Artist Spotlight: Katie Reim of Cultivar

   For this week's Artist Spotlight, I've chosen the gorgeous work of Katie Reim from Cultivar.  I first saw Katie's work when I had a shop on Etsy .  I loved nothing better than to wait for that exact moment the treasury spots opened up and then scour Etsy and my own favorites list for things to put into a collection.  Katie's work was always at the head of the list when I searched for satin flowers.  

       I pined over her unique creations and the beautiful way she photographed them.  But Katie's work is more than that, it is born of adversity and has bloomed into the opportunity to spend each day doing what she loves. 

In Katie's own words:

      Cultivar started as an accident and opened with no plan or expectations. While recovering and bedridden after brain surgery in 2009, I began experimenting with making fabric flowers for my new short haircut. With so much time on my hands, a few flowers quickly turned into a living room full. Once I was able to spend more time off the couch, I threw together a shop and posted a few flowers. It must have been meant to be, since on the second day I landed on the front page, and my first few sales motivated me to make even more. In the years that have followed, Cultivar has evolved immensely and become my full time job.

Bleu Avenue:  Hello, Katie, thank you for taking time to talk with me.  Yours is a truly amazing story. If not for all these circumstances like being bedridden and having to manage short hair, do you think that this is an art form you would have ever considered?

Katie Reim:  I honestly don’t see any other way I could have arrived here. It started as a way to pass the time and when I decided to throw some of the flowers on Etsy, as another way to pass time, I really had no expectations of selling any. I had tried some other ventures on Etsy and failed pretty miserably. I had big plans for diving into my illustration career once I regained my health, so being a crafter likely would have remained a hobby otherwise.

B:  This whole endeavor began in 2009 and you're still going strong. What's your secret to staying inspired?

KR:  My clients really keep me going. Brides often come to me with new color combinations or ideas, which help keep things fresh. I also find inspiration in the vintage bits I find. A piece of antique lace or a sparkly brooch from the 50’s can set the tone for me to create around it. Even when I’m making the same thing over and over, I know it’s going to be a special piece for that bride to keep and possibly pass down so I want it to be perfect.

B:  I really thing that that shows in your work.  You have a great eye for composition. Each piece seems to be its own little world. How do you know when a bouquet or even a single flower is just the right arrangement?

KR:  Composition is something I’ve always been naturally good at and I have a terrible time explaining it. It just looks right to me. The balance of colors is definitely important for the bouquets so before I put a bouquet together, I lay out the large flowers first and fill in with whatever looks best as I put it together. Many of my pieces evolve as I work on them and don't always turn out the way I originally intended.

  B:  You mentioned earlier that you've tried other endeavors on Etsy in the past.  Today you're still actively creative in other art forms.  In addition to Cultivar, you also have an Etsy shop for your illustrations and you do photography. Do you find it difficult to juggle all your creative outlets or are there still more out there you'd like to try?

KR:  As an ultra runner, I spend a ton of time running trails in the PNW wilderness. This gives me my photography fix that I’ve become increasingly more addicted to. I do wish I had more time for illustration and experimenting since I have a ton of ideas floating around in my head that often come to me while I’m running. I never can seem to find time to get those ideas out. It can be overwhelming and frustrating but I’m grateful I have been able to make a living doing something creative and that I truly love, so I suppose those ideas can wait.

B:  I agree, never let go of those ideas, just put them on hold for a while.  What about those people out there who've had some creative ideas waiting for a while and feel like they're ready to get started, do you have any advice for aspiring crafters?

KR:  I say go for it but be sure to be original. Finding inspiration around you is what makes an artist, but you will be much more passionate about something that is your own and your love and passion will show through your work. Originality will leave you more fulfilled as well as successful.

Following your passion can be a huge risk, but the payoff if you succeed is well worth it.

 

You can find Katie's Bouquets at Culitvar.etsy.com

See her illustrations at http://www.katiejeannereim.etsy.com

View her portfolio at www.katiereim.com

 

Allergy Friendly Autumn Spice Cookies

    We deal with allergies in our house, so instead of viewing it as a set of limitations to my cooking, I chose long ago to see it as an opportunity to get creative in the kitchen.  

    One of my favorite times of year is autumn.  I love the colors.  I love to layer my outfits.  I love that refreshing chill in the air after those seemingly endless summer heat waves.  But, my favorite thing about fall is the food.  

    There's nothing better than a nice hot cuppa tea and some spice cookies after a long walk home in the cold rain.  

    Rather than abandon cookies, I've made some adjustments so that they're allergy friendly and something we can all enjoy together.

My cooking is like jazz music in the sense that it's highly improvisational.  I don't often follow a recipe, or use measuring cups,....or write anything down.  So, bear with me as I try to reconstruct this recipe.

Recipe:

1 Betty Crocker Gluten Free Sugar Cookie Mix

1 Tsp Pumpkin Pie Spice

1 TBS Molasses

1/4 C. Coconut Oil (I like Nutiva Organic Cold Pressed Oil)

1/2 to 3/4 C. Pureed Acorn Squash

1/4 C. chopped pecans and/or pumpkin seed *optional

Instructions:

Split squash in half & scoop out seeds.  Fill the bottom of a covered baking dish with water to about 1/4 inch deep.  Place squash filling side down in water, cover and place in a 350 degree oven until the middle is tender.   Allow to cool and then peel off and discard the skin.  Cut insides into chunks and place in a food processor and process until smooth.  Puree should be very thick, not watery.

In a separate bowl combine cookie mix, pie spice, molasses, nuts, and oil.  Then add puree and stir until well combined.  Sometimes I have to knead it by hand like dough to get it to mix properly.  

Scoop out by the tablespoonful onto ungreased cookie sheet.  Bake at 350 degrees for 12 minutes.  Transfer from baking sheet to a cooking rack.  As a final touch, dust cookies with powdered sugar.

This recipe makes approximately 18-24 cookies depending on size.  I like them best with a cup of Irish Breakfast or Dandelion Root Tea.

Peachy Plaid

   

I woke up to the first chilly morning we've had so far.  The fall equinox is almost here and with it comes the official start of autumn!  It's finally time to break out the hot cocoa, cozy sweaters and scarves, and the various be-pumpkined decorations.  Fall is also the time for blazers and plaid skirts to make their debut as children head back to school.

I know that school actually started ages ago, but nothing says "back to school" to me better than a plaid skirt.  There is a place for plaid beyond the nostalgia of childhood though.  To me they say warmth and elegance even on the coldest days.  So, whether it's for studies or parent-teacher meetings, or just curling up by the fire with a hot cuppa and a good book, put on some plaid and welcome fall.

How do you wear your fall plaid?

Here are a few other plaid darlings that I'm crazy about:

 Forever 21 Plaid A Line Skirt in sizes XS-L for $14.90
Or in Sizes XL-3X for $17.90

Vila Hanky Hem Check Skirt at Asos for $69.00 in sizes XS (4)--L (10)

 Equation Occasion Jumper in Emerald at ModCloth for $69.99 in sizes XS-XL

Hometown Hero Plaid Midi Skirt in Orange at Ruche for $42.99 currently available in sizes S-M
Hometown Hero Plaid Midi Skirt in Navy at Ruche for $42.99 currently available in sizes S-M

Travel: Okinawa

    I love those bloggers who take gorgeous photos of themselves traveling to all manner of enchanted locations in fabulous outfits.  I love them!  I wish I could be like them!.....but I can't.  I travel practically, rather than fashionably, and that means traveling light.  I only take one bag, usually a back pack.  There is no space for hair tools or products, minimal make-up, and any clothing (typically things that can be thrown away to make room for souvenirs) will be hopelessly wrinkled.  Add to that the fact that I'm stressed and not sleeping well, and when it comes to photos on the road, I am a complete mess.  

  There is freedom in acceptance, so I don't worry about the perfect fashion photo at times like these, and I definitely don't pack any of my favorite dresses.  When it's travel time, I have to step back from the blog, as much as I love it, and be in the moment.  We're out there to make beautiful memories.  It really is the experiences, the feelings, the little moments that I want to remember and that's what I try to focus my heart and my camera lens on.  As much as I wish I had tons of great outfit photos to share in exotic locations, I have none.  And I mean not one...from pretty much any trip...ever.  

    Our latest trip to the beautiful island of Okinawa was spent with one day at the world's second largest aquarium, two glorious days at the beach and two days of waiting at the airport for a flight home.  It ended with about an hour of trekking in the rain with no umbrella (it was too early to even stop and buy one).  We were soaked.  Our bags were soaked.  But the peacefulness of early morning, and the calm of a warm rain combined with all my loved ones, healthy, safe and sound, walking in a row to the pitter-patter of the raindrops--it was perfect.  And of course it was followed by that oh, so delicious feeling of a cozy pair of sweat pants, a hot cup of tea, and being home again.

Thrifty Business: ootd

    You shouldn't have to break the bank to earn a buck.  Of course you should look your best at the office, but that doesn't necessarily mean you have to spend a ton of money to do so.  Bargains abound at back-to-school time and by shopping the sales and the thrift store, I've put together a complete look for about $60.

Shop the Look:

Express cardigan from ThredUp $11.54
Ann Taylor Loft Blouse from ThredUp $4.53
Orchid Skirt from Uniqlo  $7.00
With Haute a Doubt Heels from ModCloth $30.99
Chunky Necklace from K-mart  $5
Total outfit cost:  $59.06

Interested in shopping at ThredUp?  Use this link to sign up & save $20 off your first purchase!  http://www.thredup.com/r/WKVOY5

Thred Up

    If you've read my blog for very long, you've probably seen items in my outfits labeled as "second hand" or "thrift shop."  I've always been a fan of Resale shops  and I've recently found an online shop that I adore.
     It's called ThredUp  and unlike sites like Ebay or PoshMark this is not a market place where you buy from individual sellers and have to pay a separate shipping rate each time.  Instead you pay a very low shipping fee for orders under $70 and anything over $70 has free shipping plus free returns.  A portion of your sale can go to the school of your choice, and in addition to all that you can box up your stuff and send it to them to sell for you.

 
    While the price of items is a slightly higher than I would normally pay for individual items at a brick and mortar thrift shop, the condition is also much better.  Items are thoroughly checked for defects and of the two orders I've placed with ThredUp in the last few months since learning about them everything I received was in perfect condition.
    Use this link to save $20 off your first purchase.  http://www.thredup.com/r/WKVOY5
This is one site that I'm more than happy to promote, because it has so much going for it.  Send me your ThredUp outfit pics and I'll use them in a future post!

Summer School Cool in Red: Dress Review

    Our vacation's not over; in fact we've barely started, but I couldn't resist doing a quick review of this dress.  Shirt dresses are a fabulous thing, and worth talking about. 
    Sometimes I get on a shopping kick and become super focused on one item or color.  Before I realize it, everything in my wardrobe is blue or I suddenly have nothing but sweaters in my closet.  It probably has something to do with the delayed gratification that comes from so much internet shopping followed by waiting weeks for delivery.  

    What ever the reason, when it comes to this little shirt dress by Fervour, I'm glad I went ahead and bought more than one.  In July I posted my review of the Summer School Cool dress in Forest at ModCloth and I loved it so much that in August I bought it in red too.  

    I don't own much red, in fact the addition of this dress now brings my closet total up to a whopping three red things.  Although I would never normally go for this shade, I love how warm this red is, and I absolutely cannot wait to wear it with tights and a cardi during those bleak winter months.  In my last post I mentioned how I love to do my winter shopping in the middle of summer to nab the best bargains, so I may as well show off this great trench coat by Tulle.

Shop the Look

Cover Girl Lipstick color 307

 Summer School Cool Dress in Red

Perfume Bottle Purse in Black

With Haute a Doubt Heel in Noir

Second Hand Plaid Coat by Tulle

See You in September: ootd

    I know, I know, it's the height of summer and cooler days seem a million miles away.  But, hubby and I have decided to take some time away from the cyber world, some time just for us.  I'm not sure when I'll be back exactly, but probably after the dog days have gone.  And all this puts me in mind of fall and all her glory.  

   

   I love September days.  There's something sweet and sad about summer breathing her last.  The mornings are a little cooler and the sunsets are little paler and it's finally time to shake the dust off the sweaters and start layering again.  I usually don't wait that long to start my browsing.  Summer is the ideal time to buy coats and sweaters at a bargain.  

    

    I can always find gorgeous wool pea coats for less than $40 in July and August, but the price always goes up as the temperatures go down.  It's the same with sweaters and scarves.  I know it's hard to be roasting in the heat while simultaneously searching for the warmest sweater, but it is well worth the savings.

    And so with that, I'll leave you, my friends, to enjoy your summer and I'll see you sometime in the Fall.

Shop the Look:
Sweater is second hand and cost about $2
Jeans by I.N.C.
Purse is by Sleepyville Critters
Necklace is from ModCloth
Rings are handmade by me
Coral shoes are by Chase & Chloe

Artist Spotlight: HawkHouse

For this week's Artist Spotlight I am pleased to showcase the work of Jessica Kramer, the creative mind behind HAWKHOUSE.  Originally from Nebraska,  "she has traveled 6 of the 7 continents of the world and gathered gems, minerals and inspiration throughout her travels.

"She lived in the Bay area, California for nearly 5 years working in metal fabrication and blacksmithing. She also worked in Event Production with the awe inspiring company Obscura Digital.

"She left California in 2012. Driving her cat and belongings to Martha’s Vineyard to waitress during the tourist filled summer season, ended up meeting the love of her life. She has rarely left the island and his side, since.

"HAWKHOUSE emerged as a creative outlet for Jessica to channel all of her artistic musings in the slow and frigid winter months on the island. Her inspirations come from nature and science and her work reflects this" 

Bleu Avenue: Jessica, thank you so much for joining me to talk about your work.  Have you always been interested in stones and/or jewelry making?

Jessica Kramer:  I grew up with a potter mother who hauled me around to arts and craft shows. By the time I was in middle school I was selling necklaces at her booth....I've always loved working with my hands and the earth separately. Now that I have HAWKHOUSE I can combine my love of the two!

B:  That is an amazing blessing to be able to do more than one thing that you really love and to have such a beautiful outcome to all that work.  What is the creative process like for you? How are you able see a stone know what the final piece will be like?

JK:  I usually make a few samples to see if my process will work with the stone, and once it's a success I make a small batch of 10-50 pieces. I'm all about production, and making more than one piece at a time allows me not only up my productivity, but reach a place where my jewelry making becomes a meditation. 

B:  Your jewelry has a very exotic feel to it and in your bio you mentioned that you've traveled the world, what are some of your most memorable experiences?

JK:  Riding motorcycles through South America, My love surprise meeting me in Spain for an unexpected trip to Morrocco. Riding 4-wheelers in the sand dunes of Abu Dhabi ending with a belly dance campfire and walking the streets of beautiful Istanbul...

 B:  Have there been times when you've been discouraged while pursuing this dream and if so, how did you overcome them?

JK:  Having a public review system is tough. Matching the right stone to the right person can be a bit nerve racking. Each stone is as unique as the person who it will adorn....making those two things mesh is an art form in itself. I just keep making my beautiful jewelry. Not taking things personally is a huge obstacle for me to overcome.

B:  I agree, that's something I've always struggled with.  As an artist, getting criticism is inevitable, but knowing that it's coming sooner or later still doesn't make it any easier to take.  I'm glad you've been able to shake it off and press on with your work.  What do you think the future has in store for HAWKHOUSE?

JK:  Gold and silver!! I keep threatening to gets samples plated, but having been so successful with copper I can barely keep up with my orders as is! I have been working really hard to get the behind the scenes of HAWKHOUSE highly functioning so I can expand my lines in the future!

B:  How exciting, I can't wait to see that!  Thank you so much for joining me.
Find Jessica's work at www.hawkhouse.etsy.com or follow her at Instagram @HAWKHOUSEdesigns