So I shared with you where I work. And I work where I live. Here are a few peeks into the rest of my home. My studio space is one of 2 bedrooms on the third floor of my condo. I've lived here for about a year and a half, and Dino joined me this past November. Our bedroom is my favorite place to be I think. My therapist said I needed to stop "retreating to a cave-like atmosphere". I think my therapist should scratch my a$$. It is a bit cave like, but it's safe, and cool and quiet. My dad helped me paint it and he dubbed it "battleship green". Not a fan. By the way, don't be fooled into thinking it's ever looked like this again--most of the time you can't even tell that wicker chair exists!

Same goes for the living room--mail, shoes, laundry piles...not always, but when I'm busy with orders the housework surely gets neglected. Most of these pics were taken when I had just moved in, so things are a bit sparse. Since then, I've acquired the coolest coffee table that was $30 from Home Goods. My dad chopped the legs down for me, polished it up and it's good as new!

The kitchen is cozy--which is an alternate way of saying small. But for me I guess it's plenty. I loathe my standard contractor grade tile and can't wait to replace it someday. Also wouldn't mind refinishing my borderline-heinous pickled cabinetry. For now it's totally livable. Our first big project will someday be dark wood flooring in the living room. My dining room is actually my favorite room, decor wise, but I have no pictures of it at the moment.

Mostly that's it...I mean there's more to it than those rooms, but none worth showing in the state it's all in.

Enough about me. Isn't there a CSI marathon on?

Work area

Work area
Originally uploaded by mewpaperarts.

I always am curious about where artists do their work. I thought it fair to reveal my studio space to you. I live in a three story town house with two bedrooms. My second bedroom is tremendous with plenty of room for a bed off to the side and all of my necessary equipment. Now, I may have pulled the wool over your eyes with this photo but the truth is, it's usually a PIT. I mean, mega mess. Typically you'll find 3-5 empty cups, mugs and wineglasses on any or all of the flat surfaces. If you can walk without stepping on a stray shoe, a box full of packing peanuts or a heap of paper scraps than you are more agile than I. The TV is there for Thursday nights only--Grey's Anatomy. Other than that it's rarely on. In fact, I often don't even bother with the stereo. I'll admit that I prefer things to be organized in there...but getting it and keeping it so is my greatest challenge.

The glory of Humble Glory

If you're an Etsy regular, then you know Ben. You've probably already bought something from him. If you haven't, then you should. If you smell bad, then you deeeefinitely should. I finally made my very first purchase and just the other day the package of goodness arrived...a sampling of several different fragrances that Ben mixes up himself. Yeah--he's a perfumer. Bet you don't know anyone who makes their own perfume. I asked him a few questions to get the idea of how he does what he does and thought I'd share with you all, my teeming throng of loyal readers!

1. Tell me briefly about your perfumerie--what sparked your interest in scents etc?

It started when I wanted to give my girlfriend at the time perfume as a Chrismas present. The kind I liked (Éclat d'Arpège by Lanvin) was too expensive for me, so I was searching google to find something similar, and I found that you could buy the individual fragrance notes and blend them yourself. Perfect! I can give her perfume, something I made, and save money! Well, it didn’t end up being as easy as I imagined, but eventually I had made an entire fragranced bath and body set consisting of perfume, body spray, deodorant, shower gel, and shampoo and conditioner.

Now I use only natural ingredients (organic sources) in blending my fragrances. This is for several reasons. First, I majored in botany in college, and I simply love plants and flowers. It gives me the opportunity to work with materials that actually come from plants and nature instead of some chemical factory in New Jersey. These natural essential oils cost about ten times as much as the synthetic fragrance oils, but the final product has more depth, quality, and is something I can be proud of. I am now even experimenting with distilling my own plant extracts, which will let me be much more involved in the process of creating my fragrances.



2. How did you learn the techniques that you use?
I have done a lot of reading and research. But there is no one out there that tells you how to make the “perfect” fragrance. So mostly it is lots of trial and error (emphasis on error). Perfumery is all about experimentation in my experience. Its about finding what works together. Often it is things that you wouldn’t expect that end up smelling good together. At least 90% of my time perfuming is spent just experimenting.

4. Some of us don't know that you're a seminary student--can you describe your experience in your college and what drew you towards Armenian (help me with the right word here) scripture? Studies?

Basically I have no Idea what I am in doing in life. So I just continue going to school until I figure something out. In college, I was a Natural Science major because I find science interesting. I took mostly biology classes, and some geology, astronomy, and physics. Since I did not know what I was doing when I graduated, decided to go to seminary to learn more about my Church and its theology, history, music, and language. I am Armenian Orthodox, one of the ancient Christian churches that has existed from the very beginning of the apostles (Rom. Catholic, Greek Orthodox, etc.). I went to seminary at the time mostly because I had nothing better to do. Two years into the program, and I still have no idea what I will do with my life. I could possibly become a priest, social worker, or hospital chaplain (among other things) with this degree, but I am not sure yet. I love caring for, nurturing, and serving. I just need to decide if I want to do this for plants or people or both. Priest or gardener… tough choice.

6. Describe an ideal one-week holiday?

Going somewhere where there is no people with a friend or two, and doing absolutely nothing. Just walking until we are absolutely lost in the middle of nowhere, and then trying to find a way out. Just fill a bag full of supplies (water, food, tools) and just start walking into the woods/desert/jungle/tundra/mountains.

7. When you're not busy maintaining your etsy shop what else might we find you doing?
Studying. Its become my life, at least from September through May. In the summer I work in landscape design, go fishing, ride my motorcycles, play baseball, watch baseball… breathe baseball.
10.What's the mostful useful tool or material that you use to make your products?

The most useful tool for any perfumer is of course the chainsaw. We use this to… nah just kidding. Seriously, if I didn’t have a nose, I wouldn’t be able to get very far in perfumery. So my most important tool is my nose.

9. Tell me about some of your favorite etsy purchases?
I have gotten some really great stuff from etsy! For one of my classmates, I custom ordered a night-lite made of fused glass with an Armenian cross imprinted in it. Of course the “Humble Glory notecards” which you made for another classmate of mine are in my top 3 faves. But my all-time favorite etsy purchase is my “nice rack” t-shirt from the boys over at mixedspecies. It is a lovely chocolate brown shirt with an elk/deer thing with 4 back legs and way to many antlers. Now that’s just too silly.

www.wickedlychic.com

So this was pretty cool...a gal who writes a column for Wickedly Chic (which is a super cool indie shopping guide that you definitely need to check out) contacted me to let me know she was featuring my Free Bird notecards in a blurb about graduation gifts. Check out the article here. If I were cooler, I could somehow show the page right here on the blog, but what do I know? Aaaand, if you're in the market for a unique and fun, personalized gift for a grad in your life you can't go wrong with handmade stationery!

A little chat with Jaime Zollars...



Remember a while back I posted about that gorgeous treasury I was featured in? That's how I discovered Jaime Zollars--an illustrator with a knack for whimsy. I fell so madly in love with her Underwater Circus print (if you know me, you're aware of my lust for mermaids) and we ended up doing a trade for it! Now it is mine, mine, mine. It's yet to be framed, but I already have a place to hang it. Via e-mail, Jaime and I exchanged some info and experiences with selling, wholesaling and art in general. I'll share some fun tidbits with you now!



What's your workspace like? Right now my workspace is part of the living room. I've got lots of shelves and piles of things, a big desk, drawers and cabinets and a few prints of art I admire hanging about. My computer desk has a door with tons of post-its on it. (My way of trying to keep organized) but the sheer number of post-its sort of defeats the purpose. MY ideal space would be separate from where I live and would have lots more art hanging around!



Describe an ideal one-week holiday? Right now, I'd have to say something new, but something tropical to enjoy a bit of rest and relaxation by the water. I'd love to see Kauai, Costa Rica, or somewhere on the coast of South America. A longer trip would be more adventurous, like a trip to India or somewhere far away, but there's only so much you can do in a week.


When you're not busy maintaining your etsy shop what else might we find you doing? Checking a bunch of design blogs, reading business magazines, or writing about paper art and toys on my blog, paperforest.com


Tell me about some of your favorite etsy purchases: I love the little pouch with kangaroos I just got from Camp Apparel, the lovely black t-shirt with a graphic white design I got from Harrilu, my Lusterbunny pendant, and my APAK coaster set from Mirrorgirl. There are more, of course, but those are coming to mind.


What's the mostful useful tool or material that you use to make your products? When I'm designing my screenprints, I rely on my Micron 005 tiny black pen. I love those things.



If someone from history or current events (alive or dead) wanted to buy your entire shop out who would you want that to be? The 16th century artist Bosch, since I'm a big fan, or someone like Edward Gorey with bizarre taste and and eye for art. That would make me feel pretty accomplished. I think just having your art bought by someone you respect is the best thing that can happen.

I wish that there was "Auntie Day"

I wish there was an "Auntie Day"
Originally uploaded by mewpaperarts.

There's mother's day, father's day, administrative professional's day...but no Auntie Day. I would make every day Auntie Day. This handsome little fella is my nephew Mikey D. Yesterday we celebrated his mommy's first mother's day, my mommy's 34th, and his daddy's birthday. Mikey loves company--he's a real show-off. He apparently also loves green bean casserole with fried onions on the top.

Opening Day at Providence Open Market!

DSCN1244
Originally uploaded by mewpaperarts.

Yaaaay. I did it--my first craft show was a lot of fun and a big success! It turned out to be a beautiful day. There was one point during the 2 1/2 hour ride that I woke up from a nap to find gray clouds looming above--not happy. But by the time we arrived (Dino and I) it was clear and beautiful again...little chilly but not bad. Best of all--I got to meet Heatherjeany and her husband Tom in person! Also, Hobocampcrafts and and her husband 247Magnum and PreciousPups, UrsulaandOlive--all from Etsy. I'll be at Providence again on June 30th. But for all of my local friends, stop by and see me at the Chappaqua Strawberry Festival on June 2nd!

Oh so handsome
Originally uploaded by mewpaperarts.

This is Cooper. Oh, how I love the cat. I could admire him and his little movements (or lack thereof!) morning noon and night. Sometimes I find myself waking in the middle of the night to go down to the foot of the bed to snuggle him. Other times I find myself waking in the middle of the night to him biting my eyelashes and begging for food. Darryl has actually admitted that he gets jealous towards the cat at times! I can't help it though--he just doesn't have the fuzzy white belly, and soft velveteen pink nose that Coop has. Pretty much everything the cat does is cute and gets an approving "Awwwww" from me...for example, when he lays on his back and shows the belly and curls the feet. That's cute. It's also cute when he lays on his tummy and side. Cute when he tries to drink out of my waterglass, cute when he sneaks into the bathroom to hang out with me.

Not cute when he swallows a forbidden piece of ribbon which then comes out in his shit and gets dragged like a little shit pendulum up and down the stairs.

Well...nobody's perfect.

These would make a lovely gift for yo' momma this mother's day. You can buy them from my etsy shop. This is one of earlier images. I drew this little gal using colored pencils. I used to live in this cool apartment in someone's house and the family that lived there had two little girls. They were so curious and inventive and were always bringing me little gifts that they made. This image was inspired by their generosity and innocence.

My new favorite thing on Etsy. For serious. This delicious fabric garland was made by Susan Havens-Morris. The artist herself claims that these are "the prettiest things you have ever seen" and she is right on! Each of the these beauties is hand painted and dyed, and of course strung up by hand. Perfect to go across a mantle, a window or to adorn a chandelier. I'm pretty sure we all need one of these. Check them out in Middleburg's etsy shop!

Aquamarine and Snow Quartz Earrings
Originally uploaded by mewpaperarts.

These have barely left my ears from purchasing them on Etsy from Kate Szabone. I had ordered them a while back and stupid me had the wrong shipping address. So sure enough, they were lost in the mail. But Kate sent me another pair! She's so good. I needed to share the icy goodness with you.

Practice for Providence Open Market!

Mom came over to help again, arms laden with loot from
her tag-sale raid with Peggy this weekend. Yesterday, Dino and I scored big time with the most adorable paper lanters from Home Goods. He devised a no-fail way to hang them from the inside of the tent and they are absolutely darling. Mom saved Dad from having to construct a shelf himself by picking up the one shown at the tag sale--$5 bought us the shelf and five sturdy wooden boxes. We painted them the Mew color scheme and they are perfect for display. I was a little concerned for a while that condo police would come over and scold me for doing unautho
rized business on common property...so far, no scathing letters in the box. (Have you ever known a condo board member that didn't give a shit? Yeah, didn't think so.) My neighbors, Lisa and Joe and their little tykes Mattie and Daniel came over to get in on the fun--Mattie's a great helper. He's also great at jumping in puddles and riding his big wheel with 20" rims.



So, thanks to my mom and to Dino for their limitless ideas and resourcefulness. Everybody got along pretty well!

Now, tell the truth--would you stop into this booth? Got any ideas for improvement? Post 'em here.

Even my dad is the crafty type!

Look at what he made for me! All I did was give him a brief description and a sketch and do you see what he came up with? This is for use as a display in my craft booth--but after seeing how beautiful it is I think it will also work in between shows as a bulletin board in my studio. The easel and the frame are two separate pieces--the frame can sit horizontal or vertical. The frame has a darling pink/brown spotted fabric backing and the front is covered with chicken wire so I can pin cards on with clothespins! And then my mom made me the cutest little apron out of coordinating fabric to keep my loot in! I guess the craftiness is in our blood. Dino and I are going to have a "dress rehearsal" in the driveway this weekend and I promise to post more pics then!

So, these are new...

I had been surfing the pages of a Carribbean Vacation magazine the day I designed these...daydreaming of course. I just kept imagining clusters of giant, cool green leaves, and the vibrant colors of island clothes. My interpretation came out as these notecards when I put it to paper. My original, digital illustration is printed on this cool new paper I got called Paper Bag--it kind of resembles, well, a paper...bag. Each set of 6 notecards measures 3 1/2 x 5 folded and comes with a matching paper bag colored envelope! They would work great as thank-you notes for a tropical themed wedding. I'll be posting them on Etsy soon, promise!

Chocolate Mountain
Originally uploaded by mewpaperarts.

No, no. Don't adjust your computer screen. You're not hallucinating. That is an ACTUAL mound of authentic Cadbury chocolate bars. It came to us from our friend Jaynie (of Jaynie's of London fame) straight from the UK. There is one called "Bubble"--and when you bite into it it's basically chocolate foam. Oh, the goodness. Thanks Jaynie.

Oh, and if you're ever in need of rockstar style lingerie goodies (as I know many of you faithful readers may be--not you mom!) check out Jaynie on Myspace here. She does all kinds of funky costume design for some celebs across the pond. She's even made a few naughties for me!