize that the creative part of me, the part that made me, me, was withering up and in danger of dying. To make a VERY long story short, a friend encouraged me to go to the book store and peruse the art section and see if anything spoke to me. The next thing I knew, I was taking an on-line art business class and met “my tribe.” The journey to rediscover creativity in my life had begun.

I was trying to stay open to all the possibilities, but I had it in my heart I wanted another creative business, so I explored how to make that happen in the computer age. The next three years were full of ups and downs. I struggled with defining “creative” and figuring out how to make it work in my new “post-working/caring-for-grandchildren-while-their-parents-were-working-life.” I’d started out hoping, in my heart of hearts, to have another creative business, selling things that I made, but when I got reacquainted with how much time and energy that takes, I realized it just wasn’t going to work in my new reality. But I KNEW I needed to have creativity in my life. And so I kept pushing ahead. And I’ve ended up going places I never could have imagined. 

I rediscovered my love of writing, began photographing the world around me through what I’ve come to call my “Tattered Lens,” 

begun doing art for the fun of it,

and developed a serious case of wanderlust - thus my current title of “Cre8ive Vagabond!”

And here we are.

I hope I’ll be able to inspire you to expand your definition of creativity as I share stories and art from the road. Thanks for joining me on this leg of the journey!

We couldn't be more excited about having Janet join us!! Want to connect with her? Want to read her fascinating blog?

Tattered n' Worn

Or join the conversation over at our Facebook page:

Cre8ive Klatch

Getting To Know The Cre8ive Crew: Joana Carvalho

Our next artist is a unique gal and her name is Joana Carvalho.

 She is originally from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil but has been living in Southern California with her husband and 2 children for 9 years.

What kind of art is your passion?

The colorful kind. Mixed media, but mainly acrylic paint.

How often do you create? 

Not enough! It's hard to make time to paint, especially with 2 small kids at home! I try to go in my studio daily, but it doesn't happen all the time.

How does it make you feel when you're creating something? 

Depends on the stage of the painting! When I like where it's going I feel great, but during the 'ugly' stage it's just frustrating!

How do you know when a piece is finished? 

I used to think about that a lot when I started painting, and always thought it would be a big problem for me. But it isn't. I just let the painting sit overnight and when I look at it the next day, I just know.

When/how did you realize your life had to have art in it?

Not early enough! I've always been creative and liked arts in general, but had a preconceived notion of what it meant to be an 'artist'. And I didn't think I had it in me. So I stuck with graphic Design for a few years before taking the leap.

How has your view of life (art) changed over the last 5, 10 years? 20 Years? 

Well, today I no longer think that just a lucky few are 'special' and talented enough to be called 'artists'. I think anybody can paint or do something creative. They just have to let go of the fear.

Tell us how your creativity blends over into the rest of your life? 

Hmmm, let's see...I make cute tags for my kids' toy bins, I make labels out of washi tape for EVERYTHING in my home...that kind of thing.

Whats your superpower? 

I used to think it was speed - because I do work fast. But lately I've come to realize that speed might actually be my 'kryptonite', and it's just a symptom of my anxiety to get things done!

Which side of the bed do you sleep on? Can you sleep if forced to change sides? 

Currently on the right side, but we switch every once in awhile.

If money were no object in what country, place, or on what planet would you live? ...and why? 

If money were no object I think I would be traveling all over! And then I would decide where to live!

Are you an introvert or extrovert? 

How do you feel about that? Introvert. Wish I wasn't though.

Whats your most embarrassing moment? 

Walking into a glass door, face first! Ouch!

If we all came to your house for dinner what would you make for us?

Something with tomato sauce, which is pretty much the only thing I know how to make. ;-)

For more about Joana and her artwork click on the links below:

Joana's Website and Blog

Her Facebook Page Joana Carvalho Art

Instagram

Twitter

Etsy Shop 

Society 6 Shop

Pinterest

Flickr Pics

Google +

Getting To Know The Cre8ive Crew: Rachél Payne

 Meet the wonderful Rachél Payne (sounds like Rah-shel) from just off the coast in South Texas.

When asked, “What kind of art is your passion?” She said, “ That is a big question for me.  I do lots of different kinds of art, including mixed media, assemblage and wire work, but my passion is for art that is about healing or exploring something of the self and of life.”

Describe your personality in three words.  

Quirky, Spiritual, Nurturing

When/how did you realize your life had to have art in it?  

In college, I started journaling with pictures, not just words.  Somehow what I was drawing was helping me heal my heart, but so was the permission I was giving myself to create in this new medium.  For some people art is risky at first. It was for me, until I decided life was better with it than without!

Would you say your entire way of life is creative?  

Yes, I even married an artist! We live in a little cottage with another artist, have art parties, and look at our desires in life as opportunities to craft the way we wish to live.

Whats your superpower?  

I am a great space holder.  When another person needs to explore some aspect of their own life, to grow, to stretch, to dive deep, or spread their wings and fly, I love to have their back and stand in support of them.

How did you get started...who inspired you?  

My journey as a creativity enthusiast started with my mom.  She was an artist and approached life with a spirit to always make something beautiful out of what she touched. She passed away just as I was becoming a young woman, and I inherited her art supplies.  I used them to get to know her better and in the process discovered something beautiful about myself….. my own creative spirit.

If you could hang out with any artist dead or alive who would it be and why?

My mom!  Just before she passed, we sat on the couch I was about to buy and talked about spending afternoons drinking tea and visiting.  I would love to show her the art she has inspired in my life.  Although, sometimes I feel like she has been on the front row cheering me on all these years!

Do you believe that only some are creative or that everyone is creative in some way? Why?  

I believe we are all creative but that our culture gives us messages that creating is for a limited few.  I learned to draw and paint in my 20’s without any prior background.  I discovered that those are just skills….like learning the ABC’s or 123’s.  We used to tell some people that they could not read or right….or should not.  Don’t let anyone take that away! You are creative!

If you could change your name what would it be?  

Well, I did change my name.  (giggle) When I was 24, I had a name changing ceremony as part of my birthday and chose to go by my middle name Rachél (which sounds like Rah-shel) instead of my first name, Dawn.  

What’s your least favorite food? ...most favorite? 

Least: organ meat  Most: Italian and chocolate, not necessarily in that order and not necessarily together.

Are you an introvert or extrovert? How do you feel about that?  

I think I am an introvert who is very comfortable with her extroverted self.  They say introverts recharge when alone.  I think that is the case for me.  But I also love to be a bit outrageous!

Choose an imaginary friend who would it be and why? 

Oh, this is sad, but true.  Our bestest cat, Schatzie (which means Sweetheart in German) passed away recently.  It would have to be her.  We would stay up late, cuddle, and eat watermelon together.

What’s your most embarrassing moment? (Please keep it clean)  

During a performance of Midsummer Night’s Dream, I fell on stage as part of a chase scene and forgot the next line.  I covered by shouting, “I’m gunna git you!”  Not very Shakespearean! 

For more of Rachél’s art and spiritual journey please click the links below:

Rachél's Website

Rachél's Blog

Instagram

Twitter

Pinterest