The Charm and Beauty of Vintage Flair

The Artful Elite is pleased to bring you the vintage style of Lori Oles and Vintage Flair. Lori, thank you for sharing a glimpse of your creative world with us today. This is such a gorgeous and informative interview and I am so excited to be able to share it with my readers. Clicking any of the photos will direct you to the original post, publication or event site.


I read your About Me paragraph on your blog and came across this statement: “I wouldn't consider myself an artist or even remotely in the same league as my favorite bloggers.” Your pieces are incredibly beautiful and creative. I believe creativity comes in many forms even in forms others may not consider to be artistic. Why do you not see yourself an artist?

I wrote that statement a long time ago when I first started my blog and I was pretty unsure of myself and the blogging community. With that said, I am still slowly getting use to being called an artist. I just think of myself as a really crafty or artistic person. As a child I always excelled in art classes and when I was in college, I thought I would major in art and become a graphic artist. I took one semester of various art classes in college and for the first time in my life, I wasn’t excelling in art like I did in the past. I suddenly felt insecure about my abilities and then questioned if this was the career choice or major for me.


After taking some business classes, I changed my major to Marketing and never looked back on the world of art. It was quite a big switch in my life and I stopped creating all together. Thinking back, maybe I was just too busy with normal college life and I didn’t have the capacity to be creative and go through college. Through the years, I spent a lot of time decorating my house and concentrating on projects like that, until a couple of years when I started to read blogs.


I had no clue what a blog was until a friend introduced me to the blogging community. I immediately started to read different blogs, all of my creative juices that had been bottled up for so many years just started to flow again. Now, it just seems so natural for me to create as many things as I can in my spare time. I feel off balanced if I don’t squeeze in a project between loads of laundry and feeding my eight month old.

I have interviewed and read about other artists who have shared similar statements about putting their creative interests on the back burner because we listened to someone elses rules about our expression until something happens and we begin to get in touch with and listen to our own inner artist again. Welcome back.


You were published in Artful Blogging which I think is quite a credit to you. What would you do differently to feel like you were in the same league with your favorite bloggers?

I feel a little disconnected from the blogging community since I live in Arkansas and there are not many people I have found that live by me that blog or understand what I do. It seems like so many of them live in California and are all friends. Some of my neighbors that have come over will take a peak into my craft closet and the first thing they say is, what do you do with all of that stuff? It gets a little tiring to hear stuff like that. It seems like many of the workshops are far from where I live and I have never attended any of the workshops or mixed media events that are out there hosted by many of my favorite bloggers. I am so excited that I will be attending Silver Bella this year and I am hoping to make connections with many of my favorite bloggers. I think once I meet many of the bloggers out there that I admire, I will feel more connected to them.

I would love to attend Silver Bella at some point. What a wonderful opportunity for you and one I hope you enjoy thoroughly.
☺

What are your favorite bloggers doing or sharing that you admire most?

I admire bloggers that write about living a life that is infused with beauty on a daily basis and truly are living a vintage inspired lifestyle. Andrea Singarella and Heather Bullard are two women who are a perfect example of someone who can turn a simple item into something that represents simplicity and beauty at the same time.

I’ve got to say that your work is as lovely and top notch as any I’ve seen out there. I wanted to talk about the impressive list of publications in which your work appears. How did you first start publishing work?

A couple of years ago, I received an email from Jenny Doh requesting some information on some crowns I made out of chicken wire for a swap. I sent them in for her to review and she asked me to write a feature article for Somerset Studios on my crowns. When you post something you have created on our blog, you never know who may be looking at it.

Very true and how exciting to think of possibilities like this.


Do the Somerset publications ever ask you to submit work?

Yes, once you are on their mailing list as an artist, you will receive emails asking for submissions for projects that are needed by the publication. My problem is, I work full-time and have three girls (and a husband) and I just simply don’t have the capacity to create as much as would I like to. I would love to have one weekend alone to just sit and create as much art as I could.

Oh WOW! I had no idea but have wondered how some seem to get published so often. I admire those who are able to juggle full time jobs and family. It is challenging yet you still manage to create beautiful works to share with the world.


I think my next question has been covered to some extent already but I will ask anyway. Has the subject of being a regular contributor to any one publication ever come up or do you already feel like a regular contributor?

Yes, it has come up. The magazine considers myself as a regular contributor to Somerset Life magazine and I serve as a Bonne Vivante for the magazine along with a select group of artists. As a Bonne Vivante, the magazine sends out themes (on a quarterly basis) that will be featured in up coming issues and I help with developing projects that revolve around the pre-determined themes. This is where my insecurities come into play….the list of other Bonne Vivantes are very impressive (Connie Govea Stuart, Pam Garrison, Sandra Evertson, Lisa Guerin, Rebecca Sower, Amy Hanna, Hanne Matthiessen, Analise Sledd, Melissa McCobb Hubbell, Kristen Robinson and Cynthia Shaffer). I still look at those names and I have to pinch myself that I am among this impressive group of women.

Do you feel that being published has built name recognition for you and drawn more buyers to your work?

Yes, I do think being published has built up name recognition but I don’t always have a lot of art for sale. I usually create things and have trouble selling them because I get too attached to my artwork.

Do you create specifically for each publication’s calls or do you find that you have such a variety of work that the calls for entries seem to fit you rather than the other way around?

Yes, I do create things specifically for a publication if needed. They usually have some sort of theme that the work needs to revolve around. When I am creating, I normally just create anything that I want to. My favorite thing to create is collages using vintage photos and millinery flowers and trims. I will never tire of that medium.

I noticed that you were involved in a paper doll journal swap, a project that has some resemblance to a recent project of my own which is what drew me to yours. This layout you put together is soooo cute! I love the idea of adding outfits only. How did this project come about and what made you decide to participate?

I found three boxes of vintage paper dolls at the flea market and I knew I had to use them in my art. I have done other projects revolving around paper dolls in the past (one past paper doll project will featured as a month in Somerset Life 2010 calendar) and I decided it was time to create another project with them.

What was the purpose of the project?

I just adore paper dolls and I really wanted to work on my journaling (just creating more journals in general) so I decided to ask a few of my blogging friends to participate in a paper doll round robin.

How many others were involved?

There are thee other fellow bloggers are involved in the project. Andrea Singarella, Heather Kowalski and Holly Abston.

Would you participate in something like this again?

Yes, I would love to explode this idea and make it bigger. If you have any suggestions, let me know!

AWESOME!! It would be my absolute pleasure to collaborate on something. I think it would be very exciting.


What inspires you to create the pieces you create?

It is a variety of things, going to the flea market and finding a box of paper dolls or a vintage dress with the best ruffle on the hem. Reading a Stampington magazine and being inspired from an article that I read. Perusing through my favorite blogs and looking at all of the eye candy out there. The inspiration is endless but my time is very limited.

What prompted you to begin creating vintage pieces in particular?

I have always loved items from the past and it just killed me to store them away in boxes or drawers. I love mixed media art because that is a perfect fit to incorporate those items that have been hidden away for years and transform into something wonderful.

Have you worked in other mediums such as painting or drawing?

I am working on improving my painting skills and I am reading different books on various techniques that I can incorporate into my work. As a little girl I always sit and draw for hours and I don’t do it any more. I am not sure why? I would love to doodle like Pam Garrison or Holly Abston. I think I need to just put a sketch pad in my purse and see what happens.

Are there any artists in particular you feel have had a significant influence on your art?

Pam Garrison’s art is my absolute favorite and I adore anything that she creates. In my opinion, she is someone who can create beautiful things from any medium and look like she is an expert in that medium. I am so excited to be able to finally meet her and attend two of her classes at Silver Bella this year.

In what ways have they impacted your art?

How she uses vintage items in her art as well as not being perfect in your execution. To me, it is much more interesting to the eye if elements are not symmetrical and lines are not perfect. She strikes me as a person who just goes with the flow in her art and I admire that.

I am finding more and more evidence of artists who are actually earning a living with their creations which I absolutely love hearing about because it gives other artists hope that it is possible to do so. Do you have this kind of relationship with your art?

Yes, I do and I think all artists have an emotional connection with their art. Sometimes, I get way too attached and I need to let go and let others enjoy my art.

What advice would you give to other artists who are reaching for successful self-employment as an artist?

The one thing I would recommend to start a blog if they do not have one. It is a great way to connect with others who follow your art as well as reaching an entire new audience.

How do you define artistic success and how would you measure yours?

For me, I know I will never be a self-employed artist (unless I win the lottery) so defining success to me as an artist is getting validated by other artists who’s work you admire.

Lori, I appreciate you taking the time to share with us today. Is there anything you would like to add?

Thanks so much for all of your kind words about my art, I really appreciate it.

Disclaimer: All images posted in association with this post remain the sole property of Lori Oles or the respective publications mentioned. Any reproduction or distribution either wholly or in part without her express written consent constitutes copyright infringement. Please respect her art!

The Artful Elite Presents The Timeless Treasures of Lisa Kettell

The Artful Elite is delighted to bring you an interview with the lovely and talented Lisa Kettell of Faerie Enchantment and The Faerie Zine. When I first heard about Lisa, I thought to myself, “This lady is definitely a force in the world of mixed media art.” I was so pleased when she friended me shortly after I joined Flickr late last summer. It was here that I had the opportunity to spend time appreciating and commenting on Lisa’s work, and getting to know her through her blog posts and the dynamic photos of her activities. Thank you so much, Lisa for agreeing to share your thoughts and insights with us here. Click on any of the photos to be directed to the original content.


You have such a yummy variety of mixed media pieces and I find such inspiration in your creations probably because I too am a doll lover. Looking back at a few of your very first blog posts I find the Pixie Boutique. I love the idea of moving, dimensional paper doll pieces and this is no exception. How did you begin creating mixed media pieces? Have you always been interested in mixed media or did your work begin somewhere else and evolve into mixed media?

My original passions were drawing, sewing and sculpting. I could draw for hours, creating my own worlds from pencils, markers and paint. Sewing was something I learned at a young age, while sitting in various sun rooms watching the older ladies sew, quilt and knit. They would make these amazing aprons, blankets and dolls. When I was 6 or 7years old my mom would buy me these sew kits for kids and fabric so I could make my own dolls, doll clothes and accessories.


Besides sewing, I would also make paper mache creations with newspaper strips, flour and water in the form of boxes to once again dolls, 3 dimensional forms have so much depth and personality. It was after high school that I explored polymer clay and collage, which I would combine to make paper dolls with clay heads or fairy wands and beads, I loved this medium, in college I took sculpting and pottery classes which healed me during the loss of my grandmother who was also one of my best friends. It was during this time that I would realize my passions were everywhere, thus becoming a mixed media artist, working in every medium.

You have come up with an artfully unique twist on the paper doll right down to the whimsical name. Tell us about your inspiration for the papier puppen? How did you come up with such a perfectly adorable name? Do you include techniques for making these dolls in any of your books?

“Papier Puppen” is actually the German name for Paper Doll, Papier meaning Paper and Puppen meaning doll. The name sounded so timeless, European and vintage, a perfect namesake for my dolls, which are vintage in style, developed from turn of the century designs, embellished with German Glass Glitter, Dresden Trims, Crepe Paper and other timeless supplies. However I use doll head images, instead of Victorian clip art, which can easily be substituted, my Papier Puppens are made in a variety of colors and themes, from queens to pixie wizards, each one has their own personality and story. In my next art book, there will be a plethora of projects on how to make these dolls and other rare doll forms.

I also found this lovely creature while browsing your photostream on Flickr. She appears to have some similar qualities to the papier puppen, would this be an accurate observation? The description describes this as similar to a mohair doll. I'm dying to more about that as I don't believe I have ever seen a mohair doll. Is this made from wrapping material around an armature type body?

She is another version of the Papier Puppen doll, only I added crinoline, around her crepe paper skirt, and gave her feather wings. My faux mohair dolls are created with mohair or mohair yarn, and wrapped around a wire body, to resemble spun cotton, minus the time it takes to create spun cotton dolls. Then they are further embellished with felt, fabric or crepe paper dresses, paper hats or crowns, glitter/mica flakes and other found items.

I love the crepe paper dress and find it to be such a feminine and pretty accent in a variety of projects. Are you using the same crepe paper that comes in rolls found in the party section of the craft store? How are you gathering it to give it the skirt like appearance? I have used needle and thread to gather some of my paper skirts so I am curious how others are doing it although I think crepe paper naturally lends itself well to this technique by it's stretchy nature.

I use both crepe paper party streams and sheets of crepe paper, vintage and new, depending on the project. I’m un-conventional, never following the formal way of doing things, lol. For smaller dolls/projects, I cut 12inch strips of crepe paper streamer then pleat it by a paper fanning method, once I’m at the end, I pinch one end, and hot glue to the surface, and repeat that processes, until I’m satisfied. I do the same for the larger crepe paper projects and sheets. However when I am working with crinoline, I use a simple gathering stitch to gather the crinoline together then I sew around the doll and hot glue in place for more security. But others choose to sew the crepe paper and that’s fabulous too!

I have never used this paper but would very much like to try it. What was the major factor in your decision to to work with it? Do you like crepe paper or fabric better for your doll skirts? Can you recommend any good online vendors where we might find quality crepe paper?

I love the vintage look of crepe paper or crinoline, its so timeless, however it depends on my project on whether I will use crepe paper, fabric or crinolin to make my doll skirts, I even use cupcake liners and penny wrappers too. My dolls or projects develop as I make them, so I never know what I will use at the start of their creation. I recommend Martha Stewart Crepe Paper sold in sheet form, or Party Stores or Dollar Stores for crepe paper streams, Ebay and Etsy for vintage and to view crepe paper masterpieces I recommend a visit to the Queen of Crepe’s site: Ann Denise Anderson, what she does with crepe is amazing.

I agree with you completely about Ann-Denise. I am intrigued by your publishing adventures. What a romantic combination, to be both a visual artist and author/publisher. This is something I aspire to because I enjoy writing so much so I am just tickled to have the opportunity to pick your brain on this topic. (tee hee :)

I love being behind the scenes, you really learn a lot, it opens your mind to the whole art business, and allows one to share themselves and others with everyone. I recommend writing in a journal or blog everyday to start one’s creative writing process, plus it is an outlet for your mind to get its thoughts out.

I know that you have been publishing Piddlestix and The Faerie Zine for a few years now. Both have some beautiful and inspirational work in them and I am so impressed by your talent in this area. I wanted to talk a little bit about how these came about. Piddlestix is such a delightfully whimsical name. What inspired it? How did you first come up with the idea for something like this?

I started with The Faerie Zine, as a way to showcase other artists and their works. I choose the name Faerie for the zine, not because it is just about fairies, but the meaning behind it, Fairies are magical creatures, spreading magic and joy to others, as artists we are creating magic and joy everyday for others to see and be inspired by, so in a sense we are almost like fairies, thus the name for The Faerie Zine which is dedicated to the altered arts, fantasy, and imagination.


Two years into the creation of this zine, I started to create in a new direction, re-visiting my youth, with a love for the vintage arts and dolls. I’ve always been a crown and tea person, since I was a child, you can ask anyone close to me, I was nicknamed The Queen, LOL, and many days have been spent at a family friend’s tea room, imagining and basking in the warm air inside with a pot of tea and symphony music. It was early in 2008 that I came up with the name: Piddlestixs, it just popped inside my head, I could imagine this place in a magical place with apothecary windows, where gazing inside you could see a world of artful enchantment. Piddlestixs is dedicated to Tea Time, Tiara and Vintage Whimsy, from dolls, to soirees, Marie Antoinette, Vintage Recipes and projects, the vintage arts, Ephemera and Cupcakes, plus everything in between.

What a positively romantic image you have just painted and for a moment I was whisked away to this magical world. How is something like this put together? Are you doing the work yourself or do you have help? How long does it take to complete an issue from beginning to end? Did you have previous publishing experience before you began this or did you just dive in one day? If you say the latter you will forever be my idol! (heehee)

Well before I began my career in the arts, I was in business and finance for 10 years. During college I was taking classes and striving to be in the FBI, but had a near fatal accident in 1999, which lead to various surgeries and a 2nd chance at life. I made a conscious decision to live my life differently and start doing the things I love, that was writing, illustration and print design. I started writing small short stories, printing them out and giving to friends and family, I opened an Ebay Store and started a Blog in 2004-05.


After exploring the web I noticed independent zines, I said to myself, I can do that, LOL. Its been a long road and a belief in myself and others that have built my world and zines to where it is today. It’s a constant 18 year day, you never stop, from the emails, to the orders, to the packaging to the swaps, print, the web design, the banners, the blogs, the groups, you are the One Man Show, its your own circus. I get help, from friends, their college age children and others but sometimes, when mistakes come through its extra work for you. LOL! But you carry on and have to take that leap of faith and build your safety net.

WOW Lisa! I can't wait to star my own circus now! (heehee ;)I am thrilled to be a featured artist in this issue of Piddlestix. Do you publish the submissions of all artists who send work to you, thereby giving everyone the opportunity to have work published? What is the circulation on these right now? Do you hope to grow this into something bigger like a Somerset Studio or are you pretty happy with it as is? Anyone wishing to submit work for publication consideration may send submissions to lisakettell@yahoo.com or contact her for details.

I never turn away a submission and will find a place for it somewhere, everyone deserves to be seen and heard, we all have a artful vision and dream, I’d like for everyone to see their dreams come alive, the only way to achieve this is to believe in yourself, because only you can do it. I’m currently working on turning the zine into a magazine which will be for the artist by the artist, with a freelance editor group which would change every issue, a permanent editor group, interactive stuff, and different people all the time. With the demise of magazines this year due to the economy, I will be waiting till next year to get the magazine in full print, offering ad discounts and freebies in every issue. The new magazine will be combined with all the zines I publish and is entitled: “Artstixs Magazine”!

This CD Promotional photo is absolutely gorgeous and this type of thing is such a great idea! I am in the process of collecting and creating images to put together my own elements CD. Where do you get the images for something like this? Do you create them yourself or do you get them from vintage finds or both? You have some gorgeous vintage images and it is refreshing to see some new ones circulating around. Do you allow artists to use these images in works they plan to offer for sale?

All my collage cds are developed from various bits of ephemera that I have collected over the years, with new ones coming in all the time. I share many freebies with the art community as well, its my thank you to all the support each of you have given me. I even re-master images taking bits and pieces from photos I have to create a whole new image or person to use in artwork. I photograph my dolls for altering, and color in black/white images as well. All my collage images are for the artist to use in their works, banner logos, goodie packaging, and commercial use, all I ask is for credit of where the image came from, I credit everyone, acknowledgement goes a long way! Kellie, I bet your collage cd is going to be fabulous!

I agree with you on acknowledgment. I love the idea of it. You just had a new book published called Altered Art Circus. WOW! I am just thrilled for you. How did you go about putting together your submission package? I know that the work of other artists is also featured. How did the collaboration come about? Was it something you all decided to do together or did you approach artists you thought would best compliment the books message? Was Quarry Books the only publisher you approached or were there others? Are there plans for future books on your horizon? What did you think of the experience and what advice would you give someone who might be interested in putting together a craft book or going into self publishing?

I took four years to put together a book that explained who I was, I had to take the time to grow as an artist and find what was inside me. After a big awakening in the early summer of 2007, I attended the book expo America in NYC, it was there that I began my search for a publisher to print my book, that was where I found Quarry Books, it was instant warmth in their booth, beautifully done books, a wonderful expo staff and amazing artists. I knew they were the ones for me. I took the next 3 months to dig deep in myself and create a book that had a meaning that could give inspiration and bring magic into someone’s life I came up with Art Circus.


The circus/carnival is filled with un-expected surprise, you never know what is lurking behind any corner, the magic you can feel, the bold and cheerful colors, the sweet smells of cotton candy, the vintage meaning inside, the smiles and joy. As artists, isn’t that what we try to achieve, to bring to life the magical and imaginary world that’s inside of us for all to see? My works in this book can be done by parents with their children, by the teen, the college student, the crafter, designer, the green artist or it can be read by anyone looking to find magic in their own lives.


Please never give up, we need all the artists in this world, if you let a rejection or 100 rejections bring you down, you will never succeed, take time to see why you were rejected, sit back and look at your submission, and continue to evolve with it, take criticism as a compliment, if some has taken the time to criticize you or de-moralize your work, then you go to them, use their opinions for fuel for your own fire.


As for the artists in the book, many are people I have developed a wonderful relationship with and wanted them apart of the experience, also I have a 2nd art book in the works now.

Be sure to stop by Faerie Enchantment Blogspot for more information about where to purchase Lisa's work, find out where she is teaching workshops and otherwise travel with her on a photographic journey of magic and inspiration where the views are spectacular and the company is always welcoming and friendly. Lisa, you are a dynamic, creative soul and I thank you for the opportunity to speak with you. I wish you every success in all your creative ventures.

Thank You Kellie, You’re the best!

Disclaimer: All images posted in association with this post remain the sole property of Lisa Kettell. Any reproduction or distribution either wholly or in part without her express written consent constitutes copyright infringement. Please respect her art!

Call for Nominations ~ April Feature CLOSED

The Artful Elite is looking for your picks for the April feature here on The Artful Paper Doll. Please refer to these guidelines when making selections and leaving your nomination entries.

Call for Nominations ~ February Feature CLOSED

The Artful Elite panel is now accepting nominations for the February feature. Please refer to About the Artful Elite Club for questions about who and how to nominate a blog.


Leave the link to your nominee in the comment area by copying and pasting the web address from your browser window. Do not attempt to leave it in html code as it will not work, I've already tried. If you miss type the address, we will not spend time searching for the correct one so do be sure you check them carefully before posting.
I would love for visitors to be able to see who is being nominated and by whom just to keep things honest!


Be sure to include a brief (no more than 2 sentences) about why you believe your selected artist should be featured. Be creative as we will include your statement and a link to you in the feature article.

Enjoy and happy blog hunting!

Cheers! =D
~Kellie