A little while ago we posted about Bouncing off the Walls. We loved them so much (and plenty of our readers did too!) that we decided to get to know the creator, Kristina, a little bit better. Here’s what she shared with us:
What started the creative fire burning for you? Do you remember a particular moment, a favourite childhood activity, something you saw and wanted to recreate or improve upon?
I can’t pinpoint anything specific that started the fire burning, it’s just something that’s always been there! I think I’ve always looked at the world a little differently than the average person and for as long as I can remember I’ve been into art and been good at it. When I was a kid my mom kept a craft box for us. It was full of all kinds of stuff! Your usual craft stuff like paper and glue but also things we would find around the home or in nature; buttons, leaves, pinecones….the list goes on! We spent hours with that craft box creating whatever our heart desired!
Where do you look for inspiration?
I find inspiration all around me. Fabrics, patterns, the shape of something. Sometimes I don’t even know where it comes from. I’ll be lying in bed and an idea will literally just pop into my head!
What part of creating your pieces gives you the most joy and satisfaction?
I get the most joy when a customer lets me have the creative control! I think my best pieces are the ones where they just told me the colours or a couple little details and just let me work my magic! The painting is definitely my favorite part of this whole thing!
What is it about your creations that sets you apart?
My attention to not only detail but quality as well. Everything is double and triple checked to make sure there aren’t any paint drips or smears, no wood showing through; everything is top notch. I even paint the backs of everything! I spend a lot of time on every letter and I do many coats of paint to make sure that the quality is worth the money that my customers are spending. They don’t leave my hands until they’re perfect!
Why do you choose to work in this medium or format?
I’ve always had a preference for paint. It’s very forgiving and you can be very free with it! Plus, I love color!
How long does it take to create one of your pieces?
It all depends on the detail of the design. On average each letter that is painted with an artwork design takes me about 20 minutes to half an hour per letter. Some are longer if there are a lot of different letters or a detailed design.
What advice would you give someone who is just starting out? Who has provided you with inspiration or mentorship on your journey?
Try not to get discouraged and work hard! It isn’t easy and it takes awhile to build confidence in yourself and your business along with getting your name out there and getting known. Have confidence in your abilities, your product, your pricing and your business and it will come. If you’re starting to feel discouraged then it’s time to sit back and analyze everything and maybe change some things up. I’ve had a few mentors and inspirational people along the way but the ones that stand out the most are simply the ones that just plain old believed in me! The ones who got it! That understand where I’m going!
Where can we find you online? (webpage, twitter, facebook, etc)
Webpage: http://www.bouncingoffthewalls.ca
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/bncngoffthwlls
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/bouncingoffthewalls
Blog: http://bouncingoffthewallsblog.blogspot.com/
Thanks for sharing Kristina!
Stay tuned for more Feature Friday segments in the weeks to come,
Have a great weekend!
~Jennifer
It takes a special talent to take an age-old material like wood and transform it into something sleek and modern. 3dots has managed to do just that. The Modern by nature line of jewelry is exactly what the name brings to mind. The pieces are modern and dramatic, while still holding on to the natural warmth of the wood. The result is a unique balancing act between trendy style and traditional materials that will leave you wanting more!
Wouldn't this be perfect with a cosy sweater dress this fall?
This necklace is called Fallen Leaves, so pretty!
The wooden circles can spin and move on the cord, like your very own mobile!
Dramatic and elegant, "Orbit" is out of this world!
3 dots is the brainchild of Lucie, a full time furniture maker, part time artist extraordinaire in la belle province of Quebec. You can see more of her work on her flickr stream, or check out her Etsy shop to order one of her beautiful pieces. Custom orders are also available if you have something particular in mind.
3 dots gets 5 stars in my book!
~Jennifer
I would say that I am a middle-of-the-pack kind of cook. Not terrible, but certainly not five star material! I usually don’t mind putting together our meals, and most of the time things turn out fairly well. But every now and then, you need a little inspiration in the kitchen. So off I went to see if I could find something handmade to help kick start my kitchen mojo.
Imagine my delight to stumble across Imagine Wood! Fueled by a passion for cooking and woodworking, Marcel and Nicole design and create their own wooden kitchen utensils. Since starting the company in 1999, the couple has developed a full line of handy and attractive kitchen tools. Made using Rock Maple (the mineral section of the tree) the wood is incredibly hard. This means it won’t absorb stains, and since maple has antibacterial properties it is also a safe and healthy choice!
These pasta tongs are designed to let you toss and serve pastas or salads with only one hand.
This little spatula is perfect for an 8" or 9" frying pan, and they make it for lefties too!
Sick of scrubbing cheese out of your pizza wheel? This pizza cutter is easy to clean and cuts with a rocking motion.
Put down the fork! These slim toaster tongs will help you reach hot items safely and easily.
There are so many great useful items to help make your time in the kitchen a joy. I have my eye on the oven rack pull (I always just end up burning myself), an olive spoon (no more drippy messes), and even a peanut butter knife that leaves the jar (and your hands) perfectly clean without wasting a bite!
Check them out online, or at one of these upcoming craft shows.
Wishing you a wonderful and delicious day,
Jennifer
I love the warmth and personality found in natural wood. There is something so comfortable about the rich colours, and the smooth weight in your hand.
I’d bet that Rick and Heidi from Paradise Hill Designs would agree with me. They take beautiful reclaimed barn wood, and turn them into lovely works of art. From small boxes with painted embellishments, to picture frames,and unique wood burnt jewelry, they bring out the best in each piece of wood that they find.
I can think of all kinds of treasures that could call this little box home!
These earrings are earthy and natural, and made from the roof of an abandoned cabin.
You'll be thinking of any excuse to pull this little mirror out of your purse, just to show it off!
Just looking at all their products has made me crave a long walk in the woods, surrounded by the biggest trees I can find. Maybe I will be able to find some time today to take the little one out for a stroll under shady branches.
Paradise Hill Designs are based in Northern British Columbia, and can be found on Etsy.
I’m off to hug a tree, have a great day!
Jennifer
