CONTEST #1 - Inspire Us!

Appreciation Contest :-)

Here are the rules for the contest...plain and simple :-)

Comment on the Post about the contest with Inspirational Words...your own words only. No quotes from other authors. Your inspiration should be directed at Living, Life, or Love. No profanity, nothing negative.

Contest open to people following on the 'Living In Color with Steph Jordan' FB FanPage or the 'Living In Color with Steph Jordan' Blog. Links on the Side Bar for Following. All entries will be added to a hat and a random winner will be drawn. There may or may not be a second prize. The winning name will be pulled on video so you can see the draw!

The prize package includes a 12 x 12 Scrapbook, several sheets of designer paper (including beautiful alphabet punch outs) , a hole punch, a small dragon fly punch, 3 rubber stamps, 2 packs (4 ea) of assorted blank greeting cards with envelopes. 10 Pages of Stencils. Others goodies may be added.

Contest ends 6/15. Be sure to leave your comments as this announcement may be updated but will not be re-posted.

Life is good! Free stuff makes it fun LOL~

Mark Montano - Doing It Big

 

A while back I did a Big Ass Interview with Mark Montano :-)

Well ever the busy man Mark is still on a roll. If you've seen the Yudu Promos, The Big Ass Books, or the different shows Mark is a part of you know the energy is ever flowing.

Subscribe to Mark's new Blog

Mark's Blog Link

to see some of his wonderful Crafts

And also be sure to get your copy of his book

Big Ass Book of Home Decor

Purchase The Big Ass Book of Home Decor on Amazon

www.MarkMontano.com

Mark on Facebook 

See my Interview with Mark here! MY BIG ASS INTERVIEW

Spacepaintings by Brandon McConnell

Check this beautiful artwork by Brandon McConnell of San Diego, CA. Brandon got his start by watching someone do it in Mexico for a half an hour and off he went!

Brandon says he is motivated by the challenge of creating something beautiful in a short amount of time and he loves the colors, textures and endless tricks and techniques.

"My Favorite part is making money but that's just because we need money to survive, besides that I enjoy making people happy with my art and just expressing my creativity."

Brandon has sold paintings all over the world. In 2008 he was flown to Tokyo, Japan To appear on a variety TV show called "The Popular Law Firm" to perform his "1 Minute painting" and a few other examples of my art. Recently Brandon was hired to do a spray paint art performance in Florida at a company picnic for the Kennedy Space Center. It was a huge success, selling over 50 paintings in 6 hours.



Brandon says "Spray paint art has opened up a whole new world for me and allows me to express my feelings and imagination. I am constantly learning new things and plan to continue to spray paint for as long as I can."

Brandon's art is available on Ebay and on his website www.spacepaintings.com. You can see more of Brandon's art on Youtube.

Episode 5

Hats Off to Kim Poole

I'd like you to meet Kim Poole. My first interaction with Kim was over a year ago when she viewed one of my earlier videos on YouTube and without knowing me became a great source of info on lighting and how to use my webcam LOL. I've followed her every since and have always been inspired and amazed at the many colorful things she does. 

Artful, Charitable, Eclectic, Kim Poole!

 

How are you today Kim?
Fantastic, feeling good, well rested and energized!

What artful thing are you working on right now?

I have lots of irons in the fire. There is a project going on in every available corner of my house! At the moment, I am obsessed with what I call my "Yarn Art". I got the idea to create a hat for my friend who desperately needed one this past winter. I had a few skeins of yarn and a crochet needle but I don't understand crochet patterns, so I was left to my own invention. Surprised at the good outcome of the first hat, I kept making more. I love working with all the different colors of yarn and experimenting with this new kind of palette.  I've made so many hats now, that I've decided to put them up for sale on my Etsy site.  I am also going to give some of the hats to "Hats For The Homeless" this winter.  "Hats For The Homeless" is a charity I have created. It's in the very early stages but I foresee this becoming a huge charity event in the near future.

That’s Great Kim. You’ll have to keep us updated on that.

You have so much energy! What motivates you and what keeps you going?

(Laughs) I don't have as much energy as it may look like in my videos. I have my down times, like everyone else. I just usually don't film them. Making people happy through my artwork and hopefully advancing my career in art, as opposed to maintaining my status as a starving artist is what motivates me. What keeps me going? Coffee and chocolate. (Laughs)

You’re from Cincinnati? Were you born there?

Yes, I was born in Cincinnati. Although as a child, we traveled back and forth a lot. My mother was a free spirit and we were always traveling out west to California, Colorado and Utah. I truly believe all this traveling as a young child has made me more adaptable to new surroundings and situations. People are creatures of habit, for the most part and some find it difficult to move around a lot, yet I love to travel!

 

You have so much going on. Were you busy as a child?

Heck yeah man! I was always busy as a child. I was "that kid" in the neighborhood who organized backyard carnivals, theater, lemonade stands, and nature hikes. I would dig clay from the creek bed and take it home and make pots and bake them in my mother's oven. I got a typewriter for my 12th birthday and I wrote and distributed a neighborhood newspaper. (Laughs) Yep, I was a busy child. I suppose it was the technique I used to make new friends since we were always on the move.

What other Art forms do you indulge in?

I am an active photographer and videographer, my trusty camera is with me wherever I go. I am attracted to creating artistic clothing right now, to be sold at concerts this spring and summer. I love to mix business with pleasure. I also have two acrylic paintings I am working on at the moment, The Tango and the Cincinnati Skyline (the view from my window). I also love Recycling-Art and have been working on bottles as vases for Christmas gifts, & rehabbing old book ends I found at a local thrift store, using Gary Reef's plexi-glass technique. I am also making an artistic lamp, using a technique I learned from Heather Snow.  I used to be fervent in my work with Batik, and am reigniting that flame as well.  My passion also tends toward writing and my daughters and I are working on a children’s book for which we have big dreams.  We fantasize that one day Pixar will make it into a movie!  Wow, exciting dreams, eh?

What do you do for fun?

Do you mean outside of art? Because ART is my fun. (Laughs) I enjoy hanging out with my friends and family, having big dinner parties with lots of good food, wine. I'm lucky to have kids and friends who play musical instruments so it's a lot of fun to listen and sing along after dinner. I also enjoy being in nature, camping or hiking in the woods, on the beach or in the mountains. Nature is my church.  I love playing with my little fur baby, Miss Mollie, who has a genuine humorous personality and is such a joy and comfort to me.

Talk to us about the Traveling Painting.

I could go on forever about The Traveling Painting! It is one of my greatest passions. The Traveling Painting is a project I started in 2007. I sent a painting out on a journey around the world. The goal is every country in the world, every state in the United States. An artist from each country or state adds their magic on the painting and then sends it on to another country and/or artist. As of April 15, 2010 the painting has visited Florida, Michigan, The United Kingdom, Norway, South Australia, New Zealand, The Netherlands, Ireland and Israel. At this very moment the painting is in transit, on its way to Germany. The goal is for the painting to see a new country/artist every two weeks. The project now has it's own channel on YouTube. Kyle (aka AcademyArtVenture) has been a big help in the creation of this channel. At the Genesis of the project, I was continually asked, "What are you going to do with the painting when it's finished?"  I would always answer "It's not the destination, it's the journey." I still believe that, however some exciting developments in the evolution of the project have been occurring. There is a book in the making and plans for future art exhibits and conventions. It's very exciting! A portion of the proceeds from the project's earnings will be given to Gary Reef's "Artists In Need" foundation, benefitting artists all around the world. Of course, these things will take time, but it is nice to know that this wonderful project will not just travel but will actually help artists in need in the future.

How has this experience rewarded you?

I think the greatest gift I have received from the project is purely having the opportunity to connect with and make new friends all around the world. An opportunity that I may not have had, were it not for the project. It's been an amazing journey so far and I have met so many wonderful human beings and fantastic artists, it's difficult to put the rewards into words. The rewards aren't tangible, they're feelings, lovely feelings.  I feel the project is our own personal contribution to World Peace. A simple way of communicating to our world leaders that people from every country in the world can and want to live in harmony.  Yesterday, The Traveling Painting left the hands of Josef Rault, an artist from Israel. Josef sent the painting on to Coboldt, an artist who lives in Germany.  From Israel to Germany, it gives me goose bumps and a warm fuzzy feeling inside. That is the reward of The Traveling Painting Project experience.

What is your favorite Art or Craft?

That is a tough question, I am like a little kid in a candy store when it comes to art! I want to try everything. I want to learn how to do every technique. I want to experience it all. What's my favorite? Every single thing to do with art, everything is my favorite. Doing the same type of art over and over again would be too much like working in a factory and I definitely do not put out factory artwork.

You’re keeping a video diary of your life basically. What prompted you to do this?

I lost my mother, my best friend, when I was just twenty-seven. The simple reason for my keeping a video diary is for my three children. I want them to have a place where they can go, after I've gone to next realm, and still be able to see and hear me on the days when they really miss me and need a "Mommy" fix. I wish YouTube had been around when my mother was still alive, because even at the age of 54, some days I still need my own "Mommy" fix.

What is the most personal thing you would ever post?

I have pretty much been an open book on YouTube. As to what I might or might not post in the future, that remains a mystery, even to me. 

What do you see in the future of Art and Mixed Media?  For example I see a lot more young motivated artists expressing themselves in ways we’ve never seen before thanks to motivation and technology. What do you see?

I think you're right Steph, art is definitely heading in the direction of the new technologies and it is going to be simply amazing. Exciting stuff you'd never dream of seeing is going to come to fruition. Now, I haven't done any research on this subject, nor have I ever seen it, this is totally off the top of my head at this exact moment. You know how they have been fooling around with the hologram stuff, right? In the future, I see we will come home from a hard day at the office and be able to push a button on a console that will turn our living quarters into 3 dimensional artworks of our choice! You could "decorate" each individual room with a different painting by a famous artist or use one of your own original paintings. Talk about mixed media! The paintings are transformed into living, breathing, moving, holograms. You could create your own world to be anyway you want it, to suit your mood for the day. Each hologram painting would come complete with default sounds and scents that the painting would have if it were real or you can program your own.  Imagine you are walking through a Paul Cezanne painting where everything in the painting comes to life, the native women from Tahiti are walking past you, carrying their baskets. They look real. You can program them to speak to you, program them to say whatever you want! You hear the sounds of the waves. You can smell the fresh fruit in their baskets, the scent of sea salt in the air. Imagine a Frida Kahlo painting, the monkeys are chattering and jumping from tree to tree! I'd choose the Salvador Dali painting "Sleep" (1937) for my bedroom. I'd program the giant head to waiver ever so gently upon it's crutches and make creaking, calming, soothing sounds that would lull me to sleep. Your home could be transformed into whatever artworks you choose. You could have special themes for parties, create your own original artwork for your guests and special events. Halloween would be a real hoot! Think about the ways this technology could change art museums, art shows! Well that's my wild imagination, but I do believe art will take a turn in this direction at some point in the future. I hope I live long enough to see it.  Talk about living in color!

LOL That is definitely Living In Color!

What Inspiration would you like to share with readers?

View the world through the eyes of a child and you will never run out of inspiration.

"WorldPeace

Celebrate Diversity

EVOLVE PEOPLE!"

Thank you so much Kim.

It's been my pleasure, thank you Steph.  I am honored to be included along side all of the other wonderful artists that you've showcased.

Where can we find out more about you and your Art?

http://www.youtube.com/user/daligoddess2006

http://www.youtube.com/user/THETRAVELINGPAINTING

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

A Living Doll! Gina Gabriell

I’d like to introduce you to Gina Gabriell, Artist, Entrepreneur, Writer, Doll creator, and so much more. Gina owns a beautiful colorful Artful spot in Dublin, CA. She majored in Sculpture at The California College of Art and wrote a children’s book called Pink Sky. You can find her art in her shop ‘Tangerine’ and recently her dolls were featured in Art Doll Quarterly.

  Hi Gina, How are you today? What have you been up to lately?

I am actually terrific, the weather is absolutely beautiful! The Big Trees in front of Tangerine are full of little white blossoms and the petals are falling everywhere, it looks like snow on a sunny day, I love spring.

So let’s talk about your shop. Your shop is full of Art much of it created by you. What motivated you to open a shop?


My daughter Stevie and I always talked about opening a cute little shop full of odd, cute and yummy things. She had an eye for things that made you want to squeal… We talked and talked about it and after she died in April of 2007 I decided it was up to me to make it happen. A friend of mine had a little bit of space to sublet and after a few nights sleeping on it I signed on the dotted line. I have no retail experience and I didn’t have a business plan I just borrowed my daughters ideas, my husband’s credit card and crossed my fingers. This store has a life of its own, it attracts the people who are meant to be here and it fills me up, my daughter would have loved it.

 

What was the experience like when you could sit back and realize that you had accomplished opening your own shop?

I am not sure it has sunk in yet. People will ask what I do and I usually say “I’m an artist, and a mom, and I when I grow up I might be a rock star” Now I say “Oh I own a little shop in town” and it feels like I am talking about someone else (I still wanna be a Rock Star).

Were you as creative as a young child? What kinds of creative things do you remember doing?

I think some people are just born this way…I ate crayons (just the red ones) drew little pictures on everything including the wall under my bed, I made dolls out of yarn, I drew cartoons of the kids in my class in the margins of my school work, decorated everyone’s PeeChee folder in fifth grade, made my own punk rock t-shirts, and made horrible costumes for my little brother.


You wrote a children’s book, ‘Pink Sky’. What is it about? Will there be more of them?

After my daughter died I felt like the best parts of me did too. Art was something I just didn’t think I could or would ever do again. My brother (also an artist) came over one day to help me clean my studio out, we went down to the bare bones, I threw everything away or donated it. He told me I would make art again and this would be a fresh start when I was ready. Several weeks later I woke up with a book in my head. I locked myself in my studio for five days to write and illustrate it, just for me.

The book is about a little girl who begins as an idea and who begins again as idea realized. The book has been donated to families who need help opening a dialog about what it means to have cancer and not get better. The truth is that too many children will die from this disease and they have to know that death is not an ending and it isn’t failure, it is a process. There is more than one way to survive, sometimes that means without a body.

It’s serious and sad but it’s real. People who need the book find me and the first 500 copies were donated by a local group of artists (ZNE) who had an art auction to raise money for a Memorial, the book became the memorial. The books have been donated to oncology clinics, Hospice, and hospital/organizations that treat children with cancer.

That’s beautiful Gina. What is your favorite ‘Act of Art’?

Pink Sky.

What are some of the different creative things you do?

There isn’t much left I haven’t done. At the moment I am working on a graphic novel that has been following me around for a while. I run the store, make some happies now and then to share with my shoppers, teach classes, and enjoy meeting all kinds of artists.


You also teach. What types of workshops do you hold? Are you having a lot of fun with them?

Oh there are too many to list, you will just have to go to the Tangerine website and see for yourself! I am working on a few video workshops that I hope to have completed by fall.

I love working with other creative souls…it always feels like having family over.

Where do you get inspiration?

Just being who I am and living fully in my experiences. It is never dull, not always pretty, but there is always beauty to be found in between all the everyday stuff. My daughter to this day inspires me every day, not sure how she manages it from where ever she is now but I wake up smelling fruit and flowers and thinking about playing in the studio.

My mother always told me I should never leave the house without clean underwear I tell my kids you should never leave home without a sketchbook. You are more likely to be hit by inspiration than a bus.

LOL I love that!

You recently had your Dolls published. It must be so exciting being published. Where can they be seen?

I was published in Art Doll Quarterly, and yes it was fun. It didn’t seem real until I was in a bookstore and picked up a copy and there I was!


What is the motivation behind these unique handmade creations? They are very detailed, whimsical and dressed!

I think doll making is left over kid energy. I like to create little worlds that I fit in to, working without a plan or an agenda is real freedom. I make these little girls and they remind me of cousins, my daughters and myself, they are sweet but in an honest way.


Any fun thoughts, news you would like to share?

Make Art = Be Happy

Thank you for a wonderfully candid and fun interview Gina. Your Artful spirit is a treasure and an inspiration.

You can find out more about Gina and her shop by visiting Tangerine

ON THE AIR!

Hi everyone! :-) The first online episode is up! :-) Drop a line if you can ok? Much Love!

COLOR ME BLU...SUZI BLU!

Most people in the Mixed Media Art world know who Suzi Blu is, and I’d like to introduce her to you. This lady is full of energy and fun. Her Art Videos and Workshops are sure to grab at the kid in you and bring out the fun artistic side of you. Check out her fun, colorful and unique style.

How are you today Suzi?

I'm good. I just had my hair done so I'm happy. (I'm a Leo. I am nothing without a mane of hair).

Are you working on any special projects at the time of this interview?

After this interview I am scanning in the final sketches for a line of art stamps I am designing.

Then onto filming a few free journal video classes. But thee BIG project is the sequel to Goddess & The Poet. Its called PIETY AND PASSION. But its a secret. I can't talk about it yet. 

So what brought you to this point in life with your Art?

I do the next thing that is in front of me and I don't think about it. That is the only way I can describe how I got to the place where Im living my dreams - making art everyday and getting paid for it. I don't do anything that I don't want to do and that is my best advice. Focus on what you truly love and put all of your energy towards that. Anything that comes your way that has to do with furthering you to your dream goal DO IT. Don't question, "Oh, but can I?" Do it. And if it sucks, do it again until it doesn't. Then go onto the next thing.

What’s a typical day with Suzi like?

My boyfriend should be answering this ha! If you ask me I am not much fun to be around. I have a lot of projects and my day is split up into priorities. Whatever is pressing gets done and everything that is not urgent today doesn't, unless I have extra time and feel up to it. So today that means the stamps have to be finished. Have to. It is also Critique day at my school so whatever else I might have planned, videos, new classes, laundry, none of it will be touched until after I have given full attention to my students work and helped them as much as possible. Then I go on to the next thing on my list. Today that means an art journal video that will take a few days to make so I can fit other things in too, like walking on the beach or going to a bookstore. Because I document my life in my videos I get to do fun things while I'm working because its all part of the whole. But usually, Im hunched over somewhere either editing or getting messy in the art room, eating dinner my sweetheart makes for me, then passing out at 11:00 either watching a movie or playing Paradise Quest on my iPhone.

What types of things motivate you to create?

I could never not create. Something inside of me is unable to do normal things for the majority of the day. Its on a cellular level that's all I can say. DNA. I am incapable of doing anything else because its in my blood, at my very core, I have to express and play and experiment and that is all I want to do. I am quite stubborn and selfish. I take it very seriously that this is 'my life'. I don't waste it. If what I want to do is drip inks onto oil pastels then I will do it. I am in control of my life. At the beginning that meant giving up a lot of things and I was very poor for a long time without any security. I had a lot of problems because of that but in essence I was happy. That is the power or creating. Be it a song or a doodle, its magical and keeps me doing it.

Talk to us about your Art Journal Playshops. These Playshops have not only Art but Inspirational Messages.

This is my philosophy when it comes to dealing with people: whether you are a banker or waitress or financial advisor or art teacher, it is all about giving and receiving love. Getting people to love themselves is what is really going on and the way to do that first is by giving them love. Create a safe place for people and watch them grow. If you are doing something just for the money your customer will feel let down. Put love into it. Make them feel great and watch the results. Encourage people to be the best they can be. That is what is needed before you can even think about teaching or selling them something. Open your heart and then they will open theirs. Then magic can be let it. So when it comes to art I am not going to teach you something if first I don't make sure you are ready to learn. If you tell yourself, "Oh, I can't draw a line. I suck." Then my time is wasted because you aren't going to pay attention to the techniques I show you. My job as a teacher is to make sure you first feel worthy and KNOW you have the right to make your mark, whatever mark that is. Only then will you be able to learn.

Your Art is full of wonderful pictures of soft yet powerful female faces with a distinctive style. Talk to us about that.

Faces interest me. I cannot have an abstract painting without a figure in it. I don't want to paint like that. Art for me is about tapping into the spiritual. Painting is highly spiritual for me and is my church. The figures I create are born from that and are extensions of my feelings about what is god, love, whatever that thing that spirituality is. My paintings are usually not narrative, they tell no story. Rather they are company. Faces staring back at me telling me it is ok, they understand, that there is more to see. They remind me of spirit when I look at them. I think that's what prompts me to create them.

What is the Art Skool Underground about? Can we talk about it?

If you have been to any formal art class then you know how it feels - stiff. Hard chairs, fluorescent lighting, it feels defeatist before you ever put pencil to paper. Even in 101 classes in a Community College teachers promote competition. If you don't come in with natural ability then you are discouraged to continue. I asked my teacher if I could be a 'real' artist and she said I don't think so. She said I worked hard though so you never know. There is a lie that is being spread in the art world, perpetuated by the people in it. I say Art 'Skool', purposely spelled wrong because I want people to know off the bat that mistakes and being a beginner are allowed. Not only allowed they are encouraged. Case in point, I was so excited when I created my first online class, and hurried to make it's content, that I did not proofread pdf's before I posted them. I spent hours making them visually striking and the words meaningful, I did not care about the spelling.
And well, there were a lot of mistakes in there. No one cared. They laughed and cried and it was the content that mattered. They said it felt like a note from a good friend and in notes spelling doesn't count. That is the informal and emotional environment I want in my classes.

How you feels matter more than what you do. And it's easier to do things in a space that isn't scary.

You do a lot of workshops. And fun Videos. I’m curious, what is the youngest student you’ve had? How young were you when you realized ‘This is it?’ I mean as far as the Career was Art?

I have students whose kids love Suzi Blu and want to create. My youngest fan was a boy 2 years old who would mimic what I said in the videos to his cat. As far as for me and this is it, this is not it. I have no idea what IT is. I know I want to create fabulous art journals with personal writing and publish them. That would be it for me, I think. But who knows. I have dreams of a real school. One with walls and a bell and where everyone can wear pink wigs. Like everything else that big I don't know how it will happen. For now I'll just keep doing the next thing in front of me that leads me to my goals. I could never not do art all the time though.
I just can't. It never was an option to do anything else.

What is SuziLand?

A place where my free videos are so when life is getting on you, doesn't understand you and is mean, you can go to SuziLand and feel warm. I love the idea that I have control over a space and fill it only with love.

Your Art is unique, touching. Is there a very personal element to it?

I can't not be authentic its just who I am. You may not like where Im coming from or how I am behaving but Im truthful about it. My gifts and my faults, I lay them out side by side. Although by teaching I have learned to be professional, I do not burden students with my trivial things, it hurts me to not connect with people. Which makes me insecure. I do want you to like me and try not to take it personally if you don't. It never stops me from putting it out there though.

I know you have a lot of fun your Art and your Blogs show that. What kinds of fun do you have with your Art?

With all of my projects its easy for the fun to turn into work, which is why Im going back to free videos in addition to my classes. All work and no play is bad for me. I started all of this as creating a space for myself that was fun, as an outlet for full time school. I want to go back to that feeling. Creating workshops for a year, while is fantastic, I had to concentrate on making quality products. I miss things that don't mean as much. Where I can just let off steam and make fun art without worrying whether its explained. I want to do both.

Look for my line of Stamps, I will be selling them on my website in March. And free tutorials as well. I will also be in the book "Art At The Speed Of Life" by Pam Carriker. It comes out December 10. And all new online classes. 

What a busy Artist! Thank you so much Suzi! We will look forward to your stamps and the Book!  Find out about Suzi and her workshops at http://www.alovelydream.com/site/Welcome.html

D. Gulley, America's Discount Trendsetter

D. Gulley Trendsetter, Fashionista, Celebrity Wardrobe Stylist, Host of The Discount Trendsetter Show. This busy lady is a bundle of motivation, advice, experience and inspiration for all. Her experience fuels her show and she gives creative and inexpensive instruction and tips for living in style without spending a fortune. She covers everything from meal tips to fashion tips and more.

Hi D, thank you for giving this interview. Is the Trendsetter Show your Dream path in life? What lead you down this path of Creativity and wanting to provide people with valuable Discount information?

Yes, The Discount Trendsetter Show is my dream job and career. When I graduated from college with a degree in Accounting, I actually wanted to be an Actress. I eventually moved to California to pursue this goal. Along my path, I felt God's calling to do something that would motivate, inspire, and encourage individuals to succeed in life. Over time, I created The Discount Trendsetter Show to serve as an outlet to bless people through financial literacy and money-management.

Where did you grow up? What was the Fashion Trend like when you grew up?

I grew up in Arkansas. Let's just say the fashion was very southern. Everything had to match. For example, my mother would wear a red suit, pair it with a red purse, red shoes, red gloves, red panty holes, and red makeup. LOL

My son was very serious about his appearance as even a very young boy. And still carries on that way. (Secret, transferring an Alligator from one shirt, does not a LaCoste make. He knew at 5! LOL)

Were you a creative and/or fashionable child?  In what way?

Yes, I was always a discount fashionista. Since my mother was so colorful with her garments, I always kept my fashion style modern. I would wear a lot of natural colors like: browns, blacks, blues. By the time I was twelve, I was making my own clothes. I also would save my money and buy designer items on sale.

What experience do you have in the area of money management?

As a former accountant, I know the importance of money-management. I am a firm believer that it's not how much money you make but how much money you save that makes you a true Fashionista. I shop for bargains for everything I need in life. Rather it's shoes, clothes or groceries.

You have episodes from Saving Money on Make up to Closet Organization.  There’s even an episode on turning a Pillow Case into a Drawstring Skirt! Where do you get your ideas?

I get my ideas for The Discount Trendsetter Show oftentimes from my own life. The information I share on the show is from experiences I gone through or things I know other people have made mistakes on. Just recently, I watched a reality show and a young lady was being interview for a job with her breast hanging out. This inspired me to do some upcoming episodes entitled, ‘What to Wear on a Job Interview and What Not to Wear on a Job Interview’.

As we know, economic times are really wearing folks down. What are some of your best Money saving Food Tips in these times?

The best advice I would give someone on his or her groceries would be to only purchase what you need. I have been guilty of walking into a store and buying items that I saw just because I could. Now, I make a shopping list. If the items are not on my list, I will not purchase them, period. Sometimes, you have to practice control.




What is being a Personal Shopper about?
As a personal shopper, I get to shop for other people. Sometimes, clients will pay to find gifts for them or pick out a new wardrobe. Each job is different.

Let’s talk Money Saving Fun! What do you do to have a fun yet affordable time?

I like to search the internet for Free movies. I don't have cable because I watch all the shows I like online, especially Project Runway. Lifetime Network posts the full length episodes online every Saturday.

What is your favorite experience as a Trendsetter?

My favorite experience as a Trendsetter is helping other people look and feel good about themselves. At first, I assumed everyone knew how to dress. Now, I know this is a weakness for some people. We all have strengths and weakness. Fashion and coordinating looks is just something that comes natural to me. Now, cooking is a whole another story. LOL

What Inspiration would you offer to people trying to stay Sexy and Savvy in hard times on a budget?

I would tell people to be true to themselves. Oftentimes people go into debt trying to look like the celebrities or other people they know. I don't keep up with trends. I buy and make clothes that are timeless. This means I can wear them for years to come and still look HOT.

You can find out more about D and her show by visiting her website at http://www.discounttrendsetter.com/ and you can see her show at http://www.youtube.com/DiscountTrendsetter

Mark Montano -My Big Ass Interview

 Mark Montano, Designer, Crafter, Creative Force, TV Show Host, Creator of some ‘Big Ass Books’! I could go on and on about this King of Crafts! Mark has made and cemented his place in the world of color and doesn’t plan on stopping any time soon. He hosts several shows including TLC’s While You Were Out, 10 Years Younger, Style Network’s My Celebrity Home, We TV’s She’s Moving In and his new show coming to FOX TV My Home 2.0.

He’s also created the definitive books on Crafts for life and home (and in a way, healing!) including The Big Ass Book of Crafts and The Big Ass Book of Home Décor.

Mark, I have to admit I’m astounded when I look through the Big Ass Book of Crafts. You truly amaze me with all of the wonderful crafts you do. What got you started on this path?

It's been a passion my whole life. My family is super talented and we never thought that buying something was better than making something. Making it was always just more fun.

With so many on-going projects how do you manage to stay sane?

Who says I'm sane? I live to create and I create to live. It works for me. I get very depressed if I don't have a project in the works.

 

When you started on this path did you have any idea or desire for it to reach this point?

To be honest, I'm not sure at what point I am right now. I try not to think about it too much. I just keep looking forward, saying thank you for each day that I get to create and try to make beautiful things.

Your books have projects for everyone. Home and fun. What are some of your favorite projects to do?

I love making plates. I have soooo many plates in my kitchen and I don't even cook. I also love making things to wear. I will rip apart any item of clothing and re work it to death.


 Artist, Designer, Author, TV Show Host. What shows are you hosting now and where can the audience see them?

I'm working on a new show now called My Home 2.0 which will air on Fox and on the Fios stations. It's a high tech home makeover show.

 

You’re tapping into so many creative markets, What’s next for you?

Not sure really. I have a few things on the burner. I'm exploring fashion again, which is fun now instead of the pressure I had in the fashion industry. Many years of my life I showed my collections during fashion week and it took a toll on me. I loved it, but it only allowed me to be creative with fabric and not much more. I need to use glue, straws, wood, all of it!

What types of things inspire you to create? 

The most mundane things inspire me. Give me popsicle sticks and glue and I'm fine. Like a kid that would rather play with the box than play with the toy inside!

Are there any more ‘Big Ass’ books planned for the future?

THE BIG ASS BOOK OF HOME DECOR is on shelves April 1st and I'm already writing the next one. But, that's a secret for now!

My motto is ‘Live in Color’ and I see that you definitely live in color. What is ‘wind down’ time like for you?

I love to read. I read like a crazy person. In fact, sitting in the sun with a good book and a cup of coffee is like heaven on earth for me. It's the only way I can wind down and cool off from all of the fumes from my projects!

Is there any inspiration you can offer to creative people and people who believe they aren’t creative?

EVERYONE is creative. It's like jumping off of a cliff. You just have to do it. You will find your path, but you can't get there unless you start. So just START!

 I agree Mark! Thank you so much for giving us this interview. I'm always excited to see what new project you come up with! The best of Color and Success to you on your Journey!


You can find out more about Mark by visiting his Website http://www.markmontano.com/
 or your nearest Book Store.