ARTIST SPOTLIGHT: Kristi Baker

The Artisan Group is proud to announce this week’s Artist Spotlight Feature is Kristi Baker of The Nib and Quill!

• Tell us a little bit about your shoppe. The Nib and Quill was created out of my love of journaling and the strong need to create journals that represented the words within. As I was walking my journaling journey, I grew weary of having to buy cookie cutter store bought journals that all looked the same. I wanted something that represented me- with a strong vintage flair and handcrafted with intense attention to detail. There is something magical in taking something old and creating something new and beautiful. I bind the journals in the Coptic fashion. I was drawn to Coptic binding due to its strength, beauty, and storied history across the ages. My Etsy shop, The Nib and Quill, is my window to the world where I get to share what I love with people that are similarly inspired by the written word and want a special place to capture their thoughts. It gives me goose bumps to know that my journals have had the honor to be a part of weddings, capturing the memories of departed loved ones, capturing the quickening found in new relationships, and more.

• What is your favorite journal from your shoppe and why? It is impossible to choose a favorite journal in my shop, but if forced, I would select one with a skeleton key. I love using vintage skeleton keys in my art. I can only imagine where they have been and what they kept safe.
   

• When you’re not handcrafting your intricate journals, what are your hobbies? When I am not dreaming or creating new journals, I am off to the outdoors. I am married to a nut when it comes to nature. He drags me, and our three kids, outside whenever possible, hiking here and there. We can be found in the Shenandoah Valley any given weekend, hiking, having picnics; unplugging and connecting with Mother Nature and each other.

• What do you like best about The Artisan Group? The Artisan Group has been such a wonderful group for me. I was completely on my own with promoting my shop and had no idea what I was doing. Everyone in The Artisan Group takes each other under their wing and really helps each other with their business – a great example of collaboration and reciprocity. They truly want to see each other succeed and we all take great joy in each other’s achievements. It is so refreshing. We learn so much from one another. The relationships within The Artisan Group are very special to me – the celebrity gifting is just the icing on my cupcake!

Kristi recently participated as a display participant in a luxury celebrity gift lounge on February 24-25, 2012 at The W Hotel in Hollywood, California, in honor of the The 2012 Academy Awards Nominees and Presenters.