Made in Iowa: Cedar Rapids artist turned talent into colorful nursery, business

When Kelly Frey, 40, of Cedar Rapids, was pregnant with her daughter, Elsie, several years ago, she was having trouble finding the right decor for the nursery.

So she decided to create just what she wanted herself.

One painting led to another, and now Frey has an Etsy page, sells her creations at local farmers markets and craft fairs, and sells her work in local and out-of-state shops.

Her creations - working under the business name of Lil Bo & Peep - are whimsical works of art for children, including murals, canvas paintings, prints and handmade note cards.

'Most of my work is commissioned and created by speaking to the client to hear what they have in mind with colors and ideas,” Frey says. She then makes the idea come to life by painting on walls or canvas.

Q. How and when did you get started?

A. I have been doing art in many different forms my entire life, but the idea of Lil Bo & Peep came to me when I was pregnant with my daughter, Elsie.

I couldn't find what I wanted to decorate her room with, so I started to paint.

I made a mural on her wall, and then started painting on canvas. I had so much fun I kept painting, until I had so many pictures that I figured what else could I do but share them with others.

Q. Is this your full-time job or a creative outlet?

A. This is currently my job. And I'm always eagerly awaiting my next project. Being an artist is definitely a wonderful outlet, too. I'm grateful I have the ability to be creative.

Q. If you had only three words to describe what you do what would they be?

A. Whimsical, playful and happy.

Q. What inspires you?

A. Sandra Boynton, Mary Engelbreit and Jim Henson are just a few of the amazing artists and illustrators that I love. But I also gain my inspiration from animals, nature and my 4-year-old daughter. Her innocence and great imagination really fuel what I do.

Q. What's the best part about being a crafty/creative person?

A. Being able to share it. I love to see the reaction from kids and adults when they see a piece they really connect with.

Q. Do you remember your first craft project?

A. My first 'graded” project was probably in eighth-grade shop class.

My dad was my teacher. We got to pick out pieces of wood to splice together, and then use a jigsaw to cut a design, sand it and paint it. I created a tulip.

What a great feeling it was turning a plain piece of wood into something pretty that my mother used as a centerpiece on her table.

I truly believe much of my love of working with my hands and being creative came from watching my dad be creative in his own workshop.

Q. When you become rich and famous for your work, what will you do?

A. I could list a ton of different ideas, but as you look at my paintings, they are centered around children and animals, two things that I am passionate about.

I would love to turn my paintings into a business that in turn would help those that are homeless and helpless.

LIKE FREY'S WORK?

'Ogle it

: Polka Dots and Denim, 4333 Czech Lane NE, Cedar Rapids; and The Early Bird Cafe, 316 Second St. SE, Cedar Rapids; Cedar Rapids Downtown Farmers Market

'Google it

: Lilboandpeep.etsy.com; Facebook.com/pages/Lil-Bo-Peep/244566202228834