Featured Team CAC Seller....

We've started a new feature in the team blog, to coincide with Self Portrait Thursday. Each week we'll feature another team member. We're continuing things with Kelli of KelliRene.etsy.com.

To start, please tell us a bit about yourself. What's your story?
My name is Kelli. I'm married with two adorable cats and I love the Lord.

I've lived in many different places and currently live in Northern Virginia. I love to make stuff and I love to learn new processes in order to make stuff. :-)

What is your favorite quote?
Biblical:
24And let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good deeds, 25not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching." Hebrews 10:24

Hamlet:
"'tis an unweeded garden, That grows to seed; things rank and gross in nature. Possess it merely. That it should come to this! " Shakespeake

What is your favorite movie?
Right now it's Slumdog Millionare. LOVE that movie!

What is your favorite TV show?
House

What is your favorite song at the moment?
Irene by Toby Mac

What kinds of music do you listen to?
I like all kinds of music as long as it is GOOD within that genre.

How long have you been creating?
For as long as I can remember. It started with crayons and legos at a very young age.

What inspires you?
God's word. Nature. Music. Sometimes a misinterpretation when I look at something inspires me to something new.

Please describe your creative process (the how, the when, materials, etc.).

Um. I don't think there is a process. I'm very disorganized and usually go solely by what I am being inspired to make. It's more of what comes through me than what I think to do. I have a hard time focusing on one material alone. I think I suffer from ADD in the creative world!

Is there any kind of music you listen to when you create?
Nothing to busy or too loud. I prefer listening to the voices of female singers for some reason. It lifts me up. I like music I can sing along with and can understand what they are saying. Cesaria Evora is one of my favs. I like Sheryl Crow a great deal too.

What's your biggest artistic disaster to date? How did it help you progress?
Oh, I've made some pretty horrendous paintings! You know, you try to rework them and rework them and then they turn to mud. I've learned that it is dangerous to fall in love with an idea. And, I've learned that canvases are wonderful because you can paint over them!

What's your favorite piece that you've done?
I raised a very pretty vase in my holloware class simply by heating and hammering a flat sheet of copper. It is amazing what metal can do through heat and force. It became a pod shaped vase. Sadly, I lost it in our move. :(

What's the best advice you were given when starting out?
The best advice... hmm.... I've been given so much good advice. I think the best advice I have received is that there is never 'one right' way to do something. There are many routes to get to the same destination. All valid. Kind of like our walk with the Lord.

Do you have any advice to give others?
Always give credit to God in all that you make. Because every good thing, even our designs, come from Him. And, don't let other people's opinions dictate your own designs. Stay true to your vision.

What's coming up for you; any big plans artistically?
Yes. I am going back to school for a psychology degree. My goal is to have a job that helps people and to make art my fun and my release again. I no longer want art to be my 'job'.

Where can we find you? Both online and in stores.
KelliRene.etsy.com (for jewelry)
KelliBelli.etsy.com (for supplies)
VintageKelli.etsy.com (for Vintage items)