Interior Design Ideas from Barbara's Design Solutions

If you're looking to bring some creativity into the spaces where you live and work, check out the interior design products for home, office, dorm, and more created by Barbara's Design Solutions.

Barb created her line of affordable artisan bathroom decor products with the idea that people should be able to take the guess work out of decorating their bathrooms and just focus on the paint. Her bathroom decor ideas include shower curtains, bath mats, wall art, soap and toothbrush dispensers, bathroom scales, and wall clocks.

Over time, Barb has created a line of Eco Friendly Aluminum Triptych Wall Art, with a variety of imagery and colors to suit many tastes. She has also designed monogrammed bath sets and coordinated black and white accessories for a classic, yet modern look. Her shop offers a unique and diverse collection of products.

By the way, if you like monogrammed products, Barb also makes monogrammed car floor mats upon request. In fact, she does a lot of products on request, so if you have an idea for art or accessories that you'd like to buy, just let her know, as she is glad to work with you on custom orders.

Learn more about Barb's products on YouTube, starting with the video below.

If you like her work, please subscribe to her channel and tell a friend.

Introducing Eco Friendly Wall Art by Barb

Not long ago, I posted about the coffee-themed art and gifts created by Barbara Miller, an artist who has an Etsy shop called Barbara's Design Solutions. I wanted to do a followup post to share more information about her original line of eco friendly metal wall art.

Barb's work emphasizes the triptych format, which allows you to get a large piece that is made up of three sections. It is a really cool looking way to display art and goes nicely in offices, waiting rooms, and homes, too. Basically if you want something like a mural or panel for a large wall, these pieces are great. You can purchase smaller format pieces as well. Barb is happy to work with clients and create made to order sizes and designs.

Her subject matter often focuses on nature and landscape, but she does abstract and still life pieces, too. When I asked her about her work, she said, "My interest in triptych art began a few years back. My artworks are inspired by nature's vast array of colors, textures, shapes, and forms."

Her eco friendly wall art is made from aluminum. She also offers pieces that are adhesive polyester fabric art that will stick to most any surface and can be easily removed without leaving sticky residue behind. Check out the art/home/office section of Barb's Etsy shop for more details.

One other way that Barb shares her art is through the form of fashion by creating wearable art, so if you're interested in unique t-shirts and other items, visit the fashion and accessories section of her Etsy shop.

I asked her about the different formats she creates in, and she said that she enjoys "experimenting with many media and styles--metal, glass, wood, and ceramics--and [her] love for fashion."

Barb works out of her studio/home in California. She said, "My art is an ongoing creative process." I think that by following her Etsy shop, we can all enjoy watching her work continue to evolve and expand into new formats and creative subject areas.

Introducing Gifts for Coffee Lovers

If you're a regular--or even an occasional!--reader of this blog, you'll know that one of my favorite things to write about is a unique Etsy shop. Barbara's Design Solutions on Etsy is a cool shop that has a variety of home decor items as well as fashion and gifts, but it also has a special section of Coffee House Blend gifts that sets it apart.

Barbara brings you a variety of unique handcrafted items, including home decor products, home fragrances, unisex fashion, auto accessories, stationery, and bed and bath products--all made in America. She has put together a pretty incredible array of products, especially those related to coffee. I would say this is a great place to find a one of a kind gift for the coffee lover in your life.

What really makes an Etsy shop stand out in my mind is when someone finds an interesting niche and creates a variety of products around their theme. Well, if you like coffee and/or if you have friends who like coffee, I think you'll enjoy Barbara's Design Solutions on Etsy. You can also find the Coffee House Blend items on their own website at www.coffeehouseblend.com.

Her Etsy shop has several different categories such as fashion/accessories, wedding related items, and ceramic or glass mugs and tiles. The largest category is for art for home and office, and you will find a wide selection of big and smaller pieces to hang on your wall, including removable peel and stick wall art and eco-friendly fabric art. When it comes to coffee, I especially like her coffee-related t-shirts, wall art, and jewelry (such as a cute coffee cup necklace).

You can learn more about Barbara's products by watching the video below.

By the way, Barbara also does a lot of custom items. This can range from buying an item with a monogram to buying a completely unique and customized piece of art made just for you. Check out her sites and contact her if you have an idea that you'd like to make a reality!

Meet Tina Cauthorn, Artist and Etsy Seller

Tina Cauthorn is a retired buyer from Fred Meyer, a division of Kroger. She has put her creative skills to work by having fun with buttons. Her "Button Factory" is in Lake Oswego, Oregon. Tina buys all her buttons on Etsy, on eBay, and at antique stores. So many Buttons, so little time! Check out Tina's button frames and other creations by visiting her Etsy shop at https://www.etsy.com/shop/allbuttonedupbytina.

1. How did you decide to focus on making and selling button frames in your Etsy shop?

I saw a button frame in an antique shop and I thought, "I can do that." I went home and found an old picture frame and started gluing buttons on it. I still have my first "creation," and when I look at it, I realize how far I have come. Once I made enough to give away frames as gifts to friends and family, I decided that I should try selling them. I initially did a few craft shows. Boy, is that hard work! Everyone at the craft events was talking about Etsy. I looked into it and figured I would give it a try! My product seems to find the right customer base on Etsy.

2. What do you especially like about working with buttons--and how do you choose the buttons to work with in your creations?

When I worked as a buyer, I did a lot of design work, and this was a great way to challenge my creative side. One of the things I did as a buyer was buy "Novelty Underwear." All those boxer shorts with hearts on them for Valentines Day? I kind of took that idea and transferred it into button frames. It's fun to think of ideas. Holidays were easy! But then, I thought "Minions." What about "Wine," "Weddings," and "Watermelons"? I love that my customers send me a request for something special, and I'm able to make it happen.

3. In searching for buttons online and offline, how do you distinguish antique buttons from more contemporary ones?

When I started binging on buttons, I bought a lot of buttons on eBay--by the POUND! I got all kinds of old, vintage buttons. Since then, I've gotten very discriminating in only picking buttons that I know will complement what I already have. I've had to add new, current buttons into my assortment. It's tough to find nice, vintage rhinestone buttons or vintage button in bright, vibrant colors.

4. You have some great reviews on Etsy! What has been your experience in selling on the Etsy platform?

I've always said that Etsy is really a fabulous community. I find almost everyone I've dealt with has been a pleasure. I use my many years in retail to set my standards for my shop. "The customer is always right," and I want to make sure its a pleasant experience. I know I love it when I get a package from Etsy and its nicely wrapped and presented. I've had a lot of the sellers I buy from become regular customers. It's a nice world.

5. What is your advice to others who want to start selling arts and crafts projects online?

I think if you want to start selling online, you need to do your research. What is out there? What is the pricing? Does it compare with what you do? I know my first frames were not as nice as they are now. I did not start selling on Etsy until I had it perfected. So, make sure you are putting your best foot forward. You won't get repeat customers if things are not well put together and presented nicely. Think about how you like to receive things. Be patient. It took me awhile to sell my first frame, but now my sales are pretty steady: steady enough for me to say I am an "artist," even if the medium is glue and buttons!

Thanks, Tina!

Introducing DB Decals for Vinyl Decals and Stickers

As someone who loved stickers as a kid (OK, I still love stickers as an adult!), I think vinyl decals are one of the coolest things out there. You can have fun, express your personality, share your interests, and get a kick out of decorating a variety of different surfaces. Vinyl decals and stickers are more durable than the paper stickers we grew up with as kids, so they can last for years, even when exposed to the outdoors.

DB Decals is a shop based in Georgia which fulfills online orders for customers all over the US (and the world). They make all-weather decals and stickers, and their high-quality vinyl will last six years when it comes to outdoor durability. Their products are easy to apply as they're made from self-adhesive vinyl

You can find all sorts of pre-designed decals on the DB Decals website, such as designs featuring different professions, animals, and Christian images. You can find outdoorsy designs related to horseback riding, fishing, and hunting. You can find dragons and other images from fantasy and mythology. These are just a few examples. There's a lot to choose from if you browse the site.

So if you like vinyl decals, how about custom designs? This is the specialty of DB Decals. Whether you want something to promote your business on the outside of your car, or a particular quotation or design to decorate a wall inside your home or office, you can work with the designers at DB Decals to come up with just what you want.

Learn more about the possibilities in vinyl stickers, decals, magnets, and more by checking out http://dbdecals.com.

Meet Stephanie Dennison of Interiors Connected

Stephanie Dennison is 28, recently married, and has always had a strong interest in color and design. Her company, Interiors Connected, takes the guess work out of designing a beautiful space for you from the comfort of your own home. With several affordable design packages to choose from, Interiors Connected will do the hard work for you.

1. What inspired the launch of Interiors Connected?

After having finished a two-year program for interior styling, I wanted to branch out with my design work. I chose to expand to a greater audience online, offering help to customers who have an interest for DIY projects but are not quite sure where to start with designing their space. I also wanted to help people at a fraction of the cost of what other designers would charge for their services face to face.

2. When a customer orders a customized design file from you, what do they receive?

This depends on the package the customer chooses to go with. Our basic package includes a presentation board that showcases all of the furniture and decor laid out together so you can visually see how they all complement each other as well as a list of suppliers of where to find these products. The next package up includes that as well as a floor plan that outlines where each item should go in your room. Lastly, the full design package I offer includes everything already listed as well as a 3D rendered image of your finalized design so the customer can visually see exactly how their space will look in the end.

3. How can customers utilize their design file to actualize the design they want in their home?

As every package I offer comes with a list of suppliers of where to purchase the items I have chosen for the customer; this makes it incredibly simple to actualize the design they want in their home. After customers have selected which package they want to go with, first and foremost I send them a design questionnaire so that I can get a good feel for what they are looking to achieve with their design.

4. What are some ways that people without design experience can shape their own ideas about interior design for their home?

I think the best tool for people to use that don't have design experience would be the internet. Just to get some inspiration about a certain look or style for your own home, I would suggest looking up images through Google to get started.

5. If you could give just three pieces of advice to someone who was looking to create a new design for the inside of their home, what would you say?

The first would be to keep things simple! Sometimes less really is more when it comes to designing your space. Also, don't be afraid to incorporate color into your home. You don't have to paint your entire room bright red to do this, but a few pops of color found in some throw pillows is a good way to perk up a drab space. Lastly, I would say just have fun with it! Designing your space shouldn't feel like a daunting task to accomplish. Everyone has an idea of things they like and don't like, but some might find it hard to piece it all together. That's where I come in!

Thanks, Stephanie!

Introducing Casa Couture Furniture Designs

Based in Chicago but selling its wares online to shoppers everywhere, Casa Couture Furniture Designs is a store that specializes in furniture pieces which are created from redesigned antiques. The founder and creator of Casa Couture is Julie Gathman who hand-selects antique pieces from markets and other locations around the midwest, and then she redesigns the pieces to create unique items.

If you are looking for one of a kind furniture, check out Casa Couture. I enjoyed the before and after page on the shop's website to get an inside perspective on how Julie creates her pieces. Many of the creations have a light-hearted feel and would definitely enliven a room! I found many brightly colored pieces which maintain the lines of the original piece while infusing it with new life.

To keep up with the latest pieces in the shop and to read more about Julie's creative process, follow Casa Couture on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, and Tumblr.

Introducing RoomHints, A Home Design App

How would you like to use your phone to take photos inside your home and upload them to get design tips from professional designers? The RoomHints app, founded by Tiffany Willson, lets you do just that. The app also makes it super-easy to shop for items for your home.

To use the app, you can upload a photo of your home or of an item you're thinking about buying for your home. RoomHints uses "decor matching algorithms" to suggest items to decorate your room based on the photo you've uploaded. You can also request advice from designers, and/or that designers manually choose items that they would recommend for your room, which they then send to you as "Hints."

The RoomHints app was recently recommended in the Consumer Reports' ShopSmart guide as the best app for home design shopping advice.

There's a community of designers all over the world who contribute advice to RoomHints. If you post a specific question, you can get advice within seconds. And the visual aspect of the app is very useful because designers can actually see your room and/or the product(s) you want to buy and make recommendations based on what they see.

Keep an eye on this app because I suspect it will explode as more and more people use it to design their rooms--and more and more designers and retailers sign on to participate in the community behind the app.

Meet Harry Bettencourt of BarStools.co.uk

Harry Bettencourt runs an ecommerce store dedicated to selling bar stools. With a background in design, he sources his stock from the best designers around the globe, importing them back into the UK, and then re-selling them via www.BarStools.co.uk.

1. What inspired you to start a website focused specifically on bar stools and related products?

It was my time spent working with Italian interior designers during a year in Rome. These guys are hugely talented and opened by eyes up to how different shapes and forms could make a difference to the feel of a room. I was interested mainly in kitchen design, and at the time in Italy, the breakfast bar was quite popular. Of course, an integral part of these installations are breakfast bar stools or kitchen bar stools. When I got back to the UK, I kept some of those relationships open with the Italian guys and brokered a deal to import their bar stools back to the UK.

It grew from there, and I haven't really looked back since!

2. Why do you think that bars/bar stools have become a popular for home decor?

It's funny, because in the 1970s and 1980s, having a small bar in your home was actually quite popular, but then seemed to disappear during the 1990s and early 2000s. I am not honestly sure why there has been a renaissance in using bar stools with interior design, or having home bars.

What I would say though is that nowadays there is a huge amount of choice on the market. Kitchen bar stools can be retro, modern, contemporary--you name it, there will be a bar stools to suit a design or style.

3. I've noticed a lot of retro styled furniture lately, but what do you think are the prevailing trends today?

In terms of trends, I can only go on which bar stools sell in the highest volumes via my website, and the last six months it's mainly been the more classic stuff. So bar stools which incorporate wooden and leather elements, that kind of thing.

In the UK at least, it seems like people are harking back to classic design, and I don't mean retro by that, but just timeless pieces that complement a high quality kitchen refurbishment. Those types of bar stools are selling very well right now.

4. How do you decide which designs/products to feature in your shop?

I tend to subscribe to most of the leading interior design magazines to see what type of trends are developing. Based on that, I can get a good idea on what bar stools will suit the forthcoming designs and then order on those lines.

5. What's your best advice to people who are shopping for furniture and want to choose something that will last for many years?

I always go by the mantra that if you buy cheap, you buy twice (although we do have some items currently on a promotional sale). All of our bar stools are made of the best materials with real attention to detail--plus we have long guarantees, so come check us out!

Thanks, Harry!

Crochet on Etsy by Michele Whittaker

I posted about California-based Etsy seller Michele Whittaker earlier this summer when she had a special sale on Etsy to celebrate her birthday. I thought I'd follow up with more info about Michele and her creative process--and, of course, her Etsy shop.

Michele makes some really sweet clothing for babies. Not all of us have someone in our lives who can crochet, and having crocheted baby items is always something special. Her baby dresses are charming and unique. She also sells women's tops and purses and a variety of gift items, including pretty designs for Christmas.

What I especially admire about Michele's work is that she creates her own designs rather than working from standard patterns. I asked her about her history with crocheting, and she said that when she was very young, her godmother taught her to crochet. Her godmother also taught her knitting and sewing, but crochet became Michele's clear love. She says, "With just a crochet hook and a some thread, you can create anything, and sometimes I amaze myself when the final product comes out even better that what I expected."

Michele says she likes to just lets the thread guide her as she works. She even does this while choosing colors: "I'll have an idea in my head, and as I keep working, I get inspired to do this or that, and at the end it is completely different from what I had in mind. It goes the same for what color I am going to work on. I'll go in front of my stock of colors, and there will be one that says, 'Pick me.' I know it sounds funny, but this is how it is, and if for some reason I don't pay attention and choose another color, believe it or not whatever I try to do will not work, and I eventually take the color that spoke to me in the first place, and it will work like a charm."

Michele is a master of her craft, and a nice person to work with as well if you have a special project in mind and want to find the perfect crochet artist to create it for you. The video below shows the products Michele makes and sells on Etsy.

Meet Chuck of BurlapUSA, an Etsy Shop for Handmade Burlap and Lace

BurlapUSA is an Etsy shop which sells handmade items created in the USA from burlap and lace. Burlap is 100% natural and biodegradable, and the shop carries unique items for home décor, weddings, and bridal.

1. How did you first become interested in working with burlap?

I used to sell wholesale burlap fabric, but I saw the demand for handmade crafts from burlap fabric, so I started making the table runners using burlap fabric and lace.

2. Why do you think the combo of burlap and lace works well?

I knew it was a great combo after seeing the photos of burlap and lace runners at weddings.

3. Do you find that more people are looking for natural and biodegradable materials when planning weddings?

Yes I do, and I am glad I am a part of it.

4. What are some uses for burlap when it comes to home decor?

Curtains, aisle runners, rugs, coasters, place mats, and table runners are all popular.

5. What else would you like readers to know about your products and your Etsy shop?

They are all handmade out of 100% burlap fabric and top quality lace.

Thanks, Chuck!

New Bar Stools Website Launches in the UK

Just last week, a new website launched for a unique business based in the United Kingdom, offering cheap and affordable bar stools and chairs to UK consumers. The website is called The Funky Chair and is managed by Elena Travis, who has worked in design and furniture for a little over five years.

When asked about the website launch of The Funky Chair, Elena said, "It's been a long time in planning, but I am so proud to finally get The Funky Chair launched and running. We spent a long time on the design and usability because we had seen that other websites selling bar stools sometimes lacked a little bit on the actual ease of use when it came to buying online. We really hope that it will become the leading website in the UK for bar stools as over the last decade they have become a staple part of interior design projects. Over the coming months, we hope to add more and more sections to the website in order to expand the bar stool ranges that we sell."

Visitors to The Funky Chair website can currently select from hundreds of different bar stools including modern, retro, funky, contemporary, and leather designs, with more planned to be added to the range over the next year. If you're looking for some inspiration for home design, the site is a great place to browse.

For more information and to view the website, please visit The Funky Chair clicking here for all bar stools. It's easy to navigate and has a very slick looking design which should help to improve conversions and sales. And please feel free to let Elena know what you think by contacting her through her website or leaving a comment here, too!

Meet Charlotte, Co-Founder of Save On Tapestries

Save On Tapestries is a leading provider of high-quality fine European wall tapestries. The company offers deeply discounted fabric tapestry pieces at great prices. Our interview below is with Charlotte, the co-founder of the company.

1. I noticed that Save on Tapestries was founded in 1998. How has the company grown in the 15+ years since it was first started?

Our formula has been quite simple in that we have always tried to provide quality customer service and deeply discounted prices on high quality hand-woven European tapestries.

2. How do you choose the tapestries to feature on your site, and could you tell us a little bit about the types of designs people can expect to find?

We typically attend trade shows and exhibits as a way to find the latest and most interesting tapestries available. Shoppers will find a wide range of tapestries including French, Belgian, and Italian wall tapestries. Each handmade piece is unique and perfectly suited for a variety of interior spaces.

3. Do you have some suggestions about choosing a good place to hang a tapestry?

Virtually any room in the home is well-suited for a beautiful European wall tapestry. Typically speaking, rooms that require an added splash of color or rooms that stand to gain from 3-D textile art are usually the best places to hang a tapestry.

4. Who are the craftspeople who make your tapestries?

Artists who have spent years perfecting their craft produce these beautiful pieces throughout Europe. Belgium is especially noted for producing some of the finest tapestries in the world.

5. How do you manage to offer such quality products at such discounted prices?

We work with manufacturers in Europe as a way to get the best prices possible for our customers.

Thanks, Charlotte!

Better Lighting in Your Office: A Guest Post by Liz Ping

The post below is a guest post written by Liz Ping, who describes herself as a freelancer, a writer, a blogger, and an enthusiastic amateur home stylist. She regularly writes tips and ideas for office, lifestyle, home, and garden. You can contact her on Google+.

Get Better Lighting in Your Office

There you have it, the office you've always wanted. You've worked so hard to get where you are, but it feels like there is something missing in your office. You can't quite put your finger on what exactly is wrong with your beautiful office that you've always wanted. It might be time to look up, at your ceiling light. Think about the lighting in your office; it might not be quite to where you'd like to see it. Maybe you want a more natural, daylight white lighting, or an LED panel for your office. Whatever it might be that is just a little off with your office, you should really consider improving your office lighting.

Three Benefits of Improving Office Lighting

Improving the lighting in your office has so many benefits that you might not quite see right now in your dimly lit office. First, with more light you're going to be able to see much better than you are now. Even if your vision is fine, with more light you're going to have fewer work-related headaches and significantly less strain on your eyes. Secondly, you're going to have a much more welcoming office. This will ensure that clients and co-workers can be more comfortable, therefore much easier to work with. If you have a dimly lit office, there is less trust in the air. Thirdly, it's been shown in various studies that if you improve the lighting in your office, your overall mood at work will be much higher. This gives you a chance to be more positive, and therefore much more productive, at work.

Tips That Will Improve Your Office Lighting

Your ceiling light might be something that you've grown accustomed to, but it's just not the right lighting for your office, especially if you have many people coming in and out throughout the day. Having a less traditional light fixture will not only give a more direct light, but a much better overall look to your office. If you have lights where you need them, as opposed to a ceiling light, you will have lighting specifically where you need it, and have a much better time looking at what you need to see. With lights in places that you need to see things, you can highlight specific things around your office. Let's say you have a very nice painting in your office: set the light fixture closer to it, and it will be highlighted; therefore more people will see the painting, and you have a conversation piece.

The type of lighting that you choose to go with is very important. If you have a light in your office that is florescent, you should probably get rid of it. Most people are beginning to prefer having daylight white lighting. It allows for a much more natural color to your space, and gives a welcoming and sometimes slightly warming feeling as soon as you enter the room. Others are choosing to make the switch to LED lighting. This is good for your electric bill and they last forever. LED panels are also good to use if you're in need of a lot of light, such as if your office is very large.

Thanks, Liz!

On Value Windows and Doors

As any homeowner knows, for new construction and for remodels, there are many choices when it comes to windows and doors. Also, you'll want to consider factors like green design and energy efficiency, and designers are always working to develop new possibilities for vinyl products which perform well and cost less.

The best products tend to be those which are made to order, and customers in San Diego and Duarte have a well-known option in their neighborhood. In Southern California, the people at Value Windows and Doors pride themselves on offering excellent products as well as excellent customer service. They urge you to "Maximize your imagination" when selecting new windows or doors, be it for your brand-new house or your comfortable home of many years.

Miracle Canvas: An Online Store for Canvas Prints

It seems like every time I go into a home decor or arts/crafts store lately, I see canvas prints. I've seen all sorts of designs, from retro images featuring Hollywood stars and vintage ads, to modern cityscapes of everywhere from Paris to San Francisco. If you like the look of visual art printed onto artist canvas, there are also options to have custom canvas prints made to order, using images of your choosing.

Miracle Canvas has a nice selection of options available for making a unique canvas print to match your individual taste and your home or office decor. You can upload your own photo or choose from their library of images. They can split your image into several parts so that you have a one-of-a-kind sequence of canvases to display on your wall.

The Miracle Canvas blog showcases different ideas for creating and displaying images. See also the company's YouTube page for videos about how the print creation process works.

I browsed the customer reviews on the company's website and found this tidbit from a satisfied customer: "Miracle Canvas took care of things the average eye ignores like a museum quality canvas fabric and stretching; iron clamps fastened canvas that does not sag."

Miracle Canvas is worth a look if you're in the market for canvas prints and would rather create something yourself than buy "off the rack" at your local store.

Meet Paris Styles, Artist and Designer

Paris Styles is a fashion model turned artist/designer. She creates original wall art and hand-painted vases, bowls, and tableware. She works with the goal of making affordable art for your home. Her objects have been described as "museum-quality," and she loves the idea of sharing high quality art objects with the average person. For samples of her work, see the website for Paris Styles Designs as well as her Etsy shop.

1. Since you work in different media (from 2D to 3D), what would you say are some qualities that unify your art and make it uniquely yours?

Regardless if I'm working on a painting or an original piece of home decor, I begin each project the same way and that is with a desire to create a unique piece of art that is an expression of who I am. Each piece I create has its own story to tell. Sometimes I know the story before I begin, and other times the story is told as I'm painting or isn't revealed to me until the final brushstroke. What is common to all and unique to all is that I tell the story in my own special way. I don't know if my art has a "signature" that distinguishes each piece as uniquely mine. I'm known for my dotting work and my faux finishes, though.

2. How does your background in the fashion world influence you as a visual artist?

Having an eye for fashion allows me, I believe, a deeper understanding of what styles, colors, patterns and textures complement one another. Like putting together a great outfit, a great piece of art has different components that need to blend well together. I know I have a good eye for that.

3. How (and why) do you incorporate found/recycled materials in your work?

It's important to me not to be wasteful in my life. I believe in any aspect of life you use what you have to the best of your ability. And I love bringing new life to old objects. What someone else might think is useless, I look at it and try to see a new purpose. I like doing makeovers!

4. Who are some artists you admire and who help to motivate you to create your own work?

I have to say that I don't really "study" art. I can name artists that I like, ones that everyone knows, but I can't drop a laundry list of impressive names and tell you that this person or this work influenced me. It didn't work for me that way. What motivates me is life and everything you see in it. When you think about it, I guess you can say that the artist I admire most... is God.

5. What tips can you suggest for someone who is wanting to bring more art into his or her home and needs to be mindful of keeping to a modest budget?

Art is affordable for almost everyone. I would suggest that people check out online sites like Etsy.com. I have a shop there. Also, visit your local art festivals or a locally owned gallery. Art really is everywhere.

Thanks, Paris!