Laura Remes is a professional graphic designer with a BFA in Visual Communications from the University of Kansas. "I've spent the last few years in the corporate world doing print, identity and multimedia work for a downtown St. Louis marketing agency, but have always had a love for hand made paper crafts," she says. "A year and a half ago I got engaged, as did many of my friends, and decided together that most of the wedding invitations out there were bland and uninspired. A wedding is about expressing what makes you and your fiance a unique and loving couple and many pre-made invitations from large print-house vendors did not seem to have much, if any personality. So, I decided to draw upon my own knowledge of printing and my hobby of paper crafting to make my own." Soon, her friends began commissioning her to do the same for them - and her business grew by word of mouth. Her classy, modern designs speak for themselves. "I discovered Etsy about the same time I became engaged and promptly ordered many custom items from talented Etsy vendors," she admits. "EVERYONE took notice of these custom items and complimented me on my attention to detail. Details I couldn't have achieved without those talented vendors. I was so impressed by the kindness, hands-on help, and creativity of other sellers that I decided to start my own shop in order to reach more brides." She plans on creating her own website in the near future, but has been too busy with the wedding and relocating to Chicago for her husband's job. After leaving work she discovered that she could actually make a living doing what she loves, making cards and invitations. "I'm proud to say that I am now self employed," she gushes. "Stay true to your style," she recommends. Please check out her shop: http://lilribbers.etsy.com/
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Meet Etsy Artist and Stationer: lilribbers
Monday, March 24, 2008
Meet Etsy Metalsmith & Jewelry Artist: aloka
Lakshmi Sonbuchner, the talented artist behind Aloka, is also a medical student living in New York City. Aside from creating her elegant designs, she manages to find time to work on her PhD, researching the organism that causes malaria. "I enjoy science and medicine, but I also need a creative outlet, and that happens to be jewelry design and metalsmithing. I love the fact that I can manipulate a flat piece of metal into a 'supple' flower, and, of course, I like playing with torches," she jokes. Starting Aloka was not only a way to showcase her work, but also to give back to those in need. "Any profit that I make from the shop will be donated to Asha for Education (ashanet.org), which sets up and funds basic educational projects for the underprivileged in India," she explains. In fact her own Indian heritage has been a profound source of inspiration to her. "I draw from images you would commonly see in India -- flora, fauna, and the swirly script of the Indian languages. I want to achieve a look that is sleek and modern, at the same time evoking a sense of the exotic. Indian fashion is known for being ornate and colorful -- I like to take details from Indian textiles and ancient buildings, focus on the basic lines and shapes and incorporate them into chic designs." While she has only been metalsmithing for two years, she is serious about her hobby. "I run my shop as if it's my 'job', just on a smaller scale." She hopes to make enough of a profit in the next year to donate at least $500 to Asha for Education. Please check out her shop: http://aloka.etsy.com/
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Meet Etsy Jewelry Artist: Pavoreal
25 year old AngelaHurtado is the amazing talent behind Pavoreal. Born in Peru, she now lives in Costa Rica where she creates her beautiful wirework designs. "I teach fashion and jewelry history at college, so I love to incorporate ideas and color combinations that I find through my research. I also love the colors I can find living in a tropical environment here in Costa Rica," she explains. Originally trained as a graphic designer, she gravitates toward modern, stylized shapes and designs that evoke a simple elegance, which she expertly displays in her bridal pieces on Etsy and her personal website (AzaharTiaras.com). "I'm trying to turn it into my job, but I also like to complement it with some intellectual work, such as teaching and writing, usually on the subjects of fashion, jewelry and their relationship with women through history." Being on the other side of the world than the majority of Etsians, she finds it harder to get her name out there, but I feel her work speaks for itself. Please check out her shop: http://pavoreal.etsy.com/
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