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…)