Artist,  Maker, & Creativepreneur Spotlight

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Welcome to my new series, Artists Spotlights!  As a maker and creative business owner myself I have found some of my best inspiration and motivation from other artists and makers talking about how they started, their business struggles, their passions, and why they do what they do.

For the first in this series, I’d like you to meet an amazing artist and small business owner.

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Calley Dodero, owner of Calley Fine Papers in Portland, Oregon

Calley does amazing and beautiful things with paper and watercolors. I still remember the first time I saw her gorgeous paper vintage houses – I was gobsmacked and in love.  I started stalking her – well not really – but kinda! Just look at some of her amazing creations:

I knew that when I finally opened the studio that I wanted Calley to come to teach a class for us. I selfishly wanted to learn how to create her beautiful objects! So I just emailed her out o’ the blue.  And she came, we met, we talked for like 4 hours. I fell in love with her awesome personality! I have really enjoyed getting to know this amazing person.  She does workshops now so sign up today!  I was super excited Calley said yes to teaching a workshop at the studio.  Attend the current Calley Fine Papers workshop  for beautiful paper succulents.  They are pictured above – check it out here. 

I wanted to dig into her background a bit so I grilled her so you can get to know her too. In her magical words….meet Calley:

How did you get started and why do you love crafting with paper?

I started paper crafting when my children were babies. My first projects were birth announcements and holiday cards. At the time I was busy knitting and sewing children’s clothing and accessories, that I sold at Grasshopper on NE Alberta St. I started doing a few small trunk shows and one Christmas I made a few paper ornaments out of old book pages and vintage costume jewelry. The response was so good, I made more! I eventually stopped knitting for money and was in the paper business full time.

I love paper for many reasons. It is an inexpensive and readily available resource. It is humble, and utilitarian but can be transformed with a cut or a fold into something extraordinary.

What do you love most about owning your own business and crafting the days away?

I grew up in a house where both of my parents were craftspeople. I have certainly modeled my adult life on that experience and now am raising 2 children in a house where my husband and I both work from home and run our own businesses. I love being able to set my schedule, take care of my people, go to the coast mid-week on a sunny day. I’m also a total homebody and can stay in my house for days just puttering, crafting, cooking and laying down (my superpower).

If Calley Fine Papers was a real persona what would it look like, what kind of attitude does she have?

She is very classy, always knows how to act. Understated and elegant but sturdy too. She looks demure and sweet, but there are always surprises coming at you. It’s interesting to think about this question because sometimes people are a little surprised when they meet me if they have seen my craft first. I’ve been told that I don’t really “match” my craft. As a person, I have always wanted to do what people don’t expect of me. And I think CFP is a real testament to that attitude.  My business persona wants to look perfect, crisp and classic. The real person is a lot messier, brassier and laissez-faire.

What are some of your creativepreneur business challenges?

I wish I was more driven. But sadly, not even money can motivate me that much. People not wanting to pay what I think I’m worth. And then I believe them.

If you could go back in time to when you started what would you tell yourself, what would you do different/same?

I don’t think I would do anything different. I feel lucky that I had the luxury of being a part-time crafter for money. That time allowed me to grow as an artist and also gain experience and confidence in my craft.

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If you are as captivated by Calley and her works as I am, follow her on Instagram or visit her website. Also, keeps your eyes posted for more workshops taught by her crafty awesomeness.

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