BPR Designs

I will be hosting three interviews with some awesome artists that sell through the amazing handcrafted site Etsy. Etsy is an online market place dedicated to all things handmade, craft supplies and vintage items that are 20 years or older. You can find so many amazing things on Etsy.

Today's featured artist is BPR Designs. She hand crafts unique fused glass pieces. All items are food save and quality made. There are so many colorful, beautiful pieces in her Etsy shop. I asked her a series of questions, so read on to learn more...

-How did you choose the lovely name for your Etsy Shop? My shop name comes from my initials -- "BPR"

-How did you find Etsy? How long have you been selling on Etsy? I found Etsy through a friend about 4 years ago. I have had a shop on Etsy for 2 years.

-How would you describe your style? Have any other artists influenced your style? I think my style is generally contemporary. I love color and use lots of it in my work! Most of my influence comes from my garden and the great riot of colors found there!

- How did you first come to art and creativity? How did your journey in art and creativity begin? I have always been a "crafty" person -- sewing, soap making, cooking, card making. But when I retired from my full time job I had time to pursue something that I had always admired but was more time consuming and required more dedication -- glass! I quickly became an "addict!"

-How long have you been creating? I have been working with glass for about 5 years.

-What are your main sources of inspiration? All the colors out in the garden!

-Have you had any mentors, or are you self taught? I have taken a number of classes in kiln-formed glass over the years from some great teachers here in Portland. Portland is the home to Bullseye and Urobos glass companies, so it is a great place to be a glass artist!

-Do you sell more at one time of year than others? I sell pretty steadily throughout the year but the holidays are always an extra busy time for me.

-How has life affected your art and art affected your life? I think the practical part of me from my long business career is what attracted me to glass. It is art, but it can have a function as well! I love that. But I also think my art has opened up my eyes to a whole new world of color, shape and texture!

-Do you have a favorite item you have made? On any day I will probably name a different item! I pretty much love them all!!

-What is the best reaction you have gotten from one of your pieces?
A friend's reaction when I gave her a special piece made just for her actually cried!

-Your message for all of us? Promotion is critical! No one can buy what they have not seen!

I feel like I know her better already! I hope you enjoyed getting to know her as well. Follow the link below to view her shop or get in touch with her! Come back and meet two more awesome Etsians!

http://www.etsy.com/shop/bprdesigns