I have a wonderful Easter present for you all today! Set aside some time to get lost in the unique and beautiful world of Claire Cimbora, the artist behind Schmooks. Her creative collages + quirky illustrations & art jewelry are dreamy and fantastical, like windows into a child’s dreamland. I first came across her work when a co-worker showed me Claire’s Etsy site and I quickly bookmarked it as one to visit again and again. So I was really pleased when Claire wrote me about featuring her lovelies + offering our readers a giveaway. I of course slipped an interview into her busy schedule because I love getting to know the creative mind behind the art. Read on to the end of the interview for a chance to win a $50 Schmooks gift certificate. Thank you so much for sharing your creativity with us Claire!
Hi Claire! I am so excited to introduce you & your handmade goodness to Oh My, please tell us a bit about yourself & your work:
Sweet innocence. Playful curiosity. Inquisitive charm. A touch of mischief and light-hearted fun. Enchanting scenarios and endless adventures.
My name is Claire Cimbora and I am a designer and illustrator. I live in chilly Canberra, Australia and have a little brand called Schmooks. We opened online in 2009 selling art prints and have since expanded into an exclusive range of paper goods through publishing House Lalaland. Schmooks has a lush line of handmade jewellery which can be found in select boutique and art stores. Our most recent work has been teaming up with The Wall Sticker Company to produce Childrens wallstickers.
What is a normal work day for you? Do you work full time as an artist/small business owner?
A normal day for me begins with my 3 year old son Luke waking me up at 6am, then breakfast and usually a walk. I have two little children who keep me very busy and I try to work my business around family life which can be tricky at times. Most days include trips to the post office for customer or retail orders and around an hour a day is spent answering and sending emails. I work from home in my studio which is where all the creative magic happens and usually late at night with when I feel most relaxed and energized.
You have a very unique style that I really love, what inspires you most as an artist?
A lot of my inspiration comes from my two little children, they have a wonderful innocence and inquisitive charm. Their imaginations are inspiring and I draw on their world of make believe to fuel my work. The happy memories from my own childhood also have a strong influence on my work, as does my love of fabrics and textures.
Were having a small business Spring Cleaning theme this month on OMHG-do you have any tips & tricks for keeping yourself/your time organized?
A clean working space is the key in keeping Schmooks running smoothly. I do a major two hour tidy in my studio once a week (trust me it needs it!). I am big on boxes and I store everything in recycled cardboard boxes. They don’t look very glamorous however they are great to scribble on and label. For me lists are the most productive way to get through seemingly unending mountains of work and I like using whiteboards to give me a clear visual direction.
Claire has generously offered a $50 gift certificate to use online in her shop, woohoo! How I wish I could enter too…
How to enter *This giveaway is open internationally*
Visit Schmooks on Etsy and let us know what your favorite items are by commenting below
Get extra entries by (leave a separate comment for each 1 comment=1 entry)
-Tweeting about this giveaway (be sure to mention @ohmyhandmade)
-Posting this giveaway to your Facebook wall (please tag @oh my handmade-you have to like us first)
-Leaving us a comment about this interview or Claire’s work
-Blogging about this giveaway with a link back to this post
This giveaway closes next Sunday, May 1st at midnight EST with the winner announced Monday, May 2nd at the bottom of this post.
by entering this giveaway you are agreeing to the oh my! handmade goodness giveaway policies
This giveaway is now CLOSED! Thank you all for entering & congratulations to Amber with comment #25. I am only a little bit super jealous; )
My fav item is Secret Garden Art Cocktail Ring
I Like Schmooks on Facebook (Ana Belén R M)
Tweeted: http://twitter.com/#!/Fisigiawa/status/62246181669048321
Post it on my FB wall: http://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=103567639731357&id=100000825276857
Thanks for hosting this give away, Claire’s shop is so pretty! I have a hard time choosing between the secret garden or the ‘my heart belongs to you’ ring, both very pretty!
Happy Easter 🙂
I honestly cannot choose just one favourite from Claire’s Etsy shop – impossible!!!!! I do love Pandi Bears, and In the Woods 🙂
I absolutely love the Secret Garden Art Cocktail Ring! To be honest though, all her other items are pretty awesome, too. 🙂
I just liked Schmooks on Facebook!
I posted a link to this post on my business facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Columbus/636-Knits/169081573108626#!/ I’m loving Schmooks’ stuff so I hope I get this!
I love the going on a bear hunt necklace – but really all her stuff is absolutely wonderful!
And I just liked Schmooks on FB
I’m in love with the you are my sunshine necklace!
I like shmooks on fb!
These necklaces are so cute! My favorite items from the Etsy shop are:
– http://www.etsy.com/listing/61426870/love-nest-necklace
– http://www.etsy.com/listing/54672463/the-kiss-art-necklace
I liked Schmooks on Facebook!
I tweeted! (@greenerme)
I love the Schmooks necklaces! They are so adorable and very creative. I am super happy to be introduced to these precious gems and can’t wait to own one! Thank you for featuring Schmooks and hosting the giveaway!
love We’re going on a bear hunt by Schmooks
like Schmooks on fb -anna ku
Im in love with the you are my sunshine necklace!
-Liking Schmooks on Facebook
I love the Going on a Bear Hunt Art Necklace. The illustration is darling and the charms are wonderful. Thank you so much for the giveaway!
That was a hard one. I went with the prints as I am in the market for art…stars in jars, but oh that little Philip is a penguin is so very sweet and so is Hugo!
I <3 the you are my sunshine necklace
The Love Nest Necklace is my favorite. What a fantastic little store! Thank you!
I love the My Heart Belongs to You ring. But all her prints are adorable!
I liked Schmooks on facebook
love this shop thank you for the introduction to it! i like this item http://www.etsy.com/listing/58204742/stars-in-jars-art-cocktail-ring
i tweeted as @papercakes
i like schmooks on facebook
I love the wash day print!
Hi!
My favorite item is
http://www.etsy.com/listing/63809957/going-on-a-bear-hunt-art-necklace
It’s so cute!
I like Schmooks on Facebook, my name is Maribel Fuentes
I twitted
http://twitter.com/#!/makeupmb/status/62598634197356544
the ‘going on a bear hunt’ art necklace is one of the cutest things I’ve seen in a while. thanks for the introduction to such a sweet shop!
thursday@mygirlthursday.com
My favourite is the Kiss Art Necklace- reminds me of my bunny.
I’m a fan on facebook
I like Schmooks on FB 🙂
…and my favourite piece on Etsy would have to be the Love Nest necklace, so cute.
I wish I was as crafty as her! I can’t believe how organised she is though, I would be a mess in a business like that. Her workspace is very pretty too. Well done!
Be still my heart I am in awe of the Love Nest and The Kiss Necklaces.
pica_princess_88@yahoo.com
Like Schmooks on FB
Chelsei Ryan
pica_princess_88@yahoo.com
I “like” Schmooks on Facebook. If I could have “loved” it I would.
I “liked” Schmooks on Facebook. If i could have “loved” it I would have.
I would have to say my ulimate favourite item (it is hard to narrow them down) is the Secret Garden Art Cocktail Ring. I bought this a few weeks ago when you guys were at the Finders Keepers market in Melbourne. I have had so many comments on this ring. “OHMIGAWDDD where did you get THAT from!?”. It is colourful and captivating and brightens up any outfit as well as my day. Thankyou 🙂
I LOVE the secret garden art cocktail ring! And the print to match. Maybe I could sticky tape it around my neck.
Already a liker of Schmooks!
Finally, loved reading the interview. I find it interesting to read how other artists manage their time … I wish I was as organised! My clean-ups are far more sporadic than weekly, that’s for sure! Kudos!
I LOVE it ALL,but especially ADORE the Love Nest print
I already LIKE Schmooks on Facebook as Viki Tiamat
Twitted as @PettiBear
Ultimate favourite is the Stars in Jars print, although its difficult choosing out of so many stunning items.
Shared on my FB wall http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1034850787
thanks so much for the introduction to schmooks!
I love their work..definitely going to favorite and shop!! my fav right now – so whimsical! the on a bear hunt necklace!
http://www.etsy.com/listing/63809957/going-on-a-bear-hunt-art-necklace
I have a necklace and a ring by schmooks and I also got my friend a ring and we both love our jewellery. Claire was so helpful when I was deciding what to get and even posted my package express for me. I can’t wait to order more products from her. 🙂
BEST giveaway!
I love Going on a Bear Hunt, Stars in Jars, and the Going on a Bear Hunt Necklace!
Claire’s prints have been a great inspiration to my own illustrations. I love the whimsy and beautifully bright colors. I’m a small lady who loves animals, so I fell deeply in love with her adorable little characters when I first saw them. Keep up the beautiful work!
Twitter: @crucialballoon
Blog: http://echoday.tumblr.com/
Facebook: /katherine.cota
i love all your work its takes me back to a time when anything was possibile eg alice in wonderland , the lion the which and the wardrobe, where the wid things are , alice in wonderland , snugglepot and cuddleby , neverending storey >3>3>3 just so much magic , that sadly we forget as adults … but my favourite pieces are your simply charming necklaces that can be worn each day to remind us to never let go of that magical part of our mindsi realy love your love nest owls necklace and your going on abear hunt i love your necklaces so much that i send the kiss .. with 2 bunnies to my daughter in london ,, but truley to own anything of yours is a antuique of the the furture ,,,, i really love the way your mind works <3<3<3
I love all of the art necklaces, & the Stars in Jars cocktail ring!
Facebook: /lauren.e.parker
I love your panda ring and necklace best of all cause I am panda obsessed!! Love your stuff.
oh i love them all, but washing day is so very cute
likes Schmooks on facebook
linked you on my fb page
what a great blog and a fab little interview. do love intros to new wonderful people and artists thanks
I like the Love Nest Necklace.
I love the Love nest print 😀
it’s so cute!
ejhtan at gmail dot com
Liked schmooks on fb (et thealien)
ejhtan at gmail dot com
tweet:
http://twitter.com/#!/tearyeyedstars/status/64396652634583040
ejhtan at gmail dot com
posted on fb:
http://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=183631348351215&id=100000616079086
ejhtan at gmail dot com
blogged:
http://tearyeyedstars.blogspot.com/2011/04/schmooks-giveaway.html
ejhtan at gmail dot com
Everything PANDA!! I have all my fingers and toes crossed to win so I can buy a panda necklace!!!
Panda Obsessed Jane
Tweeted @BabyJives
Hi! Just found out about your shop. Love it. Especially the Washing Day print. Excellent giveaway!
Excited! AND I forgot to add that I love Chasing Cowboys.
Goodluck 🙂
Twitter: @crucialballoon
Blog: http://echoday.tumblr.com/
Facebook: /katherine.cota
I like the kiss art necklace.
vanessa
I really like the Stars in Jars Art Cocktail Ring and the Emily and her owls by Schmooks
I like Schmooks on Facebook
(T.h.Ransom)
I posted your giveaway on Facebook
http://www.facebook.com/THRansom/posts/212655282087147
Love the Stars in Jars cocktail ring! It’s amazing and whimsical!
I am a fan of Schmooks on facebook!
I completely understand about trying to get work done with two little ones. I too get a second wind after they go to bed and play catch up with all my work! Thanks for the giveaway!
ooooh secret garden ring and you are all i need print.
schmooks seriously needs to use usps online and they will pick it up at her house too. going to the post office daily with a three year old = no fun at all
Love the jewelry – especially the “love nest” necklace!
Liked on the Facebook! 🙂
Wow, very pretty!
Such quirky designs! I love the Princess by Schmooks print design the best 🙂
I just liked Schmooks on Facebook as Dianne Childs
I have tweeted the giveaway on Twitter here (username @ShinyGlitterBug)
http://twitter.com/ShinyGlitterBug/status/64982973484769280
all the prints are so cute and dreamy. i wish my dreams were so pretty!
i really love the pandi collection, pandas <3