A Piece of Lisa....How it all began

It all began over 40 years ago, when as a little girl I would spend my days in my parents' cabinet shop. I would occupy my time making mud pies with sawdust crusts, or build things from scraps of wood, or simply take out the Crayola crayons and draw a picture. I have always loved to create, and that passion has never wavered.

In school my favorite subject was always art, and friends would often have me draw things for them. I knew I wanted to do something creative with my life, so I enrolled in an art program in college. It took five and a half years of studying drawing, sculpture, ceramics, painting, printmaking, and letterpress printing, but I eventually earned my Bachelor of Fine Arts degree. I did my thesis work in oil painting.

After graduation, I discovered polymer clay and was immediately hooked! I started making interesting jewelry pieces and a few Christmas ornaments. I did a few craft shows with mixed results, but I knew I had to stick with it. The following year I started making miniature figurines and expanded my Christmas line to limited edition ornaments and business started really taking off.

I sold my creations at craft shows and in local boutiques for over 20 years under the name The Art Market. I took a short break from my work a few years ago, but I missed that daily interaction with my clay! In 2010 I found new inspiration in papier mache folk art and vintage holiday decorations, and my newest line of whimsical characters and art dolls was born.

I create each of my whimsical figurines individually by hand. They start with an idea in my head, occasionally a sketch. I make an armature from wire, floral tape and aluminum foil. Then I begin to sculpt with the polymer clay. I allow the doll to tell me who it wants to be. I'm not after perfect faces and proportions, but rather characters with a few imperfections and a whole lot of whimsy. Once the clay has been baked, I begin to add all the 'stuff' that makes them fun and unique. I use whatever I need to bring these dolls to life--fabric, flowers, tulle, paper, glitter, charms, ribbon. I take great pride in my attention to detail, and I think that is what sets my work apart. All of my whimsical creations are signed and dated. They truly are A Piece of Lisa.

As my etsy shop continues to grow I still do area art and craft fairs. I love the personal interaction and immediate feedback I get from a 'live' show, but you can't beat the world-wide exposure of selling online!