An Interview | Monkey Puzzle

What is your name?
Elan

What is the name of the shop?
Monkey Puzzle

What is the shop address?
monkeypuzzle.etsy.com


Please list any URLS of where readers can find you
mymonkeypuzzle.blogspot.com: http://mymonkeypuzzle.blogspot.com/

Facebook fan page: Monkey Puzzle Press: http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/pages/Monkey-Puzzle-Press/172234662842

mymonkeypuzzl.tumblr.com: http://mymonkeypuzzle.tumblr.com/

IamMonkeyPuzzle at Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/21387225@N05/

JuniperLodge (my vintage shop): http://www.etsy.com/shop/JuniperLodge


What is your art or craft and how long have you been creating?
I was definitely a kid when this all started, with the time and inspiration to get lost in the creative process. I think a lot of artists were the shy, outsider types and that was definitely the case with me. The creative process became my very sense of identity.

By the time I was 15 I had the singular focus of pursuing art in my future.

I attended 3 1/2 schools and earned a BFA in visual design.

I'm inspired by materials and the process of problem solving involved in designing. I almost solely work with materials that have had a previous life, partly out of a sense of nostalgia and partly because I feel there is such an abundance of good material out there. I'm not interested in being a part of the production of more material. So, I collect discarded items and reinvent them.

I describe myself as an avid dabbler because I find I'm happiest when I can mix things up a bit, so I acquired a vintage clam shell letterpress and taught myself how to be a printer. I also bind books, draw and play around with hand lettering. I think a small edition book is on my horizon sometime soon.


You have so many talents! What other things do you do besides creating?
Family, home and food.

What inspires you?
Nostalgia is a big one. Objects made or worn into shape by a human hand. Understated beauty. Furry and feathered people. Loved ones.

Are there any artists that inspire you?
So many! I'm forever amazed at the incredible amount of really brilliant artists that exist today, not to mention ones that came before. The reason I started a blog was to to keep track of ones I wanted to remember, it's my sourcebook. If you stop by and look under the category "artists" you'll see what I've been looking at.


That's a great way to start a blog! What are five words that describe you?
a very curious avid dabbler

Elan is offering 10% all banners (excluding puppets) in her shop. Please use code GIDU10 in the notes to seller at time of checkout. Offer ends November 24th.

Thanks for stopping by today, Elan!! I am so glad to have you!

If you would like to be considered for an interview on GiDu Design blog, please fill out this simple submission form. I am always looking for new and exciting shops/designers/artists/crafters/photographers, so please submit today! Click here to fill out the submission form.

An Interview | Mila Rose Designs

I am so excited to present this next feature to you!! I am obsessed with these beautiful headbands made by Melissa of Mila Rose Designs! They are adorable!

What is the name of the shop?
Mila Rose Designs

What is the shop address?
http://www.milarosedesigns.etsy.com


Please list any URLS of where readers can find you
Blog: http://milarosedesigns.blogspot.com/
Twitter: http://twitter.com/milarosedesigns
Etsy: http://www.etsy.com/shop/milarosedesigns
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/milarosedesigns


What is your art or craft and how long have you been creating?
I started my shop of pretty hair accessories at the beginning of the year, but have been creating these bands for about 2 years. I started with headbands, but now have hair clips, bobbies, pins, and my sister has started adding some amazing crocheted hats and scarves for fall/winter.


What other things do you do besides creating?
Well most of my days are spent creating because I love doing it. When I'm not making new designs I can probably be found baking cupcakes, coloring hair, or shopping for shoes.

What are five words that describe you?
silly, fashionista, bold, sarcastic, girly


Would you be interested in offering a special discount to the GiDu Design blog readers?
10% off with code GIDU on our etsy site for one week after feature.

Thank you, Melissa for sharing with us today. Your shop is so lovely and I am so happy that you could stop by!

If you would like to be considered for an interview on GiDu Design blog, please fill out this simple submission form. I am always looking for new and exciting shops/designers/artists/crafters/photographers, so please submit today! Click here to fill out the submission form.

An Interview | Backwood Design Studio

I would like to introduce our guest today, Shannon of Backwood Design Studio! Thank you for joining us today, Shannon! I am very excited to share this interview that I had with Shannon.

Where are you located?
Iowa

What is the shop address?
http://backwooddesignstudio.etsy.com

Please list any URLS of where readers can find you.
Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/backwoodsdesignstudio

Blog - http://backwoodsdesignstudio.blogspot.com

Twitter - http://www.twitter.com/backwoodsdesign


What is your art or craft and how long have you been creating?
In my shop, you will find digital photography and digital art that I have created. I recently started doing more with tweaking photos and art digitally, but I have always love taking photographs. I have also been drawing since I was 8 years old.


What other things do you do besides creating?
I have an 8 month old daughter, a husband and 3 dogs. So I'm pretty busy almost all of the time. When I'm not doing anything creative, I enjoy running, swimming, fishing, camping, horseback riding, skiing....and just about anything else that has to do with the outdoors! I also like to go out to the movies or just stay in and snuggle up on the couch.

What inspires you?
Everyday life. Most of the time, it is nature that inspires me. When I drive down the road, I'm always looking at the landscape and different elements that would make a great photograph. I really try to keep my camera with me as much as possible; you never know when that perfect shot is going to present itself.


Are there any artists that inspire you?
I think a lot of artists inspire me. I come across a lot of great and wonderful artists on Etsy and other venues; there are so many talented people out there.


What are five words that describe you?
Short (height-wise :P)
Imaginative
Sarcastic
Loyal
Trustworthy

Thank you so much for visiting us today!! I am so happy to have you, Shannon.

If you would like to be considered for an interview on GiDu Design blog, please fill out this simple submission form. I am always looking for new and exciting shops/designers/artists/crafters/photographers, so please submit today! Click here to fill out the submission form.

(images: Backwood Design Studio)

An Interview | Charm Du Jour

What is your name?
Brittney

Where are you located?
Louisiana

What is the name of the shop?
Charm Du Jour

What is the shop address?
www.charmdujour.etsy.com

Please list any URLS of where readers can find you
www.charmdujour.blogspot.com
www.charmdujour.etsy.com



What is your art or craft and how long have you been creating?
Although I also use new supplies, I love recreating vintage jewelry and making the pieces into something new and more modern. I've been creating jewelry as a hobby for about 10 years, but I recently (this past year) got into creating jewelry through reclaimed or up cycled vintage pieces. Creating jewelry has become an obsession of mine, and I didn't have enough birthdays to celebrate before it all started piling up in my bedroom. That's when Charm Du Jour came along.

What other things do you do besides creating?
From baking to painting, I will take on the task of anything that feuls my imagination. When I'm stuck in a "creative rut" long walks with my dog Charlie help me to re-energize the creative part of my brain.

Getting back to basics and close to nature is a great way to get re-energized! What inspires you?
I live in the South, and I seem to be inspired by everything around me. The people, the nature, the music, and even the food...I feel like I'm on an artistic high living down here. Mostly, I'm inspired by the vintage piece itself. I find that I enjoy working with old found objects more than I do new supplies. I love going to the local flea market and finding things I won't see anywhere else. Big or small, vintage items always tell a story.


I love that about vintage items, too. Are there any artists that inspire you?
Many, and I'm always adding to the list! Here are a few recent ones...

Spinthread

Lisa Meyers

Michelle Brusegaard

Mignon Faget

What are five words that describe you?
Blessed. Happy. Creative. Homebody. Busy.


Thank you so much for visiting with us today, Brittney!

If you would like to be considered for an interview on GiDu Design blog, please fill out this simple submission form. I am always looking for new and exciting shops/designers/artists/crafters/photographers, so please submit today! Click here to fill out the submission form.

(images: Charm Du Jour)

An Interview | Nest

Today's feature comes from a shop owner who loves mixing old and new together! I am very pleased to bring you today's feature!

What is your name?
Aften

Where are you located?
St. Louis, MO

What is the name of your shop?
Nest


What is the shop address?
http://www.etsy.com/shop/livelovenest

What is your art or craft and how long have you been creating?
Nest has allowed me to combine all of the things I love - you will see a mix of both vintage and handmade pieces on the site - all of the pieces are created and selected specifically for accessorizing your nest! I have a passion for mixing "old" with "new" - it's not only a great for of recycling, but I believe it makes any space unique and instantly adds character & personality.

The two types of handmade pieces currently featured are a series of linen wrapped canvases with illustrations on them that I create and construct out of wool felt and letters wrapped with yarn - or my modern take on knitting as I like to tag it. All of my handmade pieces can be customized to meet your needs! Continue to check in, I am always creating new things and will be adding new pieces soon!

I just started my etsy in January but I've had a passion for art & design my entire life. My parents always encouraged and supported creativity and I've been creating as long as I can remember! I've experimented with everything from painting, to drawing to ceramics to jewelry & metal making - the list goes on and on!


Your shop is absolutely lovely! What other things do you do besides creating?
I have trouble sitting still, so if I'm not creating or vintage shopping, you can find me looking at TIME photo editorials online, playing with my pup Oliver or hanging out with my friends and family.

What inspires you?
I am really inspired by nature! From the pattern and shape of leaves to the texture and color of sea shells - all of my ideas and creations derive from nature. I also love to travel and to learn about history and different cultures!


Are there any artists that inspire you?
Frank LLoyd Wright

What are five words that describe you?
Confident, Quirky, Creative, Reliable & Driven


Would you like to offer GiDu Design readers a discount in your shop?
Yes, 5% off with the code GIDU valid for one week after feature

Thank you so much, Aften, for stopping by to chat with us! I wish you much success with your new etsy shop!

Would you like to be featured on GiDu Design Blog? I am accepting submissions! Click here to fill out a simple submission form.

Now Open - Briole Photography

I am so excited to post about this next feature interview. My friend, Heather, just opened her etsy shop, Briole Photography!

Heather's photography work is absolutely stunning! Let's start the feature!

What is your name?
Heather Green

Where are you located?
St. Louis, MO

What is the name of the shop?
Briole Photography

What is the shop address?
www.briole.etsy.com

Please list any URLS of where readers can find you
Facebook Fan Page: http://www.facebook.com/briolephotography
Website: http://www.briolephotography.com (full website coming in the future)



What is your art or craft and how long have you been creating?
My main craft is photography. I took a photography class in high school which was fun and stirred my interest, but I didn't really start shooting on a regular basis until I got my first digital camera in college. Since then, I have shot tens of thousands of photographs and my camera is never far from my side!

I also enjoy quilting. I am a fifth generation quilter and love cuddling up with a handmade quilt on a cold winter day.

What other things do you do besides creating?
I love spending time with my amazing husband, family and friends. They have given me so much encouragement to take my photography to the next level and open my Etsy shop, I could not have come this far without their support. I also enjoy reading a good book and listening to all different types of music.



It's great that you have wonderful friends and family who support you. What inspires you?
Both the beauty in this world and my amazing mom, Jan Douglas. My mom is a quilt designer and recently started her own quilt pattern company - www.jandouglasdesign.com that is growing by leaps and bounds. She has been a huge source of inspiration to me in believing in yourself and your dream, never giving up and just getting out there and doing what you love. She is the best!



Your mom's quilts are amazing! Are there any artists that inspire you?
The artist whose work has most influenced my art is Carlos Jacanamijoy. He is a Columbian artist who paints vibrant, abstract paintings of the Amazon jungle, which is where he grew up. He isn't afraid of color and texture and ever since I saw his first paintings at the age of 16, I have been in love and inspired to look at the world as I imagine he might!

What are five words that describe you?
passionate
honest
loyal
determined
hardworking



Would you be interested in offering a special discount to the GiDu Design blog readers?
Buy any 8x10 print and get a 5x7 print of your choice for free! Just type GiDu in the message to sellers along with the name of the print you would like for free. Offer valid for one week from today!

Thank you for joining us today, Heather! I am so glad that you could share your work with us.

Hello Monday!

I hope you all had a wonderful weekend! I can't believe how fast time is passing, the Holidays are just around the corner. Want a wonderful way to showcase your holiday gifts? Submit your item for the Holiday Gift Guide! Click here for the details!

If you missed last week, check out this post to hear some great news!

Lastly, I would love to hear your ideas/thoughts on this post. I appreciate your comments and suggestions!

(Image: feroniaajewelry)

An Interview | TDN Creations

The next interview comes from a very talented jewelry designer! Please welcome TDN Creations!

What is your name?
Trang Dai

Where are you located?
Montreal, Canada

What is the shop address?
http://tdncreations.etsy.com

Please list any URLS of where readers can find you
Website: www.tdncreations.com
Etsy: http://tdncreations.etsy.com
Twitter: http://twitter.com/tdn_creations
Facebook: http://www.tdncreations.com/facebook.html



What is your art or craft and how long have you been creating?
I am a jeweler and have been making jewelry for over 5 years. I started working with wire and crystals and moved on to metalsmithing after taking a course that lasted 1 1/2 year.
I have also been working with polymer clay for more than 7 years and now combine both claying and metalsmithing in several of my pieces to make interesting mixed media experiments.

I love your technique! What other things do you do besides creating?
When I am not creating, I work on my website, take photographs, shop for tools and supplies... I can spend hours looking for the right gemstone for a specific project!



What inspires you?
Ancient civilizations inspire me. Jewelrymaking has been around for centuries and I am always amazed at what jewelers from these old times could do, at the complexity of their work, at the techniques they used.
Nature is another of my inspiration. I like to look at flowers, leaves and animals and make my own interpretation in my designs.
Finally, I have always been inspired by geometry. I like simple lines: circles, squares, ovals... So many combinations that make clean, simple but striking designs.

Are there any artists that inspire you?
I love to read jewelry catalogs and magazines to see all the beautiful jewelry from master jewelers like Cartier, Boucheron, Tiffany... I can't really say that they inspire me, but they do make me dream.

What are five words that describe you?
active
hardworking
curious
logical
daring



Would you be interested in offering a special discount to the GiDu Design blog readers?
Yes, 5% off the entire shop, no minimum required. Use promo code GIDU in the notes to seller at time of check out.

Thank you so much, Trang, for visiting with us today. I hope that many readers are inspired by your work. I love you style and I am so glad that you could share it with us today.

An Interview | The Moss Garden

Today's interview comes from a very talented jewelry designer! Please welcome Victoria of The Moss Garden!

Where are you located?
Montreal, QC

What is the shop address?
http://TheMossGarden.etsy.com

Please list any URLS of where readers can find you.
I have a blog at http://the-moss-garden.blogspot.com, where I write about birdwatching, wildlife in general, cooking, photography, my life as a university student, and other miscellaneous brain outpourings!

What is your art or craft and how long have you been creating?
I make jewelry with a zoological or botanical theme. I've been making earrings and necklaces for myself since I was a teenager (not so very long ago) but in mid-summer I started taking it more seriously and putting more thought into my designs, and opened up my Etsy shop!



I definitely see your nature theme and I absolutely love it! What other things do you do besides creating?
I'm currently in my last year of my BSc degree in wildlife biology, and I'm applying to veterinary school for next year. Full-time classes, a part-time job, volunteering and various research projects keep me busy!

Good luck with your schooling! No wonder you like to create zoological themed jewelry. What inspires you?
In a word, nature. I'm from the Pacific northwest and I grew up near the sea, so I always loved things inspired by the ocean. I love all kinds of plants and animals, from the furred to the feathered and scaled.


Are there any artists that inspire you?
There are so many shops on Etsy and other sites that I admire - I could never list them all! Some of the ones I've had favourited for a while are My Lavaliere, Wrist Candy Creations, Gathering Stars, Track and Field Designs, Sarah K Designs, BirdNerd, and Three Birds Designs. More traditionally, I love paintings by Lawren Harris and Andy Goldsworthy's ephemeral art.



What are five words that describe you?
Busy
Curious
Compassionate
Determined
Hungry

Would you be interested in offering a special discounts to the GiDu Design blog readers?
Sure! A 10% discount good for one week after the feature is available by using promo code GIDU in the notes to seller at the time of check out.

Thanks again Victoria for sharing with all of us today!

An Interview | Studio MME

The next interviewee is very detailed and illustrates beautiful work. I am so excited to present her to you today!

What is your name?
Megan M. Eckman of Studio M.M.E.

Where are you located?
Fargo, ND

What is the name of your shop?
Studio MME

What is the shop address?
www.studiomme.etsy.com

Where else can we find you online?
Blog: http://studiomme.blogspot.com
Etsy: www.studiomme.etsy.com
Website (online portfolio): www.studiomme.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/studiomme


You have a great online presence. What is your art or craft and how long have you been creating?
I am a pen and ink illustrator who has been working toward a dual degree in English and Art. I have been drawing since early childhood and look forward to graduate school next year, where I will continue to hone my skills.

I love the detail in your drawings. What other things do you do besides creating?
When I'm not illustrating my own little stories, I'm writing middle-reader children's novels. I also go on little adventures with my grandmother's 60-year-old Kodak Duraflex camera. My boyfriend (a photographer) and I pretend we're time-traveling tourists with our antique machinery. Yes, we are nerds.

I love taking pictures with my old cameras too. There's just something nostalgic about the photographs. What inspires you?
I'm really inspired by patterns, especially that of wallpapers. I love anything Victorian or Edwardian and am addicted to stripes. Antique watches and clocks also fascinate me.


I love that your style is seems old world and like a fairy tale. Are there any artists that inspire you?
Unfortunately, most of the artists I adore are deceased: Edward Gorey, Gustav Klimt, and Charles Gibson. I also really enjoy the work of Maurice Sendak and Lizbeth Zwerger.

What are five words that describe you?
Meticulous, Organized, Youthful, Imaginative, Comedic


Would you be interested in offering a special discounts to the GiDu Design blog readers?
Megan is offering 10% to Gidu readers! Just use the code "GIDU" in the notes to seller at the time of your purchase. Thanks!

Thank you so much for sharing with us today! It was so nice to get to know you.

I am always looking for artists and designers to interview! If you are interested in having an interview on Gidu Design, please click here for more details.

Interviewees

Calling all artists and designers!! I have openings for interviews! Click this link to fill out a simple submission form. You could be chosen for an interview on Gidu! You must have 4 or 5 well photographed items and your items must fit our overall blog theme. Please visit our past interviews for ideas.

If you have any questions, send me an email at gidu.design(AT)gmail(dot)com.

(image: BonnieJones)

An Interview | Dave Koen

I am so pleased to share this interview that I had with photographer Dave Koen.

Where are you located?
Denton, TX

What is the name of the shop?
Dave Koen Photography

What is the shop address?
http://davekoen.etsy.com/

Please list any URLS of where readers can find you
For more information about me, as well as photographs that are not seen in my Etsy shop, visit the following links:
My blog: davekoen.com
Twitter: twitter.com/davekoen



What is your art or craft and how long have you been creating?
I am a photographer from Cleveland, Ohio. I recently relocated to Denton, Texas where I will continue to practice photography as I have for the past three years.

I noticed that your shop has many images from Cleveland. What other things do you do besides creating?
I am a musician, a web designer, a blogger, and a critic.

What inspires you?
I've got a strong attraction to my hometown, and that is clearly reflected in the work I have made over the past three years. I'm also extremely influenced by local music and the musicians with whom I play. If I am not photographing city facades, I am busy photographing the city's performers.

It seems like you have a great array of clients. I really like your urban/carnival scenes. Are there any artists that inspire you?
For as many photos as I take, I am swayed by very few photographers. I find myself drawn to city architects, such as the Van Sweringen brothers and Frank Gehry, as inspirations. I've never been one to practice sculpture, but the works of Christo and Jeanne-Claude provide great photographic material. Also, web designer and photographer Peter Baker excites me, as he is more of a portrait photographer than I am.



What are five words that describe you?
Indecisive, Quiet, Particular, Well-Mannered, and Mild-Tempered.

Would you be interested in offering a special discounts to the GiDu Design blog readers?
I am willing to give a 10% discount and free shipping to all GiDu Design blog readers, valid for one week after the feature. After placing the order, enter "GIDU " in a message to the seller.

Wow! Thank you so much Dave, for sharing with us today. Your photography work is truly stunning.

I am always looking for new designers and artists to interview. If you are interested in being interviewed on Gidu Design, please click here to fill out the interview submission form.

An Interview | Actuali Design

I just adore the handmade cards by Actuali Design, don't you? I am thrilled to share this interview that I had with Ali, the creator of Actuali Design.

What is your name?
Alison, or Ali for short.

Nice to meet you! Where are you located?
Toronto, ON

What is the name of the shop?
Actuali Design

What is the shop address?
http://www.actualidesign.etsy.com



Please list any URLS of where readers can find you
Etsy
Twitter
Flickr
Facebook
ActualiDesign.com (Currently redirecting to Etsy shop, soon to be full website with blog)


What is your art or craft and how long have you been creating?
I create handmade greeting cards, using lots of different materials. I love experimenting with paper, ribbons, brads, stamps, and anything else I think would work well. You could definitely describe my work as multimedia! In addition to my cards, I sell prints of my digital art prints. I started making my cards about three years ago, when my mom got me a book on card making. I must have paged through that book hundreds of times. One very expensive Michaels trip later, I was started up on making my own cards for the annual craft sale at my cottage.



What other things do you do besides creating?
Crafty things aside, I’m still a very artsy person. I love fine art as well as my crafting, and digital work. I’ve tried just about everything from basic drawing to creating life size sculptures out of packing tape—those were an interesting few days in art class! I love working with oil paint and black pen, but for me, nothing beats pencil on paper. I’m currently a high school student, and unlike most people I know, I know exactly what I want to do. I plan on being a graphic designer, working freelance, which is clearly another extension of my love for the aesthetic. On the other side of things, I love to write. Long fiction, short fiction, whatever. It’s probably my only hobby that can rival the arts and crafts one. Finally, I play the piano, which I’ve been doing since I was 3 or 4. Now, would you believe that I’m actually a logical person? Really, I am. I’m not the scatterbrained and eccentric creative type. I promise!

Wow, you are involved in so many different things! It's wonderful that you know what you would like to do someday as a career. What inspires you?
My favourite part of the creative process is the experimentation, so it comes as no surprise that I’m most inspired by supplies. If I’m stuck, I love looking through everything that I have on hand. The colours, textures, patterns... It gets my mind going. I start to imagine all the different ways in which I can put them together. That’s why I love supply shopping so much! I can spend hours in Michael’s, wandering the scrapbooking aisles over and over again, to the dismay of whoever is accompanying me.

I love to wander around the creative aisles, too! Are there any artists that inspire you?
There are a couple that I particularly like, and do sometimes get my mind going with ideas. While I don’t see their work reflected in my own, they can be inspiring none the less. Matte Stephens is one of my favourite traditional artists. I plan on treating myself to a couple of his prints once I hit 50 sales. Unfortunately, that’s quite a way off, yet!



What are five words that describe you?
I don’t tend to be overly concise, so this should be interesting. Five words. I’d have to say, ambitious, perfectionist, adaptable, logical and honest.

Would you be interested in offering a special discounts to the GiDu Design blog readers?
I’d be happy to offer 15% off any purchase of $10.00 or more with the code “GIDU” valid for one week after the feature!

Thank you Ali for sharing with us today. I am so glad that we could have an interview and get to know you better. You have a lot of passion for art and design and I wish you the best of luck in your career endeavors!

An Interview | Cori Schierer

I am so excited to present this interview to you all! My good friend and fellow graphic designer, Cori Schierer, agreed to do an interview today on GiDu Design! Grab your favorite cup of tea and get cozy!

Where do you work?
Masterchem Brands

What is your art or craft and how long have you been creating?
Graphic Designer for 2 1/2 years

What other things do you do besides creating?
I am a Graphic Designer 8-5 monday through friday.
On the weekends and free time I am a volleyball player, a swimmer, a runner, a movie buff, a gardener, traveler and photographer.



What inspires you?
I am inspired by my friends, my family, nature, and all of my everyday surroundings.

Are there any artists that inspire you?
I am a very colorful person. I love bright colors! I also love photography, it is one of my passions as well, I am a huge fan of Anne Gedde's.

What are five words that describe you?
Dramatic,Passionate, Emotional, Vibrant, and Compassionate

Thank you so much Cori for taking time to interview with me! Thanks for sharing with us today.