Thursday, December 29, 2011

dana komjaty : artists who blog


Today I am happy to begin sharing more of the conversations I have had with the wonderful, creative women I have met during my travels over the past few months. In all, I've interviewed 16 talented women in five European countries, who were kind enough to take the time to meet me where they live and work.

I'll start with Dana Komjaty, a delightful, charming Dutch artist living in Amsterdam, who runs two Etsy shops - Leililaloo and Dana Komjaty - and who has a warm, entertaining blog as well.

Dana and I have had email contact for quite some time. In May 2009, I did an in-depth interview with Dana for my artists who blog series here, and she interviewed me for her Balancing series on her own blog here! When I decided that I would be visiting Amsterdam, I knew immediately that I wanted to meet Dana and include her in my 12 Countries in 12 Months interview project.



We met on a rainy day in a local Amsterdam cafe and had a lively talk over fresh mint tea and coffee. I asked Dana to tell me a little about her background and here is what she had to say:

"I was born in a small town in the South of Holland, but I have been in Amsterdam for 15 years. Amsterdam is the only city where I can imagine living in Holland now. I like the relaxed, open atmosphere and the international, multi-cultural aspect. People are accepted here.

I studied art and fashion design in Breda, and I worked in surface and textile design for a while, but I found it very isolating. I started wondering about the meaning behind my art... What was I giving back to the world?



So I stopped textile design, and I made an extreme job switch. I worked with refugee children here in Amsterdam as a social worker. Most children were asylum seekers from Angola and orphans and I worked 24 hour shifts. Then, because of political changes here in Holland, the children's home was closed.

For a while I worked doing backstage help with the theater for the National Ballet, but I needed a steady job. I did training to be a home healthcare midwife, who helps women after the birth of their children. It is an exhausting job, but always rewarding."

These days Dana also runs two online shops, and she is very productive making handmade artwork, jewelry, and textiles. She also has two young children, and is a single mom. Amazing!


I asked Dana why she started blogging and she told me that it all started for her when she discovered Rosa Pomar's blog. (I also interviewed Rosa in Lisbon, so you'll be hearing from her later on!)

Dana explained, "After I saw Rosa's blog, I started discovering how the creative world of the Internet works. I researched everything for about 2 years before I got the courage to begin blogging myself. When I started my own blog in 2008, Rosa's blog was the compass for me.

I looked at Etsy and at first, I didn't really understand what it was all about. It has grown so much now, and so many people are blogging and so many have Etsy shops."



Dana went on to say, "I wouldn't be doing what I'm doing now without the Internet. I even named my daughter Indie Mae - 'Indie' for the movement in the US, and 'Mae' as her second name was suggested to me on my blog. Faythe Levine's book and movie 'Handmade Nation' are a great inspiration for me."

One of Dana's dreams for the future is to give workshops where women could come together and make creative things collectively. For instance, she loves what she sees happening at the Teahouse Studio in San Francisco, and especially the artwork and classes of artist Mati Rose McDonough.



When I asked Dana what she loves about the city of Amsterdam, she told me, "The creative side, the way people dress and the crazy combinations they come up with. There is a special 'Pippi Longstocking style' among some women - with braids and rain boots on their bikes... What I dislike are the stereotypes with windmills and wooden shoes, also the drug problems in the city.

My favorite day of the year in Amsterdam is Queen's Day on April 30th. There is a fun, funky atmosphere and it is a flea market paradise on that day!"

*****

It was a real treat to meet Dana in person. She has such a great sense of humor and a warm heart. My daughters were so enchanted by the beautiful pillow I brought back from Dana's workshop in Amsterdam, we now have a family of five original, handmade Leililaloo pillows!




In case you are wondering where the name Leililaloo comes from, Dana's son Leilani came up with it as he was trying to pronounce his name at age one. What a cute and unique story.

Be sure to visit Dana at her Leililaloo shop and on her lovely blog :)


Thank you Dana for being a such a kind, generous host and for sharing your thoughts and artwork with us in Amsterdam! I'm wishing you a wonderful 2012!

xoxo

Stephanie

Wednesday, December 7, 2011

rhiannon connelly : artists who blog



I'm so pleased to share an interview today with photographer Rhiannon Connelly from Edinburgh, Scotland. Rhiannon and I had the chance to meet at the Hello Etsy summit in Berlin earlier this year. She did a 12 Cities photography project in Europe using Polaroid film a short while back, and it has been so much fun to hear about her travel and art adventures and compare notes. More about her personal creative process today - enjoy!

Rhiannon's blog: www.starrybluesky.wordpress.com
Rhiannon's website: www.rhiannonconnelly.com
Rhiannon's shop: www.starrybluesky.etsy.com

Why did you decide to become an artist and could you imagine doing anything else? If so, what?

I've always been artistic and creative, from childhood drew and created all manner of things - puppet theatres inside match boxes and a full size pantomime horse made out of papier mache and material. First creative venture was a jewellery business at age 14.  But when it came to choose what to study I was torn as I also had an aptitude for languages. In the end I chose languages , partly based on the theory that it would be easier to return to something artistic later on than vice versa. I don't regret my studies as they gave me a broad world outlook and some useful language skills , but it didn't take me long to pick up the artistic threads again ! Now ,if I look at my professional history, the two strands of language and art are nearly always present to some extent. However you can't always combine things  so for the last 10 years  I've been concentrating on the artistic.
If I had to choose something else I would study ethnography because I am fascinated by folk culture and the way that melodies and dances have moved around the world.




Do you still believe "do what you love and the money will come?" 


I do believe that. But I also believe that it involves a little  more than just "doing what you love." I  think you also have to do the marketing and promotion so that people will find it.

How has blogging/the Internet influenced your work as an artist?


It has definitely influenced my work. It is now easier than ever for artists to take matters into their own hands and get their work into the world. Researching topics can be done in a few hours that would have previously taken days in a library. Blogging enables me to take part in a wider conversation and connect to other creative people whose paths I would never otherwise cross . Not to mention the inspiration of seeing so much art online.


Please name 3 of your favorite blogs and tell us why these blogs are special. 

These are three blogs  that I do come back to time and again.
Geninne Zlatkis - I just love her artwork and have a couple of her little birdies in my house. I enjoy seeing the way she writes about her inspirations, with just enough about her life to make you feel you have got to know her a bit better.
Pia Jane Bijkerk -  Stylish and inspirational  - always a visual treat.
Flora Bowley - one of the highlights for me this year was to do a workshop with Flora, so I enjoy reading her blog to see her latest work. For those who aren't able to do a workshop in person - great news - she has a book coming out soon.




What is your greatest fear and what do you do to overcome it?


Well, I am inclined to worry. So I do my best not to give it much house room these days. Artistically I suppose the fear is usually "is it good enough?"  And what I do about that is to finish working on one thing and then move straight along to the next piece. When I read that people like Degas were  frequently not happy with their work then I feel in pretty good company! And I just try to use it to propel myself onwards.

Who would you like to trade places with for one day? Why?


I'd like to trade places with someone who lived on Orkney 4000 years ago. I am so fascinated by the remains there and curious about the lives lived - they have left tantalising traces but many unanswered questions. 




What are your secrets for managing your time wisely?


Years and years ago I came across the FlyLady website (A site devoted to keeping your house spick and span. Which is a necessary but not terribly thrilling thing.) She encouraged a technique of using a timer, set at 15 minute intervals. So, if I am starting a task I set it for 15 mins and get going. And then repeat it a couple of times to build momentum. The other thing I do is a "Sunday Summit" where I review the previous week and set my goals for the next week. I have also learned to factor in quite a lot of unallocated time - giving me margins to allow for  things taking longer than expected - which they inevitably do!

If you could live anywhere in the world – all expenses paid – for one year, where would that be? Why?


Where in the world?  Decisions decisions -  I am torn between choosing a year in rural northern Romania, where I imagine the natural tempo of the year is still fairly evident and the mysterious, hectic city of Istanbul with all its layers of history. I feel both of these places would lead to very interesting projects and discoveries. 




How do you maintain a healthy balance between your professional and private life?


What's that?  Perhaps not the best way, but I don't really make a boundary between the two as one spills over into the other.  Sometimes art takes most of the energy and at other times the personal sphere takes up more time (such as when moving house). I do try to keep to a different rhythm at weekends. And I am very alert to not working so hard that I burn out as I have experienced that in the past.

What are your top 5 goals that you’d like to accomplish within the next 5 years?
To exhibit my 12 city project in some of the cities I visited.
To write/illustrate/photograph a book.
License my designs.
Organise art workshops in Europe.
Develop a range of interior products based on my artwork.




What is your advice for someone who would like to turn his or her creative dreams into reality?


Just start. Secondly look for support where you need it. I have found the Artist's Way to be extremely valuable, both doing it on my own and working through it in a small group. And finally, don't compare yourself with others. Concentrate on your own work.



Thank you Rhiannon! What a pleasure it was to meet you in Berlin this year and to hear more about your creative thoughts and dreams. xo

Sunday, November 27, 2011

cathy mcmurray : artists who blog


I'm delighted to welcome artist Cathy McMurry, a native of beautiful Portland, Oregon as our creative guest today! Enjoy :)

Cathy's blog: Habit of Art
Cathy's website: cathymcmurray.com
Cathy's shop: etsy.com/shop/CathyMcMurray



Why did you decide to become an artist and could you imagine doing anything else? If so, what?

Art has always been an integral part of my life. I feel very fortunate that I’ve been in the art field my entire professional life. I really can’t think of anything else I’d rather be doing. Lately, I have been daydreaming about taking some classes in cooking and weaving, but only to entertain my restless artist spirit. I am constantly seeking ways to broaden and refine my creative skills.

Do you still believe "do what you love and the money will come?"

Very few people get to live a lavish lifestyle as a result of their talents. This isn’t to say that the rest of us can’t have a rewarding and exciting career in doing what we love. It takes a lot of hard work and time- plus some luck- to get to a place that is lucrative (I’m still working on it after two years!). If I was 25, I could afford taking more risks and dedicating an insane amount of time to my art career, but as it is, I am nearly 40, married, and busy being mom to two wonderful girls.



How has blogging/the Internet influenced your work as an artist?

For one, I couldn’t do what I do today without the Internet. A quarter of my online sales are international, and I wouldn’t be able to get that kind of reach with a traditional gallery experience. In the two years that I have been blogging on Habit of Art, I have connected with so many great artists and art enthusiasts. The positive reinforcement through emails and comments have been incredibly encouraging. I also am able to get immediate feedback on my work, which can have some influence in the direction I take with my art.

Please name 3 of your favorite blogs and tell us why these blogs are special.

My favorite blogs are those belonging to artists. I especially love posts on their creative journey and space. A couple that I follow on a regular basis include Gretchenmist and Jill Bliss. Cathy Cullis and Annekata (sadly, not active anymore) are two other blogs that have inspired me with their slow craft ideas, like dying fabrics naturally and hand sewing projects. And, I like pretty things as much as the next girl, so I like to browse design and image heavy blogs like homecollection and intelligent clashing.



What is your greatest fear and what do you do to overcome it?

Fears go hand in hand with what we value most in life. So, my greatest fears relate to something happening to my family or my ability to create art. What helps me get through these fears and the daily worries of life is my faith.

Who would you like to trade places with for one day? Why?

Trading places with an art conservator working on a Michelangelo masterpiece would be pretty thrilling. Geeky, I know, but I love history stuff, and the idea of restoring art seems virtuous. On my blog I have mentioned that if I was a superhero, my alter ego would be an art conservator by day.



What are your secrets for managing your time wisely?

Having an organized work space is a huge help. I try to clean my work area about every three weeks. That way, I don’t waste time looking for a particular art tool or piece of paper. I’m a big list maker, too. So, almost every day I make a short list of tasks.

If you could live anywhere in the world – all expenses paid – for one year, where would that be? Why?

My husband and I have often times talked about moving for a year to a small village in southeast France. We were there in ’98, and we fell in love with the scenery. I could live on baguettes and cheese for a long time, too.




How do you maintain a healthy balance between your professional and private life?

I work from home, which has its pros and cons. I love that I can work at my art desk and the girls can play a boardgame in the same room. Or that I can start a pot of water on the stovetop and package an order up at the same time. Working from home also provides an invaluable opportunity to teach the girls some things about running a business. (There’s already talk of a beaded bracelet collection that the girls want to launch.) Maintainging a healthy balance between work and personal life, however, is one of my greatest challenges. And being a blogger blurs that line between professional and private even more. Sometimes, I’ll purposely leave my camera at home so that I’m not looking for photo-op moments. But then, of course, something blog worthy happens and my husband or kids will say, “you should have brought your camera.”



What are your top 5 goals that you’d like to accomplish within the next 5 years?

These are more hopes than goals . . .

Move into a studio space with more natural light!
Take cooking and weaving classes
Travel to Europe as a family
Ensure my girls make it through adolescence with little emotional scarring
Have a cabin in the woods




What is your advice for someone who would like to turn his or her creative dreams into reality?

Creating is the fun part. Promoting your work is the hard part. Those starting out need to expect to spend at least half of their energy and time getting their stuff out there. Start networking with other like-minded makers, and have an online place (i.e. blog, Etsy shop, or a website) for people to see your work. Make sure that the photography of your work is excellent - can’t emphasize that enough! And constantly remind yourself that good things usually take time. So persistence and patience, my friends.



Thank you Cathy for sharing your thoughts and lovely images with us today! All the best to you and your family! xoxo

Thursday, November 3, 2011

Creative Courage in 2012!




Are you ready to start 2012 with a festival of color, creativity, light, and joy?

I’d like to invite you to join Creative Courage, an international e-course about finding, following, and realizing your creative dreams. Creative Courage is a practical guide to help you clarify your own unique path and give you the tools you need to start making your goals real.

I'm happy to announce that the next session of Creative Courage will run from January 9th – February 24th, 2012.

I've invited 12 expert guests to join us for exclusive Creative Courage interviews. We'll get tips and advice on how to move more quickly in the direction of our goals, as these women us tell their personal stories and explain how they are finding and following their creative dreams.

Our special interview guests this session include:

This amazing group of women from around the world will share their secrets on how they have accomplished their dreams of publishing booksbuilding online businessescreating workshops and e-courses, and earning a living as successful, thriving creative artists, illustrators, authors, coaches, and instructors.

As a unique bonus in Week 4, we will travel on a virtual field trip to Barcelona, Spain to enjoy European art, architecture, culture, and design. I'll share my personal photos and travel impressions from Barcelona via the e-course website, and I’ll even send you a personal postcard featuring my collage artwork directly from Barcelona, if you'd like.



I encourage you to register for the Creative Courage e-course, open your mind and heart, and start listening to your deepest, truest wishes for your life. 

The Creative Courage e-course is $99 USD for seven weeks of fun, color, encouragement, inspiration, love, 12 exclusive expert interviews - and it includes a unique *virtual* field trip to Barcelona, Spain, plus a personal postcard sent to you from Barcelona.

Simply click on the "add to cart" button below, and you will be redirected to PayPal where you can complete your transaction.

Register now to join us for the next session.

Spaces are limited, and the last session of Creative Courage sold out, so please register quickly to reserve your spot.

Add to Cart

Thanks so much for your interest, and I look forward to beginning 2012 together with you

xoxo
Stephanie

p.s. - To find out more details about the course, plus read lots of new testimonials from current students, just click here.

Friday, October 7, 2011

shelley kommers : artists who blog




For today's guest interview, I'd like to introduce you to Shelley Kommers, a Los Angeles-based artist and illustrator. After studying Advertising at Art Center College of Design, Shelley worked as a graphic designer and illustrator, designed clothing, and owned a small handmade greeting card company. Her latest passion is mixed media collage. She currently lives in a cottage in the woods with her husband and two children. Enjoy!

Shelley's blog: www.oiseaux.typepad.com
Shelley's website: www.shelleykommers.com
Shelley's shop: www.oiseauxnoir.etsy.com



Why did you decide to become an artist and could you imagine doing anything else? If so, what?

I've been an artist since I was a very small person, and honestly, I don't remember there ever being a decision about it. I can't imagine doing anything else.

Do you still believe "do what you love and the money will come?" 

Yes! Because it's true.



How has the Internet influenced your work as an artist? 

I tip my hat to the Internet for helping me blossom as an artist. Years ago when I was pursuing illustration, there wasn't a way to share your work with the world unless you had a website (which I didn't) so my work was seen solely by my friends and family, and the handful of publishers it was sent to. I didn't have a real sense of myself as an artist and I was pretty insecure about my abilities.

When I discovered the world of art blogs in 2007, my head just about exploded. I was an exhausted new mom, and I wasn't creating at all, but I was so excited about how much talent there was out there, and most importantly: that all of it was unique and valuable in its own way.

It was posting my fledgling collage works to Flickr in 2008 that got me hooked on sharing my work. The feedback that I received gave me the confidence and excitement to continue. I began to see value in my work, and creating was a joy again. When I began my blog and opened my etsy shop, my work expanded even more, and I was lucky enough to be discovered by several great design blogs. Because of the Internet, I have a support group of artist friends from around the world... and for that I am very thankful.



Please name 3 of your favorite blogs and tell us why these blogs are special. 

Out of my long list of favorite art and design blogs, my favorites lately are these three, which aren't so much focused on "art" but the "art of living":

Ill Seen Ill Said: http://seenandsaid.blogspot.com

Bluebirdbaby: http://bluebirdbaby.typepad.com

Simple Lovely: http://www.simplelovelyblog.com 

What is your greatest fear and what do you do to overcome it?

That I'm not good enough/don't know enough/am not ready. This shows up in my life disguised as ennui, procrastination, indecision, and overwhelm. I have to overcome it every single day, by doing the work regardless of how I feel. Recently I challenged myself to a month of daily creativity on my blog, and what an experience! Talk about having to show up regardless. I highly recommend it to anyone. 



Who would you like to trade places with for one day? Why? 

I'd love to trade with the Loch Ness Monster. Swimming about in the cool, sparkling water... teasing the tourists... for a day, it would be heaven.

What are your secrets for managing your time wisely? 

I work when my little one is at school or asleep (I'm a night owl, so that's helpful) and I rely on many, many, detailed lists.

If you could live anywhere in the world – all expenses paid – for one year, where would that be? Why? 

I keep imagining myself in the italian countryside with my family, making art and picking olives. That is a life that seems simple and beautiful. I like simple and beautiful things.



How do you maintain a healthy balance between your professional and private life? 

I say no to a lot of stuff; not in a limiting way, I just know that I require a lot of quiet and space in my days. Spending time with my family and creating are both things that feed me immensely; most of maintaining a balance comes from managing outside things like invitations, duties, etc. and choosing wisely where I want to put my extra energy.

What are your top 5 goals that you’d like to accomplish within the next 5 years? 

 1. Have my second child (due September 30th!) Note: Callum Corby Luna arrived on Sept. 26th! Congratulations Shelley!

2. Expand my artwork in scale and diversity

3. Publish a "how to" art book

4. Publish a young children's picture book

5. Learn to cook



What is your advice for someone who would like to turn his or her creative dreams into reality? 

Choose to do it. Look at how others did it. Surround yourself with support. If you're scared (and most of us artists are) get this book and read it: The War of Art by Steven Pressfield, and then do it. The funny thing is: no one is out there waiting for our creative dreams to materialize. But the world deserves our creative dreams!

Thank you Shelley! Your words and beautiful collages are a joy!

Thursday, October 6, 2011

alena hennessy : artists who blog


Alena Hennessy is an artist, designer, and author based in Asheville, North Carolina, USA. Her extremely popular artwork, designs, apparel, and accessories can be found online and in stores throughout the US, and she is currently working on a new book. Enjoy Alena's sense of humor and lovely artwork in this special interview today!

Alena's blog:  http://alenahennessy.tumblr.com
Alena's website: http://www.alenahennessy.com
Alena's shop: http://www.alenahennessy.com
Alena's facebook: http://www.facebook.com/alenalovestopaint

Why did you decide to become an artist and could you imagine doing anything else? If so, what? 

Since I was tiny I have been drawing so its hard for me to say why I "decided" to be an artist. It chose me in a way. But in terms of choosing it as a career, I think I saw there was a real possibility to support yourself creatively via the web. I got inspired by what other artists were doing and knew that I liked to do the same things and so I wanted to give it a real go. I am so grateful I did and when I did, too. I am sure I could do other things too. I love to dance and write (OK those are still considered forms of artistic expression), but maybe teach at a college level or do traveling/consulting or humanitarian work. I once had a job doing window displays and that was pretty fun.


Do you still believe "do what you love and the money will come?"

Absolutely! Its been true in my life and a part of the current book I am writing.

How has the Internet influenced your work as an artist? 

It's what got me started. I am constantly inspired by what other artists/crafters/designers are doing around the world. It keeps us connected and able to support one another. It's a vital tool for visual artists.



Please name 3 of your favorite blogs and tell us why these blogs are special.

design*sponge - I love how Grace has evolved her blog over the years. She wrote about my work the first day my website was live so I feel very loyal to her.

Delicious Days - If you like to cook, this is the blog for you. Its fabulous. I also love blogs that are photo heavy.

Wit & Delight This is kinda random but I like the layout of this blog. I almost used it for my own in fact. There are so many blogs out there, it is nice to change up the design.

What is your greatest fear and what do you do to overcome it?

Wow, well I have a few for sure! I was married for many years and went through a divorce several years back. I am dating some and had one serious relationship since then. So its something to the tune of ending up alone or not falling in love again. Ah, so sad I know.... but I am hopeful! I keep myself in positive thoughts and perception and try to see reality as it is and practice feeling grateful. Opening yourself up to gratitude is an amazing way to shift your state of mind.



Who would you like to trade places with for one day? Why?

Matt Damon's wife?! Haha just kidding. I think Mother Theresa honestly. I greatly admire her humanitarian work and ability to unconditionally love all people.

What are your secrets for managing your time wisely?

Being able to multi-task with ease. Also, prioritizing and working on things in a steady fashion.

If you could live anywhere in the world – all expenses paid – for one year, where would that be? Why?

Oh wow, fabulous question and yet so difficult to answer! Maybe Bali and can I also say Paris? I need to satisfy both sides of personality: one that loves Eastern culture and natural beauty and the other that loves, well, anything Parisian.



How do you maintain a healthy balance between your professional and private life?

I do not have Internet at home and its the best decision ever! But I do come to my studio quite often. If I do not balance the two, I can get kinda wonky so I make sure to keep balanced with play time. Plus I adore my friends and family.

What are your top 5 goals that you’d like to accomplish within the next 5 years? 

One I am accomplishing right now which feels totally amazing and daunting and that is writing a book.

Another is to be a homeowner once again. I love having your own place to call home and to tend a garden and all that domestic bliss stuff.

A third would be to travel more for my work, to teach workshops or to do book signings (especially in Europe!).

A fourth would be to marry Matt Damon. OK kidding.

And my most important goal overall in life is to continue to enjoy it as much as possible.



What is your advice for someone who would like to turn his or her creative dreams into reality?

Stay true, stay focused and know what you want. "Patience and Diligence, like faith, remove mountains" ~William Penn

Thank you Alena! I can't wait to see and read your new book! xo




Sunday, August 28, 2011

artists who blog in Vienna: Manuela Buxer


Designer Manuela Buxer of good morning midnight in Vienna suggested that we meet in her lively, multi-cultural neighborhood to take a stroll through the Brunnenmarkt - a colorful open air market selling everything specialty foods to clothing and household items.


Manuela was very friendly and enthusiastically described what she loves about the 16th District in Vienna, "Lots of artists and designers live and work here because the rent and cost of living is not so expensive. I love the lively, multi-cultural atmosphere."

After our walk, we had a lovely Turkish inspired breakfast at the very cool, minimalist Cafe An-Do, and Manuela told me more about her creative process.


Manuela and her design partner Lucas Eckhart at good morning midnight create full collections of clothing for women and men, playing with colors, textures, geometrical and asymmetrical forms. The titles for the pieces are phrases taken from songs, and she told me that many of their designs are inspired by independent music and film.


Manuela explained, "We want to stay small, in the spirit of DIY, and we make everything ourselves - from the labels and the tags to our photos and our homepage. We want to sell what is from our heart and not just do it for the money. Our design work should remain pure and not just be focused on the marketing."



She told me that they start the design process by making sketches and keep drawing and drawing until the finished design evolves. "We are starting to use ecological, organically produced fabrics, but it is sometimes hard to find good suppliers."


"Our color scheme is mostly monochromatic, but we are thinking about possibly adding a bit of color to some of our collections in the future."



"Our focus is on creating classic styles rather than trendy collections. Our collections are always works in progress, and the next things we'd like to do are make scarves and buttons."

She went on to share, "This year our big focus is to do more fashion and handmade shows and markets. We'll be participating at the design exhibition Blickfang in Vienna and at the hello handmade Markt in Hamburg this fall."


Manuela is delighted with the development of Etsy and many designer blogs, "Etsy brings the whole world into your living room. Nearly all of the blogs I read are people I found via Etsy - people who have interesting lives and exciting photos. Sometimes the blogs make you feel overwhelmed. I wonder "How do they have the time to make so much?"



She gave me the links of a few of her favorite blogs (and they are all inspiring, I've already checked them out!)

mustard and sage
calivintage
16 house
bookhou at home
hello handmade
rennes handmade
graceful lady
hpunktanna


I find good morning midnight's clothing collections so dreamy and beautiful - while preparing this post, I have been falling in love with their designs all over again. You can find all a large selection of their designs for women and men online in their Etsy shop. Enjoy gorgeous photos and Manuela's musings on the good morning midnight blog.

Thank you so much for your time and hospitality Manuela! I truly enjoyed meeting you and I adore your designs :)

xoxo
Stephanie