laGalerieNatalie

I've dabbled in a little bit of everything when it comes to art and crafting: drawing, painting, photography, sculpting, ceramics, graphic design, scrapbooking, altered art, jewelry making, weaving, crocheting, sewing...my love of arts and crafts has not only been a creative outlet for me, but helped me to make a little money from my passions as well!

Even as a child and young adult, I would make spending money by doing custom paintings or drawings for friends and family. At the age of sixteen, I had a good business going painting animals on rocks, based on the techniques of Lin Wellford. At that time I started working and selling crafts at a local boutique co-op, "The Whistle Stop Shop".

I attended college at the University of Cincinnati, where I earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree. There, I expanded my horizons by experimenting with woodblock printing, photography, sculptural assemblage, digital photography and compositing, 3D modeling, and animation.

In my first year of college, I worked at a local amusement park, King's Island, as a pastel portrait artist. I gained valuable experience in portrait drawing and working with people, and although the job was tiring with long hours spent hunched over an easel, I cherish the memories of that first serious "artist" job! This job lead to me striking out on my own to do pastel portraits at various local festivals, which I continue to do yearly.

During my last few years of college and for three years afterwards, I worked in scrapbooking shops. I had visited Paris in 2001 (oh much-awaited joy of my life!), and at that time wanted to really document my trip artistically. I discovered the world of scrapbooking and truly fell in love! Not only did I work selling the products, I also taught scrapbooking and cardmaking classes for several years.

Though I loved my job as a scrapbook instructor and salesclerk...that job came to an unfortunate end in 2008 when the shop where I worked closed. I was very much at a loss for what direction my life would take. I had done some custom artwork and even commissioned scrapbooks during this time, but had no real leads on a job that would put my BFA to good use. I didn't relish a future as a "starving artist".

An unexpected opportunity arose in 2009 via a friend and co-worker from the scrapbook store. She was having copying done at a local printshop and found they needed a graphic designer. I had done document setup for her, and she knew this would be right up my alley, though I wasn't formally trained as a designer. I landed an interview, and despite my qualms that I may not know what I was doing...I got the job!

I quickly found that my skills with Photoshop and Illustrator, as well as an excellent understanding of computer programs, made a job as graphic designer perfect for me. I enjoyed creating brochures, business cards, wedding invitations, and other printed materials for clients--bringing their visions to life! Alas, my hopes were again quashed when business declined and I was laid off.

Fortunately for me, after much searching, I found another position as a graphic designer, this time in my very own hometown, just 10 minutes from home! I now work part-time as a graphic designer. Due to health problems, I'm unable to work full time, and quickly found out it's very hard to make it on a part-time job!

From all of these life experiences, I knew there was something I could do "on the side" to help supplement my income! I had been selling used items on eBay for about 10 years, so I knew my way around selling online. When I discovered Etsy, it was love at first sight! A website just for crafts and crafters, what could be more fun??

Although I no longer have the time or energy to produce much artwork, I still enjoy jewelry making and scrapbooking. So these areas are the primary focus of my shop, with lots of listings for beads, jewelry findings, ribbon, and crafty embellishments. I also love nail art, so have added many items for you to jazz up your manicure!

The name of my shop, La Galerie Natalie, is born from my love of all things "francophone" (French). Although I'm not French, I do speak French, although I'm a little rusty from my college days. ; ) So feel free to contact me in either English or French.

Thanks for visiting my shop and reading my story!

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