Yellow Door Art Market

Artist of the week Rachel Pitt

Meet Rachel Pitt of Beverly Hills, MI, who combines beautiful papers and glass to form Glassology. She uses chiyogami and designer papers to create fun jewelry, magnets, and accessories.

What do remember wanting to be when you grew up?

I'll let you know when I grow up. :-)

What inspired you to start creating your artwork & how did you turn it into a business?

This little project all started with a small craft project of making glass gem magnets with a few supplies from Michaels. I was looking for an easy recycling project to do with kids at my day job, where I am a Recycling Coordinator. I had fun making magnets, so I ordered supplies to make a few pendants.

My first sale was a handful of magnets on a cookie sheet at a mom2mom sale. Since then, it's grown slowly and organically.

What makes your artwork unique or distinctive?

My work is all about highlighting the beautiful papers. I work with chiyogami paper, lokta paper, and other designer papers to find just the right look.

What do you most love about the creative process?

Shopping for new papers! I *heart* Paper Source!

What do you least love about the business side of creating & selling art?

I sometimes feel guilty when I have to work, and my kids want my attention. It's a difficult balance, and I'm still working it out.

What do you enjoy doing besides making art?

I'm terrible at sitting still, so I'm always doing something. I love yoga, swimming, strength training, riding bikes with my kids, and walking the dog. My kids are 7 and 4, so they keep me busy. I love cooking (and eating!) and having a glass of wine with my friends.

I have been working as a Recycling Coordinator for over 8 years, but recently went down to half time. That is a great balance with kids in school, and it allows me to think of Glassology as a fun hobby, rather than a job.

You can find lots of Rachel's gorgeous jewelry & accessories at Yellow Door, as well as online. Stay tuned for more fun and interesting info about Rachel all week!

Like learning about creative people in your community? Stay in the loop by signing up for our emails in the upper right hand corner of this site.

Rachel loves Giada's Dirty Risotto

Rachel is a big fan of this Dirty Risotto recipe from Giada De Laurentis. Sounds delicious!

Ingredients

5 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth
2 tablespoons butter
2 ounces pancetta, chopped
1 link (about 6 ounces) spicy Italian sausage, casing removed
3/4 cup finely chopped onion
1 cup chopped red bell pepper
4 ounces button mushrooms, coarsely chopped
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 1/2 cups Arborio rice or medium-grain white rice
3/4 cup dry white wine
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan
1 tablespoon chopped fresh Italian parsley leaves

Directions

In a medium saucepan, bring the broth to a simmer. Cover the broth and keep warm over low heat.
 
In a large heavy saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the pancetta and sausage and saute until golden brown, about 5 minutes. Add the onion, bell pepper, and mushrooms and saute until tender, scraping up the browned bits on the bottom of the pan, about 8 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.

 

Add the rice and stir to coat. Add the wine and simmer until the wine has almost completely evaporated, about 1 minute. Add 1/2 cup of simmering broth and stir until almost completely absorbed, about 2 minutes. Continue cooking the rice, adding the broth 1/2 cup at a time, stirring constantly and allowing each addition of broth to absorb before adding the next, until the rice is tender but still firm to the bite and the mixture is creamy, about 25 to 30 minutes total. Remove from the heat. Stir in 3/4 of the Parmesan. Transfer the risotto to a serving bowl. Sprinkle with the parsley and remaining Parmesan and serve immediately.

 

Enjoy!

If you like Rachel's favorite recipe, be sure to check out her lovely jewelry and accessories at Yellow Door and online. 

Enjoy seeing what our artists like to create in the kitchen? Stay in the loop by signing up for our emails in the upper right hand corner of this site.

Our May Favorites

Laura already has Marian Short's fabulous woodblock raccoon print hanging up in her kitchen!

Stacey loves the bright & colorful style of Carey Gustafson's glass Michigan necklaces. The perfect gift to remind someone of their roots in the mitten!

Amie Hackworth's adorable owl buddies and whimsical wildlife paintings have caught Molly's eye.

Lindsey can be spotted sipping cool drinks from Wendy Marsh's mason jar tumblers all Summer long!

April has her eye on these pretty lampwork glass bead rings by Renee Verklan.

Steve plans on trying all of the Slow Jams flavors on his toast, starting with the rhubarb ginger! He also loves their clever business name.

Like seeing some of our favorite picks? Check out our favorites next month by signing up for our emails in the upper right hand corner of this site.

Classy Koi Bracelet Giveaway

Since we're shining the light on Rachel Pitt this week, she has graciously offered up this super summery paper & glass bracelet for our art goody giveaway.

So how can you sport this cute accessory for free?

There are 4 ways to enter - you can do 1 or all 4 to better your chances.

1. Comment at the bottom of this post and tell us: What's your favorite body of water to visit during the Summer?

2. Spread the word about our giveaway on your Facebook page by clicking the Share on Facebook link below, then comment on this post saying that you did.

3. Become a fan of Glassology on facebook and comment that you did.

4. Repin the giveaway on Pinterest and comment here that you did.

We'll draw the lucky winner on Sunday, May 26, 2013 and post it on the site. Have fun, good luck and thanks for playing!

The winner must be able to pick up the item at Yellow Door Art Market.

Don't want to miss out on future art goody giveaways? Stay in the loop by signing up to receive our interesting enews in the upper right hand corner of this site.