I try to buy most gifts from the artist or maker as much as possible. I try to either buy locally or online directly from the maker when I can. It’s such a wonderful sub-economy, and so much more meaningful that way. Not to mention the incredible variety that is just not available in the mass market commercial world.
Ellen Beeler
Random Facts About You?I work from my lovely backyard studio.
I love the beach, especially Florida beaches.
My house is full of books.
I believe that life is too short not to have fun.
What got you started crafting?
I've been a graphic designer for many years, mostly specializing in book design. It's been wonderful to be paid for design work, but truthfully a lot of it has been pretty boring, tedious, and repetitive with a dash of creativity thrown in here and there. Last year I started creating my own graphic prints, incorporating my love of words and images and using various retro design styles, to sell on Etsy. I love it!
What is your source of inspiration?
Everything I see and read, the humorous side of life, words, and colorful images that catch the eye.
What have you made recently?
My most recent print design came about in several stages. I had been keeping a list of words that make me smile and have a lot of energy or story in them. Words like Bebop, Boogie, Flip, Groove, Jam, Splash. Then I was looking at some vintage midcentury posters that used all capital letters with each letter a different color, and it conveyed such a fun sense of movement and life that I had to use it. I added the geometric dancing figure and voila, it was something I wanted to hang on my wall, so I thought others might too! I wasn't thinking of this when I made it, but I think even some teenagers might like it.
Where do you sell your crafts presently?
Right now I am mainly selling from my Etsy shop, but am investigating other avenues.
Why are handmade crafts important to you?
They are personal, and individual, and expressive, and fun. It's like sharing a piece of my own weird mind with anyone else who's interested.
Find Me
LocationFayetteville, Arkansas
Email Address
Ellen Beeler
Personal Website
http://www.visuaria.etsy.com
Store Website
http://www.visuaria.etsy.com
1011HMBLOG43297
http://www.facebook.com/Visuaria
