Focus On... Mark Poulin And A Giveaway!

{{giveaway closed}}

Mark Poulin is a talented man. As his website says, "He combines his passion for metal work and eye for color into playful jewelry which has won him a loyal following across the country. All of his jewelry is cast from hand-carved wax models. Screenprinted images from his original sketches are kiln-fired onto three layers of vitreous enamels." Basically, he's my fave.

{young dinosaur print - my fave}

Tell me some basic info about yourself.

I love to work. If I didn't have a partner, family and friends to pull me out of my workshop I could get sucked in for days on end. I'm obsessed with good design, and beautiful things. I am constantly striving to make something I am completely satisfied with. That never happens, or if it does it is such a fleeting moment.. I am then projected forward in the never ending (but happy) cycle of making things.

{pocket cat}

What kind of mediums do you use and why?

I work with metal because it is the perfect vehicle for enamels. Enamels allow my love of color and my need to draw and doodle on everything a permanent outlet.

{baby seal earrings}

What made you decide to sell on etsy?

I love both sides of etsy, buying and selling. I really appreciate being able to gift shop by key words. On the selling end I love the sense of community that etsy is still able to make us believe in... even though etsy has become so huge. I still feel like I am somehow important and a part of this little group of crafters. I am a proud member of  the "Old Time Etsy Team."

{tauruses are bossy (in a cute way)}

Where do you get your inspiration?

I'm inspired by DIY style of self published comics and zines. By pop culture. By shapes I see everywhere and in everything. By the cute little voices in my head.

{hedgehog family necklace}

What is your favorite music to craft by?

It changes all the time. This song just shuffled by at the gym, so I'm tripping on The Perishers this week.

{Ed. note: I LOVE The Perishers!}

{mini unicorn necklace}

When it's cold outside... I make good soup.

{pajama bear ring}

When I'm hungry... which is all the time.. I'm the snack master... lately that's rice crackers.

{modern bubble necklace in aqua}

When I need a boost... I go to the movies.

{quadrapus earrings}

I wish I was/were... oh, this could be a huge list. There is so much I want! Lets leave it at I wish I was better at singing and dancing...and squeeze in not so clutzy... and just also squeeze in I wish I was less shy and better spoken!

{i miss you wall plaque}

If I could give one gift to everyone I know, it would be... Loving, supporting people to surround them.

{fairytale bracelet}

If you were an animal, what would you be? Something that flies but doesn't migrate. I'm kind of a homebody.

{heartland print}

What's your favorite piece of your own?

I love this kitty on a clothesline right now.

{clothesline and hopscotch necklace}

What are your favorite blogs/websites right now?

My Love For You
The Sartorialist
Dear Ada

The Jealous Curator

CONNECT:

Mark Poulin on Etsy

Mark Poulin Website

WIN:

One of you lucky readers will win this reversible tree and bird necklace (an $85 value!)

- To be eligible for entry, you must be a follower of my blog through google friend connect or through your preferred RSS reader. -

- Make sure you leave me a way to contact you if you win. -

- Please leave separate comments for each entry. -

First entry (mandatory):

Head over to Mark Poulin's Etsy and tell me your favorite item!

Extra entries (optional):

- Sign up for the Mark Poulin mailing list.

- Sign up for the Kate and Oli mailing list.

- Add my button to your blog (in sidebar).

- Become a Facebook fan of Kate and Oli.

- Blog about this giveaway and leave me the link.

Fine print: Giveaway begins when it is posted and ends at 11:59pm pacific standard timeJuly 16, 2010. A winner will be selected by a random number generator on July 17, 2010 and will be emailed promptly. Mark Poulin will ship anywhere in the world!