Creativity Over Coffee: Jenna Emmons
Happy Friday, friends! I have a special Friday surprise for you: the next installment of Creativity Over Coffee! Make mine an iced coffee! I seem to be drinking lots of them right now as it is sooooooo HOT in Scituate this week.
Today we’re chatting with artist and dog lover, Jenna Emmons. I’ve been friends with Jenna for over three years now and her studio is so close to our home, in fact, it’s on our street! Conor and I caught up with Jenna and her sweet French Bulldog, Louis, the other day. Jenna loves shells, possibly more than I do, and she has the most unbelievable studio in her backyard – read on for more details.
This is Jenna’s amazing, custom built studio. I’d love to say she was inspired by my she shed 😉 but she needed a place to organize all her shells right after adopting puppy Louis last year.
Look how adorable it is! It is octagonal in shape which mirrors the Sailor’s Valentine’s she creates! The octagon window above her desk will also have a stained glass Sailor’s Valentine.
Let’s head inside for a chat with Jenna!
Not surprisingly shells are everywhere in antique pieces, her creations and ready in jars when inspiration strikes!
Can you tell us a little about yourself and your creative journey?
Jenna: I was born on the South Shore of Massachusetts and have always lived near the ocean. My ancestors have been in this area since 1620 so I feel deeply rooted here. Despite that local connection, I love to travel and experience new cultures. Over the last 30 years I’ve been lucky enough to travel to all 7 continents.
How did you come up with the name for your Etsy shop, Shellcraft Studios?
Jenna: The original name was actually “Sailors’ Valentines by Jenna Emmons” because when I started on Etsy I only sold the Victorian style seashell mosaics known as Sailors’ Valentines. Since moving into my new studio I’ve been experimenting more with making seashell jewelry and home decor. I decided to change the name to “Shellcraft Studio” to reflect the wider variety.
When did you start making Sailors’ Valentines and what drew you to this medium?
Jenna: When I was studying Interior Design I first encountered Sailors’ Valentines used as home decor. I shopped around hoping to find one for my own apartment but learned that the antique pieces typically cost between $2,500 and $10,000! There were a number of artists making beautiful contemporary Valentines but they were still outside my budget. I decided to try making one myself and was lucky enough to find a weekend class to help me get started. My first Sailors’ Valentine was a disaster but I keep it just to remind me how far I’ve come.
When do you feel most creative or happy?
Jenna: I’m often happiest when I’m traveling or planning my next adventure. Being able to fit everything you want to see and do into a limited itinerary takes a surprising amount of creativity. A great trip is like a work of art!
Is there one Valentine or project that you love the best?
Jenna: My favorite project is generally the one I’ve just finished!
How have you found your new home studio?
Jenna: Having a dedicated space to work in is great for my focus! Being surrounded by all the colorful jars full of shells keeps me inspired. I designed the studio to provide lots of light and fresh air. The double doors open onto a fenced backyard making it easy for my French Bulldog to come hang out while I work.
Who or what inspires you?
Jenna: I’m very inspired by the patterns and colors that occur in nature. The geometry found in seashells helps me compose designs in the traditional octagonal Sailors’ Valentine shadow box. Most Sailors’ Valentine artists use paper dividers or rope to form shapes but I prefer to just rely on the shells.
Do you ever get in a funk? If so, how do you get out of it?
Jenna: I openly embrace the funk. Creativity shouldn’t be forced.
What is your favorite color? Is there any color you don’t LOVE??
Jenna: My favorite color is definitely periwinkle. There aren’t any colors that I don’t like but believe some combinations are easier on the eyes.
Where do you find all your shells? Do you have a favorite kind to work with?
Jenna: Brightly colored shells are my favorites but unfortunately there aren’t many that come ashore here in New England. The main shells I get locally are blue mussels. When I visit my mom in the Virgin Islands I collect lots of coral & sea urchins. I’ve even managed to find bright pink Rose Cups and tiny Emerald Nerites on the beach in St. Croix.
What advice would you give to someone who is interested becoming more creative or following in your footsteps?
Jenna: Don’t let a lack of formal training deter you from creative pursuits. The best way to learn is just to jump in and try.
I love how Jenna can give such a traditional art a modern twist. She uses shells and decoupage to create such fun designs!
Growing up I was a huge follower of INSIDE THE ACTORS STUDIO. At the end of the program, they would ask the interviewee these questions:
- What is your favorite word? Meniscus
- What is your least favorite word? Any word used incorrectly
- What turns you on creatively, spiritually or emotionally? Balance, in all of the above
- What turns you off? Close minded people
- What is your favorite curse word? Fracking
- What sound or noise do you love? Rain on the roof (when I don’t have to go out)
- What sound or noise do you hate? Rain on the roof (when I have to go out)
- What profession other than your own would you like to attempt? Interior Architect
- What profession would you not like to do? DMV clerk
- If Heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the Pearly Gates? What took you so long?
A huge thank you to Jenna for taking part in the series. I loved all her answers and really agree with: “Don’t let a lack of formal training deter you from creative pursuits. The best way to learn is just to jump in and try.” We had such a lovely morning with Jenna and Louis!
Be sure to follow along with Jenna! She has a fabulous Etsy shop and Facebook page. Her work is also featured in Out of the Blue in Scituate Harbor!
wow- her latest piece is gorgeous! i can’t imagine the time and patience those take. lovely interview and great workspace!
I like how she used the fish bone resembling the crucifixion and the periwinkle creating the radiant beams . All are beautiful but, that’s my favorite. Thanks for the interesting post.
Thanks Danielle for this great post. I am new to your blog. This was so freshening and I loved Jenna’ s little workshop. Thanks again.