Meet Etsy Owner Jen from redhardwick

Where are you from and tell us a little about yourself?
I’m originally from Kelso, a small town here in Washington State.  I moved to Seattle almost 24 years ago to attend the Art Institute for fashion instead of art.  I’ve been married for 5 years to my wonderfully, supportive husband, Bill and I’m a stay at home mom to my 3 1/2 year old son Jack.  I try to spend as much of my “free time” creating. 


Why did you start your Etsy shop?
I started my Etsy shop because I have a passion for my art but I also needed something for myself.  Creating is like breathing for me, it really feeds my soul. 

Why is your favorite item in your shop and why?
I think my cards are my favorite.  I recently got back into making them and something just “clicked.”  I really love the process in creating them; it’s like putting together a puzzle.  I love working with paper, all the different colors, patterns and textures.  I just love when a new one comes together.  My cards have also helped me expand my world of collage and mixed media, which is also what excites me right now.  

Do any of your pieces have a memorable story behind them?
I have a painting in my Etsy shop called “Super Gnome”.  He’s memorable because, well A. he’s cute and B. he went through many evolutions and took over 2 years to complete.  He’s a reminder that my original idea doesn’t always translate from head to and that’s ok. 


What aspect of creating your art/craft do you find the most enjoyable?

I love getting lost in creating.  Having the time to sit and completely disconnect from everything else, music blasting and just letting the ideas flow from my head to my hands.  It really is on of the best feelings int eh world for me. 

How did you decide what medium you wanted to work with?
Painting was something I started doing as a kid, I took my first oil painting lesson when I was around 10.  Then came watercolors and then I started turning my watercolor paintings into cards and they just kept evolving.

If you had to choose one other medium in which to display your “creativity”, what would that be, and why?
I’ve worked in a lot of different mediums over the years.  I always seem to come back to paper and paint.  I love them on their own and I love them when they come together.

Why should people buy handmade?
For me handmade means just that, someone used their hands to make something.  It’s a part of them.  they’ve fussed over it and cared for it and when all is said and done they love it.  It’s hard for me to part with things after I make them, I get attached.  I think it’s important to support people and not big box stores or corporations.  They have their place but I feel that if you buy handmade you are supporting not only the artists but the artistic community.

Apart from creating beautiful pieces, what else do you do?
 Like I said earlier, I’m a stay at home mom and that takes up a good part of my day as well as trying to keep up with the housework, etc.  I love to read and bake as well. 

Do you have plans for expansion?
Yes.  It’s going to take some time but I’m working on getting my cards and artwork in shops and galleries.  I’m doing my first art show in July so that will be more exposure for me and more opportunities to get my art out into the world.  

Any other sites you can be found on?
Right now it’s my Etsy shop and flickr page.  I hope to expand to other sites soon!


Anything else you would like us to know?
I’m so thankful to have this talent.  I truly appreciate all the support from my family, friends and to everyone else who has take the time to look at my art. 

Recently I got to work with Jen from redhardwick and I was thrilled.  After all for those of you who have been around for awhile this is how I truly started out.  I worked with an Etsy artist three times a week.  It seems those days are fewer and fewer as Etsy changed their forums and I have struggled to find a new way to get Etsy artists to sign up for a feature.  Well today I welcome Jen!

Even more so than just getting the pleasure of interviewing her I was given the chance to recieve a couple pieces of her work.  As many of you know cards are a huge part of my life (in all my spare time anyway) and I get great pleasure just sending them on as “thinking of you” or “you’re special”.  Now imagine how thrilled I am that I was able to recieve a total of three cards from Jen.  The first was a thank you note from her to me, if she only knew that I should be the one thanking her.  While I scapbook I couldn’t imagine putting together a handmade card.  The cards I received from Jen truly show an eye for art and knowing where exactly to put every piece.

Two of the cards featured metal letters that would be perfect if you had a person in mind.  Jen would be happy to work with you on one of her designs that featured the letter of that special someone.  Also, the quality of paper is not your average box store card, no was the time invested.  I would expect that she put a little piece of her heart into every card made. 

The second item I reviewed was a new adventure for Jen.  I received one of her Gnome collages.  Now when I think collage I head back to 3rd grade art.  Remember those “collages” that you made out of the art teacher’s scrap papers?  Honestly, to this day I struggle with collages because this it what pops into my head.  Jenn is helping me improve my outlook on collages as the Gnome collage I received was actually put together.  The collage had a shape and a meaning.  The pieces used to make the collage were clearly not just scraps and helped bring everything together.  I will be enjoying my lightweight Gnomes on a 3D base for years to come.  It was a perfect piece for Cory and I as we always get a kick out of the Expedia commercials.  I am sure that the Gnomes have a different meaning relayed back to Jen’s two year work of art, but little did she know that it has found a perfect fit in our home.