preciousowl

I've been meaning to get this blog going for ages now.  I really have no excuse for neglecting it.  I've just been super busy travelling, DJ-ing, digging for records, crafting and being my natural over-the-top self, I guess. 

Anyway, my plan for this thing is to have regular updates on all of my favorite craft related things - features on my favorite crafters, craft supplies, craft ideas and more.  This is a craft blog, not a personal blog.  If you'd like to view my personal blog, just let me know and I will send you the link.  If you're looking for a new place to see and read all about cool crafty stuff, you've found just the right place!

So now without further ado, I'd like to introduce you to my wonderful and talented penpal and fellow Etsian, from Rancho Cucamonga, CA, Sugee Andersyn!!  This is the first, among many upcoming interviews, with one of my favorite crafters.

P. Owl: "Describe a day in the life of 'you'."

Sugee: "As of 15 months ago, it’s a baby life all day, every day, a true blessing indeed. My day mostly consists of running after my toddler, feeding, changing, playing, bathing, and most of all loving her unabashedly. She’s the true joy and driving force of my life."

"My creative prime is well after 9 o’clock pm, when the Henry household is fast asleep. It is then that I am clicking up a storm with my punches, busting out mail art and correspondence, carving out rubber stamps, and creating new items for use with scrapbooking, collage and other paper art projects."

P. Owl: "You recently opened up a fantastic new etsy shop with some incredible handmade goods.  Tell me what items you have to offer and about how some of them are made."

Sugee: "Currently I am selling hand carved rubberstamps centering in the realm of pop culture and custom made stamped images in various designs, colors and sizes."

"My stamps are made with the help of my husband who draws them up, and I carefully hand carve each one with a linoleum cutter made of fine quality steel. Each one can take from one hour to 3 days to carve depending on detail. My first stamp was a gnome which was pretty bad and my most prized one is a portrait of Lady Gaga."

"My stamped images are born from my diverse collection of rubberstamps and also from my custom made rubber stamps. Some stamped images are one of a kind. They are stamped out in a variety of ink colors onto heavy cardstock and each are meticulously hand cut one by one. They are then sold ready- made for paper art projects."

"The punch outs are made from my collection of punches which includes cupcakes, owls, bears, circles, tags, stars, clouds and hearts. What makes my punch outs different is the paper used, which is heavy, double sided cardstock on hard to find patterns and designs."

P. Owl: "Where does your inspiration come from?" 

Sugee: "My inspiration derives from family."

"I’d have to say I was first inspired by my late grandmother. I always admired how much she did and how much talent she had. She was a highly skilled seamstress, oil painter, baker, crocheter, knitter, poet, singer, sales woman, and accomplished domestic goddess. My grandfather was a very creative carpenter making such things hutches, vanities, dressers and even a set of scooters for kids to ride on."

"I’m also very much inspired by mom who is a fantastic cook and baker. She also sews, makes handbags, clothes, curtains, button dolls and is a highly skilled interior designer. I’m especially grateful to my mom and grandmother for teaching me their skills and to the universe for allowing me to inherit the rampant creative gene."

"My skills however have morphed into jewelry making, carving, writing, and mixed media paper arts."

P. Owl: "How did you start crafting?"

Sugee: "I first learned how to crochet at 8. After that I learned sewing, drawing, painting, wood shop, doll making, resin casting, jewelry making, book binding, scrapbooking and as of late, carving rubber stamps."

P. Owl: "What are some of your favorite tools of the trade?"

Sugee: "I can’t say I am complete without my custom made stamped images and punch outs, a black pigment stamp pad, a fine black sharpie, E6000, my linoleum cutter and a sharp pair of lightweight scissors."

"Though I’ve learned to do much with very little, I enjoy a chaotic mess of random supplies, including but not limited to jewelry wire, hemp cord, at least 15 stamp pads, all my sharpies and colored pencils, paint markers, all my stamps, fun beads, at least a 2’ stack of various scrapbook paper, glue gun and of course a cup of coffee."

P. Owl: "What is your favorite part of your handmade business?"

Sugee: "My favorite part is that I can share what I make with the world and no one can stop me."

P. Owl: "One year from now what might we expect to see from your shop and where do you want to be?"

Sugee: "I will be adding my handcrafted pop art jewelry which features wire wrapping, one of a kind hand stamped and painted wooden pendants, and unique glass beaded bracelets, earrings and necklaces."

"I also am continually working to expand and develop my Sugee Andersyn brand by carrying more stationary sets, stickers, T-Shirts and eventually a collectible Sugee Andersyn vinyl figure."

P. Owl: "Where can we find you online?"

Sugee: "You can contact me for custom orders or just to say hi at sugeeandersyn@gmail.com ."

http://Sugeeandersyn.etsy.com
http://Sugeeandersyn.blogspot.com
http://www.Flickr.com/sugeeandersyn

P. Owl: "Who are some of your favorite artists?"

Sugee: "Some of my favorite artists that inspire me to push the envelope are of course my husband Dayne “Romidion” Henry Jr., Greg “Craola” Simkins, Debbie Huey (Bumper Boy), Martin Hsu (Dragon Boy), and Toki Doki creator Simone Legno."

P. Owl: "Recommend 10 songs/artist for my readers."

Sugee: "This was the hardest question of all! I was up all night playing DJ to no one. I came up with a few of my favorite songs and performances."

Belle- Al Green
Cecilia- Simon & Garfunkel
Cry Baby (Live)- Janis Joplin
Someone Like You (Acoustic)- Adele
I’m a good woman- Barbara Lynn
Marley Medley: Guava Jelly/This Train- Sublime
When A Man Loves A Woman- Bette Midler (The Rose movie)
The Harder They Come (Studio Version)- Jimmy Cliff
Volver, Volver (Live)- Linda Ronstadt 
Tell Me Something Good- Chaka Khan & Rufus

P. Owl: "What are some of your favorite foods?"

Sugee: "Enchiladas, taquitos, trail mix and salads of all types." (Editor's note: I've seen images of her enchiladas online and they look DEEE-Licious!!)

P. Owl: "Finally, who are some of your favorite (illustrated) characters and why?"

Some of my favorite characters are Adios & Ciao Ciao, Unicorno, Munny, Dunny, Bumper Boy, and the beloved Pon & Zi. I especially love what Pon & Zi stand for which is to simplify one of the most complicated things anyone has ever experienced; love.

Thanks so much to Sugee for taking the time to participate in this interview.  I highly recommend checking out her etsy shop!