Featuring Etsy Shop - JanEleven

I first came to know of JanEleven when I began posting on the threadkiller threads on the Etsy forums. Jan brings us the 'news ' every morning-quick one liner's encapsulating the day's postings on the threads. She is inviting and always open for a chat, and genuinely cares about the people and the shops she reports on. JanEleven's shop is a mixture of vintage and antique items and also showcases her watercolor paintings and ACEO's, which are inspired by many things...literature, the ocean, and fantasy. I began to understand even more about this artist when I interviewed her:

What is your favorite item in your shop? My personal favorites are the abstract paintings.

Jan let me pick my favorite and it is called "Under the Blue". I love this painting and I spent hours one day gazing at it; it takes me to another place in my mind where things are calm. The most fascinating thing I found about it, was that I saw so many images in it, no matter which way I looked at it. Since it is an abstract, it can be turned around and framed either vertically or horizontally.

What inspires you to create? I am inspired by many things - nature, fantasy, something I read or see.

And do you have any inspirational advice for other artists? I believe everyone has a gift and all gifts are equally special...the important thing is once you have found your gift, use it and work to make it the best you can.

Do you create in more than 1 medium? I paint in watercolors and I also like making collages.

If you could live anywhere in the world, where would you choose? And why? I have always had an affinity for Japan - I absolutely love the architechture and the refined sense of beauty. I also think the kimono is one of the most beautiful articles of clothing ever designed for women, and I have a collection of them.

What is your favorite food? Everyone knows I love cucumber soup! For some reason I don't seem to have a sweet tooth at all - I would much rather have some macaroni and cheese than cake and ice cream, although I can eat the icing with a spoon.

Favorite animal? I love most animals and think it's amazing how they all fit into Creation.

Favorite color? I love Chinese red, but I use it most often in decorating - many of my paintings have the blues and greens and purples which I also love.

Do you have a favorite quote you'd like to share? One of my favorites is in my shop announcement:

If, of thy worldly goods thou are bereft

And to thy store one loaf of bread is left

Sell it, and with the dole

Buy hyacinths to feed thy soul - Edna St. Vincent Millay

I also like what Judge Judy says - "Don't pee on my shoe and tell me it's raining."

Thank you so much Jan for taking the time to share a little about yourself with us. Be sure to visit JanEleven on Etsy for vintage treasures and beautiful one of a kind watercolor abstracts.