the talented, fabulous liesl!

Liesl Gibson is quite a creative sewing force to be reckoned with. Founder of three beautiful brands ~ Oliver + S, Lisette and Straight Stitch Society, Liesl is always presenting fresh, modern sewing patterns adored by all. With a degree in fashion design from the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York and time spent working for Tommy Hilfiger and Ralph Lauren, she had a wealth of knowledge and fantastic experience under her belt before launching her own companies. She's created quite a niche with her boutique brands and endlessly inspiring creative ideas and we're thrilled to have her teaching a super stylish Smocked Necklace workshop at the inaugural Makerie Sewing. Smocking can be used in so many wonderful ways once students learn the techniques and they will come away from this class armed and ready to add a special smocking flair to any project.

Get to know the lovely Liesl below! 

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What is your favorite food obsession right now? 

Ice cream will always be at the top of my list. I just can’t seem to help my sweet tooth, although it doesn’t really extend to cookies and candy. Just ice cream.

        

What did you want to be when you grew up? 

I always wanted to be an artist, and clothing design was an early obsession for me. A friend and I were designing clothes in a little notebook already in second grade.

What's for breakfast? 

Usually a small bowl of muesli with yogurt, milk, and fruit. But I like variety, too, and New York makes an awfully good bagel.

A wish that came true. 

I still can’t believe that I get to wake up in the morning and do something I love!

What risk are you glad you took? 

I really had no idea what I was getting into when I started Oliver + S, but I’m so glad that I did.

If you could learn a creative skill other than your profession, what would it be? 

Someday I’d like to have more time for weaving and knitting. I’m pretty much obsessed by all fiber arts, really.

A favorite gift you’ve received. 

Anything that demonstrates that the giver has put thought into the gift makes it meaningful to me.

A condiment you love. 

Vinegar! Balsamic, rice wine, it’s all good.

What book do you keep on your coffee table? 

Right now it’s Alexander McQueen, a book on color trends over the decades, and an out-of-print book of illustrations by Antonio Lopez that my husband scored for me in an ebay bidding war several years ago for Christmas. I adore Antonio’s work and am so excited that his work is currently being re-discovered.

What you love most about what you do. 

I love that I can help other people discover a love of sewing! It’s so rewarding to hear that I’ve helped other people learn to sew and gain confidence in their skills through our patterns. Plus, it’s amazing to see the darling clothes they make for their adorable kids!

The most challenging or difficult part about what you do. 

I find it very challenging to put my work aside at the end of the day. I love what I do, and there’s always something more to be done. I could just keep going if the day was longer.

_________ is at the top of my inspiration library. 

New York, baby!

Any tricks for finding life balance? 

Having a child, actually. She requires me to put aside my work and pay attention to her, and that’s been very healthy for me. There’s nothing like a cute kid to distract you from your work and take your mind off things.

Any trade secrets/words of wisdom you’d like to divulge? 

Sure, I keep learning fearlessness from my daughter. She attacks a blank page of paper with wild abandon, and she works with her mistakes without giving them a second thought. I think that’s a great lesson for the grown-ups.

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Thanks Liesl!

meet the wonderful cal patch!

Cal Patch loves making things and teaching people to make. She sews, crochets, spins, embroiders, knits, prints, makes patterns, dyes… hence the name of her label: hodge podge. Cal has taught all of these subjects for the past twelve years and loves showing people new skills. She now teaches online classes for Creativebug in addition to traveling to shops and retreats around North America. After seventeen years of being a New York City dweller, Cal recently relocated to the Catskills where she is becoming a crafty farmer. A true lover and advocate of handmade, Cal is working toward wearing clothing she's made herself or other handmakers she loves. (Wouldn't we love a peek into her closet?) She sells her homegrown dresses through her Etsy shop, as well as her first beautiful book, Design-It-Yourself Clothes: Patternmaking Simplified. We're thrilled to have Cal teaching a wonderful pattern making workshop on Designing your Own Clothes so you can create your own wardrobe too. Meet the sweet, adorable Cal below!

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What is your favorite food obsession right now?
We have a local chocolatier who uses seasonal organic ingredients in the most amazing combos, like figs and fennel, or smoked corn and sage, in her chocolates. They rule my world! She’s called Lagusta’s Luscious should you want to try some!

What did you want to be when you grew up?
I went through lots of phases: zookeeper, dancer, horse trainer, photographer, artist...

What's for breakfast?
Oatmeal, with fruit, nuts, honey and yogurt on top.

A wish that came true.
To teach at the 2011 Sock Summit. It was quite a phenomenal! I was thrilled to even attend something called a Sock Summit..

What risk are you glad you took?
Telling my now-boyfriend on our FIRST date that I wanted to move to the country and have chickens and goats, and that if he wasn’t into that, we shouldn’t have a second date!

If you could learn a creative skill other than your profession, what would it be?
Pottery. I have a hankering to make organically shaped planters with drainage holes, which they never seem to have! I’d also love to become a Master Gardener.

A condiment you love.
The homemade ketchup at our local café, Market Market.

What book do you keep on your coffee table?
All three of Natalie Chanin’s books.

What you love most about what you do.
I make my own schedule. I choose my projects. And my studio is a huge sky lit room with windows on three sides, surrounded by woods and my yard so I see my chickens, as well as deer, hummingbirds and other assorted wildlife as I work.

The most challenging or difficult part about what you do.
Time management. Having a free form schedule isn’t always easy for me.

Any trade secrets/words of wisdom you’d like to divulge?
Do what you love, and find your own definition of “success.”

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Thank you Cal!

the magnificent molly hatch!

That Molly Hatch insignia is becoming a household icon. Each time I stroll through Anthropolgie and pick up a dish or bowl I love, nine times out of ten it's one of Molly's pieces. An artist-designer from Northampton, MA, she began her career as a studio potter and grew to using her love of drawing and painting to design everything from fabric patterns, glassware, furniture, rugs, lamps, in addition to her primary love of working with clay. (You've seen her product line for Anthropologie, yes?) Her work is heavily inspired by historic trends in fabric, font, ceramics, print and furniture, often combining history and the contemporary with a witty use of scale, palette and a sense of humor. She is clearly a multi-talented, world renown lady and it is the most special treat that she'll be joining us in Boulder in just a few months. We are thrilled to be the host for her debut workshop ~ Word Play ~ and can't wait for her lucky students to soak up every bit of incredible insight she'll be sharing. Molly's beautiful creative energy is contagious and it's truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to take her workshop. We have no doubt that her students will come away more inspired than ever! 

Meet the magnificent Molly below. 

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What is your favorite food obsession right now? 

I am actually falling in love with tea for the first time! I have always been a coffee drinker and I recently took a shine to Tea Guys Vanilla Chai—it’s a tiny little company local to me and they hand-blend all of their flavors in 50lb batches. The ingredients they use are gorgeous and the flavors are strong, which I LOVE!

What did you want to be when you grew up?

I always knew I was going to be a maker of some kind—I am pretty much what I wanted to be!

What's for breakfast? 
Usually, peanut butter and my husband’s homemade jam on toast. We have an amazing bakery called Bread Euphoria down the street from us—I am always missing their bread when I travel.

A wish that came true.

I got a baby girl...

What risk are you glad you took?

It might not seem like a risk, but it felt like one to me—working with Anthropologie was one of the largest risks I ever took in my career and I don’t regret it for one minute.

If you could learn a creative skill other than your profession, what would it be?

I would LOVE to learn to sew better. I have always wanted to make my own clothes. I think it would be an incredible thing to be able to make what I want to wear.

A favorite gift you’ve received.

My potter’s wheel was a gift from my parents on graduation from art school. Still using it 15 years later!

A condiment you love.

I am a HUGE ketchup fan. Can't live without it.

What book do you keep on your coffee table?

I don’t have a coffee table!

What you love most about what you do.

I love that I get to work with so many different kinds of materials and processes, that people can afford what I design and that I get to decide what I do and don’t do. I love that I can make things but not have to repeat myself. I am good at coming up with new ideas and my job is the BEST kind of job for someone like me.

The most challenging or difficult part about what you do.

It is hard to come up with creative solutions and new things all the time. I find it challenging to meet demands and not have as much personal time as I would like. I miss knitting.

_______ is at the top of my inspiration library.

fabric patterning from the 18^th century.

Any tricks for finding life balance?

What is that? Actually, my kid keeps me in check. She is pretty amazing.

Any trade secrets/words of wisdom you’d like to divulge?

Make things for yourself. Chances are if you want the thing you are making in your life, then someone else will too!

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Thanks Molly!

meet the playful, fabulous jennifer mercede!

Among the many things I love about Jennifer, her playful, fun and joyful approach to her art is one of my very favorite things. When I look at her paintings, I feel happy, light and present, discovering a new pattern, word or different image each time I gaze at one of her beautiful works of art. No wonder the Land of Nod and Oopsy Daisy adore her too! A professional painter living in Portland, Oregon, she creates art that's about connecting to the moment and having fun, as she loves bright colors, is inspired by graffiti, children’s art, life adventures and a free-flowing spirit. She recently illustrated her first adorable children’s book, Gerry the Giraffe, which is available as an animated e-book and in print. We are so excited to have Jennifer teaching at the Makerie for the very first time with two brand new classes to boot ~ Doodle Draw and Expressive Painting. They are sure to inspire in more ways than you can imagine, as students can expect to let go of the outcome, color outside your lines, doodle inside your lines, be blindfolded, and let your mind wander ~ just to name a few! Spots are going fast so if you're thinking about joining in and taking her wonderful workshops, please don't delay! Get to know the really fabulous Jennifer below: 

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What is your favorite food obsession right now? 

Somehow I skipped over the word ‘food’ in this question. I just read ‘obsession’ and answered accordingly: Right now there is a seven hippy band (they call themselves the Aloha Family Band) staying in my attic. Their music is upbeat, positive, and as love filled as are they. Each day I learn more about relaxing and loving through them. Strange as it may seem, I never want them to leave. That and Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, she is my latest obsession from the London Olympics, super cute, smiley and positive!

What did you want to be when you grew up?

An actress.

What's for breakfast?

I ate a small bowl of rice crispies and then several of my roommate’s Eggo waffles. With the cheap kind of syrup.

A wish that came true.

I discovered Western Washington University in Bellingham. It had everything I dreamed of and to this day is one of my heart’s favorite places.

A favorite gift you’ve received.

My guitar. And a blender my mom just sent me for no other reason than to send me a gift! (love those kind)

A condiment you love.

Relish.

What you love most about what you do.

Being in my studio with my tunes on. Getting into the zone.

The most challenging or difficult part about what you do.

Ugh, quickbooks accounting.

_________ is at the top of my inspiration library.   

Julia Cameron. Louise Hay. Micah Blacklight.

Any tricks for finding life balance?
Breathe. Find someone to listen to you, even if you have to pay them. Ha!

Any trade secrets/words of wisdom you’d like to divulge?

Be open to the divine in life. Surrender to its path.

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Thank you so much Jennifer!

tamar & her stunning soft sculptures

To have Tamar Mogendorff among our outstanding teacher team at the Makerie Sewing retreat is quite an incredible honor, to say the least. It took me several years (for real!) to reach Tamar and was so excited to finally connect with her last summer when I had the wonderful chance to get to know her in person. I spent some time in her Brooklyn studio, surrounded by her magical bird cages, watchful owls, deer with bashful eyes and long eyelashes, each with a unique charm and European flair. It was fascinating to learn about how she approaches her projects and the wonderful ways she brings her creations to life, something Tamar's students will also learn in her Soft Sculpture workshops in April. Her work has been featured around the world and in gorgeous publications such as Sweet Paul Magazine, Selvedge, and The New York Times just to name a few.

We can't wait to have her in Boulder & wanted to give you the chance to learn a little more about Tamar too.

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What is your favorite food obsession right now?
not eating gluten, almonds, dry figs with my coffee in the morning, avocado & kotej cheese

What did you want to be when you grew up?
photographer

What's for breakfast?
dry figs, fruits, almonds, lots of coffee

A wish that came true.
living in NY, being creative everyday

What risk are you glad you took?
coming to NY with nothing; I jumped into deep water many times in my life

If you could learn a creative skill other than your profession, what would it be?
textile design or clay

A favorite gift you’ve received.
my cat tulu ~ got him from a friend the day I arrived to NY; and I received lots of art pieces from friends over the years & have a big collection ~ a good one!

A condiment you love.
black paper, cumin, zaatar

What book do you keep on your coffee table?
the 10 books I am in the middle of reading, a variety of literature, poetry & art

What you love most about what you do.
the places and people it has give me the chance to see/meet; being creative everyday; playing in my own playground

The most challenging or difficult part about what you do.
that it is a lot of work

_________ is at the top of my inspiration library.
Inspiration comes to me from everywhere. I don't have a particular book or movie or anything, as it can come while I'm walking around, dreaming or chatting.

Any tricks for finding life balance?
Growing up I guess. Surrounding myself with people I love, who love me & care for me.

Any trade secrets/words of wisdom you’d like to divulge?
ALWAYS BE YOURSELF, UNLESS YOU CAN BE A UNICORN. THEN ALWAYS BE A UNICORN

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Thank you Tamar!

sweet samantha!

I have adored Samantha Hirst and her work since the day I discovered her fabulous site ~ quite awhile ago. Her simple, modern approachable style, not to mention her warm and inviting way, is something I love and rightfully so, has caught the eye of fabulous boutiques around the country, like the coveted Terrain. We were so lucky she wanted to teach at the Makerie this year, as she's currently taking a 'creative sabbatical' (don't you love the thought of that?) and filling her days with cups of coffee with her husband, sharing magical moments with her children and truly giving herself the gift of time to work on new design ideas. Oh she's a woman after my own heart and I greatly admire how she recognized what she needed and took action by giving herself a breather from the fast pace of life we all seem to be living. It's such a special treat to have Sam teaching the art of block printing ~ Inky Fingers ~ in April so if you're at all interested in learning this technique (which can be applied in a gazillion ways!), this is a fabulous opportunity not to miss. Oh and as an extra special bonus, Samantha is designing our goodie bags this year and we can't wait! Get to know the sweet Sam below and if you do want to take her workshop in April, please don't delay, as her class have been very popular and spots are going fast.

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What is your favorite food obsession right now?

avocados - in mango salsa, with hummus for lunch, on top of my tacos; if it can have avocado on/in it -it does.

What did you want to be when I grew up? 

a teacher

Whatʼs for breakfast?

granola with almond milk and blueberries, or alternately, a banana and chocolate chip cookie (donʼt tell my kids), and always two cups of coffee.

What you love most about what you do? 

The first time I pull a new print is always a surprise. I love that moment.

The most challenging part about what you do. 

Ink stains on my clothes.

Any tricks for finding life balance? 

I choose to focus on whatʼs important each day and try to find as much time as I can to breathe - whether that means a cup of tea in the afternoon, a quick swim after work, or sneaking in a few extra snuggles with my kids in the evening.

Any trade secrets? 

Thereʼs no such thing as the ʻrightʼ way to do something. Great art is created when people aren't afraid to break the rules.

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Thanks Samantha!

say hello to the adorable elke!

We are immensely delighted that one of our incredible past participants (for two years in a row), Elke Bergeron, will be joining Makerie weekend as a teacher this year! Elke comes to us right from our own backyard of Boulder, but has spent 10 years working as a designer in the fashion industry in New York City. All of her designs are handmade, modern and fabulous and very much reflect her beautiful creative spirit. We love that she says, "the best part about what I do is that I get to play all day creating things and there is no one telling me what ‘direction’ I should be going in. Every found object takes on a new life and you never know where it will lead you." This year, Elke will be teaching students how to make Modern Leather Accessories with everyday materials and we can assure you that participants will leave her workshops with some incredible pieces of their own!

Get to know the adorable Elke below.

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What is your favorite food obsession right now?

The whole "chocolate, caramel & salt" combination is incredibly tempting & I generally cave in.

What did you want to be when you grew up?

An artist. I don't think I actually thought what kind as long as I could make art.

What's for breakfast?

Kashi with lots of fruit & a nice spoonful of Noosa yogurt on top with a hot cup of coffee.

A wish that came true.

Being asked to be a teacher at the Makerie! When I went to the first Makerie I thought, "Now THIS would be a great job!"

A favorite gift you received.

An old rusty, beautiful, antique metal bucket that says "Slickery Axel Grease." It is truly unique & it's my favorite color!

A condiment you love.

Does truffle salt count? 

What you love most about what you do.

I like being my own boss. I get to change my mind about product without anyone telling me I'm going in the "wrong" direction. I truly get to make what I love. I also can't imagine not making things by hand. It is so satisfying to see the progress and differences when something is made individually one at a time.

The most challenging or difficult thing about what you do.

When you make something by hand, there are so many details. Even in something that may look so simple. Sometimes I have a hard time when I get to the end of a project and I still have to put on the labels or something. I also have a REALLY hard time with repetition and making the same thing over and over in the same fabric. That is probably why I specialize in "One of a Kind" & rarely make more than two in any given fabric/style.

______ is at the top of my inspiration library.

Vintage stores!

Any tricks for finding life balance?

Flexibility. Each day for me can be a different schedule so I sort it out in the beginning of the week and plan goals that need to be done by the end of the week. I try to work as much as I can when the kids are in school and be available to my family in the afternoons. If I keep that in mind I actually get quite a bit done without feeling that I'm sacrificing any one thing to much. I also find about an hour, early every morning to hike with the dog. That sets the right tone for the rest of the day.

Any trade secrets/words of wisdom you'd like to divulge?

Surround yourself with encouraging, positive friends & partners. Life is too short for pessimism. Anything is possible.

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Thanks Elke!

meet the fantastic french general founder ~ kaari meng

We've long admired the thoughtfully curated French General, their amazing array of gorgeous fabrics and products, and of course its beautiful founder ~ Kaari Meng. Kaari's aesthetic is certainly one we love, inspired by the rural South of France. We feel incredilby honored that she'll be traveling to Boulder in April to teach her uber popular Natural Plant Dyeing workshop at this year's Makerie Sewing. Participants are in for such a treat, learning to create beautiful hand-dyed textiles that can be used in a gazillion ways. 

It was really fun to get to know Kaari through our little interview and loved all of her answers to our questions, especially her trade secret! Read on to get to know the wonderful Kaari.

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What is your favorite food obsession right now?
My favorite food obsession right now is the chopped salad....and what I can put into it...can I put anything into it as long as it is chopped?  It is a constant experiment and I like the challenge.

What did you want to be when you grew up?
I wanted to be a teacher when I grew up - and the funny thing is...I feel like on some level I have become one ~ I teach crafts!

What's for breakfast?
Breakfast is a cup of Earl Grey tea with milk and toast with honey.

A wish that came true.
I also wanted to be a designer when I grew up ~ and that wish came true!

What risk are you glad that you took?
I am glad I took the risk of leaving the jewelry business behind to pursue other creative interests and start French General.

If you could learn a creative skill other than your profession, what would it be?
I would love to weave rugs in New Mexico year round or at least in the Fall every year.

A favorite gift you've received.
One of my favorite gifts I receive on a regular basis are Melograno candles made by Santa Maria Novella from a friend of mine in New York.

A condiment you love.
My favorite condiment is Mrs. Ball's Chutney.

What book do you keep on your coffee table?
I love Twyla Tharp's two books:  The Creative Habit and The Collaborative Habit ~ both inspire me regularly. On my coffee table right now is: Quilts 1700-2010 Hidden Histories, Untold Stories edited by Sue Pritchard... the book that accompanied the first major exhibit to focus on British patchwork and quilt-making at the Victoria and Albert Museum.

What you love most about what you do.
I love being able to wake up everyday and do something creative. It feeds my soul and makes my heart sing ~ all day long!

The most challenging or difficult part about what you do.
The most challenging part about what I do is to stay focused and finish the task at hand before moving onto another exciting project ~ otherwise I take too much on and don't finish anything!

_________ is at the top of my inspiration library.
Color and fabric are at the top of my inspiration library!

Any tricks for finding life balance?
My secret to finding life balance is to pace myself and not say yes to everything. I try hard to find projects that will help me grow and inspire me and let the other opportunities pass me by without regret.

Any trade secrets/words of wisdom you'd like to divulge?
My only trade secret is do what you love with all of your heart and you will be successful!

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Thank you Kaari!

the ever-inspiring janine!

Words cannot express how inspired we are by Janine Vangool and UPPERCASE, the incredible magazine she publishes, edits and designs. (Yes ~ she does it all!) It's quite an honor to have her as a teacher at this year's Makerie retreat, as we've admired her for so long. We had a fabulous Skype session over the summer where she shared an amazing vision she had for a special Makerie project. I couldn't stop smiling as she painted the picture of what she envisioned and now we're bringing it to life ~ I can't believe it. I love many things about her idea, especially how it involves everyone at the retreat, not just the students who will be taking her class. But for those who will be taking her Crafting Content workshops, they will be gifted with the knowledge of curating and creating content during this collaborative weekend-long bookmaking experience. Through photography and writing, they will document the Makerie and its people and assemble the elements into a unique handmade, limited-edition commemorative book. Students will learn how to bind books using a hidden stapling technique that is perfect for art journals, photobooks and other projects you might be dreaming of. And if that wasn't enough, each student will be considered for future collaborations with UPPERCASE magazine and some of the content possibly published on the UPPERCASE blog or in future issues. How amazing is that? If there has been a book sitting in your own heart, this incredibly special opportunity to spend a day with Janine just might be what you're looking for.

Here's a little insight into what she's all about and a fabulous live interview here.

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What did you want to be when you grew up?

When I was a little girl I wanted to be a botanist or geolomgist… I used to love drawing flowers in my sketchbook and reading little science books about rocks and copying the diagrams into my notebooks. Then I realized that I simply loved doing the layout of my sketchbooks and notebooks and realized that I really wanted to make books when I grew up. I also used to make mini magazines (it was called Crafts ‘n’ Things) and force my family to sign them out of my mini library.

A wish that came true.

My childhood with to make magazines and books has come true! As an adult I am so happy to be doing what I love.

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Thanks Janine!

incredible aran!

We are so very excited to welcome back Aran Goyoaga to the Makerie in 2013! We are still mesmerized by the gorgeous images that came out of her classes last year. Aran is the author of the beautiful blog, Canelle et Vanille, where she showcases her inspirational take on recipes (that happen to be gluten free ~ which you'd never guess!) along with stunning, styled images that leave us wishing we could jump in and take a bite. This year Aran will be teaching two courses ~ Fabulous Food & Prop Styling and Food Photography on a Farm. Yes, on an actual farm and a rather special one at that ~ the Lyons Farmette. Whole Foods Boulder is sponsoring both of Aran's workshops and we're working on some pretty exciting things behind the scenes over here. We couldn't be more proud and excited for Aran's official book release yesterday: Small Plates and Sweet Treats: My Family's Journey to Gluten-Free Cooking. We just ordered our copy and can't wait to add it to our cookbook shelf. Get to know the adorable Aran below! 

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What is your favorite food obsession right now? 

I have to say that probably Michel Cluizel chocolate. I have a little bit nearly everyday after lunch.

What did you want to be when you grew up? 

I have no idea honestly. I remember when I was 14 standing up in class answering the same question and I think I said I wanted to be a telecom engineer. It came out of the blue as I had never even thought about it. Of course that never realized nor did the thought cross my mind.

What's for breakfast? 

Usually porridge with fruit and an egg.

A wish that came true. 

To work in food.

A favorite gift you’ve received. 

The clothes my great-aunt knitted for my children when they were born. I still have them neatly wrapped in blue paper and stored for when they have children.

A condiment you love. 

I’m not much of a condiment person. Does sea salt count?

What you love most about what you do. 

The creativity, the freedom when I get to experiment with food and colors ... Also that I get to travel.

The most challenging or difficult part about what you do. 

To feel stuck – when creativity doesn’t flow and I feel saturated. It’s not always easy to keep things fresh maintaining your own perspective and style.

_________ is at the top of my inspiration library.

Donna Hay.

Any tricks for finding life balance? 

I am not sure there is such a thing. When one side thrives in my life, the others usually suffer. It’s about being able to juggle both sides without going insane or neglecting the important things. Not easy for sure. For me, it’s been about dedicating time to work when I had an important project and having my husband step into a supporting role. Then I have periods of time that I am not working and I am with my children at home. I also try to take my children as much as possible when I travel so that helps.

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Thanks Aran!

amazing alex

Alessandra Cave is just full of inspiration ~ every which way you turn. In addition to her genuine loving ways, she brings a wealth of experience from her career in the film industry, her adventurous travels and huge heart into her photography. She beautifully describes how her style reflects what she loves most in life ~ 'people, color, beauty, romance, bohmeian flair and a feeling of wanderlust, all wrapped in a soft light and sunshine glow.' It's not hard to see that she's over the moon in love with capturing images and we are just thrilled to have her back teaching two workshops this year ~ Your Life in Pictures & Shoot Your Craft. I adore our in-person conversations and of the many things I love about Alex, one of my very favorites is how she follows her heart and inspires others to do the same. 


Get to know the sweet, sweet Alex below!

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The first thing you do when you wake up in the morning?
I snuggle with my daughter and husband for a few minutes (or a few too many) in bed. I admit that I usually fuss a bit and have a hard time getting up, but once I'm up and with a hot beverage in hand, things begin to flow fast. In fact, mornings turn out to be my most productive time of the day after all.

A fun tidbit people would never know about you?
I studied and danced classical ballet for some 10+ years. Dance was my very first love.

Some favorite ways to relax?
I really love having some alone time to read, daydream, take walks in nature, journal and just wander on my own. Other than that, I really relax the most when I am back in my home country, Brazil. There is something about the laid back culture of just hanging out on the beach all day, chatting with your friends until your jaw locks from laughing so much, dancing forro (a typical dance), listening to bossa nova all night, swimming in warm waters, hiking in a tropical jungle, and eating lots of fresh juicy fruits, that does it for me every single time. Oh and the sunshine! I definitely need to be in warm sunshine to recharge!

What's for dinner?
For today I was thinking salmon, couscous and roasted veggies.

The best advice you’ve received?
Follow your heart. It's a staple, but still, our own head and general outside influence can truly slow things down.

What are you most excited about lately?
Right now I'm really excited about finding my way back to myself again. I have been jotting down several ideas since my daughter was born, and now I'm getting close to bringing some of those to life, such as my first e-course "shoot your craft" and a few book proposals.

A favorite spot you’ve traveled to?
So hard to pick one place only, but I must say that I have magical memories of Thailand back in the day, and especially of a little bay called Hat Tham Phra Nang. That little tiny place is how I'd always envisioned paradise would be like.

What makes you laugh?
My Brazilian friends and their very unique way of joking around and making fun of their own stories. And my daughter, of course, but I would say that with her is more giggling than laughing :)

Your favorite way to make someone smile?
Offer unexpected kindness.

What, in your mind, is a recipe for disaster?
Lack of sleep! No doubt.

Any tricks for finding life balance?
These days I'm trying to stay detached from the idea of balance and focusing more on trying to meet every moment with a bit more gentleness.

If the world ended tomorrow, what would upset you most about the person you didn’t get to become?
I don't think that I could be really upset, because I love the life I've created for myself this far, and I also have the comfort of knowing that I am always trying to move in the direction of my dreams regardless of the end result. I've always thought more in terms of "the journey is the destination" for my life goals anyway. On the other hand, what would make me really sad is if I did not get to see my daughter grow up to be the amazing woman I know she will be. I long for deep long conversations with her...

See! Isn't she amazing? Thank you Alex. 

marvelous marisa

You can certainly say that everything Marisa makes is adorable. In fact, I have one of her paintings that I gaze at every single day. It says 'Be Yourself' and I just love it. Marisa is the founder of Creative Thursday. If you're wondering what it is, you're not alone as it is a question Marisa hears often. Here's how she describes it: "I realized that I am happy when I am being creative. When I was working my 9 to 5 job in Colorado and hardly getting any creative time in, I decided that at least one day a week, Thursdays, had to be set aside for fun and creativity! And this is how CREATIVE THURSDAY was born." When you visit her site, Marisa hopes 'you feel inspired to be more creative in your own life, and to surround yourself with color as you can't help but feel happy and alive in its presence. Just remember there is no limit to what we can do when we live to be FREE, Happy and TRUE and be CREATIVE every day, especially THURSDAYS.' We are honored to have Marisa and her passion for living a creative life leading two workshops this year. Both will be filled to the brim with inspiration ~ that we know for sure! 


Here's a peek into Marisa! 

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The first thing you do when you wake up in the morning?

A hot shower and then coffee time with Sean. At the moment I’m actually trying out life with out my usual latte, so technically I’m having tea time and Sean is having coffee time. Visiting with a hot beverage in hand, this is always our chance to chat and connect before the rest of the day begins. In regards to the shower it’s like a brand new, fresh, clean start to every morning, and I always like to be ready and dressed for the day even if my plan is to work from my home studio. This way if something spontaneous comes up, I’m ready for that too!

A fun tidbit people would never know about you?

I have been known to eat Pistachio nuts at breakfast time

Some favorite ways to relax?

Yoga, being creative, a walk and watching an episode {or 2 in a row} of Breaking Bad {Yes. This is true. The relief we feel that we don’t lead the lives of criminals combined with the appreciation we have for the life that we are already living leaves us feeling completely relaxed after each episode}

What's for dinner?

Wild Rice Casserole from one of my new favorite cookbooks “Super Natural Every Day” by Heidi Swanson

What are you most excited about lately?

Everything! It's so exciting when you finally start hitting your stride because you made the decision to commit to really, truly stepping into the fullness of your life.

A favorite spot you’ve traveled to?

The picnic area in front of the Eiffel Tower is just a magical as it seems.

What makes you laugh? 

When Conan O’Brien does his puppet strings dance 

Any tricks for finding life balance? 

Get enough sleep. I recently heard Gretchen Rubin, the author of “The Happiness Project” talk about how we are living in a sleep deprived society. She proceeded to tell us the first step to finding more happiness in your life is to get enough sleep. Something about hearing her say those words, gave me permission to start making more sleep a priority and on the days when I do I feel so much better. I can’t help but spread that message everywhere I go, to everyone I know now.

Favorite books from your personal library?

Right this moment, Dottie Angel by Uppercase, and my second favorite cookbook La Tartine Gourmande by Beatrice Peltre. Love, love, love them!

Thank you Marisa!