Please tell us a little bit about yourself and your business.

While in art school, I, with two partners, opened a fun art gallery and art supply store in Lawrence, Kansas.  The store served the local art community for four years.  As that chapter in my life came to a close, I then decided to pack my bags and immigrate to the flashy land of tinsel and tans.  I have lived in Los Angeles for about three years, and my love for the West Coast grows everyday.  About a year ago, I created a new little business–Jill K. in LA–to satisfy my thirst for creativity and entrepreneurship. 

Jill K. in LA is a collection of original, handmade paper goods–primarily greeting cards and stationery.  I employ the age-old technique of block printing. Starting with original designs, I then carve an individual block for each color. Every card is a lovingly crafted piece of art.

How did you first get involved with crafting?

I have always been a creative creature.  Inspired by the beauty of handmade things, while working at a paper store in West Hollywood, I decided to make some cards of my own design.  And thus, Jill K. in LA was born!

What are your favorite materials to work with? Do you have a favorite color palette?

I haven’t always been a printmaker.  I enjoy dabbling in this and that.  But recently, I have fallen in love with the process and aesthetic of block printing.  I appreciate the raw authenticity of block prints.  No two are exactly alike. 

I work primarily with non-toxic ink on cotton paper.  The texture and thickness of this paper is nice and beefy!  And the edges are rich.  All of my cards are hand torn from large sheets.  Most of my envelopes are made of eco-friendly recycled paper.  And sometimes I use magic to enhance my cards with a scratch-&-sniff scent!

My color palette is usually bright and varied.  I like colors that pop.  My favorite color, which is prevalent in my work, is bubble gum pink.  I enjoy using colors in non-traditional ways, so I have used my bubble gum pink as a skin tone and also as a hot dog–it makes me giggle!

What are your inspirations in your art and in life?

I’m continually inspired by childhood nostalgia and pop culture.  I enjoy adding humor to my work as well.  I do believe laughter is an essential staple in a healthy life.

What is your favorite song or album to listen to while working?

My musical taste is so varied.  But while I’m working, I have no attention to spare, so I let my oldies radio station decide my playlist for me.

Who are some of your favorite indie artist/crafters and why do you love them?

Hmmm. . . There are a lot of talented crafters doing it up right now.  At Unique LA, I just found Kerry Howard-Schmidt from the Paper Moon Gallery.  She’s a folk artist who creates curious, little, needle felted characters.  Very Unique!

And a while back, at Felt Club, I discovered PearsonMaron.  Their ceramic creatures are fun and silly.  Super cute!  I especially love the whimsy cloud factory sculpture!

Any exciting future plans or developments in the works for your business?

I’m continually creating new card designs.  In the future, I will develope handmade party hats and screen printed wrapping paper.  Perhaps some t-shirts will make it into the line of goodies as well! 

Check out Jill’s Etsy at  www.jillkinla.etsy.com