Featured Artist: Studio By the Forest

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Shop Name: Studio By the Forest

What you like to go by: Anna

When did you start your shop? I originally started my shop back in 2006, then named ALDDesigns, where I mainly sold my lampworked glass beads and some jewelry. I became unable to still create glass beads due to some health issues and switched to working with clay. Recently after a move across the state and several other life-changing events I decided to change the name of my shop to StudioBytheForest.

Is this your only job? This is my only paying job, though I'm a stay-at-home Mom to 4 children, so I keep pretty busy! I use my shop income to help with family expenses and to pay for supplies.

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When did you realize you had this talent? My Mom tells tales of me trying to sculpt with any remotely malleable material, be it mashed potatoes, mud, or play-doh when I was less than a year old. Though most of my "pieces" resembled snowmen and not the animals I was trying to make.

Where do you find your inspiration? I find my greatest inspirations in the animals that visit my yard, the leaves and acorns that fall from my trees, and from taking long hikes through the forest nearby.

Who has been the most supportive of your work? My husband and my parents have been very supportive of me. They have made sure I've had the equipment and supplies I've needed. My husband bought me a new large kiln last year for Valentines Day and he and my Dad wired it for me. My Mom is always

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finding all kinds of interesting things for me to use in my pieces.

What is one thing you would like to accomplish that you haven't yet? I would really love to be able to really consistently contribute to my family's income. I love that Etsy has given me a way to "sell my wares" yet still be available for my kids.

What are your words to live by or favorite quote?
Ooh this is tough, this quote represents the way I think very well:

“Keep your love of nature, for that is the true way to understand art more and more.” ~Vincent Van Gogh

Update!

I have been a busy little bee! Here are a few of the new items I have been listing in the shop. I have also added some photography for sale as 8x10 prints and up. I hope to have a successful holiday season so I am trying to get everything ready before hand and make sure that there are plenty of items in my shop before people start thinking about the holidays!

The other day I hit up 3 thrift stores and founds some really neat vintage stone beads. Some of them you see here.
Then yesterday I went supply shopping once again. I am always on the look out for new beads or ideas. It is also very relaxing just to walk around a craft store for a few hours to clear my head.

I'm really excited about these pictures. I think they are the best listing pictures that I have taken so far for Etsy and I think they came out very well. Retaking pictures of all the items is on my long term to do list but I wonder if I will ever get to that. I will need to find time for it and motivate myself!
On a brighter note though, I did make a short term to do list for myself, because I had all day yesterday off from work to focus on my shop. I was able to complete a great deal!
So now I am accepting buttons from artists! Just another way for my blog to grow. If you are interested in putting a button on this blog just let me know! They should be 150x150 pixels in size (like the ones in the upper left) and they can link to your blog or to your etsy site!

Unfortunately it's back to work for me for the next three days but I will still be bringing you featured artist posts daily!