Meet Amy Leyden
Amy Leyden is the creative mind behind Ivy Lane Art Studio, creating paintings and other goodies that bring whimsy, joy, and inspiration to your home. Each piece is hand-painted and one of a kind. Amy has been creating from a very young age, including sewing, crafts, needlework, decorated cakes, bridal veils, and paintings. Amy majored in Advertising at Michigan State because she thought it would be a good way to use her creative skills in a "marketable business setting," but the advertising world just wasn't for her. Amy's goal is to create whimsical art that uplifts and brings joy and a smile to people. Each piece is made with joy and gratitude, usually while listening to fun music or a good podcast.
Why did you choose to partner with Yellow Door to sell your artwork?
What a great outlet to support artists! Yellow Door promotes their artists and wants them to succeed. I'm so excited to be able to create art and have an outlet for it! I love that I don't have to worry about the marketing and selling that goes along with it.
How long have you been creating your artwork?
I've been creating things since childhood, but my official "artwork" started in 1998...24 years ago.
What do you love most about the creative process?
Picking out my color schemes! I love transforming a white canvas into those blended colors.
What are your goals for the future, both artistically and in life?
Artistically, I'm very excited to expand my business by selling at Yellow Door. Through the pandemic I have been uninspired to create art because I haven't had an outlet for it other than Etsy, which has been slow. Having my art at Yellow Door has given me purpose again. Artistically, my goal is to grow as an artist and keep experimenting with different styles, media,
themes, etc. My goals for life in general are to keep learning, keep growing,
keep moving, and appreciate each and every day.
Do you have any other interesting hobbies or a fun story about an experience
involving your artwork?
The largest canvas I've ever painted was a backdrop for my daugther's competitive dance team - it was 50 feet long and probably 20 feet high. The smallest canvas I've ever painted was a 2" x 2" tiny canvas with a miniature easel. I've painted a diagram of beef cuts on a 50 piece of slate. I've painted ornaments, furniture, rocks, metal, wine glasses, and everything in between.
Quotes you love or live by?
"Carpe diem," "Get busy living," and my favorite..."Love one another."
What do you enjoy doing besides making art?
Nature and hiking, sewing, painting furniture, decorating, traveling, being with friends and family, reading, seeing live country music, walking, making fun craft cocktails.
What's the best piece of advice you've been given?
So many pieces of advice over the years...but what comes to mind right now is...
"Comparison is the thief of joy."
What's your favorite?
Color: Moss Green
Pet and/or animal: Dolphins, cats, red squirrels, and chipmunks
Season: Spring (new life and hope)
Movie: Shawshank Redemption, Sixteen Candles
Board game: Sequence
Holiday: Thanksgiving or Easter
Best cup of coffee: Dark roast with a touch of cream, no sugar
Amy lives in Plymouth with her husband Tom and their high school age son, Jack, and their fluffy regal cat, Joey. They also have 2 older daughters, Molly and Maddie. Ivy Lane Art Studio creations can be found at Yellow Door Art Market in Berkley and several other metro Detroit stores, including Dixboro General Store near Ann Arbor and 3Bird in Dexter. You can also find Amy's art on Etsy, Instagram, and Facebook.