In the Field with Irene

Field Interview: Irene Ora Newton-McClenning, Lumen Naturae

Today's interview is with Irene of Lumen Naturae.  This holiday season will be Irene's first time selling with Field of Artisans.  We're so excited to welcome her and her lovely work to the Field!  She has an extensive plant knowledge, along with a great amount of love and respect for the environment.  Her holistic devotion to her craft shines through the Lumen Naturae collection.  I loved getting to know Irene through this interview and am excited to spend time with her SUNDAY, 3/11!

Find Lumen Naturae in the Field at Whalers Brewing Company on:

SUNDAY, 3/11  11:30-4:30

1.   What does your name, Lumen Naturae mean and how did you come up with it for your business?

Lumen Naturae means the light within the darkness, or the light of nature. I first came across it while reading some of the works of C. G. Jung, and it really resonated with me. I had been exploring a lot of his work, and the like, while beginning my journey with my product line. The light within the darkness is pretty much ones subconscious, and to see the light is for one to become conscious. I knew that I wanted to create products to help people take care of themselves consciously, and to be present. I feel that what Lumen Naturae means is ultimately where I want to take my vision for the business, to free oneself. Making natural personal care products are only the start. I have so many ideas I can’t wait to bring to light!

2.  Lumen Naturae consists of self care products ranging from herbal bath soaks to herbal teas.  Do you have core products that you are always creating and have readily available? 

The herbal soaks and steams are my core products. Other products are readily available, but do take time. The herbal oils can take up to 4-6 weeks to come to completion, so certain items might not be available due to these processes. My line is very plant focused, as I have always had a love for them. I’m constantly taking herbalism courses with many different teachers, and really trying to just live and breath plants. They have so much to teach us!

 

3.  When you say that your line is vegan, what does this mean?  What are some non vegan ingredients that are often found in self care products and what do you substitute them with? 

Vegan means to abstain from using any animal products in all areas of life as humanly possible. All of my products are plant based, and contain no byproducts from animals, even insects. That includes beeswax and honey. There are many other sources of waxes and sugars that aren’t produced by bees. For instance, I make an Elderberry syrup for myself during the winter months to help fight off sicknesses. Traditionally this syrup requires a lot of honey, but I use maple syrup instead. I’m originally from Vermont and have Sugar Makers in my family, so I am a strong advocate for maple syrup. It contains many key nutrients such as iron, calcium, and Vitamin B6. It is also an amazing antioxidant to help fight free radicals. And of course never any animal testing, EVER! 

 

4 .   You infuse herbs in oils rather than using essential oils.  What's your favorite herb to work with and what is it's beneficial qualities?

I do use essential oils in most of my products, but I limit their use. Using the whole plant for it’s complete healing properties to me, is respecting and honoring the plant. Using essential oils is ok in moderation, but I think they are being over used, and people may not understand how potent they are. My plan is to reformulate my products to use very little essential oils, if any at all. My favorite plant to infuse would be Calendula. It’s a great remedy for ailments like wounds and chapped skin, and it can help to speed up recovery time. The smell and color when straining Calendula are amazing, and it’s included it in my Remedy Balm.

 

5 .   Out of all the teas that you offer, which one is perfect to sip while painting, working, writing or anything that involves creative thinking?

First of all, I need to say I love tea! Drinking tea is a perfect way to supplement your personal self-care ritual, or just because! I would say that my current plant ally would be Holy Basil, or Tulsi. It is a valued adaptogen and I use it in many of my teas. I find it helps me to stay focused and relaxed while working on a project or my art. I’ll steep it on its own, or add some other herbs depending on my mood. You’ll find Tulsi in my Anahata tea, which I believe can spiritually open and heal heavy hearts and sorrows.

 

6.  Do you harvest ingredients from your yard?  How did you learn about harvesting (what to look for)?  Are you self taught?

 My husband and I have a good amount of land behind our house by a small river where I do forage plants, but mainly just for my personal use. Growing up in the woods of Vermont, I was always eating and playing with wild flowers, along with some other plants that were around. I was taught which were safe to handle, and which to avoid. I have fond memories as a child munching on Red clover while meandering around barefoot. I’ve also learned a lot from other herbalists, and from the courses that I have taken. One key rule is that you must always honor the plant, and never take more than necessary so that the plant is not harmed. I also don’t advise foraging without proper knowledge of plant identification, or before consulting someone you trust. Plants can be deadly, and you hear much too often about this happening. On a lighter note, I do have a couple raised garden beds and some clay pots that I use to grow several different types of plants for my products. It feels so satisfying to utilize plants that you’ve grown, and have created a connection with. 

 

7.   Your packaging is crisp and bold.  Do you print your labels yourself or do you design elsewhere?

Thank you, that’s very nice to hear! I take pride in my packaging and am a perfectionist when it comes to that. The secret behind my logo and label designs is my amazing husband! He creates my labels and performs any design work that I need, and I truly appreciate it. We do print the labels at home, and after some trial and error we are pretty much pros at it. I am grateful that I don’t need to use an outside source for any of my design needs at the moment.

 

8.  Tell us a bit about your themed gift sets.

I have a lovely tea gift set to offer which will include a new tea. I will also have different sized muslin bags with a theme for making various gift sets, depending on the type of products that are purchased.

See more of Irene's work on Instagram !

She also sells through her online shop!

In the Field with Annie

Field Interview: Annie Riecke, Ocean State of Mind RI

This week's interview is with Annie Riecke of Ocean State of Mind RI.  Annie's positive spirit shines through each hand painted sign she creates.  She started selling with Field of Artisans a couple of summers ago and right away she lit up the Field with her smile and love of life. She offers a sign for any occasion, location or feeling and is often painting custom signs on the spot at markets. 

1.  The name of your brand and your use of driftwood make it clear that Rhode Island has something to do with the origins of your business.  Was there a specific moment that you decided you wanted to create Ocean State of Mind RI?  

Around five years ago I started to notice all the wood that was washing up on our shorelines and littering our beaches.  I decided to start collecting driftwood to incorporate it into my home decor and to make signs for others. After creating some signs for charity, I realized that not only was this idea eco-friendly, but it was something I truly enjoyed creating.

 

2.  Driftwood is a common theme in your pieces, however you've recently introduced some new materials such as 100 year old slate tiles!  Do you plan to continue to expand the base of your signs, or was this a special, one time collection?

Sometimes I look to expand and sometimes things just fall into place! While I primarily work with wood, I try not to limit myself to just one medium.  My only rule of thumb is that the material has to have been used and is now being discarded.  I don't use new materials.  It defeats the purpose of being eco-friendly and minimizing waste.  

 

3.  You free hand all of your signs and your handwriting is so seamless, stylized and readable!  Have you always had such a good hand or is this something you've perfected over time?

My handwriting has always been pretty neat.  I passed a lot of hours of my education practicing my handwriting and doodling all over everything (sorry teachers).  When I first started painting, I stenciled for the first few months, but it wasn't until a client requested script signs for her daughter's wedding that I pushed myself outside of my comfort zone and started doing free hand.  After some hard practice, I never looked back.

4.  You have a way with words!  The messages and phrases on all of your pieces convey such positivity and are very relatable.  Do you ever have writer's block when coming up with each phrase?  Where do you look for inspiration when planning out these messages? 

Oh, man. I get writer's block, a lot!  When I get stuck, a lot of my inspiration comes from music.  I am constantly scouring for obscure bands, singers, and artists that I find relatable. Yoga has also been a big part of my life over the last two years and that's when a real shift happened in my messages of my signs. 

 

5.  What's one of your favorite inspirational quotes, phrases or words?

"The effect you have on others, is the most valuable currency there is."-Jim Carrey

This quote is part of his famous commencement address to Maharishi University.  For me, that speech was nothing short of life changing.

 

6.  You sell in person at markets but you also have a successful Etsy business, website and social media.  Do you find it's helpful to have an online presence?  How do you utilize your in person interactions as a way to direct more traffic to your digital platforms? 

I established myself online about 2 years before I ever did my first show.  I had customers all across the world, but so few in Rhode Island.  I decided to do markets to give myself a local presence.  Over the last 3 years I have used markets to give my business a personalization.  I find that once people have met me in person or have watched me paint (I paint on the spot at almost all my shows), it drives a lot of people back to my online shop. 

 

 

7.  I feel like you'd have a good playlist to work to?  Do you listen to music while painting?  What's on your playlist??  Or, do you work best in quiet?

I listen to music borderline obsessively. I always have music playing when painting; I find it helps me relax.  These are my tried and true favorites: Donavon Frankenreiter, Bob Marley, Anderson East, Ray Lamontagne, Jason Isbell, Tedeschi Trucks, Ziggy Marley, Toots and the Maytals, The Mallett Brothers Band (have to support local), Lake Street Dive, Sturgill Simpson, Chris Stapleton, 

Jack Johnson, The Allman Brothers, Sublime, The Band, and so much more. When I'm not working, I'm usually at a concert.

 

8.  It looks like you've done some commission work for companies who need signs at their brick and mortar, booth display etc.  Is this a service you are always offering?

I like working with shops that are like minded.  I love small businesses that are selling local artisans and putting money back into our community.  When you invest your money into a small business, you are supporting a dream.  I am always looking for new partnerships. 

 

 

9.  Along with Ocean State of Mind RI, you are also a teacher.  What would your advice be to a fellow artist who works a full time job but also wants to find time to create a small business? 

Balance.  Do what sets your soul on fire and be mindful of your relationships. Having a business plus a full time career is challenging and exciting, but it's the people in your life that make it all worthwhile.  Start small and set parameters on your working time to keep it manageable.  I read a lot of articles and books the first 3 years of my business.  I don't have a degree in business and basically gave myself a constant crash course in marketing.  It made a big difference.

 

10.  Dream collaboration?  Can be a specific person, general person, company, etc.  What would you create together?! (We're already a HUGE fan of your collaboration with Art by Rosie!)

Art by Rosie is so great! I admire her work and I was thrilled to collaborate with her in creating reclaimed wooden wave art.  There are a lot of local artists that I LOVE, but, Alex Eaves of Stay Vocal has to be the next person I collaborate with.  He "rescues" t-shirts and gives them a second life by re-designing them.  Hopefully next year we will be able to make that happen.  In the meantime, you should totally check out his company Stay Vocal as well as his Box Truck which he transformed into a living space.  Dude is unreal and an inspiration to people who wish to find abundance in the things that already exist around them.

See more of Annie's work on Instagram and Facebook! 

She also sells through her online shop!

In the Field with Marcia

Field Interview: Marcia Tuthill, Olive Branch Baby

This week's interview is with Marcia Tuthill of Olive Branch Baby.  Marcia lights up any room (or Field) with a radiant smile and positive energy.  Her genuine personality and strong background (she's a licensed marriage and family therapist) bring peace of mind to any new parent looking for the right products for their baby.  Marcia started selling with Field of Artisans this past summer.  She's such a valuable asset to our community!

1.   Your daughter Olive, inspired the creation and name for your business.  Has the Olive Branch Baby concept grown or changed as Olive gets older and with the arrival of your second baby?

 Olive Branch Baby is a young company, however, I am always thinking about new product ideas, colors and designs! With the arrival of my second baby, Charlie, I have started thinking about how I can reach a bigger age range with healthy and responsibly sourced toy and baby goods options!! Hint hint....we have something in the works that WILL be available on 12/3!!!

 

2.  What sets the Olive Branch Baby products apart from other baby goods that are in the market today? 

Olive Branch Baby products hope to offer peace of mind to parents who want quality products that are SAFE for baby, minimalistic but beautiful in design. OBB is different because of the product research and care that goes into each piece! I spend many hours looking for the absolute best quality materials for the goods we create! I would want ONLY the best and highest quality for my own babes, so that is the product I like to put out! 

3.  How do you approach creating a product that attracts and answers the concerns of two very different markets, babies and parents?   ;)

I keep a few things in mind; The design, colors and responsibly sourced materials are for the parents, but “the proof is in the pudding”....When a parent purchases a rattle or pacifier Clip Teether or any of our products and that drooly little babe puts the item right in his/her mouth there is instant relief...I hear songbirds!! OBBs products are truly appealing to the eye, but they also work like magic!

 

4.  Your line is created with materials that are toxin free and responsibly sourced (amazing!), Does this limit your creativity when it comes to color combinations, shapes etc?

We are lucky enough to work with a few vendors that have the ability to try and make new colors and shapes if we need/want them. The research and time creating a partnership was long and discouraging at times, but so worth it. In the end, OBB is able to provide a safe, healthy and beautiful product we can be proud of!!

 

5.  This past summer in the Field, I bought an Olive Branch teether to give as a gift at a 1 year old's birthday party.  You packaged it so nicely in a muslin bag, with the Olive Branch logo and included reading material on the piece.  I didn't even need to wrap it!  Do you think branded (and beautiful) packaging helps to present the Olive Branch Baby line as a gift giving opportunity and not just products that fulfill a need? 

Absolutely! The packaging is so important! It goes back to a past questions, when we parents/consumers buy something it feels extra special when we receive it in a beautifully designed package!

6. You use some really unique patterns in your pieces.  I love the marble and pearl beads!  I would wear some of the teethers as jewelry!  What is your favorite color/pattern combo?

This is IMPOSSIBLE to answer!! I love so many of them! They are all beautiful in their own way!! We have some seasonal colors and shapes that will be featured in the 12/3 Field of Artisans and I am IN LOVE! I can’t wait to show them off! Marble, pearl and Robins Egg are our best sellers! 

 

7.  What are the first steps in designing a mold for a new baby good?  Do you sketch first?

I DREAM of color combinations...ha. Some nights when I am nursing my youngest, I just sit and think about combos and products that may be useful to parents who are experiencing similar developmental stages with their littles! As far as the safety and creating, I have taught myself special knots and safety systems that are utilized in all of our current designs. For our newest product  I sketched and then scoured the internet and made phone calls to find quality materials to fulfill the design in my head.

Dream, draw, create....in three short words! 

8.  You're a mother to two young ones and you own and operate a small business!  Goals!  How do you approach achieving a work/life balance? 

Hm. Always trying to figure this one out! The best thing for me and my family is if we all are able to go after the things that make us happy. I am lucky to be able to do this with support from my husband, other family members and friends! I am a marriage and family therapist by education/trade so I try and practice what I preach! With families I use the airplane analogy, put your oxygen mask on first and then take care of others....same in life.

9.  What is your advice to a fellow entrepreneur  who has a great idea for a business but feels that they lack the skills to make their idea come to fruition?

If you think you can, you will. Make it work, you will be happy you did!! We all have an artist inside of us, let.it.loose!!!

 

10.  Dream collaboration?  Can be a specific person, general person, company, etc.  What would you create together?!

Oh this is TOUGH! There are so many amazing companies out there! 

I am happy/proud to say that we are now in Bellani Maternity in Warwick! That was a big goal for me! 

As far as other artists; I LOVE Whistle&Flute (online unisex clothing company) and would love to collaborate to create one of their children’s T-shirts, perhaps an Olive or a Dove! 

See more of Marcia's work on Instagram and Facebook! 

She also sells through her online shop!

In the Field with Kendalyn

Field Interview: Kendalyn J. Banks, Sage & Sea Apothecary

This week's interview is with Kendalyn of Sage & Sea Apothecary.  I met Kendalyn this past summer in the Field.  She is the epitome of a collaborative spirit and we are so happy she is a part of the Field community!  Her genuine and holistic approach to self-care shine through her handcrafted products and services for the mind, body and spirit.  Buying from Kendalyn results in such a warm feeling.  You know that her heart and soul go into everything that she creates.  

Find Sage & Sea Apothecary in the Field at Whalers Brewing Company on:

SUNDAY, 12/10 11:30-4:30

1.  The name Sage & Sea is calming in all senses.  How did you come up with your name?  Did it come to you before or after starting the creation of your line?

When I decided to create products to sell, I didn’t feel comfortable launching a brand and line of products without a name. I spent quite a few weeks brainstorming because I wanted a name that really felt like me and reflected what I’m all about.

I decided right away that I wanted Apothecary in the name of my business because to me, that word calls to mind holistic wellness and herbal goods. I have a degree in marine biology and have had a love affair with the ocean for my entire life, so incorporating that into my name was important to me. The ocean also has amazing healing properties for both the mind and body, and that’s begun to resonate with me in different ways as my business has evolved. I’ve been into smudging with sage for several years and love that it calls to mind the act of purifying and clearing out what’s no longer serving you to create space for the things you do want in life.

I love alliteration, so Sage & Sea Apothecary was perfect for the vibe I was trying to convey with my products and messaging. As my business has grown to incorporate sacred healing services in addition to natural products, it feels like even more of a perfect fit!

 

2.  What's your favorite universal Sage & Sea product?  One that you think everyone could benefit from.  

I absolutely love my smudging spray! It appeals to both women and men with it’s sweet yet earthy and herbaceous scent. We’re all dealing our own energy and that of the people we encounter every day, and it’s important to keep ourselves grounded and protected so that we’re not taking on other people’s stuff and making it our own. This is definitely a staple that everyone should be equipped with.

https://sageandseaapothecary.com/all-home/bye-bye-bad-vibes-smokeless-smudging-spray

 

3.  You are against GMOs and look to source materials that are organic, ethically harvested and fair trade.  Do you find this is easy to do locally?  Or do you have to sometimes look beyond New England?

Yes and no. Some of the raw materials I use are extremely local, as in made in Rhode Island, like the honey I use from Aquidneck Honey. The beeswax I use in my beauty products comes from Kline Honey Bee Farm in Ohio because it’s great quality and I love supporting other small businesses when I can. For items I need in larger quantities, I stick to brands I trust online within the U.S. who offer high quality natural and/or organic materials, like Mountain Rose Herbs and Starwest Botanicals. The best part about how natural my ingredients are is that when I’m in a pinch I can often find what I need at a local supermarket!

 

4.  There is beauty in your aesthetic.  Your products, packaging and online presence exude a natural and artistic look.  Your products make for a beautiful gift to a loved one or a beautiful addition to one's vanity.  How do you approach incorporating visual beauty into your apothecary?  Do you find that a consistent aesthetic is important?

Thank you so much, I’m blushing! I’ve never thought of myself to have a designer’s eye, but I knew right from the get go that I wanted to create a cohesive aesthetic that would resonate with the women I create my products for. I wanted people to be able to proudly display my items on their vanity and show them off to their friends.

I love the look of frosted glass, and use that for many of my bottles which can be reused by my customers or recycled when they’re no longer needed. I create all of the labels and graphics myself and have had so much fun figuring out how to take a vision in my mind and turn it into something pretty to look at. I think having a consistent aesthetic is key for any business because it’s what helps people to continue to recognize a brand, its products, and what it stands for. It’s important to me so that my customers anticipate they’re receiving the high quality goods they know, love, and expect from my brand when they see my products in person and online.

 

5.  What is your favorite scent and why?

Oh gosh, do I have to pick just one?! I’m a huge proponent of aromatherapy and am constantly diffusing essential oils at home, not only for their delicious scents but also for their healing properties. My first real experience with essential oils was during the Reiki healing cool down at Mind Body Barre where I eventually became an instructor. We walk around with lavender essential oil during the last few minutes of class as clients lay in savasana so that they can relax and recharge themselves after a challenging workout; the lavender scent really encourages softening of the mind and body so that you can come to a deep, relaxed state. I keep a little bottle of lavender essential oil close by wherever I go so that I can dab a few drops on my pulse points or just take a few deep breaths of its soothing scent when I’m feeling stressed and anxious. I often spray my lavender mist (Relax the Day Away Spray) on my pillow and sheets before drifting off to sleep, too.

6.  I am so impressed with the way you stay in touch with your subscribers, fans and customers.  I'm on your email newsletter and you are really good at keeping customers in the loop when you will be at a  market.  You also always have interesting and relevant blog posts.  And....you're teaching an online workshop about mindfulness on 11/16!  How do you balance the line between keeping your customers engaged while not flooding their inbox with messages that annoy them?  You're a master at it!

Thank you so much! This means a lot because it’s something I’ve struggled with since day one; I never used to know what to say, and then I started feeling scared and vulnerable when I opened up more about my personal life to my customers. Earlier this year I realized that people love buying products from me and other small business not only so they can support small, local shops, but also because they love connecting with the person or people behind the brand. As humans we crave connection, and I wanted to foster this within my tribe.

I noticed that as I was putting more of myself out there and not just trying to tell people where and what to buy, more and more people were emailing me back to connect on a deeper level. This validated that I wasn’t alone in thinking and feeling the things I was expressing and made me feel good about sharing openly, which prompted me to switch from selling solely on Etsy to creating my own website so that I could share more meaningful content as blog posts.

I try to share things as they come up for me because I’m constantly learning and changing, and every time I hit publish I remind myself to have faith that whatever the message is it will get to the people who it will serve the most and try not to worry too much about everything else. I definitely limit myself to emailing my customers no more than once a week unless something special is going on because I don’t want to spam them, I know how sacred email inboxes are!

 

7.  You often promote other makers within your industry on your Instagram.  I love how you look past what some may see as "competition" and instead see that supporting fellow makers, elevates us all.  What do you find is the best part about meeting someone who has similar interests, creations and missions to you?  

I think what a lot of business owners miss is that competition is such a good, healthy thing! It means that there’s actually a market for what you’re looking to sell, and when someone doesn’t resonate with your competitor’s message they may turn to you instead. We all have different preferences, and that can even change throughout our lives. I know I use much different bath and beauty products than I did even five years ago!

I operate as a solopreneur and it can get a little lonely at times, so I truly cherish the friends I’ve made who are making their businesses work. I love talking shop and swapping ideas, and being generous with my knowledge and taking opportunities to learn from other people. I’m a total introvert, but when I get talking with someone who’s passionate about the same things that I am I swear the conversation will never end, and I absolutely love that about connecting with other makers in my field.

8.  You aim to empower women and embody this mission wholeheartedly through not only your apothecary line, and your welcoming and genuine personality but also other services that are a part of your business.  Can you tell us about the other trainings and services your provide that contribute to self-care and empowerment?  

I’ve made a lot of personal changes and have gone through a ton of transformation over the last several years. I’ve noticed that the more I’ve healed myself the more I’ve wanted to share that process with others so they can see that it’s possible for them, too. I truly believe that when you become more self-aware of your thoughts and actions you can start to live a better, more meaningful life filled with kindness and compassion not only for others, but also for yourself. I also believe in the concept of mind-body unity where when the mind is suffering, so is the body, and vice versa, and know that each person has the capacity to heal themselves with the right tools, information, and support.

I think one thing that a lot of people in the self-help industry try to hide is that the answers to all of your burning questions about your purpose, mission, etc. (the things that make you feel the most fulfilled) aren’t in the next course or book, and you don’t need to consult a psychic to find them - they’re inside of you, right now. I aim to empower women to reconnect to themselves in mind, body, and spirit so that they can listen to and interpret what their intuition is communicating to them, because that’s where the real magic happens.

I’ve just begun to explore options that allow me to work with women in small groups and 1:1 through the internet and in person, which currently include a guided meditation series and Reiki healing services. My offerings will be expanding very soon, so stay tuned!

9.  What is your advice to a fellow maker or creative who wants to take the next step in creating a small business, but is nervous about the thought of putting themselves out there?

While putting yourself out there can be scary, there is so much beauty in that vulnerability. Through vulnerability we’re able to connect with other like-minded individuals and cultivate a sense of community and belonging, which we all crave. Opening yourself up to a new world and new adventures in business allows you to live a more full life by pursuing your passion, which is something you likely can’t ignore. Don’t let perfection or fear stop you from doing what you’re meant to do!

 

10.  Dream collaboration?  Can be a specific person, general person, company, etc.  What would you create together?!

Hands down Martha Stewart. She is an amazing business woman and just so damn talented. She’s also really funny and has a great sense of humor! Knowing her, I think we would create cold processed soap that’s made with goat’s milk from goats on her farm. It would also have some fresh orange blossom water that we would make together and she’d probably teach me how to distill my own sweet orange and clove essential oils. We’d press beautiful dried orange peels and fresh pine needles into the top of the soap and wrap it up with only the finest hand-painted wrapping paper because, you know, it’s gotta be gift ready if it’s coming from Martha!

See more of Kendalyn's work on Instagram and Facebook! 

She also sells through her online shop!

Weekend Creating: November

IT'S THE WEEKEND!  

How about a creative and festive project?!

I'm styling an event next week and am creating props to incorporate into the displays.  I like to strike a balance between a nature and an elegant aesthetic!  Being that it's November, I decided to elevate the traditional dried corn that we see so often around Thanksgiving time.  I put together a simple tutorial if you'd like to give it a try!  A perfect addition to your mantle, dining table or windows.  

MATERIALS:

-dried feed corn (also known as "Indian Corn" or "Ornamental Corn")

-plastic wrap

-spray paint (I chose gold and copper)

-bowl of water

-cardboard or old sheet

STEPS

1. Soak husks in a bowl of temperate water for about 2 min.  As they soften, slowly and gently separate, straighten and fluff them.  This seems tedious but makes a huge difference in the end result.

before soaking

after soaking

When you buy the corn, the husks will most likely be shriveled and smushed together.  Let's make them prettier!

2. Give the husks a little shake and get rid of dripping water.  Lay out corn to dry.  If it's a sunny or windy day, outside is best!  It's important to thoroughly dry the husks so that you get an even spray paint application.

3.  Wrap the corn kernels in plastic wrap.  Make sure you cover every inch, especially the kernels that are closest to the husks.  It helps to twist the corn in your hand, securing the plastic wrap.  

4. Place the corn on cardboard or on an old sheet and spray paint the husks.  Do the best you can to stay away from the kernels in case the plastic wrap comes loose.  Try to cover as much surface as possible without touching the corn.  Let dry.  Then, flip and repeat on the other side.

*TIP 1: If you're working with a colorful husk, try leaving some of the natural color and just doing a light spray.  I had some red husks and let the red show through sometimes.

*TIP 2: Make sure to spray all of the husk tips.  These can look a bit old and nasty

5.  Let corn dry.  Again, laying the corn outside may dry it quicker.

6.  Remove plastic wrap!  Make sure to store flat and not too crushed to protect the husks.

HAVE FUN CREATING THIS WEEKEND!  Tag your corn creations with #FIELDOFARTISANS AND #FIELDWORK on Instagram . We'll repost some of our favorites!

See all of the corn I "elevated", this coming Tuesday, 11/14 at the Coast Guard House Restaurant.  I'll be styling the Candlelight Dinner event using hundreds of candles and this beautiful corn!  :)

~Katrina (Field of Artisans, Market Producer)

In the Field with Kelly

Throughout the each series, we'll be interviewing artists who will be selling their work with Field of Artisans.  Check into to Field Notes (our new blog) to jumpstart your week with a dose of inspiration from these movers and shakers!

Field Interview: Kelly Jarvis, Blue i Designs

Our first Field Interview is with Kelly Jarvis owner and jeweler of Blue i Designs.  Kelly has been selling with Field of Artisans since our very first season in 2015.  She is loved by shoppers and fellow artist vendors alike.  Her spirit is welcoming, uplifting and contagious!  If you've ever been in the Field when Kelly is there, you know what I'm talking about!  The Blue i Designs booth is ever changing.  You'll find new pieces every time you shop her display.  Working alongside Kelly is an honor!

1.  Everyone loves when they hear that Blue i Designs will be selling in the Field!  How did you come up with your business name?

I actually intended my business name to be Blue Eye Designs (Original Handmade Jewelry) but the name was taken. So I substituted the small letter "i" it means, how I see, or how I create through my eyes...which are blue!! Deciding on a business name was actually really difficult for me, and I often think of changing it! But I never will!  

2.  The stones in your jewelry are always so unique and eye catching.  Some of your jasper resemble small landscape scenes and your turquoise reminds me of diving into a tropical ocean.  Do your stones come from all over the world or mainly the US?  I imagine it must be a blast sourcing the stones!

I absolutely love searching for stones and beads! There are so many! Its still amazes me that such beautiful gems are dug from the earth! I purchase as many as possible from Lapidary Artists. A Lapidary artist is a person who cuts, polishes and/or engraves stones and gems. I prefer it if I know where the stones come from. Especially the turquoise. For the most part I know which state each of my turquoise pieces came from!! Other stones I get from random rock and mineral shops that I frequent, and some from online shops. I have a hand full of sources that I have been buying from for many years so I know the quality of what I purchase. I also collect sea glass & wampum from the Beaches in Westerly RI, where I live! People love the sea glass & wampum pieces. Jaspers, Turquoise & Labradorite are my personal favorites. They truly are magic~

3.  Your settings always compliment the stone perfectly.  Do you create the setting for the stone?  Or, do you pair the stone with your favorite setting?

I never purchase a stone with a design idea in mind, unless I am working on a custom order. I purchase what I like. I pick out a few stones that I feel like working with that day and go from there. So I guess the stones decide the settings. My general rule in designing is “keep it simple and balanced”. That goes for everything else in life too! 

The beauty of the stones should always be noticed right away and the setting should just enhance or accent the beauty of the stones..

 

4.  There is something for everyone in the Blue i Designs collection.  You create a wide variety of pieces from beaded wraps, to sterling silver stone pendants to copper stamped bangles.  What's your favorite to create?  Do you have any new ideas in the works for the collection?  (As a fellow Aquarian, I know ideas are never lacking ;)

I am all over the place when it comes to my collection of jewelry, and sometimes its a real burden! My roots in jewelry making and designing are bead weaving with tiny seed beads, and stringing. My mother taught me pearl knotting and stringing semi precious stones when I was 12 or 13. The possibilities were endless and I taught myself everything else from books and videos. I still love beading and stringing and I try to incorporate it into metalsmithing as much as possible! I love working with metals and stones the most! I have a million ideas floating around all the time and I know I will never get to all of them! I am currently making tons of dainty little flowers and adding them to everything! Who knows what I will come out with next week!!

 

5.  What is a "must have" in the studio for you to do your best work?

Obviously my must haves are my torch, hammers, files, pliers, and tools, but really the most important must have is MUSIC! Once in a great while you can find me working in silence, but 9 times out of 10 i’m blasting my favorite playlists! I holler along like I’m a vocal master, but i’m sure I sound pretty ridiculous!  

6.  Is there a Blue i Designs piece that you are always wearing?

I usually always wear a tiny Lotus charm that I make from my scrap silver. I’m pretty simple when it comes to accessorizing. But once in a while I do love to wear a chunky labradorite or turquoise ring.

 

7.  You have such a dedicated and loyal customer base.  This is obviously due to your beautiful work and genuine personality.  Do you have any other secrets to growing a returning customer base?

Having a loyal customer base is important, and you definitely want to keep the customers coming back. I would say be unique, be yourself, do what YOU do best & don’t ever try to replicate another artists work. Having a wide variety of styles and price ranges is very important too. I don’t really have a “line” of jewelry, if you know what I mean?! I generally make a lot of random stuff, and I think this plays a huge role in my customers returning. They can get something completely different than the last piece they bought. And, I never push anything on anyone. I generally acknowledge a customer when they enter my space and let them take it all in. I don’t like sales people bombarding me with a sales pitch as I enter a store.

8.  "Your vibe attracts your tribe" is something you embody!  You always bring such positivity and heart to the Field.  I know that you're a dream neighbor to any artist vendor at a market.  How do you approach fellow jeweler relationships in such a collaborative and supportive way rather than a competitive one?

Setting up at an art venue is the social part of my life. I spend most of my week working from my home, so its nice to meet new artisans and like minded people when I am in the field! I don’t feel there’s a need to be competitive with other jewelers (or Artisans), as it creates negative energy which others, especially customers definitely feel. There are always enough customers to go around. I try to treat others as I would like them to treat me!

9.  In the past couple of years, you've become a full time jeweler.  What advice would you give to someone who is working two jobs but really wants to make their passion their full time job?

Don’t give up or get discouraged and quit. There will be times when you think you want to. Do the best you can with what you have. Give it time. Downsize or change the things in your life you can live without. One day you’ll find that you forgot they even existed! There are plenty of hard times, but somehow you’ll figure it all out! Because you’ll want to continue on this path. I happily work more hours for myself than I did at my job, and It’s much much more rewarding! Be creative but also be realistic! I recently returned home from a weeks vacation. I couldn’t wait to get back to work. I sat in my studio thinking...”this is fuc#&%g awesome!!!! I love what I do!” It gives you such a sense of accomplishment and freedom! And also realize, you can always get a job if you need to! Trust me though, you won’t want to!!

10.  Dream collaboration?  Can be a specific person, general person, company, etc.  What would you create together?!

This is the hardest question for me. I guess a fellow local artisan. We would create some kind of wearable art! I actually have always wanted to create a line of jewelry made from little original paintings or drawings set in silver.

See more of Kelly's work on Instagram and Facebook! 

She also sells online through her Etsy shop!

Welcome!

Welcome to Field Notes, the official Field of Artisans blog. 

We'll be using this blog to highlight the artists and entrepreneurs who make up our community, give you insight into the process behind the pieces you find in the Field and to inspire creative pursuits.   

Thank you for your support!