Cards R Us: greeting

I cannot believe that it is October 1, 2009, already! We have 27 days until one of my favorite holidays is here, Halloween. Obsessed with Halloween, I am not…Jamie with She’s Batty Designs has that area of obsession covered.

Jamie describes herself as a “star-gazing, animal-loving, Halloween-obsessed, creative kind-of-gal.” Take a look at her Halloween creations in both of her online shops. I have thrown in other creation photos to show that she has other obsessions also. She’s not totally batty!

Enjoy fellow creators! Let Jamie know your obsessions also.

Happy Halloween!

How did you get your start in the world of art?
I've always had a love affair with arts and crafts. It's hard to pin point the exact time when my works started to take a real form because it's been a lifelong process which is continuously evolving.

Do you have a ritual you perform before you start creating?
Not really. When deciding on a new creation, the supplies I have on hand, and what I'm currently trying to create are all I need to get started. Half of the time I walk into my studio without a pre-determined project in mind. Other times I walk in with a vague concept like “Halloween Tags.” What is created from there depends on the supplies I have on hand. I focus on one holiday at a time, so for a few months the tables in my studio are covered with Halloween supplies or Christmas supplies, etc.

What do you like best, the creative process or the final creation?
That's an interesting question. I've actually never been asked that before. I like both stages, but I don't always like them on the same day. Some days I'm really in the mood to create, problem solve, and piece things together. Other days I'd rather enjoy a piece after I've moved passed all the “thinking stuff” and am sharing it with others.

What are your favorite art media, tools, and supplies?
I dabble in a lot of different crafts. Paper crafting, print making, sculpture, and photography are my passions. I have dabbled in film making, painting, and candle making. I would love to develop my skills in these areas. I’m also really inspired by soap makers! I haven’t tired out that craft at all and would love to really get into it!

I have two favourite supplies currently in my studio. I couldn’t pick just one and you’ll know why after I mention them. They are my Gocco printer and my Big Shot die cutter. They are both huge in my creative process - for their own reasons – and I would hate to be without them.

When a creative block happens, what process do you go through to get the creative juices flowing again?
If I have a creator's block it's usually not due to being out of ideas or supplies, it usually because of fatigue. I only get short bursts of energy due to having Ankylosing Spondylitis, so when I have the energy, I do a lot of creating! When I don't, I spend a lot of time online listing my items, surfing around for inspiration, and talking with other artists on Plurk and the AF forums. Although this cycle is not ideal from a health stand point, it really works well to keep away creator's block! When I'm creating, I'm solely focus on that, and when I'm drained of energy, I'm solely focused getting passive inspiration and doing the less creative tasks of online selling. I used to get depressed about not having the energy to create more, but I've realized over the last few years, that taking a different perspective about my whole situation has really helped me to be super productive when I DO have the chance to create.

What do you hope your art says about you?
I hope it says I enjoyed making it and took the time to make it right.

What is your greatest dream and greatest fear as an artist?
My biggest dream is that I'd be able to pursue my creative endeavors full time, and on my own schedule. My biggest fear is that I will cease to enjoy making my creations by turning their production into “work.”

What are your goals in art, and in life?
I would love to see my Artfire studio flourish. A goal of mine for this year is to get my Artfire studio established and add a variety of products (not just paper products). Over the next two years I hope that my Artfire studio is bringing in enough business to be a steady supplementary income. My overall goal is to ensure that I’m always loving the crafts that I’m doing and never loosing site of the joy they bring me. In life, I hope to bring my loved ones and much joy as they bring me.

Tell us a little bit about yourself—where you grew up, your life now, other creative pursuits, other interests and hobbies.
I live in Ontario, Canada. This is where I've grown up and plan to stay. I am a small business owner, avid crafter, university student, and the editor for the Marketing Department of HandmadeNews.org. My passions include creative expression, animal welfare, and psychology. I am currently finishing a Bachelors Degree in Psychology with a minor in Visual Arts. I have also studied Fine Art and Animal Care at college. As you can see, continuous learning is a force that drives me. You could say I am an information junkie! My favorite creative outlets include photography, crafts (paper, candle making, etc), printmaking and sculpture. I devote a lot of time to my rescue animals - I have 3 dogs (my fuzzy babies) and a turtle. They, along with the love of my life, often steal my attention away from other tasks. If you have been following me online for any amount of time, I am sure you have come to realize that I absolutely love Halloween. It is by far my favorite holiday and extends its reach into my home decor, my small business, and even my wardrobe. My favorite movie is The Nightmare Before Christmas. I also have a soft spot for cheesy '80s movies. Something else a few of you may have picked up on is that I have Ankylosing Spondylitis. I am a self-staring optimist that helps me cope and keep going in the face of chronic pain. Life is too short not to try to enjoy each and every day.

Do you have an online shop or shops, a brick and mortar shop, or a blog?
I have a blog and two online shops. My blog can be found at http://shesbattydesigns.blogspot.com and my two shops can be found at http://shesbattydesigns.artfire.com and http://shesbattydesigns.etsy.com.