So Canadian eh? : Imprintalish


 Don't you love discovering and meeting fabulously talented Canadians?
 My latest visitor is just that - fabulously talented! I am thrilled to introduce you to....

 Lish from Imprintalish!




She is....

Lish, a creative soul who makes her home in a small town in Ontario, is the author behind the creative lifestyle blog, Imprintalish. Lish, a mom to two, always has a creative endeavour on the go. The creator behind one-of-a-kind accessories and jewelry that she sells in her Etsy shop with the same name. Her photography, her crafts and her tutorials are must reads! I would love to craft with her for an afternoon - the fun we could have!

Always cooking up something inspiring, you need to add her blog to your blog reading list!











Tell us a bit about yourself. What makes you tick? What are you most passionate about? Where you always creative? What did you study in school?

I grew up in a small town in Southwestern Ontario, where I lived with my parents {who still live in the same house I grew up in} and my two younger brothers. Back then, I yearned for a big city type of life, so I hightailed it to Toronto and studied Visual Merchandising Arts after high school. My love for city life was short lived, 5 years later, newly married and ready to settle down, we decided that we’d love to return to the bustling sound of birds chirping...not street cars. Guess I was a rural girl at heart!

I’ve always been pretty creative, when I was younger, drawing and painting were my medium of choice, and I’m pretty sure my mom got sick of seeing dirty paint brushes and pallets in the sink! As I got older, time to paint diminished and my love for fashion and decor grew...and more recently, photography and jewelry design has captured my heart. For some reason I hate to sit still, so if there is something to create, make or sew...I’m doing it!

Clearly you are incredibly talented, what is your favorite thing to create or dabble in?

Lately, I feel as though I’ve been pondering that very same question. I like all creative avenues...But I think that my ultimate favorite will always be painting. It really feeds my creative appetite, but unfortunately I rarely get to do it and I am running out of walls J


You have an esty shop, how long have you had your shop up and running? Any tips for aspiring crafty/artsy entrepreneurs?

I started selling online a few years ago with some Digital Photocards and Handmade Greeting cards. After awhile I added in some of my Photography prints and then just recently revamped everything and reopened my shop, Imprintalish Handmade, which carries Upcycled Accessories along with my photography prints.

It’s been a bit of trial and error as I’ve been trying to figure out what I want to be when ‘I grow up’...and I still think I am learning as I go. But, if I was to give any advice, it would be to just do it. Don’t wait for the ‘perfect time’...If you are passionate and believe in what you’re making, others will see your love through your products and everything else will fall into place. I still tell myself this over and over, because sometimes, it takes awhile before someone takes notice. No one ever said running your own business was easy, but I feel like it’s definitely the most rewarding choice for someone who is looking for a flexible and creative field.

How long have you been blogging? And what made you decide to blog?

I started my blog, Imprintalish, about 2.5 years ago. My best friend stirred up the thought and I haven’t looked back. Imprintalish was born with the intent to capture the little every day things. Over the years, I’ve sprinkled in DIY projects, fashion, inspiration and lots of yummy recipes, but it’s still filled with photography and its kind of became my own personal self discovery journal of sorts.

You are a SAHM {I think?} how do you manage to balance your blog, your etsy shop and your life?

I don’t. LOL. Sometimes I am a fabulous mom, and a terrible blogger. Then I may be a great shop owner and a terrible mom. Other days I can do it all and have time to create. I may or may not use TV a bit as a babysitter when I need to sit down and pound through some things on the computer. Overall though, I try and get emails taken care of first thing in the morning while my husband is still here. During the day I almost always give my time to the kiddos, when nap time comes I’ll try and do something productive like work on orders or new things for my shop. Once supper is over and the kids are tucked into bed, I’ll write up and schedule some blogs posts for the week. Honestly, my poor husband is usually the one who misses out on quality time, but thankfully he’s been pretty supportive...so far...:)
How would you describe your design style?

I think that I am an eclectic mix of modern and quirky, with a bit of rustic thrown in there. My design style has really evolved in the last two years and I’m still discovering and tweaking it...my home is definitely a work in progress!

Where/ what are your go-to design sources?

I love blogs; Poppytalk, More Design Please and Lovely Clusters are fabulous! Apartment Therapy is also another great one. For color or fabric inspiration, Tonic Living has a fantastic selection of materials. And Michaels Craft Stores; I could spend hours in there!
What gets your creative juices flowing?

Oh,
anything and everything! Pinterest for sure, that’s a great spot to get inspired! Flipping through magazines or catalogues. Spending time outside or even discovering a new blog. I love people watching and wandering through unique little shops or antique markets too!

If you could meet anyone or do anything what would it be?

I would love to meet Nate Berkus!! I could gobble him up, lol! If I could do anything, I’d love to be able to spend time in New York City or Paris-soaking up its culture and museums and of course visit the ocean...I’ve never seen the ocean :( I really need to get out more...

Tell us something about yourself that we would be surprised to know!

I have a small tattoo on my lower back of my zodiac sign, Pisces. I’ve also had several body piercings, but my body has rejected them all, even my ears...I haven’t worn earrings since I was about 12!

What are your views on the role Canadian design plays in the world design scene? Do you feel that Canadians have a unique sense of style and design, and if so, what is it that you think sets us apart?  

I don’t know if I am qualified to answer that question, haha! I do know that as a country we are so lucky to be very diverse and multicultural and that definitely sets us apart from other Countries. I feel Canadians are very proud to pull inspiration from our culture, our heritage and our surroundings, which makes us very unique!

Thanks for giving us a bit of a peek into your life and thoughts!

XO Barbara

6 comments

  1. Love Imprintalish! :) It was nice to read this and get to know her a little more.

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  2. Just happened on your blog, and I love it! Also a Vancouverite up until a couple months ago,(now in Calgary.)I love the Canadian feel to the blog as well as the interviews:)

    Fortheloveofblack.blogspot.com

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  3. So nice to meet Lish! Very cool jewellery. I'll be hopping over to her Etsy shop to see more. Thanks for the introduction, Barb!

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  4. That ferris wheel looks vaguely familiar .......... must be a popular ride :-)

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  5. Nice interview! Its so nice to get a chance to get to know more Canadian bloggers. Great post Barbara! :)

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