Rusti Lee Arts

Hand Painted Stool Art!

2012-02-27T21:50:00.000-08:00

The creative process is definitely in full swing! I have added some new products to my store...stools! I have wanting to add stools for some time. They are time intensive but well worth it (I hope you will agree).

What goes into making a stool? I start with wood stools that I buy from one of my suppliers. Next, look for any imperfections in the wood and fix them. If there is a knot I make sure the wood is sealed and protected to make sure the knot sap doesn’t seep through and discolor the paint. Then I fill in any indentations with wool filler as well as any gaps along the seams. Then I sand the whole thing to prep it for the first coat of primer.

After applying the first coat of primer, I sand it and then prime it again. Then sand it again! Whew...I am already tired. The prep process is a lot of work, that's for sure.

Now that the stool is prepped and primed…the fun stuff begins! After deciding the design I want to do, I choose the base coat. The base coat is the base color of the design. In my sunflower stool, I choose a deep red. After the base coat dries I start adding the design element, such as the sunflower.

Now that the sunflower on the top is done, I look at the stool and see what else it needs. That’s when the sunflowers on the sides appear. I take one more look and decide that the wood support underneath needs some color as well.

When I start the stool, I have a basic idea of what I want. However, as the process begins it changes and morphs according to what I “feel” it needs. To finish it off I seal the whole stool with sturdy polyurethane for durability.

One stool can take me from 4-10 hours. That is why the price varies on my stools. The longest time it took to paint a stool? 12 hours! That was the Noah’s Ark themed stool. So far I have completed 6 different stool designs: Tuscan Sunflower Stool, Noah's Ark Stool, Rooster Stool, Pirate Stool, Cupcake Stool, Frog Stool.

The FaceBook Project!

2011-11-08T14:06:00.000-08:00

So I have decided to try to get more "likes" on Facebook. I started the project at 681 likes and with in 24 hours I am up to 691. How I am doing it you may ask? I am doing a race of sorts. If I can get to 1200 "likes" by 11/24, I will do a 50% off promo on my site. I will also give away lots of FREE products.I am asking my fans to encourage their Facebook friends to "like" my FB page.

So if you haven't "liked" my Rusti Lee Arts Facebook page, please do so!

Zulily here I come!

2011-08-30T13:57:00.000-07:00

This is exciting! I am in the works of setting up a www.zulily.com event on their site for three days on 9/23. We are working together to offer some incredible prices to our customers. Woo hoo!

Rusti Lee Arts weighs in on American Art and why it’s more important now than ever.

2011-07-14T19:16:00.000-07:00

Rusti Lee Arts weighs in on American Art and why it’s more important now than ever.

Artists are the pulse of their society. They often express the feelings of society through their art. Since the first cave painting discovered Le Chauvet , France people have been talking about how artists are able depict their society while giving insight to a way of life that would be lost without art. After all, most of what we know about the Egyptian society was gleaned from hieroglyphics. The most influential artists through the ages are artists that lived during particularly difficult or pivotal times of society.

In today’s America it is safe to assume we are living is a very difficult and ground breaking time, from the historic housing and economic crisis to our first African American president. Generation after generation will be reading about our current situation and doing research on how we persevered. They will look for images and photographs regarding this, hoping to create a picture of our life today. They will research the important chain of events and most importantly how people coped. Through all this, the art of today will be an essential visual for the bigger picture of our society today.

What will be the turn of tides for America? What makes today’s art invaluable for the future? In 50 years will that “made in xyz country”, mass produced and bought at a large chain store, $20 print art be what future generations are talking about? Will they want to collect that and have pride in it? What will future American generations want to collect, invest in and hold dear? Most likely it will be art from struggling artists trying to survive a depleted American economy. What does America want to be known for? Massed produced, conglomerate store art or charming and socially aware art by brilliant artists?

Buying from American artists and art businesses not only helps the local economy but it shows that as an American you have faith in what will come of our society, that you take pride in your American artists. Today’s American artists will stand the test of time because of what they represent. You will find an array of artistic styles such as dramatic and thought provoking to light, uplifting and whimsical found in the styling of Rusti Ferejian (owner of Rusti Lee Arts).

Rusti Lee shows an understanding for the need for uplifting art that lightens the heart, home and mood. Her whimsical style, as seen in her painted wood art, has a touch of humor and fun. She recently launched her own line of artistict-shirts because she wanted people to be able to wear the fun! She consistently provides high quality, unique art and products for all ages though she has strong tendencies to create for children. Because of this she was sought out by The Family Groove to be featured in their “Out of Sight Spotlight” for her children’s décor items. Rusti admits that she enjoys painting children’s products because she can let her imagination run wild. However she feels most accomplished when adults buy her whimsical art for themselves, “it shows that they haven’t forgotten to have fun and by putting my art in their surroundings proves it.”

When asked about her business, Rusti Lee is quick to answer. “I love to create amazing, unique and personally produced art products for people who want non-factory made art and gifts to cherish for years to come”. She admits that it is hard to find 100% American made products as the global economy and trade dictate where some basic supplies are made. “When I call certain companies to seek out American made products, sometimes they laugh and say that it’s just not possible or it comes with a hefty price tag.” How does that make her feel? “Well, it’s sad. The small businesses like my company have to compete with the mass produced, made in another country product. That is why my products are so reasonably priced, I want people to be able to afford quality American crafted items and feel good because of it. ”

Rusti Lee has many different items to suit your needs from address plaques, crayon holders, personalized name signs, picture frames, mirrors, photo cubes, trinket boxes, canvas art, tissue boxes, hand painted shelves and of course her amazing array of hand painted knobs. She is constantly adding to her selections and enjoys doing custom pieces. She often tells her customers, “If you can think it, I can paint it!”

However, don’t ask her what her favorite item in her shop is, “It’s like picking a favorite child….it’s impossible! Everything I create has a purpose. My dinosaur themed shelf was created because I was invited to a show at the local dinosaur research center, then you have my pirates themed collection which was created for my sons. There is my Day of the Dead theme which was hand crafted for a friend, my lady bug collection which was inspired by a client and, of course, my frog items were create for me. Do you see my dilemma?! How could I ever choose?” Her enthusiasm is contagious and it is evident she loves what she does.

She seeks out American made companies for her art supplies, manufactured wood and other items. She uses a local t-shirt company to aid in her endeavors to support the American economy, though she admits she has had to run to the local art store for various items and buys products that are not made in America from time to time. “I try not to stress too much about that, after all I support the global economy. We can’t be too exclusive in our purchases as we need to help everyone, but knowing where things are made can help you make an educated decision on how your money is spent.” Due to her conscientious determination she is proud to say that 100% of her company supports American companies or American made products. Most importantly 100% of her hand painted art is made by Rusti Lee! Rusti is confident that her products will stand the test of time and be a reflection of the true American spirit during a historically significant time in our modern society.

Rusti Lee Arts was started in 2009 during the beginning of America’s financial crisis. Rusti felt that society needed to be reminded of their sense of humor, love of life and zest for fun. “I hope people feel joy and light hearted when looking at my art products. Through the hardest times in life I have found that a smile goes a long way. If I can get one person to smile because of my art then in some way I feel I have done my part in healing society.”

Rusti Lee Hanlon Ferejian is a third generation artist. Her mother Debi Griesman Hanlon was a talented artist whose art work still graces the walls of art enthusiasts. Rusti Lee pursued a degree in Fine Arts and Art History at the University Of Santa Barbara, CA and the Art Institute where she focused in Graphic Design.

Rusti Lee Arts is owned and operated by Rusti Ferejian. Her products and art can be found on her website www.RustiLeeArts.com .

Written by Rusti Ferejian

Living life in Colorado

2011-07-10T11:00:00.000-07:00

We have recently moved from CA to CO. Yesterday was our first art show in Colorado. It was exciting to meet new customers and traverse the ever changing weather. It went from sunny and beautiful to raining and windy and back again! It was a lovely day at the Rocky Mountain Dinosaur Resource Center who hosted our event. Next month we will be at the Critterfest. It is an event devoted to animals. The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo will be there with animals as well as the animal shelters with their animals to be adopted. We will be bringing all our animal related products with new ones to be revealed!

Thank you to Colorado Industrial Packaging for taking care of all my packaging and mailing supplies. These guys are great and can make any box you need! A great local resource for Rusti Lee Arts!

Art business in today's economy

2011-01-26T00:54:00.000-08:00

I long for the days when I could just lazily paint fun artsy stuff. Everyone would gush over it and say, "You should go into business for yourself." After years of resistance...I listened. In the last year I have learned to be bold and tenacious in ways I never thought I could. There was a time when I would meagerly mention that I do art, now I am always looking for opportunities to flash my products. Being a business owner has taught me that it's okay for someone to say "no", because the next person might say "yes". This economy has given me a tough skin that some artists might not be too well known for. However, I think every artist has more guts and moxie than they give themselves credit for. Go to one good art critique and you will know what I am talking about! So to all those who have thought about the impossible only to be met with your own fears of rejection. I will tell you this right now..."NO"...there you go. Not to bad, right?! There will be many that tell you that horrid little word...but perseverance will eventually payoff. After all we only get one shot on this big party ball don't leave early, don't under dress, don't forget to dance and laugh...but most of all show up in the first place!:) Rusti

Big Things Happening!

2011-01-23T14:33:00.000-08:00

It has been a busy last couple months! I am gearing up to expand my retail space at HomeSpun Treasures in Camarillo as well as my retail presence at boutiques. I am still adding stuff to Etsy as I think that is a great spot for people to shop to find quality artsy gifts. I entered two art pieces in the contest for the Stawberry Festival Poster Art. Unfortunately I did not win. :( That's okay because I still plan to have a vendor booth there in May. I will be doing my custom hand print art, so make sure you stop in to see me! Did you see that I started selling WebKinz in my shop? I love those little guys! The website is fun for the kids to play at (umm and mommy, too!). Hee hee! Anyway, stay strong in this crazy economy...remember to enjoy what you have, work hard for what you want, don't complain about what you don't have and be proud of what you have accomplished!

Pirate Photo Cube

2010-07-25T02:39:00.001-07:00

Pirate Photo Cube
Originally uploaded by Rusti Lee Arts

This item was just added to my Flickr account! Too Cute!

What has Rusti Lee been up to?

2010-07-25T01:13:00.000-07:00

Greetings! I have been busy lately creating new products for my business Rusti Lee Arts www.rustileearts.com. In the last two months I have done two large fairs: the Ventura 4th of July Main Street Fair http://www.cityofventura.net/streetfairs and the Camarillo Fiesta http://camarillofiesta.org/. I also was int the New In Business section of the Ventura County Star http://www.vcstar.com/news/2010/jul/03/whos-new-in-business-rusti-lee-arts/.

Needless to say I have had a busy Summer 2010. My plans for the upcoming months will be the Ventura Aloha Fair http://alohabeachfestival.com/ on Sept. 18th and 19th.

I am thinking about making some T-shirts with some art but that seems to be something I might need to think about as there is only one of me! I guess for now I will try to traverse the sticky economy the best way I can. My mind seems to race all the time on new ideas for art.....it's exciting, but exhausting all at the same time!

Rusti
Owner and Artist of Rusti Lee Arts
www.rustileearts.com

HOW TO:Kool-Aid Play Dough

2009-08-30T00:24:00.000-07:00

This popular recipe produces a soft and cooperative clay that can be used over and over again and will remain pliant for weeks. I love to add Kool-Aid (unsweetened) instead of the food coloring (or with it to add an extra punch of color). The Kool - Aid gives a nice color and smell. This is a fun activity to do with the kids or grandkids. I have often found myself in the throws of an impromtu play dough party after making this. I love to make little food items out of them. I even made a BLT about the size of a quater. Note to moms: this recipe is non-toxic in case your little one puts it in their mouth. Luckily, it doesn't taste very good with all the salt, so it shouldn't be a repeat occurance! Have fun and experiment with the colors.

Please email me your pictures of your playdough crafts and you will be rewarded with a little something from me, Rusti Lee (rusti@rustileearts.com) owner of Rusti Lee Arts
CRAFT MATERIALS:
1 cup flour
1 cup water
1/2 cup salt
1 tsp. vegetable oil
1/2 tsp. cream of tartar
Food coloring and/or Kool-Aid unsweetened any choice, optional

Time needed: Under 1 Hour
1. Mix all ingredients together in a saucepan and cook over medium heat until the mixture holds together (keep mixing or it will stick to the bottom of the pan).
2. When the clay is cool enough to touch, your child can knead it on a floured board.
Tips:
This recipe's long drying time makes it most satisfying as a play dough (it's easy to roll into ropes and balls), but sculptures will dry eventually. If stored in an airtight container, this dough will last, refrigerated or unrefrigerated, for 2 to 4 weeks.

Here I am!

2009-08-28T13:53:00.000-07:00

Greetings! This is my first blog day. Hopefully I will say inspiring and witty things to keep you all coming back for more! My store Rusti Lee Arts opened mid-August 2009. I have had alot of hits on the site, but not too many sales as of yet. I know it takes time so we will see. I also have my items on Etsy. I have submitted my paperwork for the Camarillo Santa's Holiday Carnival (Santa's Village Holiday Carnival will be held on Saturday, December 12th from 10:00am-5:00pm at the Camarillo Community Center) in December at the Community Center. So I will have a booth there to sell my stuff! I am creating some new items to sell there so I will keep you posted as I create them. Have a great day and talk to you soon!
Rusti
http://www.rustileearts.com/