Artist Spotlight: Ashley Stoddard.

Have you meet Ashley Stoddard and her jewelry carried at Hapa Collective?

 

1. A little about you: where you're from, where you are now?

 I grew up in Placerville, CA. I now live and work out of my home in Eden, Utah.

 

2. How did you get started making jewelry?

 I am the daughter of the late, world renowned sculptor Bob Bennett. I was exposed to art throughout my childhood. I attended the Academy of Art in San Francisco. I am self taught in jewelry.

 

3. What inspires your pieces?

I am inspired by God, nature, charity, people, colors, textures, and materials. The first pendant I did was for Image Reborn retreats for women with breast cancer in Park City. I was inspired by my friend Eileen, who sits on the board. I thought by making a pendant they could raise some money for the organization and also be something symbolic for all associated. That was four years ago, since then I have worked with 29 charities.

 

4. What are your favorite materials to use?

I like to use all kinds of materials. Silver, pewter, leather, and stones for my Jewelry. Oil, Acrylic, Steel, and Bronze for my fine art.

 

5. I understand you have a studio in Carmel, is that just for jewelry or are there any other crafts/arts you do?

Yes, I am involved in the family gallery there. I show my paintings and they are all originals. I have recently completed a documentary "Art and Soul", as well.

It's Halloween time!

Well, Ghouls and Gals, it's that time of year again! Trick or Treating, costume parties, and decorating. Halloween is the holiday kick off and what better way than to come snag some goodies at Hapa!

 

Great pet costumes and accessories! From bow ties to hats to crochet Superman costumes!

 

Cute little pin back buttons, fun scrabble signs, scary flasks, and origami bat garlands!

 

Funky jewelry! Nightmare Before Christmas scrabble rings, bottle cap earrings with great Halloween characters, out of the ordinary rings, and fun stud earrings!

 

Going to a party and don't have a costume? This Ugly Halloween sweater should do the trick, or some cat ears!

 

We've even got stuff for the little ones! Trick or Treat bags, great beanies, and awesome Halloween bibs.

 

Hurry in, before it's too late...Mwuahahahaha!

Artist Spotlight: Kitten Borgers

First, let's start with the basics...Where you're from and where you are now.

Born in Montana and moved to Long Beach when I was 4. I went to Wilson High School. Then I went to UCSC right at the height of hippie-dom, which could account for my aesthetics, somewhat.

Is Kitten your real name?

No, when I was born my initials spelled MEW (like a small kitten), so I was called Kitten forever after that. Also, I have a sister who was born on Friday the 13th, so her name is Jinx. My dad had a great sense of humor.

What got you into making the crane earrings?

Well when I was in 3rd grade my Sunday school teacher taught us to make the Cranes, I'm sure it was because he wanted us to be quiet during the lesson. I couldn't tell you what the lesson was, but I still remember the Cranes. A few years later, I saw one as a Christmas ornament and it looked like an earring. I thought "why couldn't I make them into earrings?" and so I did. It took a long time to figure out how to seal them, what varnish/seal to use so they stay functional and can handle weather. Want to know what the secret is? Clear nail polish.

How long does it take you to make one pair?

It only takes about 5 minutes to fold the paper, what takes the time is the number of coats of nail polish. I try to use paper with the thickness of the cover of a magazine. But if I find a paper I can't live without, I'll go thinner. That usually takes 5 or 6 coats of nail polish. The drying and reapplying is what takes the most time.

The Cranes are so small, what size is the paper before you start folding?

The average size is 1" x 1". The best thing to use is pages from catalogs that sell sheets, towels, and duvet covers. I can usually find a big enough space with the same color, so I'm able to make a matching pair of earrings.

Are there any other crafts you do?

I paint furniture and pet portraits, as well. My husband says he's afraid to stand still, because I'll paint anything that's still. If I'm not painting, I'm walking dogs.

How did you get into art?

I got into art because I couldn't dance anymore. I was a dance teacher and after a while, my body couldn't do it anymore. I needed to put my creative juices to work somehow.

Beanies are taking over!

Finally, the nights are cooling down enough to layer a little! Chilly weather is well on it's way, better start getting prepared now!

(Top left) Mom and Daughter team: Modern Knits. Their crochet beanies can be worn alone or paired with an upcycled vintage necktie flower pin.

(Top right)  Some more great pieces by Vicki Olson! Perfect for keeping the kiddos nice and toasty.

(Bottom left) A huge selection of simple, slouchy beanies by Tara Jade Design.

(Bottom right) Audrey Miller created some awesome fleece hats...with ears!! Great for teens and funky adults!

We have some great scarves and gloves, too! Stop in and stock up for winter gifts or for yourself!