Let's meet Bronny, the creative brain behind Raynbow Crow Studios.
Were you creative as a child and do you come from a creative family?
I remember from a very young age being really into making mud pies. The way the sand mixed with the water was mesmerising to me. I’d then add my paints to them and much to my mother’s dismay insisted on painting the side of the house with the coloured mud concoction.
My mother was a talented fashion illustrator in her late teens and would have pursued a job in the fashion industry but WW2 was still going and jobs were scarce, though she continued to draw for the love of it and taught me many basic skills which I have never forgotten.
I definitely inherited my passion for art from my gorgeous mum and I was always filling sketch pads with various scenes from my favourite films or comics during my childhood.
And how would you describe your work?
Unless I’m doing a custom order, my marbled creations are spontaneous for the most part. I adore spirals and swirls and marbling as an art form lends itself very well to these.
The colours of my work depend on my mood generally and also what it is I’m actually marbling at the time.
Has your work evolved since you started?
As I’ve researched more and practised my art form my confidence has grown. I’m not scared anymore to take chances on materials that before I would not have touched, for example metal and glass.
I’ve also become a lot quicker in my marbling, you have to work quickly before the paint degrades on the surface of your size.
How did you start selling on Etsy?
I saw the Etsy Resolution page on Facebook in 2016, and made it a goal of mine to open an Etsy shop which I did. I found the whole process quite painless and also joining Brisstyle was a huge help and support.
Who or what inspires you?
Other creative people have always inspired me. Reading their stories of both the good times and the bad is a source of encouragement and a reality check when required.
I have been a nurse for 27 years and now my art is inspiring me to nurture myself in a new creative way.
I try to reuse and recycle where possible. Visiting op shops and sourcing materials is always a pleasure. I use a lot of newspaper in my marbling for cleaning and this always ends up in our compost bins. My marbling bath is water and carrageenan and this goes straight on the garden once it’s past its use by date.
Describe your studio?
My studio is under our house is quite spacious (when I’ve got the mess under control) and cool during summer. Like a lot people I always need more shelving to store stock in. My old massage table doubles as storage at the moment.
The walls are filled with colour from my marbling experiments on various types of canvases.
I just need the coffee machine to be downstairs as well.
What is your favourite thing to make?
I can’t give a straight answer to this question as it changes every time with each marbling. When I’m marbling feathers that’s all I want to do, as with satin and again with paper. Each material has its own charm.
How did your business name come about?
Raynbow Crow Studios – Rayn comes from the first part of my surname and the fact that I love marbling crow feathers fitted the second part.
Where do you see your creative journey taking you in the next 12 months?
I want to push myself more and try different things. The world of Ebru marbling is especially old school, which is fine as their creations are divine. I want test the boundaries of marbling and create new things. I am also considering teaching as well in the future.
What’s your top tip to others wanting to break into the handmade/creative market?
Just keep at it and at first make realistic goals. Research is never overrated and I am constantly reading up on various topics. Join a group like Brisstyle , they are fabulously supportive.
Describe your typical creative day?
Check emails first thing. After school drop off I start on or finish off which ever project I’ve got lined up for the day. I try to be organised a week or so ahead if I’m having a marbling week or a week of photography and listing items/updating SEOs etc.
I still work as a nurse casually and so may be called in to work the day before which puts things back a bit. Truthfully, I could be way more organised and that is something I’m working on.
Each new day is a chance to make more mess
(haha, I love that.) Do you have a favourite handmade item that you have bought?
I am addicted to anything Dr Who related and so I own many earrings from Lisa at Rory the Fox handmade.
Where can we find you online?
How long have you been a member of BrisStyle?
One year or there abouts.
How did you find out about BrisStyle?
Through the 2015 Etsy Made Local Market and chatting to the lovely people there.
Why did you become a member?
To learn new things and to meet like-minded people. To have great support on the market event days.
BrisStyle is well respected within the handmade community and that was a huge influence on me joining. And of course to make new friends.
Why do you craft?
To be able to express that side of me that has been hidden/put on hold for so long. As a stress relief and to keep me sane. Making money as well is a motivator and always a lovely bonus.
At the end of the day I just love using my hands to create stuff, it’s that simple really.
At the end of the day I just love using my hands to create stuff, it’s that simple really.
Thank you Bronny x. anita
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