Featured Artist Friday!
Happy Earth Day!
(In her best Riddler voice...
"Riddle-me this, Batman!")
What's green, water-resistant, and hails from the great state of Texas?
Today's artist! (And, luckily for us, most of the items in her shop!)
Today our artist is Alicia Colina-Ashby who owns the fabulous Etsy shop La Alicia.
What if I told you they are made from paper? Sometimes it's even Junk Mail! Talk about "green!"
Wanna know more? I did, too!
So, I set up an interview. Enjoy!
Alicia, How did you get started with paper folding?
Were you the kid in class always folding up her candy wrappers?
When I was little, my mom and I made origami animals to put on the Christmas tree one year. We both totally enjoyed it and made other origami on occasion. Later on, a friend of my grandmother's taught me how to fold gum wrappers (which are no longer printed, btw) and I loved making the colorful, scented Double Mint gum wrapper chains.
To this day, when I unwrap a straw, I HAVE to fold the straw paper into a little bow. I don't really think about it -- it just happens. Some people knit or crochet to relax -- I fold paper.
Oh my! Those bobby pins are made from a red "security envelope?!" Too cute!
Is most of your work for others? Or, do you feature some of your work in your own home, too?
When I started out most things I made were experimental and just for my home.
Three years later, almost everything I make is for others.
I'm continually amazed with all the colors and textures paper.
Three years later, almost everything I make is for others.
I'm continually amazed with all the colors and textures paper.
Can I just tell you, I love your subtle sense of humor -
• Water Resistant
• Not made for snorkeling or showering
Speaking of water, your coin purses are VERY nice.
Understanding that this is a paper product, what can we expect in terms of wear?
No foolin', my bags wear really well. They are made up of many layers of paper and then have two coats of water based sealer applied to them. I have a bag that I have been carrying regularly for two years and the only change in the bag as it has aged, is a little softening on the corners where it bumps into things.
Those adjustable rings are darling!
If I had a little girl's birthday party coming up they might be perfect for party favors.
Could I choose custom colors or theme, e.g. "The Mouse?"
Of course! If there is a special paper you have that you'd like me to use to make them, I can do that too!
Where is your "studio?"
Do you have stacks and stacks of junk mail at the waiting?
(Can I send you mine!! Heck, can I SELL you mine - lol!)
You're too funny!
I live in a one bedroom apartment and when I first moved in, my studio was the dining room. I quickly outgrew that space and now the bedroom is my studio and I sleep in the dining room. It works out very well. It's a little nontraditional but I'm ok with that!
I have a good supply of paper, at the moment, thanks to friends and other "greenies". Twice a year I will put out an email asking for people's unwanted paper and I am always overwhelmed and grateful with the paper that people are willing to give. If you're interested in lessening the junk mail that arrives in your mailbox, you can visit http://www.the-dma.org/index.php and click on the green icon in the upper left to remove yourself from many mailing lists.
And, those Eco-Chic ornaments made from reclaimed text book paper look to be the perfect Christmas gift for teachers. Could we contact you for a custom order for multiples - since kids have LOTS of teachers?
Yes, they are great for teachers, librarians and fellow book worms! I usually use all different kinds of books that I find damaged. I'm happy to do orders with multiples or custom sets and papers, just ask.
That Eco-Chic (love that description!) Music Garland has me signing a happy tune!
Actually, it has me thinking about warm memories - and maybe thoughts of stringing that near a Christmas tree. And, of course again - perfect music teacher gift.
What is the most sentimental piece you've created?
I actually created a really cool little evening bag for my mom from one of her favorite college design books. It has a woven linen handle and I'll be putting it in the mail to her for Mother's Day.
Shhh, don't ruin the surprise!
Other sentimental pieces I love to work on are keepsake bags using all the maps from a couple's honeymoon. Those are so much fun to work on. I've also made itty bitty bags from wrapping paper from wedding and baby showers. It's amazing how sentimental we find certain kinds of paper.
Speaking of weddings, my husband and I are newlyweds.
How special would it be to have a map of Arizona - where we spent our honeymoon - made into a little mini clutch like the one above! Very fun!
What's the most oddly shaped object you've created?
Did it have curves and corners to work around?
LOL! Hands down, the most odd shaped thing so far has been a lampshade.
The bell shape presented an unusual challenge and since it is really large -- the weight of the paper compounded quickly practically tipping over the lamp. I had to back track and figure out how to make the lampshade lighter -- that was definitely a case of trial and error!
I hear you might have a SPECIAL OFFER AND GIVEAWAY for our readers!
Sorry, the contest has ended :)
I do! I'm offering just your readers a coupon code for 15% off in my Etsy shop. The secret code is "CAFED15". I'll also be giving away a pair of earrings and a pair of bobbies to two lucky winners selected by random.org.
AND...I'm offering a giveaway on YOUR site, too.
Yep, ladies and gents - it's a 2-fer!
You can enter below to win a pair of earrings or bobbies - AND, then head to Alicia's blog to enter to win something from CafeD!
Yep, ladies and gents - it's a 2-fer!
You can enter below to win a pair of earrings or bobbies - AND, then head to Alicia's blog to enter to win something from CafeD!
TO ENTER:
Simply leave us a comment below telling us whether you are hoping to win a pair of bobbies or earrings.I've given you a glimpse into her shop but you'll want to check out her FULL SHOP!
This giveaway is open WORLDWIDE!
(Alicia will ship directly to you)
Contest runs through Friday, April 29th, 2011 at 8 p.m. (Central)
Winner will be randomly chosen.
For up to 5 additional entries:
1. Twitter - "Eco-Chic Recycled Accessories - GIVEAWAY!
http://www.cookingatcafed.com/2011/04/featured-artist-friday-interview-and.html"
2. Facebook status - "Eco-Chic Recycled Accessories - GIVEAWAY!
http://www.cookingatcafed.com/2011/04/featured-artist-friday-interview-and.html"
3. "Like" Both of our Facebook pages.
Alicia's Facebook page is here and our Facebook page is here.
4. "Follow" - Both of our blogs via Google Friend Connect.
Alicia's blog is Creative Adventures and our blog - well, you're on it! - it's at Cooking at Cafe D.
5. "Heart" Both of our Etsy shops.
Alicia's Shop is La Alicia and ours is Cafe D.
Leave a separate comment below for each entry.
Please be sure to either leave your e-mail address...
Or, be sure your e-mail is easily found if I click on your comment.
So, check out her store, then tell us below:
Are you hoping to win a pair of bobbies? A pair of earrings?
Tell us below!
