Hi. I'm Val.
I am the creative miss that is Val's Art Studio. That's "miss," not mess... My family refers to me as ADD Val (ok, not very nice). Well, my art expression is all of that, and more.
I live by the seaside in lovely Coronado, California, just across the bridge from downtown San Diego. My studio is located in the San Diego Made Factory, where I can offer in-studio shopping experiences and workshops, occasional Open Studios and twice yearly large scale Makers Markets. Recently widowed, I have two adult sons, a new grandson and a mischievous dog, Onyx an American Staffy, who is basically a 70 pound crushing lap dog!
I create heARTfelt mixed media fiber art from upcycled wool and natural textiles which I felt, cut, fold, sew and stitch up. Then, I needle felt into it, which means I use special barbed needles to dry felt wool fiber into the creation. I stab, poke, mesh, and transform my sewn creations into something completely unique and artistic, and often very whimsical. I often finish with embroidered words or accents.
I love what I do, I have an excuse to collect all kinds of fabrics, yummy yarn and roving (unspun yarn), plus I'm officially allowed to ponder and sketch out my ideas to my heart's content. My work is constantly evolving and I'm always excited about the next project, which I usually discover during a bit of daydreaming. I love the eclectic and unusual, and try to pull a bit of that into everything I make. And that makes me feel like I'm accomplishing something special and fun. Oh yes, it fuels my creative mess in a very big way!
Most pieces are one of a kind, or something I create in a very small series. I aim to instill heaps of charm into each piece I create, a handmade keepsake for future generations. Made with so much care and love... from me to you.
I sell my work online on Etsy as well as my lovely studio at San Diego Made Factory plus several shops in my local area. Please visit my Shop page to see a full list of galleries where you can purchase my items. If you have a shop where you'd like to sell my goods, definitely give me a holler to discuss wholesale options!
I am also occasionally available to work on private commissions during the year. Custom pet portraits are a very popular gift and moreso around the holidays. Please get in touch with me if you're thinking of a project.
My work has been featured in many Stampington publications, Patchwork & Craft, and local issues of San Diego Home and Garden magazine.
Please feel free to email me at ValsArt@me.com with any special requests. I am a dedicated Virgo, friendly, and will get right back to you! Thank you so much for visiting, and for supporting all things H a n d m a d e!!