Naomi: Actually, there isn't really one aesthetic to our jewelry, although we imitate and build on each other's ideas.  Our creations are uniform in that they are all decoupage and often we share patterns that we like.  Overall, I would say that my designs tend to be more feminine and less edgy than MaryAnne's.

Naomi: Decoupage is not typically used to make jewelry - more often a jewelry box. When people see our wares, they often think they're enameled.  Unlike the enameling process, ours is a cold process that allows us to use images from magazines and newspaper - to take advantage of the image-rich environment that we live in.   Also, our desire to turn objects that have little value like coins and paper into gorgeous jewelry is catching many people's interest and admiration. 

Naomi: Gosh, so many things!  First off, I tend to avoid my computer like the plague, an issue that I am slowly resolving.  MaryAnne has taken initiative in most marketing endeavors, while I work more heavily on production and buying materials.  Also, creatively, our very first pieces drawing from our interest in patterns and decoupage, have come much farther with not one but two of us constantly pushing the medium in new directions and experimenting with new materials. 

MaryAnne: I am a big believer in giving handmade cards,  so I often have a birthday card in the works. I use a variety of techniques to create them: collage, painting, pop-up, sewing - the list is endless. I was in college just before email took over the universe, and I stayed in touch with high school friends with some very creatively constructed snail mail. I also love to entertain, and for me cooking and baking are a big part of that. While I'll often take inspiration from recipes, what I really love is being able to whip up something impressive for unexpected guests from the items in my larder.

MaryAnne: In college I studied in Spain, and I was definitely inspired by Picasso. Both the variety of his styles and the ingenuity of his found object sculptures have always impressed me. I definitely know more about European art than about Latin American Art, but I have always been drawn to the folk art that surrounds the celebration of the Day of the Dead. The tableau of skeletons partaking in daily life combine my love of miniatures with my fascination with cute yet spooky things. 

Naomi: Actually, I consider myself a San Flatbushciscan.  Totally corny, I know, but I grew up in San Francisco and have been living in the Flatbush area for seven years now.  I met MaryAnne while teaching English and Art at the same school where she taught Spanish.  It was a stressful year, and our collaborations are a product of our shared need to de-stress and fulfill our creative yearnings. 

Naomi: The scene is totally supportive - there are so many genuinely nice people who will offer valuable advice about our pieces and insights into the biz, including places to sell.  Also, it's so wonderful to see what other people are making, and some of my favorite things (stationary and clothes) are items that I got through trading Wabisabi creations with other crafters!

Naomi: ??!!

MaryAnne: That's Liesel Strudel Rabussay, my cat. She spends all her money on bling.