Faith Folk Cafe Welcomes Cindy Mayfield of Yapping Cat Studio!

GIVE AWAY IS CLOSED
Each comment left on this article and also on Pam's blog post about this feature will be placed in a random drawing for an original ATC (Artist Trading Card) made by Pam Warden on 9/23.

I'd like to warmly welcome Cindy from Yapping Cat Studio. Accomplished at lettering, painting and creating the most beautiful things with paper, buttons and bits of silky ribbon... she also stitches the sweetest birds you've ever seen. I frankly and accidentally (sorry C) picked an awful time for her to have to deal with being interviewed, as she is co-hosting Paper Cowgirl Retreat starting this Friday in Texas with the Fabulous Jan, Tina and a few other wonderful artists. But she hung in there and graciously gave the interview for us. (On a personal note...Cindy has become to me one of those blog friends who you've never met in "real life", but feel you've known forever. Her mother, Carolyn, sadly died from cancer Jan. 19 of 2008, yet only a few months later Cindy was one of the first to reach out to me when my little sister was diagnosed. She has cheered us on through these difficult months, always there in an email saying, "Oh, Honey...I know...I'm praying.")
And now, I'd love you all to meet my dear friend:

Cindy Mayfield

What is your favorite medium and/or tools to create with and why?

I bounce back and forth. Today it’s paper, paste and vintage. Tomorrow it might be paint and canvas. Or maybe felt and beads. Although truth be told, I enjoy painting, but my passion right now is paper. Especially creating little books. Dabbling in many mediums just seems to be my nature. I’m a Jill of all trades…I’ve done a little book illustration. I did wholesale for about five years (with painted glass and such), and now I’ve discovered paper arts. So, I’m pretty fickle when it comes to any one medium.

~Hand Painted and Lettered Nest Tray~by Cindy

What is your favorite time to make art and where is your favorite place to do so?

I used to be a night owl. But as I’ve gotten older and have fewer hormones (big grin) I’ve become an early bird. Plus I have two cats that like to wake me up at 4:30 am to feed them. Most mornings I go ahead and stay up and stumble bleary eyed into the studio to work for awhile. I’m fortunate in that I get to use the extra bedroom in the house for my Studio. It still has a twin guest bed in it, but rarely does anyone ever visit anymore! (All my nieces have gotten to grown up). So, I have a whole, junky little space that is all my own.
I used to share an office with my Sweet Hub…but he says I’m too messy and he booted me out! LOL.~Beautiful Paper work~ by Cindy

Do you have your own space or are you at the kitchen/dining room table????

My own space. I have a funky, faux treatment on the walls, old chandi and old shutters. Lots of my favorite things in the way of decor. It’s very me. I’ve actually heard my Sweet Hub apologize to someone for having to sleep in there. LOL. It’s the kitty’s fav room in the house as well.

Do you like to create in silence or with music in. If music, name some of your favorites.

It’s silly, but I can’t listen to music too much. Then I start dancing…singing (BADLY). Mostly old 80’s/90’s stuff, but I like a few new things as well. Since I can’t paste and dance at the same time, I mostly, listen to the dreaded talk radio. I tend to let it be just a background noise. And many mornings…I just listen to the quiet.

Where can we see your work?

I put a lot of things on my blog at Yapping Cat Studio and I have an Etsy, and Flickr. I recently signed up to do Glitter and Grunge. And a lot of my work is in a well-known local gift shop/restaurant.

~See, I told you...Cutest Stinkin' Little Hand Sewn Birdies~ by Cindy

What are your dreams and goals for your business?

Sigh. I’ve long since given up any great dreams of fame. LOL. Seriously, to just enjoy what I do. It always thrills me when someone “connects” with one of my pieces. When I can see the joy on their face. I like the idea that something I created can make someone else happy. I do hope to grow this year, of course, I think any artist does. One day I would not mind doing some design work, or to return to illustration. But for now, I’m content to just create and play.

Who was your biggest female influence in your life?
Please tell us about her.
~Carolyn~ Psalm 23 "The Lord is my Shepherd..."

My Mom (Carolyn) was my biggest cheerleader. She always encouraged me. Was always so positive about whatever I was creating at the time. We had tons of plans to do something together once she retired. At one point it was a small shop. We later changed and had played with the idea of creating greeting cards. She loved to write and I love to draw. We had planned to call it “A Mother’s Heart and a Daughter’s Hand”. She was so very creative and she loved to do flower arrangements and home décor. I miss her everyday. And I have to say other artists have always inspired me. Loved all that Mary Engelbreit’s done. Got to meet her once, could NOT believe I was actually breathing the same air she was. It was pretty awesome. And so many others, Cecily Mary Baker (flower fairies), Dena, Tracy Porter, Susan Branch and the list goes on and on.

How do you manage family and your art business?

Since it is just me and the sweet hubby, I have to tell ya, it’s pretty easy. Although, sometimes he does not understand my need to go into the studio at 4 a.m. LOL. But I manage (most days) to stay on top of the laundry…but vacuuming is whole other story. LOL. He is very encouraging as well. Says he looks forward to the day when he can just collect MY paychecks. LOL.

What advise do you have for others just starting out?

Don’t wait. Practice, practice, practice. Develop your style and know the direction you want to go in. Be it design or paper mache’. Once you’ve got it nailed down, get yourself out there. Don’t let fear strangle you and keep you from doing anything at all.

How do you see your faith in Christ connected to your art and creations?

I believe that my creativity comes from God. My ability to draw, or to create is a gift that I’m honored (and always a little awed) that other’s appreciate. I like to think that in those early, morning hours of quietness and creating that God is putting me in the direction that He sees fit. A lot of times, scripture will work itself into my art, or be the basis for a piece itself. As for my favorite scripture... the Psalms.

"Thanks for featuring me...I really appreciate it."

~Lovely Song Tags~ by Cindy

Thank you Cindy for letting us peek into your world.
Please don't use any of Cindy's Artwork without her consent. Copyright laws apply. 9/23/2008
Thank you!