{featured artist :: Paper Sparrow}

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Here at Gussy Sews we love to look at all things beautiful. Beautiful items that reflect childhood, love, and a joyful spirit; beautiful items that we can share with others.

Today is week #36 of my series on Featured Artists, which is a bi-monthly event showcasing fun and sassy handmade shops! I love searching for new wares to show the Gussy community. You can read all back Featured Artist posts by clicking here.

This week’s Featured Artist is Andrea from Paper Sparrow, a shop full of art & accessories ~

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Please introduce yourself to us: what’s your name, what is the product you create, where do you live, etc.

My name is Andrea Lauren and I am the artist and creator behind Paper Sparrow. I create a variety of products (prints, pouches, mirrors, buttons, magnets, etc.) based on my paintings and illustrations. I grew up in England but now I live in Florida. I love being outdoors, cooking vegan food, playing with my cat and going on road trips in my trusty wagon.

What inspires you?

I find inspiration comes in waves, sometimes when I’m out and about I have to scribble down ideas that just pop into my head. But, I’m mostly inspired when I’m out on a nature walk, flipping through a vintage children’s book or remembering walks in the New Forest as a child.

Share something you absolutely LOVE about your shop/your product.

All the color! I love colors and patterns all mixed together – so that is something I like seeing in my shop. (And the happy animals of course!)

If you had to describe yourself in a word, what would that word be?

Eclectic! I have many moods, tastes and interests. Sometimes its hard to figure out a thread that ties it all together!

Do you have a day job or sell full-time?

Paper Sparrow is my full-time job. I am a musician by trade and play cello with the Orlando Philharmonic and various other small groups, as well as for weddings. The work is enjoyable and since its free-lance it doesn’t take up a lot of time in my schedule. Its the perfect combination for where I am with Paper Sparrow at the moment.

Based on your answer above, what a current challenge you’re facing?

I work best with a busy schedule, but changing gears between music and Paper Sparrow can be tough at times. I try to stay really focused and set myself small attainable goals so that I’m not too distracted to get anything done. Its definitely a work-in-progress though.

Give us a little glimpse into what a typical day in your life looks like.

7 – 7:30ish I get up and make breakfast for me and Paul. I love a fruit smoothie or juice in the morning.
8 – Paul leaves for work. I get on the computer and catch up with any etsy convos, emails, blog comments etc.
9 – Practice and warm-up on the cello.
10 – Start my Paper Sparrow activities. This can be anything from sketching out ideas, making/designing business cards. Editing photos/tutorials. Dreaming up new ideas, etc.
12 – Play cello a little more.
12:45 Make Lunch. Paul is home for lunch on most days.
1:30 – Some days I make runs to the post office and do errands in the early afternoon.
3 ish – Play cello again and sometimes I work out, too. But some days I’m in the middle of a blog project, tutorial, sewing experiment so this is a very loose schedule in the afternoon that gives me room for a lot of spontaneous projects or trips to the thrift store.
6-7 Make and eat dinner. I have so many wonderful cookbooks and I love making delicious vegan food.
7:30 – Relax with Hulu or Netflix. I like to sketch or start painting in the evenings. I also like to package up any orders in the evenings.
11ish I try to go to bed early, but some nights I get back on the computer and browse my favorite etsy shops and what have you.

Share with us a favorite handmade purchase or shop.

This is so hard since there are so many wonderful handmade things I’ve purchased over the past few years. Most recently I’ve fallen in love with Sea of Bees Jewelry. I met Stephanie last year and l absolutely adore everything that she makes.

What would you like to learn to do?

In the crafting world – Embroidery and Crochet are on my learn-to-do list this year. But outside of crafts, I’d love to learn some sort of water sport. I love swimming and canoeing and did a little scuba in high school, so I’d probably like to revisit scuba and/or trying synchronized swimming.

What are you listening to right now?

I mostly listen to Classical music – but outside of that I’ve been listening to the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Decemberists and Asobi Seksu.