Where in the World: Guam

Thanks Michelle!

I have to admit I am amused by the irony of Michelle displaying her handmade D&L coffee sleeve in a McDonalds in Guam.



If you are the proud owner of a D&L product feel free to share it's new home or where it's been. Just e-mail me with your photos and details at DotandLineHome@gmail.com

Artist Profile: Sienna Orlando

I love buttons. I have always loved buttons. I especially love unique buttons. It would make sense then that I would fall in love with Sienna Orlando's work. Read all about her then check out her etsy site by clicking HERE.


1. Where is your business based out of?

Currently by business is based out of my studio apartment. I am an artist-in-residence at the Mendocino Art Center in California. I live and work here making sculpture, sewn objects, and, yes, handmade buttons.


2. Where are you from originally?

I am from the Sacramento Valley in northern California. I'm a good ol' farmer's daughter, and I call Chico my home.


3. How long have you been an artist and/or business owner?

Well, I've been an artist and craftsperson (seriously) for that last four years. When I went back to school to get my BFA, that closed the deal (no turning back)! I have been selling my sculpture for a couple of years, but my Etsy store didn't come about until February 2009. I love it! I've been able to make an income while living temporarily on the coast. I travel so much, I now have the freedom to take my business anywhere.


4. Where do you get your creative inspiration?

Little things like my parakeet, or a particular song will inspire my objects. I love myths and stories, and end up creating little story-objects. My "Datura" buttons emerged as a form that I saw as a flower I grew as a child. Native Americans would use this plant in religious ceremonies. It came about as a formal exploration, but I know that each design has an immense history. Who would of thought all of that in just a little button?


5. What does your creative process entail?

My process comes very intuitively. I just start pressing out buttons and see what happens. Patterns emerge in the clay. The form will come and sometimes I'll think "yuk"! Then I glaze them and the magic of the kiln just takes over. The pieces start talking at some point and suddenly a simple button is a crystalline water drop, coming from where? I do a lot of experiments, and a lot of these little guys are great but can't be recreated. I use a lot of these special buttons in my Variety Packs.


6. Would you say your environment (where you live, work, play) influences your creative process? If so, how?

Absolutely. I live in a sort of Fairyland right now, and that has been a huge inspiration. There are plants and ocean and forests, and little things popping up everywhere. I have strong ties to nature, and often live in the country, or with a garden.

On the other hand I pay attention to what's happening on the web, too. What are the trends? What are the color palettes and icons that are pertinent right now? The aspects of design on the internet, and the whole Etsy community becomes a part of my environment.


7. Who are your creative mentors?

I have an "Art-Mama" who has been a great ceramics teacher, business owner, and mentor for me.


8. Tell us about the one project you would say you are most proud of.

My culminating show for my BFA degree. It was a carefully designed show of 9 pieces that worked not only on their own, but actually created an invisible flow for viewers. Some of my largest pieces were wheel-thrown and weighed as much as me before they dried! Others pieces just seemed to take on a tightness and a command for the material that really was a culmination for me.

Three years before I had been a potter. Upon graduating I was able to take all of my forms and create something more profound and conceptual. I titled the show "Brave Ascent" because when you get out of academia you really have to push yourself to soar; especially in the art field. You can see the show on my website at http://www.siennaorlando.com


9. What do you enjoy doing when you're not creating?

Cooking (especially canning and baking), gardening, hiking, picnics and cavorting, doing little breakfast dances in the kitchen with my boyfriend.


10. Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

Running my own business, possibly a brick and mortar as well as internet sales. I'll have a family, lots of animals and plants, and a pantry full of homemade goods!

Oh Kids Camp!

Last week was one doozy of a week! Hubs is the Children's Director at a local church and last week was our annual church kids camp. This year was my first year going to camp with the kiddos. I went as the arts and craft director! It was super fun. Here are some photo highlights.


Isn't the lake idyllic?



Hand printed bags with things found in nature:



The Hubs taking a pie in the face:

Artist Profile: Kim Berger

It gives me great joy to introduce you to Kim Berger of KbOriginals, etc.! Be sure to check out her shop by clicking here. Enjoy.




1. Where is your business based out of?

My home. I throw pottery in a small studio in my basement during the colder months. When the warmer temps arrive, I drag my wheel outside and throw. I also have a pet free studio on our 2nd floor. That's where I sew, bead and any other project I might be working on.


2. Where are you from originally?

I was born, raised and lived in Waukesha, Wisconsin up until November 2006. My husband Kurt and I bought an older ranch and renovated it on Lake Beulah, which is in East Troy Wisconsin. We live there with our 2 dogs, 2 cats and chickens.


3. How long have you been an artist and/or business owner?

I guess I would say I've been an artist my whole life. Looking back, I was crafting and creating as a small child. I remember selling earrings in high school-remember those??? the black wire and wood beads...oh gosh...I'm dating myself here. I started doing a few craft sales when my boys were young. I decided to officially sell my goods and began KbOriginalsetc in the early 90's.


4. Where do you get your creative inspiration?

From everything! Color, nature ...you name it... I just can't turn it off! There are nights I lay awake thinking about something I saw earlier in the day. I can visualize colors and textures. I also visualize how I'm going to market it! I love reading magazines such as Martha Stewart, Country Living etc. for creative inspiration.


5. What does your creative process entail?

I'm a pretty organized person, so I work best in a neat area.... It keeps my thoughts clear. Then I’m not wasting time looking for tools, paperwork for orders etc. I also have folders full of ideas I’ve seen in magazines etc. I rip them out and occasionally I sit down and go through a file or two. It freshen my thoughts and sometimes reminds of things I had thought about a while back. Years ago I would just jump into projects without thinking things through. Age is a wonderful thing....you can learn from your past mistakes.


6. Would you say your environment (where you live, work, play) influences your creative process? If so, how?

Absolutely! For my day job, I work with the public.. You can learn very interesting things from others...all you have to do is ask. We live in a rural wooded area on a lake...so the nature surrounds us. For the most part-my time is my own. Both our boys Kyle & Kalob, live out on their own. So I don’t have the extra chores etc. that young mom’s do….Been there done that.


7. Who are your creative mentors?

I guess I would have to begin with my mom...showing me how to sew very young. Then my grandma...she would have never considered herself an artist, but I now know she was. She always had some type of craft project going on at her house. That's where I learned about candle making, casting silver jewelry and so much more. In high school I took every art class available. I always had very supportive art teachers, but I think about my pottery teacher the most. About 12 yrs ago, I was taking an art class and was invited by the instructor to assist in her class. Ruth, a very talented special lady has become a good friend over the years. Her spiritual connection with art allowed me to see that art can make your "soul sing"-her words not mine. Most teachers have no idea how much of an impact they can make on a student’s life. Currently my mentor is a potter named Jessie. She has graciously allowed me into her private studio. I volunteer my time, but while I'm there I get to ask lots and lots of questions. She has shared so much knowledge with me over the past year. I truly admire her talent and tenacity.


8. Tell us about the one project you would say you are most proud of.

I have done so many things over the years that I’m quite proud of, but I think I’d have to say that the success of my Etsy shop is at the top. I’m so thrilled to see emails from orders coming in…not because of the money…but because someone is actually interested in something I’ve made! I also enjoy collaborating with customers working with custom orders. In general I really enjoy the communication with people.


9. What do you enjoy doing when you're not creating?

I enjoy cooking/baking, gardening and relaxing on our pontoon with my husband Kurt our dogs Kirby & Jade. Honestly...In my mind, I'm always creating.


10. Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

I would love to own my own business...a little gift shop with all handmade art. I would invite a few fellow artists to sell their work along side mine. I would serve homemade soups & sandwiches….. But if that does not work out, I look forward to each day throwing pottery in my PJ’s.

End of the Disappearing Act!

Oh blog how I have missed thee...

Lots has been going on. After a couple weeks of intense searching, Hubs and I have found a house. The price has been agreed upon and the home inspection is tomorrow. Searching for a house has felt like a second job so now that it's over (hopefully) I will have my time to keep you all posted! Yaaaay!

Stop by tomorrow for this week's artist profile.

Featured on Fox News' IMAG

Hi all! It's a great day for Dot&Line! One of my vintage fabric lampshades has been included in Fox News' IMAG slide show, "Luxury for Less".

Check out the slide show by clicking HERE.
The shade can be see in the second thumbnail, which you can click to read all about it.

Here is the shade that was included:



Thanks iMAG for including me!