Featured Seller: doviesaprons

Who are you?
I'm Jan Pope of doviesaprons.

Where are you located?
I live in Raleigh, in the southern part of Wake county.

What do you create?
Lots of things - fine art, aprons, jewelry, crocheted and knitted items, art photographs. However, I only try to sell my fine art, photographs and aprons.

What is your favorite place to visit in the "triangle"?
One of my favorite places is the Juniper Level Botanical Garden, otherwise know as Plant Delights. It's only open about 4 times a year, but the variety of plants is amazing. In the summer, when everything is in full bloom, it's just a wonderful place. The colors are inspiring. Best of all, if it grows there, chances are it will grow at my house, since I'm in the same part of the county.

When did you start creating?
I started creating things when I was a child. I learned to crochet at age 6, was drawing and painting by age 8, and sewing clothes by age 11. I come from an artsy/crafty family. It's just expected of you to be able to do something creative. My mother and grandmother did not think you had proper "raisings" unless you could sew, cook a decent meal and, as they say, "keep your hands busy".

What inspires you?
I'm inspired by nature. I love flowers - they have such great texture and colors. Sunrises and sunsets colors are amazing. Seashell - great shapes, colors and form. Nature is true form and function.

Where do you create?
I am fortunate to have a small studio in my house. I carry a small sketchbook, so that if I'm stuck somewhere waiting, I can sketch. Sometimes, ideas come to me in the most ordinary places.

Why did you choose your shop name?
My shop is named after my grandmother, Dovie. She was creative by necessity. She was a young mother with three children during the depression. She learned to use everything up and waste as little as possible.

What is you most popular item that you create)?
The most popular apron that I make is the altered jeans apron. I often make them "themed" so that the appliques and trim on the apron are related. I've sold about 30 of them over the last few years. As Americans, we are a jeans-wearing nation and I think that this style taps into that culture. It's an apron, but at the same time, it doesn't look like your grandmother's apron.

--Be sure to also check out Jan's blog about aprons, fine art ...and last, but not least, her fine art website!

If you're a NCTriangle team member have not been fetured on the team blog yet and would like your chance to be in the spotlight, please let DinnerTimeChimes know that you need the questions to get started on the interview!