What a small world! Last D23 Expo I was stopped by a lovely young lady admiring my juju collection. She and her group were wearing Indiana Jones inspired outfits with one of her friends as a spot on Sallah. We chatted a bit and I complemented her on her Eye of Mara flower which she said she hand made. Many months later I stumbled on her etsy boutique and added her on instagram unknowing that we had met before. I really enjoy her work and struck up a conversation after which I realized we had actually met! Anywho, Melissa is a down to earth, full-hearted Disney fan and is a great find in the Disney community!
What inspires your Disney pieces?
My imagination and favorite Disney attractions are what inspires me. I must give credit to whomever started Disney Bounding. I like the idea of having to make pieces that aren't your typical fashion pieces but that will compliment your own Disney outfits.
Do you have a favorite Disney piece you created? What was your inspiration?
That's a tough question but I think my favorite has to be my Jack Skellington bat bow tie necklace. I love Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas and of course Haunted Mansion Holiday. I have never seen anything out there like it and to have a bat bow tie like Jack's is pretty sweet! It was definitely a challenge to come up with a design with size and weight.
Are there any Disney artists that have inspired you or that you look up to?
I definitely love Shag's style with the bright colors and Noah's art of flawless blending. Both are completely different but their interpretations always grab my eyes. One day I will own an art piece by both artists.
The Disney tribute/fan artist community is very diverse and full of wonderful and amazing artist. How do you see yourself in the community?
Well for starters I'm not a typical girly girl with the Princess stuff. Don't get me wrong I like the Princesses and think their darling but I like the grittier, the darker and maybe spookier stuff about Disney. Funny to say I like all that but with COLORS, glitter and sparkle. I'm a twisted mixed artist I suppose? Haha.
Let's talk about the parks! When you visit the parks what do you have to do, a must before leaving the parks?
I'm terribly spoiled and go about every weekend or so. At times if there's family in town I'll come to the park up to 3 days in a row! Past month I was at resort at least 6 times, granted not all day but enough to enjoy what I want to do. A must before leaving is usually going on Indiana Jones Adventure: Temple of The Forbidden Eye.
Name a favorite Disney character and why?
You would think I would say Jack but it's actually Maleficent, she's mistress of all evil who I believe is the first to throw insults, shows no remorse and is just overall best villain status . Also she comes alive in Fantasmic! I love when she turns into a dragon, which is AWESOME! (and fire lol)
Do you have a favorite piece of Disney art or memorabilia? Why is it so special?
I do it's my Haunted Mansion jewelry box that my brother gave to me for Christmas. It plays Grim, Grinning, Ghosts which comes from my favorite attraction The Haunted Mansion. The music box version of the song is so beautiful. It's one of those gifts where he just got it down to a T for me. I treasure it.
Where can we find your art? Any upcoming events or announcements we should keep a look out for?
Everything is up on Etsy and I do post sneak peeks on my Instagram. I may be doing a giveaway soon. I had one before hitting 600 and I'm close to 700. I'm working on more Disney goodies and branching out to paintings. I am grateful to have sold so many items recently, so I'm definitely going to start creating again and restocking some of my best selling pieces. You can also find me vending at the Citrus Art Walk in Downtown Covina every 1st Saturday of the month. I usually post about it on Instagram the week of to let everyone know.
Etsy: etsy.com/shop/
Instagram: @CartoonDisneyDoll
Thank you so much for taking the time to chat with us!
Thank you for this fun opportunity! I'm honored to be a part of your blog!
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