Artist of the Month and Giveaway!

The artist I am featuring for the month of December has become a good online friend so it is a great pleasure to introduce Felicia Kramer of Another Bright Idea.

Felicia and I became acquainted in the DSG (Design Style Guide) forum on Etsy but I soon recognized her wit and talent and began following her blog, Felicia Kramer has Another Bright Idea.

She is a multi-talented, multi-tasking individual with a high energy for life and a real love of art. Her shop is a perfect example of the many facets of Felicia. And, she has generously donated one of these wonderful vintage blocks of distressed red oak with Burgundy ribbon and vintage images of children from her shop as a giveaway today.

All you have to do to enter to win this lovely prize is to comment on this post. A name will be randomly chosen and the winner will be announced on Wednesday, December 23rd.

So, without further ado I would like to give Felicia the opportunity to share some of herself with you through this interview.

Tell me about yourself

I’m the quintessential middle child – right smack in the middle of nine children.
I am single (previously married), no children of my own, but I have a huge extended family and tons of nieces and nephews that I adore. I love being “Auntie Felicia” to all of them! No pets – I used to travel too much. I think about getting a cute little puppy sometimes, but … not yet.

What led you to selling online?

I’ve been on Etsy just over a year. I found Etsy while recuperating at home from yet another back surgery (I have had four, and that’s a story for another day). I had plenty of time to surf the net so I started investigating Etsy, made the decision and opened my shop about a year later.

What is your favorite kind of art to do?

What day of the week is it? Seriously, though, I absolutely love doing digital collages and altered photographs, although I don’t think I’ll ever learn everything there is to know about Photoshop and Illustrator. Lately, though, I had the urge to work more with my hands instead of the computer, so I really enjoyed making the Christmas wooden blocks, pine cone wreaths and other Christmas items. I have some great ideas for some home décor items and nature collages to work on after the holidays.

The above piece is called "In the Light of the Moon". It is an 8 x 10 Limited Edition Digital Collage.

The wooden blocks in the picture below are painted, distressed, and decorated with vintage Christmas letters spelling out “LOVE” on one side and rub-on decorations on the back.

What is your favorite piece currently in your shop?

Awww … that’s like asking a mother which child is her favorite! However, I do love my Robin’s Egg Blue Pinecone Wreath. It’s quite large (24” diameter) and the color is just delicious! The delicate beaded garland and white bow soften the look.

This digital piece is also a favorite, maybe because lilacs remind me of my childhood home and my Mom. Lilac (Tinkerbell) Buds Digital Photo Collage Print

What was the most difficult piece to make, and why?

Most difficult? I think in general the digital collages and altered photographs are the most difficult, simply because there’s so much to learn about Photoshop and Illustrator. The creative possibilities of those programs are infinite.

Aside from your business, do you have any hobbies?

When I’m not doing my art, thinking about my art, or thinking about doing my art, I love to garden (in the summer, of course!). I like refinishing furniture (several projects await!) And I have a huge project in line after the first of the year: family genealogy charts and a huge family album with all the photos, ephemera, and letters left to us by our parents. And if I think my bionic back will let me, I would like to do some traveling.

Who or what inspires you?

No question, nature inspires me. I enjoy living in Michigan because the change of seasons is so striking and breath-taking here. And even though I don’t like the cold of winter, I have to admit a newly fallen snow day is beautiful, especially at Christmas time.

This stunning Autumn Scented Wreath is one of my favorites in Felicia's shop as you can see I have it on the side of my blog.

It can be hung on a door or wall and also used as a centerpiece. It really is a beautiful wreath and would be a wonderful accent anytime of the year.

What would you like people to know about you.

I always wanted to be an artist, but I was never encouraged to pursue it seriously. I finally enrolled in college at the ripe old age of 30 and graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Michigan State University. And now, finally, after having gone through several other careers to pay the bills, I’m retired and can devote all my time to my art. I consider that a thoroughly enjoyable luxury.

I chose 3 more pieces from Felicia's shop to share, but it was a very difficult choice as I truly admire all of her work. You can see her love of nature is ever present in her work. She has an eye for the details that many of us would miss.

I encourage you to stop by her shop and see for yourself the endless talents of Felicia Kramer.

Tell me about your work area.

About 15 years ago I bought my first home – a 1-bedroom condo. A very small loft area was the only room available for my studio, and I knew it would not be enough space. So I had the floor extended as far as I could – although it’s still a small space - and then worked with a designer at a big box store for the built-ins. I found a cabinet style that had matching pieces for kitchen, bedroom, and office so I was able to design it specifically for my needs. There’s a desk station with file drawers, a sewing area with fabric storage, bookcases, large pantry storage for art supplies, and two custom storage/work tables on wheels. And I have every bit of it filled! I could still use a bigger work area because I pull EVERYTHING out when I’m working. The first four photos were taken when the remodel was first completed. It’s quite a bit messier right now – as you can see in the last photo!

This has to be the best studio I have ever seen and I have seen a few.

All the cupboards and shelves and divided work areas are an artists dream.

Felicia has so many varying interests that it only makes sense that she would have a fabulous work area such as this. How in the world would she be able to keep her many different types of art separated otherwise. You did a great job designing this one!!

You can also find Felicia at the following sites:

My facebook business page: www.facebook.com/anotherbrightidea
I have a zazzle shop but there’s not much in it yet; I’m still working at filling it.
www.zazzle.com/anotherbrightidea