I started my own business because I wanted to see if there was a market for my type of work and I absolutely love what I am doing. I think any work of art is a statement of love and passion, and that is truly what keeps me motivated!
Meet Diana DuMoit From Oakfield Naturals...
As a former Science teacher, I am fascinated with the way
soap making blends scientific principles with the creative process. Initially, I wanted to learn another
“old-timey” skill. I’d taught myself
how to can and preserve fruits and vegetables and how to make jams, jellies,
and pickles years ago. Learning
another skill that would bring the benefits of products made more simply, with
less commercial processing, was appealing to me. Soap making also fits into my desire to become more
self-sufficient and less dependent on the products offered by large
corporations. I saw it as a
lifestyle choice.
I really enjoy researching what qualities different oils,
fragrances, and add-ins lend to the final product. It’s interesting and challenging to bring together my
knowledge of the materials with the artistic nature of my craft. For me, the fun is creating recipes
that produce soaps with qualities we all enjoy – sudsy, fragrant, moisturizing
bars that are long lasting and minimally processed. The pleasure comes when, after patiently waiting a month, I
finally get to use a bar of soap made from a recipe that I created. I feel
satisfied when I have successfully blended science and art.
The products I offer are made in my home. I use the same kitchen that I cook in
every day – the same stove, the same kitchen table, the same counter tops are
all used to create unique, original handcrafted soaps. I process in small batches and let my
soaps cure for at least a month before “testing” them on my family, my friends,
and myself.
My soaps are not meant to just sit in a soap dish. They are meant to be used. Whether for you, or someone else,
Oakfield Naturals soaps are a practical luxury.
Meet Debbie Kent Hoekstra From The Iron Letter, LLC.
I am Debbie Kent Hoekstra,
motorcyclist and photographer. The
combination of these two activities led to the creation of my company, The Iron
Letter, LLC. The Iron Letter
markets a unique photo alphabet created from black and white snapshots of
motorcycle chrome. Cross-country
motorcycle trips on my Harley-Davidson provide ample photographic opportunities
to make additions to my collection of chrome “letters”. Over the years, I have enjoyed
designing and creating art in many forms… calligraphy, fabric, wood, watercolor,
acrylic, landscape, jewelry, and photography. Since 2005, I have traveled solo over much of the US in my
car, falling in love with the rugged beauty of the western states, and
photographing the scenery. I am a
single mom of three grown--and flown--children. Reaction to The Iron Letter has been
great and I am pleased to offer art that is associated with motorcycle
culture.
My creative ability must be genetic. The only highly artistic person in my family is my great grandfather. He was a poet, writer, and oil painter. Inspiration for The Iron Letter comes from my motorcycle environment. Hearing the rumble of those V-Twin engines and seeing all that gleaming chrome, one can’t help but be inspired. Focusing on the perfect letter, finding just the right angle and lighting to make that chrome “letter” shine its brightest and look its sharpest. Viewing the finished product makes me proud to offer quality art that is truly different.
I am Debbie Kent Hoekstra,
motorcyclist and photographer. The
combination of these two activities led to the creation of my company, The Iron
Letter, LLC. The Iron Letter
markets a unique photo alphabet created from black and white snapshots of
motorcycle chrome. Cross-country
motorcycle trips on my Harley-Davidson provide ample photographic opportunities
to make additions to my collection of chrome “letters”. Over the years, I have enjoyed
designing and creating art in many forms… calligraphy, fabric, wood, watercolor,
acrylic, landscape, jewelry, and photography. Since 2005, I have traveled solo over much of the US in my
car, falling in love with the rugged beauty of the western states, and
photographing the scenery. I am a
single mom of three grown--and flown--children. Reaction to The Iron Letter has been
great and I am pleased to offer art that is associated with motorcycle
culture.My creative ability must be genetic. The only highly artistic person in my family is my great grandfather. He was a poet, writer, and oil painter. Inspiration for The Iron Letter comes from my motorcycle environment. Hearing the rumble of those V-Twin engines and seeing all that gleaming chrome, one can’t help but be inspired. Focusing on the perfect letter, finding just the right angle and lighting to make that chrome “letter” shine its brightest and look its sharpest. Viewing the finished product makes me proud to offer quality art that is truly different.
After a particularly brutal year employment-wise, in summer of 2012, I decided it was time to stop depending on corporate America for financial support and create my own path doing something close to my heart…something creative, exciting, and different. It was time to act on the idea that had nagged me for two years…use my photography skills to create a photo alphabet with my favorite mode of transportation as a subject! A motorcycle alphabet with gleaming chrome letters! It would be called The Iron Letter. The Iron Letter photo alphabet is a unique way for motorcyclists and others to express their enthusiasm for motorcycle culture.
Meet Julie McAnary From Koko Kreepies...
My name is Julie McAnary I am the owner and crafter of Koko Kreepies. I am an art school girl who never quite fit into the corporate world.Koko Kreepies started on a whim, what was just a hobby turned into a dream come true. I have been making hoop art on and off for about three years now. I got into my work through mother Koko, she is my muse! My creative process is one of trial and error, with emphasis on error.
Interesting as it is
I find my inspiration in the ugly and otherwise
overlooked corners of the world, resale shops and just recently PINTEREST (www.pinterest.com/kokokreepies).
I decided to start my own business on a whim. What was just a hobby turned into a dream come true. The thing I enjoy most about my work is the instant feel of victory and sense of accomplishment when a particular piece is complete.
If there were to be a message behind my work it would be "Don’t be afraid . . . to try new things".
Koko Kreepies will be making its debut at HorrorHound Weekend Horror Convention in Cincinnati, Ohio March 22-24th. Be sure to stop by there too!
Also, Be Kreepie Like Us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/kreepies visit our new website www.kokokreepies.com.
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