Artists ~ Jennifer Turcotte ~ Newport
Artist’s name: Jennifer Turcotte
Shop name: Jennifer Turcotte Handcrafted Designs
Website: www.Etsy.com/shop/JTurcotteDesigns
Instagram: @jenturcottehandcrafteddesigns
1. Tell us about your work
My works varies from glasses (drinking, wine, martini, etc.) to ceramics (mugs, bowls, etc.) to home décor (vases, oil jars, etc.) and are all hand painted personally. Each piece is therefore one of a kind and generally painted to order. The paint that I use is specifically suited for glass and ceramic which, after curing for a few days, is able to be fired to set the paint. Every piece is completely custom and unique but is durable for everyday use, though I would suggest washing by hand.
2. Is there a story behind the name of your business?
I wish I had a creative story but I wanted to keep the “name” relatively to the
point….maybe someday I will come up with a craftier name!
3. How did you come to be a professional artist/crafter/designer?
From as far back as I can remember I have been an artist and painter. I have been a full time architect since I graduated college in 2012 but continued to paint during my down time. While most of my life I painted in the traditional sense, on canvas with oil and acrylic, I started to expand my "palette" a few years ago when many friends were buying their first homes or renting their first apartments and I wanted to give them a unique and personalized housewarming present. As I continued to get great feedback I thought that this may be a great hobby and way to flex by creative muscle but really be able to share it with others through useful, every day items.
I began with a pair of wine glasses and my first set of glass paint and I carefully chose my color scheme. Color, especially that bright POP of color, can liven any space, so I had to choose wisely what would best suit my gift (as well as the gift recipient). From then on I expanded my products to mugs, plates and various ceramic items that will brighten any kitchen or dining table.
4. Where do you draw your inspiration?
More often than not, aside from the custom orders I put together, I draw my color
inspiration from the seasons. While living in a coastal community I tend to lean more towards blues, white and greens and even these color choices vary in tone with the changing seasons. During the summer months I find myself gravitating toward lighter, pastel colors with sprinkles of white and sunny yellow while during the Fall I really enjoy experimenting with different metallic colors and rich purples and navy.
5. What’s your favorite item to create?
My favorite items to paint, by far, are the champagne flutes because typically they are purchased for an upcoming wedding or celebration. I really love the idea that one of my painted pieces will help to make those special events a little more unique and memorable. Primarily for weddings and bridal showers, I love creating palettes that match the bride’s colors.
6. What’s your best seller?
Best sellers actually vary depending on where I’m selling. I sell at some local Rhode Island stores (currently at Serendipity in Wickford and previously in Narragansett) where I have had great success with the painted champagne flutes and stemless glasses. My Etsy shop has had great success with custom orders, including custom designs and colors. My ceramic mugs are also one my top online best sellers.
7. How long have you been in Rhode Island?
I initially came to Rhode Island for college in 2006 where I studied architecture at Roger Williams University. I immediately fell in love with the charm of the state and wanted to stay and make roots here. I have been here ever since!
8. What do you {heart} about Rhode Island?
I {heart} Rhode Island’s vibrancy and the diversity of experiences it offers. For such a small state Rhode Island has such a wide variety of areas and communities that all have their own flavor. I love that you can drive only a couple of minutes and pass by the wide expanse of beaches, through cozy rural communities and into the bustling city of Providence.
9. Favorite place to take out-of-towners?
My favorite place to take out-of-towners would certainly be Newport because of the great downtown and opportunities for sight-seeing, shopping and the general scenery.
Aside from the typical spots, such as the Newport mansions and the beaches, I also love bringing visitors to the scenic Brenton point/Ocean Avenue area for the spectacular views. The food scene in Newport is also unbeatable and never disappoints! Bristol, Rhode Island would certainly be a close second for many of the same reasons!
10. Any advice for new/wannabe makers?
The best piece of advice I can give to new/wannabe makers would to be creative and experimental. Explore your creative ability and test out different options, whether that be trying different color combinations, using different materials or trying different techniques. Through my experience as a maker I have offered many different handpainted items in a variety of color combinations but have really looked to my buyers market for what is the most successful and adjusted my inventory based on these findings. Remaining open to change and modification is super important and “listen” to what your buyers are telling you.
Shop name: Jennifer Turcotte Handcrafted Designs
Website: www.Etsy.com/shop/JTurcotteDesigns
Instagram: @jenturcottehandcrafteddesigns
1. Tell us about your work
My works varies from glasses (drinking, wine, martini, etc.) to ceramics (mugs, bowls, etc.) to home décor (vases, oil jars, etc.) and are all hand painted personally. Each piece is therefore one of a kind and generally painted to order. The paint that I use is specifically suited for glass and ceramic which, after curing for a few days, is able to be fired to set the paint. Every piece is completely custom and unique but is durable for everyday use, though I would suggest washing by hand.
2. Is there a story behind the name of your business?
I wish I had a creative story but I wanted to keep the “name” relatively to the
point….maybe someday I will come up with a craftier name!
3. How did you come to be a professional artist/crafter/designer?
From as far back as I can remember I have been an artist and painter. I have been a full time architect since I graduated college in 2012 but continued to paint during my down time. While most of my life I painted in the traditional sense, on canvas with oil and acrylic, I started to expand my "palette" a few years ago when many friends were buying their first homes or renting their first apartments and I wanted to give them a unique and personalized housewarming present. As I continued to get great feedback I thought that this may be a great hobby and way to flex by creative muscle but really be able to share it with others through useful, every day items.
I began with a pair of wine glasses and my first set of glass paint and I carefully chose my color scheme. Color, especially that bright POP of color, can liven any space, so I had to choose wisely what would best suit my gift (as well as the gift recipient). From then on I expanded my products to mugs, plates and various ceramic items that will brighten any kitchen or dining table.
4. Where do you draw your inspiration?
More often than not, aside from the custom orders I put together, I draw my color
inspiration from the seasons. While living in a coastal community I tend to lean more towards blues, white and greens and even these color choices vary in tone with the changing seasons. During the summer months I find myself gravitating toward lighter, pastel colors with sprinkles of white and sunny yellow while during the Fall I really enjoy experimenting with different metallic colors and rich purples and navy.
5. What’s your favorite item to create?
My favorite items to paint, by far, are the champagne flutes because typically they are purchased for an upcoming wedding or celebration. I really love the idea that one of my painted pieces will help to make those special events a little more unique and memorable. Primarily for weddings and bridal showers, I love creating palettes that match the bride’s colors.
6. What’s your best seller?
Best sellers actually vary depending on where I’m selling. I sell at some local Rhode Island stores (currently at Serendipity in Wickford and previously in Narragansett) where I have had great success with the painted champagne flutes and stemless glasses. My Etsy shop has had great success with custom orders, including custom designs and colors. My ceramic mugs are also one my top online best sellers.
7. How long have you been in Rhode Island?
I initially came to Rhode Island for college in 2006 where I studied architecture at Roger Williams University. I immediately fell in love with the charm of the state and wanted to stay and make roots here. I have been here ever since!
8. What do you {heart} about Rhode Island?
I {heart} Rhode Island’s vibrancy and the diversity of experiences it offers. For such a small state Rhode Island has such a wide variety of areas and communities that all have their own flavor. I love that you can drive only a couple of minutes and pass by the wide expanse of beaches, through cozy rural communities and into the bustling city of Providence.
9. Favorite place to take out-of-towners?
My favorite place to take out-of-towners would certainly be Newport because of the great downtown and opportunities for sight-seeing, shopping and the general scenery.
Aside from the typical spots, such as the Newport mansions and the beaches, I also love bringing visitors to the scenic Brenton point/Ocean Avenue area for the spectacular views. The food scene in Newport is also unbeatable and never disappoints! Bristol, Rhode Island would certainly be a close second for many of the same reasons!
10. Any advice for new/wannabe makers?
The best piece of advice I can give to new/wannabe makers would to be creative and experimental. Explore your creative ability and test out different options, whether that be trying different color combinations, using different materials or trying different techniques. Through my experience as a maker I have offered many different handpainted items in a variety of color combinations but have really looked to my buyers market for what is the most successful and adjusted my inventory based on these findings. Remaining open to change and modification is super important and “listen” to what your buyers are telling you.
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