Retro Rita Interview With Dear Helen Hartman

Hi all, Retro Rita here.



I'm super excited to introduce you to one of my favorite bloggers, Annie who pens Dear Helen Hartman.  Dishing timeless advice on modern dilemmas, all with a vintage attitude, Annie is witty, hilarious, a bit snarky, and fantastically sardonic ~ I love her!  Here's a peek into her world (pix courtesy of Annie):

  

Retro Rita:  Tell us about Helen. Who is she? Is she your alter ego, a culmination of real people you know, or...?

Annie:  Helen is all me and a little more.  She started as a character in a book I was writing.  Editor after editor said great things about the book but the deals fell through and I couldn’t let Helen go, so I started just having fun.

Retro Rita:  How and why did you begin blogging?

Annie:  I have been an author for years but the joy had started to fade then I found blogging and love the freedom and fun of it.  I began reading blogs and got hooked on the community, on all the creativity.

Retro Rita:  Where did you get your hilarious sense of humor?
Annie:  If wealth was measured in laughter, my family would be one of the richest in the world.  We have always laughed.  Helen’s humor comes from my belief that comedy is like a vintage hair style – you have to be willing to go bigger than seems sensible to get the most fabulous result.

Retro Rita:  Describe your blog header picture. Is this Helen? Is it really Annie dressed up as Helen?
Annie:  Helen has way more style than Annie.  Between us, Annie dresses like a 4 year old with a closet full of GrrAnimals outfits fresh from Sears.  So naturally, Helen has to be the face of the blog.

Retro Rita:  You blog about many issues, what’s your favorite subject or best question ever?

Annie:  My favorites are always reader questions.  When I don’t have one I go with what I want to talk about, which you’d think would be more fun but the most fun is taking what someone asks and running with it – like a kid with scissors.  Someone could lose an eye.

Retro Rita:  Where do the questions originate?
Annie:  Some are from things happening in the news, some are inspired by my finds either in magazines or at estate sales but many are from readers and other bloggers.  I LOVE those and if someone has Facebook, Twitter or a blog they want featured on Helen’s blog, asking a question is the way to go.

Retro Rita:  What subject gets the most feedback?

Annie:  I’ve been trying to figure that out.  Since I blog for pure joy I don’t do a lot of analysis of views and so on.  I know bloggers will get this - often the most viewed post doesn’t have the most comments.  What usually gets people looking are really interesting vintage ads, but what gets people talking are issues they can relate to - men and kids and sometimes advice taken directly from old magazines.

Retro Rita:  What is your favorite collectible?
Annie:  Argh!  I am one of those who collects something obsessively for a while then switches.  I have many vintage tablecloths and kitchen linens – the printed kind and the kitschier the better.  I also have a growing stack of vintage magazines and recently have been on an angel kick.

Retro Rita:  You’ve posted some pictures of amazing vintage goodies ~ any plans to sell them?

Annie:  Just recently I’ve been thinking of an “As Seen On Helen Hartman” Etsy or other shop because I do collect then cull and start new collections all the time.  Also, there are times when I find something so fab I buy it and later realize I have no place for it.

Retro Rita:  Who are your writing influences?
Annie:  I write fiction but read nonfiction.  I adore southern writers and biographies.  With blogs, I am inspired by everyone.  You cannot find more variety of voices and ideas than out there in the blogosphere.

Retro Rita:  How did your obsession with vintage advertising begin?
Annie:  My Dad’s father was a junk man (or became one when he lost his fortune).  My mom’s sister was a wanna be antique dealer so as the baby of the family, I got dragged around to auctions and yard sales and antique stores then later became the keeper of the family junk.  So I love all vintage stuff but then I discovered a stash of QUICK magazines at a flea market and realized I could have ALL THINGS VINTAGE without taking up much room.  I guess magazines were the blogs and Pinterest of their day and I LOVE everything about them but the mold.  To which I am highly allergic.  That should tell you what a sickness this is.

Retro Rita:  What’s your favorite vintage recipe and why?

Annie:  Yikes!  I tend to look at vintage recipes for what is terribly, terribly WRONG with them.  Right now I am adoring anything with SPAM because there seems to be NOTHING that SPAM won’t advertise it goes well with, and NONE of it looks like something I’d try to cook, much less eat.

Retro Rita:  What do you do when not blogging?

Annie:  For work I do customer service for our family construction business.  I think this is one reason Helen has such a dim view of others – I actually have to deal with “others” on a day to day basis.  I also have a special needs daughter and a houseful of pets and a hubby.  And I’m an author.  Right now I just do the occasional series romance under the name Annie Jones but have also written as Luanne Jones and Natalie Patrick (my kid’s names).  I just turned in a book and now I am thinking Helen might need to begin her own writing career.  Swinging 60s retro romances anyone?

Retro Rita:  What would you do if you won the bazillion dollar lottery?

Annie:  I would be Helen all the time.  By that I mean I’d pay off my debts, put some back for my daughter’s future and stop being nice to people for money – I mean quit my job in customer service.  Then I’d blog more and turn Helen lose to write advice books, romances, even her own YouTube now and then, which has long been on the agenda but never gets done.

Annie:  Thank you so much for the interview.  I love your blog, even if I don’t always comment, and always find something fun and informative in it.
Retro Rita:  Well aren't you sweet, Annie!  I've had a swell time getting to know you.

I do hope you'll pop over to Annie's blog ~ think you'll find it's a delightful place, full of clever fun!

***Special giveaway***  Share a comment on today's post because Annie's going to give away one of her books!  I'll randomly draw a winner June 25th!

 

Retro Rita Interview with The Summer Kitchen Girls

Hi all!  Retro Rita here to introduce you to Karla and Karrie, The Summer Kitchen Girls!

(The Summer Kitchen Girls' logo is an homage to their grandmothers.  They've named them Norma (brunette) and Betty (blonde)!)

Karla and Karrie own an amzing shop in Helena, Ohio filled with all sorts of gorgeous floral designs, furniture, glassware, pottery, vintage reproduction pieces, vintage accessories, retro CDs, tea blends, French jams, hand selected books, and gorgeous vintage accessories for the home.  The Girls also host a beautiful and fun blog, one of Retro Revival's favorites.

Retro Rita:  Tell us about your shop.
Summer Kitchen Girls:  Hmmmm.  Well, it's an experience.  Seeing:  We love to make over-the-top displays and use our merchandise in creative ways.  Smelling:  A great candle is always burning.  Hearing:  Always some great, old music playing on the iPod.  Give us Dean, Frank, Doris and Ella any day!  And tasting:  Every day we make a big carafe of tea from our tea company for our customers to enjoy.


Our shop started off as a floral shop with a few gifts.  When Karla joined in the fun, we started adding more home decor items.  Then a few years ago, we started sneaking in vintage items.  It blew us away that people loved this ~ we were selling "junk" ~ gasp!  Sales reps would come in a give us strange looks, and when we told other businesses what we were doing they thought we were crazy!  But it worked.  The vintage items really fit in well with the mood of our store.

(Karla and Karrie with some of their product.  Funny story about suitcases...they love them!  Karla's been know to dumpster dive for treasures.  One day she found some cute turquoise suitcases by a dumpster, grabbed them and took them home.  She was hoping for some good loot inside and she found some.  But not the kind she wanted ~ they were full of VHS porn movies.  Yikes!  She returned the loot to the dumpster and they still laugh about that to this day.)

Retro Rita:  What's new in 2012 for The Summer Kitchen?

The Summer Kitchen Girls:  Late last summer we purchased the tea company we were using.  We are starting to come up with our own blends and would like to start doing more with this aspect of the business.  Another goal for this year is to get our online store up and running ~ we are really looking forward to this!

Retro Rita:  How did you get your start in this business?
The Summer Kitchen Girls:  Do you want the long version or the short version?!  Karrie started The Summer Kitchen in the old summer kitchen behind our parent's home when she came back from college in 1995.  Focusing on floral design and a few gifts, the shop grew out of its space and we had a pole barn built to house the store.  Karla joined the store in 1999.


Retro Rita:  Tell us about the other services you offer.
The Summer Kitchen Girls:  We try to host fun classes every month for our customers.  We have classes on everything from making the perfect pie crust to making delicious pestos.  There are creative classes like making holiday cookbooks and shadow boxes with your treasures.  Then we have our learning classes where we host tea tastings to showcase some of our teas, and accessorizing classes where we show our customers how to decorate using vintage and new items together.  We do interior design for our customers as well.

(The Girls' Cookie Cookbook class)

Retro Rita:  How does your business affect local charitable organizations and why is this important to you?

The Summer Kitchen Girls:  As with any business, we are asked to donate money to many auctions for charities throughout the year.  We donate when we can; however, we have some charities that we want to do more for.  It's not always convenient to just write out a check for $400-$800.  So how do you take $150 and make it grow?  You host a tea party!  Every February we host a "Have a Heart for Heartbeat" Tea Party for Heartbeat of Sandusky County.  We sell 20 tickets for a sit down, four course tea party in our store.  It's so fun!  Guests are seated at tables that are nestled in our displays throughout the store.  It is amazing what this tea brings in ~ and it is so nice to hand Heartbeat a big check!

(Tea time at The Summer Kitchen Girls!)

Retro Rita:  Apart from running your shop, what do you do and what are your interests?

The Summer Kitchen Girls:  Sometimes our interests are just running the shop!  It is amazing how much of our day is consumed by the details of running the store.  Mondays are "our" day.  Most of them are spent running around the countryside together, some days with mom or good junkin' buddies.  When we have time, we love going to estate sales and flea markets.

(Estate sale finds are abundant in the shop)

Retro Rita:  What is it like to run a business as sisters and what's the best thing about it?

The Summer Kitchen Girls:  We see each other every day...we think that's a good thing!

Retro Rita:  Your small business is certainly a creative one.  What does shopping at small businesses mean to you and why should people patronize small businesses?

The Summer Kitchen Girls:  Small businesses care more ~ so much more than any big box store ever can!  We are constantly bettering ourselves ~ we continue to evolve into a different store day by day.  Small businesses know their customers better than the cashier that is ringing you up at Target!  We fight for your business and want to keep you happier than the big chains.  We search and find the most unique things that you won't find at other stores.  Heck, we even shop other stores to make sure we aren't purchasing things that the big chains have...you don't see them doing that!  You know, when we do get out and go shopping, we never think about going to Target, Wal-Mart, TJ Maxx, etc.  We always choose an antique store and little businesses in towns scattered across the country.  Patronizing small businesses is so important to our economy.  Many people don't realize that tax money spent in small stores stays in their counties when they shop local merchants.  We were so thrilled to join with the 350 Project; they educate consumers on just what it means to shop local.  We also love supporting our surrounding merchants.  We constantly share with customers all of the lovely shops that are just trying to make a difference ~ just like we are.


Retro Rita:  What are your hopes and aspirations for your business and where do you see yourself in the future?
The Summer Kitchen Girls:  Oh, there was one point when we wanted to be, well, famous.  You get on some blogs and websites, you see stores in trade magazines and think wow!  You know what?  It takes a lot of work...and over time, once in a while, you see those admired businesses close.


We are really hopping that we can get things together (translation: find time!) to finish our shopping cart for our website.  We have had to take a long, hard look at our business to see what we really need to do and what not to do.  When you own a business, you want to be everyting for everyone when you first begin.  Then you figure out that you just can't do that so you fine-tune what it is that you do best.

(The Girls' van full of vintage finds for the store)

Retro Rita:  What handmade possession do you most cherish?

The Summer Kitchen Girls:  When we graduated from school, our grandma Norma crocheted blankets for all of us grandkids.  How many people have something their grandma made for them?  Not everyone has that ~ a cherished keepsake!

Retro Rita:  What is your favorite indulgence that you use to treat yourself?
The Summer Kitchen Girls:  Flea markets, good ones with tons of vintage goodness ~ ohhh yea!  And chocolate covered caramel pretzels (from our local candy-making store, Coco Beans).  Oh, and we do like a good pedicure once in a while.

Retro Rita:  What would you do if you won a ba-zillion dollars?
The Summer Kitchen Girls:  We would definitely get a cottage.  Well wait!  A ba-zillion?  OK, we'd get two cottages and have a blast decorating them thrift-i-ly, after all, a cottage is just that.  We crack up when we go along Lake Erie and see all of those mansions that people call summer cottages...whatever!  A cottage, well, is humble, you know?!

(The front of The Girls' shop has a cottage feel)

After our cottage purchases, and our thrifting, we might consider a trip to France, you know, to hit up a few more flea markets.  Then, well, we'd take our remaining balance and give it away.  Do you think bad of us?  Maybe we shold have said that first?!

Retro Rita:  I do hope all of you readers will pay a visit to The Girls in Ohio!  And visit their blog ~ so full of eye candy!

And don't forget about Retro Revival's February blog giveaway, this fabu apron!

Only five entries to date so you have a good chance of winning!  Click here for details.  Drawing is February 29th ~ good luck!

Retro Rita Interview: Introducing Tracy's Treasures!

Retro Rita here and I'm super excited to introduce you to Tracy of Tracy's Treasures!

Cindy's known Tracy for nearly 10 years now and has happily followed her crafting progress through the years.  Now, as Tracy embarks on officially selling her treasures, I am pleased to share my interview with her:

Retro Rita:  Tell us about your favorite craft projects

Tracy:  Oh man… favorites huh?  My favorites are those that are cute and fast to make.  They don’t necessarily have to be easy, just something I can do in day or two ~ I like that feeling of instant gratification (thread catches, mouse pads, slippers, purses, wallets, coin purses, book covers…).

Retro Rita:  What inspired you to create coin purses?

Tracy:  I met up with some book/quilting buddies at the Knoxville AQS quilt show in 2009.  One of the vendors had these little coin purses.  I was like a bug drawn to the light; no matter what I did I kept coming back to that booth.  Finally before the day was over, I went back and got a pattern and a frame.  Then I went in search of two fat quarters and one small piece of batting.  Back to the hotel we went and guess what, I’m in a room of quilters and not one of us has a needle and thread!  Down to the front desk I go to get a sewing kit from guest services!  I sat that night and hand sewed my first coin purse.  Went back to the show the next day for four more frames ~ the rest is history.  Here is a picture of the first three I made:

Retro Rita:  Share with us why you’re inspired to quilt.

Tracy:  Sue Grafton!  Yup, I said Sue Grafton.  There are a group of people I met online that all shared a common interest in reading Sue Grafton’s books ~ for those not familiar, she is the author of the Kinsey Millhone Mysteries or the “Alphabet books,” A is for Alibi, B is for… She’s up to V this year.  Anyway, back in 2007, we were all getting together to meet up with Sue for a few days in Avila Beach, CA.  Two of the ladies had each of us do some type of block to put into a quilt to give to Sue as a gift.  My block was cross stitch, which was my passion at the time… after seeing the finished product I was blown away.  You can kind of see my “T is for Tracy” in the quilt Sue is keeping warm in (second block from the left bottom row).  The love, beauty and time that went into making that quilt was my inspiration to give it a try.  Bonnie (Morningstar) sent me a book, a cutting board and cutter, and I was off and running.

Retro Rita:  What’s your involvement with quilting for charity?

Tracy:  Ask anyone and they will tell you there is one word I do not have in my vocabulary and that is ‘no.’  I just can’t seem to say no.  I blame my mom, she was the same way.  If there is someone out there that needs something and I can help, I’m there.  Quilting clubs/bees etc, and I do a LOT of charity work.  My Bee has done work for the Humane Society and made Alzheimer patient lap quilts (Alzheimer’s Disease Cooperative Study).  On my own and through other quilters I’ve discovered pillow cases for Cancer patients (ConKerr), quilts of valor, and now animal cruelty.  The list just grows and grows ~ it’s a selfish thing ~ it makes me feel good.

Retro Rita:  So you're getting set to sell your work ~ what are thoughts/concerns/considerations?

Tracy:  I’m actually going to try selling some coin purses at a craft show in November.  This will be my debut into selling.  SCARY.  My biggest concern is pricing ~ I know I personally would only pay a certain amount for one of these, so taking that into consideration along with the cost of the supplies, the only way to make a little money is to ‘donate’ your time.  Which is okay ~ I like to keep busy and I’ll probably just stick to a ‘person to person’ sales approach.  If someone contacts me about buying one, I’ll make it and sell it to them, but we’ll see how the craft show goes before I make up my mind for sure.

Retro Rita:   Apart from crafting, what do you do?

Tracy:  You mean there is a world out there besides the craft world ~ oh my where have I been?!  I do actually have a job and do some contract work on the side.  Fun contract stuff though, building e-learning courses, websites and graphics, so it’s kind of like crafting.

Retro Rita:  What does handmade mean to you?

Tracy:  My dad made a lot of handmade things.  I saw how much time, love and care he put into them.  Now that he’s gone, I will cherish these gifts forever and they are a constant reminder of him.  I like to think that every handmade item is a smile and a memory.

Retro Rita:  Why should people buy handmade?

Tracy:  You can’t get better than handmade, that’s just a fact.  You know where it was made, who made it and you get something unique that no one else has.  Like with my coin purses, so far ~ no two have been the same.  People that make handmade items also take pride in their work, so you know you’re getting something good!

Retro Rita:  What handmade possession do you cherish most?

Tracy:  A wooden church.  My dad made it.  I bring it out every Christmas; add some angel hair, a couple little trees and it just brings my family back for the holidays.  And I have a little post-it note cut into the shape of a heart from my husband that says “More” on it.

Thank you Rita and Tracy.  We're all wishing Tracy wild success at her first craft show!  If you're interested in purchasing one of Tracy's coin purses, you can contact her directly at tracy@tjstreasures.com.  In the meantime, I asked Tracy to custom make a couple for this month's blog giveaway.  You all already know how in love I am with vintage crocheted doilies, so Tracy stitched up three coin purses especially for you:

Aren't they so sweet?!  Leave a comment on this blog post, or any/all of my October posts and you're automatically entered to win one!  On October 31st I'll randomly draw three winners from your comments ~ yay!

Retro Rita Interview: Handmade Success with Lee-Ann Edwards of Whoopsie Daisies

Hey all!

Retro Rita here and I'm super excited to introduce you to Lee-Ann Edwards from Whoopsie Daisies!  Lee-Ann creates personalized, one-of-a-kind tooth fairy pillows, home decor pillows and other lovlies using vintage, retro and rescued fabrics.  Whoopsie Daisies first caught my attention with her steering wheel covers ~ so unique!  Hope you enjoy my chat with her:

Retro Rita:  Tell us about your products, Lee-Ann

Whoopsie Daisies:  I use rescued vintage and retro fabrics to create one-of-a-kind items ~ my product line is constantly evolving.  I have made and sold many things including pillowcase dresses, aprons, kitchen hot pads, pajama pants, coffee cozies, fabric pumpkins, crocheted hats, fabric flower pins, diaper/wipe pouches, burp clothes, tooth fairy pillows, steering wheel covers, and rear view mirror cozies.

(Lee-Ann)

Retro Rita:  What inspired you to create such unique car accessories?

Whoopsie Daisies:  I live in Texas where the heat in the summer is frequently over 100 degrees, which makes a steering wheel extremely hot!  I did a little research on steering wheel covers, and discovered that no one was making them in cute, retro/vintage prints.  I decided to start selling funky steering wheel covers for hippie chics wanting to expand their vintage vibe!  I have plans to create a “Road Trip” Line to Whoopsie Daisies, including the steering wheel covers, rear view mirror cozies, and other possibilities such as luggage tags and tote bags.

Retro Rita:  What is your best selling product?  What makes it such a great seller?

Whoopsie Daisies:  Probably my fabric pumpkins, which I sell in the fall.  During the year I search for funky green/gold/orange fabric that I can use to make the pumpkins.  Last year I also began selling white pumpkins, which were a nice, stylish alternative to the more outlandish 70’s fabric.  My customers like the pumpkins because they are easy to use as gifts.  Typically, the pumpkins sit out for decoration for several weeks ~ which puts them in front of many people.  Word of mouth seems to be my best source of sales of the pumpkins.

Retro Rita:  Describe your creative (work) space and share with us what you like about it.

Whoopsie Daisies:  My creative workspace is my dining room!  I have an amazing old oak dining room table that I would one day like to use for something besides cutting fabric (don’t worry, it’s well protected with cutting mats!).  The one thing that is great about my room is that my family doesn’t fuss too much about me taking up so much space ~ and, I can leave my projects out all the time.  With two kids vying for my attention, often times I am only able to sew/create in 10-minute increments.

Retro Rita:  Apart from creating your gifts and accessories, what do you do?

Whoopsie Daisies:  I spend a lot of time chasing my kids, husband and dog ~ I am a stay at home mom to a girl, age 9 and a boy, age 5.  I am a wife to a hard working husband.  I enjoy cooking, particularly baking.

Retro Rita:  Running a business can certainly challenge a person’s time management skills.  How do you manage your time to get it all accomplished?

Whoopsie Daisies:  Hi Speed/Wireless Internet has completely changed the way I do business.  In 2005 when I began my business, Dial-Up Internet was my only option.  Now, I can use my e-mail, Facebook and Twitter on the go, which is great!  With so many social media outlets now I can connect much easier to my customers and others with similar interests, all while sitting in the car pool line at my children’s school.  I squeeze in my actual sewing time in small doses ~ especially in the summer with my kids home from school.  During the school year, I schedule my sewing time while my son is in pre-school.  It’s never easy and I almost always feel that neither my business nor my family gets enough time from me.  However, I love having my own business, I love hunting for fabrics and sharing them with others.

Retro Rita:  What does handmade mean to you?

Whoopsie Daisies:  Many things ~ it means passing down, teaching and preserving skills.  It also means creating an appreciation for the time and skill it takes to make something by hand.  Many times I pick up a piece of old embroidery and wonder at the time involved in making something so small.  It is also a means for me to express my creativity.  I have been “making” things since I was a small child.

Retro Rita:  Why should people buy handmade?

Whoopsie Daisies:  Personally, I like to buy handmade because it makes me feel good about supporting a small business owner.  I also appreciate what it takes to make something by hand and operate a business.  I don’t think someone should buy handmade simply because it’s handmade.  I believe they should buy it because it is unique and quality made.

Retro Rita:  How did you get started in the handmade market?

Whoopsie Daisies:  Growing up in Indiana, I was very active in the 4-H program, and competed for 10 years.  That gave me exposure to arts & crafts, sewing, cooking, photography, horses and many other things.  I also grew up around antiques, which fostered my interest in vintage.  Once my daughter was born in 2002, and after having been on a sewing hiatus for many years, I pulled out my grandmother’s sewing machine and started playing around with it again.  I decided to start sewing children’s clothing initially, and evolved to using only vintage fabrics.  Now, for my business, I sew primarily gift items for adults and children from rescued fabrics.  Once I discovered Etsy (and Hi Speed Internet) my business grew.

Retro Rita:  What are your hopes and aspirations for your business and where do you see yourself in the future?

Whoopsie Daisies:  Of course, I always want my business to grow.  My hope is that I will be able to help support my family more with the profits from my business.

Retro Rita:  What handmade possession (other than gifts from your children) do you cherish most?  Why?

Whoopsie Daisies:  Great question!  I have a collection of vintage aprons.  I imagine their original owners didn’t think much of the gravy stain down the front, or the singe marks on the hem – but to me, they tell a little bit of the story of that woman’s life.

Retro Rita:  Tell us about your aspirations of becoming a Fly Girl and guitar-playing rock star.

Whoopsie Daisies:  I love music!  I cannot imagine being in a world without it ~ music motivates me, calms me, connects me to my past and makes me excited about the future.  I love how music can take you back to a time in your life that you thought you had forgotten.  I also love how music can help make connections between people.  In my handmade business, my love of music has actually opened up a whole other segment of people and potential customers.  I feel it’s important to follow your other interests if you are an indiepreneur.  You never know where you might find customers, and life long friends!  Right now, my interest in music lies in Indie Artists such as Sam Bradley, Bobby Long, Marcus Foster, Lee MacDougall, among others.  I am inspired by their spirits and will to follow their dreams in a seemingly uphill pursuit.  I also appreciate the act of creating something (in their case, music; in my case, steering wheel covers!), and putting it out in the world.  It’s a very vulnerable thing to do.  I doubt that I’ll ever be a true Fly Girl or Guitar playing rock star ~ but I can dream, right?

Retro Rita:  Thanks for your time, Lee-Ann.  I think you're a rockin', super creative gal!

I certainly agree with Retro Rita.  Hope you'll visit her Etsy shop, her blog and Facebook page!  AND, leave a comment here or on all or any of my September blog posts and you'll be entered to win one of Lee-Ann's steering wheel covers.  Each of your comments counts as one entry, so the more you comment, the more chances you have to win ~ yay!  I'll randomly draw the lucky winner September 30th.  Good luck!

 

Retro Rita Interview: Handmade Success with Patti Ballard of PBS Art Studio

Hi all, Retro Rita here.

I'm excited to introduce you to Patti Ballard of PBS Art Studio!

Cindy met Patti at an art festival last year and fell in love with her (such a sweet lady!) and her beautiful, whimsical art.  Here is my interview with Patti...

Retro Rita:   What is the story behind your artistry?

Patti:  I am a self taught artist.  I have dabbled in every form of art and craft including jewelry making and flower arranging.  I have always had an eye for anything artistic. 

Retro Rita:  Have you always painted?

Patti:  I only began to paint about seven years ago watching a show on TV, "Painting with Terry Madden," and fell in love with watercolors, but got frustrated quickly because he made it look easy and I couldn't get my paintings to look like his!  So I started looking for a way to express what I wanted in an easier form.  I found that using a mixed form of mediums worked well for me, and since I have always drawn in pencil, I decided to add anything I could to enhance my pencil drawings.

(Patti's "Wherever Love Takes Me)

Retro Rita:   Share with us, Patti, the decision process you went through to launch your business (what were the considerations ~ career, family, time, etc.?).

Patti:  I got laid off my job in 2007 and decided to turn my passion into a career.  I had no job so I felt I had nothing to lose.  I started working for a company in Orlando that does caricatures at Walt Disney World and on the side I started working with a friend who did murals all around Orlando.  From there, I mainly worked for myself accepting jobs as they came, but doing the caricatures at Disney really got me good at drawing and I began experimenting.  I started selling my watercolor drawings on Etsy and it went well from the beginning so I decided to give it my all.  Last July I actually found a "real" job in retail but decided my heart just wasn't in it.  So this July I went part-time with my retail job and have immersed myself as a full time artist, selling my work online and doing art shows around Florida.  I have found that I can make more money working for myself than working a full time job, and it allows me to spend more time with my family.

(Patti's "Will Work for Peanuts" mixed media painting)

Retro Rita:  What inspires your art?

Patti:  Anything...a dream, a random person dressed a certain way, a song or a children's fairy tale and mostly, my imagination.  Love, happiness, believing in yourself, and all that is wonderful in this life ~ I love sharing these messages through my art.

(Patti's "Fishing for Love" acrylic on canvas)

Retro Rita:  Share with us a bit about the mediums you use in your art.

Patti:  I use anything I can get my grubby hands on..acrylics, watercolors, oils, pencil, charcoal, pastels, paper (my true obsession!)

Retro Rita:  Why should people buy handmade?

Patti:  It's important, especially in this economy.  We have to help our own people survive and prosper instead of buying products that are cheaply made by other countries and helping them get rich and making our people poorer.

(A peek into Patti's art show tent)

Retro Rita:  What handmade possession do you cherish most?

Patti:  A hand-sewn pillow that my favorite Aunt Cecilia made for me when I got married.  She took the time out of her busy schedule to hand make something for me, showing me what I meant to her.  She has since passed and I cherish it even more, imagining her making it and singing while she did (as she used to do).

Retro Rita:  What is your favorite indulgence (activity, food, etc.) to treat yourself?

Patti:  I loooove chocolate!  I love to spend time at home with my family and I love to constantly create new art.

Retro Rita:  What would you do if you won a ba-zillion dollars?

Patti:  I would help my family and then I would travel the country and the world to help children and elderly people.

(Patti's "Leap of Faith" mixed media collage on canvas)

I hope you'll join me in following Patti's blog and liking her facebook page.  You can find more of her art on her website.

Leave Cindy a comment on this blog, or any of her August blog posts and you'll be entered to win a gift certificate to shop for Patti's art ~ how great is this?!  The winner will be drawn randomly on August 31st.  Good luck!