As you may already know from my post last week, I briefly introduced my Blog Swap Project Partner; Gail Gorske of Gigi Goods, as she posted about her experience with Yeah Hello products. Now it's our turn to officially meet the creator behind gigi goods herself & go behind the scene's to take a closer look!
Gail is a paper artist extraordinaire, based out of Michigan, who creates the most amazing handmade cards, flowers, & crafts with fun cheerfully bright paper selections. I was more than pleased to be matched up with Gail, as her paper flowers looked simply stunning on-line. Upon opening my gigi goods shipment, my heart fluttered the instant I saw my own personal bouquet of flowers. Each petal so delicately linked to one another to form a beautiful bloom, gail's flowers are nothing short of amazing.
Our Interview with Gail:
1. What’s the name of your business, and how did you get your start?
My business is named gigi goods, originating from my initials: GG. I have a passion for paper and I create paper flowers, cards & decorations. I started making my own greeting cards about 13 years ago and made so many that I had to give them away for holiday gifts in order to keep making new ones. Recognition for my cards grew and several people bought cards from me over the years. I actually found Etsy when I was looking for a venue to sell my book; A Day without Toast, featuring paper collage-like illustrations. I was ecstatic to find such a wonderful on-line community; I quickly started to add to my inventory.
2. Share some of your inspirations as they pertain to your art.
My dad owned a gallery in a small touristy area I grew up in, so I was always surrounded by very talented local artists. They were all great inspiration for me, but my art is mostly influenced by the Arts and Craft Movement. I'm really lucky to live in the Detroit area, near Pewabic and Motawi pottery. I have an EXTREME affection for texts - lettering and number scripts. You'll find that I use those aspects often in my art. There is something very comforting in the handwriting and type/letterpress process - a common thread through so many generations of our societies.
3. Describe your creative process.
I'm really drawn to certain styles & shapes and they become ideas for my art, no matter how mundane or seemingly simple. I love the visual facet of eating Pommes Frites out of a newspaper cone, so I made a card celebrating it. I was thrilled when someone bought it because I realized other people must share that same affection. I usually have ideas pop into my head as I drift off to sleep, so I end up dreaming about my art. The next day, I have a lot of fun going through my paper and scraps to find the right combinations for the design. When I'm actually ready to start creating; I inevitably find my Miniature Schnauzer pressed up against my side (which makes it hard to move, but completely worth it).
4. What are some of your favorite websites, magazines, & blogs?
I have many, so I'm just going to list the first few that come to mind: Etsy Paper Street Team, Little Brunette Lady Blog, My Structured Chaos Blog, Fresh Picked Shopping, Martha Stewart Living & Bon Appetit. I also spend quite a lot of time in bookstores and art stores. One of my favorites around here is Hollander's.
5. What's New? Any products or projects you'd like to share?
I'm going to be working on some new flower designs for the winter holiday, as well as some paper cut-out wall decorations. I'd like to add to my hanging decorations which utilize up-cycled CD jewel cases. I always have more ideas for greeting cards - I just need the time to create them. I will definitely work on getting some paper bowls on-line. Oh.. ornaments, place cards, gift tags.. the list goes on :)
My Special Thanks to Gail for participating as my partner & letting us take a peek behind the scene's. A portion of Gail's proceeds are donated towards animal welfare groups. For more information about Gail, you can follow her on her blog or visit her etsy shop. Any purchase of $12 or more will receive a $2.00 refund by writing "Shop Swap & Blog" in the notes to seller section of etsy checkout.
