Artist of the Month for August!!

Congrats to Sarah of Paper Treehouse Studio as this month's featured artist! Read the interview to learn more about this very talented artist!

Introduction- Tell us a bit about yourself.
My name is Sarah and I am a married mom of two energetic kids, an art teacher and illustrator. I always loved to draw and paint when I was growing up and got a degree in Fine Art and Graphic Design. After having kids I wanted a flexible job and started teaching art part-time in public schools and a private studio. It is the most rewarding job I have ever had. It keeps me motivated and inspired because there is always something new to learn.

How did you get started making handmade items?
When I was pregnant with my second child I created a couple of painting and illustrations to decorate the nursery. I have always loved the simplicity of “kids” art. It is fun and relaxing to be in my own world creating whatever comes to mind. Plus, illustrating was the one thing I missed from my advertising job. I am flattered that people use my digital illustrations to make their own crafts such as scrap booking, educational posters, birthday decorations, wall art for a child’s room, jewelry, etc. After I made my child’s birthday invitations and decorations I expanded my shop to include printable birthday invitations too. I figured it would make it easier for customers who want their own unique party theme without investing to much time in designing their own. The diy printable format eliminates lots of waste. People can print just what they need quickly and still have it customized to fit their needs.

What does a typical day look like for you?

Since it is the summer I have lots of flexibility in my day. I am up before 6:00 am every morning. I begin fulfilling orders, illustrating and updating my Etsy shop during morning nap time. From mid-morning till the afternoon we run errands, housework, go to the gym and have lunch. This is the part of the day that keeps me being glued to the computer and becoming the equivalent of a couch potato. With afternoon nap comes more time for illustrating. I could have named my Etsy shop Nap Time Studio since it is when I do most of the work. The evenings are spend with the together, soccer practice, dinner and all the usual family stuff. It is a very domestic life style but we wouldn’t have it any other way.

If you could tell someone anything about Louisiana, what would you tell them?
We have the most beautiful trees. I know it may sound strange but when I lived in New York for a year it was the thing I missed the most. These huge oak trees make our landscape amazing. The people here are friendly and laid back too. There are lots of musicians and artist in this area. It is a real nice place to raise a family.

What is your favorite item to make?
I don’t think I have a favorite. It is all fun. Sometimes I like to focus on upcoming holiday themes or anything fun that could be used to decorate the walls of a classroom or child’s nursery.

What is your favorite food from Louisiana?
I can’t pick just one… I love it all! Lots of seafood, jambalaya, boudin, barbecue, bread pudding and pies. Louisiana has some of the best food in the world!

Paper Treehouse Studio is giving away a digital illustration set valued at $10 or less.

LET US KNOW BY COMMENTING BELOW THAT YOU DID THE FIRST 2 IN ORDER TO BE ENTERED INTO CONTEST! The others are optional & can have seperate comments! We will use random.org to choose a winner!! Please don't forget your email incase you win, we will be able to contact you! :-)

How it works: (comment below to let us know you did these items)!
1. Visit Paper Treehouse's etsy shop and Like their facebook page.
2. Let Paper Treehouse know what is your favorite item by writing on their facebook wall!

Optional:

3. Join this blog!

4. Like Handmade LA on Facebook- click here!

5. Write a blog entry about this giveaway!

6. Post this giveaway on your facebook wall!

7. Heart- Paper Treehouse on etsy!

We will pick 2 winners at the end of August for a free clip art set(s) valued at $10 or less. Winners must pick their prize from current listings in Etsy shop within 7 days of notice being sent. This offer does not include custom orders and can only be redeemed from their etsy shop, PaperTreehouseStudio on Etsy .

Visit Paper Treehouse Studio

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Email Sarah-

papertreehousestudio@gmail.com