Influences From Around the World- Ana Diaz Arte

Tell us a bit about yourself..

My name is Ana, I am the owner of Ana Diaz Arte (anadiazarte on Etsy), a crochet and felt jewelry ONE OF A KIND BOUTIQUE. 

I was born in a beautiful caribbean island, where I grew up in a family of artisans, my great grandfathers, grandfathers, my father, and also some of the ladies in the family worked as jewelry designers. I was always there as a child, observing attentively and carefully, their work. I'd help them and try to create my own designs :). I especially loved my grandmother's designs, she taught me how to crochet (the basics), since I was about 6 or 7 years old. Around this time, it was the first time I remember holding a crochet hook in my hands... I was in high school when I asked my mother to buy some "How to Crochet" magazines for me. I remember the magazines were from Spain and I was able to get the whole collection!, so I decided to make some pretty crochet doilies. I spent lot of afternoons learning to read crochet diagrams and making a big crochet tablecloth that I still keep. It's one of my most precious belongings.

Apart from creating things, what do you do?

I am a SAHM (Stay @ home mom), I love to spend quality time with my daughter and son, but I also love to create!

Where do you get your creativity from?

I think it's a blend of the different countries and places I have lived in my life. I was born in Cuba so I have a little bit of Caribbean sun inside me. Also I have some latin flavor. I grew up in Venezuela with beautiful and warm people around. Both countries have had an amazing impact on my life, and of course in my creations. I also am sometimes inspired by nature and people from those countries.

What got you into the craft hobby?

I had always loved to create handmade gifts of beautiful jewelry and accessories for my family, friends, and of course for myself! I decided to open Ana Diaz Arte as a hobby. When I opened my account on Etsy, I particularly enjoyed the design process since each of my pieces are unique. I try to give every piece a special touch. I enjoy working with embroidery floss because the color pallete is amazing!, I can play with the colors :), I recently learned wet felting, needle felting, and nuno felting techniques that I also combine with the crochet now.

How would you describe your creative process?

I start by choosing the color pallete, based on a concept. This can range from being a flower I saw, a texture, or a thought of mine. I then start to create around that. I am trying to not use metal parts in my new creations, so most of the pieces are 100% cotton embroidery floss and wool.

What is your most favorite item that you have ever produced? 

I love each piece because they are unique and special. But I do remember two pieces that I created with handmade lampwork beads made by Jodi of BeadworxAZ.etsy.com. I love the combination of lampwork and crochet!
One was a Freeform crochet bracelet called RUGOSA BRIZIX. It featured a pattern of plunged bubbles in an ocean of Aquamarine, Turquoise and Emerald Green. The focal point was a wonderful handmade piece of art from the prestigious Arizonian artist Jodi Price. The other was AMULETO, a Convertible Freeform Cotton Crochet Cuff Bracelet and Necklace in blue, gray and beige, also with a lampwork bead as focal point.

How did you get your business off the ground?

I found a link to Etsy somewhere online. I remember that I loved the concept inmediately of being able to have my own personalized shop and show my designs to the world. I was very excited!

What are your goals with your business?

I am always working with old and new customers. When I receive a new order, I try to communicate immediately with the customer. I think that an excellent customer service is essential to my shop. I always keep the store fresh and only work with the best quality supplies.

What do you do in your free time?

I like to read a lot, but sometimes I have no free time!

What's the message behind your work?

My pieces are for the modern woman who loves to be unique and practical.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/anadiazarte/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Ana-Diaz-Arte/97904437242
http://anadiazarte.blogspot.com/
http://twitter.com/anadiazarte

Check Ana Diaz Arte out this fall at the Avant-Garde Fall Art & Craft Show on Sunday, October 23, 2011 at the Holy Spirit Byzantine Catholic Church at 5500 West 54th St. Parma, OH 44129. Show time runs from 10:00am-5:00pm. This eclectic show will feature 65 of the areas most talented artisans and crafters. A portion of the show's proceeds will be donated to the North East Ohio Make-a-Wish Foundation. For more information or to become a vendor, contact Becki Cooper, Event Coordinator at info@avantgardeshows.com.

Twitter: @AvantGardeShows

Facebook: Avant-Garde Art & Craft Shows