Artist Feature & Giveaway by JB Ranch

Saturday, June 29, 2013



An Interview with Brittany of JB Ranch

When did you first start your craft?
I started developing my products in October 2012 and then started selling them in December 2012 on Etsy.

How did you discover your talent?
I have a Vet Tech background and my life has always involved animals. My friend and I heard about the "No Poo routine" of not using shampoo in our hair because of the harsh chemicals. Long story short, we tried it, loved it, then I realized my animals didn't need all of those chemicals either! 



How did JB Ranch come about?
JB stands for Jay and Brittany (my husband and I) and Ranch is because we moved to our dream house in October 2012 on 5 acres where we can now help more animals. We have 7 dogs, a mini pig, 2 goats, 2 horses, and 2 barn cats...

The name is pretty cool, what made you decide on this?
RESCUE Pet Products became the name of my products because each one "rescues" a common pet need such as your dirty dog, dry skin, cracked paws, etc. and also because 10% of our profit goes to local animal shelters and other organizations dedicated to saving animals lives. My long term goal is to open my own animal rescue where I can save animals on a daily basis.



What drives you to create?
My love for animals. I tell people that because my passion for animals is unstoppable, I am unstoppable. I will not stop what I'm doing until I am able to achieve the goals that I know I was put on this earth to achieve. 

How do you get inspired?
Any time I have a bad day my animals can still make me laugh. They are always by my side no matter what and I know that every animal on this earth deserves to feel the love that my animals share with me.


How would you describe your style?
Maybe a little "in your face" or "alternative". I have never been the one to go with the norm or blend in with a crowd.

What is your favorite part about your creative process?
I love designing my labels and photographing my products. It's the part where I can 100% be myself. 

What are your favorite items?
I love the Paw & Nose Balm because it has so many different uses - some of which a few of our dogs benefit from. I also love the bracelets I started making because it feeds more of my creative side.


What environment do you like to work in?
Since I work in my kitchen for the most part, I like to have it to myself. That doesn't normally happen though because all 7 dogs want to know what I'm doing and I trip over them on my way to the other side a lot...

Do you listen to music while you work, and if so what do you listen to?
Sometimes I do. I have one of those iphone docks where I can turn up Pandora stations of my choice. Lately I've been listening to songs that make me dance while making my products...

How much time do you spend in the studio?
Kitchen - about 2 hours per batch of products which gets me around 5 shampoos or 5 leave-in conditioners, 5-6 Paw & Nose Balms, and usually some cologne or anti-itch spray. 
Photographing - at least an hour and that doesn't include editing or creating listings in my shop.


Whoa are some of your biggest influences, artistically or personally?
Pretty much anyone that is successfully running an animal rescue. I watch Animal Planet a lot and have a thing for Pit Bulls so I do love the show Pit Bulls and Parolees. 

What are you currently working on?
Right now I'm working on marketing because I feel like I have some unique items in my shop but because they are unique, no one is searching for them specifically. One of my plans is to design some post card type flyers to pass out at dog parks and other dog friendly places around town.

What are your plans for the near future?
I work on my shop and listings every day but know I need more items in my shop. I think I will start developing products for cats next because it was never my intention to have dog only items. 



What was the best advice given to you as an artist?
It wasn't necessarily as an artist, but as a person in general - positive thinking has always been a struggle for me but as soon as I really understood and accepted it into my life, it actually worked. Not everyday is easy but it's one step closer to my end goal. 

Who would play you in the movie version of your life?
Zooey Deschanel (Jess in the show New Girl) - because she's strange but has a great heart

Describe your work in three words.
I love animals

~~~~~Enter Below Via Rafflecopter to win a bottle of Rescue dog cologne from JB Ranch ~~~


a Rafflecopter giveaway


Artist Feature & Giveaway by Sparrow Foot Stamps

Saturday, June 22, 2013


The secret 'custom carved rubber stamp sauce' is devotion to custom art and service to people. I started to carve about ten years ago, not realizing that it would become something that I could not put down! 



An Interview with Michelle of Sparrow Foot Stamps

When did you first start creating?
I have always loved/done some type of art. But carving is something I have done for about 12 years now. Started with wood and went to rubber about 9 years ago! I have always known that I was in love with art, even as a young child. The talent that God gave me keeps evolving and expanding with different mediums.

How did Sparrow Foot Stamps come about?
I heard about Etsy in 2008, opened an account but was so busy with kids that I didn't actually put anything in it until 2012!


The name is pretty cool, what made you decide on this?
Sparrow Foot Stamps got it's name from the name of a small town that I saw whilst on vacation! I love birds and just loved the way it sounded. The business started as card selling using my stamps, but quickly became a custom carved stamp business, focusing on weddings and detailed fine art stamps.

What drives you to create?
The drive to create is just within me. It is just the way I look at the world, also, I think when you are given a talent you should use it and not waste it! Creating something that helps someone make their wedding or other function extra special is also what drives me, making that person feel special.

How do you get inspired?
I love drawing and it is a huge part of what I do. so I actually get to do two things for a customer the art and the carving from that art! The customer actually inspires me by asking 'Can you create something with these ideas?' Or asking me to come up with something I had never thought of before, it is like a grand adventure, in my opinion!

How would you describe your style?
My style is most likely eclectic in just about every aspect of my life! I am drawn to bright colors and might lean a little toward an artsy look!


What is your favorite part about your creative process?
My most favorite part is the end when I get to see the image I have just carved, printed, and then the customers response!


What environment do you like to work in?
I don't have a studio right now. I prefer to work at my kitchen table where it is nice and bright! I have all of my supplies in a wood tray right at my fingertips! I do my work at all times of the day. I carve about 4 to 6 hours a day. The only thing I don't like about what I do is all of the sitting! So, I make sure to get up and move around frequently, which isn't hard with kids still at home ( we home school ). 


Do you listen to music while you work, and if so what do you listen to?
I don't listen to music all of the time but I do prefer classical, also there is a song called 'How could I be lonely' by Stacey Marcus that is very uplifting. But is only available on YouTube, so I just keep is up and listen to it from time to time to inspire and cheer me!

What was the best advice given to you as an artist?
The best advice I ever heard was to just keep creating art, no matter what type, or how good you think you are at it. Sooner or later you will find that you are getting better and better!

Describe your work in three words.
Creating, Joy, Sharing


~~~Enter below via Rafflecopter to win a Luscious Lips Rubber Stamp from Sparrow Foot Stamps~~~


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thursday Roundup ~ Mint Melody

Thursday, June 20, 2013

Artist Feature & Giveaway by Craftyy Allie

Saturday, June 15, 2013




An Interview with Allie of Crafty Allie

When did you first start your craft?
My grandmother taught me how to knit when I was 8. I've been off/on with it since then (mostly off until recently). I started knitting with frequency during my freshman year of college.

How did you discover your talent?
I kind of just realized I had a knack for it and that I love creating things!

How did CraftyyAllie come about?
A friend of mine had asked me to make her a Harry Potter scarf in lieu of the 7th movie. After I made hers, I realized that this may be a great marketing opportunity. I posted on facebook that I would be selling HP house scarves, and I got an overwhelming response! I ended up making 40+ HP scarves that year. During and after that, I continued to take custom orders for random things. If I didn't know how to make it, I sought after that skill and taught myself how. 



What drives you to create?
My inability to sit still, and the fact that I'm an OCD knitter. I always have creative juices pumping, and I always have to have a ball of yarn (or 12) with me, and my needles. 

How do you get inspired?
Pinterest, etsy, vintage clothing, etc.

How would you describe your style?
Girly, playful, useful, convenient. 



What is your favorite part about your creative process?
The finished product! I'm definitely what we knitters like to call a "product knitter", whereas some are "process knitters". I don't necessarily get a lot out of the physical act of knitting, but seeing the finished product is great!

What are your favorite items?
Boot cuffs / sock and headbands. You can never have enough!

What environment do you like to work in?
Any environment is good for me. I work during lectures at my university (it helps me focus), while watching Netflix, when friends come over, outside, at work, etc. That is what is so great about knitting---you can do it anywhere!


Do you listen to music while you work, and if so what do you listen to?
I love listening to music while I knit or crochet. I almost always have it on the Andre Bocelli radio station. *swoon*

How much time do you spend in the studio?
Almost none officially "in the studio", but I'm working on something during almost every free moment of my day. I couldn't even add it up (and I'm kind of afraid to)

Who are some of your biggest influences, artistically or personally?
Artistically: no one really. Personally? My mom and dad, but especially my dad. He has always brought out the business side in me. 




What are you currently working on?
I currently have over 10 works in progress. Hats, socks, cardigans, blankets, etc. Like I said, I'm an OCD knitter.

What are your plans for the near future?
Right now I'm just hoping to expand my brand and really get my Etsy shop going. It's my dream to make it to the front page this year!

What was the best advice given to you as an artist?
Do what you do for you, and not for anyone else.


~~~~~Enter Below Via Rafflecopter to win a handcrafted headband from Crafty Allie ~~~

a Rafflecopter giveaway



Thursday Roundup ~ Sweet Peach

Wednesday, June 12, 2013

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...

Theme by: Pish and Posh Designs