Visit with artist Sammie Flame & Enter to win a prize from her Etsy shop

Violet by Sammie Flame of RawkMama.etsy.com

Hey there. How have you been? Last week we popped by mixed media artist Sammie Flame's new studio (If you missed the tour click here). Sammie has just stopped in for a cup of tea and a lovely chat - and we are both so glad you could join us! 

I know Sammie from the entertaining & eclectic Etsy Melange Team. I enjoy her unique style & wonderful rich colors. In her online shop RawkMama.Etsy.com you can find a mix of Sammie's original artwork and fun paper supplies, like these cool tickets:

Set of 12 poison tickets from RawkMama.etsy.com

C'mon - take off your coat & stay a while. I'll put up a fresh pot of water while you guys chat for a bit.... By the way, click on any of the captions for more info on each photo.

SF: I am an artist who loves rawk music and comes from a family of rock [gems and minerals] lovers! hence the name...

When did you first become interested in art? 

SF: I think I've always been fascinated with art. My Dad is an amazing artist, and my Mom is super creative sewing, crocheting, etc. As a child, I was always surrounded with creativity.

What are your favorite materials & why? 

SF: I have always been in love with papers! I think paper is so beautiful & versatile! It always appeals to me... Paint is my second favorite, because I can get so messy!

Where do you find inspiration? 

SF: I find my inspiration from my emotions, music, nature, magazines, people - everything that surrounds me!

Do you listen to anything while creating? If so, who are you listening to lately?

SF: I love music!!! And most people might find this shocking, but i love to play alternative/rock/metal while creating! My current playlist is Karnivool, Joe Satriani, Skillet, 3 Days Grace, Alice in Chains, Nirvana, Pearl Jam. I do love softer stuff, too, but as of late, I've been creating to these guys! Yeah, I'm a rocker chick at heart!

How long have you been selling your art? 

SF: I have been selling my art since 2006, and on Etsy as a seller since 2008.

What is your favorite piece in your shop right now? 

SF: I have 2 faves right now:

Melting Mirror by Sammie Flame

&

So Blue by Sammie Flame

What are your 3 favorite Etsy shops? 

SF: This is a hard question! So many favorite shops! 

paper scrap pack classic - margo collection from thienthanh.etsy.com

Thienthanh.etsy.com for amazing papers.

Shadow Dancing set of 12 clear stamps from Nahanibluette.etsy.com

 nahanibluette.etsy.com  for a huge selection of stamps.

What A Feelin original painting from JMJArtStudio.etsy.com

JMJartStudio.etsy.com for incredible paintings!

What are your 3 favorite websites? 

SF: Etsy.com, Flickr, and Moo

What do you like to do when you are not creating? 

SF: Read [novels], write, take walks, tinker on the guitar/ play piano, spend time laughing with my 3 girls! 

Sammie Flame

You have recently become interested in art-journaling and art therapy. Is there anything you would like to share on this topic? (For those just meeting Sammie, she was recently widowed and is the mother of 3 young children).

SF: Art has been a way for me to express my emotions and grief, in a way that words cannot. Sometimes, without my husband, I feel lost, and it scares me. Art grounds me and helps me to feel "found" and that I live with a purpose. I wrote about this for Crescendoh.com. CLICK HERE for my thoughts on the healing power of art.

Sammie, thanks so much for stopping by and sharing with us today! And thank you for sponsoring the latest Thursday Giveaway.

Yep, Sammie wants to give away free stuff! On 2/3 one lucky winner will get either the original ACEO, Love 

Love Original Art Card from RawkMama.etsy.com

or a $5 credit at RawkMama.Etsy.com + free shipping. (And you can find some very cool art or supplies at Sammie's place for five bucks!) 

To Enter this random drawing, leave a comment on this blog before 1 a.m. (EST) on Feb. 3, 2011. This drawing is open worldwide with free shipping to winner. Winner gets to choose which prize they prefer. 

So what'cha waiting for? Share your thoughts, leave a comment & you might be the lucky winner. If you have a few minutes today go see what looks tempting over at Sammie's Etsy shop. By the way, thanks for dropping by - It is your interest in the artists that keeps the interviews & giveaways coming!

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On a side note, have you entered my 1/27 random drawing yet? One winner receives a copy of Julia Cameron's book The Artist's Way, A spiritual path to higher creativity. Any comment left on my blog before 1/27 also enters you in this giveaway. For drawing & book details  click this link.

A visit with artist Meredith Dada - Part 2

Beaded Bird Ornament from MeredithDada.Etsy.com

Glad you could drop by! Today I'm visiting with "fourth generation crafter/artist" Meredith Dada of MeredithDada.Etsy.com. Last week she authored a thought provoking piece on Etsy titled  "Do The Work ....Stay out of the results."  

Her post about art, identity & social marketing is worth a read. It is mostly a conversation she had with another artist, David, who is pretty much off the social networking grid (no website, twitter, Facebook or even a cell phone). Meredith kindly allowed me to reprint her post here last week. If you missed it, go ahead & click through. I'll wait for you (insert humming of random Christmas carols here)...

... So, Reader, what do think about David's advice? Are you a "little fish"? Can you get out of your own way & just create? Do you even want to?

I was intrigued by both of these artists and invited Meredith to stop by for a visit today. Go ahead put your feet up by my imaginary fire while this talented soul shares  her thoughts and  colorful creations with us. Just let me get these cookies out of the oven and then we can settle in for a nice chat. (By the way all  photos are courtesy of the artist. For more info on the art, click the captions that mention Etsy to visit the listing.) 

Meredith, when did you first become interested in art?

MD: I was born into it really. My family is full of creative people, artists, and general crafty folks. Art has always been a part of everyday life for me. My mom is a very talented artist, known mostly for her pottery and ceramic work.

Meredith's Mom, artist/teacher Meg Johnson

MD: She was also an art teacher for most of my life. Her mother was also a talented artist and avid crafter. She too was an art teacher, she held weekly China painting classes out of her home studio for years. They were teaching me the art “basics” from the start. I was playing in clay by age two in my mom’s studio. I was oil painting at five years old in my Grandma’s studio.



Meredith's Dad, photographer David Johnson

 
MD: My dad has always been interested in photography and had a darkroom built next to my Mom’s art studio in the backyard. I was shooting pictures and developing in the darkroom in elementary school. Artistic expression in our family was pretty much mandatory. When I was little I just assumed everyone had an art studio/darkroom/woodshop in the backyard!

What are your favorite materials & why?

MD: Since I grew up surrounded by all types of art, I worked with everything I could get my hands on. I have always loved working with ceramics, sculpting, and throwing pottery. I also loved to draw and paint. About ten years ago I combined my love for ceramics and my love of painting into mosaic work. I was essentially “painting” with my own custom tiles and ceramic pieces.

I had this butterfly ready to mosaic, but I needed more color, more detail...then it hit me, BEADS!

MD: About six years ago my Grandmother passed away and I was given her big plastic bins full of craft supplies. One of those bins was full of beads and rhinestones. We used to stay up late and watch old movies while beading Christmas ornaments or ball gowns for my Barbie dolls. When I saw all of those jars of colorful glass beads, they reminded me of little jars of paint. I immediately started “bead mosaics”. Suddenly everything fell into place for me. My process now combines all of my favorite materials. I get to sculpt with clay, draw and paint my designs, and mosaic with beads and rhinestones. 

Blue Lotus Flower hand beaded dish at MeredithDada.etsy.com

  
Where do you find inspiration?

MD: I consider myself very lucky. I live in beautiful Ojai, California. I am surrounded by nature, I live just a few blocks from the base of the mountains and we have the best weather! Sometimes a nice long walk with my son gives me all the inspiration I need.

MD: Occasionally I will find a piece of jewelry or a charm that I love and I will design a piece around that one component. Sometimes I just see a particular bead color and I want to make something to showcase it. I keep a small sketchbook with me and the camera phone is such an awesome invention! I always have my artwork in the back of my mind and I try to look at everything around me with an artistic eye. 

Meredith & her art at Olive Hyde Art Gallery

MD: Recently I had a gallery show in the bay area. My husband and I used it as an excuse to take a little mini vacation in San Francisco. I find if my creative well is running dry, a change in environment breaks open my artist eye and I see things with a different perspective. We don’t live that far from San Francisco, and we have been there before. That said, I always try to find the “new” in things, so we decided to stay in Japantown, and look at a city we have visited before in a new way. I feel it is essential to one’s creative flow to avoid the ordinary and experience things outside of your routine whenever possible. So don’t be surprised if my future work has subtle Japanese elements in it!

Do you listen to anything while creating? If so, who is on your current playlist?

MD: Music plays such an important role in my creative process. Certain songs, a particular musician or band can have very strong emotional ties, how can it not affect how I create? If I handed you my MP3 player and you scrolled through my music collection, you would probably think I was a total schizophrenic! You would see Tom Petty, then The Shins, and random 80’s Madonna, The Beatles, and then Weezer. I am all over the place but if we are just talking about my current playlist you will defiantly see a lot of Dave Matthews (the hippy girl in me has loved him forever). There is a lot of Death Cab For Cutie, Band of Horses, Guster, Cake, She and Him, and The Morning Benders.

The Morning Benders - "All Day Day Light" from Jack Ferry on Vimeo.

That last band was one I had never heard of, but while in San Francisco we found out they were playing near our hotel, so we decided to check them out. Again, it is about thinking outside your usual bubble. The worst that can happen…you see a lame show. The best that can happen…you find new inspiration!

How long have you been selling your art?

MD: I have a picture on my flickr page of me selling my “art” during one of my parent’s backyard art shows when I was about five years old.

MD: However, if we are speaking technically, I started selling my mosaic work about eight years ago. Since most of my work was large pieces of furniture, I sold it on consignment in galleries. With the encouragement of a few friends I opened my Etsy shop in August of 2009 for my beadwork. I didn’t get up the courage to start listing and selling until this year. I wish I started sooner! 

What is your favorite piece in your shop right now?

MD: My favorite piece in the shop in the shop is “Motherhood” mommy and baby bird.

Motherhood beaded birds & copper beaded nest at MeredithDada.Etsy.com

MD: Becoming a mother has changed me completely, and I will never be the same person I was before my son came into my life. I feel honored and lucky to be his mom and having him inspired me to take my art to the next level. Being a stay-at-home-mom has allowed me to focus fully on being an artist and a mom. I feel like I poured all of my emotions about being a new mom into this piece, and it holds a special place in my heart. 

Meredith, thank you for stopping by today. And thanks for the invite to your studio on Sunday. I'll be there with jingle bells on.

Reader, will you join me?  If you've enjoyed this conversation, pop back here 12/26  for a  visit to Meredith's studio. She has also promised to share her favorite Etsy shops - plus some excellent advice from her grandfather that made her  think about the true meaning of success.  C'mon it will be fun....I'll even bake more virtual cookies. What's your favorite?

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Before you go - have you entered the 12/30 random drawing for a 100 piece art supply set? Leave a comment on this blog before then & you are entered. Besides the visiting artists always enjoy your feedback. Want more info on the prize? Then click here.

Visit with artist Kailey Lang & Enter to win a fine art print

Bird Laydee by Kailey Lang

 
Hey there. How are  you today? 

(Want to know who won the Black Baroque random drawing? click here.)

Looking for a fun Artist Feature & new Thursday Giveaway? You've come to the right place. Today we are spending some time with Kailey Lang from the wonderful Etsy shop Bumble Boo Handmades. After too much turkey last week, I was browsing Etsy when this cute little owl avatar  caught my eye.

I just had to click through and see what else the shop would hold. I immediately fell in love with the natural colors and organic feel of Kailey's artwork. Hopefully you will too - click on any of the captions to find out more about the pieces pictured here. (Please note that the actual pieces do not have the Bumble Boo watermark on them.)

Lucky for us, Kailey has popped by for a chat. And I'm so glad you could join us too! Go on, grab a cup of something tasty and put your feet up in front of my imaginary fire....

So, Kailey, When did you first become interested in art?

KL: Well, I started drawing when I was very young, as most kids do. I was obsessed with drawing rabbits (that looked like bees, cause their ears were so huge they looked like wings!), and then I moved to horses. I drew horses for a long time and then started drawing people eventually. I suppose I started to get more serious about art and considered pursuing it as a career in highschool.

Barn Owl Bookmark by Kailey Lang

What are your favorite materials? Styles?

KL: My favourite materials to use would be watercolour, ink, and gouache. I do work with linocut and I like it as well! I like working with collage a little bit too occasionally, incorporating decorative papers and things like that, but it's more rare, and something I'd like to experiment with a little more. I would like to get more into opaque media like acrylic and oils. I use acrylics at school, and very rarely in my own art, but it never really stuck with me, though it has a lot of potential. As for styles, I really like Art Nouveau, The Golden Age Illustrators (Arthur Rackham, Kay Nielsen, and Edmund Dulac being amoung my favourites). Japanese Ukiyo-e prints are very cool as well. I am sure there are more styles that I appreciate, there are so many greats artists and styles out there!

Elemental Art by Kailey Lang

Where do you find inspiration?

KL: Well, naturally I find inspiration from other artists, but also, from nature. I mean, obviously there's a huge "green" movement right now, but I think that people still don't appreciate nature as much as they should. Since I was 7, I lived on a farm in the Lower Mainland in British Columbia, Canada. It's basically 4 acres of forest and field and it's beautiful there. Though I no longer am living there (I'm in Ontario now for college) I realize how much I appreciated it, and how fortunate I was to live there. The beauty of nature is something that I try to incorporate in my art, and certainly something I'd like to explore more and integrate more into my work. I think it's really important to appreciate the beauty of nature, and not see ourselves as separate from the Earth, but as part of it.

Crestfallen by Kailey Lang

Do you listen to anything while creating? If so, what are you listening to lately?

KL: I listen to a lot of different music, but I'd have to say my favourites, in no specific order, are the following: Radiohead, Artic Monkeys, The Beatles, Metric, Emily Haines & The Soft Skeleton, Pauline Croze, Queens of the Stone Age, Spoon, Tegan and Sara, The White Stripes... just to name a few! Kind of a weird mix of music, but I like variety. Another thing that might be a little bit odd is... when I'm doing a really long piece of work, I like to listen to movies. I feel like the storyline of the movie keeps me focused, because it's sort of linear, I suppose? As opposed to music (which I always keep on random) kind of destroys my attention span. But sometimes I will get obsessed with particular CDs so that is a good way to keep myself on track too!

1.25" magnet, Twin Owls by Kailey Lang

What do you like to do when you are not creating?

KL: When I am not creating, I love taking care of my plants, fish, and playing with my two adorable cats. I have many plants in my room which I think is a result of me missing all the greenery I have back home, but also something I've always been kind of interested in! I grow herbs, tropical houseplants, carnivorous plants, and then other flowering plants like columbine, morning glories, poppies... stuff like that! As for the fish, I have four fishtanks but maybe I shouldn't go into all the detail there cause then we'd be here all day (or week!).

Anything else you would like to add?

KL: Well... not much! Thank you so much for reading, I really appreciate the opportunity. Happy Holidays everyone!

Thanks so much for popping by, Kailey. I am so glad you had the time to share some of your thoughts & creations with us today.

And thank you, Reader, for stopping a awhile. If you are in a rush, scroll down a bit & check out the fabulous giveaway that Kailey is sponsoring. But if you have a minute, refill your cup and let me rant for a moment.... 

Alone by Kailey Lang

If you are familiar with my ramblings, you already know that I only visit with artists whose creations tickle my fancy. One of the things I really love about BumbleBooHandmades is the variety. The inventory is not overwhelming & you can check off  all sorts of art lovers from your gift list. There are not a lot of places where you can pick this a stylin' pencil cup for your (or your kid's) teacher

Linocut Print Blue Birds Pencil Holder by Kailey Lang

 and something for your zombie obsessed friend.

Zombie Nurse by Kailey Lang

Okay, thanks for letting me ramble. (I just had to stick that "walker" in here somewhere.) Now back to business...

Would you like to win a free print of the lovely surreal Fishes Wishes?

Fishes Wishes by Kailey Lang

KL: "Fishes Wishes, an  8x10" print, is professionally printed on 100lb Cardstock. The original painting was done by me in Watercolours, gouache and Inks. The print does not have the "bumble-boo" watermark on it. "
 
How do you enter this random drawing? Just leave a comment on this blog before 1 a.m. (EST) on 12/16. If your profile doesn't have contact info, please leave an email address. This drawing is open worldwide & prize ships free. It is that easy  - so c'mon, share your thoughts; join in the discussion....

Want to see more of Kailey's artwork? 

 http://BumblebooHandmades.etsy.com

http://bumble-boo.deviantart.com/

Or share some thoughts?
http://twitter.com/bumblebooHM
http://www.formspring.me/bumblebooo 

How about a peek behind the curtain? Stop back on Sat 12/11 when this talented artist invites us into her creative space, where all the magic happens.

Thanks again for dropping by and please remember to leave a comment before you go. It is your interest in these features & giveaways that keeps them coming.

Visit with Creative Etching & Enter to win a custom etched brass ruler

Hi there. How are you today?

Thanks for stopping by - excellent timing! I'm expecting a visit from Jerry Ringling of CreativeEtching.Etsy.com  in a few minutes. I met Jerry through the  Etsy SteamTeam  & fell for his fantastic etched metal ACEOs. They would make a really unique addition to any art trading card collection . (By the way, click on any of the captions for more info on each item)

Zeppelin Mooring to a Skyscraper, Mixed Metal ACEO by CreativeEtching

CreativeEtchings carries all sorts of fun metal works, including keychains, pins, 

Thor's Hammer Pendant & Earring Set from CreativeEtching

 jewelry, ornaments and even magic wands. 

Harry Potter Inspired Copper Wand by CreativeEtching

Jerry also offers framed etched artworks and custom pieces created using your photo or drawing. 

Custom Photo Etching On Brass Or Copper by CreativeEtching

I see Jerry that arrived while I've been rambling. I'll go get some refreshments while you guys chat.

JR: Everyone knows that you shouldn’t mix electricity and water… the results can be very bad. But what if you add a little chemistry, bits of brass, and odd snippets of history, scifi, and steampunk? You get an Etsy shop like CreativeEtching. I'm the guy behind the metal work. The artwork is provided by my wife, Georgia. 

Etched Copper Octopus ACEO by Creative Etching

JR: Working in my basement workshop, I uses an electrolytic process to etch images in copper, brass, and steel. It is an environmentally friendly process that transfers any image onto brass or copper plate. The plate I use is thick enough not to bend easily, but light enough to be used to create custom pins, charms, ornaments, keychains, or plaques. The plaques can stand alone or be placed in a standard picture frame.

Chesapeake Bay Skipjack Etched Art by CreativeEtching

JR: The final product is a durable piece of metal which has been etched, painted, polished and sealed to prevent scratching. I typically use black to create the contrast but any single color can be used. The resulting image often has an antique look, making this a great way to reproduce and preserve old black & white photos.

Janx Spirit Brass Keychain by CreativeEtching

JR: The text pieces are mostly quotes from some of my favorite books or movies.

Bladerunner Inspired Brass Keychain by CreativeEtching

JR: Like Stacey said, I also enjoy to making custom items such as pins, keychains, pendants, buttons, badges, and other oddities. 

JR: Not everything that comes out of the workshop makes it into the Etsy shop. Some of pieces can be seen in my Deviant Art gallery at www.creativeetching.deviantart.com.

JR: My newest etched idea is these 3 inch rulers

Custom Etched Photographic scale 2 or 3 inch by CreativeEtching

or a larger 6 inch ruler.

Custom Etched Photographic scale 6 inch by CreativeEtching

JR: These are perfect for placing in photographs to provide a visual scale while identifying the artist or advertising your store.

Custom Etched Photographic scale 2 or 3 inch by CreativeEtching

Thanks for stopping by today, Jerry! I've enjoyed getting to know a bit about about your art & techniques.

And guess what, guys.....CreativeEtchings is generously sponsoring the new Thursday Giveaway!

On 9/23 one lucky reader will win one of Jerry's custom etched brass rulers. The winner selects either a 3" or 6" ruler etched with text of their choosing (on either 1 or both sides of ruler).

Now how cool is that? Use the ruler for crafting or in your photos. Or maybe a unique calling card or gift.

To Enter: Simply leave a comment on this blog before 1 a.m. on 9/23. It is that easy. On 9/23 winner will be randomly selected using random.org.  (Just be sure to leave your email if it isn't already in your profile, so I can contact you if you win.) One entry per person. International entries are welcome. Prize ships free worldwide.


Thanks for dropping in & leaving a comment. It is your interest in these interviews & giveaways that keeps them coming. And the artists really enjoy the feedback.

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Final note: There is still time to enter the 250 die cut business cards giveaway from Uprinting.com. That random drawing will be held on 9/18. Click here for details. 

Enter to win an original painting from Risa Tritabaugh - ends 8/12

 

Hello again. Where has the time gone? 

Is your summer flying by? Mine sure is. I almost can't believe it already time to announce a new Thursday Giveaway. (By the way, if you are looking for the 2 winners of Jacquelyn Berl's prints click here). 

The new prize has been generously donated by mixed media artist Risa Tritabaugh. Did you catch Risa's Studio Tour on this blog last Saturday? If not, go check it out. I'll wait for you....dum de dum...hmmm..mmmm..mmmm...

Risa in the studio

Now wasn't that fun? Great space, huh? Lucky for us Risa is back to share more of her art & thoughts. on creativity.... And she brought a new prize for the next random drawing!! On 8/12 one lucky winner will take home her original painting Among The Flowers. Giveaway & prize details are at the bottom of this post. 

For now, put your feet up & stay awhile. I've got AC and tall glasses of iced tea. So beat the heat and visit with Risa for a few minutes while I go scrounge up some cookies....

Time Flies by Risa Tritabaugh

RT: Four years ago I entered a new phase of my life. I was basically done raising my two children as a single parent. Young adults, my "children" were ready to branch out on their own. And after 20 years of being single, I was getting married...to a man that encouraged  me to pursue my art!

Risa's Studio

RT: My hubby and I rented an artist studio to share. For the first time in my life, I had a dedicated creative space–a space where I could make a mess and not have to put everything away after each work session! 

work in progress

RT: I started painting like crazy! I love going to my studio, putting on my music, and painting the day away. A lot of things have changed since I moved into that studio space–

RT: I’ve created lots of new works and have opened my studio to the public for several Art Crawls (open studio events). Currently I am participating in two art crawls each year, plus a monthly open studio event. I am also looking for opportunities to show my work at other venues.

Risa & her painting Force Of Nature featured on a magazine

RT: I am tackling new technology to promote my art--I have been writing a blog for several years now and love combining my love for writing and painting there. I opened an Etsy shop. I’m on Facebook and Twitter! I just created my own website, http://www.createdbyrisa.com !

RT: My hubby and I moved from our apartment into a nearby artist co-operative building. I have kept my Jax studio for painting and making messes, but also do some work in my new Tilsner space. We love living in the artist community of Lowertown St. Paul!

RT: Recently I was laid off from my job as a social worker and have decided to spend this summer painting. (Why not make lemonade out of lemons?!) Having the time to pursue my art full-time has allowed me to finish a lot of older pieces and start several new series.

works in progress

RT: I primarily work with acrylics on canvas, but have begun doing some mixed media work as well. My artwork explores many subject matters and themes, often drawing from my life experiences. Through my art I look at what is hard in life and what brings us beauty. I explore relationships and the forces that keep us going. I love using bold, intense colors (like those on my studio walls) and playing with texture. I hope my artwork reflects my passion and energy.

RT: My latest work has been focused more on the “what brings us beauty” part. My soul just needs that right now. I think the whole world needs that right now. 

works in progress

RT: When I found out that I might be laid off, I went into the studio and knew that I needed to paint hope. The Hope Garden series was born. I’ve started a new series that features more muted teals and purples, but also features flowers and birds. It is bringing me a sense of peace and calm in a world that feels a little crazy and uncertain.

Untitled by Risa Tritabaugh

 RT: I’m determined to continue making art and to share it with others. I turn 50 later this year–and that feels like a major milestone. I’ve reached that point in my life when it’s not too late to dream, but it is getting too late to put my dreams on hold. And I’ve decided to DREAM BIG.

Among The Flowers by Risa Tritabaugh

Risa, thanks so much for stopping by today and sharing your vibrant artwork! And thank you for donating your original painting, Among The Flowers to the next Thursday Giveaway on August 12th!

Dear Reader, thank you for visiting as well. If you have a moment, please leave Risa a comment & let her know what is on your mind. Your comment will also enter you in the random drawing for Among The Flowers, an acrylic painting on canvas This painting measures 8" x 10" and is signed by the artist.

To enter this random drawing, leave a comment on this blog before 1 a.m. (EST) on 8/12. The lucky winner will be selected using random.org. Prize ships free to winner. Please note this contest is open to USA addresses only.

Want to see more of Risa's studio and art? You can find her online:

Blog: http://www.createdbyrisa.blogspot.com 
Website: http://www.createdbyrisa.com 
Etsy: http://www.createdbyrisa.etsy.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/createdbyrisa
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/createdbyrisa

If you're in the St. Paul Minnesota area, and would like to attend one of the local gallery hops, drop Risa a note at any of the above locations. She'll let you know the next time her studio will be open to the public.