Due to the hustle and bustle of the holiday season we are postponing our interviews until after the first of the year. Please forgive us! However, I thought this website was very inspiring and worth sharing…I’ve been obessed with it for quite sometime now! It’s called the Design*Sponge. It’s just a little something to wet your creative whistle.
First of all, I apologize for my tardiness of this post…we were experiencing some technical difficulty this past week and it was then I realized I truly don’t know what I would do without technology. Thank you Lord for bringing me into the world in 1985 and not 1805. Since this post is late, it will push our other interviews back. The next interview will be posted December 14th. But for now, without further adieu, I’d like to introduce Mrs. Jen Bell.
I met Jen, ummm I actually don’t remember exactly when we met, but I do remember loving her the moment I talked to her. Jen is someone who not only is genuinely sweet, but is talented beyond measure. She is incredible at recognizing where detail needs to be seen. Her love shows throughout her paintings. Her work is full of texture and can create a specific mood I find interesting to study. I’m thankful for art, specifically painting, and what it has meant in my life and because Jen has an obvious talent for painting, I knew I wanted to feature her on our website! Thank you Jen for allowing us to read your heart.
1) I know you’re not originally from Fresno. Where are you from?
I was born in Connecticut, but grew up mostly in Oklahoma.
2) I know your husband must be proud of your work. Tell us a little about your family.
I am married to a pastor who is an amazing man and have two daughters, age 4 and 7. Both of my girls are extremely artistic.. much more so than I was as a child.
3) So it‘s obvious that many people love your work, I see it everywhere! How did you get started painting?
I started painting because my hubby needed a painting for his office so I went out in search of the perfect painting only to find that they were mostly reproductions and extremely expensive. I decided to buy a canvas instead and try to create something myself.. (usually not a good idea for me – such as the time I tried to paint our kitchen cabinets and we ended up paying twice as much for someone to come and fix them!) I realized immediately how much I loved it and the outlet it provided. It was encouraging to get positive feedback, and I’ve been painting for people ever since. I have always enjoyed the creative side of things, but it’s so much more gratifying to be able to create something that will bless people.
4) I love movies…many times they inspire me or give me those romantic girly feelings all us women love. What’s your favorite movie of all time?
I have never had one favorite movie.. I love a smattering of movies including the Power of One, Legends of the Fall, Sleepless in Seattle, a River Runs through it.. I tend to like movies that elicit that human desperation and passion we so rarely see
5) How long have you been painting?
2 years or so
6) Are you self-taught or do you have a background in art? What is your education background?
No formal training in art. I got my degree in Social Work because I was at a secular college and wanted to do ministry.
7) What makes you an artist?
Being willing to take the risk and put myself out there as I express myself through art. I was so insecure when Brad came home and saw his paintings for the first time!
8 ) Do you make custom pieces?
So far, that’s all I have done
9) When you start a piece, do you have a vision of what you’d like the outcome to be or does it form together as you go?
I am a very random thinker.. I usually go in with an idea and it turns out completely different from that…it doesn’t frustrate me.. it’s actually pretty funny. I have been known to use ashes from the fireplace, olive oil, and even dryer sheets on my paintings.
10) Besides painting, do you have any other artistic outlets that you practice?
My love for photography is growing, and I write poetry when the need arises
11) I love sweets, and I’m always looking for new ways to fill my stomach with sugar, what’s your favorite sweet treat?
anything involving Carmel
12) If you’re walking down the street and you see a penny…what do you do?
think about the child who will excitedly pick it up at some point in time
13) What are you inspired by?
I love a brilliant sunset, storms, a deep heart conversation with a friend, the sound of the ocean, people who are confident enough and not too self aware to step outside the box, I am inspired by people who are fools for Christ
14) I know you’re a busy mom of two with many extra things packed into your day to day. What’s your typical day look like?
go! go! go! it has taken me a month of so to complete this interview.. so that tells you something (and it’s 4:45 am). I tend to overbook myself and have a deep love for people.. but it’s something I’m aware of and working on .. isn’t everyone talking about balance these days? I don’t want ten years to fly by without my noticing it, so I feel as though I’m always trying to make the moment last.
15) With so much going on, how and when do you find time to paint? How often do you create your art?
I am pretty driven by moods.. so I can’t paint if I”m not in the mood. I have finished 3 paintings in the last week and that is pretty successful for me.
16) Do you sell your paintings?
Yes
17) If someone is interested in purchasing some of your art, how would they contact you?
jen_bell@mac.com
18) Are you passionate about painting?
most definitely
19) What medium do you use? Do you use unique materials when crafting a piece?
I usually use acrylic and a little oil. As I said earlier, I use whatever I find that seems to work.. scrapbook paper, material, caulking, gold leaf, etc.
20) How long does it usually take you to finish a piece?
It depends. Right now I am working down a list of about 10 pieces. If I’m in the mood, I can crank one out in a day (between filling up sippy cups and have tea parties)
21) Are there any specific artists that inspire you?
Not really.. that’s sad to say.
22) How would you classify your painting style?
Random yet meaningful. I usually think of it as abstract or maybe collage, depending on the piece.
23) If I wanted to admire your gift of painting, where would I go to see some of your pieces? Do you have a studio? Do you plan to show your paintings at our local Art Hop?
There are some in the counseling center at the Well Community Church. I also take pictures of them and put them on my little family website. http://web.me.com/jen_bell/Site/Welcome.html. Right now I’m just trying to keep up with my current orders, but someday when my kids are older, I would like to do some exhibits. We’ll see.
**This little one with the feather eyes is Jen’s daughter…it’s really hard not to love this girl.**
If I could tell you something about Mrs. Alana Little, it would be that she’s sitting pretty…literally. Alana is the founder of the jewelry line Make Pie Not War. If you aren’t familiar with Make Pie, you soon will be. She started her company in July 2007 and has been busy every since. She’s recently been featured in the September 2009 issue of the popular ladies magazine, Lucky, as well as winning “Doer of the week” on the Martha Stewart blog. Her jewelry is her art and can be closely compared to affordable couture. A little vintage and a slash of funky in style, Alana thinks about each piece carefully and makes her necklaces and bracelets completely unique. She describes her line as “Jewels for the Radical Lady” and it obviously fits. When you sport a piece from Make Pie you immediately feel hip, beautiful and stylish, and what lady doesn’t love that?!
Alana and I met a few years back because our husbands are close friends. I quickly realized that she was passionate about fashion. She graduated from the Los Angeles branch of the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising and has refused to stop her love for the fashion world just because of her finished degree. I admire her for her drive, her creativity and of course, her juicy jewelry.
Here’s a little more 411 on the lady herself.
1) How did you get into Jewelry making?
I started when I was 10! I wanted to learn as a hobby with one of my friends and when I got older, I used it as a creative release from corporate America! I finally got sick of the corporate rat race and decided to leave (thanks to my husband) and started Make Pie Not War.
2) I’m sure many people are wondering what “Make Pie, Not War” means. What does it mean, or represent to you?
It means to remember the lighter side of life. With so much pain and hurt out there, its easy to get lost in the every day hardship of living. I want people to open up their package or wear their piece and remember that there is plenty of beauty and frivolity in life!
3) How long have you been making Jewelry?
17 years… man, that makes me feel really old.
4) Tell us a little bit about your journey with starting this business.
I graduated from CSU, Fresno with a B.S. in Business Accountancy. I went straight off to the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising and received a degree in Fashion Design. I then worked as a corporate accountant, realized that this was not the road for me, quit while my husband was touring with his clothing line, Ephraim Clothing (www.ephraimclothing.com). I felt so sad being by myself, that out of this sadness I created something beautiful, Make Pie Not War.
5) Do you make custom pieces?
I do! I love working with my customer to create something original and uniquely theirs! I find that my customers will keep this piece forever versus something they just find on my site.
6) How would you describe your style?
Simple and funky with a touch of classic eternal good taste.
7) Is Jewelry your passion?
No. I would say that its one of them… I love fashion and styling people. My only true passion is loving God and my husband.
8 ) How long does it take you to design a custom piece? How far in advance does someone need to order before receiving their product?
It depends on the customer! Some pieces by their very nature are more difficult, but normally I get a vision and I can make it happen! Lead time (or how long from ordering to completion) depends on what I’m designing and if I need to order supplies!
9) Tell us a little about owning your own business. Pros…Cons…whatever you’d like to share.
Pros:
You can sleep in. You’re the boss. I can roll out of bed and work. I get to be home with my husband and my dog. I get all the credit for my successes. Fabulous customers who get you. Getting to support people and organizations. Traveling. Unique view on business and the world. Freedom!
Cons:
Sleepless nights. Financial roller coaster. The work never stops. You have no one to blame but yourself for failure. Difficult customers. Always getting hit up for charity events. Missing events like my friends’ weddings because you always work on weekends.
10) Tell us where we can find you. Where can we order Make Pie Not War?
I have an online store or you can find a list of my stockist!
11) What if someone is on a budget…are you able to design a piece based on budget?
I can normally design on a dime. Obviously the more you have to spend the more options you’ll have. I’m pretty cheap for the level of awesomeness you get.
12) How is Make Pie Not War different than the average jewelry line?
I don’t make my jewels in mass. You’re not going to see everyone in the world wear the same piece as you. You get to work directly with the artist (i.e. me) and its made with love! I stay true to myself and hopefully it translates to my customer! I also come to people’s houses and do parties where you get to have a face to face experience. I also use many vintage pieces, real gemstones, and precious metals without charging an arm and a leg. I call myself affordable luxury.
13) What type of jewelry is your favorite to make, Necklaces, bracelets, rings?
I don’t know if I have a favorite really… I just like jewelry.
14) What inspires you?
I am inspired by the most ridiculous things. I’ll find an old piece and away my mind goes! Or I see a color in a gemstone and I create the piece around the color and the gemstone… It’s really a whimsical process… I love art, music, and cultures. When I find something that blows my hair back, look out!
15) What do you hope to achieve with Make Pie Not War? Where do you want to take this business?
Good question… I’d like to stay small, but after being featured in Lucky Magazine, I’m not so sure my customers will let me! I also am going to Thailand in November where I hope I can create a quasi-jewelry/business school/legacy in an orphanage I’ll be visiting for a couple weeks. I’d love to see the influence on MPNW as far as creating beauty to wear an independent enterprise.
16) If you could live anywhere, where would you live and why?
It changes everyday… My husband and I love to travel, but most of the time, I’m happy right where I am! I love being around my family and there is no other place on earth that can afford me that! Who knows, maybe after I get back from Thailand, I’ll say Thailand… lol.
17) What’s your favorite dessert?
This is like picking a favorite child. I don’t think anything beats an Aebleskiver (Danish pancake ball) or a slice of homemade Boysenberry pie.
18) What can we find you doing with your free time?
Probably shopping, doing something ridiculous with my husband, crafting, or watching CSI… Or all the above at the same time. Yes, it’s possible.
19) Why are accessories so important?
They’re important because it’s the one thing that all cultures in all time periods have in common. Even in places where they wear no clothes, they still adorn their bodies. I find this exceptionally interesting due to our great differences. I had never thought about this until I went to the FIDM. It’s also fascinating to me that a piece of jewelry can alter our emotional state. Like opening your MPNW package and putting on your new necklace… How it can put a zing in your step! I get emails like that all the time and it’s true.
