Creative Living Interview: Meet Cynthia

I am thrilled to introduce you to a dear friend for this latest Creative Living interview. I got to know Cynthia and her husband through my hubby, and we've all been fast friends ever since. Cynthia is a gracious and loving woman who has lots of creativity and gifts (she's an incredible hostess - we love staying with her). She's an inspiration to me - I hope you enjoy her interview.

Cynthia is also the owner of a Paper and Pearls original turquoise necklace - it looks stunning on her.

Thanks for sharing some of your creative insights with Paper and Pearls, Cynthia! :-)

Tell us a little about yourself – your name, where you live, your work.
My name is Cynthia Vukmer. I live in Fairfax, VA (suburb of DC) and am currently a homemaker.

What creative crafts or activities do you like to do? Tell us what you like to do and why it appeals to you.
I very much enjoy decorating--esp. working with pieces (furniture/accessories) someone already has to create an enjoyable, comfortable and aesthetically-appealing space. I also love creative writing, including poetry. And I enjoy photography quite a bit as well.

I love creating beautiful spaces because they can offer a sense of calm, rootedness that is so antithetical to the often frazzled, wayward world around us. Additionally, working with the space and pieces someone already has, allows a fun, interesting challenge for me. In writing, I often find sweet redemption when I am able to explore those deep, often untouched places of my soul with expressive words. And finally, I find pure enjoyment in showcasing the mundane as beautiful through the eye of a camera lens.

Do you have a person that inspires you (living or historical)? Tell us about her or him!
In the writing department, my aunt inspires me. She is so talented and devotes so much of her time and energy to perfecting her poetry and encouraging others, including me, to explore their own creative potential in this area as well. She is kind of a "Renaissance Woman" in that she's a loving wife and mother, a wonderful aunt, works full-time for a non-profit, writes books and poetry, and has a deep, tested faith in God. She is also a survivor in that she's overcome many obstacles in her personal life to accomplish so much. I am blessed to have her in my life and try to emulate her!

Do you have a book or movie that makes you feel creative? Tell us about it!
The Lord of the Rings book series inspires me through the way Tolkien masterfully creates an enchanting, magical world parallel to ours. I love how he confronts the ultimate battle between good and evil and the struggles we face in choosing the right path.

What is the most beautiful place you've ever been?
I've been to many wonderful places and they all have their own beauty. However, I love places with both coastline and mountains. The contrast between mighty ocean and grand terrain appeal to me, including California's coast, England's western coast and Hong Kong's coast.

What creative things would you like to learn this year?
I would love to continue to work on the interests I already have in decorating, photography and writing. I already plan to take classes in the first two and practice my writing!

Creative Living Interview #6

For my next Creative Living feature, I introduce my college friend and fellow English major - Melissa. She is poet at heart, and loves reading just as much as I do! She and I have enjoyed writing letters for many years now - keeping that art form alive. She is so gifted with words - and is a super editor to boot.

Melissa was also the winner of the first Paper and Pearls Contest and Giveaway! She's so creative. You can see a picture of her prize above - beautiful peacock pearls.

Thanks for being featured, Melissa!

Tell us a little about yourself.

My name is Melissa. I live in southern Maine and I've worked for the university system for just about 4 years now. I am starting to take classes toward a Masters Degree in Literacy.

What creative crafts or activities do you like to do? Tell us what you like to do and why it appeals to you.
I like to knit, cross stitch, paint with watercolor, make beaded earrings, write poetry, and bake. Seeing a project come to life from the humble beginnings of thread and fabric or yeast and flour is very satisfying to me. I like to see people enjoying my creations, whether for their beauty or their taste, and I only make things I enjoy myself.

Do you have a person that inspires you (living or historical)? Tell us about her or him!
I can only aspire to write poems like Emily Dickinson. She is my muse. I love how poetry can aptly capture beauty and meaning in a few carefully selected lines. Brevity is the soul of wit.

What is the most beautiful place you've ever been?
Prince Edward Island, hands down. The red roads, blue sky, and amber fields combine to make a breathtaking sight.

What creative things would you like to learn this year?
I'd like to learn to sew something without help,and I'd love to know how to knit cables.

Creative Living Interview #5

It is my pleasure to introduce you to my very creative friend Lisa! She is incredibly talented - a musical, crafting, gracious person (and friend I miss!). Enjoy her Creative Living interview! I love the "icon" she made to put above her daughter's crib. And isn't Mary the cutest little girl you ever saw? Thanks for sharing with us, Lisa!

ENJOY!

Tell us a little about yourself – your name, where you live, your work.

My name is Lisa and I currently live in Nashotah, Wisconsin with my husband and two month old daughter, Mary Clare. My husband is a student at Nashotah House Theological Seminary, training to be an Anglican priest. I am blessed to work part-time from home as the administrator of Nashotah House’s Distance Learning Program. Though most recently, our daily (and nightly!) efforts are concentrated on getting know our lovely little girl and taking good care of her…it’s a joy!

·What creative crafts or activities do you like to do? Tell us what you like to do and why it appeals to you.

I have tried my hand at several creative pursuits, but the ones that have “stuck” include guitar playing/song composing, scrap-booking, jewelry making, knitting, and “projects” that I make up on my own that don’t really fall into a particular crafting category. My most recent creation is a painting/collage of sorts that hangs above my daughter’s crib (see photo above). I decided to create a tree partly because I just love trees. But, more significantly, I decided to create this tree because of the stories and truths we can tell Mary Clare from scripture - the tree of life (Gen. 2:9), "He is like a tree, planted by streams of water" (Psalm 1:3), the concept of bearing or not bearing fruit (Mt. 3:10, Mt. 12:33), the vine and the branches (Jn. 15.), "He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness...(Gal. 2:24 and MANY others references like this), etc...I think I have such varied creative pursuits because they each fit different parts of my personality and loves in life – detail oriented, dreamer, love for beauty & creation, etc.

· Do you have a person that inspires you (living or historical)? Tell us about her or him!

Wow – well, lots of people inspire me. But different people inspire me for different reasons.
Growing up, my dad sang and played the guitar to me and my brothers every night while we were falling asleep…a favorite childhood memory. I would say he (and those memories) inspire my desire to continue learning and playing the guitar. Also, other people’s creative interests inspire me – either to try something new, appreciate things I’m not so talented at, and to continue the activities I enjoy the most! Aside from people, I am deeply touched and moved by creation and the beauty of the earth (particularly flowers!). I believe this love for the earth’s beauty greatly affects different things I create whether it’s a song or a piece of jewelry.


· Do you have a book or movie that makes you feel creative? Tell us about it!

L.M. Montgomery and her beloved character Anne (of Green Gables) never fail to make me feel joy-filled and a little whimsical. I love her use of adjectives – some think Anne’s descriptions are a little over the top, but I love the vivid picture they paint of whatever Anne is thinking or feeling ;-)
I am also inspired by the writing of Madeleine L’Engle – particularly her poetry and non-fiction. Two of my favorite books of hers include The Irrational Season and Penguins and Golden Calves, Icons and Idols. She has wonderful perspective, boldness, and insight.

· What is the most beautiful place you've ever been?

Anywhere from Wyoming westward – especially Glacier National Park and the Olympic Peninsula of Washington, I love the combination of mountains, ocean, and rainforest all within a 50 mile radius of each other!

· What creative things would you like to learn this year?

I would like to learn more in depth jewelry making techniques. I also need to dust off my guitar; the late months of pregnancy made playing a little tough with the big belly…I’ve got some chord and picking combinations that need lyrics!

Creative Living Interview #4

For my latest Creative Living interview, I am excited to introduce you to Elizabeth, or Liz. She is a college student at UNC-G studying education. She is also master of origami - check out her amazing creations (and the great pic above!). She also just got back from time abroad in Russia (love that pic above!). Thanks for being featured on my blog, E!! You are amazing!

Enjoy meeting Liz!

-Tell us a little about yourself – your name, where you live, your work.

My name is Liz, I live in Greensboro as a student at UNC Greensboro. I am an Elementary Education Major with a Minor in Russian and a Concentration in Classical Studies-Greek. All this really means is that I am studying to be a teacher and last semester I studied abroad in Kazan, Russia. I am currently looking for a job, but my last job was at Family Christian Bookstores. I had to quit when I studied abroad.

-What creative crafts or activities do you like to do? Tell us what you like to do and why it appeals to you.

I like to work with my hands and generally I either fold origami or knit. Generally I fold large origami balls involving between twelve and sixty sheets of paper called kusudama. I like to hang them around my dorm room or give them as presents. My one complaint with origami is that it only takes a small amount of time to fold something so folding kusudama works very well for me-it takes between six hours and two weeks to fold depending on how detailed I want. I have always liked folding origami ever since I got an origami book from a book order form in Elementary School.

-Do you have a person that inspires you (living or historical)? Tell us about her or him!

I think I am most inspired by nature- I always try to fold flowers or imitate them. It always reminds me about the passage in the bible about the flowers in the field. Even if my creations do not match the flowers in the field I know I’m protected and that I will be ok.

-Do you have a book or movie that makes you feel creative? Tell us about it!

I really love to watch black and white films and fold.

-What is the most beautiful place you’ve ever been?

An estate called Pavlovsk outside of St. Petersburg, Russia in the fall. It was just the most beautiful, peaceful place I’ve ever been. All of the trees were quietly smouldering in yellows and reds and a little stream peacefully wound its way through the countryside. It was historically the home of Catherine the Great era nobles but now is just a beautiful park.

-What creative things would you like to learn this year?

I’d like to learn to fold more complicated folds and develop the art of baking in dorm kitchens.-Do you make anything, have a website, etc. ? List the link here!I have a deviantart page with pictures of some of my stuff as well as some pictures I took this summer in Kansas.lovelysunlight.deviantart.com My picasa page of pictures from Europe: www.picasaweb.com/elizabeth.the.marvin


Check out Liz's pics - she is SO smart, creative, and talented! Thanks again for being featured on my blog, Liz!

Creative Living Interview

Welcome to my third Creative Living interview! I hope this semi-weekly feature gives you a dose of inspiration to live creatively and make everyday beautiful!

I am so excited to introduce you to my muse, Susanna. I met her during college years, and have learned so much about creativity (and life) from our friendship. She is SO gifted - sewing, cooking, creating - I want to be like her when I grow up. She is also a poet and writer - watch out for her books in the future! Whenever we visit each other, we have a tradition of crafting basically the whole time. She taught me how to make a lap quilt - I taught her bookmaking. Enjoy her interview. And check out her etsy site - I love it!!

Tell us a little about yourself .

My name is Susanna and I live in Cape Coral, FL. I'm a stay at home mom to my beautiful and creative children--Samuel (4), Sasha (2), and Sylvia (11 months).

What creative crafts or activities do you like to do? Tell us what you like to do and why it appeals to you.

I enjoy just about every creative art. My greatest love is knitting and crocheting, but I also do a lot with sewing. I think the entire process of creating something is appealing in it's own right. I find great fulfillment in the creative process...almost more than in the actual finished product. Lately I've been trying to develop things for my etsy sight and have had the most success with felted crowns for pretending. I want to expand this into princess sets complete with crown, scepter, and cape. I think knitting and crocheting have become more appealing to me since I've had children because of their portability. I can knit or crochet a row or two in between diaper changes! These crafts can also be set aside in a hurry to attend to the crisis of the moment.


Do you have a person that inspires you (living or historical)?
Tell us about her or him! Most recently I have been inspired by Alicia Paulson. She has her own blog, Posie Gets Cosy and she sells her own crafts online. She just published a book of craft projects as well. I like her style and I admire her creativity and uniqueness.


Do you have a book or movie that makes you feel creative? Tell us about it!
Whenever I watch Little Women I get inspired to create things.


What is the most beautiful place you've ever been?
Probably Chaing Mai, Thailand


What creative things would you like to learn this year?
Tatting and Altered Books.

If you have a creative job or side business, let us know about it. http://www.thimbletimes.etsy.com/ (it's amazing - crowns, capes, knitted baby goods - beautifully crafted!)

Creative Living Interview

I hope you all are finding creative ways to light up this dreary month of January!

For my second Creative Living Blog Feature, I have a very special friend to for you to meet. Katie and I roomed together in the October House in Arlington years ago, and are still walking together as time passes. We (and our other dear housemate) all read the book "Hidden Art" by Edith Schaeffer (get it! It's great!). From that time on, we've encouraged each other to live creatively in the ordinary parts of our day. Katie is wonderful person and gentle compassionate friend! Here's a fun fact - she worked with a wedding cake decorator! I could totally see her getting back into that someday. For now, most of her time is spent mothering two adorable little people and being a wife to her wonderful hubby. Enjoy some inspiration from Katie!

Tell us a little about yourself – your name, where you live, your work.
My name is Katie and I live in Roanoke, Virginia. I live with my husband and two children -- Susannah is two and Evan is three months old. My work involves taking care of my family and supporting my husband in pursuing his calling.

What creative crafts or activities do you like to do? Tell us what you like to do and why it appeals to you.
Given the nature of raising two very small children, I don't have much free time, so most of my creative pursuits are pretty practical. I love gardening - digging in the dirt and growing flowers and vegetables from seed. during the winter months we compost in anticipation of rich and fertile soil come spring. Since we are living on one income it is necessary to make a little bit go a long way, so another great joy of mine is creating something out of nothing in the kitchen. Lately, I have started making huge quantities of stock from leftover bones that would otherwise have been thrown away. The stock simmers for several days and fills the house with a delicious aroma. then comes the fun part -- making soup! Nothing beats homemade turkey soup (leftover from thanksgiving) when those winter colds hit. I also made scotch broth from lamb stock made from our christmas leftovers. Finally, I have found that it takes great creativity (and patience) to engage a two year old in the daily rhythms of family life. believe it or not, two year olds can can help sort laundry, learn where things go and put them away, help add ingredients to whatever is cooking, and even set the family dinner table! susannah is always asking to help and I have found with creative thinking I can ALWAYS find a way for her to contribute.

Do you have a person that inspires you (living or historical)? Tell us about her or him!
Edith Schaffer -- wife of the late Francis Schaffer and mother of four. she has inspired me not only in areas of faith, but in creative living -- the the beauty in every situation and working with what you have.

What is the most beautiful place you've ever been?

I would have to say my parents home up in maine. This is a place that fills my senses - nothing soothes me like the sound of the waves lapping the rocks, the seagulls calling and the distant drone of a lobster boat. I love the smell and taste of salt ocean air and the sensation of it filling my lungs. I have almost thirty years of memories of sunsets too - each one drawing from a unique palette and demonstrating God's infinite creativity.

What creative things would you like to learn this year?
I don't know if this is the year, but I look forward to picking up another painting class one of these days. Each year, I try to grow something new in the garden - don't know what it'll be this year. . .

Katie also uncovered a great ability to pick out jewelry for some Christmas gifts - it was delightful to work with her to make something just right for special family members! And I have a feeling Ms. Susannah will be a bauble girl - love it! :-) Thanks, Katie!!

Introducing CREATIVE LIVING

I am pleased to introduce a new blog feature this week - "Creative Living." In interviews with friends and customers, you can meet some of my favorite creative people. I hope this feature gives you some inspiration and lets you know a little about some of the other creative folks out there. Remember - Make Everyday Beautiful!

My first feature is a dear friend from college days. Michelle, or Mish as I like to call her, is a gifted teacher and incredibly strong and kind woman. I hope you enjoy this glimpse into her creative world. Notice her beautiful mother of pearl necklace - she was one of my first custom orders and picked out the stones herself! Beautiful!

Tell us a little about yourself – your name, where you live, your work.

Michelle. I live with my husband in Ridgecrest, CA, a small desert town in a valley of the Sierra Nevadas. I am blessed to work at a private Christian school teaching a variety of grades and subjects - 4 year old kindergarten, high school Spanish and Sign Language, and coach of the high school track team. One of the reasons I was actually drawn to a teaching career is because of its creative nature.

What creative crafts or activities do you like to do? Tell us what you like to do and why it appeals to you.

The Bible is full of stories of beauty in unexpected places - a Saviour born in a barn, Christ's redemption of those foresaken in society. Whatever form of art I'm working on - photography, music, sketching, scrapbooking, card making, cooking, floral arrangements or stories - I want it to reflect the goodness and hope of God in what can be a very difficult world.

Do you have a person that inspires you (living or historical)? Tell us about her or him!

Overall, nature inspires me the most...so I would have to say first and foremost our Creator:) He's our spot of color in a grey world. And who has not been touched by the paintings of Thomas Kincade? As a painter of light, he allows Christ to shine through.

Do you have a book or movie that makes you feel creative? Tell us about it!
There's a scene in Schindler's List where, amidst the black and white film, a little girl's coat sticks out in bright red. I'm fascinated by those subtle nuances.

What is the most beautiful place you've ever been?
The Teeton Mountain Range in Wyoming. Tall snow-capped mountains, deep blue lakes, fields of wildflowers - absolutely beautiful.

What creative things would you like to learn this year?
I'm working on learning the guitar and Russian, and I hope to start painting landscapes. We'll see how that goes:)