Tell ALL Tuesdays :: Heather Moore of SKINNY LAMINX

Good MORNING Tuesday readers...AND have we got a special treat for you this morning...

This fabulous lady has kindly taken time to visit us here today...as we all know she is an extremely busy lady...but thankfully, she said "yes" to us....

well...let's not waste more time...  

I am extremely pleased to introduce you to the ever so talented designer and illustrator Heather Moore, or some of you may know her better as the creator of Skinny Laminx ::

Tell us a little about the Town you live in... and have you always lived there?

I live in Cape Town, which is the oldest colonial town in South Africa, with lots of Dutch, Portuguese, British, Malaysian, San, etc etc heritage. It's beautiful here, with a big mountain in the middle of the city, awesome beaches, incredible winelands and fruit farms and forests, good shopping, theatre, movies, and just about everything else, too. I've lived here with my husband Paul Edmunds for 15 years after having moved here from KwaZulu Natal in the east of South Africa.

If you could move anywhere tomorrow, where would it be?

We spent 6 weeks in NYC last year, and after that amazing experience, I'd definitely love to try living there for a bit. 

 

 How structured is your day usually?

We're pretty rigid in our daily routines, rising at 5:45, and getting to our respective studios at about 7:30 and working to 6:30pm or so. Paul is an artist and takes a long time to make his very intricate work, and I run my own business, which is very all-consuming.

What did you do today?
Had a coffee at a favourite stop on the way to my studio with Paul,
Got to studio and dealt with orders from my online shop,
Wrote a blog post for ELLE Decoration
Took photos of some new colourways of fabric,
Cut some cushion covers,
Edited photos,
Wrote a blog post for my blog,
Worked on a new online shop I'm setting up,
Did a Bikram yoga class,
And now, at 6pm I'm putting in a last hour before meeting a friend for sushi.

 Are you a cat or dog person?

I like both, but adore our two hilarious kitties, Monkey and Nanook.
 

 Are you a breakfast, lunch or dinner girl?

I do like food, but am terribly undisciplined about eating. Luckily Paul is a good and healthy cook, and makes me delicious dinners every night. On the weekends we like going out for brunch after some morning exercise.


If you had 6 friends over for Dinner what would you make for them?
I hardly every cook, but if I had to, I'd probably haul out my tomato tart recipe. It usually works out ok.
 

 How old were you when you knew you were on the right path in your Life?

I'm an inveterate late bloomer, and it was only when I was about 36 that I started feeling like I was doing something I really did well. Before that, I'd been working as an illustrator in the educational industry, and found it very unexciting work, on the whole.


Who /what drove & inspired your love to create?
I've always enjoyed it. My mom is a junior school teacher, so she knows the value of creative play, and always encouraged us in that direction.
 

Tell us something not too many people know about you.

I can't bear the colour purple.

 Shoe choice::flats or heels?

I'm getting better at heels... but on the whole I have to dash about so much, it has to be flats.
 

 What was the last book you read?

I'm reading one on animal/human interactions and relationships called Some we love, Some we hate, Some we eat, by Hal Hertzog. Very interesting psychology and morality about how animals and humans share the world.
 

And finally...what advice would you give others just starting out?

Don't put too much pressure on trying to make a living from what you do. If that's the motivation, you're not going to have a lot of fun.
 
THANK YOU Heather...
It really was a pleasure to have you spend the day with us here.
Your work is timeless...and perhaps one day I will come for a visit again to Cape Town...such a beautiful City with incredible landscapes!
 
You can find Heather at her:
BLOG
ETSY store
WEBSITE
 
I hope you have a wonderful Tuesday...can you believe we're midway through February already?
HUGS
Char.x
BTW...don't forget we have ALL our Tuesday Interviews linked from the "PAGE" tab at the top of our blog!

Tell ALL Tuesdays :: Nicole from Sleepy Time Gal

Hurrah...another Tell All Tuesdays...not sure about you...but I love taking a small peak into our fabulous readers and their creative busy lives...
They have all been great with me and responded SO positively to letting go of their daily ongoings...so that all of you(and me) can enjoy their stories.(Thank you!)
So...without further adieu...let us introduce you to the FABULOUS Nicole, from one special blog...the Sleepy Time Gal ...make sure to go over there and say hello.

Introducing:: Nicole from the Sleepy Time Gal

Tell us a little about the Town you live in... and have you always lived there?

In live in an old town called Carlisle, Pa., established in 1751, and grew up in an even older town, Gloucester, Va.,  established in 1651.  There’s something magical about living a modern life among the remnants of history all around you. 

 If you could move anywhere tomorrow, where would it be?

Possibly New England.  I wouldn’t dare leave the east coast, and am slightly curious about how much better its fall foliage is compared to Pennsylvania. 

 How structured is your day usually?

Monday is always the most structured.  Tasks are completed, cleaning begun, and there are high hopes for the remainder of the week.  As the days go by, though, life with four young ones somehow, naturally, slows down.  By Friday, I’m wondering where in the world my organizer disappeared to. 

Hey, there’s always Monday, right?

What did you do today?
Made the day’s bread.  Held one of my daughters on one hip while I did most of it.  Taught another daughter how to build with Lincoln Logs.  Danced to the music of Gigi (with girls twirling around me) while I unloaded the dishwasher.  Said goodbye to my husband flying to Vermont.  Starred at the mess from lunch.  Washed whites just for the background noise for the twins’ nap.  Finally dressed for the day 12:30.  

Are you a cat or dog person?
Dog person.  Cats make my throat tickle. 

Are you a breakfast, lunch or dinner girl?
Breakfast, definitely.  It is the one meal where you are the most rested and recharged, ready to start the day with something, hopefully, that requires maple syrup.

If you had 6 friends over for Dinner what would you make for them?
My mom’s cheese souffle.  Right out of the oven it looks quite impressive and goes well with baked potato (loaded, of course) and greens. 

How old were you when you knew you were on the right path in your Life?
Each day I’m trying to find that path.  I think that is the excitement and trouble with life.  Becoming a mother definitely gave me a concrete role in my life.

 Who /what drove and inspired your love to create?

My dad has always been an artist, so much of my creative desire came from him.  Just like him, I like to dabble between art, photography, and, in my case, creating for my home and children.

There’s something wonderful about creating for your family that only enhances the feeling of “home”.

Tell us something not too many people know about you.In my freshman year of college, I won a dance contest, dancing disco.

Shoe choice::flats or heels?
Flats.  The kind that are so “flat” and uncomfortable that you’d rather just go barefoot.  So maybe my answer is barefoot. 

What was the last book you read?The Hurried Child: Growing Up Too Fast Too Soon by David Elkind

How did you start blogging?

It started as a simple place to share the events of our family with friends and it turned into a space to vocalize motherhood, creating, and everything in between.  Now it is an ingrained part of my life.

Name 5 blogs you love visiting, and tell us why.

www.dana-made-it.com  (For sewing inspiration)

http://schlitzohren.blogspot.com/  (For motherhood in the raw)

http://smittenkitchen.com/  (To see food I’d rather drool over instead of actually make)

http://www.designmom.com/  (To see the latest in design)

We know you’ve become involved with helping the Women of Congo, please tell us a little more about what you’re doing.

First of all, let me inform you of what is taking place in the Congo:

•        The war in the Democratic Republic of the Congo began with the Rwandan genocide.

•        It is the deadliest war since WWII, and also the most ignored.

•        Over 7 million dead, with 45,000 more continuing to die each month.

•        Innocent women are used as weapons in this war: warring militias compete to be the most brutal, and thus the most feared. 

•        Thousands of women (ranging from ages 3-80) are gang raped each month.

•        Women are forced to watch as family members are kidnapped and killed.

•        According to public health researcher Amber Peterman, it is estimated that 1152 women are raped in the DRC every day.  That’s four, every 5 minutes.  That means that there are already over three million rapes in the Congo.



The exciting news is that Ann Richmond, the founder of Yoga for Congo Women,and I are organizing the sixth Yoga for Congo Women event this spring!  The first event to take place on the east coast! View a video clip HERE.

Thanks Nicole for being part of today's Tell ALL Tuesdays...it was wonderful getting to know you a little more.

If you haven't been to Sleepy Time Gal's blog...please visit Nicole HERE.

Have a great day.
HUGS

Char.x

While I was out...

 Hello lovelies...I know...I didn't think I would be back either...BUT I had to share my buys with you today...
I can say these are from my parents for Christmas...as I was given a little speding money and had to indulge...
Do you own Carla Sonheim's DRAWING LAB for mixed media artists? I love it...I have read SO many fabulous reviews about it...and thought I would check it out in person...I couldn't put it down...so into my basket and home it came.(after paying ofcourse!!!)

 There are 52 creative exercises  in the book and they're all fun and probably not something I would even think to push myself in doing...I know as an artist I seem to get stuck in a rutt and do the same old things, using the same old techniques over and over.

 She helps you see things differently...out of the box rather than trapped in it!

 I really am inspired  by people and there is a whole section dedicated to this...and one dedicated to being inspired by children...it's a MUST!!! It'll give you creative ideas and expand your creativity.I am currently working on LAB 16, and am LOVING it.

THIS amazing book- "Creative Illustration Workshop for mixed media Artists"...truly is a masterpiece in itself...and her work remind's me a little of Mark Chagall's paintings...is written and illustrated by Katherine Dunn.

 ...it's what I need right now. I believe sometimes when you're searching too hard...images don't come. AND yet, all you need to do is "remember" images...we have a life-time of images stored in our memories...I need to use them.
Katherine Dunn amongst MANY other things has taught me to remember.
Thank you Katherine!

 On a COMPLETELY different note...we went grocery shopping today...the above picture is what I would have ONLY bought if Miss J wasn't with me today!!!
The picture below is what Miss J pleaded with me to buy...I have to hide the majority of them as Mr R will devour them if not!!! (heehee...no sweet teeth in this House!!!)

Sometimes a little junk is good for the cold days of Winter..especially chocolate!(uuuhheemmm...cough...cough)

Well...I am off now...signing out...see you tomorrow.

I hope you've had a wonderful day...

 sweet HUGS

Char.x

Tell ALL Tuesdays with Julia Freund

Hi everyone...it's Tell All Tuesdays again...


We're introducing you to a very dear and talented artist and illustrator Julia Freund.
Such a talent...I wish everyone was so much closer so that we could all meet up and chat over a cup of Tea!

Drum roll.....here's Julia from Lineanongrata ::

 Tell us a little about the Town you live in... & have you always lived there?

I live in Berlin (Germany), the city my mother grew up in and my grandparents are buried, but I was born in Bielefeld and raised in a tiny village close to Bielefeld.

If you could move anywhere tomorrow, where would it be?

I would stay right here. I have never been so happy to be anywhere.

 How structured is your day usually?

Usually I manage to put some semblance of structure in my day. Some days are better than others and I get a lot of the 'have to' things done, some days are not so good and in the evening I don't remember a single useful thing I've done.

 What did you do today?

Unfortunately, today I forgot to get up at the appointed time in the morning. There was a kitchen wall to be painted still, four illustrations that needed to be done, according to my running schedule I still have to run for about half an hour… We'll have to see at midnight how much really got accomplished in the end.

Are you a cat or dog person?

Definitely a dog person. Cats don't like me and so I've never really gotten close enough to a cat to find out if I could like them.

Are you a breakfast, lunch or dinner girl?
 I'm a breakfast, lunch and dinner girl. Unfortunately I'm heavily hypoglycemic so I need to eat at regular intervals. Also I started training for a half Marathon, so these days I even wake up once a night because I'm so hungry.

 How old were you when you knew you were on the right path in your Life?

Old. I was already in my mid-twenties. It took me a while to figure it out and even longer to persuade the family one could make a living as an illustrator and designer. We had quite the family drama around that time.

 Who /what drove & inspired your love to create?

Nothing. It has just always been that way for me.

Tell us something not too many people know about you.

I am always very afraid I might hurt somebody's feelings.

Shoe choice::flats or heels?

Flat.

What was the last book you read?

'Last night in Twisted River' by John Irving.

What advice would you give others just starting out?

Be present online, network, be courageous and stick with it. Go to the art and craft fairs, let people know you exist.

 Name 5 blogs you love visiting, and tell us why.

SouleMama

Janet Clare

The Purl Bee

Prickly Pear Bloom

Angry Chicken

Some of them are friends, Tracy even is a partner in the Food for Thought Project, and the blogs are a great way to keep up with what they're doing.

 Amanda from SouleMama is a consistently good writer and the small daily moments on her blog are like a breath of fresh and calmer air during my crazy days at the moment.

Amy Carol is funny and sharp, her blog always full of information, and the Purl Bee do (in my opinion) market their products brilliantly through their blog full of inspiration and ideas.

THANK YOU so much for joining us today Julia...I just adore your work, and as you know I am fortunate enough to have one of your 2011 Calendar's.

You can find Julia at her::

BLOG

ETSY STORE

Until next week's Tell ALL Tuesdays...

Show Julia some love and say hello!

HUGS and thanks for popping by!

Char.x

Tell ALL Tuesdays : Jennifer Posti

Hurrah...it's TUESDAY again!



I'm really very excited to introduce you to Jennifer Posti...she's a good friend of another "Crafty soul" I know over here in Canada...

These Tell ALL Tuesdays are so special to me...we get a glimse of our Fabulous Readers and they have all been great with me and responded SO positively to letting go of their daily ongoings...so that all of you (and I) can enjoy their stories.(Thank you!)

So...without further adieu...let us introduce you to the the lovely Jennifer, she creates such unique pieces...

Tell us a little about the Town you live in... and have you always lived there?

I live just outside a little town called Kirkfield, about an hour and a half drive north-east from Toronto. It’s very rural, but close to many lakes. For many people it is cottage country, but for us it’s home! We moved here about a year and a half ago, and we’ve never looked back, we love it!

If you could move anywhere tomorrow, where would it be?

I’ve been waiting so long to finally settle down in our own place, I never want to move again! Plus, I love the four seasons of Ontario, especially Fall, which I am loving right now. Soooo beautiful!

How structured is your day usually?

It may not look like it, but my day is pretty scheduled. We stay home most days, but we stick to the same routine day to day. Get up, drag myself downstairs to make coffee. Have breakfast all together (me, my husband, 2yr old boy, 4 yr old girl). My husband goes upstairs to work in his office for the day, while the kids and I do chores, play, make meals and tidy them up. In the afternoons I go into the studio to paint/quilt while my son naps, and my daughter plays beside me. Then it’s into the kitchen to make dinner, clean it up and then it’s night night routines. Somewhere in there I fit in all the other projects that are happening around the house as we renovate. A mother’s work is NEVER done.

What did you do today?

So far we have followed the same home routine. This morning we spent our outdoor time cleaning up the limbs of the trees my husband felled. We’re clearing space for a garage. The kids are still in the stage where they love to help out. So we all stacked wood together that we can use to burn in our wood stove next winter.

Are you a cat or dog person?

I’m a cat person for sure.

Are you a breakfast, lunch or dinner girl?

I’m a dinner person.

If you had 6 friends over for Dinner what would you make for them?

Oh my, I don’t think I’ve ever had a fancy dinner party. Just family get-togethers and such. I usually bbq something like shiskabobs of marinated mixed meats, yellow and orange peppers, zuccini and mushrooms. I’d also make a few salads that I can make ahead of time. Pasta salad with sundried tomatoes, black olives, feta, red peppers and an oil/balsamic vinegar/herb dressing is yummy. Another good salad is cucumber, tomato, feta, and black olives with a greek vinaigrette: oil, lemon juice, honey, oregano(from the garden) salt/pep to taste and minced garlic. For dessert I would make a few pecan pies…sooo good.

How old were you when you knew you were on the right path in your Life?

I’ve known since high school that art is my passion, but I don’t think I’ve ever stopped second guessing whether I’m on the right path in life.

Who /what drove and inspired your love to create?

It has always been a way for me to express myself, and I just love art, it is so limitless and interesting! During high school my mom was going back to University, she took some art courses and was always sharing her appreciation of fine art as she was learning it. That was definitely inspiring for me.

Tell us something not too many people know about you.

Hmmm, I love to read Agatha Christie novels.

Shoe choice::flats or heels?

Flats for sure. Heels only really work on concrete, or hard surfaces….it’s mostly gravel, dirt and grass around here!

What was the last book you read?

A book on symbolism in still lifes.

What advice would you give others just starting out?

To be honest, I feel like I’m just starting out and still finding myself. But I would advise to just keep experimenting and do something that you totally love, and that joy in creating will show through.

 

Name 5 blogs you love visiting, and tell us why.

Umm, I have only sporadic access to internet, so I never really get a chance to surf blogs or anything else. But I do love this blog, and also my own blog which I treat as a website – http://www.jenniferposti.blogspot.com/

Thanks SO much for taking part in our Tell ALL Tuesdays Jennifer!!!
 
And for any of our readers who are in Toronto or surrounding areas...Jennifer has an exhibition coming up::

I am going to go for sure..I've never seen anything like this before and know Jennifer's viewers are going to become HUGE fans instantly,her work has such a raw and honest reality to them...but a beauty which parallels the rawness.LOVE them!

Have a wonderful Day...Miss A is home sick today...but Miss J is keeping her busy (in-trouble)...lol...it's true, little miss J keeps coming downstairs and asking to do the wildest games...and if it's ok. "No Miss J, it's not,your sister is sick...quiet play please" I say...it's going to be a long day!

HUGS
Char.x