Did you love Amanda’s DIY projects in our fall issue as much as we did? The chalk jars…brilliant! Today we’re loving her blog and these fab prints available in her Etsy store.

Happy Friday!

This copper-pot-turned-light-fixture is a must someday. Resourceful!

Meet Brittany Bass: a UGA grad and an artist to the core. With diploma in hand and a knack for seeing beauty in all of life, this aspiring artist/painter has much to offer the world. Enjoy these thoughts from Britt herself and be sure to check out her website, blog and Etsy shop to see more of her work.

When did you first start to paint and draw?

Not necessarily painting, but creativity in general has always been my outlet of sorts. I’m not so great at sports or anything of athletic nature and although I can beat anyone I know in a card game I’ve seemed to settle with the arts as my go-to. The art of craft in its many forms has always been very important to me, even at a young age. My mom is a creative and over the years has shared with me her passion in a variety of media. I learned how to sew pillow cases, crochet, make barettes, and tie a perfect bow before I was 8. My mom has passed on her passion for making in other forms as well, cake baking and decorating, faux painting, restoring/recovering furniture, and interior designing. I always thought this was a normal way to spend one’s free time. This sort of upbringing has transformed me into an incessant maker and explorer of new materials and constant potential projects. So back to your question, creativity has always been my creative outlet- and I do love to paint.

What are your top three inspirations?

I know we all have a loyal, head-over-heels, butterflies in the stomach kind of love for the South. Now think about the kind of love you feel for your very own state. Something undeniable, isn’t it?! Artists on Etsy feel the same way…

via Mandipidy

via tinyowlstudios

via MursBlanc

via fifidudie

The love for my beautiful home state and sweet Southern people continues. The tornado that raged through the South may have come and gone quickly but the effects will remain for far too long. Shelter for the South is a group effort to pool together the generosity and resources of able people to come to the aid of those we love. There are more than 700 displaced people and hundreds of people remain unaccounted for. As “south-a-nahs” we are known for the undeniable accent, hospitality, charm and, most importantly today…community. Let’s show the world the true essence of community as we support one another in this time of need.

Thank you for creating and sharing this, Laken!!

• How did your interest in this art form/business begin? My aunt is also an artist who paints with watercolor pencils, and she began a similar business a few years ago. When she showed me how easy it was to transfer artwork to stationery, I started churning out the designs and never looked back! At first I only sold notecards to customers via my etsy shop, but when my friends started getting engaged, they asked me to make their wedding thank you notes, bridal shower invitations and wedding maps for hotel guest bags and invitation suites. When I started offering wedding related products to the etsy community, my business really took off.

• What are your top sources of inspiration? I am constantly in awe of other bloggers and artists that I find on the Web; there are so many talented, wonderful and inspirational people out there! I am also regularly inspired by my clients. Some of my favorite designs have come from the creative minds of my customers– people are always coming to me with fabulous ideas for an invitation or a piece of art. A great design is usually born after brainstorming with a client, so I try to keep my mind open to every idea, no matter how off-the-wall it may seem!

• What are your 3 favorite blogs? My Google reader is stuffed with over 125 art and design blogs, but currently my favorites are Oh So Beautiful Paper, Mrs. Lilien and Centsational Girl.

• Tell us about wedding season! The majority of my paper goods are wedding related, so the months of March – August are super busy for me! Some days I wake up early in the morning and don’t leave my office until late at night, but I would never complain. Working for clients on projects I love is so much better than sitting in a cubicle from 9 – 5, choosing ad layout A, B or C for xyz company in the corporate world. Instead, every day for me is a new, exciting challenge. There is truly nothing more rewarding than seeing your ideas come to life — and getting paid for it, too!

• What is the best way to promote your store and how do you stay educated on those tactics? Social media works wonders when trying to easily and inexpensively promote your small business. Facebook, Twitter and my blog allow me to easily share my recent projects and ideas to friends, family and clients. I have yet to participate in an outdoor arts festival, but that is on my list of things to do this year!

Well, I’ll be! Here’s a sweet little Mother’s Day gift idea….

Check out this Southern Etsy artist and surprise Mom with a custom print of home sweet home!!

Hope you have a relaxing and life-giving weekend. (Happy Easter!)

1, 2, 3, 4

Be sure to check out her blog!

What comes in all colors and sizes and is just the right bold accent for any room in the house? Chevron, of course! The pictures speak for themselves…

Just delightful!

1, 2, 3, 4, 5