Wednesday, April 30, 2008

GIVE-A-WAY #5 & #6

These are our last two Give-a-ways before the big day! Wahoo!!

GIVE-A-WAY #5 - A onesie of your choice from growling monkey & co.


GIVE-A-WAY #6 - Beautiful magnet set from Cindy Mattinson and Jay Thaller

Remember, you must be able to pick up your prize at the boutique on Saturday to win. Winners for these contests will be announced Friday night. Enter by 7:00 pm. Good luck!

GIVE-A-WAY WINNERS!!!

We have picked our winners for Give-a-way #3 & #4!!

GIVE-A-WAY #3 winner for the tote bag is Comment #17 RIKKI
GIVE-A-WAY #4 winner for a $5 coupon at Prairie Mama's table is comment #7 WALLING FAMILY!!

Congrats! Your prizes will be available for pick-up on Saturday at the boutiqye. Please contact Lori at lori(dot)vanwagoner(at)gmail(dot)com for info.

Vendor Spotlight

Name: Challey Smith
Business: growling monkey & co.

growlingmonkeyandco@yahoo.com



What is it that you create—list everything!
Baby onesies, Baby bow headbands, flower clips, bow clips and anything else girly to put in my daughter’s hair.

How long have you been creating?
I started making and selling onesies the summer after I had Stratton, so 2004. I had another baby in 2006, Paris and started making the bows and other girly things.

Where did you grow up? Did that influence your creativity?
Sandy, UT. My mom is extremely talented and creative. I could not help but inherit some of that from her.


What is the one thing you are most proud of creating?
My children. They truly were my inspiration for my company. I named it after Stratton. When he was about 6 months old, he started growling and it lasted for a long time, right into his monkey phase, which inspired me to name my company growling monkey & co.

What has been your best vacation?
It’s a toss up. The first would have to be our 2 week honeymoon in Hawaii. It was so beautiful and relaxing. The second would have to be our recent trip to Disneyland with our kids. It was the opposite of Hawaii, not relaxing at all, but it was so much fun.


Name your 5 favorite things about Utah!
1. The mountains
2. The 4 distinct seasons
3. Grass-soft and green
4. Close to family
5. Fun things to do with my family

Tuesday, April 29, 2008

Don't Forget to Enter!

GIVE-A-WAY #3 & #4 have been buried in the posts. Click the Give-A-Way links in the sidebar for your chance to win fabulous prizes. Check back on Wednesday for a new contest!!

Vendor Spotlight


Name: Audre Mathis, 
Monica Rockwood-Parrish, 
Crystal Allen
Business Name: Ephemera
amathis@makingmemories.com
nicastudio@yahoo.com
crystalallen@yahoo.com

What is it that you create—list everything!
Paper flowers, bath salts, vintage button rings (and some not vintage, just fun), headbands, decorated light switch covers, teacup candles, and beautiful watercolor sketches by Nica.

How long have you been creating?
Since high school.

Where did you grow up? Did that influence your creativity?
Monica and Crystal grew up here, Audre in Wyoming. Not a ton of influence. Monica’s father is in advertising so she has always been around creative people.
click on images to enlarge

Where do you currently live? Does it influence your creativity?
We all live in SLC. We are mostly influenced by each other.

What is the weirdest thing you ever created?
Audre once made a stool out of cardboard using no glue or staples or anything. Just weaving. It was for a 3D sculpture class in college.

What is the one thing you are most proud of creating?
Crystal and Monica would probably both say their sons. Crystal has a 5 year old, Monica has a 9 month old.
click on image to enlarge

Do you have an education or previous job experience that influenced your creativity?
Monica and Audre both went to Art school in Denver at Rocky Mountain College of Art & Design. Audre majored in Graphic Design, Monica in sculpture. Audre works at Making Memories as a product designer designing paper and ribbons and stickers and all sorts of scrapbooking products. Monica also worked at a scrapboooking company previously but is now the marketing coordinator at Planned Parenthood. Crystal has enjoyed crafting forever, but has no background, just good taste!

What has been your best vacation?
Audre’s was a week backpacking in Alaska.

Name your 5 favorite things about Utah!
The Mountains
The National Parks
The proximity to so many great places
The Downtown Library
The cleanliness and beauty of the city and the nice people.

Vendor Spotlight

Name: Christine Sorensen 
Business Name: Christine’s Things
hotbisque@comcast.net


What is it that you create—list everything!
funky furniture, pottery, & all kinds of super, wonderful treasures


How long have you been creating?
as long as I can remember…seriously


Where did you grow up? Did that influence your creativity?
Stockton, CA. I tried to stay in my room and paint as much as possible to avoid being mugged or shot at in Stockton.

Where do you currently live? Does it influence your creativity?
Pleasant Grove, UT. It’s lovely here.

What is the weirdest thing you ever created?
My children

What is the one thing you are most proud of creating?
My children


Do you have an education or previous job experience that influenced your creativity?
I am an art teacher. It’s hardly a job, though.

What has been your best vacation?
Any without my children… even a shower by myself is a vacation.


Name your 5 favorite things about Utah:
my sisters live here
the mountains
the sun
my sisters live here
my sisters live here


photo from boutique: click on image to enlarge

Vendor Spotlight


 Jill Hansen
Business Name: Wishfull Thinking
Website: Onewishworld.com

happyhansens@comcast.net

What is it that you create—list everything!
1.Christmas stockings – new idea – birthday bundles (thanks Christy)
2. toothfairy pillows
3.baby blankets
4.bags, clothes, aprons (some I don’t sell)

click on image to enlarge

How long have you been creating?
I’ve been creating for many years but selling things for about 10.

Where did you grow up? Did that influence your creativity?
I grew up in Las Vegas and if that doesn’t inspire something and influence me in some way then I’m in trouble. Let’s hope it was for the good.

click on image to enlarge

Where do you currently live? Does it influence your creativity?
I live in Salt Lake City. My life inspires creativity because I am surrounded by patterns and colors and I love putting them together in a way that just seems to fit like a puzzle piece. I get this giggly feeling inside when it’s right. You could say – I feel jazzed!!!
click on image to enlarge

What is the weirdest thing you ever created?
It was a tennis partnership where my 10 yr. old neighbor across the street and I played together in doubles. The weird part was we called ourselves “jillyjeanking” (I was jill and she was jean) and of course we were named after billy jean king who was big at the time.

What is the one thing you are most proud of creating?
My children

Do you have an education or previous job experience that influenced your creativity?
Being a mom means that I must be in a creative thinking mode quite often, plus I have to take breaks and these projects rejuvenate me. I guess you could say that my background in psychology possibly influences the “crazy” things I create. I am also a birthing coach and I love the feeling of being present for a miracle, so that gets my creative juices flowing too.

What has been your best vacation?
Christmas trip to Maui with my family a few years ago. Of course the weather and the water were perfect but the kids fought less and we saw so many amazing things. I love the whales the best!!

What was your best birthday and why?
I’ve had lots of good birthdays – I have been remembered in big and little ways that really matter. Thanks to my family and friends for that.

Name your 5 favorite things about Utah!
1.the seasons
2.the mountains
3. the city lights
4. the old houses in the avenues
5. ???

Monday, April 28, 2008

Vendor Spotlight

Christy Montrone-Burns
A Work In Progress
cmmontrone@mac.com

What is it that you create?
Well, that's a tough one because it is always changing--that's why my business name is A Work In Progress. That way I'm not tied to any one thing. But for now I create jewelry, prayer candles, t-shirts and vinyl lettering with propaganda (the good kind), journals, cards, and labyrinths. I like to sew, but I'm not good enough to sell it. I love to make things that are useful--like benches, jewelry displays, etc.


Where did you grow up? Did that influence your creativity?
I grew up on a farm in Granger, Utah--now it's West Valley. I think it influenced my creativity because I could go outside and explore the yard and fields, make a mess, play all on my own and do whatever I wanted. I had a lot of freedom.

Please click on image to enlarge. 


Where do you currently live? Does it influence your creativity?
I live in Draper, but I don't think that inspires me. I never know what will inspire me, but it doesn't take much.
Diversity Bracelets: click to enlarge. 
The beads represent people of all sizes, colors and price ranges (economic status) and putting them all together is what makes them beautiful--just like the world we live in!


What is the weirdest thing you ever created?
A spaghetti cake. A cake that looked like spaghetti. I made it for my dad's birthday. He's Italian and we ate spaghetti about three times a week when I was growing up. I brought it to his birthday dinner--he was cooking spaghetti, of course. I walked in and said "I hope you didn't make dinner, because I brought the pasta." He was standing right in front of me looking at the dish I was holding with his mouth open. Maybe he was shocked that I made dinner when he said he would or that the pasta looked a little funky. It was so funny!


What is the one thing you are most proud of creating?
My girlies. They are amazing kids. They are pretty weird, too--so maybe they fit into that category, too. They get that from Bob's side of the family. JK

Do you have an education or previous job experience that influenced your creativity?
I worked with kids in therapy. We were pretty in learning how to be healthy: singing, dancing, art, pretending, etc. It was fun.

click to enlarge

What has been your best vacation?
A year ago, Bob and I went to Costa Rica without our kids and spent a week doing absolutely nothing and it was great! That may sound like I'm contradicting myself because my kids are so great, but there it is.

What was your best birthday and why?
My 14th birthday was the funnest because I got to invite all my girlfriends up to my parents' cabin for the weekend. We ate my favorite foods and played in the river and had secret pals. It was great.

Name your 5 favorite things about Utah?
The Uintah Mountains
My family is here
The big beautiful sky
My friends from SVUUS
Summer, summer, summer



Vendor Spotlight



 Jaylene Thaller & Cindy Mattinson
cindy.mattinson@intermountainmail.org
 Jaylene.Thaller@imail.org


What is it that you create?
Cards, magnets, sun catchers, art hangings, holiday items, jewelry, etc. The list is too long, but for the boutique in May, just cards and magnets.)


How long have you been creating?
As long as I can remember

Where did you grow up?
Salt Lake


What is the one thing you are most proud of crating?
I am proud of everything I do!

Do you have an education or previous job experience that influenced your creativity?
Yes some tile work and clay works


What has been your best vacation?
My best vacations are when I am spending time with family and friends, and when I can just relax and enjoy!


What was your best birthday and why?
They just keep getting better and better!



Name your 5 favorite things about Utah:
Mountains,
lakes
rivers.
I love spring and autumn times in Utah.

Boutique at Brentwood photo: click to enlarge



Vendor Spotlight

Corrine Alban & Sue Sharp
Unwind Shop
What is it that you create?
We create inspiration at our shop, from hand knit/crochet items to a venue where other artists can display their art on an ongoing basis. We are bringing some of our pieces worked up, but also pieces from the artists we represent to include furnishing and home decor items.

How long have your been creating?
Like many women, we have been creating something or other as long as we can remember!

Where did you grow up? Did that influence your creativity?
We both grew up in Salt Lake City and we were both daughters of school teachers...which probably inspired the need to create. It certainly inspired the need to be resourceful, as we all know what school teachers make!

Where do you currently live? Does it influence your creativity?
We both live in Sandy, and our shop is also in Sandy. I would say our shop is inspiring because we are right next door to 2 marvelously fun stores, Sisters and The Pink Door which are both whimsical and ever changing.

What is the weirdest thing you ever created?
Oh goodness...my first beanie that ended up a beret!

What is the one thing you are most proud of creating?
My first beaning that ended up a beret! Actually, I am pretty sure creating "Unwind" is our biggest accomplishment and we are SOOOOO proud of it.

Do you have an education or previous job experience that influenced your creativity?
Sue & Corinne worked together in business industry and both felt so compelled to connect people. Even though that inspired creation, it wasn't for a particular type of product or craft. Instead, it was for a venue where people can connect and be creative. This is why Unwind was born. We are yarn, art and CONNECTION!

What has been your best vacation?
For Corinne, probably the Galapagos Islands and spending a summer visiting Ecuador. For Sue, the trip to Disney World will all her kids and grandsons was AMAZING!

What was our best birthday and why?
For Corinne, it was my last one. My hubby called together some of the most important people in my life and had a surprise dinner. I felt so special. Great food and great family and friends is my motto!

Name your 5 favorite things about Utah!
Beautiful scenery, great place to raise a family, wonderful schools, where else can you have deserts, salt water, skiing, camping, and the city all within one hour...and finally, the community. Especially when we all work together!

Sunday, April 27, 2008

GIVE-A-WAY #3 & #4






Lori Van Wagoner is happy to be giving away the patchwork tote pictured above.

Also, Prairie Mama is also giving away a $5 coupon to use on any item at her booth on the day of the boutique.

Just leave a comment below by Wednesday, April 30th at 12:00 pm and you'll be entered to win both prizes. Two winners will be chosen and announced here on Wednesday night. Good Luck!

Winner Giveaway #2

YEAH for Jen #11. You just won yourself a cute Little Girl's Apron from The Stitching Barn. You get to take your pick from the styles available. I'll email off a little coupon for you to bring to the Boutique. My booth will be located upstairs, come find me!

Thanks for all the comments. We hope to have another Giveaway up and ready this week. Tell all your friends to visit the blog to enter to win and gear up for Saturday's boutique this May 3rd from 10-4.

See you all on Saturday!

Saturday, April 26, 2008

IN THE MAIL

Your invites are in the mail! We can't wait to see you next weekend!!

Vendor Spotlight

Name: Lori Van Wagoner


What is it that you create - list everything!
I mainly sew, but I love creating in general; scrapbooking, knitting, embroidery, & making jewelry. I will be bringing market bags, messenger bags, and totes to the boutique.

Where did you grow up? Did that influence your creativity?
I moved around when I was young, but the majority of my childhood was spent in St. Anthony, Idaho. It is such a cool little town right on the Snake River and close to everything like the Teton Mountain Range, large Sand Dunes, and Yellowstone. Because it is such a little town, there was not a large variety of shopping. My friends and I often raided my mom's scrap drawer to make our own skirts, t-shirts, and altered our jeans. My mother made all of my prom dresses, so I learned from her.

Where do you currently live? Does it influence your creativity?
I live in a small apartment in Holladay. Living in a small space on a tight budget has definitely forced "creative" solutions to our home decor. My husband is also an artist, and together we've made a cozy little home out of recycled furniture and thrift store finds.


What is the weirdest thing you ever created?
Because I am willing to try my hand at any craft, I've turned out some really random stuff. I once made a jewelry box out of Popsicle sticks and put a photo of Bea Arther (yes... from the Golden Girls) on the top.

What is the one thing you are most proud of creating?
My son... but, I do love conquering a hard pattern. I love sewing items that I actually use. Oh... and in 1998, my roommates and I made some pretty killer Spice Girls costumes.

Do you have an education or previous job experience that influenced your creativity?
When I was in college at Ricks (currently BYU-Idaho), I worked at a local mill end fabric store called Piece Goods. It was such an awesome job. I learned all about different types of fabrics and craft supplies. My boss was really good to let me make ALL of the demos, too. While working there I developed a love for vintage trims and rickrack. I collected so many supplies when I worked there and I am still using them.

click on image to enlarge

What has been your best vacation?
About 10 years ago, I had the opportunity to go to Italy with my mom, aunt Sally, and cousin, Lauren. We were able to visit all a lot of the places my grandfather served while he was stationed there in WWII. We were even able to meet people he had known while there. We ate delicious gelato and had a fantastic time.


Name your 5 favorite things about Utah:
Four distinct seasons
My family is close
Zion National Park
Numerous fabric and quilt shops
Fantastic county library system

Thursday, April 24, 2008

Vendor Spotlight

Name: Lisa Holt
Business name? The Beaded Garden
Website: TheBeadedGarden.com


What is it that you create?
Jewelry, dabble in pottery, and from time to time balance in our home
How long have you been creating?
As a kid really, didn’t we make mud cakes and so forth…6 years with jewelry though

Where did you grow up? Did that influence your creativity?
Las Vegas, Illinois, and Virginia. Yes! We moved every three years, so I really like change, creating one of a kind pieces 98% of the time carries my interest. Virginia is where I found my connection to nature and am inspired by love for the natural cycles we experience all around us.

Where do you currently live? Does it influence your creativity?
Sandy Utah. Living by amazing mountains to play on within a few minutes of time is very influential. I don’t know how many times I put together gemstones of whites, browns, grays with sky blues in dedication to the Wasatch.


What is the weirdest thing you ever created?
Jello

What is the one thing you are most proud of creating?
Two Halloween costumes for my oldest daughter. La La the teletubby (that might go in the weird category) and Snow White's dress


Name your 5 favorite things about Utah!
Seasons
Mountains
Hot Springs
Community
No zoning in school systems!!

Wednesday, April 23, 2008

Vendor Spotlight

Name: Leslie Moss

Business name: Mossworks

What do you create?
I love making jewelry, floral arranging, and garden design, and when it all freezes over I am a ski instructor at Park City Mt. resort next year will be 20 years.

Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Pittsburgh, and attended Carnegie Mellon Univ. as a history major.

Where do you currently live? Does it influence your creativity?
Salt Lake City. Yes, I love looking at the Mts, and seeing how the colors change thru out the day.

What is the weirdest thing you ever created?
An all red garden because I did not like the color red, now I love all the shades red comes in. It helps me with colors in jewelry.

What is the one thing you are most proud of creating.
An earth and sea necklace.

What was your best vacation?
Last fall when I went to New Zealand and Tahiti

What was your best birthday and why?
Turning 50. It was fun rather than bad.

Name your 5 favorite things about Utah:
skiing
quality of snow
the seasons
the sheer variety of beauty everywhere
friendly people

Thanks, Leslie. We can't wait to see what beautiful things you've created.

Giveaway - Little Girl's Apron

Yeah for Giveaways! The Stitching Barn is happy to be giving away a fun child's apron. It's perfect for any little aspiring chef. This little girl's apron is ready for play-time in the kitchen. It fits a toddler up to a 10 year old.



Simply leave a comment by Saturday April 26th at midnight, and a winner will be randomly picked and announced Sunday. The winner will receive a coupon for a Little Girl's Apron of their choice. Just bring the coupon with you to the Boutique on May 3rd.

Vendor Spotlight

Name: Marie LeBaron

What do you create?
Mostly things for babies and toddlers. Baby bibs, Baby Burpcloths, Diaper changing pads, and Little Girl Aprons.



Do you have a website?
My Shop is called, The Stitching Barn



Do you have a blog?
Yes! Please come visit Make and Takes for other fun crafts and ideas to make yourself.

How long have you been creating?
Once I had my first child, I developed a need for baby things. Then as my kids are now older, I have started to create things for them as they grow.

Do you have an education or previous job experience that influenced your creativity?
I have a degree in Earlychildhood and Elementary Education and taught 4 years of Kindergarten. It has helped me delve into my creative side and be more playful. I love to be crafty and am always coming up with some type of project to make and take.

What has been your best vacation?
Hands down, Disneyland. I know that sounds typical, but it was the first vacation that my little family had without visiting other family. Our own vacation, even though I love family :) We had a magical week and rode everything a million times. The best time of year to go is September, no lines!!!

Name your 5 favorite things about Utah!
Great Camping
Having family close
Mountains
Very family oriented
Fabulous Boutiques!! Go Handmade!!

Winner, Winner for the first giveaway!

Yeah Tonya! You won our first giveaway. I cut up the papers and put them in a bowl--the old fashioned way, and pulled your name out.  Send me an email and I will send you a coupon for your earrings.  cmmontrone@mac.com 

I really appreciate all the comments and we will have a new give away in a few moments.

Send an email to your friends about our blog--they might be interested in these fun giveaways! 

See you all soon!

Tuesday, April 22, 2008

Vendor Spotlight

Name: Meriel Frandson

What is your business name?
A is for Apple - not selling anything yet! Will post soon…




What is it that you create—list everything!
Fabric Coasters
Placemats
Napkin rings
Letter magnets
Button magnets
Embroidered tea towels
Embroidered onesies
All sorts of fun onesies (appliqué, ruffles, buttons, etc.)
Craft aprons
Yoga bags
Heating pads
Purses
Quilts
Holiday crafts – Tree skirts, stockings, advent calendars

How long have you been creating?
Since I was young, but only recently decided to start selling my crafts.

What is the weirdest thing you ever created?
When I was young, I saved all my roses I ever received from performances, birthdays, and such. I dried them out and then attached the rose heads to a Styrofoam circle to create a pretty wall hanging. I loved it!

What is the one thing you are most proud of creating?
Not sure, but I love our Christmas Stockings I made and a quilt for my nephew.

Do you have an education or previous job experience that influenced your creativity?
I have a degree in Biology and so I am inspired by all things simple, beautiful, and with purpose.

Thanks, Meriel. We can't wait to see more of your creations at the Art Inside Boutique on Saturday, May 3rd.

Monday, April 21, 2008

Vendor Spotlight

Name: Julie Merwin

What do you create?
I am a glass blower. I make jewelry, figurines, sculpture, etc.

How long have you been crafting?
Off and on for 5-6 years

What is the weirdest thing you've ever created?
Hmmm, I’ve done some intuitive drawing that comes out in dream symbolism and rather abstract. I find my subconscious quite fascinating really.

What is your proudest creation?
My last sculptural pieces. They just keep getting better.

Do you have any education or previous job experience that effected your art work?
Not really, although… I like to develop my intuition. Which is an education of sorts. Doing art some times helps with that.

What was your best vacation?
I went on a windsurfing trip to Baja several years back. We car camped on the beach and occasionally heard the splashing of dolphins or seals in the morning as the sun was rising.

5 favorite things about UT:
The Mountains
Open Spaces
Outdoor recreation
Yoga community
Energy work community

Friday, April 18, 2008

Our First Give Away


Hello out there to all our friends and family!

We are busily working behind the scenes to get this Boutique off the ground. We would love to hear from you all out there. Please let us know you found our blog by leaving a comment. If you have been to the boutique before--tell us about your favorite parts. Did you have fun socializing, found the perfect gift, had fun finding new friends? Lori Van Wagoner and I (Christy Montrone-Burns) will randomly pick a comment and you will win a coupon for a pair of earrings from A Work In Progress. The photo is only a small sample of what you can choose from. Deadline for comments will be Wednesday, April 23rd. We hope to hear from lots of friends as this will only be the first of the give aways!

Take care and SEE YOU SOON!

Thursday, April 17, 2008

Vendor Spotlight

Name: Cynthia Dobbs
Business Name: “Cynthia’s Art Studio” and “Stone Struck Rock Art”



What is it that you create—list everything!
I am an Artist and work with Oil, Airbrush Painting, Acrylic, Pencil, Pastels and Colored Pencil. I also do Rock Art where I paint the image of different animals on smooth river rocks. I am also an art teacher. I teach semi-private art classes for beginners and intermediate students working with all mediums. I am also a Seamstress and do mending and alterations. I love to decorate for parties.

How long have you been creating?
For as long as I can remember. I started with arts and crafts as a child and taught myself how to sew before I was in school. My art came naturally and I have never taken any formal lessons.

Where did you grow up? Did that influence your creativity?
I grew up in Murray, UT. I came from a very dysfunctional family and used my creativity to escape from all the pain. I truly believe it saved my sanity during difficult times.

Where do you currently live? Does it influence your creativity?
I currently live in East Millcreek. I love the area and being so close to the mountains which do inspire me.

What is the weirdest thing you ever created?
I created a Leopard mascot costume for my granddaughters Middle School. The school couldn't afford to purchase a new one (which cost hundreds of dollars) so I took on the challenge to make it for them. I really surprised myself on how good it turned out. The school loved it!

What is the one thing you are most proud of creating?
I enjoy decorating for parties and quite often I have decorated for fund raisers at a church I was attending. Each year was a different theme. For Disneyland I created a Cinderella Castle on the podium along with a rocket for Adventure Land, and “It’s A Small World” display. Other times I made a Cover Wagon that dubbed as a bar. I also made a life size Jukebox for a 50’s theme party.


Name your 5 favorite things about Utah!
The mountains The canyons The clean city (except for the pollution!) having so many different choices of places to go I enjoy the outdoors.

Tuesday, April 8, 2008

Vendor Spotlight

Name: Robin Maudlin
Business Name: Firefly Portraits & Robin Maudlin Photography
Website: FireflyPortraits.com & RobinMaudlin.com


What is it that you create—list everything!
I do photography, I am trying to get my personal work out into the world more. I love color, lines and contrast and love to take pictures of ordinary objects in the world around me. Old doors seem to grab my fancy lately.

How long have you been creating?
I started taking pictures when I was about 18. I decided to take some classes and fell in love with the images and found myself seeing pictures everywhere I went.

Where did you grow up? Did that influence your creativity?
We moved constantly when I was a child. A military brat that was me. I spent my high school years in Maryland and around Washington DC which gave me the opportunity to spend many hours at the museums admiring art and varied visual concepts.

Where do you currently live? Does it influence your creativity?
I live in the Holladay area in Salt Lake City, Utah. I find the area a bit eclectic with some fun consignment shops. I think everything influences my creativity- people, places, great food, my kids. You just never know when inspiration will hit you.

What is the weirdest thing you ever created?
I don’t think anything I make images of is weird but I did receive some laughs when I went through a phase of shooting pictures of feet. They turned out to be popular but my friends gave me a bit of a hard time.

What is the one thing you are most proud of creating?
My daughter! Would you expect any other answer? As far as my photography goes- I have images of my daughter that I adore and hold dear. Photography captures a moment in time that will never occur again- it’s like freezing time so my images of her in her early life are creations I can never redo.

Do you have an education or previous job experience that influenced your creativity?
I have worked in photography studios, developed, processed, and printed film and digital. I have worked around cameras and images quite a bit. I did have a boss when I was younger in a camera shop who was very smart but very harsh- He taught me a lot about photography and the passion for it.

What has been your best vacation?
I try to make every vacation memorable. I can’t say I have one specific vacation that was the best. I have had many trips that each hold dear moments for me. I do love going to Moab, Utah and going out in the red rocks. As a photographer that area speaks to me and I feel calm and happy as I shoot out there.

What was your best birthday and why?
My 13th party. It was a flamingo themed party- everyone wore black and pink and the cake was huge!! My mom put a lot of time and effort into the planning and everyone I knew was there. I felt like a princess.

Name your 5 favorite things about Utah!
Moab
Mountains
symphony in Park City
the rock garden downtown
the diversity of the environment as you travel around the state

Tuesday, April 1, 2008

Vendor Spotlight

Name: Sara Christensen
Business Name: BlueLily Candles


What do you create?
Scented Soy Candles, Hosted Aprons

How long have you been crafting?
Over 10 years!


Where did you grow up and did it influence your creativity?
Salt Lake City, and my dad influenced my creativity. He is an artist. I currently live in Holladay and I love it!

What is the weirdest thing you ever created?
Clothing

What is the one thing you are most proud of creating?
My children

What has been your best vacation?
Newport Beach, CA every summer


5 favorite things about Utah:

The Mountains Spring Summer Fall My family lives here.