JuBella.com - Get Your Creative Dose

Don’t you just love the DIY Network? I do and one of my favorite shows within their crafty line up which includes Knitty Gritty, Craft Lab, and Uncommon Threads is a spunky show called Creative Juice! Hosted by Cathie Filian and Steve Piacenza, Creative Juice offers up some of the cutest, kitschy, affordable, easy, and delicious projects to do in your own home. I really do enjoy watching their show so I was elated when Cathie agreed to share a bit of her time to offer up some creative inspiration! As a youngster, Cathie spent most of her time designing elaborate homes for Barbie dolls, sewing her own clothes and baking cookies; and for eight years, Cathie worked in the film business creating costumes for movies like Vanilla Sky, Rushmore, Heartbreakers, Twister and Bottle Rocket.

So, with that said..here’s Cathie…Enjoy & don’t forget to “Make It, Bake It, and Cocktail Shake It”! (ok, you have to watch the show to get it)

JuBella: Why is creativity important to you?

Cathie: Creative is who I am. Long before Creative Juice, I had an old saying… I wake up in the morning creative, I create all day long and I dream what I’ll make next. I doesn’t matter if I am making a dessert, balancing my check book or sewing a new dress – I am always thinking and acting creatively. I look at my day as one big creative journey.

JuBella: How would you describe your most creative spot/atmosphere?

Cathie: It’s a buzz…. I am in a unique situation because I craft at home and at work. At work I am juggling many different hats, Producer, Writer, Crafter and Host. We have a crew of about 35 amazing people on the show and a typical day at work is really a buzz, it is a very creative environment. At home I really get my creative juices going. I can get lost in my projects and the quiet/calm of home.

Jubella: Favorite Craft magazine?

Cathie:Vintage, I love vintage craft magazine and books. I draw inspiration from the color pallets and pattern choices. I also love the old ad’s – they have wonderful fonts in them.

JuBella: How would you describe the character/decor of your studio/design space?Cathie:

Cathie: I call my work space organized chaos. I know where everything is – it really is about being able to reach all my supplies. I am short so a step ladder is my friend. My space has tons of character – I like color and vintage collectables.

JuBella: What have been some of the biggest challenges with being an artist, starting your own business, and promoting your work all at the same time…what advice would you give to others in the same boat?

Cathie: Stay with your ideas and dreams and realize that some people won’t “get you”. The biggest challenge was convincing people that young people were interested in being creative - crafting, sewing, cooking, etc.

JuBella: What is your favorite craft product thus far and what have you enjoyed making with it the most?

Cathie: Hands down - decoupage medium. I use this glue for so many projects…. My favorite project I make with decoupage is the candle luminaries.

JuBella: What crafting tools could you not live without?

Cathie: My scissors, I have a collection of about 100 different pairs. Some of my scissors I’ve had for over 20 years. Round nosed pliers and glue run a close second to scissors.

JuBella: Most unique gift that you have given to someone?
Cathie: I made a quilt for my husband made from all of his old sports tee shorts. He just about flipped out!

Do you still play with dolls and stuffed animals? Well, should someone ever give me one of these darling creations from artist and doll maker Jhoanna Aranez of One Red Robin, I would surely be on cloud nine! Jhoannas pieces are overflowing with color, pattern, patchwork, and most of all her pieces carry their own unique character that just comes to life. I was stoked to have Jhoanna chat with us a bit about her creative inspiration and the story behind One Red Robin. So sit back and soak up the creative inspiration of One “creative” Red Robin…Jhoanna Aranez:

JuBella: Why is creativity important to you?

Jhoanna: Needing to exercise creativity has always been a part of me. My earliest childhood memories are of taking scrap pieces of paper, any pencils I could find, and spending hours drawing things. I also remember spending my days sticking discarded household objects together with glue & sticky tape to make a ‘gizmo’ of some sort, and using whatever I had to make something I needed. I always felt (and still do feel) a great sense of satisfaction and joy upon seeing my completed projects.  Being creative with my hands not only kept me out of trouble, but helped my self-esteem, and exercised my mind to think in new ways and to take different approaches to daily life. I do believe that everyone has a creative side but it needs to be exercised often as it certainly contributes to making life fun, balanced and beautiful.

JuBella: What do you love most about designing and crafting plush toys?

Jhoanna: The possibilities with plush toys are just endless! I love the fact that I can create each one to have a unique character, quirks, and look-and-feel. There is the freedom to create conventional versus unconventional soft toys and dolls. There is much scope to play with fabrics - combining clashing or complimentary colours, prints & textures. For example, my quilted patchwork soft toys include a variety of different types of fabric, colours and fabric prints, with some quilting for added texture.  I don’t spend hours figuring out what colours or prints should go together - when I start a patchwork, I just sit down with my stash, pick out what I think will work and just go with it. My favourite part is after I’ve sewn the toy together and turning it out to see what the finished product looks like (before it gets stuffed).  I love the surprise element. The great thing about soft toys is that both adults and kids enjoy them.

JuBella: How did you come up with the name of your company?

Jhoanna: Robins are my favourite type of bird.  I remember reading somewhere that one of the behaviours that characterize a robin is that they run then stop, then run then stop, and admittedly, that pretty much sums up how I approach life at the moment! ‘Red’ is a little reference to my birthmark, which, over many years, I’ve come to accept is really a part of who I am, a unique stamp that God has included in His creation of me.

JuBella: Where do you like to find your fabrics and embellishments for your toys, and what other artists inspire you to stay creative?

Jhoanna: My fabrics & embellishments are sourced from the local fabric store, my 2 favourite online fabric shops (Cia’s Palette & Reprodepot ), and the local thrift store. I have also been blessed with some wonderful fabric and notions from generous blog buddies! In terms of soft toys, my greatest inspirations are fellow bloggers:

1) Dawn of Look What I Can Do , she has an amazing eye for transforming fabric into the perfect little Love Creatures.

2) Abby of While She Naps: I love the way she experiments with different animal/doll forms and fabric/yarn/buttons

3) Ricardo of Wishes & Heros: I adore the way he uses colour and embellishment in his little pocket dolls, cat-lover dolls, and his illustrations

4) Hillary of Wee Wonderfuls: she is simply prolific; incredible vision and imagination

I would have to add that my 2 girls remain my greatest inspiration.  If it weren’t for them, I would never had had the urge to make soft toys to begin with, and their great response to what I create certainly motivates me to keep creating.

JuBella: Favorite Craft magazines or shows?

Jhoanna: I find inspiration and ideas in a number of magazines and craft books. Anything from quilt & patchwork magazines to home decor magazines.  My favourite Aussie magazine is InsideOut. Like much of the craft community, I adore Japanese Craft books and magazines.  Although they are written in Japanese, I pick-up a lot of ideas on colour, fabric combinations, themes and form.  Plus I adore the way they photograph the items.

JuBella: How would you describe your most creative spot/atmosphere & the character of your studio/design space?

Jhoanna: I am most creative after I’ve had a good cup of coffee, my 2 girls are tucked into their beds and sleeping peacefully, the dishes have been done, and I have my favourite CDs in the player!

My ’studio’ occupies a small corner in my home.  At the moment, it really is just organized chaos! I use a small computer desk to house my sewing machine and notions. On a narrow wall hang a few bits and pieces of inspiration and favourite things. Against another wall, I’ve got a few of my earlier pieces of work on display to remind me of where I have come from and to inspire me to keep trying new things or to try something different with existing patterns. I’ve got a small stack of craft books on a side table.  My most-used fabrics are stacked on the floor, which is where I do all my fabric-cutting.  I find it very relaxing to sit on the floor and cut fabric, trying different combinations for some of my patchwork.  I also have a beanbag nearby where I do my hand-sewing.  It’s a small studio - cozy and intimate – but I always look forward to spending some ‘me’ time there, whenever I have a chance.

JuBella: Do you have any favorite books on soft toys?

Jhoanna: I adore all my Japanese craft books – I have learned so much from trying to decode their diagrams! I also recently picked up “The Complete Doll Maker” by Alice Weiner.  It’s proven to be an invaluable resource on doll-making techniques, from the basic to the advanced.  I haven’t had the chance to take classes in doll/soft toy-making (or any sewing classes for that matter) so I highly value craft books.
 
JuBella: What crafting tools could you not live without?

Jhoanna: I love my sewing machine! It’s a Janome and it’s been extremely reliable and easy to use.  I definitely couldn’t live without it.  A good pair of fabric scissors also make a huge difference!  I don’t think I could survive without my handy sketchbook and an always-sharp pencil, so that I can jot down ideas and sketch patterns whenever and wherever inspiration hits. And finally, I’d have to say my laptop - not a crafting tool per se but it keeps me linked to the crafting community.
 
JuBella: Most unique gift that you have given to someone?

Jhoanna: This was a tough question to find an answer for – I’ve given many handmade gifts and most are unique in the sense that they are one-of-a-kind, but I’m going to go with my gut reaction and say that my 2 girls are the most unique gift I’ve had the privilege of ‘giving’ to my family.

Australian born Crafter and writer Allison Whitlock has probably made her way to the screens of all of our crafty homes. The lovely host of the DIY’s Network “Uncommon Threads” chats a bit with us about all things creative and she shares a sneak peek into her fabulous sewing and design studio located in her home. Allison is no newby to the design and craft world. She has worked as a writer and Stylist for Sheila Bridges: Designer Living, A Swell Holiday, and Dwell, and you can catch some of her work in Vickie Howells popular book “Knitty Gritty” & Vickies upcoming book “Catwalk Crochet”. I look forward to her upcoming home decor line “Home Made Modern” as well! Heres Allison

JuBella: Why is creativity important to you?

Allison: To me, being creative is like breathing. It’s the very expression of who I am. It helps me to stay centered, expressive and happy. I also believe that by being creative, I’m able to understand myself, my culture, and my environment.

JuBella: How would you describe your most creative spot/atmosphere?

Allison: There’s no one place that I go to be creative. I think inspiration is all around and sometimes you can take a fresh look at something you pass by every day and see something new. But the ultimate environment for creativity to me is a new one - so travel is important. Every culture or city expresses itself aesthetically in a different way. Even the way that light falls on a building or the way colors look so different from one hemisphere to the next or one city to another. I always travel with my digital camera a snap a shot of images that make me stop and take a second look. They’re a constant inspiration for my designs.

JuBella: Favorite Craft magazine or show?

Allison: I have to say being a knitter among other things - I love to watch Knitty Gritty. It’s great to learn from those amazing knit designers - and Vickie Howell is one of my favorite crafty chicks! Also, I’m completely obsessed with modern design and I’m very impressed with DIY’s Free-form Furniture - it’s not classic craft but it’s great design and that’s what excites me.

JuBella: How would you describe the character/decor of your studio/design space?

Allison: Allison: My studio is my home, and rather than dedicating a room to craft - I just let it take over my space whenever I’m feeling creative. I’d describe the style femme modern - classic clean lines but always with a curve or soft edge. My favorite piece is my 1950’s Saarinen tulip dining table and chairs. I bought it on ebay for a steal and have been in love with it ever since. It’s fantastic as a work desk, to cut on, sew at or wipe clean and have friends over for cocktails. My second favorite piece is a Womb chair and ottoman also by Saarinen…and it’s called a womb for a reason - it’s one of the most comfortable curvy chairs I’ve ever sat in. I use this one for knitting,crochet or any hand sewing or embroidery. I can get lost in my own thoughts in that chair. For inspiration I keep a library of craft, design, architecture and photography books.

JuBella: What have been some of the biggest challenges with being an artist,starting your own business, and promoting your work all at the same time…what advice would you give to others in the same boat?

Allison: The hardest thing is taking the leap! Like many women who start their own creative enterprises, I had a career outside of craft and design first - directing and producing television. I had to bite the bullet eventually -throw caution to the wind and just create/design full time. It’s still early days for me - but so far, it’s the best thing I could have done. Whatever you put 100% of your time and effort into - I truly believe you’ll be most successful at. And you’ll also be happiest doing what you love. Aside from that - it’s just about creating and maintaining your own momentum…not taking two hour lunch breaks or catching up on Oprah too much.

My most recent purchase is Florence Broadhurst: Her Secret and Extraordinary Lives by Helen O’Neill. Florence Broadhurst was one of Australia’s most prolific wallpaper and textile designers. I love looking at and appreciating the creativity of others and I’m particularly inspired by creative women.

JuBella: What is your favorite craft product thus far and what have you enjoyed making with it the most?

Allison: I’m definitely a fiber addict, so fabric and yarn are my favorite things for sure. I love making interior products and it’s hard for me to go past a good vinyl fabric without wondering of it’s capabilities and possibilities. Recently i made a western style saddle for a plastic stool. The brown vinyl fabric I used was challenging to sew with- but gave me a prefect result.

JuBella: What crafting tools could you not live without?

Allison: Hmmm…so many to choose from, it’s hard to pick one. But if I must play favorites - I wouldn’t be without my Bernina sewing machine. For years I sewed using my mothers old 1960’s Lemair Helvetia sewing machine. It was a fabulous light green cast iron model that did little else than straight stitching and a capable zig zag. I eventually decided to face my fear of digital and buy a machine with more functions - and I’m loving it. it has opened up new avenues for my designs. We also use them on my show Uncommon Threads. It’s interesting to watch guests who were like me - using the machines for th first time. At first they were trepidacious and by the end of the show, completely in love.

JuBella: Most unique gift that you have given to someone?

Allison: I recently found some old slide film of my mum when she was a teenager. There was a great photograph of her sitting on the bonnet (hood) of her car with her ‘P’ plates - in Australia this is your provisional license,it means you can drive alone for the first time. I loved the photograph because my mum looks so excited and ready to take on life. I had the photo scanned and then printed the image onto fabric. I created a pillow for her with the photo in the center with a slim white border - much like a postcard. it’s a nice way to take a memory and make something beautiful and functional out of it. I’m so excited to be a part of the community of creative women.

JuBella: Any additional comments for our readers:

Allison: My greatest desire is that we share our ideas and techniques with one another to ensure that they are passed on and live on. It’s through this sharing that we stay connected to one another and to creative women of our past. The best thing about working on my show Uncommon Threads is meeting groups of creative women (and men) and helping them share their ideas with a world of seasoned crafters and newbys. They all inspire me!

Mixed Media Collage Artist Jennifer Gordon creates fantastic pieces that fuses vintage elements, vibrant colors, and random imagery of modern women in her work. Out of all the elements that make up her work, it is definitely the bold rich colors that she uses that attracted me to her work the most. This makes me want to go do a vintage inspired collage! She also makes some really cute journals and boxes with the same medium. Check out more of her work at her Etsy Shop.

The crafty lady behind In My Solitude is Evolyn Brooks, who is not only a crafty lady, but also a writer, reporter, anchorwoman, and Emmy nominated producer, model, and artist. “Her passion for fashion and beauty led her to help supervise the start up of the Tyra Banks show, and she oversaw the launch of 20th Century Foxs’ home invasion series called Design Invasions.

She has a lovely blend of cultural fabrics and modern design. The “Fresh Water Table Runner” is brilliant and a definite inspiration for all of those who love to quilt or at best do simple patchwork. The name In My Solitude is the perfect name, because it is there that you can appreciate yourself and what better way to do that than something special to adorn yourself with than a lovely quilt or pillow!

The Double Stitch Twins Erika and Monika Simmons are two crafty ladies. They crochet beautiful apparel and accessories that are filled with style, beauty, and color. Currently they are working on a wonderful Crochet & Pattern book that is due to come out in May of 2008. Erika and Monika talk with us about why creativity is important and they share a few marketing tips for promoting your work. Thanks Monika and Erika for sharing your crochet inspiration!

Jubella: Why is creativity important to you?

Double Stitch: As crochet artists, creativity is very important to us, because it initially keeps us from getting board during our creative process. Even if we’re crocheting a piece that’s all black, we’ll use black beads, black sequins, sparkly yarn, textured black yarn for fringes, etc. This pushes us to always add that little extra that we like to see when we shop for apparel ourselves.

Jubella: How would you describe your most creative spot/atmosphere?

Double Stitch: My (Erika), favorite creative spot or atmosphere is in my home studio in the sun porch. I love it because I’m facing toward the racks of clothing that we have in our inventory and it’s inspiring for me to see what I’ve created already, while making something new and innovative. There are windows around the whole area, and I’m usually listening to Law and Order or the Golden Girls DVD, lol!

Monika’s most creative spot/atmosphere is in her bedroom. It’s comfy and cozy and she listens to television while she hides her creation from me until she’s done. This way she can unveil her fabulous Double Stitch original.

Jubella: Favorite Fashion magazine or episode?

Double Stitch: We both like magazines like, Vogue and Lucky so that we can stay abreast to what’s current in the Fashion industry. But, we both love Sophisticates Black Hair Magazine, Essence and Ebony the most!

Jubella: Top 3 Fashion/Beauty Boutiques or Designers?

Double Stitch: Tracy Reese’s designs are absolutely beautiful. Sistah’s from Harlem are extremely innovative and inspiring. Anthropologie is great because of the special touches and quality of the designs that they feature!

Jubella: What designers have inspired you?

Double Stitch: Tracy Reese has inspired us through her perseverance in the industry. She has always had the obvious talent, but she has proven that believing in her ability can get her everywhere! She kept going though bankruptcies and never stopped. Also her designs are gorgeous!

Sistah’s from Harlem NY, has shown us that we can do it too! When we see them, we see us. We just live in different places. It’s very important to see yourself in others that you believe are successful. It pushes you in a way that only a role model can.

Jubella: What are your top 3 marketing tips that you would give to an aspiring designer?

1. Wake Up & Pay Attention: Listen to what your prospective clients say about your collection, but decide for yourself what your clothing line will be about. People other than ourselves, usually reveal the strengths or special appeal about our line through the comments that they make . Do what YOU do, and stay true to the essence of what made you designer. That way, your line can grow while you grow.

2. Invest is Marketing: Make sure that Marketing is not an optional part of your business. Plenty of people have a great product that no one knows about. So what’s the use of working on your collection and putting all of the money into supplies, when you need business cards and ads in place? Split the money up, make some hot samples and purchase some eye catching ads, flyers and/or business cards. Marketing investments make the difference!

3. Party with a purpose: It’s cool to scope out your prospective market, by attending events where you think YOUR client would go. This is very useful research and can help you to decide who is most interested in your work as well as who will actually pay for it.

Jubella: What would we find in your closet or purse?

Double Stitch: In our purse you would find a (5.50) crochet needle, fabric discount card, a pen, and business cards. In our closet you would find a Double Stitch T shirt with crochet sleeves (to represent Double Stitch in a casual grocery shopping kind of way), funky boots (any color), Tube tops (to layer Double Stitch jackets, shawls, and accessories), Double Stitch Multi-way shawl (can be worn over 30 ways), and some Long skirts.

Jubella: Other than fashion, in what other ways do you express your creativity?

Double Stitch: Hair Stylists: We have been braiding hair for over 15 years (since college) and we were able to express ourselves through our clients hair that way. Dance: We have been dancers since age 12 and we love modern, ballet, jazz, African, and hip hop dance! Artists: We both discovered very early, that we can draw very well, but believe it or not, we don’t do sketches of our clothing. we just dream it up and then do it, not patterns or anything!