Feature Friday~ Xau Xau

Happy Friday friends! Today's featured Etsy seller is a yarn savvy friend who creates such fun,colorful jewelry pieces! Alise Lake of XauXau creates unique pieces of crochet art that are sure to make the wearer beam :) As a fellow knit/crochet fiend, I was so excited when Alise agreed to a little interview on my blog. So without further delay, here is the creative mind and hands behind XauXau...

Alise Lake of XauXau

What 5 words would you use to describe yourself?

                                              Positive, funny, dreamy, quiet, extraordinary

Striped Handmade Colorful Crochet Line

Tell us a little bit about your etsy shop, XauXau

XauXau is all about colors and different type of crochet. I believe that XauXau reflects my inner dream world where everything is possible. I try to combine the traditional techniques and philosophy of crochet with new experiments inspired from many things seen in Etsy, in the surrounding world and in my dreams. Also – I try to challenge myself to make something I thought I never could.

Sea Necklace Handmade Crochet Bead

When did you first learn to crochet and who taught you?

I smile remembering this. I was still a kid (going in the kinder garden) and I had the most wonderful grandmother who was patient enough to guide me in the first crochet and knitting lessons. I remember this yellow crochet doily we made together. As every line was different, she would start it and show me how to continue and I tried my best. It was so interesting! Even the kids in the kinder garden were astonished when I showed the outcome!

The Rainy Cloud Brooch Handmade Crochet

What inspires your pieces?

Oh - everything that surrounds me! But I will give you one example. Sometimes a new item is like a catalyst for the next one – just looking at it or already in the process of making - it shows me a lot of different ways how to continue. It can be quite annoying as the previous one has to be finished and my thoughts are already someplace else. :D

Lines of the Painter Handmade Crochet

Can you tell us one vintage and one handmade item currently on your Etsy wishlist?

I love when vintage things are being recreated. This outcome is just something breath-taking! www.etsy.com/listing/68240091/pieces-of-her-past-eco-altered-sweater

 Metal smith is something I would love to learn sometimes in the future. For now, I can just adore the beauty of this ring, for example: 

www.etsy.com/listing/74256269/t12-black-and-red-organic-tulip-ring

Rainbow Necklace Handmade Crochet Bead

What personal crochet project are you currently working on?

How about if I show you something that I have made just recently? xauxaucreations.blogspot.com/2011/06/handmade-crochet-lamp.html 

Handmade Crochet Lamp

and just for fun, what is your favorite flavor of coffee?

I am one of those rare people who don’t drink coffee. :) But I sure love teas. During cold winters it’s nice to have a cup of lime flower or peppermint or mix of different herbs tea. Healthy, tasty and full of Latvian senses. Mhmm!

Thank you Alise!

SHOP ANNOUNCEMENT:

Since I will be at Henderson ArtBeat this evening, Folklure's Etsy shop will be closed from 4pm today and reopen tomorrow at 12pm with updated inventory!

I would also like to give a shout out to Folklure's Giveaway winner, Of the Fountain, who won my 'Blue Quartz Point Earrings' this Tuesday on the Flex Family Arts Blog! CONGRATULATIONS!