ARTIST'S PORTRAIT * MARNIE RUANE

Today I want to introduce you to another wonderful artist/designer, business owner and blogging friend, Marnie Ruane. I first became acquainted with Marnie's great designs through my friend PVE. Getting to know her a little has been a delight! Marnie has indulged my inquisitive nature with a little info. on herself and what makes Marnie tick!

Marnie and her daughter, Isabel

Marnie's desk and a photo with her husband.

Can you tell us a little about your background and home life?

Married for almost 20 years to a wonderful, yet unpredictable guy, dh, as he is sometimes referred to in my posts, (dear hubby). We are opposite in so many ways, yet it works. We have a terrific daughter, Isabel, who I mention on the blog periodically, 16 years old and quite independent and our dear dog named Libby, pictured on the blog next to me, "the mound of black fluff". She is a poodle - smart and active who thinks she is a "big" dog.

I was born in Boston and lived there until I was 25. Then I took a leap and moved to New York City where I stayed for 12 years. Branching out to NYC wasn't enough, so I took a year off from work, and went to London to study art history when I was 29. One of the best years of my life. Upon the arrival of our daughter we settled in Connecticut.

One of Marnie's great frame designs

What are your favorite foods?

Soft-shelled crabs (my husband makes them for me on every birthday) and ice cream cones - especially pistachio (but it must be white and not green) with chocolate jimmies (that's what we call sprinkles in Boston), second choice, plain vanilla with jimmies.

Three words to describe you? Passionate, Practical and Pollyanna!

Marnie has a terrific shop on Etsy - this is her Etsy store banner, I love it, don't you?!

Another of her colorful and preppy designs in classic madras patchwork.

Any favorite colors?

Celadon green and bird's egg blue. I collect all sorts of objects in celadon green: fire king mixing bowls, vases, wastebasket, tins, a tea cosy, aprons, etc. I also love the pink/red family of colors.

What did you aspire to in your youth?

When I was quite young I wanted to be a 1st grade teacher but that did not last long...I love art history... and thought a position at one of the auction houses would be great. Working for a company like Colefax and Fowler would be great too!

How do you get inspired?

My inspiration comes from reading and looking at everything around me - just keeping my eyes open, ears open and mind open - color, ideas, daydreaming.

Marnie's blog header created by our mutual friend, Patricia van Essche of PVE Designs.

What are some of your favorite things or things that are essential to your success/well-being as a person and artist/business owner?

This question is really a two part - because creativity and business do not always go hand in hand...
Favorite things essential to my success/well being as an artist -
Organization of time and space; a place of my own, even if it is the studio in our extra long garage; happiness, peace and balance in my life.

Favorite things essential to my success/well being as a business -
Believing in myself, organization of time and space, hard work, setting goals, pushing the envelope. To use current lingo, stepping out of my comfort zone and my excel spread sheets.
A year ago I started working with SCORE, a national organization of retired individuals who are dedicated to helping entrepreneurs - it has been wonderful - they help me set targets, evaluate my business, and provide useful constructive advice, keeping me focused and consequently, energized.

What keeps you up at night? Risky ventures

Thanks to Marnie for taking the time to share more with us! You can check out her Etsy store and latest creations here .

Read her delightful blog as well.