√ Owlpark

√ Owlpark is a new shop on Etsy and I'm so excited to have an interview here with Harold Jones, the artist! When I spotted his item on the front page I instantly went to mark his shop as a favorite, then I sent a request for an interviw because I was so impressed with what I saw. I think you will be too. Enjoy this interview and make sure to visit Harold's shop and website.

Tell us a little about yourself
I am Harold Jones; I live in High Point North Carolina. I was born and lived in Alabama until moving to North Carolina in 2006.

What inspires you to your craft/artistry?
I spent my working life as a patternmaker for the foundry industry. Working mostly with wood in making patterns for everything from automotive parts to fire hydrants and large valves. I came to respect the beauty of wood. I began to experiment with different shapes and forms to show the grain figure of wood that was unsuitable for foundry patterns. Then I began turning natural edge pieces with bark inclusions and worm holes and other defects. I found that nature would create the beauty if I could find ways to bring it out.

How do you promote your items?
I sell pieces that I make in several galleries, at arts and craft shows and on the web at my website and my Etsy shop.

What is one piece of advice you'd give to new artists?
I would advise anyone starting in the arts and crafts to learn everything that you can about the field that you are in. Find a mentor and learn from them the things that they are accomplished in. Attend all study courses, groups and classes pertaining to your interest that you can. Above all have a passion for what you are doing and practice, practice, practice while developing your own style and techniques.

What are some of your favorite things?
My favorite thing to do is to turn wood. When I am not turning I enjoy cycling, hiking and looking for unusual wood to turn. I enjoy nature and the beauty of creation.

What is your favorite quote?
My favorite quote is “don’t do anything today that you can put off until tomorrow if you have wood to turn”

Etsy Buy Handmade owlpark

√ Silent Comeback Contest

√ I'm sure many of you have been wondering where I've been. Well, I've been working on other pursuits but life isn't done twisting me around just yet! However, I've found that no matter what happens, and how far I go, I always come back to yarn. . . so here I am, working on new projects and loving every minute!

As a "silent re-opening" incentive, I'd like to run a small contest. The prize will be <--- a="a" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/64582338/pattern-crochet-woven-lemon-neckwarmer" latest="latest" my="my" of="of" prototype="prototype" this="this">pattern. All you have to do is leave a comment to this post thanking a specific service-person or saying why you are grateful to the troops for their service. That's it!

This contest ends on January 2, 2014 and the winner will be announced on January 3, 2014. Everyone is eligible to enter, so be sure to tell your friends to come by and leave a comment! Winners will be selected by a randomizer.

Good luck!