Friday, May 31, 2013

Meet Helen Park of Creative Moss


We all love getting to know the people behind the work, what inspires them and what drives their business.  Today we hear from Helen Park of Creative Moss.

1. Please can you tell us a little bit about yourself, and what drew you to your chosen craft?
My name is Elena, I'm 21. I make jewelry out of polymer clay and epoxy resin. I began creating jewelry in September 2012, immediately after quitting my job. At first I made simple pendants and earrings. In order to explore new material I started working with polymer clay. I should also say that I did not even know how to bake it properly to achieve a good effect of the hardness of the product, what is hardware and how to work with it , I learned a little later. =)
Then there was the first three, blinded in an attempt to make the pendant filigree. I thought it was a huge step! Only now I see what made the leap to this technique of modeling. There are orderly, more small details.
Perhaps unconsciously, I chose a style of decoration: filigree. This for me is a kind of meditation. I can sit for 6-8 hours continuously and sculpt, piece by piece, line by line. To look at it in the end and say, I did everything I wanted, and it turned out well. I have no greater joy than to look at it again after a month, and say with satisfaction: "Yes, it came out good! Those that will be done in the future will be even better! "
Every piece of jewelry is a kind of race with the desire to do better and to bring my vision to the people. After all, when I get positive feedback from customers, I understand it's for the work that went into it!


2: Who taught you how to do your craft, and how long have you been creating?
My inspirations are the Russian masters Taisha and Marusik. Thanks to their work, I wanted to try to do something different.
The Russian masters Taisha and Marusik. 
Taisha :
Marusik:


3: How would you describe your style? Are there any crafters/artists/designers that you particularly look up to?
Most of my ornaments are ethnic style. I love this style. I love the history of the people of the world, their costumes and their rituals. So I want to broaden my horizons and learn more about different cultures.


4: Where do you seek inspiration from?
I look for inspiration in the woods, in nature, the rain and in the wind.
At the moment, I am working again. My job is in the suburbs, so I have the pleasure, almost every day, to see the forest from the bus window and the building in which I work.
The forest charges me, it's warm colors, different shades of earth brown to ash-black, green grass to bright sunlight!
I have many ideas about the guardians of the forest and keychains. It seems to me that they are in each forest, I think I can even hear them and almost see their presence.
I'm also inspired by music. It is not always one genre, I listen to different music dependant on my different moods.
Books. I love to read. From fiction to detectives.
Of course, the views of other masters. They inspire me with their singular vision.
Inspiration is everywhere. 


5: What are you focused on right now?
Now I am preparing for a show in a nearby town. This will be my first show, and I'm very excited! But I think it will be a great way to unwind and take a fresh approach to this art.
Also plan to check new jewelry makers ...


6: What are your can't-live-without craft-room essentials?
Hmm ... never thought about the matter. I do not have any favorite things that I need in the creative process. The main thing is a table, clay and tools, and I need to have access to the Internet! =)


7: How do you combat creative blocks?
With a creative stagnation no way I'm fighting. =)
I just rest, do other chores, I draw something, watch movies, listen to music, take a dip in a new book or play computer games. All the same desire to create always comes back. =)


8: Why should people buy handmade?
I think that manual work is interesting for people who like self-expression and beauty. Not everyday beauty but, beauty from someone elses vision. Everyone sees the beauty but handmade allows to her to stand out from the crowd. I love handmade things because they are embedded with warm energy and goodwill. These things give a smile and cheer up. After all, they are created by us, and not a machine.


9: Anything else you would like to share and where can we find you?
Create, create, create, and do not stop! =)

You can find Helen Park and her wonderful creations at:
comics-kinder.deviantart.com/
postcard-for-you.blogspot.ru/
comics-kinder.tumblr.com/
www.flickr.com/photos/box_of_magic_cards_for_you/
comics27kinder.livejournal.com/
www.behance.net/ConteMagie
creativemoss.diary.ru/


I would like to thank Helen Park for taking the time to write this wonderful interview and give us an insight into her world!
Clare Martin - DreamDifferently


Tuesday, May 28, 2013

Treasury Spotlight

Hello there!  Tuesday just snuck up on me this week!  I hope everyone had a lovely weekend, but now it's time to get back to work...here's our weekly look at some 100% Ingenuity team treasuries.  Enjoy!

Marilyn shared a glimpse of her upcoming vacation with us in her treasury "Beach Summer Vacation...Here I come!":


'Beach Summer Vacation...Here I come!' by beachseacrafts

Ingenuity Team. Enjoy a beach vacation!

California Photography, Beac...
$30
Beach Towel Personalized Emb...
$24
Peace Sign Barefoot Sandals....
$18
Flokoko Anchor Shirt - Women...
$21.99
Small Blue Heart Earrings Be...
$15
Blue fish bookmark unique ha...
$5
Hippie lace and sheer coache...
$74
Margarita salt - blue salt, ...
$3.25
Seaweed Summer Tote - Beach ...
$24
Triple 'S' Soap
$7
Nautical Whale Tail Bracelet...
$199.95
BATH Turkish Towel, Peshtema...
$28
Yellow macrame hemp womens b...
$13
Green Sea Turtle 8x10 Print ...
$19

I hope you are enjoying yourself Marilyn...and I wish I was doing some beach combing with you!

Jessica has some great ideas for home decorating in her treasury, "setting up house":


'setting up house' by FeathandKee

Vintage Cast Iron Green Indu...
$345
Floral Decorative pillow cov...
$35
MidCentury Style Table Clock...
$18
Victorian Filigree Oval Gold...
$25
Lovely vintage hardwood side...
$75
Large Mosiac Dutch Shoe
$58
Shabby Cottage Chic Side Tab...
$125
Frederick Cooper Chicago Pot...
$199
Vintage Studio Pottery Lamp ...
$49
Original Nature Wall Art , C...
$20
Primitive Wooden Basket Rust...
$195
Vintage Anchor Hocking Milk ...
$14.99
WHITE QUEEN BEDDING ... Ruff...
$375
Coto, the star kachina pillo...
$35
Adventure Photography, Road ...
$30
Handmade woven rag rug (Big ...
$62

I love her Ingenuity picks!

Here's one to get you in the mood for summer.  T.J. and Mackenzie shared "Thoughts of an Ingenuity Summer": 


'Thoughts of an Ingenuity Summer ' by TJCheverie

Ingenuity Team Treasury- Thoughts of Summer!

Hand Dyed Green Headband wit...
$7
Wreath - Moss and Succulen...
$80
Cute Snail Pendant with Chai...
$12.99
Small Dog Collar Bright Bold...
$7
Caravan stackers, beaded bra...
$35
Size 4T, 5T, 6, 7, and 8- Sn...
$50
Dream Catcher and Crystal Pr...
$18.99
Forest Inspired Charm Bracel...
$25
White Satin Rhinestone Brace...
$10
Memorial for a dead bug
$19
SALE Squirrel Vintage Tshirt...
$22
Chevron Cuff
$10.95
Sterling Silver Dragonfly Br...
$55
Cookies MM Rainbow Mix
$12.95
Diane Rose Victorian Floral ...
$165
Handmade Native American Ins...
$97

That's so bright and fresh!  

Check out this color combo from Tina, she gives us a pop of "Turquoise and Peach":


'Turquoise and Peach' by bluetina

Ingenuity Team 100%!!

Classy Lady Renlyn 1940s 40s...
$185
Carnelian..Gold Stone.. Craz...
$22
Easter egg in the nest- hand...
$20
Leather Wrap Beaded Bracelet...
$27
Bright Feather Earrings in S...
$36
Cotton 80s Dress / 1980s Bl...
$43
Bohemian Copper and Turquois...
$36
Vintage Copeland Spode Vase ...
$59
Decorator Pillow Cover, Ikat...
$19
Teal Turquoise Pleated Print...
$20
Vintage Necklace and Bangle ...
$38
Red drop earings. Turquoise ...
$17
Sara Elastic Bracelet in Tur...
$35
Yellow Retro Hearts iPhone 4...
$20
Vintage Pottery Turquoise Pl...
$24

Isn't that full of lovely finds?  

The last one I'd like to share with you today is super cool.  Here's Susan's "Black, White and Beautiful!":


'Black, White and Beautiful!' by lethalogica

100% Ingenuity Team

Mens bow tie by Bartek Desig...
$19.5
Sterling Spiral, Black Flowe...
$20
Crochet Necklace Scarf in Bl...
$15
Galaxy Cat Tote - Cat Bag - ...
$30
Black & Grey Spoon Owl Penda...
$13.99
Ready to Ship: Silver Grey H...
$38
I'll Fly Away charm brac...
$88
Mens Bracelet - Leather with...
$119.95
Gourmet sea salt - black lav...
$2.5
Keepsake Box with Cherry Blo...
$9.95
Raku Vase - hand thrown pott...
$40
Limited Edition 8" x 10...
$10
Black Snake Leather Backpack...
$145
SALT BAR l Rosemary l Mint l...
$7.75
SALE Squirrel Vintage Tshirt...
$22
Beveled Glass Jewelry Box wi...
$80

I love a crisp black and white t!  

Thank you to our treasury creators for putting together such creative combinations of Ingenuity team items.  I appreciate having a good selection of treasuries to chose from!  Don't forget if you want to see any of these treasuries in more detail just click on the title and you'll be whisked away to Etsy to see them in their full size and glory.  Thanks for joining us today on the Ingenuity team blog.  Tomorrow, Clare will be back to share another great interview with a team mate.  Enjoy your day-

Jennifer