New Surface Pattern

Yeah I finished a new surface design! This design is part of a Birthday collection I am putting together. I could see this being licensed for a fabric, wrapping paper or scrap-booking paper.

Artist Interview- RavenWorks

I’m Super excited today to introduce you all to an amazing designer/jewelry maker Carrissa Larsen. She owns and operates RavenWorks, which is the home of unique jewelry, from simple designs, to the truly unique. She works with stones and sea glass, and every piece is original and hand made. Whenever I ware her creations I get endless compliments. You can see her designs in person at Stones and Stuff in Portland, Maine, or The Sandpiper Jewelry Gallery in South Portland, Maine or browse her collection on Etsy.

Please give us a brief bio, where you are from and how you started in this field?

I'm originally from northern Vermont, but have spent the past 5 years in Westbrook, Maine. I stared getting into jewelry design when I moved to Maine, as a hobby while I was trying to adjust to the move.

When did you first discover your creative talents?

I used to love to draw and do creative projects as a child. I moved on to writing as a creative expression, and earned my BA in English Literature. Ive always been in touch with my creative side in different ways.

Could you tell us about some of your work?

My main body of work focuses on using unique natural stones in combination with various wire weaving techniques. I try to highlight the beauty of each stone, working the weave with it, while trying not to detract from the stone its self. 

What inspires you to keep going and how do you keep yourself motivated?

I'm driven to create. I hate being idle, and I'm always working on new designs and ideas.I keep motivated by the fact that I'm making a living out of doing what I love.

How would you describe your style?

My style is very elegant, and simple, but with a unique edge. My style is natural and organic.

What is your approach to design? 

I don't really have a design process. Each design comes to me as I work with the individual stones

Share with us something funny that has happened to you recently.
A lot of funny things happen while I'm vending out on the streets. I end up talking to a lot of bizarre people. Recently one of my recent visitors, a local guy who just likes to shoot the breeze brought me a cup full of beautiful sea glass.  I don't think he's employed, and may not have a home, but he collected all these great pieces just for me. I thought it was funny that he had thought to do that for me.

How do you bridge the gap of the business side of designing?

I'm always promoting myself, and always creating as I'm selling. I try to keep the two as intertwined as possible.

Describe yourself in 5 words.

Determined, perfectionist, driven, abstract, stubborn

Lastly, any words of advice for aspiring designers/artists?

Just do it! I know it sounds cheesy, but sometimes you just have to suck it up and go after your dreams, and the rest be damned. No one is ever going to make it happen for you, you have to make it happen for yourself. Stop dreaming and start doing!

Sea Life Sketches on my iPhone

I did these sketches with my finger on my iPhone. I Went to the Academy of Science last Thursday and took a bunch of fish pictures. 

Illustration-Junk Food

Here is an acrylic painting I did for a magazine article on heart disease. I had a lot of fun with this one.

Gluten Free Blueberry Peach Cobbler

This is my first Gluten Free baking experience.
Preheat Oven to 350

Filling:

6 Peaches  (sliced with skin on)
3 Cups Blueberries
1/2 Cup Agave Sweetener
Lemon Juice from from 1/2 lemon

Topping:

2 3/4 Cup all Purpose Gluten Free Flower
1 1/4 Tsp Xanthan Gum
1 Tsp Baking Powder
1/4 Cup Sugar
1/2 tsp Salt
6 Tbs Butter
1 1/4 Cups Milk
1 Tbs Cinnamon
1/4 Cup Gluten Free Oatmeal

Mix filling together in a bowl
Mix Topping together in a bowl (mix dry and wet then combine)
Use a 9x13' baking pan
Pour in fruit and top with topping
Bake for 45 min

Serve!

New Wrapping Paper Designs

I designed these birthday wrapping paper designs today. I really want to get my collections into shape and start attending the east bay licensing meetings. It's a lot of work. More to come.