We Make Portland Awesome: Kristen McGillivray

"We make Portland awesome" is a twice-monthly series. I’m interested building our community of artists by helping us all find out more about each other.

This week: Kristen McGillivray

Who are you?
I’m Kristen McGillivray, a freelance designer and blogger and native Oregonian.

What do you make?
I create custom wedding invitations and other event stationary, as well as event favors like temporary tattoos and drink tickets. My shop, Kristen McGillivray, offers both full-service and DIY options. I love playing a part in making someone’s special day (be it a wedding, graduation or baby shower) unforgettable.

Besides making things, what do you do?

I love entertaining and am currently in the midst of a major dining room renovation that will include a built-in liquor cabinet, wine refrigerator and wet bar to house my growing spirit collection. I can’t wait to mix up a tasty cocktail (or two), resume my weekly board game nights and host a killer dinner party in the new space.

What inspires you?

I try to always look on the bright side of things so I like surround myself of positive energy, jubilation and whimsy. I love designers like Jessica Hische, Jonathon Adler and Kate Spade that use bright, cheerful colors, bold patterns and prints, amazing typography and a decent amount of cheekiness in their work. I never want to lose the curiosity that drives us to explore and create.

Where can your work be found?

For the time being my work is available only on Etsy but I am currently developing a new product line of stationary and prints for brick and mortar shops, street fairs and craft shows in and around Portland.

What do you love about Portland?

Everything! I love the climate (give me rain over scorching heat any day), the people, food and cocktail culture, and I truly think Portland has the best food and drink scene out there which I love to explore on a regular bases with friends and my pug Porter.

Make sure you check out Kristen McGillivray's blog, Etsy shop, Instagram, and Pinterest. Thanks for sharing, Kristen!
And if you'd like to read more We Make Portland Awesome interviews, you can check out the full collection HERE.

We Make Portland Awesome: MarshMueller

"We make Portland awesome" is a twice-monthly series. I’m interested building our community of artists by helping us all find out more about each other.

This week: Holly of MarshMueller

Who are you?
My name is Holly Marsh, but I go by MarshMueller. Marsh is my married name, Mueller is my maiden name. Together, they form an awesomeness that sounds like marshmallow. My husband and I didn't realize the power of our last names combined until we were already two years into our marriage...and too cheap to go through with a name change. So it became my business name.

What do you make?
I make pretty + practical items for mamas + babies. My biz name may sound like marshmallow, but my products are anything but fluffy. When preparing for the arrival of our baby, my husband and I bought everything on "The List," only to find the cutest items were not used, and the ugliest items were used a TON. I wanted my most-used items to be cute, dammit! So here we are.

Besides making things, what do you do?

Besides being the Jill-of-all-trades to all things MarshMueller, I have an adorable 2.5-year old son, an amazingly supportive and hilarious husband, and a full-time job as the Buyer for Cotton Fabric at Fabric Depot. Also two Pomeranians and a cat. And a crapton of lint rollers.

What inspires you?

I'm inspired by just about everything- but my son and husband tend to spark the idea. I develop and test my own patterns until they're just right, and then choosing fabric is the next best thing. Most of my items have been driven by the fact that items I needed were ugly or nonexistent. Case in point: my son is potty trained now and carrying around the oh-so chic clear plastic case for his fold-up potty seat whilst at Timbers matches was not gonna fly. So I developed a waterproof case that is more discreet and is something my husband doesn't mind carrying around.

Where can your work be found?

My work can be found on Etsy, at Crafty Wonderland, Hooray Haroo (Sellwood), and The Crafty Fox (Forest Grove).

What do you love about Portland?
As a (*cough* transplant *cough*) resident of Portland, I take pride in where I live, work, and love, and many people here have the same mentality. It's special; there's not a lot of places where people wear their love for their city on their sleeve like we do. I just hope the media finds another "cool" place to write top ten lists about before everyone  really discovers just how awesome Portland is and decides to...jump ship and move here...like I...did. Ah, crap.

Make sure you check out MarshMueller's Etsy shop and website. Thanks for sharing, Holly!
And if you'd like to read more We Make Portland Awesome interviews, you can check out the full collection HERE.

   

We Make Portland Awesome: BatikNotion

"We make Portland awesome" is a twice-monthly series. I’m interested building our community of artists by helping us all find out more about each other.

This week: Mandy of BatikNotion

Who are you?
I am: Mandy Barberree

What do you make?
Besides Batiks: I push paper in a law office. However -at the heart of me - I’m a teacher, writer, and photographer; I’m a punk rocker; and I’m a Whovian with Tolkien tattoos. I’ve almost always got my hands on a good book and I’m a fairly good gardener whenever I get my hands on one. My musical tastes lean heavily toward the dark and angry genres, yet beautiful and vivid things in the world are what often inspire me – like flowers and birds.

Besides making things, what do you do?

I make batik tapestries. However, instead of the traditional beeswax and silk of this craft, I employ a method instilled in me by the strict budget of my current life, and my Grade 9 art class – where I learned this skill. My pieces are made from cheap canning/paraffin wax, on 100% cotton fabric. Instead of the traditional tjanting tool – something that is truly beyond my skill – I use a motley collection of simple paintbrushes. This gives me a different type of control over detail, and a unique style.

The majority of my pieces are images from photographs I’ve taken myself. Some, on the other hand, are of literary and pop culture creations that inspire and influence me.

When I first rediscovered this medium (back in the early 90’s) I limited myself to tracing the art of others. My choices often featured distinct and easy lines to follow – such as Celtic knots. Nowadays, I venture into pieces that require more of my own artistic decision-making and vision and use my own photography. As a result, my pieces are paintings rather than the paint-by-numbers they used to be.

What inspires you?

As I mentioned, the beautiful world we live in, with its breathtaking color, light, shadow and drama, is what inspires me. Additionally, so do my friends. I strive to stay active and creative; and being around others who are dynamic and creative keeps me on my toes. In this regard, my closest friends are what often motivate me the most. Whether they communicate with whit, play music, build cabinets, chef great food, or teach – it all serves to enrich my art, my mind and my heart.

What do you love about Portland?

I love Portland for its routine trimmings of outdoor patios at bars, bikes and vegetarian options; I’m vicariously proud of lifestyle staples like Friends of Trees, Scrap, and Forest Park ; and I could not live without my community - Portland's amazing punk scene. All this, and more, contribute to how damn lucky I feel to call this city home.

Make sure you check out Batik Notion's Etsy shop. Thanks for sharing, Mandy!
And if you'd like to read more We Make Portland Awesome interviews, you can check out the full collection HERE.

We Make Portland Awesome: UpperCase Studios

"We make Portland awesome" is a twice-monthly series. I’m interested building our community of artists by helping us all find out more about each other.

This week: Mich of UpperCase Studios

 Who are you?
Hi, I'm Mich Conklin and I think of myself as a maker. My work and perspective constantly change over time but my love of the process doesn't waiver. As my interests evolve so do the materials and techniques I choose to work with.

What do you make?
I tend to have multiple projects going on at the same time. It's always amazing how one work can influence the other. Most recently, I made several suitcase lamps as wall mounted lighting for a cool new bar here in town. For that same project, I created large acrylic paintings, giant wall hanging sculptures and all of the signage which resulted in a pretty cohesive body of work despite the variety of mediums. It was really fun to have so many creative things to do at once. Following this endeavor I kept making the suitcase lamps.

Besides making things, what do you do?

Depending on the season which thankfully Oregon has all four of them, I am either out on the rivers in our cute little red boat, hanging out in our garden or traveling somewhere fun.....all the while thinking of my next project.

What inspires you?

I have always been a collector of sorts. Baggies of dirt which are a pretty color, rocks shaped like a heart, sticks that look like animal heads (which must be baffling to the unfortunate baggage screener!) seem to produce images and ideas to work from. I am drawn to the things that seem out of place and try to give it a place in my work.

Where can your work be found?

You can find my suitcase lamps on display and for sale at The Lost & Found bar (5426 N Gay), on Etsy and at www.uppercasestudios.com. I mainly sell by word of mouth but would love to find a shop interested in carrying my work.

What do you love about Portland?

What's not to love about Portland? After taking a year off and travelling around the entire US on a road trip, we decided there was no other place we would rather live. The (not quite) Big City meets the Great Outdoors making it a terrific place for a maker.

Make sure you check out UpperCase Studio's Etsy shop and website. Thanks for sharing, Mich!
And if you'd like to read more We Make Portland Awesome interviews, you can check out the full collection HERE.

We Make Portland Awesome: lil e creations

"We make Portland awesome" is a twice-monthly series. I’m interested building our community of artists by helping us all find out more about each other.

This week: Erin of lil e creations

Who are you?
Hi! I’m Erin, or “lil e,” which was my childhood nickname and the origin of my business name lil e creations. I’ve been creating my whole life… pilfering the recycle to make candy dispensers, weaving kids’ potholders on metal looms… okay, I’m still doing the latter as certain family members won’t let me stop: twenty-eight years and counting! In high school I discovered thrift stores and vintage clothes and out of altering-necessity for my still growing 5’11” frame I learned to sew. Having always loved dress-up, this opened a whole new world of creation. It was while pursuing a degree in Arts and Crafts at The Evergreen State College that I discovered I was a fiber artist.

What do you make?
Like many crafters, my hands won’t stop and they are all over the place!

My primary Etsy shop, lil e creations, focuses on wire-free wings and costumes. I wanted to create a lasting product that could withstand rough-and-tumble play: by kids and, who are we kidding, myself!

Last year, I also launched two new shops: Images by lil e, which is a shop of cards and small canvases featuring found heart images and a wedding favors shop called wedding fun by lil e.

Besides making things, what do you do?

Currently, I am setting up a blog that launches on Valentine’s Day called 365Hearts. As the name suggests, each day’s post will be of a found heart image, from myself and guest heart contributors.

Otherwise, I love playing in nature. I love swimming in fresh water… lakes, rivers, ponds (I may be part otter). I still love dress-up and encouraging others to dress-up. I love reading, especially historical novels. I recently built a barn-shaped Little Free Library on the Olympic Peninsula with my nephew. I adore weaving but don’t do it as much as I’d like. And I love baking… good thing I have all those handy potholders!

What inspires you?

In the world of wings, I am most inspired by the custom requests I receive. I love the imaginative ideas people come up with and using the part of my brain that pieces together how to make those ideas a reality.

Where can your work be found?

You can find my work on Etsy… challenge me with a ridiculous concept for wings!
This year I am also working towards being in brick-and-mortar stores as well.

What do you love about Portland?

I lived away from the Pacific Northwest for 5 years and I was ecstatic to return to where things are green and the mix of people are fantastically outrageous. I love all the delicious food at my fingertips and being so close to the coast and the mountains.

Make sure you check out lil e creations' Etsy shop. Thanks for sharing, Erin!
And if you'd like to read more We Make Portland Awesome interviews, you can check out the full collection HERE.

We Make Portland Awesome: Modern Cabin

"We make Portland awesome" is a twice-monthy series. I’m interested building our community of artists by helping us all find out more about each other.

This week: Crystal of Modern Cabin

Who are you?

I am Crystal, the maker behind Modern Cabin. My husband and I live in NE Portland with our two little ones. I am thankful to be able to be a full time mom by day, and a creative Etsy shop owner by night!

What do you make?

My featured products are upscale waterproof picnic blankets. They are meant to be one of those items that you always have with you, because you never know when the need for an impromptu picnic may arise. I also make pillow cases and have many plans to add products in the future.

Besides making things, what do you do?

I also run another etsy shop called PoBa, where you can find fun bandana bibs for the small set. By day you can usually find me chasing after my 3 year old & 9 month old, planning silly crafty parties, and once in a blue moon creating glass art with my husband.

What inspires you?

Textiles, nature, my toddlers imagination, my husbands art, museums, great curated design collections. It is hard not to find inspiration living here.

Where can your work be found?

You can find bits and pieces of my work at a few boutiques across the country, but my etsy shop is the easiest place to shop for the current collection.

What do you love about Portland?

Portland is absolutely the craftiest and friendliest place that I have ever lived. I love that it is such a great place to raise a family, but it is also gaining a lot of recognition for the local artists and artisans. Any place that has the countries largest independently owned bookstore and largest independently owned fabric store is alright in my book. Oh, and the food is pretty noteworthy too!

Make sure you check out Modern Cabin's Etsy shop. 
Thanks for sharing, Crystal!

We Make Portland Awesome: Sarah Laws Made

"We Make Portland Awesome" is a twice-monthy series. I’m interested building our community of artists by helping us all find out more about each other.

This week: Sarah of Sarah Laws Made

Who are you?

I am Sarah Laws, a Portland native, artist, designer and owner of the shop Sarah Laws Made.

What do you make?

I create original paper cut works, silk-screened textiles with the paper cut images, and I sew pillow & modern quilts.

Besides making things, what do you do?
I am a full-time color designer for the footwear industry, and I live with my boyfriend and two dogs in a house in Northeast Portland. I have a detached art studio in the back where I create, and I screen print in the basement. I have also lived in Palm Springs & Santa Barbara California, Boston Massachusetts, and New York City. All of these places have inspired me, but I'm so happy to be back home!

What inspires you?

Things made by hand, flora & fauna, folk art, domestic life, tactile things.

Where can your work be found?

In my Etsy shop, at local craft fairs (handmade NW and Alberta Abbey this holiday season!).

What do you love about Portland?

I love the ease of living here and getting around, the seasons, the food, the laid-back vibe, the creativity, the majestic natural environment, the memories of growing up here. Portland is truly magical! My favorite thing is taking stay-cations.

Make sure you check out Sarah Laws Made's Etsy shop and website. 
Thanks for sharing, Sarah!

We Make Portland Awesome: Loopy Magpie

"We make Portland awesome" is a twice-monthy series. I’m interested building our community of artists by helping us all find out more about each other.

This week: Monika of Loopy Magpie

Who are you?
My name is Monika Talarek. I'm originally from Poland, and now I live in Portland, Oregon. I'm a fiber artist. I enjoy creating things, may it be an object of art or a fabulous dinner, doesn't matter, I put my whole heart into making it.

What do you make?
As an artist I make jewelry and sculptures out of wire, using fiber techniques like crocheting, knitting, weaving and coiling. I LOVE all things "fiber", and I tried most of the techniques with a cord, a yarn or a fabric. I started with art quilts, experimenting with surface design. But then I discovered the means to transform the hard, metal wire into pliable objects using the same fiber techniques. So that's how it goes....

Besides making things, what do you do?
Occasionally I work as a Polish/English translator/interpreter. In my free time I love to solve crossword puzzles, play Sudoku and Text Twist. I love to take care of my house and garden. I love to cook!!! If I was younger I would love to become a professional chef. Well, cooking is a form of art for me.

What inspires you?
Many things, changing constantly. My first inspiration that prompt me toward fiber arts was a Polish, world renowned, fiber artist Magdalena Abakanowicz. Now it's mostly a poetry or well combined words. I like art that tells you a story.

Where can your work be found?
My jewelry can be found on Etsy. My sculptures can be soon seen on my website. My earrings can be found at Guardino Gallery in Portland.

What do you love about Portland?
I LOVE, love, love Portland. Its eclectic style. Its fabulous, suddenly emerging, trendy streets and districts. If I had to name my favorite place in Portland I would definitely say Powell's Bookstore - amazing, enchanted place, where you can get lost for hours (I'm from the generation that needs to hold a real, printed book in hand, and turn the non-digital pages to be happy.). Also Alberta Street. Hawthorn District. The Pearl District. Mississippi District. I could go on, and on. And all those fabulous restaurants in Portland!!! And the guy on the unicycle playing bagpipes! I'm truly lucky to live here.


Make sure you check out Loopy Magpie's Etsy shop and website. 
Thanks for sharing, Monika!

We make Portland Awesome: Hannah Naomi

"We make Portland awesome" is a bi-weekly series. I’m interested building our community of artists by helping us all find out more about each other.

This week: Hannah of Hannah Naomi Jewelry

Who are you?
I'm Hannah and I'm the one-woman show behind Hannah Naomi jewelry.

What do you make?
I specialize in making stacking rings and one of a kind necklaces, earrings, rings, and bangles. I love to work with metals -- anything from silver and gold to brass and copper.

Besides making things, what do you do?
I pretty much spend most of my day working on some part of my business. Whether it's answering emails in the morning, finishing up a studio session and shipping out orders in the afternoon, to coming up with new designs in the evenings. On my days off I love to sketch new designs, watch movies and stroll around town for inspiration. 

What inspires you?
I'm really inspired by the wearability of jewelry. I love the fact that jewelry often becomes part of a woman -- it's an intimate relationship between the art I create and the appreciator who buys it. Wearable art is the best! Once I start the process of creating a new piece the materials I have on hand are my main inspiration. I love to sketch wild designs on paper but once I get to the studio I let my hands go to town. Sometimes a critical eye and spark of inspiration (or enthusiasm) can lead to a wonderful new design. My customers also inspire me a great deal. The enthusiasm and support of so many wonderful people around the globe make me even more excited to go to work every morning.

Where can your work be found?
My work can be found at a number of boutiques throughout North America. For a full list check out my website here: www.hannahnaomi.com/boutiques.html I don't have any work for sale locally in Portland, although I'm continuously expanding my list of retailers!

What do you love about Portland?
I love living in Portland. Strolling around town with the dog, eating at all the amazing food trucks throughout the city, drinking local coffee and beer -- the Portland lifestyle really can't be beat. Being an artist is second nature here and inspiration (and inspirational people) abound. I've lived in a number of places throughout my life and can definitely say that Portland has a very special place in my heart. The people are great and the atmosphere is quirky, intimate and lighthearted. It's easy to be yourself in Portland!

Make sure you check out Hannah Naomi's Etsy shop, website, and blog.
Thanks for sharing, Hannah!  

We make Portland awesome: Lettered & Lined

"We make Portland awesome" is a bi-weekly series. I’m interested building our community of artists by helping us all find out more about each other.

This week: Kelly of Lettered & Lined

Who are you?
I am Kelly Bernal, owner and designer behind Lettered & Lined. I've been an artist since childhood and am so thankful to still be doing what I love today.

What do you make?
I design prints for every room of the home which can be printed in your choice of more than 50 colors.

Besides making things, what do you do?
I try to keep up with my VERY active 2 year old son. I discuss the meaning of life with my 3 month old son. I hang out with my husband. I garden. I cook. I go for walks. I travel when I can. I do design work for local non-profits and clients. Life keeps me busy and I try to enjoy every moment of it!

What inspires you?
I am inspired by art that serves a purpose. My prints tell you what all those laundry symbols mean, help you steep the perfect cup of tea, and remind you how many teaspoons are in a tablespoon.

Where can your work be found?
Etsy.com, ScoutMob.com, and Red Plume (Eugene, OR). Coming soon to www.letteredandlined.com and Powell’s Bookstore (Downtown, Portland).

What do you love about Portland?
I love that you are never more than a stone’s throw away from an AMAZING meal. The food in this town is enough to make me stay forever. I love the trees. I love the seasons. I love the laid back way of life. I love the creative community. And I really love that people plant vegetable gardens in the strip of dirt between the sidewalk and their street.


Make sure you check out Lettered & Lined's Etsy shop, website, Twitter, and Facebook page.
Thanks for sharing, Kelly!