Feature Friday ~ Sweet Dixie Design

While writing critiques in the Etsy forum (http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=6399670&page=41 ) I have met some incredible artists and I wanted to be able to share them with everyone I could. So I decided to start Feature Fridays where I could highlight a new artist each week that I have met in the critique forum. For the first Feature Friday I am brining you Sweet Dixie Designs (http://www.etsy.com/shop/sweetdixiedesigns ) who stole my heart (literally I hearted her on Etsy) with beautifully hand painted frames. I think one of the best gifts you can give is a great picture and the only way to make it better is to put it in a great frame and that is what Sweet Dixie Designs provides. She has tons of fabulous color combinations and her patterns are oh so chic. I had Jane answer a few questions for us and all of the feature items to your right are from her shop.


Q - What got you started making these frames?
A - I started painting many years ago after graduating from college with a degree in textile design. I painted furniture and home accessories and sold my work at local craft shows and also through artists reps who sold my work to stores in my area. After my third child was born it became too hard to find the time to paint so I took a break for several years. Now that my children are older I have been trying to find my way back to painting, and I started back with my frames. I started painting them this fall I and have been listing them on Etsy since November.

Q - How long does each piece take since you are hand painting?
A - I usually work on several frames at one time and handle it almost like a production line, allowing for the paint to dry between coats. Sometimes I work by style and other times by color. It just depends on my mood and if I have come up with a new combination or pattern that I am excited about. I would say each frame takes a few days from start to finish.

Q - Where do you get the inspiration for your very chic color combinations?
A - I obviously love color. I have a lot of color in my home...no white walls here. I am inspired by what I see in magazines, catalogs and peoples homes. There always seems to be some new "in" colors. My combination's often come to me as I am standing in the craft store paint aisle buying paint.


Q - What is your favorite color combination?
A - I don't think I really have a favorite combination. One day it is hot pink and lime green, another day it is black and cream or turquoise and chocolate brown. I like it all.

Q - What was the last thing you hearted on Etsy?
A - The last thing I hearted is a pendant made from laser cut paper hanging on a gold chain. It is very delicate and beautiful, and so unique. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=37847168