Artist Extraordinaire!

                             It is my pleasure to introduce to you to artist Leslie Hackett!

I have purchased some of her creations at A Rare Bird Antiques in Minneapolis and started following her on Instagram this spring.

Leslie is the artist behind Myrtle Sletta.  Her business is the namesake of her beloved grandmother.  Leslie's earliest memories were of her grandmother encouraging her creativity.

One of Leslie's heart wreaths.

Leslie creates some enchanting items!

I asked Leslie to answer some questions for this blog.  Here are her responses.

What is your background?

I grew up moving every 4 years and loved it!  Born in Georgia, like many army babies, moved to Italy, Georgia, Minnesota, West Germany Florida, Berlin, Paris, New York, Ireland and finally Minnesota where both my parents are from.

I graduated from Parsons School of Design in the late 80's.  I attend 2 years in Paris and two years in New York.  I have lived in St. Paul for the last 27 years.   During this time my husband and I raised our two sons and I continued to work on various creative projects. 

I have been making art for as long as I could smear paint.  I feel very lucky to have had lots of encouragement and support.

(This is interesting, because one of the first comments I made on her Instagram page was that she couldn't be from St. Paul.  Her work looked more like it should be from Paris or New York, and she replied that she had live both places!)

 

Wouldn't you love to get a wrapped gift from Leslie?

What inspires you?

Beautiful materials and the thrill of combining them.   The idea of feeling joy a shift of perspective when you see something really beautiful.  Being part of a story or uncovering one.  I love fairy tales, folk tales, history, movies and books.  I love to garden, travel, take pictures an spend a lot of time just daydreaming.

How long have you been in business?

I filed the name Myrtle Sletta's (after my Grandother) 25 years ago.  I have worked under this name, trimming Christmas trees, invitations, event planning and merchandising, and finally making my own collections.   Before that, I mixed paints for a fabric designer, calligrapher, waited tables, ribbon buyer, store merchandiser and florist.

It is obvious that Leslie has a relationship with flowers.

What is your favorite item that you have created?

I'll let you know when I make it.  My mind is constantly racing with ideas.  To be fair, the Santos figure I dressed last Christmas, the crepe paper swags, heart pom wreath and ribbon cones.  I like to work on multiple items at a time and wait to address every detail exploring as many combinations as I can!

Where do you shop in the area?

A Rare Bird Antiques in Minneapolis, Wet Paint, Paper Source and Regina's for candy.  I make an annual trip to New York to shop in the garment district.

Current projects.  A charming witch hat, left, and an Halloween wreath!

To what do you attribute your success?

My father once said I was lucky that as a creative person I am very organized.  If I am successful in my art it's because I take the responsibility very seriously, I am tenacious and try to always improve.

 What is the fun part of your business?

Are you kidding?  Sourcing gorgeous materials and making exactly what I feel like making everyday and night, connecting with the kindest people looking for beauty, too.

What is the most challenging part of your business?

Technology.  I struggle to keep the website updated, edit photos to my liking and I still struggle to post on Instagram even though I enjoy the platform and have met so many great people. 

 

Because I love Easter, I love these projects that Leslie created!

If you could speak to your younger self, what would you tell yourself?

Just trust, everything works out, trust.  When you doubt yourself, get some sleep, it's a waste of energy. 

Source:  Rosemille.com

What do you like to do on your days off?

You know the saying, "when you love what you do...."  I don't take many days off.  Friday night I sign off early and have dinner with my husband.  I love to catch up with my family, garden, antique and look for beautiful materials.

Where can we find your creations?

On my website Myrtlestudio@bigcartel.com and a Rare Bird Antiques are the best sources.  Kelly and I have become friends, she is very supportive and carries a vast assortment.  I have somethings at Martha's Gardens in St. Paul, and La Rue Marche in Hudson.

Leslie hosts an open house at her home at Christmastime.

She also creates for most holidays and more.  There are ribbon wrapped sticks, pom pom wreaths, boxes and cards, to name a few.  The variety is endless!

Leslie's workroom:

To see more of her creations on Instagram, use this address: www.instagram.com/myrtlesletta

To visit her website use this address: https://myrtlesstudio.bigcartel.com

All photos were by Leslie, with her permission.

Thank you Leslie, for letting me share your amazing creativity!