Sarah's Spotlight - Chicken Lips

Fall has hit New England; the leaves are starting to change, and I'm enjoying some cooler temperatures after a really hot summer! Although I hate the fact that winter comes after fall, I love the colors and scents of autumn in New England. It's hard to beat this time of year! However, browsing around Etsy today left me uninspired. I searched "autumn" and "harvest" without much luck. Granted, I found some great items and shops but nothing quite up for a spotlight. I then searched "pumpkin" and happily came across a truly unique shop!

David is the artist behind Chicken Lips, my new favorite store. He creates unique and whimsical folk art using Papier-Mache and Paperclay. David admits that he has had a creative streak since he was a young child. Play-doh and finger paints were favorites, and he made his first art doll using dried apple heads at the age of 10. Before tonight, I wasn't entirely sure what a dried apple head art doll is. A quick google search will answer most questions, so check out this website for more details. I'm even more impressed that David was making these art dolls at the age of 10 once I saw what it was! I'll admit that I was still a pretty big fan of dolls when I was 10, but I certainly wasn't making my own. However, David kept perfecting his art, and today Chicken Lips is a successful business with its own flair.

David makes all of his creations completely by hand. He uses his skills as a graphic designer to shape his Chicken Lips creations. He does not use moulds to design any of his work and all items are one of a kind. As stated above, his art is made from Papier-Mache and Paperclay. Hand made wooden bases and legs give extra support. After the Papier-Mache is shaped and detailed, he applies a coat of Gesso before painting. Each piece is also coated with a sealer before it is ready for sale! David has a great video of this entire process on his website. Click on "About the artist", and you will find the video at the bottom.

I love the list David gives of what inspires him: his goats, chickens, and goose, and all things vintage. I admit it's an interesting combination, but it seems to work because the finished product is great! If you want to know more about Chicken Lips, you can also visit David's blog. And anyone in the Bloomington, California area should check his website for a list of craft shows in which he will be participating this fall! His store is ready for Halloween - shop early, so you can enjoy your Chicken Lips Folk Art all season!

Sarah's Spotlight - Azure Dandelion

Growing up, my mom kept a country feel to our home. Perhaps that's why I immediately found Azure Dandelion's art so appealing. You can visit this shop at:

http://www.etsy.com/shop/azuredandelion
http://azuredandelion.com

Many Etsy shops are run by individuals, but Azure Dandelions is a family affair. The Rain family creates a large variety of art, including small household items, furniture, bird houses, and wall art. When you visit their website, you also learn that the family makes health and beauty products as well! I'm more than impressed with the amount of talent in one family!

In the knitting world, I'm learning more about natural fibers, such as eco-wool and organic cotton. The Rain family uses many recycled and/or reclaimed items in their art work. What might look like a scrap piece of wood to us becomes the background for a beautiful painting to the Rains. This combination of painted nature scenes on recycled nature products is so intriguing! It really adds to the country, primitive folk feel of their artwork.

I'm really drawn to the floral artwork but also get lost looking through the animal paintings they offer as well. The family uses such great combinations of colors with their designs. The art is vibrant yet subtle, bold and tame all at once. I first fell in love with the daisy door topper I picture here:

I had high hopes of moving into a bigger apartment that needed more artwork. Although, while I type away facing the red curtain over my door, I can picture it sitting nicely on top, matching the flowers on my bedspread. Hmm.... maybe I'll have to see if any Christmas money comes my way. There's no way I could pick just one item though! I've never considered myself a country decorator, but the Rain family might just convert me with their lovely artwork! Be sure to stop by and check it out for yourself!