Our next interview in the Creative Moms series is with artist, photographer, and etsy store owner, Lisa Ensor of Lizzy Brookes Handmade. I’ve had the privilege of knowing Lisa for many years now, and I’m inspired by her beautiful photography and talent as an artist. She is a mom to a cute little boy, who is almost a year old. Here is her interview.

1. Tell us a little bit about yourself.
I’ve always loved being creative, more importantly creating. I started a craft club in high school, opened a photography business in college and taught art at the high school level for 3 years. But my true love is shopping at the flea market and making things by hand. After graduating with a Studio Art Degree, I began teaching. I would learn new mediums of art, just so I could teach them: knitting, calligraphy, acrylic painting etc. I’ve recently become very interested in textiles as well.

2. What do you do as an artist?
I still do a little photography on the side, mainly for people I know. But I love embellishing shirts and sweaters with vintage accents! I sew, embroider, paint and knit on a fairly regular basis. I also photograph my products for my etsy shop.

From left to right: Mother’s Day Button Bracelet // Pocket Full of Posie Striped Tee // Blush Button Bracelet // Woven Mustard Yellow Serving Bowl

3. What keeps you inspired and motivated to create while still being a full-time mom?
I create because if I don’t I will burst! I’m most inspired by the Flea Market on Saturday mornings; when I walk past tables of old handkerchiefs, trinkets, quilt squares and lace I get so excited to make something! I also look at Anthropologie catalogues (I save all of them), their website and I read a few blogs that keep me motivated and inspired.

4. How do you maintain a balance between motherhood and the work you do?
I’ve always wanted to be one of those women who do certain things on certain days at specific times. Unfortunately I’m a some what scatter-brained artist. I get in these modes- the cleaning mode, the just-want-to-play mode and the business mode. Finding the balance everyday is the challenge. Every morning I try to wake up early, make coffee, read my Bible and make a to do list; I always want to get the list done- but having fun and enjoying my life is more important to me. I try to work on my business Lizzy Brookes handmade and the new Lizzy Brookes Vintage while Brooklyn is napping. I have to work quickly and work smart during those daily naps!

5. Who are some of your favorite artists and why?
Artists that inspire my etsy shop are:
Laura Normandin’s blog and website -  I first read about Laura in Martha Stewart Living magazine and just fell in love with her handmade dolls and crocheted necklaces!
Joanna Goddard’s a cup of Jo blog – A friend recommended this blog and now I feel more connected with a diverse world through Joanna. She loves Parisian fashion, great photography and quirky little stories!
Alyson Fox’s illustrations, photographs and fashion – Alyson’s illustrations were featured in a magazine and since then I regularly look through her photographs and illustrations.
Max Wagner’s photography – Joanna featured Max on her blog cup of Jo and I love his organic and ethereal photographic style.
Anthropologie – My favorite store in the world! What girl doesn’t love clothes? But I LOVE the fabric, the design and seeing the color combinations, as well as the beautiful photography in Anthropologie.
I also peruse etsy’s collections of art, vintage clothes and my boxes full of vintage clothes and embellishments!
I love these etsy shops: thelittlestitch.etsy.com and 13bees.etsy.com and bluemango.etsy.com.

6. What are your mother’s day wishes?
My mother’s day wishes are to be with my family, spending some quality time eating, laughing, playing games and maybe getting a special little present for being a mom!

Photos by Lisa Ensor

Thank you Lisa! I enjoyed hearing more about what inspires you as an artist. Tomorrow I will post my third and final interview in the Creative Moms series. Don’t miss it!