Friday’s Fun Find: artsyletters!

Oh, I’ve found something really, really fun today over at my writer friend, Robyn Hood Black’s Etsy shop! She’s taken her artsy skills and created artsyletters! Which is…well, let’s ask Robyn, shall we?

 Robyn, I saw a pic of you recently, surrounded by your artsyletters wares. What exactly have you created in this new venture?

 Thanks so much for having me, Cathy!  I’ve been busy drawing, printmaking, conjuring up collages with altered pages from old books and fun vintage finds, and packaging note cards and bookmarks – making “art for your literary side.”

 Last weekend, I did my first art show in a couple of decades here in Gainesville, Ga., and it was a blast.  My hubby and daughter helped.  (Son was on a school trip, or he would have been recruited as well!  But he had to stamp my logo on shopping bags this summer.)

LOVE this idea! So what’s the inspiration for your artsyletters?

 I still love writing, of course – poetry, fiction, nonfiction – and speaking, but I needed something to supplement the income from that, which can be, um, sporadic.  I’ve always had an entrepreneurial bent and actually had an art business in my life B. C. (Before Children).  Now I’m recruiting those aforementioned pretty-much grown children to help with this new endeavor!

 Wait – is that laughter I hear about my supplementing an income by selling art?  O, ye of little faith.  Quit laughing.  I can still hear you.

 Actually, once the idea to make art celebrating the reading and writing life emerged, my muse wouldn’t let me sleep!    It seemed like a perfect way to tie together all my interests.  I’ve rekindled passions from earlier in my life such as calligraphy and illumination, and for once I’m glad I’m a pack rat and kept so many of those resources.  A trip up to a Highlights Founders workshop last year re-ignited a love for printmaking, and I find myself making pictures with all kinds of vintage books and other fun literary props. 

 My new obsession with altered page collages has me picking up any intriguing piece of metal off the side of the road and paying perfectly good money for old typewriter keys and parts, letterpress blocks, and the like.  I keep widening my “territory” to encompass new antique shops, in addition to discovering new vendors on Etsy!  By the way, stooping to pick up little bits of abandoned treasures (old junk) here and there is a great way to make family members walk faster, in the other direction… .

 I’ll be adding more items in each category in my shop and have really appreciated the positive feedback I’ve gotten so far.

Such a great gift for a writer! (Or anyone who loves letters, really.) How do we get our grubby little paws on them?

 Bring any paws and tails and anything else right on over to my Etsy shop AND, just for you and your wonderful blog readers, I’ve set up my very first COUPON CODE!  If you see something you like, type in CATHY2012 when prompted at checkout, and you’ll receive 15 percent off.  This will be good through October 31. :0)

 Also, I’ve set up a new blog just for this adventure, artsyletters.  My plan is not only to feature my own work, but to set up a weekly discussion with interested creative types about art and creativity.  The site is up, but look for that first creativity-themed post next Wed.  And maybe a give-away?? :0)

 I have an artsyletters facebook page, and next time my daughter’s home from college, we’ll get Twitter going, too!

 Oh, and for each purchase, I’ll donate a small percentage to literacy charities.  Being able to read is a priceless gift, and I’m happy to celebrate it with all these fun creations.

 Thanks for helping me spread the word, Cathy!

Thank you for dropping by today, AND providing a coupon code. I’ve got a feeling I’m going to wear CATHY2012 out!  As for the rest of y’all, get some shopping done over at artsyletters! (I told you it was really, really fun!)