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What a treat to introduce you to Misha Ashton, her cameras and her photography. She's a purest when it come to printing what's actually on the film and not making digital alterations. There are a few images scattered in this interview, but you can check out her website, blog, Flickr and Etsy to see even more.
 

How did you come to be a photographer?

I got my first SLR camera when I was 14. Like most, I took a black and white photography class in high school. I was also head yearbook photographer for two years. I spent my first few years out of high school in Seattle working multiple jobs trying save up to go to art school. I eventually decided to move back to Portland and get my associate's in business in hopes that by then I would have the money or be old enough for grant money. I also worked in a camera store, which is where I accidentally discovered the developing process I use in most of my work, known as cross-process. While working and going to school full time, I met many professional photographers and started freelancing as a wedding/portrait photographer. After community college, I got my bachelor's degree in graphic design at PSU. Throughout my six years in college, I have only taken three photo classes, but I've been taking photos pretty much ever since high school.
 

What inspires your work?

My biggest inspirations are just the world in general. My favorite thing to do is wander around, just me and my camera, and take pictures. Broken-down, rustic things are what appeals to me most. I like to think that my photos show people that there is beauty in everything and to show them the world through my eyes.
 

You create other things with your images. Can you explain a little more about that and your process?

Whenever I get a roll developed, rather than putting the photos into an album or discarding the images that don't turn out, I cut them up and use the abstracted colorful parts of my images in pendants and belt buckles to fuse my love of photography + fashion and create wearable art.

Among all the things you've made, do you have a favorite?

Always my 35mm slide film, cross-processed, taken with my Nikon F100 and 24-85mm 2.8 macro lens!!! : ) I have a bit of a love affair with my equipment and the Kodak slide film that I shoot with.

What is the biggest challenge, in your opinion, of running a business from home?

Distractions, distractions!!!
I started working for myself while I was still in school, so I am pretty good with organization and multi-tasking. I make to-do lists almost everyday--with my daily, weekly, monthly and yearly goals. Having so many different things that I do can get a bit overwhelming.
 

How would you describe the difference between "Art" and "Craft?"

Well I guess for me, my art is my photography--the "fine art" photos, wedding photography, fashion and the likes. Craft is all the rest that I do with it, like mounting my photos on woodblocks, greeting cards, jewelry, etc. You can't have one with out the other and they hold different meaning to everyone.
 

What are some of your favorite creative spots in Portland?

All of my art is taken with 35mm film and nothing is PhotoShop-ed. What you see is what you get. This past year I was so busy with my photography (weddings, craft fairs, etc) that I didn't even get to go to my college graduation. So this year I have started a photo-a-day project. I am just getting into learning about my Holga camera (which for me is quite the challenge--not being able to focus and frame the photo exactly the way I want it. I always have my Holga camera on me and strive to take at least one photo a day with it. With every roll I get a little better. The goal is to always be thinking about my photography and art.

Misha's Links

Ashton Photography + Design Website
Ashton Photography + Design Blog
Misha Ashton on Etsy
Misha Ashton on Flickr

This week we caught up with Amy Olson of Amy Olson Jewelry before she heads down to LA to participate in Unique Los Angeles independent design and gift sale with her husband Scott Ballard of Two Guitars Studio.
Amy, an avid craft, photography and design blogger is celbrating ten years of making elegant jewelry which is classic and delightfully feminine.
 

How did you come to be a jewelry artist?

When I was young, I spent a lot of time with my grandmother, who was a professional craftsperson, and she would keep me busy with little projects. She taught me how to crochet, knit, embroider, and make jewelry! I still spend time doing all of these things, but jewelry is my main focus and profession.

What kinds of things inspire your work?

I am inspired by three main things: nature, vintage ephemera, and color. I truly love spending time outside and tend to name my pieces after flowers and plants. Also, when I need inspiration, I will seek out my collections of old things or stroll through the aisles of an antique store. And of course, how could I resist gems? Being in a gem store is like heaven to me!

Among all the things you've made, do you have a favorite?

Well, I would say wedding jewelry is my favorite because of the value it holds, but besides that, my favorites change weekly, sometimes even daily! I'm always coming up with new ideas, so there tends to be a lot of variety in my designs. But, if I could pick a favorite design, it would be my "layered" necklaces. They're always a big hit!

What is the biggest challenge of running a business from home?

Running a business from home and being your own boss can be very difficult. I think the two biggest challenges would be staying motivated and not comparing your progress/success to how others are doing.
 

How would you describe the difference between "Art" and "Craft?"

I think that "art" is all-encompassing and it includes a lot of subcategories, like music, sculpture, painting, and "crafts." Many people still think of crafts as somewhat old-fashioned, so I like to suggest that I do "modern craft." That tends to (hopefully!) change the way someone thinks of a crafter.

What are some of your favorite creative spots in Portland?

I really enjoy walking through different neighborhoods and checking out the local boutiques. I also love book stores, the Monticello Antique Mall, and the Japanese Garden. These are three very different places in Portland, but they also provide my three greatest inspirations!

Amy's Links:

Etsy Shop
Blog

We think she borrowed her crochet hook from tiny woodland faeries, it's the only way any human could make such perfectly teensy delights! Diana Schreiber of Moss magically creates crocheted and embroidered jewelery, amigurumi, and clothing! Check out her website Moss Handmade as well as her Esty store for more cuteness overload!
 

 

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Your designs are so uniquely intricate and elegant. How did you get started crocheting?

Crochet is my grandmother's legacy to me (thanks, lola pepay!). She taught me when I was about 7 or 8. And the tooth fairy had a hand in it too, I got my very first hook from her. It was left under my pillow with a ball of red acrylic yarn.
 

The Amigurumi Dolls that you create are so adorable! How do these personalitys come to you?

I grew up collecting Sanrio characters like Hello Kitty and Badzt-Maru so I get a lot of my visual cues from characters like that. As far as personalities go, I am a HUGE fan of Frank Kozik and Mark Ryden. So I like combining cutesy and sweet with a little bit of an edge (i.e. twin headed cats).
 

Can you explain your jewelry making process?

My jewelry line is all about combining soft elements with hard ones, so I like to use a lot of fiber and fabric in them. I also like to use crochet and embroidery techniques because they are a little unexpected as far as jewelry making goes. I'm a very tactile person so I usually start with selecting materials and the rest is improvisation and a lot of trial and error.
 

Among all the things you've made, do you have a favorite?

It will have to be the SUMO dolls because its the doll that got MOSS a lot of interest and pushed me to run my brand like a real business. It's also really easy to make so I can make them while half asleep and vegging on junk TV.

What is the biggest challenge, in your opinion, of running a business from home?

It will have to be space for me. I am always running out of room for supplies and there's always a little bit of my "studio" in every room of the house. Also, time management, making sure that you get your work done and still have clean clothes by the end of the week.

How would you describe the difference between "Art" and "Craft?"

To be technical, Craft really is all about the skill of the artist in executing their work and Art is the the outcome of that, the marriage of skill and materials. But personally, I like to think of Craft as a democratic form of Art, where we take Art out of the gallery setting and into the hands of people that can enjoy them in their everyday lives.

What are some of your favorite creative spots in Portland?

I love going to thrift shops and estate sales, also fabric and yarn stores and of course, local boutique neighborhoods (like Belmont, Burnside, and Hawthorne) to see what's new and exciting from the art and craft community. My local favorite shops are, Missing Link Toys on Hawthorne and Compound in NW Portland. The best place for me to get inspiration for my work will have to be local Indie Craft Shows like Crafty Wonderland and those organized by Handmade NW. There's nothing like getting to talk shop with your peers and also getting an occasional pat on the back.

Diana's Links

Moss Handmade Website
Moss Handmade Blog
Etsy Shop

Barbara Soulé makes screen-printed clothing for kids and adults, as well as pretty paper goods, under the name B. Hive Designs. I love the delicacy of line in her work - this is screen-printing made very elegant! Be sure to check out the B. Hive website and Etsy shop for more prettiness.

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How did you come to start your business?
After the birth of my second son, I knew that I wanted to stay at home with him, but I also knew that I would go stir crazy if I didn’t have a project. So, I took a screen-printing class and I was hooked. I liked the idea of making shirts for my kids that I could wear, too.

What kinds of things inspire your work?
The natural world around me is my constant inspiration. I ran out to my car yesterday and stopped abruptly to examine a fallen leaf. It was so beautiful, multicolored and twisted. I haven’t stopped thinking about future designs with this leaf as inspiration.

What is your favorite part of the silkscreening process?
My favorite part of the silk-screening process is the first print. The entire process starts with my own hand drawings. I typically draw very simple images with a pencil, which is then transferred to a screen using a photo emulsion process. Making the screen is actually a bit of a chore for me, especially if the image is more than one color. So by the time my screens are prepared and my ink is mixed, I am extremely anxious to see what my original drawing will look like in printed form. And I am always surprised by how much better it looks when the image is finally printed.??

What is the biggest challenge, in your opinion, of running a business from home?
The biggest challenge of running a business from home is finding the time to commit to working, uninterrupted. I have two adorable little boys that still require a lot of care. I can get a few things done during naptime, but most of my work is still done after bedtime into the wee hours of the morning.

How would you describe the difference between "Art" and "Craft?"
I think that there is a fine line between “Art” and “Craft.” I have never subscribed to the idea that a fine artist must have a degree. Art is so subjective. I would consider my mother an artist even though she does not have an MFA. She is a Navajo basket weaver who weaves her designs in the Chumash Indian tradition. Her art is extraordinary and rare. The process to make each individual basket can take up to seven months from start to finish (collecting material, curing the material, dyeing, and weaving), and can sell for a few thousand dollars depending on the size and design. But some people might consider her art of basket weaving a “craft”, just as I have wondered how some people could label their craft as “art”. I think it is entirely up to the viewer.

What are some of your favorite creative spots in Portland?
My favorite creative spot in Portland is in my home. The laughter from my children, the encouragement from my husband, and the comfort of our little home is the reason why I enjoy what I do. My favorite place to be is in my studio, working on a project, where I can see my children playing in the yard through the big picture window.

This week, we're talking with Vicky Wilson about her metal art jewelry. You can get a glimpse of her work at her website, and if you're interested in learning some metal techniques yourself, contact her for information about her classes.

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How did you come to be a jewelry artist?
Almost five years ago, I had to have emergency open heart surgery. When I came out of the surgery I found a hidden part of me that I did not know existed, my creative side. I attended several very knowledgeable classes, and got to work creating my jewelry.

What kinds of things inspire your designs?
I am inspired by nature, the ocean, the coast that I love - and then, I can just be driving down the road and something will catch my eye, and I will have to pull over and sketch it. (Like the corner of the Kinko's building on 23rd).

What are the qualities of metal that you enjoy working with most?
I use a variety of metals in my work, silver, copper, brass, and sometimes found objects, and sometimes a special stone.

How do you define the difference between "Art" and "Craft?"
I call each piece of jewelry that I make a miniature sculpture, and no two pieces are alike. All of my pieces are completely made by hand. I consider this a wonderful expression of art, versus gluing popsicle sticks together to make a house.

What are some of your favorite creative spots in Portland?
My favorite spots in Portland that inspire me are the large, neat-shaped buildings downtown, or the trim on some other buildings. But again, I have to say that nature and the ocean inspire me, and the way the wind shapes the trees at the coast so that they look like they are always sideways.

In August, I was accepted to teach a week long class for the Creative Art Community at the wonderful Menucha Retreat and Conference Center in Corbett. I also teach metal jewelry classes in my studio: the first class is called Introduction to Metal Jewelry Making, and the second class is called Advanced Metal Jewelry.

I love to teach my classes and watch each student blossom with creativity. My goal is to encourage all students to find thier creative side!

Tanis Alexis Laird is a recent transplant to Portland. Her work encompasses a wide variety of media, and all of it has a lovely sense of playfulness. After you read this interview, be sure to check out her website and Etsy shop.

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How did you come to create a business from making things?
Both of my parents were artists. I grew up with big creative urges and fierce independence, I’m sure I wanted to be an artist from the very beginning. When I moved to the West Coast 5 years ago, the creative business idea grew inside of me, subconsciously and deliberately. I think it was just a matter of time and circumstance that got me here.
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What is your approach to your work? What inspires you, and where do you look for materials?
I try to be improvisational when sitting down to create and don’t always know where it’s going to go. Improvisation keeps the inner critic as quiet as possible, and I know that whatever takes control of me and compels me to create is greater than I am.

My work is a culmination of interests, thought processes, ideas and magical things. My work is also fairly symbolic of my own life. I regard the whole act of creation to be a very powerful thing. Visually speaking natural patterns, human desires, and dream-like creatures are my current inspirations.?My materials also directly affect and inspire what I create; I don’t have a large spending account for my supplies so I try to be as resourceful and eco-conscious as possible. I am also extremely low-tech in my applications, which helps. I have no qualms about dumpster diving for wood, etc. hand-felting a piece of wool for felt, stamping my own fabric designs, or carrying a heap of recycled supplies back to my studio and challenging myself with what I can create out of them.
I enjoy those tasks; they can be as inspirational to me as it is to get lost in my dream world. Plus it makes my work even more evolutionary. I will always have to look for new materials to use and the hunt is a major part of the fun!  

?Among all the things you've made, do you have a favorite?
I find that with my never-ending creative explorations, my work evolves and so do my interests. Currently my favorite is a large, new, felted piece called ‘urban’. This was one of my first big accomplishments with printing on felt with a limited edition stencil. I’m still exploring that avenue.
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I just love the people in your work! How do these little personalities come to you?
Thank you so much, they are a combination of my inner-child fantasies and all the diverse personalities I meet in my daily life. I think we’re all still children to certain extremes, no matter what age we are - that is part of being human.
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?What is your take on the whole "Art" vs. "Craft" thing?
Personally I see no line between the two. I’ve had this discussion with a few friends, and lots of colleagues and I believe the distinction lies in an archaic sense of social, historical and educational class systems. I think in this post-post (post?) modern and culturally diverse world that art, craft, design, graphics, etc are all merging into a larger stronger creative movement. To me, it’s a natural evolution.

But it does make for great debate though, doesn’t it? I’m glad people are talking; it helps influence individual concepts or biases. And reinvents our language of creativity. ?

?What creative places have you found in Portland thus far?
There is an abundant scene in Portland! The current show, Manuf®actured: The Conspicuous Transformation of Everyday Objects at the Museum of Contemporary Craft was remarkable and begs to comment on the previous question in this interview. The gift shop was filled with a variety of treasures from local artists also. Bring some friends and you’ll be guaranteed to have a great conversation over a meal or drinks afterwards.

I also appreciate all the many small independent galleries and shops including but definitely not limited to the Grass Hut & Redux, both neighbours on E. Burnside. I’m still exploring the many side streets and avenues on the Eastside. There’s so much to see and do.

Powell's Books on West Burnside is a fantastic resource to stock up on all your winter reading and self-taught skills. The crafts section is filled with old greats as well as many new publications. When I come back I am due to head straight back to Cargo in the Pearl District to ogle over their many international treasures like glass beads, furniture, paper and books.

Bridget Benton's work is so intriguing. There are all these layers and textures, and then, surprising objects pop up where you least expect. She uses art techniques mixed with craft techniques, and works in all sizes and shapes - she really exemplifies the word "artist."

You can see more of Bridget's work on her blog, The Matchbook (be sure to check out the awesome tutorials). She can also be found teaching a wide variety of classes at DIY Lounge. Now, on to the interview!

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How did your artistic journey begin? Have you always made things?
I have always made things . . . I was an only child and my social skills were rather, er, underdeveloped, and most of my play involved making things . . . I played waitress and made paper menus and clay food to serve . . . I played with dolls and would make clothes and furniture and little magazines and quilts for them. I think I got my first sewing machine when I was five! I played with watercolors and wrote stories, too.

What would you say your art is “about”? What inspires you?
I’m really inspired by materials and by the discovery that happens as I work with them. It’s pretty intuitive and very process-oriented; art-making is my spiritual practice. Lines, images, colors, textures . . . In most of what I do, I’m building up layers . . . layers of images, layers of objects, layers of media, layers of meaning. Half the time I have no idea what’s going on until I’m done! Of course, I tend to be drawn to a lot of the same images over and over –bones, hands, teeth, windows, keys, locks, scissors, thread, vines, birds, nests, trees, saints, maps – so I see a lot of the same themes emerge over and over. Most of it is a kind of tension between freedom and stability. There’s a real longing for home and a sense of belonging, but also a fear of it. Sometimes the things that are stabilizing can turn suffocating; there is often a sense of dark domesticity in my work. Though you’d probably have a hard time getting that from a pair of recycled rubber earrings!

You use so many different media – how do you know an object is destined for a particular piece of art?
I don’t! It’s a mystery. I work in one big space and usually have about six different projects going at once. Sometimes something I’ve pulled out for one piece will end up in another one. Sometimes the pieces get combined, and sometimes one piece will turn into four.

You actually have a Master’s Degree in creativity! Tell us about that – what were your studies about, and how are you using them today?
I went into the program wanting to understand the creative process better. I really believe that everyone has the ability to be creative, and that people can learn to be more creative. I wanted to learn how to support people through that, help them develop their skills. We studied facilitation, creativity theory, assessments, learning styles, creative problem solving . . . I came out of it really understanding better how creativity works. And I came out of it a lot more confident as an artist, and as a teacher and facilitator. I use what I learned every time I make art or design a class . . . and I’m working on some creativity training programs for entrepreneurs and business people.

What is your take on the difference between “Art” and “Craft”?
For me, the line between art and craft is pretty blurry . . . they’re both verbs in my book. Craft is the method and quality of the making; the art is in the meaning it holds and conveys.

What are some of your favorite creative spots in Portland?
Collage has just about everything I want in the way of art supplies, though I love scrounging at SCRAP, The ReBuilding Center, and Knittn' Kitten for art leftovers and recyclable tidbits. Guardino is my favorite mixed-media art gallery in town . . . but my absolute favorite creative places are on-line - or sitting in one of Portand's million and one great café's and surfing on-line . . . Maybe it's because I'm a secret introvert!

It won't be long before it's Scarf Season again - which makes me happy, because I love pretty scarves. So does Adrienne Shaffer, who makes lots of them under the most-excellent name of Mmm...Fiber. I love her use of rich, tasty colors!

Take a look at Adrienne's Etsy shop, or keep up with her on her blog. If you're interested in Etsy, then you might want to read this Storque interview with Adrienne, too.

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How did you come to start your business?
When I first moved to Portland, I picked up knitting and crocheting again after many years and took some classes as a way to get to know people. I happened to work in an office that was freezing all the time, so I crocheted some scarflettes to wear at my desk and they were a big hit with my co-workers. I made a few more and sent them to my friends as market research. They loved them as well, and Mmm…Fiber! was born!

What kinds of things inspire your work?
Colors! I love to create with color. The brighter the better! I am also inspired by interesting fibers, shapes and learning new crochet stitches all the time.

You're one of the earliest Etsy sellers. So how has the Etsy.com world changed since you began there?
Etsy has grown so fast in such a short period of time! I am amazed. The biggest change has been the inevitable move away from a close-knit community of sellers and administrators who all "knew" each other, to a more corporate-like structure. I still think it's a great site and have to give credit to all the people who have been dealing with such an explosion of growth, but I have to admit to feeling a bit of nostalgia for the smaller days. It was amazing to be there at the beginning of something so new and exciting.

What are the elements that make a really excellent scarf?
Scarves are an excellent way to express yourself on a small scale. I like the idea of a bright colored, funky scarf worn with a buttoned-up business outfit. Of course, it also needs to serve its intended purpose, to keep you warm! Something fun and unique that feels good and is also functional - that is the perfect scarf in my book!!

How do you define the difference between "Art" and "Craft?"
Before I was a part of the "crafty community", I had a very simplistic view – Art is something to be looked at and Craft is something to be used. Since being more involved in the world of art & craft, I've found that art does not have to be so static, and crafts are beautiful works of art as well. I do still hold on to that distinction of the utility of craft items, however.

What are some of your favorite creative spots in Portland?
I live near the Alberta Arts District and enjoy wandering around there seeing all the amazing things people do. Portland is such a creative place in general, I am always finding inspiration just living here and soaking up the crafty vibes! I also love the Museum of Contemporary Craft downtown, of course, and the Portland Art Museum.

Amy Daileda makes cute hats and clothes from recycled and sustainable materials. Beautiful stuff, and lovely commitment to the environment. Definitely take a gander at her website after you check out this interview!

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You say on your website that your business grew out of your commitment to the environment. Will you tell us more about that?
I have always been interested in sustainability, self-sufficiency and environmentalism, and I love nature. I reached a point in my life where i wanted my work to be something i completely believe in. As green as possible. No compromises. I had a florist job with a boss that was not treating the employees well and had low environmental standards, and I felt I had to quit and could never work for anyone ever again. so I focused on my sewing and created my own ideal job! I also like the aspect of being able to introduce/inform people about environmental fabrics and practices.

What kinds of things inspire your designs?
I am inspired by nature! I love flowers and have a huge garden. I often take sewing breaks and tour the garden to find a spark of inspiration. Camping in beautiful places such as the ocean or the desert always inspires me as well. I love color and am influenced by the colors around me all the time.

You use hemp fabrics in your clothing line - will you tell us something about this fiber?
Hemp is an awesome fiber--it is incredibly strong and durable, washes well, softens with use, is breathable and comfortable to wear. It is easily grown without the need to use chemicals, is a sustainable annual crop (a lot is harvested each year) and actually improves the soil where it's grown. Many companies are blending hemp with other fibers such as organic cotton or silk, and the blends are great for clothing. Hemp/cotton combines the softness of cotton with the durablility of hemp.

What would you say is the biggest challenge of keeping your business environmentally conscious?
It is hard to compete with other companies that are using cheaper fibers and labor overseas. Unfortunately hemp and organic cotton cost more than chemically-laden alternatives. It's also too bad that our government bans the growing of hemp in the USA. This is due to politics with the cotton and paper industries. The hemp plant is related to marijuana but is not the same variety of the plant. A lot of people think the ban has to do with drugs, but it is more about big business monopolies. So, in order to use hemp it has to be grown and shipped from other countries (mainly China) and I would prefer to support USA companies (support local jobs, and use less fuel for shipping). Fortunately there is a lot of organic cotton grown in the USA and there are lots of salvaged materials available.

How do you think "Art" is different from "Craft?"
I think about this all the time! They definitely overlap. I think art is pure expression where as craft also has a functional aspect and focuses on technique. It seems to me that fine craft can incorporate the artist's pure expression.

What are some of your favorite creative spots in Portland?
I find all of Portland creative and inspirational! I love walking and biking through the neighborhoods looking at gardens. I love living in the NE Alberta district. There are lots of creative people in the area. I enjoy visiting SCRAP, and the top of Mt. Tabor Park.

Leah Pellegrini makes beautiful glass jewelry and jewel-toned glass mobiles. (I love her small mobiles that mount to the side of your computer monitor, giving you a moment's rest from screen-burnout.) She also teaches glass-working classes at Aquila Glass School.

Be sure to hop over to the Leah's Glass website for a closer look!

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How did you first get excited about working with glass?
In college I found a glass hot shop (Hot Soup in Philadelphia) and learned to blow glass. It was a great distraction from my busy University life and the hot sweaty passionate process was a lot of fun. I really enjoyed the medium, and I picked up an internship so I could afford taking classes and renting studio time. But I'll be perfectly honest :) the sexy sweaty men taking molten glass and creating works of art was all I needed to keep me excited about glass!

And I had a great teacher - Gateson Recko - I am so grateful that artists have always been so willing and happy to share with me and work with me. Glass infiltrated my little life and I became a woman obsessed with the medium. In fact, I now teach beginner classes to offer some reciprocity for how generous artists were with me. And I really find this to be a lot of fun - I enjoy sharing what I have learned with others. Also a diversified income (artist/teacher) takes some of the stress out of being a one woman entrepreneur. Over the last year or so I have been keeping a blog as well, yet another way for me to share more information about the mysteries of glass.

How did you become inspired to make mobiles, and what keeps you inspired?
I have always loved mobiles. Living in Philadelphia I would go to the Art Museum and sit on the stairs under the big Calder mobile and be mesmerized by its movements. I think the first mobile that really made my jaw drop is in Washington DC in the lobby of the Contemporary Museum of Art. The scale is what makes this one so amazing, the movement is what I find hypnotizing.

I can't believe more artists don't make kinetic art. There is really a small number of mobile makers out there. Practically every little baby has a mobile hanging above their crib, so in my opinion, we have been trained to find them really relaxing and beautiful. As adults we should all have a mobile in our bedroom to wake up to and make us smile.

Mobiles are fun to make, and I stay inspired in that its so amazing to make these works of art that come alive when they are done. Inspiration comes in many forms, whether it be the smile on my face as I complete a project, the blisters on my hands from working too much, and most importantly for me, the sense of amazement that I am able to make a living off what I love to do!

Glass-work looks so mysterious and dangerous, what with the blowtorch and all. What are the first things you teach your students about working with glass?
The first thing I cover is how to be safe. I point out what is around the studio to keep the artist from hurting themselves or the studio while they work. my classes are fun, I know people take them to have a good time playing with glass, and burning themselves is not fun!

Will you tell us about your glass jewelry, too?
I am really pretty obsessed with glass, and I wear quite a bit of it!

I first started my business back in 2001 with my handmade pyrex glass rings... I love the way they feel and look, and I found that I could make them all day. So this was a great product for me to use in learning how to sell my work to shops and galleries. Then as I started making all sorts of other glass jewelry to sell in my booth at the Portland Saturday Market - pendants, earrings, etc.

This year I have been making these beautiful branches and flowers on little glass puddles to be worn as necklaces. When the trees bloom in the spring it just makes my heart melt. So I take lots of pictures and make little glass branches to imitate this magic.

What's your take on the difference between "Art" and "Craft?"
I grew up taking "Arts and Crafts" classes, and I feel like my life has become an extension of the enjoyment I found doing and making things. But the line between "Art" and "Craft" is a blurry one for me. Some people seem to have associations of certain techniques with the word "Craft". Frankly it seems most art could be considered craft. Is it perhaps a question of how something is made... but it all boils down to perspective.

I think its very interesting that in a town full of so many artists and crafty-goodness there is the Museum of Contemporary Craft. Not only does this museum serve as a gallery to showcase work, but it also proudly acts as a catalyst to get visitors talking about where this distinction lies between "Art" and "Craft".

What are your favorite creative spots in Portland?
- the Portland Saturday Market is an amazing community of creative artists and entrepreneurs
- the Aquila Glass School is the best friendly little glass studio I have ever worked in!
- W.C. Winks Hardware store is the best hardware store ever!
- Portland Store Fixtures is key to any creative small business in Portland
- the Bullseye Glass Resource Center