Discover This: Jannio

This installment of the Discover This series takes us all the way to France with two friends Janine and Isabelle who make the most delightful felted accessories I've ever seen.  One day while browsing the Etsy forums I was intrigued by their shop's avatar, gave it a click, and fell instantly in love with every single listing!  The color combinations and styles of this pair's items are so uniquely beautiful that I'm finding it difficult to pick just one item as a favorite because I love them ALL!  So it is with great excitement that I present to you Jannio.
(Please right-click on the link below each image to enter their Etsy shop in a new window.)

Name: Janine and Isabelle

Location: We are lucky enough to live in the south west of France. The region of the perigord vert. Castles, grape vines, cepes (wild mushrooms) and much more.

Description of work: We create felt wear: hats, scarves and bags by using merino wool.

Faizah Handmade Felt Hat

How long have you been creating your items? We have been creating together for about five years now.

How did you get started? I think we can say it was through our friendship. Isabelle had already started to learn the basics. Thanks to our sons being friends we also formed a friendship. Isabelle was making a hat one day so I joined in and loved it.

Where do you get your inspiration for your designs? That’s easy:  all around us. The seasons here are so inspiring for us. The colors in this area are amazing sometimes! Also we inspire each other when we work together. A great team!

Do you sell your items? Mainly through our shop on Etsy. Sometimes we do Christmas markets and fairs. Friends of friends also buy our work.

Paquita-Felt, Leather, Cotton Handmade Bag

Do you have any formal training, or are you self-taught artists? Isabelle: I have had no formal training at all completely self taught.  Janine: I started off in Art College in Textile Design and Photography. I left all that for awhile to bring up my family. Isabelle taught me the art of felt making.

Please tell us why someone would benefit from purchasing your designs. We think that our designs are unique, each piece is handmade by us using the purest merino wool from Germany. We also incorporate the technique called nuno-felting" technique (felt and fabric). This is made by using pure merino wool, and cotton fabric. Merino wool fibers are spread thinly upon a cotton or silk fabric. The result is a light, soft and warm hat. We try always to use only the best materials available.

Libby Handmade Felt and Cotton Scarf

Anything else you’d like to share?  Hats and bags are what we like to make the most. There is so many shapes, forms, and color combinations. Endless possibilities. The bags we make are a challenge for us. There we can let our imagination go wild. We use the wool like an artist uses his paint pallet, mixing and trying different color combinations.

Special thanks to Janine and Isabelle for kindly agreeing to participate in the Discover This series on the JMO blog.  Ladies, you're awesome!

How I Became A Hooker

I interrupt the weekly Wednesday Wishlist series to bring you a special post explaining how I became a hooker.  No, no, not THAT kind of hooker, but the kind that takes a ball of yarn and transforms it into something unique, useful, and beautiful by way of a nifty little tool called a crochet hook.  The idea for this story comes from the wonderfully talented Create Crochet Team on Etsy, of which I am proud to be a member.  Team members were issued the challenge of writing about how they came to learn their craft as a way of keeping up on their blogs (if they have one, that is).   So without further delay, I give you my story...

*-*-*-*-*

“No thanks, Ma, I really don’t want to learn how to do that.” This was the answer I gave my mother when I was just a young girl of about twelve, leaning against her on the living room couch as she sat there crocheting yet another afghan. “Why do you always crochet stuff?” I asked her, to which she replied “It relaxes me. You want me to show you how to do it?” I winced and left the room, leaving her to work on what I considered to be just another useless but colorful object to throw across the neglected chair in the corner of the room that no one ever used.

Image courtesy of knitpicks.com

More than twenty-five years later I decided it was time to take up a hobby, and I chose crochet. While visiting my local craft store, I discovered one of those “Learn-To-Crochet” kits that provide you with everything necessary to get you started. I immediately tore open the kit when I got home, eager to get started on my new hobby. The second I placed that crochet hook in my hand and wrapped that yarn around my fingers I was transported back to that night on the living room couch…..I could almost feel my mother’s presence next to me, gently easing me along. “Not too tight,” I imagined her saying as I desperately tried to finagle the tip of my hook through an extremely tight stitch. “There, that’s better,” she’d say as I finally got the hang of it and my starting chain grew to about three feet in length. As the process became easier, I too realized just how relaxing this newfound hobby of mine can be.

Image courtesy of tkacm.wordpress.com

It wasn’t long before I was comfortable enough to venture beyond the starting chain. I was working row upon row of single crochet and even though my little beginner project was nothing more than a rectangle, I was MAKING something. Completely on my own, completely from scratch…..this little creation was all mine. Three years later I was creating my own designs…..wristlets, hats, scarves, tank tops….and had taken my hobby to the next level. The satisfaction that comes with each completed project is immeasurable. I never considered myself to be the creative type, and such was my reason for rejecting my mother’s generous offer to teach me crochet all those years ago. But I’ve since realized that all it takes is a little determination and patience, and the firm belief that you can do anything you put your mind to, and you’re on your way to creating your own little works of art.

Lady Luxe Twisted Brim Cocoa Brown Cap with Feather Accent

made by me!  This item sold in my Etsy shop, but I can always

crochet up some more. ;-)

It's been about 6 years since I bought that kit at the craft store, and I've been hooked on crocheting ever since (pun totally intended!).  I've even been broadening my yarny horizons, and have taken up Tunisian crochet, knitting, and even a bit of spinning.  Crochet is actually a form of therapy for me.  After a hectic day I love to sit on the couch and lose myself in whatever project I'm working on at the moment...whether it's a new hat design, or scarf, or shawl, or colorful bowl worked up in wool to be felted later.

I love all the fiber arts, but crocheting is my most favorite. In retrospect, I wish I would've let my mom teach me all those years ago.  But I'm crocheting now, and that's all that matters to me.

Wednesday Wishlist will resume June 9, 2010.

Wednesday Wishlist: I Wish You Liked My Stuff

OK, I admit it. I was too lazy to actually put together this week's Wishlist, so I decided to take this opportunity to shamelessly promote my own creations. I'm entitled to do that every now and then, right? I mean it is in my and my business's best interest to put forth some effort in the promotion, advertising, and marketing departments, and this blog is part of my business, so what the heck. Just go along with it, will ya? :) Anyway, I've selected five items from each of my Etsy shops for a total of 10. To see a complete product lineup from each shop, right click on these links to open the shop in a new window:

Jean May Originals

Survivor Arts

Thanks for visiting, and I promise to be back next week with a brand new theme!

from Jean May Originals

Give Peace A Chance Crocheted Pin

Crystal Blue Persuasion Earrings

Wild Thing Fabric Tube Scarf

Floral Puff Pin No. 3

Color Splash Pillow

from Survivor Arts

Raspberry Lace Crochet Shawl

Aqua and Lavender Treasure Bowl

S is for Simply Superb Sudsy Scented Soap

Tranquility Knit Shawl

Linen and Lace Aroma Bead Sachet

Wednesday Wishlist: Fabulous Finds From Fellow Etsyans, Part III

Gah!  With everything that's been going on in my life lately, I hadn't thought about a specific theme for this week's Wishlist.  But thanks to the wonderful world of Etsy, I don't have to look far to put together a variety of items I'd love to call my own.  These beauties are in my current Favorites list, and it's easy to see why.  Aren't they all fabulous?  As always, please show their shops some love by right clicking on the shop names to open in a new window.

Croque-Monsieur - Sterling Silver and Copper Bracelet
from 3squares

Noir Wool Felt Daisy Pin from hatsofancy

Heart Flock Fine Art Photo from theeye

Enchanted Shea Butter Lotion, Sweet Fruit with White Musk

from BLSoaps

Whyyyyy Darren the Drama Hound Amigurimi Dude

from UglyGerbil

Dance Like No One (Living) Is Watching Photographic Print

from BACLORI

Handmade or Die Mini Embroidery Art
from imfromthewoods

Handmade Art Doll Miniature - Madame Butterfly

from UneekDollDesigns

Peaceful Lotus Pin Cushion from BabyNest

Day Dreaming Pig Fine Art Print

from janeheller

Discover This: The Midnight Orange

I am truly honored to feature D. Antonia of Buffalo, New York, as the next indie artist featured in the Discover This series.  Her work is beautiful beyond words, and I owe her a huge amount of gratitude for agreeing to participate.  I am the proud owner of one of her amazing clay creations, and it's a piece I will surely cherish forever.  So without further adieu, I present to you The Midnight Orange.

The Mouse Whisperer

Description of work: I am a sculpture artist and my aim is to capture the spectrum of human emotion, from bright to raw.

Q:  How long have you been creating your items?
A:  I have been creating all my life, but found my specific niche in polymer clay at the beginning of 2009.

Q:  How did you get started?
A:  I struggled through a period of the blackest darkness last year and dredged through emotions that made every good thing in the world feel foreign to me. I hated talking to anyone about it because I genuinely sensed that this new and unsettling me made everyone uncomfortable and left them longing for me to be myself again. I got very tired of people expecting me to heal on a timeline, and trying to remedy my pain with blanketed cliches. Those around me tried to fix me, and really I knew that I just needed to feel what I was feeling and allow myself to move past it when I was ready. I couldn't relate to my family and friends. I couldn't relate to anyone. I got my hands on a block of clay one night and was shocked and startled at the very simple form that emerged. It was the epitomy of my ache.  Somehow it made me feel better, like there was one thing in the world that I could relate to when nothing else could comfort my unease. I made dozens more of them, and they brought me a sense of catharsis. I finally got the courage to list them in my shop, aware of the possibility that although uncomfortable to look at, someone else may experience that place just prior to healing as well. I listed one in the evening, and when I woke up it had sold and my buyer wrote to me telling me that she works with abused children and planned to use the piece in sand tray therapy. I could not describe how this resonated in my core, and the healing that this knowledge brought me. I launched an entire collection called In Some Dark Place and have been humbled beyond compare at the sentiments of acceptance and healing that people have expressed over these pieces. It very much makes me feel that the pain in my experience and darkness of my journey was worth it by what it has been able to do for other hurting hearts.

Please Be Kind

Q:  Where do you get your inspiration for your designs?
A:  I am inspired by a myriad of things. Sometimes it is a matter of expelling emotion, sometimes I hear a sound and can see it translate to shape and feeling. Color inspires me. It really depends on the moment.

Q:  Do you sell your items? If so, where?
A:  Right now I am solely based on Etsy.com, and my shop can be located via themidnightorange.com

Q:  Do you have any formal training, or are you a self-taught artist?
A:  I am self-taught, so trial and error has been it for me. At this point it is not likely I would pursue an art degree (not for lack of interest, but time and resources) but a business degree would be very beneficial for me and my fingers are crossed that this happens.

Q:  Please supply a short paragraph of why you think someone would benefit from purchasing your designs.
A:  If I may, I would rather provide testimony from a client. "D. Antonia does amazing work that helps people heal through times that no one should have to experience. She has no idea how much she helps those that have experienced loss heal through these pieces. Things like these are all we have to remember them with."

Bottom Be Near

Q:  If there’s anything else you’d like to share with readers, please enter it here.
A:  I know I talked a lot about the heaviness of my artwork, but I did heal through that period of my life and my work evolved into more light-hearted pieces as well. It has been a journey, and my goal at the end of it is that any emotion conjurable can be found captured in my clay.

You Make Me Gleam

Wednesday Wishlist: Fabulous Finds From Fellow Etsyans, Part II

There are so many wonderfully talented folks on Etsy that I decided to again shine the spotlight on fellow sellers in this week’s Wednesday Wishlist. Completely random, completely awesome, and completely wanted by moi!

As always, PLEASE show their shops some love by right clicking on each link and opening in a new window. Thanks!

P.S. Check back tomorrow for the next installment of the Discover This Series. I’m featuring yet another Etsyan. Trust me, you don’t want to miss this. The work is simply amazing!

Dichroic Bracelet with Pearls and Swarovski Crystals by MarrenDesigns

30 hr. Waterproof Bath Candle Sweet Tea by nettiescrub

 

Copper Peace and Love Baby by shellisxena

Purple Rain Scarf by IsabellesAttic

Yarn Hoarding Pin by RhondasOriginals

White Queen Shell Clutch by koopdegrace

Retro Congrats Card with Gift Tag by RueRenee

Rose Garden at Midnight Handspun Yarn by WhiteLotusDesigns

Rocking Horse Clock by JonPSU77

Silver Dangle Earrings by MissyM88

Wednesday Wishlist: Fabulous Finds From Fellow Etsyans

For this week's Wishlist I sought the help of some fine fellow Etsyans.  No particular "theme" this time, but a random selection of handmade goodies.  I'd like to personally thank each seller who posted in my thread and helped create this list, as I found some great sellers with even greater items.  Please show their shops some love by right clicking on their links to open their shop in a new window.  I wouldn't mind owning each and every one of these.  They are all beautiful!  Enjoy!

Custom Bookmark from MyPrintedMemories

Patchwork Pin Cushion from splendidthings

Boutique Woven Braided Headband from CelticTideCreations

Midnight Dreams Cuffs from Crystalsidyll

Cascading Pyrite and Gunmetal Necklace from yjennings

Baby Loafer Booties (cuteness!) from handmadebabylove

8x10 Peacock Collage from PAINTINGCHIC

Black and White Striped Shirt Dress from BlackSheepFashion

Vintaj Flower Stamped Necklace with Gemstones

from MyHeartBeads

Lil Sugar Sack Hat from LoveThatCrochet

(say it with me now..."awwwww")

Vintage Ring Pot Cover With Stars from monkmama

Easter Egg Hunt Sugar Cookies from 2ladiescharitybakers

Trinidad Unisex Necklace from ElectricPenguin