Maker: Natalie of StellaMarine Design

StellaMarine Design

When I first saw Natalie’s artistic creations I was drawn to the bright colors.  After learning more about Natalie of StellaMarine Design, I realized her use of color and style is due to the influence of her childhood.  I’m smitten with her style and how lively and fun her creations are.  Meet Natalie and enjoy her artful creations.

~Angie~

Please introduce yourself.

My name is Natalie Godinez. I grew up in México in the sunny, chaotic border town of Tijuana. I studied art at San Diego State University focusing in the now extinct (meh!) department of fiber design and spent the rest of the time dreaming in the intaglio printmaking studio. After college I moved with my (now) husband to Oakland, where I live now. Aside from being an artist I also teach literacy to kids full time.

What do you make or do?

I make fiber jewelry and accessories. I like the idea of wearing things that are colorful, bold and exciting, so I try to focus on creating things that embody these characteristics.

StellaMarine Design

Where can we find your creations?

You can find my things at https://stellamarine.etsy.com

You can follow me at https://Instagram.com/stellamarinedesign

Or you can see me in person at Patchwork Show Oakland!

StellaMarine Design

Is there an interesting story behind the name of your business? How did the name come about?

The name of my business came from having “Stella Marine” as a screen name for many years, so in a way it’s my alter ego. The name came after many days spent at the beach with friends and being attracted to the horizon and how beautiful it looks where the ocean and the sky meet. So stella is from stars (the sky) and marine for the ocean, hence Stella Marine Design. At the time I was also very interested in ocean creatures and how they move in the water.

StellaMarine Design

How long have you been creating and is it your full-time job?

Aside from making, I am also a full time academic intervention and after school teacher. So some days it’s hard to find the time and mental strength to create after a long day with kids. I have slowly found the time and created a mini studio space in my apartment to make things, it helps me so much to unwind and forget any stress I have related to work. Weekends and nights is when I create and sometimes I do it while watching a show or a movie! (The wonders of needlework). I hope that in the near future I can become more successful and take the leap as a full time maker.

StellaMarine Design

Did someone in your family, a friend or teacher introduce you to your creative side or have they helped you along the way?

I think my whole family is very creative and crafty. My mom is always finding some kind of crafty project to work on and she’s the kind that would say “we can make that” when we saw something we couldn’t afford but wanted in a store. I grew up always encouraged by my mom and my sisters to create things. They constantly cheer me on and wear my jewelry, which is really exciting. I also have a strong network of creative friends who really inspire me.

StellaMarine Design

Where do you find inspiration?

My biggest source of inspiration are materials, seeking them is the most exciting part of making for me. Using known techniques with unexpected materials is one of my favorite things to do! Other sources of inspiration are people I see on the street dressed in adventurous ways, the art children make, and the bright colors of the many traditional crafts of Mexico. I find myself with a suitcase full of crafts every time I travel. I like to joke that our apartment looks like a Mexican craft party!

StellaMarine Design

What’s on the horizon for you and what you do?

I am excited to start a project called #52weeksofneedlework in 2016. For every week of the year I will attempt to tackle techniques I haven’t learned completely yet (knitting, ahem, ahem) and create new jewelry from these explorations. Follow me on Instagram to see my progress @stellamarinedesign!

 

StellaMarine Design

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