Monday Spotlight (On Tuesday) On: Karen of Simple Blue

Just a note before we begin. My apologies for not having posted in a month.  First there was the wedding, then the honeymoon and then just adjusting to married life.  I've been very lazy since we returned, but as the weather warms up here in Charlotte, I'm getting revved up more and more to really create some new stuff.  However, this post isn't about me, it's about Karen, so let's get on with it.

Karen has a beautiful shop on Etsy that makes me want to stop using paper napkins.  It's full of simple and gorgeous cloth napkins in a variety of fun and funky patterns, with a few that make me wish I had kids to buy them for.  She also has just a couple nicely structured bags, with clean architectural lines that are very cool and modern.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/30088181/atomic-tote

Tell us about yourself, anything you think is worth knowing.

I have a mom who is a professional quilter.  I have a dad who does incredible one line drawings.  I come from a long line of ancestors who did amazing handwork and are creative and artistic.  I love that their gifts are a part of me and I feel blessed to be able to use the past to pass on a quality future.

What is your medium and how did you get into it?

Right now I'm really into fabric!  I grew up in a creative household and was exposed to all kinds of expressive outlets.  I go through phases.  I've done photography, sewing, pottery, beading, playing musical instruments, polymer clay, knitting, a little crocheting, drawing and even some dancing.  I think fabric and sewing is going to be a long phase though.  When I see a fresh stack of cut fabric, my heart sometimes melts.  Is that love?  

Where do you take your inspiration from?

Every day life inspires me.  I'm kind of a closet-case minimalist so I don't like to have things hanging around that aren't useful.  But there is no reason things can't be useful and beautiful!  That's when my creativity starts to kick in.

When creating, do you have more "Aha!" moments or do you slowly figure things out? What's your process?  

I kick ideas around in my head for a while and then the perfect idea usually hits me with an "Aha!"

What is your favorite piece of art you've created and why?

I don't have a solid favorite because as I continue to create, I like what I make.  Usually my favorites are what I just finished making!  I just finished making a dress, some slippers, a banner and a cake for my daughter's birthday.  I'm pretty proud of them!  My favorite item from my shop?  My Love Red Napkins 

http://www.etsy.com/listing/66931752/cloth-napkins-love-red-10-inch-cotton

What is one piece of art you wish you'd created and why?

This is a tricky question for me.  I don't think there is another piece of art out there that I wish I had created.  Don't get me wrong, there is a lot of incredible art out there and it hopefully expresses what the artist wanted it to say but it's not what I would say.  I am happy with my abilities and what I make.  I am also glad that others can express themselves likewise and that I can share in it with them as an outside viewer.  I find beauty and can identify with lots of art pieces in some ways but I am satisfied with the things I make and that they are mine. I don't want to create someone else's work. I hope that makes sense to someone other than me.   

If you could have one person living/dead own a piece of your art, who would it be and why? 

 I make stuff for my family all the time because they are so important to me.  I hope some of what I make will be passed down to my grandchildren and great-grandchildren because I already care about them.

One piece of advice you've picked up along the way that you'd like to share. 

Love what you do.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/67985420/cloth-napkins-turquoise-and-black-7-inch

One random thing/fact/idea you'd like to share that isn't covered here.  

I am terrible at making hashbrowns.

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Once again, welcome back.  I'll be posting (semi) regularly again.  I just want to note also that I am now out of artists and craftpeople to interview, so if you know someone who makes something awesome and handmade, please message me and let me know!