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The Five ✶ SPARKS ✶ Interview: Felt, Fiber and Textile Artist ‘ingermaaike’.
This week we go East, to Europe, all the way to Norway, with it’s out most breath taking backdrops to feature Artist and blogger ‘ingermaaike’. Inger’s unmistakable signature in the handmade community has been established by creating unique Felt pieces and Textile wearable in all forms using exquisite fibers. Her amazing talent along with her inquisitive eye for nature and what it holds, never ceases to fill her creativity. It is such a privilege to have the opportunity to enters Inger’s fascinating life! Who knows after savoring this interview, your creativity will unleash and, just like me, have an urge to-adopt-a-sheep!
Inger Lutje Schipholt artist behind 'ingermaikee'
✶WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO BECOME AN ARTIST?
Truth be told, I have never set out to be anything. It is just who I am… I cannot remember when I began to create, I just used many different media over the years. It is something of a coincidence that I’ve landed in the fiber world and I am happy for it.
The Bridal Wrap
Seaweed
Forest
✶ CAN YOU TAKE US THROUGH YOUR CREATIVE PROCESS?
When I set out, I do not have a design in mind as such The wool and silk that I’d dyed some time before are in a jumble in a big drawer. I rummage in my drawer and from there I get inspired by the colors. From the colors, I find the color combination and theme. Often I’ll start out in one direction only to have the material go in an opposite direction. From where I started originally, often a new idea has emerges.
Felt Pod Bag
Felt Crown
The Prince Frog
Phone Cat
✶ HOW DO YOU PROMOTE YOUR WORK?
I promote on Facebook, Twitter and Flick’r. Also, I have joined Etsy’s Teams; the EuropeanStreeTeam, (EST), and the ArtisansGalleryTeam, (AGT), where I spend most time. We make treasuries which are a great way to have your product seen on the front page. In my experience, this hardly ever leads to direct sales but it does mean my store is seen and potentially hearted as a favorite. That in turn more often than not can lead to possible future sales.
Poppies
Summer Wrap
Daisies
Life Terrain
✶THE BEST ADVICE EVER GIVEN TO YOU THAT YOU WOULD PASS ON?
If you are a seller on Etsy, join a Team! Find an active one, join in and participate. Above all, follow your heart and be obstinately persistent and patient.
Listing today... Weather report broadcasted by ingemaaike's team Bob and Fanta!
✶YOU HAVE MONEY AND 5 MINUTES… WHAT WOULD YOU BUY AND WHY?
I would hire a team of carpenters to get to work on my studio…The kitchen table is just not big enough any longer :-D
Tiny Witch hat
You can find ‘ingermaaike’ here:
Store: http://www.ingermaaike.etsy.com Blog: http://www.ingermaaike.nl
(All photographs used for this Interview are with the permission of the Artist and are copyrighted…)
Ooh Bob and Fanta are so cute! Inger’s work is lovely, great interview!
That turned in to a superb feature, you certainly put in a great deal of work and I am very grateful for the opportunity and thank you very much!
Oh I love this interview, she is my favourite and I trust her to make her gorgeous flowers for my bag!
Hello Miss Penny! Inger is divine… I am glad that you enjoy the interview! Julie xox
Inger is a great creative artist and I am happy to know her and her incredible works:)
she is the best felter ever in etsy…and great personalityyy:-)love u Inger:-)
Great interveiuw! She’a a lovely person and is also generous with sharing her experiences.
Kim
Fantastic interview! I love Inger’s work, and having gotten to know her through Etsy’s EST, I can honestly say that as a person she’s as wonderful as her work!
Lovely interview!I love Inger’s work!She’s very talented!
Oh my – I love that felt crown. Too wonderful!