Etsy Featured Artist

RubyStella

2009-03-04T20:22:00.000-08:00

Today I am pleased to introduce you to Jennifer Buselli from Redmond, Oregon of
Ruby+Stella Home.
I love her funky and fun style. One of my favorites is below....

What inspired you to make this product?
I was inspired to create home accessories primarily because I could not find what I was looking for. I wanted a pillow with a fun and funky look, that didn't cost a fortune. And when I came across the "world" of designer fabrics, I knew that I could create what I wanted myself.

What are your favorite materials to use?
By far, my favorite fabric to work with is anything by Anna Maria Horner. I have yet to tire of working with it. I still get excited when I get a delivery of it. She has the most fabulous designs! I also adore other designer fabrics by Amy Butler, Joel Dewberry and more!

What are some of the websites you most frequently visit?
I love numerous design websites. But my favorites are:

http://creaturecomforts.typepad.com/my_weblog/

http://decoraddict.blogspot.com/

http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/

And of course, Etsy!

Canbot

2009-03-04T00:01:00.000-08:00

Today I am pleased to introduce you to Orson Li from Hong Kong and Tokyo, Japan of CANBOT.COM and CanBot on on Etsy. These little robots and Dinos are made of cans! I love things that are repurposed and they just feel so retro. His answers to the questions below are so inspiring to me as a person and artist. Please go see his shop for more!

What inspired you to make this product?
I was inspired by the interaction of Art with Recycle. For the design of Canbot (Robot) and Canrex (dinosaur),I have combined the concept of origami and sculpture to create a figure that is built entirely using origami skills ( no screw and glue are used) to create a 3-D object. The material I selected is from the soda can which is made of aluminum. Blending the graphics and colors of each soda can create unlimited versions of Canbot and Canrex. Also the use of Soda Can fits the idea of "Recycle". I hope, through the Canbot or Canrex will remind people that the power of creativity could transform a valueless soda can into a valuable sculpture. The word of "CAN" in Canbot carries 2 meanings; the first "CAN" means it is made from a soda can and the second ”CAN’, means with the power of creativity and determination, you and I Can do anything!

What are your favorite materials to use?
Aluminum. It is soft as paper but firm as metal. It is easy to bend but easy to crack as well. The plate does not stand a second or repeated bend, and I have to make sure that each fold precisely and accurately as there is no chance for a second go.

What is your process in creating your art?
The first thing is to look for the right can. A perfect can is not too easy to find. I have to take careful look along the aisle of the soda drink section at supermarket; contemplate the color and graphics of each soda can would suit well with my design. After I make my choice on the color and pattern, I have to examine the quality of printing and shape of the can, making sure there is no scratch or den on the surface. I loved to collect soda cans from different countries when I travel, and some of the cans are special edition as well. I always carry handy tools with me, so I can cut the can into aluminum plate and carry it back to my studio. At my studio, I have to design the pattern and color matching for each canbot and canrex, it is really amazing that the unlimited combination of colors and pattern you can get from the can and that's the fun part! The next step is to empty the soda by drinking it or just flush it if that's not my favorite taste. Then I will have to sterilize the can and cut it into aluminum plate. After precisely marking each body parts on the plate, I cut them out and assemble according to the design of canbot or canrex. I have spent 3 years to develop and modify the design of Canbot and Canrex into a perfect model.
These design of these figures are based on the triangular prism, which has evolved to be the body of the figure. It has passed numerous testing of endurance and stability for the posture. I began to publish them to the public since late last year when I am sure that my sculptures have reached the state of perfection.

Papaververt

2009-03-03T00:01:00.000-08:00

Today I have the wonderful Patty Benson from Alameda, Ca of Papaver Vert . I fell in love with this little coaster set and I know you will too! She has so many other ingenious wool products in her shop-You can also check out her personal site here- www.papaververt.com
What are your favorite materials to use?
I really love wool, which I know is obvious. I love it in many forms, not just yarn, but as raw wool roving that I use to make my pillows with or as wool fabric used for sewing. I remember going to fabric stores as a kid with my mom and always gravitating to the wool yardage! I also like muslin fabric which is great to manipulate and create patterns with and lastly I love threads and embroidery threads...anything to do with needlework.

Who are some etsy artists that you admire?
I really dig Penguin and Fish...i just love those kitties!
Mudpuppy - his work is so clean and simplistic. He's also a really nice guy!
Tinctory - her smocked designs just blow me away.
GooseGrease - her little custom dolls are just so clever. I love that she can capture a whole family and her photos are great.
Yokoo - her designs and photography are amazing. A great blend of product and marketing.

What are some of the websites you most frequently visit?
I'm always stopping by The Sartorialist . I get such amazing ideas and inspiration from his photographs. I also frequent dooce.com for a dose of humor, the New York Times for news and the Home section, Bread & Honey a yummy food blog and The Style Files for ideas, interior shots and homes that make me drool.

Clotheslinedesigns

2009-03-01T08:56:00.000-08:00

Today I am pleased to welcome Jen Lindsay of Kutztown, PA from clotheslinedesigns
on Etsy. She has a very simple and straightforward line. She makes and sells these gift sets like you see below...a onsie, stuffed giraffe and playmat in different fabrics. I am really drawn to her fabric choices and her mix of patterns and colors. You must check out her shop.

What inspired you to make this product?
I recently had my first real experience with children by having one of my own. Until then, I had seen them around, but they were always a great mystery to me. Now that my son is over a year old every new stage he goes through is like a surprise to me and I'm really enjoying it. Not being the natural born mom type (and a graphic designer) I was very drawn to fabrics and toys and clothing that had a modern day twist to them. A friend of mine gave me a fabric mat as a baby shower gift and I used it every day all the time. When he was a newborn it was an essential (especially with our hardwood floors). I would take him with me all over the house and set him down on the mat next to me: the bedroom, the living room, the computer room, the kitchen. And when he was a little older we’d pull the mat out for tummy time. For those of you who don’t know what tummy time is, it’s a developmental stage in an infant’s life where they need to spend time on their stomach in order to build up muscles necessary for holding their head up and eventually sitting upright. So in the end I wanted to make a product that was both useful and hopefully pleasing to the adult eye.

Where do you live and how does that influence your art?
I’m from a small town in Pennsylvania called Kutztown. It’s got a strange blending of two very different cultures; the old ways of the Pennsylvania and the progressive ways of the local University. It’s a nice combination. I was a student at the University, and am slowly becoming a townie. I settled here because I love it. There are lots of influences and a big underground art scene. I’ve also collaborated with a few friends and some new ones to form a craft group called Z-Town Made: www.z-townmade.blogspot.com. We’re six different crafters who have a mutual appreciation for each other’s work and have chosen this area to call home. We meet weekly and help each other figure out the world of crafting, share influences, drink some beers and have a good time. It’s the one night out a week I have these days and I love it.

What inspires you on a daily basis?
Crafting is relatively new to me, but growing up my mother sewed. I think in the 70’s people did that sort of thing more often. She’d make my clothes and gifts and curtains for the house, that sort of thing. It’s easier and cheaper now to go to the mall and buy something on sale. But there’s a certain charm and deeper more sustainable feel to hand made. I’m not sure where my crafting will take me, I get the feeling I‘ll be expanding store into other ideas. But for now, when I can find the time, I enjoy sitting down to my machine to make pretty (and useful) things.

Collier Leeds

2009-02-27T10:24:00.000-08:00

Today I am pleased to introduce Mary Oswald of Virginville, PA, from Collier Leads on Etsy and www.collierleeds.com
She makes these outstanding handcrafted dog collars. I always admire high quality collars because I have 4 dogs and only two currently wear a collar because it is so hard to find one that is attractive, comfortable and good quality. If you are looking for these same qualities in your collars you must check out Mary's shop.

What inspired you to make this product?
Several years ago I visited Leeds Castle in Kent, England where they have a dog collar museum, probably the only one in the world. The collars on display span over 5 centuries. I was so impressed with the design, quality and importance placed on the collars I wanted to adorn my own dogs with something as special. Unable to find the qualities I desired, I decided to make my own.

What inspires you on a daily basis?
I am inspired daily by the search for excellence. I am always looking at my work and wondering how I can make it better. I am constantly tweeking. It can get very frustrating sometimes but in the end I know it will be worth it. My work has changed dramatically since I first started and I would imagine it will evolve more still.

Where do you live and how does that influence your art?
I live in the heart of the Pennsylvania Dutch country. It is not uncommon to do business with the Mennonite community or see the Amish traveling in their horse and buggies. They have a real need for sturdy leather products because of the farm work they do. The utilitarian quality of their leather goods helps to remind me that my art is functional and used on an animal. I must keep that in mind when I design each collar and the choice of materials I use.

Necklush

2009-02-25T20:49:00.001-08:00

I love the artistic concept of Necklush on Etsy- run by Troy and Stephano of NYC. These pieces are amazing and so different and interesting- I am just gushing now! Get yourself one and make a statement!

What inspired you to make this product?
Stephano just came up with Necklush, it was a magicial moment... He was buzzing around like Edward Scissorhands cutting fabric all day, shreads and threads flying everywhere... and suddenly- BANG! Necklush burst into the material world like a new religion! I came up with the name over quesadillas at our favorite Mexican restaurant and we put them up on Etsy that day and we simply haven't stopped. We are still in awe at the reception we have received. The fact that we make it all by hand, and have such a crazy reaction in such a short time means we are very fortunate, and we thank the gods every morning! People are wearing Necklush everywhere! Lithuania, Poland, Tokyo, Australia, Sweden... it's very, very cool!

What inspires you on a daily basis?
We feel very lucky to have connected with fun and creative people all over the globe. Inspiration comes in little emails spread out all day long, the inbox is addictive when you are getting requests for your handmade, heartfelt creations!

Who are some Etsy artists that you admire?
Etsy is an amazing place. I am very grateful to have found it, and I am only now realizing how big it's audience really is. And it is only going to get bigger. It is like a folk art universe on here, and I feel right at home! My favorite people on Etsy are : CricketsCreations, Kittybutt, and JamesAnthony!

Greenwich Letterpress

2009-02-25T00:01:00.000-08:00

Today, I am pleased to introduce you to Beth Salvini of Greenwich Letterpress of New York. I spotted this great card that Beth makes one day on Etsy. I love architecture and I think this is a clever way of showing it off as art on a card. Beth also has her own site at www.greenwichletterpress.com
What inspired you to make this product?
The idea for this card was silly. One night I was looking through some clip art books and I saw the Falling Water image. I turned to my boyfriend and said in a very cheese ball tone, "You're always Frank Lloyd Wright!" The joke between the two of us is always, "That would be a great greeting card!" Then a few days later I sat down and designed it. It was his idea to do part of the impression without ink, so I guess we collaborated on it.

What inspires you on a daily basis?
I am very inspired by popular culture. Since I was a kid I have been into collecting magazine clippings, watching tv and movies, listening to music and learning about art. When I went college all of that blended in with the paintings I made. Now it all turns into greeting cards, which for me makes sense. You can consume greeting cards as easily as you can a magazine or a candy bar. Its more accessible. I really like Andy Warhol and I think somewhere in my mind its all comes back to that.

Where do you live and how does that influence your art?
I live in Brooklyn. Living and working in New York City you see everything or at least have the opportunity to. I do feel like I have seen it all. That's where the pop culture cards come from, it is easier for me to draw attention to something that already exists in culture then to try and make it from scratch. That might be a cynical New York thing.

Paper Tiger Design Co.

2009-02-24T00:01:00.000-08:00

Today we have Michael and Melanie Heu of Paper Tiger Design Co. located in Brooklyn, NY
One of my previous featured artists recommended Paper Tiger and these great calenders- they are pretty awesome!

What inspired you to make this product?
The Spectrum Calendar was inspired by Pantone Swatch books and the International Typographic Style (Swiss). We are big fans of things that are simple, beautiful and functionally useful. The color spectrum moves through the seasons like a thermometer (cold months are shades of blue and hot months are yellow - orange).

What inspires you on a daily basis?
(Michael) I'm inspired by things both large and small - my day "job" is one of the founders of Intersect (www.intersectnyc.com), an interactive agency located in Manhattan. So I'm always surfing the web for inspiring work but offline I have also developed an (unhealthy) obsession with letterpress. Melanie managed to find an antique table-top press which we've been using to explore the world of paper goods. We also love to travel and I find that adventures outside the normal routine are crucial to sparking ideas and inspiration. I personally love illustration, 50's style modernism and clean typography.

What sites do you frequent the most?
ffffound.com
designspongeonline.com
thefwa.com
etsy.com
swiss-miss.com

What is your process in creating your art?
Typically I start out with doodles and sketches on a white 8.5 x 11 sheet of paper. We have a ton of them floating around the house. When I hit an idea that is appealing from a execution standpoint I will refine the designs and then move into Illustrator to generate the actual design. After the actual designs have been refined, it then becomes more production oriented depending on the final output (letterpress, silk screen, digital, etc). The train tends to be a great place to doodle and let ideas flow

Yorktownroad

2009-02-23T06:18:00.000-08:00

I love the designs of Carol Gilbert of Northern California / Bay Area from Yorktown Road on Etsy- she also has her own site at www.yorktownroad.com
She makes these awesome purses and clutches as well as pillows and other accessorie. Clean lines and colors which feel a bit mens wear inspired with a feminine twist. You have to check her stuff out!

Where do you live and how does it influence your art?
I live in a community of mid-century homes that are simple in form and have great interest without bringing in a lot of different design elements. That concept is what I try to express in my work. Simple forms and usually just one base textile to create something beautiful, interesting and useful.

What are your favorite material to use?
I choose materials from the natural wool and alter them with random folds, pleats and seam-lines. Linen and wool are textiles I often use due to their beauty and versatility. I try to work with the natural character of the materials, to enhance a particular aspect of the textile and allow it to be seen in a new way.

Who are some of the etsy artists you admire?
PamelaTang - I'm really drawn to her work, both the wearable pieces and her original artwork. The linen wear is impeccably crafted and the silhouettes are modern and beautiful. I'm fascinated by her original art / mixed media work and how they compliment her wearable pieces so perfectly.

NestingEmily - Emily is such a talent. I have several of her pieces and treasure each one. She makes the most beautiful vases.

Plyhouse - Simple beautiful design. I purchased some of their pieces for gifts and had such a hard time actually giving them away.

FinalScore

2009-02-18T00:01:00.000-08:00

Today I have Paul & Sharon Van Scott from Beckley, West Virginia. They rub the Etsy shop "Finalscore" and also have a web site at www.FinalScoreProducts.com
I just love art that is pixelated and they make this great piece of art- it's Papa Smurph but it is made up of smaller images that are Smurph related. Click on the picture to go to the listing and see another image that is a close up.
What inspired you to make this product?
I've always loved optical illusions and art that can be viewed in different ways. Montage/mosaics seemed to me to be the perfect item for fans of anything. After several years of traditional mosaic making I decided to go one better and make a few out of actual scenes from movies and TV. Being a kid of the late 70s/early 80s I was a little ahead of the Smurf craze but watched it nonetheless. Papa Smurf seemed like the perfect charecter to immortalize in blue Smurfdom with an art piece though I have to admit I also have a Smurfette and even Gargamel.

What inspires you on a daily basis?
I'm a big sports fan so obviously I get a lot of inspiration there. I grew up near DC and have always been a big Redskin fan. With that in mind it was a huge thrill for me in 2007 when the Redskins star tight end Chris Cooley purchased a piece I did of him. Then last year his grandparents bought another piece I did of him on canvas. One of the stars of the movie A Christmas Story bought two items from me and had me do a custom piece of his famous scene from the movie. I think any artist gets inspiration from the things they like. It just makes doing the art that much more easy and fun.

What are some of the websites you most frequently visit?
I visit a really weird mix of sites. Since I'm a sports fan I go to ESPN.com a lot, ha ha. As mentioned earlier I like optical illusions and theres a UK site called www.grand-illusions.com that is just great for optical illusions, cool art, articles and items. I had been visiting the site for a couple years and then thought they might like to see my stuff and they ended up doing an article on my items and I did a special piece for them. It is still on there. I also like UFO sites, moviemistakes.com and jumptheshark.com.

RozArt

2009-02-17T00:01:00.000-08:00

Today I would like to introduce Rosilyn Young of RozArt on Etsy. I spotted this cupcake painting that she made- it looks good enough to eat! She also has her own site called Drunken Cows

Where do you live and how does that influence your art?
I live in south Texas, but am originally from NH. Being a Yankee, I would never usually be my thing to paint cows, cowboys or anything western. But I have been here a long time now and the area has affected me! Living on a working ranch one year had me (a confirmed city girl) falling in love with roosters and cows!

What are your favorite materials to use?
I always paint in oils. It's buttery consistently works well with my thick impressionistic style.

What inspired you to make this product?
I painted my first cupcake because I have baked so many for the kids, that I thought it would look great on the wall in my kitchen. When I used a palette knife to put the paint on as the frosting part of the cupcake, it was as if I were frosting one - and I knew I had something good. Ive sold a lot of these cupcakes - and I never grow bored of them!

Paige Russell Design

2009-02-13T00:01:00.000-08:00

I am pleased to introduce you to the talented Paige Russell of Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada
I love the simplicity of this piece and that it can be displayed in a non-pretentious way. Her work is so clean and meticulous. Find more of her designs on Etsy or her own site.
What inspired you to make this product?
I have always had a strong affection for function & for simple beauty. Those two things took me to product design school. It was there (at Parsons School of Design in NYC) that I was introduced to ceramic slipcasting. I fell hard for the medium & the element of control over shape design and the ability to produce multiples that slipcasting provides. The pieces I've designed over the years in ceramic have also been informed by my habit of personifying objects. I want them to have personality and a bit of a story. I shoot for cheeky & hope to avoid novel!

What inspires you on a daily basis?
I'm really inspired by early to mid-century designers (both product & graphic) ie: Alvar Aalto, Isamu Noguchi, George Nelson, Harry Sierman.

What are some of the websites you most frequently visit?
www.architonic.com - for product
www.grainedit.com - for graphics
http://www.hetnago.nl/index.php - for graphics (via grain edit)
They are amazing!

Some of my fave etsy artists are:
Joanna Rutter She makes really sweet jewelry and is super nice person!

Papaver Vert Makes super yummy felted bowls, etc. Love 'em.

My mom, Sharon Russell She does kick ass modern acrylic paintings. So proud.

Paper Tiger Design Co. Check out the Color Spectrum printable calender & the Geometric Love cards. Brilliant!

SkyLarkStudio

2009-02-12T00:01:00.000-08:00

I am pleased to introduce Karen Stanford from Virginville, PA of
Skylark Studio
I am always a fan of gorgeous and unique metalwork: these buckhorns caught my attention because they are modern and original. Karen has so many wonderful things in her shop.

What inspired you to make this product?
I originally made these buckhorns as a thank you gift for a friend who helped me out with my wedding. She wasn't exactly a "girly girl" - she's actually shot a buck so I figured they were appropriate! I was really into the deer theme that was all the rage in interior design at the time, the mounted heads, the woodland themed wallpaper, all that. Many of my designs are inspired by interior design trends, I'm obsessed with architecture and homes. But with my limited budget I can't exactly give in to my decor lust - so I try to make pieces that take those trends and turn them into classics that you can wear for a long time. you know antlers, cherry blossoms, swallows, etc. better than buying that wallpaper I know I'll get sick of in 2 years! I'm currently working on a line inspired by the hardware of my old house ...

Where do you live and how does that influence your art?
This is an interesting question - just recently I had someone ask me "how do you live here and not die of boredom?" !! HA! So I live in Berks County, Pa, in a little village called Virginville. It's kind of like Deadwood but with atv's instead of horses. On summer nights almost everyone is having a huge backyard bonfire so it's got a wild vibe. It's pretty serious Dutch country, I actually used to live with Mennonites (looong story). You have to have an appreciation for simple things to be happy out here - gardening, hiking, creek dipping, biking, farmer's markets. There are very few places to get a good bite or drink, and nightlife? forget about it. We're close to a college town (Kutztown Univ.) so there are a bunch of college bars but no where to get a good martini.
BUT the absolutely great amazing thing about this area is that there are artists and crafters everywhere hunkering down in their gardens and studios. If you keep your ear low to the ground you hear of underground film festivals, nyc chefs cooking in farm fields, and crazy poetry slams in shacks in the woods. Most of us have done the city thing and are all here by choice, not wanting to waste away our money and time in the big city rat race. But we are only 2 hours from NYC and 1 hour to Phila so if you need a taste it's not too far away. I think it makes it easier to be true to yourself and your craft if you live in a place where you don't have to worry so much about making the rent and keeping up with the current fashions.

Who are some of your etsy favorites?
I have to give a huge shout out to our fledgling craft collective based in Kutztown, Z-town Made.
I can't believe all of these amazing crafters live within 10 minutes of each other in essentially "the middle of no where".
Sara Smedley makes THE coolest screenprinted aprons and napkins.
Kimberly of Chez Sucre Chez is a needlepoint master - bags to hand towels to pillows. so cool.
Melanie of Spread the Love makes the best light hearted illustrations.
Mary of Collier Leeds makes unbelievably rad leather dog collars.
Jen of Clothesline Design quilts perfect tummy time mats and stuffies for little ones.
Check them out!

Treasurefield

2009-02-11T00:01:00.000-08:00

Today I am featuring Alisa from TREASUREFIELD
I love her fresh take on polymer clay and am especially loving these earrings of hers- classicly modern and so right now! She has a whole line of faux gemstones. Check her stuff out.

What inspired you to make this product?
I saw something else that made me think of this. I love when that happens!
And faux finishes & faux aging are so much fun with poly clay.

What inspires you on a daily basis?
Almost daily I see something I want to interpret in my own way, whether in nature or made by another artisan -past or present. Just the desire to be creative inpires me!

What are your favorite materials to use?
Paint, paper, pencils and polymer clay. :)

Who are some etsy artists that you admire?
That would be hard to narrow down; there are so many! But I most admire the ones who come up with original designs and techniques.

What are some of the websites you most frequently visit?
Polymer Clay Daily http://polymerclaydaily.com for all the latest in poly-clay creations & news
Daily Art Muse http://dailyartmuse.com for all things "art"
D.J. Pettitt's blog http://djpettitt.blogspot.com/ just for the beauty of her paintings & collage
and Twitter.com to learn from and keep in touch with a world of interesting people!

Sewlutions by AMO

2009-02-10T00:01:00.000-08:00

Today we have Arlene McFarlane-Harper of Sewlutions By AMO
I love these wallet cuffs that she makes. My favorite is pictured below. You can also find her on her own site- http://sewlutionsbyamo.com

What inspired you to make this product?
I am always trying to find functional yet stylish solutions that make life easier. My cuff with secret pockets are the perfect answer for people on the go or who like to travel light.

What are your favourite materials to use?
I love working with leather and wool.

What is your process in creating your art?
My mind is constantly being bombarded with creative ideas. They seem to come while I am driving or just before falling asleep. Sometimes it is a picture in my mind; sometimes it is just a tag line for promoting. Whatever moves me is what I will sketch or jot down on paper. Later I do a 3-D mock up in paper to work out the mechanics before I draft a working pattern.

The Original Rings of Catherinette Rings

2009-02-09T00:01:00.000-08:00

I see the distinct styling of Catherinette rings everywhere these days. Daniel Proulx of Montreal, Quebec, Canada really knows you to get his signature rings "out there". He is giving us a sneak peek of a new ring made with a Chrome Diopside gemstone. The color is just dreamy, right?

What inspired you to make this product?
My name is Daniel and I'm the creator of the Steampunk & Cyberpunk rings
that can be found in my ETSY shop : www.CatherinetteRings.etsy.com .
When I started to make rings I always go for the more complicated designs.
My goals were to make wearable & durable wire sculpture . At that time i didn't know anything about steampunk but oneday a friend told me I should look into that because my rings were very similar in style. After some research I went to one of my material suppliers and bought antiqued metal beads and wire. I came up with the the current design . I have been inspired by mechanics, futuristic and a friend.

What are your favorite materials to use?
I really like to use gemstones and clock parts . I recently created a new model in which I drill by hand a tiny hole into Amber and inlay old vintage clock parts .
I also like unusual and rare gemstones such as Chrome diopside and Sphene titanite .
I don't have these in my shop yet, here's a preview of my latest ring with
Chrome Diopside that I made for myself.

Where do you live and how does that influence your art?
I live in Montreal and I believe that the diversity of culture and architecture has an influence on my inspiration. Like in my city, I like to mix old with new .

Kate Cusack - Zipper Jewelry

2009-02-06T00:01:00.000-08:00

Today I have the lovely Kate Cusack of Brooklyn, NY from Etsy. I am in love with this cuff and the simplicity and genius of her designs. She also has her own website- check her out!

What inspired you to make this product?
I made my first Zipper Pin in 2002. I had recently finished designing and creating costumes for a children’s dance theater company and I got my hands on bags and bags of zippers. At that point in fashion, pins and brooches seemed very in style. I was originally inspired by the idea of the Chanel flower, and thrifty/resourceful decoration of fashion from the 1940s. Because of wartime restrictions on materials, designers were forced to be more resourceful with extra pieces of fabric to decorate their garments. I always love these kinds of designs because there is a bit of a self-referential notion, and there is a simplicity when an entire garment from body to decoration is made from only one material.
I made a Zipper Pin for myself and wore it on my jacket. I was working in the visual merchandizing department at Tiffany & Company at the time and the woman who I worked for, admired my pin. I was working there to design and create five marie-antoinette-style wigs made entirely from plastic wrap (that you’d use to cover left overs with) for the store windows along 5th Avenue and 57th Street in Manhattan. I made the second Zipper Pin as a gift for the woman who’d hired me when the project was complete, as a thank you.

What are your favorite materials to use?
Zippers are exciting to me right now because of their connection to fashion and to costume design by association, but they are appealing in form because of how the metal teeth sparkle and how the linear construction potential is endless. A line can be shaped into anything. A zipper is simply a line.

Who are some etsy artists that you admire?
I admire my good friend and art-jeweler Margaux Lange. (www.margauxlange.com) Margaux has created a compelling body of work using the bodies of Barbie dolls as her inspiration and main material. She creates unusual, beautiful jewelry that is compelling and even a bit creepy at the same time. I admire Margaux for the reputation she has created for herself and her work based on an iconic doll that most girls disregard before they turn into teenagers. She is constantly balancing the creative side with the business side of her jewelry and achieving great success.

What are some of the websites you most frequently visit?
notcot.org
nytimes.com
http://greendragonladyvintage.wordpress.com/
http://www.curiobot.net/
http://www.coolhunting.com/

What is your process in creating your art?
I think it’s always important to explore and brainstorm whether in 3D or 2D. Sometimes an idea comes just from handling a material and pinning it on a dressform, but other times, an idea can come from drawings in a sketchbook. Being sensitive to your own creative timing is important also. Sometimes my brain is only able to follow through on an idea I started months ago, sometimes I dread the idea of just executing an idea and instead I want to create a new one.

EmilyPeacockTapestry

2009-02-05T00:01:00.000-08:00

I have had this lovely cross stitch pattern in my favorites on Etsy for some time. I want to make this- as soon as I finish my other projects. Emily Peacock of Cookham, Berkshire, UK is the girl behind the design you can find her on Etsy or at her own site- www.emilypeacock.com
She carries other similar patterns that you will love- check her out!
What inspired you to make this product?
I was inspired by the fact that so many crafts are experiencing a revival. I have always enjoyed a range of crafts, but particularly love to do tapestries. There was nothing available that seemed to inspire me or break with tradition and so I set about changing that. Working with your hands is so grounding and there seems no reason why people who love to create would not try something different. If you can follow a knitting pattern or do a cross stitch, you can make a tapestry... what's important is that the designs must be attractive, relevant and fun to do. I also love to create objects that I will use and enjoy. I have turned all my designs into pillows and they really influence the look of my home. I am now so hooked on creating my tapestries, I feel lost if I don't have one to work on!

What inspires you on a daily basis?
I don't like to limit myself to one theme. I enjoy being in the flow of life, aware of trends and what other people are doing and interpreting them in my own way. I keep my subject matter uplifting - my designs are about love and humanity and positivity. Yesterday, for example, I took a walk in Portobello Road in London. This area is world famous for it's individual and highly creative shops and stalls. Walking without searching, but just absorbing and enjoying, left me feeling energized and inspired. I have some ideas and themes I want to explore, but these ideas will inevitably be fed by what I have seen and experienced. It's important to open your eyes to the life and beauty around you, then you realize the possibilities are endless.

Where do you live and how does that influence your art?
When I began designing, I was living in the South West of France. The heat and colour were intense and the bright colours I use reflected that. The nature around me played a part in 'The Meeting Place', 'Stars over Corn ', 'Primal Sun ' and 'In Bloom' . Now I am back in the UK my life is more urban. My background is in graphic design and so I am more tuned into typography, retail trends and the man-made rather than the natural. Even in overcast England, my colors are still bright and eye-catching, so this is a personal choice, an expression of who I am and has little to do with geography. I find that the technique of stitching onto a blank canvas with vibrant colors really lifts the spirits and brightens the environment around you. My designs are not for the conservative or those that wish to blend in!

AnatomyofaSkirt and the ROBOTS

2009-02-04T00:01:00.000-08:00

Today I would like to introduce you to Erin Wilk from Anatomy of a Skirt
of Southwestern Ontario, Canada. I find her robots to be very interesting and unique. You can also find her robots on robotaday.com

What inspired you to make this product?
I'd been making my robots pouches for a number of years, and they were always a fun little addition to my line.... and then one day I added a moustache, and I dreamed up the idea of making one robot, every day! I didn't realize it would take over my life like it has!

What are your favorite materials to use?
I love using vinyl scraps from my purse making... and I just adore industrial felt although I don't get to use it as much with the robots as I do with my purse line.

Who are some etsy artists that you admire?
Oh, there are just so many! I'm currently in love with: MIXCO, NightjarBooks, woodenapples, maudstitch, fidoodle, portraitsofstumps, pidgepidge, Roadside, sarahapple, sheridesthelion.... I've only listed ten, but I could easily list 50!

What is your process in creating your art?
Generally I come up with an idea and then work out how I can make it into a robot- I make a quick sketch and then go to work! Sometimes I do a bit of research, like if I'm doing a historical figure, so I can get the costume right... sometimes my research is as easy as looking hte mirror and making faces to determine how to convery a mood or emotion! Then I'll get to the studio and pick out the fabrics I want to use, and make a prototype.

PinkTigersDen- Fascinating Fascinators and Headpieces

2009-02-03T00:01:00.000-08:00

Today I introduce you to Nicola Sidaway-Smith, from Birmingham, UK of the PinkTigersDen on Etsy. You can also find her gorgeous hair pieces at www.TiarasAndFascinators.com
I am in love with this piece...it's called the Sarah Fascinator- I think if you are among the brave you may be able to wear this during the day.

What inspires you on a daily basis?
I'm inspired by lots of things but mostly organic shapes and colours from flowers, leaves, fruits and which I can then transfer into patterns and ideas for my headpieces. I'm also really inspired by other artists and am obsessed with cutting out ideas from magazines and sticking them into my scrapbook to call on when I have 'sewer's block'.

What are your favorite materials to use?
My main materials are sinamay which is a mesh that is pressed, looped and sewn into place to create the shapes I use as the basis to my fascinators. It comes in a wide variety of colours and when moistened, shaped and dried takes on the shape you want it to so is really versatile. I also love crystals and pearls and there is just something wonderful about taking a flat piece of mesh and a few crystals and constructing out of it an elaborate head piece or a beautiful piece of jewellery.

Who are some etsy artists that you admire?
I absolutely adore The House of Mouse because of the tiny cutest mice that Anna the owner creates. I just wouldn't know which one to have because they are all so cute!
I am also really inspired by my fellow Etsy Wedding Teamers Mikiye Creations and Whichgoose. Both produce exquisite hair pieces which are totally different from what you can buy on the high street.

NeaWear- Jewelry and Wall Wear

2009-02-02T00:01:00.000-08:00

Cruising around Etsy I always find the most interesting and unique items. This little stiletto heel needlework necklace is quite a find. Made by Janick of Montreal, Canada, who runs Neawear on Etsy. She has many special jewelry and wall pieces to choose from in her shop- you must have a look. She has also just done an interview for the Storque- "Quit Your Day Job"- it is linked in her shop announcement.

What inspired you to make this product?
I started making cross-stitch necklaces and thought it would be nice to combine a jewelry love with a shoe addiction! Stilettos are not always for everyday life, but with this piece I felt people could have both the flats and high heels at the same time!

What are your favorite materials to use?
Linen, of course! I find it so much more rich in texture than traditional Aida cloth for needlework. I love metal also, and everything mixed-media, so I try to mix everything up in my embroidery work often too, it keeps everything interesting!

What are some of the websites you most frequently visit?
I blog a lot ( http://fonetik.wordpress.com ), so I read many many blogs as well. A few of my favorites at this moment would have to be Poppytalk, Perfectbound, For Me For You... Other sites I visit daily are places like Flickr, Twitter, Google Analytics, and of course, Etsy allllll the time!

Masaoms Jewels

2009-01-30T00:01:00.000-08:00

Today I am featuring Marta of masaoms.etsy.com She is a jewelry artist who makes some beautiful pieces that mix metals that are very organic and unique.

What inspired you to make this product?
Currently I have Atón, Geb, Nut, Isis and Lotus Flower collections. All of them come from the ancient Egypt, from its gods and goddesses and the beliefs that survive till today. I admire German jewelry and enjoy their technique very much. I love to mix modern techniques with more personal designs and new takes on old jewels. My passion for stones led me to study Gemology and this opened for me windows into an incredible world, with lots of minerals to discover and utilize.

What are your favorite materials to use?
I usually use Silver and natural stones. Sometimes I include 24kt gold in my jewels to create textures and colour contrastes.

Where do you live and how does that influence your art?
I live in Barcelona, although I was born in Vic, a city 70 km from Barcelona. In Vic, when I go to my mother's home, I find nature, clean air and a lot of memories. When I'm in Barcelona I love the sea, the mix of diferent people and to get lost at antique streets. One of my favourite places is "Plaça Sant Felip Neri", it's inspiring

Brook Owens Embroidery

2009-01-29T00:01:00.000-08:00

I am please to introduce Etsy artist Brook Owens who does these wonderful embroidered pieces. She has something for everyone in her shop- from baby onsies to wall art. Check her out at brookowens.etsy.com

What inspired you to make this product?
All 1940's 1950's art inspires me. WWII posters, magazine ads, Tattoo flash, pin ups, artist such as Gil Elvgren, Alberto Vargas, and Sailor Jerry (Norman Collins). I love pushing the limits to what can be embroidered. No longer being restricted to kittens and puppies! A huge inspiration was Jenny Hart. I love her portraits. Her patterns from Sublime Stitching is what really made me put down the knitting needles and pick up a needle and thread!

What inspires you on a daily basis?
Everything really... Most of my ideas come from just stumbling upon images that spark my interest. Anything I can trace I can embroider. That is what I love about embroidering, the possibilities are endless! I find a lot of inspiration from other crafters and sites such as flickr and Craftster.

What are your favorite materials to use?
For embroidering I love a good quality cotton. So far I have found it is the most forgiving. As far as my other crafts I do, I love wool blend felt. It is also so amazing to stitch on!

Jessi Taylor and the Mangels

2009-01-28T00:01:00.000-08:00

I am pleased to introduce Jessi Taylor from Etsy. I was intrigued by these bracelets and taken by the cleaver name. You can find her and all of her wonderful products at jessitaylor.etsy.com

What inspired you to make this product?
well, there are these bracelets that bike people make out of old bicycle spokes; the spoke has a little button on the end that makes for a great clasp. i adapted that idea into a unisex bracelet that is kind of fancy, but really easy to wear; and i really love that it might be recognizable to a bike mechanic with a keen eye!

What are your favorite materials to use?
sterling silver and gold are my media; but what really gets me going is setting things in it: natural stones, buttons, typewriter keys, bike reflectors, taxidermy eyes, beach glass, ceramic tiles.....

Who are some etsy artists that you admire?
there are so many awesome artists on etsy!
sunnyrisingleather.etsy.com
gaiaconceptions.etsy.com
eggmanstudios.etsy.com
ruffeoheartslilsnoty.etsy.com
LoucheLab.etsy.com
hierapparel.etsy.com
Elizaveta.etsy.com
and of course, all my peeps at etsymetal:
etsymetal.com

Pacokeco

2009-01-27T00:01:00.000-08:00

Today we are talking to Cohen, who's shop is pacokeco on Etsy. These cute tickets caught my eye one day as I was surfing around Etsy- they made me want to check out the rest of her shop. you can do the same.... www.pacokeco.etsy.com

What inspired you to make this product?
As with 90% of the items in my shop, this began as a request for a custom item. My buyers are a creative bunch. They give me the ideas and I just execute them. Often, my humble little paper bits are just starting points or embellishments for larger or more elaborate craft pieces. Some pieces have even been made into jewellery!

What inspires you on a daily basis?
The almost neurotic need to stay busy and my love of deconstructing, recycling and repurposing. Most recently, I pulled apart an old sweater and reknit it into a divine, airy, mesh scarf while watching the 3 hour movie Artificial Intelligence.

Where do you live and how does that influence your art?
I live in a small blue collar city in Ontario, Canada made up primarily of auto workers. People here are practical and thrifty and my tendancies are to be fancy and artistic. I realize you can be all of those things, just not all at the same time.

BicyclePaintings

2009-01-26T00:01:00.000-08:00

What inspired you to make this product?
Bikes!
It’s a celebration!
This piece is part of a group of work. It’s a screenprint based on a monotype. The monotype is made up of lots of single bikes that I cut out of rubber and print individually until I’m visually satisfied.
All the bikes are from my paintings, they’re my friends bikes, mostly.
I like to see them heaped together, the shapes they make. The way they make me think of a lot of different people arriving at the same place.

What inspires you on a daily basis?
I like to make art that relates to what’s going on around me.
Of course there’s lots of bikes, because I use them for transportation and also ride with my friends and for exercise. I’m very inspired by bicycles both actually and symbolically. I love how a bicycle makes it possible to harness my own energy to move forward. They’re also really beautiful.
Other than that I’m inspired by what I see, on a basic level, shapes, the way light hits things, and I’m inspired by what my friends are doing, both artistically and generally.

What are your favorite materials to use?
I use a lot of different materials. It’s fun to explore media. I keep coming back to oil paint, it’s so luscious. I like acrylic on paper, a lot, I like drawing materials, watercolor pencils and crayons especially, I like printmaking on a press and screen printing.
I try to find the medium that best suits what I’m doing. They all have unique qualities, like different foods.

Where do you live and how does that influence your art?
I live in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, in a big loft I share with other people. It’s a raw space, that’s great for working. It influences my work because my studio space is so great for making stuff. It’s also a nice neighborhood with a lot of artsy stuff going on.

Making a Comeback!

2009-01-11T15:11:00.001-08:00

Hi all!
I have not posted for 3 weeks and am excited to get back in the swing of blogging and promoting my jewelry business.
Since I last posted I have moved and am still in the throws of all of it to be honest. I feel settled enough to get back into things a little. All of my essentials are in place and I can park one car in the garage so I think I am not doing too badly for just getting in a week ago.
I should be back in the later part of this week with my first featured artist of the new year- keep checking back!

Not too Late to Buy Handmade

2008-12-19T00:01:00.000-08:00

Time is running out for all of us last minute shoppers! If you have made a commitment to shop handmade this season and still have a few names on the list that haven't been checked off- have no fear...you can still shop local.

We sometimes forget that shopping local for handmade is an excellent choice. I actually prefer it to shopping on-line because I am supporting the community, the shop and the artist. Another benefit is that I can check out the quality of the product before I buy it.

Here are some ways to find handmade in your area...
1) Fairs- check your local paper in the Arts section for information about Street fairs, Farmers Markets or Art Shows happening in your community this weekend.

2)High End Boutiques- you will often find handmade jewelry and other accessories in these shops. Yes, it's more expensive but if you are splurging on a nice piece- it's worth it. Sometimes these are stand-alone establishments or they are located in a hotel or mall.

3)Consignment shops- Oh...a virtual treasure trove! There are many consignment shops in average size cities- some cater to home goods, some womens high end clothing; others to baby and children's items. Often you will find a considerable about of locally made goods in these establishments to round of their selections of gently used items.

If you are tight on time you can do internet searches for local shops matching certain keywords. Call ahead and see if they have items in the general categories that you are looking to purchase.
Some other places to look are museum shops, stationary stores/card shops and off the beaten path type of general stores.
Good Luck!

Jewelry for Your Little Darling

2008-12-18T00:01:00.000-08:00

These little personalized doll pendant take the cake! They are so cute and perfect for a little girl who wants to wear jewelry just like mommy. These little wooden dolls are created to look just like your little angel. Inspired by vintage peg and clothespin dolls, these posy girl™ pendants are painted completely by hand with caring attention to detail and finished with a thick coat of varnish. Most importantly, each little girl is entirely customizable! You choose her hair color and the letter (if any) you would like her to wear on her little heart necklace, making each little posy girl™ as unique as the girl who will be wearing her. $15 each
littlepinkposies.etsy.com

An Awesome Sterling Ring on the Super Cheap

2008-12-17T00:01:00.000-08:00

I came across these bands awhile back and they have been in my favorites ever since. They are simple and elegant- great for stacking. They are real sterling silver and real Swarovski crystal....why so cheap I wonder? Who cares?! Take of advantage of this deal and order by the dozen is what I say! Convo the seller to get them in your size and color or order from a selection that are in stock. I mean, who doesn't love a ring like this? Priced at $10 each.
klawrencedesigns.etsy.com

Industrial Whimsy Nightlight Shade

2008-12-16T00:01:00.000-08:00

I love this nightlight because it's the right color, it's clever and it's recycled! The lantern portion is half of a soup can cut with a light bulb design and powder coated in a summery yellow with a glossy finish. It comes the sensored light too! Mariposa Avenue makes this in many different designs and colors- they also have other types of lanterns. This sells for $15 and can be used anywhere in the home- bathroom- kids bedroom- office- playroom- a great gift at the right price point- you must get one for yourself also!
MariposaAvenue.etsy.com

For the Fashion Forward Tween, Teen or Adult

2008-12-15T00:01:00.000-08:00

I love these arm warmers for my tween daughter and pre-teen stepdaughter. They are a little bit different then any that I have seen. They pick up where a short sleeve shirt would leave off and are still slim enough to wear under a sweater or coat. It is also a cool and edgy design with alot of interesting things going on...the black and red houndstooth pattern the black tailored cuff at the top and the cute and sweet red heart button accent....I may get a pair for myself as well! These are selling for $23
onearmedscissors.etsy.com

For the Nintendo Addict

2008-12-12T00:01:00.000-08:00

My kids are all into loading up their backpacks with buttons. My son will especially like these because he is super into Mario Kart and all of the cars and characters as well. He would certainly be the only one in his class- or the school for that matter with this particular set of buttons. They are a set of six pin back buttons $5.50 with different character designs from PumpingAlrights.
pumpingalrights.etsy.com

Help Someone Bring Paris into Every Corner of Their Home

2008-12-11T00:01:00.000-08:00

The ParisChicBoutique currently stocks about 100 items that cater to those who like to "Decorate in French". We are moving to a new home where my daughter and step-daughter will be sharing a large room with attached bathroom and closet- they have agreed on one thing so far- French decor. In my pursuit to find all things French on Etsy I came across this gem of a shop which offers, items for every room in the home not over looking any detail like knobs and switch plates. The set of cabinet knobs pictured are hand painted and sell for $6 each.
parischicboutique.etsy.com

Something Unique for Someone Special

2008-12-10T00:01:00.000-08:00

The prints in BoopsieDaisy's shop are oh so sweet and sugary. The theme that runs through most of them is candy(other food too) and dolls. They are all done in an unexpected way- and the featured picture speaks well to that. She also makes one of a kind plush dolls that are items to covet. This 8x10 print sells for $22
boopsiedaisy.etsy.com

A Little Something for the Person Who has Everything

2008-12-09T00:01:00.000-08:00

This is on the list for my grandma- a fork easel that is handmade, artistic, whimsical and cute. It functions as a way to hold recipe cards while cooking or a place to informally prop a photo or snapshot. Each one is unique. Made by WhimsyLove. Sells for $9.95
whimsylove.etsy.com

For the Handbag Addict

2008-12-08T00:01:00.000-08:00

I am that person- the handbag addict- I can only hope that my friends and family are reading this post right now- "If you love me you will buy me this clutch!"
This is created by LaVitaLola- the peacock is my favorite but I would be happy with nearly every one that she makes. I promise you will find the perfect one for the handbag addict on your list- in addition she will be the only one in her circle that owns it! This one is lined with teal silk and is topped with a silver kisslock frame for $45
lavitalola.etsy.com

Irreverent Christmas Greetings

2008-12-05T00:01:00.000-08:00

Loves it...if you do to you can get yours at Earmark. They are a stationary store with lots to offer- journals, cards, gift sets, samplers and so much more. Some of my other favorites there are a 6 pack of pink pencils that say "stay classy" and any card from the "Contempt" collection which includes cards with sayings like "Thanks for giving me herpes" and "thanks for nothing". This irreverent Christmas card sells for $3 each I wouldn't recommend sending it to grandma though.
earmark.etsy.com

For the Funky Brooch Wearer

2008-12-04T00:01:00.000-08:00

I have done a feature on Anna Laura in the past and just love her little niche in the craft world. She makes these felt lady brooches in many different styles - they have a name and come in a little card with their story included. You would have great fun picking one to match traits of someone on your list this season. They are so cute, unique and personal- fun to collect - fun to give- fun to get. This little ladies name is Carissa and the little bit of info about her reads..."Carissa went camping with her boyfriend and wasn’t impressed when he pulled out a can of Spam for dinner. They drove back to civilisation within the hour for a decent meal." They sell for $20 each
annalaura.etsy.com

For a Magical Princess

2008-12-03T00:01:00.000-08:00

This adjustable ear cuff is perfect for girls and women of all ages and sizes who love an enchanted, magical and whimsical look. You don't need to have your ears pierced- can be worn with or without your own earrings. Made by Thyme2dream- you get this ear cuff custom made to your specifications and your color choices for only $16. I am not so magical now but as a kid I would have loved this!
Thyme2dream.etsy.com

A Gift for a Family

2008-12-02T00:01:00.000-08:00

I found this awesome Etsy seller- ScribbleIt- they make vinyl decals for your walls but also these custom signs. Personalized with the family sir name in lower case letters within a decorative wreath and optional year "established". This is especially thoughtful as a holiday gift for a family who just moved to a new home. You know that family that invites you to the holiday party every year- instead of the same bottle of wine that you bring every year- bring this- talk about unexpected!
Mounted to a tin with pre-drilled holes so you can add your own ribbon for a really custom touch. You could use rope for a nautical themed decor- chain for industrial and modern or nuts and bolts for direct mounting. Hold on to your seats folks- this is only $10!
scribbleIt.etsy.com

Pretty Little Butterflies for the Hair

2008-12-01T00:01:00.000-08:00

I was on Trunkt one day and saw this sellers artist jewelry and accessories. So...I clicked on over to Etsy to see all that she has to offer and was delighted! Every piece is made of plastic and has an illustrated image on it. There are some very interesting black and white images but these pretty little butterflies caught my eye because they have such a universal appeal and are at a great price point to give to teachers and friends. The set sells for $15
mamaslittlebabies.etsy.com

For the Trendy Apartment Dweller

2008-11-28T00:01:00.000-08:00

This Intial Decal by Badass Decals is the perfect thing for anyone who wants to personalize their space. Because it is removable it can be used by apartment dwellers and be taken down when they move. It comes in a wide range of color choices as well as a few specialty reflective colors, chrome and metallic finishes for an additional charge. It provides alot of bang for the buck because it can be highly personalized at the bargain price of $18.
badasscustomdecals.etsy.com

For the Plush Collector

2008-11-25T00:01:00.000-08:00

EnnaDesignShop makes the most adorable Kawaii style 50's inspired plushes. They have the look of vintage but are new and handmade with felt. This is an ittsy bitsy thing- which makes it even that much cuter, really- it measures 11cm by 7cm. There are many different styles to choose from of the Bambi as well as poodles, cats, dolls, seahorses, turtles, etc. The one I like best is this little Bambi in all of it's variations- I want to start a collection! This Bambi sells for $22 and would be the perfect gift for any handmade lover who appreciates plushes and excellent workmanship.
ennadesignshop.etsy.com

Something Sweet- But Not to Eat!

2008-11-24T00:01:00.000-08:00

There are so many sweets around for the holidays. These are sweets that you don't eat- they are soaps from LoveLeeSoaps. Everybody loves a decadent chocolate and nothing says love like the gift of this non-calorie alternative. LoveLeeSoaps make some of the most amazing soaps that I have ever seen- I chose these because they seem to be the perfect little non traditional display for a guest bath that will still be in season after the holidays are over. These are also wrapped in little foil wrappers and are ready to gift. You will get a set of 8 for $3.50
loveleesoaps.etsy.com

For the Crafter

2008-11-21T00:01:00.000-08:00

I have lots of friends who create and make and craft....they love do for others and share their talents with their friends and families. This is the perfect gift for that crafty friend- custom craft room tags that they can present with their little handmade gifts. They will be amazed at how thoughtful and unique your gift is. For $15 you will get a set which includes 30 tags in 10 different styles, measuring 2"x4" each.
www.farouche.etsy.com

Star Wars Lovers- Proclaim Yourselves!

2008-11-20T00:01:00.000-08:00

My nephew is in college far from home....I want to send him these buttons for Hannukah! He loves Star Wars and I can't think of a boy/man who doesn't! Since he will not be home until around Christmas these will be easy to send to him as part of a little Hannukah care package. They are a set of four pin back buttons from Minepress in a cool stencil design.
minepress.etsy.com

Know a Coffee Junkie? Who Doesn't?!!!

2008-11-19T00:01:00.000-08:00

When I featured Jenn on this blog a few months ago I asked her what her short term goals were and she answered "To make enough coffee corsets to be ready for the holiday season." That she did....she now has over 250 different coffee corsets listed in her shop and you have such an incredible selection. Great for almost anybody on your list! They are functional, well crafted and gorgeous. They sell for $12
jenngee.etsy.com

Got a 2-5 Year Old Girl on Your List?

2008-11-18T00:01:00.000-08:00

I have my eye on these for my niece who just turned 3. She loves to help her mom make cupcakes, she plays dress up and makes food in her pretend kitchen. I think she would just love it and live in it. WildOliveKids makes kids clothes but specializes in particular in these aprons. They currently have over 20 of these in stock to choose from. These are priced at $22.
WildOliveKids.etsy.com

Great Funky Ornaments

2008-11-17T00:01:00.000-08:00

If you are doing an ornament exchange this is the item for you! From MyImaginaryBoyfriend who makes this three pack of jolly roger skulls out of screenprinted felt. These could be the coveted item at that white elephant gift exchange! My favorite item from this shop is a set of white screenprinted log pillows- you have to check those out- because I recently featured MyImaginaryBoyfriend as an artist on this blog and raved about those logs- I thought the presentation of another of her awesome items would be more fitting. This set sells for $25
myimaginaryboyfriend.etsy.com

For the Yoga Enthusiast

2008-11-14T00:01:00.000-08:00

I have had my eye on this magnetic locket from Polarity for my sister in law who teaches yoga. I think it would be great for her to keep her something important in under her yoga shirt.
Polarity makes magnetic accessories of all types with different themes and pictures. It also comes in a little tin that is perfect for gift giving. It sells for $16
Polarity.etsy.com

For the Bike (cycle that is) Lover

2008-11-13T00:01:00.000-08:00

My sweetie is a bicycle rider- gets up early whenever he can to take his baby to the road. I am so getting this for him- it's his favorite color and the bike actually looks like the Pinarello that he actually rides. It's an organic tee made by Vital and sells for $26
vital.etsy.com

chez-sucre-chez

2008-11-11T15:01:00.000-08:00

I discovered chez-sucre-chez a few months ago when I spent several hours on Etsy looking at cross-stitching supplies , ideas and sellers to feed my new cross stitching hobby and to inspire me. I was taken by the simple and elegant cross stitch work of Kimberly Jean Scola, of Berks County, PA. Her work has created a new idea for me of what cross-stitch can be and has truly inspired me to take my own cross-stitch hobby in new directions. Thank you Kimberly!

Describe what you sell?
This has always been a difficult task. My interests change so often, and what I sell at any given moment is directly related to whatever craft or technique I am into at that time. For a while it was ceramics, and then paper-crafts, and then knitting, and then sewing on my machine, and then cross-stitch, and then embroidery. I've adopted the term "handcrafted miscellany" to describe what I do. Currently, I am mostly focused on textiles and needlework.

What is your "real" life like?
Well, in January, I had an opportunity to buy a huge old fixer-upper house in the Pennsylvania country-side with a friend of mine. At the time, I was feeling rather over the hustle-and-bustle of city life, which I had been doing for the past eleven years, and I was feeling very ready to own a house and have a garden and start living more the way that I want to live. I moved out here in March and that is the way things have been ever since. I spent the first three months working almost non-stop on the house (and you can track that project on www.threadandbutter.blogspot.com). Once the house was in "livable" condition, I switched my energy over to chez-sucre-chez; getting my studio in order, creating new products, working on my etsy store, doing some marketing, and doing all I could do with chez-sucre-chez to keep me from needing to get a full-time normal job. It is constant work, but I'm happy that I am giving myself this time and putting this effort into what I want to be doing. Now I spend my days working in my studio with my cat, Emil, by my side. I wake up early, go for a walk around town, and get to work. When I need a break, I make myself coffee or tend to the garden or mow the lawn or work on some other house project. It's pretty great. I'm fortunate, though, to still have a lot of friends and connections in NYC. I definitely feel the need, at least once a month, to get back to the city to see my friends, go out to eat at good restaurants, drink fancy cocktails, do a little dancin', and keep up with what is happening in the city as far as fashion and culture. It's a nice balance I have here.

What is your process?
With the current work that I am doing, it is mostly just needle and thread and embroidery hoops. I am fortunate to have two great shops near me where I can buy all of my supplies (neither of which has a website, though). The Crewel World is an embroidery and needlecraft store in my town that is owned and run by a very sweet woman named Shirley whom I look forward to seeing everytime I need supplies. Also in town is a mennonite-run shop called Wooden Bridge Dry Goods. They have great fabric and lots of the notions that I need for my work. It really makes me happy to be able to ride my bicycle to these shops and to have a rapport with the shop-keepers. I also have a number of wonderful thrift/antique/flea markets around me where I can find unique trimmings and supplies.

What are your goals and vision for your business?
For the short-term, I've filled my calendar with lots of craft fairs between now and December. I also plan to continue marketing my etsy shop. After that, I just don't know.

How and where do you market your business?
Currently, I am doing all of my sales through etsy: www.chezsucrechez.etsy.com. Someday in the not-too-distant future, though, I would like to move that business to a regular website. I gotta learn how to do that first, though. My goods are also being sold at Sprout Home, in their Brooklyn and Chicago stores, and I'm in communication with a few more spots, trying to get into more shops and galleries.

Do you subscribe to any business related blogs, zines or magazines?
This is definitely something I need to learn about! The Etsy Storque site is a great resource that I check in on often. I've also just signed myself up to the Modish Marketing newsletter where Jena of Modish compiles and send out tips on how to be a crafty marketer.

What inspires you?
People inspire me a lot. This whole notion of attempting to make a living off of what I love doing was really inspired by my friends Simon and Estelle in Paris. I went there to visit them and found that their whole circle of friends, all creative types, live primarily off of their craft; for some that is fine art, others photography or music or fashion. I came back thinking, "heck, that's what I want to do!" Otherwise, in terms of coming up with new ideas and such -- I find inspiration everywhere.

Who is your favorite musical artist?
This changes almost daily! Some days, all I want to listen to is the Amelie soundtrack. Other days it's Bob Dylan, or T-Rex, or Beyonce, or Muddy Waters or Joy Division or Ride or the Sonics or the Zombies or the Association or Nina Simone or Herman Dune or the same New Order song over and over and over. Yeah, I like to change it up. Currently, I am really loving the music of Willie Breeding

What are two of your favorite things from your shop?
my piggy goes to market tote: i take mine with me everywhere.
my silver-lined cloud cross-stitch pieces: i just really, really love them.

I'm a fan of...
tastespotting
decor8
shelteriffic
day19
whipup

Find me...
www.chezsucrechez.blogspot.com
www.chezsucrechez.etsy.com
www.flickr.com/photos/chezsucrechez
www.threadandbutter.blogspot.com

WhiMSy love

2008-11-11T00:01:00.000-08:00

Today I am pleased to introduce Nikki Mans of Richland WA. She is the creative force behind WhiMSy love. She sells an assortment of handmade goodies. Anything from vintage button rings,watercolors, book art, wee t-shirts & onesies, paperitems, even some vintage collectibles. She says, "I love to try everything--I can’t help it. Sometimes I think it’d be best to pick just one thing & put all my energies into it, but I wouldn’t know where to start." He shop is eclectic and whimsical, just as the name implies. My favorite item is the fork easel- show below.

What is your real life like?
I’m a stay-at home-mom. That’s my #1 duty. After feeding kids & reading stories & playing games, I make stuff. And in-between putting off loads of laundry, I make stuff. After the days errands are complete, dishes are done & littles ones are sleeping, I make stuff. I LOVE making stuff! I also love thrifting, taking pictures, spontaneity, the color pink, laughing, eating peanut butter, cuddling with my hunky hubby & anything cupcake-y.

What is your process?
Because I make a random assortment of goodies, I have a random assortment of supplies. But mostly I like taking vintage items like buttons, lace, trims, fabric, books, eating utensils…& making them into something super duper! I use anything from a sewing machine, to pliers, to hole punches to drills.

What are your goals and vision for your business?
Short term I’d like to make it through the holidays in a successful crafty whirlwind. I’m doing my first show this December! Long-term, I’d like to help bring home the bacon.

How and where do you market your business?

I’ve found that how much or how little I put into my business equals how much or how little I’ll get out of it. And being a mom of two kidlets, that’s a little tricky. I do simple things like handing out my biz card wherever I can, updating my blog on a regular basis, networking with other artists online & selling/consigning my items to other online shops. And I just joined Twitter. Eventually I also plan on approaching local boutiques about selling WhiMSy love goodies.

What inspires you?
My 2 girls inspire me A LOT! Kids see things in a very different & very cool way, & so a lot of times I steal their ideas. HAHA! They sometimes say the most silly things…that make complete sense. I wonder what I’ll do when they grow up & move out? I guess I’ll have to borrow someone else’s kids. I also find that an occasional break is very inspirational---anything from a nice relaxing candlelit bath, to a spur-of-the-moment daytrip, to a kooky outing with a friend. A refreshing break brings renewed energy. (That sounds like it should be in a fortune cookie.)

Who is your favorite musical artist?
I love music. I listen to all styles of music. I’m on a Damien Rice fix right now. But I could listen to this version of ‘Rain King’ by the Counting Crows over & over & over.

What are two of your favorite things from your shop?
I love the vintage button rings! I wear a different one almost every day.
(pictured above)
And I also really like my book art, “Writing on the Wall”. I have them hanging in my own home & they‘re just funky pieces of artwork! (pictured below)

I am a fan of…
Besides checking my email & blog a bazillion times a day, I’ve also been known to visit these sites:
http://projectplaylist.com I love having music on while I’m crafting or blogging.
http://oneprettything.com Rachel lists tons of DIY craftiness & tutorialsalmost every day that she gathers from around the www. I love this site!
Flickr--http://www.flickr.com/photos/whimsy_girl/
http://allrecipes.com
I just recently joined Twitter & it’s so much fun! http://twitter.com/whimsylove

Find Me…
Come visit my Etsy shop
See the goofy girl (that’s me!) behind it all on my blog.
Oh, & this is totally random, but I was super psyched that one of my tutorials was recently featured on the CRAFTzine.com blog
AND mentioned on the ThreadBanger blog

ParisChicBoutique

2008-11-09T12:01:00.000-08:00

Today I am featuring Allie from Paris Chic Bouique. What a lovely Etsy shop this is....everything is so lovely and Parisian. They sell hand painted, French inspired products for you, baby and the home. From oil paintings to hand painted tiles, you can find just about anything with an Eiffel Tower, Fleur de lis or French Poodle! Most pieces will even teach you a french word or two!

What is your "real" life like?
I live in a great building in Queens, NY with my wonderful and extremely supportive husband, Philip and our orange tabby, Benson. I cannot begin to function without my morning cup of coffee as I check emails and sales and just break into the day. When not painting, packaging, photographing or posting I love to read, cook, go for a walk, shop and most certainly watch my daily dose of Martha Stewart!

What is your process?
Most of our items are ceramic so we use special paints that are later fired to create permanent art. The tote bags offered are all organic cotton canvas and we use all natural pigments made for fabric painting, again creating a permanent bond. Just browsing through our shop, you can see that we paint on just about everything and use all different types of materials. Right now, our favorite decoration is glitter! Just in time for the holiday season!

What are your goals and vision for your business?
Short term goals are to sell as many products as our little hands can keep up with! Long term we would love to grow our business by obtaining more wholesale accounts and having more availability of the Paris Chic Boutique line.

How and where do you market your business?
Mainly on Etsy but there are so many wonderful blogs that have so graciously featured some of our products:
www.organic4baby.com
http://onthedotcreations.typepad.com/onthedotcreations/
http://trendytots.typepad.com/trendytots/

Do you subscribe to any business related blogs, zines or magazines?
Martha Stewart Living, (lots of entrepreneurial advice & creative ideas)

What inspires you?
So many inspirations...just love Paris (obviously), colors in nature (always stop to smell the roses!), fresh flowers, Spiderman, and love the smell of a bookstore! Oh, and traveling by car; whether it's a vacation cross country or just a ride Upstate NY it's all about the journey!

Who is your favorite musical artist?
Neko Case but love such a broad range...classical music while painting, classic rock while emailing.

What are two of your favorite things from your shop?
Cabinet Knobs: (pictured above)These were just so much fun to paint on because they are so small!
Wish, Dream & Believe Painting: (pictured below)
Just love this painting because i had no idea where it was going and I love the outcome!

I am a fan of...
www.daisycakessoap.etsy.com: best soaps I ever bought!
www.TRUEGODDESSFRAGRANCE.etsy.com: quality incense in hundreds of scents!
www.pacokeco.etsy.com: creative paper products that will amaze you!
For book lovers:
www.paperbackswap.com : you can recycle your books and get great new ones for free!

Find Seller.....
The Paris Chic Boutique line can be found in many boutiques across the United States. Here's a few;

Flourish Boutique & Gallery
24545 Brick Road, Suite A
South Bend, IN 46628
www.flourishboutique.com

Cherry Blossom Boutique, located in historic downtown Port Huron
327 Huron Ave
Port Huron, MI
810.985.0075
Brentwood Kitchens ; www.BrentwoodKitchen.com

Fortunes Rocks Fine Art
709 Blount Ave.
Guntersville, AL 35976
www.TheBabyGiftShoppe.com

You can also find more paintings and wall mural ideas on my personal website;
www.allisonluciart.blogspot.com

Sellers Who Go Above and Beyond

2008-11-09T08:24:00.000-08:00

Recently I have been sent some wonderful products by Etsy sellers as a form of thank you. It really is a testament to how important it is to make a connection with people in this cold internet world. I think we can all learn something about how to better connect with our customers.

Deco Alley was featured on my blog last month and wanted to thank me by sending me a little sampler. When it arrived my 9 year old daughter and I tore the package open and discovered some miniature goodies like biscuits, bagels and donuts. My daughter immediatly had ideas how SHE could use them- or - how I could use them to make something for her. I ended up making her a charm bracelet out of the bagels and it was so cute. Above is a picture of one of my favorite new things by Deco Alley.

Another artist that I recently featured was Blue Rock Gourds. As I said in the post that I did about them- my heart is warmed by the family nature of their business. They went out of their way to thank me by sending me a gourd. Now, I have- historically- never been a big fan of gourds-maybe I thought I was too cool for gourds- or they were too crafty. I am a modern girl- stainless steel birdhouses- that kind of thing. I am a gourd loving convert now- they seem so alive because they come from nature. When I opened the box I was wowed by how dynamic and glossy the stain was on it. She included the extra touch of sending it in my favorite color- green! I was so overwhelmed by the generosity of it and it's unexpected beauty. I immediately hung the birdhouse gourd on a tree that you see from the patio door so I could continue to admire it from indoors. I am selling my house and all of my personal items are in storage- which is where, technically, this gourd should be also but I don't care- I am going to hang it proudly on that tree until I move- then I will hang it at my new house. BTW- they tell me, over at Blue Rock Gourds that they send out a thank you gourd a week- what a great idea!

LolasCraftShop makes the cutest cards. I was on her blog awhile back and left a comment - she contacted me and asked for my address so she could send me the card that I commented about. It was an owl card- not the one above. When I got it in the mail I was taken back by the workmanship she puts into these cards. I left it on my counter so I could admire it for a few days before tucking it away into my card box. I am waiting for the perfect opportunity to send it to someone- or give it to someone that I like alot. I just feel like sending a card like that out of the blue is such a great approach to marketing yourself- I have to figure out how I can incorporate that into my business.

Sick Days

2008-11-08T10:56:00.000-08:00

I have been sick in bed with a cold for the last few days...it has completely wiped me out. My advice to myself should be to "Just rest- you have a family to take care of and you have to be well to do that."
I can't help but think of all the things that I have to do, from laundry to cooking, my business- oh, and I have to update mt blog daily- I promised myself that I would do that. So here I am, updating my blog for the certain pleasure of my loyal readers. Are you pleased? (laughing)

I do have a useful piece of information in all of this though.....Puffs tissues with Vicks lotion added are the best thing since sliced bread- if you get a cold make sure you have these on hand. They have prevented my nose from getting red and cracked and they give me that tiny bit of sinus clearing goodness that I am oh so grateful for.
Click on the picture above to go to the Puffs site and read more about them.

Keri Rounding

2008-11-07T00:01:00.000-08:00

Today I am excited to have Keri Rounding from Ontario, Canada of "Keri Rounding". She sells hand felted jewelry inspired by sea life. These are the perfect price point for gift giving so make sure that you check out her shop and see what she has to offer.

What is your "real" life like?
When I’m not creating, I work part time in an office at a hockey arena. My free time is spent with my cat Phoenix. I also love to enter contests when I have the time. I have won chocolate for a year, makeup, a cell phone, an ipod and lots of other fun things.

What is your process?
First I do a little sketch of what I want the piece to look like and then start experimenting with the wool. I have about 9 styles of brooches now but am always coming up with new ideas. I do every piece by hand using a wet felting technique. The little balls are done using needle felting. I love to work with merino wool- it felts easily and feels great! Each piece takes about an hour each to complete.

What are your goals and vision for your business?
My short-term goals are to make more products and work on new ideas. I’m currently working on expanding into a line of felted bags. I have also opened a new etsy shop which showcases my embroidered brooches. Long-term, I would like to continue to expand the business- maybe into clothing.

How and where do you market your business?
I am always adding new photos of my work to flickr. I also use www.weloveetsy.com and http://buriedtreasury.ning.com/ to showcase my work.

What inspires you?
Receiving a new shipment of dyed wool is always exciting. I am inspired by the
possibilities of colour combinations. I can’t wait to get to work on matching them up. I also like to flip through photography books. I’ll go to the library and check out books on sea life or biology. The images inspire me to create.

Who is your favorite musical artist? (click artist name to see a video)
Jack Johnson

What are two of your favorite things from your shop?
These are my favorite shapes and colour combinations:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=16857372
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=15596112

I am a fan of....
Flickr
Contest Girl
Not Always Right
100 Ideas
Majaba

Find me....
www.kerirounding.com
www.seapod.etsy.com
www.kerirounding.etsy.com
www.onthebutton.etsy.com

Wearable by Design

2008-11-05T21:27:00.000-08:00

I am honored that Jennifer Smith-Righter from Redwood City, California of Wearable by Design has allowed us to take a look at her life and process. She has a unique custom jewelry studio that designs and creates individual works of art. I was amazed that her art is made with PMC- it is extremely fine and upscale. It has given me a new view about what is possible with PMC . I can only fit so many pictures here- make sure you check out her shop to see the rest of her work.

What is your real life like?
I'm married, have lots of grown children and a funny fur baby named Gizmo (He's a Shih-Tzu). I'm pretty passionate about my jewelry and so I spend most of my time creating.

What is your process?
I work mostly in Metal Clay. I love the fact that it is reclaimed silver and has a green aspect to it. I also can use every single scrap of it with very little waste. I prefer to work in Lab Created stones so that I know I am not funding questionable activities in third world countries. But I also work with semi-precious stones whose provenance I know well.
One of the reasons I'm so in love with metal clay is that I can do so many things with it using very little space or equipment.

Business Goals and Vision...
I hope to have my work in galleries after the first of the year. I would love to always be a hands on creator and therefore would love to be able to keep the pace steady at a few finished pieces per week.

How do you market your business?
Mostly on Etsy: www.wearablebydesign.etsy.com
I also have a Flickr site: http://www.flickr.com/photos/30172497@N02/
I belong to two Etsy teams, JET Team and EMC Team

Do you subscribe to any business related blogs, zines or magazines?
I am a member of the Yahoo Metal Clay Group
Yahoo Etsy Metal Clay Group
I am a sometimes writer of articles for Art Jewelry Magazine -- I have a subscriber only tutorial on their website entitled "Time Machine" and am in the current (November) issue with an article entitled "Arts and Crafts". Their website is: http://www.artjewelrymag.com/art/Default.aspx
I am a member of the Jewelry Artists Network
The Starving Jewelry Artists Forum
I am a member of the PMC Guild: http://www.pmcguild.com/
And the Art Clay Society: http://www.artclaysociety.com/

What inspires you?
I am intensely fascinated with things that humans create -- mechanical devices, architecture, etc. I am equally intrigued with what nature creates -- buds, blossoms, pods, etc. I vacillate between the two worlds when I am creating things.

What are two of your favorite things from your shop?
Chain Reaction and Blossoms (pictured above)

Find seller at...
www.wearablebydesign.com
www.wearablebydesign.etsy.com

For The Hipster

2008-11-05T00:01:00.000-08:00

I confess- even though I am a jewelry designer- I still own two pieces from Unearthed and have recently inquired about a pair of electric blue lizard earrings circa 1983. I love the dyes that they use on their pieces. I now have a new favorite...it's this grey crocodile cuff. Me want want want (said as I stomp my feet like a toddler). This is one of their more expensive pieces and sells for $155.
unearthed.etsy.com

Tinctory

2008-11-04T00:01:00.000-08:00

Today I am featuring the lovely Eva of Birmingham, UK from tinctory. She sells smocked textile jewelry. Having once been an avid sewer, I have always appreciated the beauty of smocking but have never learned it- I guess I couldn't see how I could incorporate it into what I was doing. Eva has made smocking modern and possible to wear as an adult!

What is your "real" life like?
I live with my boyfriend of 8 years. I've always lived in flats and my big dream is to have a garden with fruit trees, a vegetable patch and a place for dye plants like madder and japanese indigo. There would also be a wildlife area of unmowed grass and a little pond. I once studiedEnglish literature and still like reading long novels. I'm a coeliac and enjoy the challenge of gluten-free baking. I like knitting, sadly I haven't had much time for it lately.

What is your process?
Most of my jewellery is made from repurposed silk. This means that each fabric has a slightly different character and creates different texture even when smocked the same way. I'm interested in natural dyes and occasionally use silk that I've dyed myself. A good thing about smocking is that no special equipment is needed, just fabric, needle and thread (and a lot of time and patience).

What are your goals and vision for your business?
One immediate aim is to improve my marketing. I've been researching magazine and online ads and looking at other online selling venues apart from Etsy.

How and where do you market your business?
This is something I'd really like to improve. Currently I post photos
on Flickr although that's more for socialising than marketing reasons.Next month I'm taking part in an online exhibition at papernstitch. The website has launched recently and I'm excited to be part of the project.

Do you subscribe to any business related blogs, zines or magazines?
I don't subscribe to it but always look at Craft magazine in the library to get an idea of the fine crafts scene in the UK. The marketingseries on Modish is not to be missed - it's full of tips and information I wish I knew
long ago.

What inspires you?
Museum collections of intricate textile work, costume dramas, reading
blogs, browsing through Selvedge,
complicated dreams, fairytale moments in real life, archetypes,
autumn, combinations of colours...

What are two of your favorite things from your shop?
Right now it would have to be the Jane
necklace and (Pictured above) Sage
which sold but I like it so much I'm planning to make another one.

I am a fan of....
jessitaylor
duckduckGoosestuff
yorktownroad
benconservato
lolley

Find Seller....
Etsy
flickr
I also have a (neglected) account on
Ravelry

Lynette Andreasen

2008-11-03T00:01:00.000-08:00

I am pleased to introduce Lynette Andreasen , from Mesa, Arizona of Asymmetry on Etsy. She sells unique handmade jewelry that are mostly one of a kind pieces. If you spend any amount of time on Etsy you have seen her work displayed in many front page treasuries . She certainly has a unique style- her most interesting pieces mix metal and fiber. I love her work and hope you enjoy the interview and pictures.

What is your “real” life?
Right now, my real life is being a student. I am in my second year of graduate school in the metals program at ASU working on my MFA. I have been married for 5 years. I volunteer at a Boys and Girls Club and enjoy everything related to art.

What is your process?
I don't do a lot of sketching, I make a lot of samples and do a lot of trials. I reject a lot of pieces before I come up with a final product. I love working in silver and copper and combining metal with embroidery and fibers. My favorite tool in the studio is the hydraulic press for die forming.

What are your goals and vision for your business?
I want to finish my MFA and then work on getting my work into galleries. I'd like to do some of the bigger shows like the American Craft show. I think I may decide to teach metalsmithing, but want to focus first on getting my work out into the world.

How and where do you market your business?
Mostly my marketing is through word of mouth. Also, a lot of people find my work through my blog. Blogging is a great way to let people know who you are as an artist, and then through you they become more interested in your work when they get to know the maker behind it.

Do you subscribe to any business related blogs, zines or magazines?
18kt
Metalcyberspace

The Carrot Box

Zero 925
Design*Sponge

What inspires you?
Materials and my relationships with other people.

Who is your favorite musical artist? (click on the artist name to see video)
Pearl Jam

What are two of your favorite things from your shop?
Embroiderd neclace in Warm tones
Sterling Silver Stick Earrings with Rivets

I am a fan of...
Corey Ackelmire
Elsa Mora
Megan Auman
Post Secret
Margaux Lange

Find Seller....
www.lynetteandreasen.com website
www.lynetteandreasen.blogspot.com blog
www.asymmetry.etsy.com shop

MyImaginaryBoyfriend

2008-10-31T00:01:00.000-07:00

Today I am featuring Erika Kern from Bakersfield, CA of my imaginary boyfriend. She makes bags, pillows, logs and such. Most items feature felt, embroidery, and hand applique. All items are inspired by my love of vintage goods and traditional techniques . I stumbled across her work while on somebody's blog (forgive me- I forgot who it was) and her log pillows were shown in an Etsy mini of the bloggers favorite items on Etsy- I saw these log pillows and I was in LOVE!

What is your "real" life like?
I started the business when I lived in Brooklyn and worked during the day in the city. About a year ago, I moved back to my home town of Bakersfield, CA so that I could work on "the boyfriend" full time. Since I've been here I've just been sewing like mad!
Other than the boyfriend. . . I live in an awfully cute little house with a very understanding roommate and 2 sweet dogs we're fostering for a local no kill animal shelter.
On the rare occasion I'm not working on items for the boyfriend I like to cook, watch tv and movies and listen to all sorts of music (though I do a lot of them while working), ride my bike, haunt the thrifts, collect all sorts of odd do-dads and knick-knacks, and decorate my home.

What is your process?
I usually start with the thought "Wouldn't it be funny if ___?" which is usually followed by "was made of felt." Or I get an idea for a bag or I see a fabric that wants me to make something out of it. I usually start with sketchs for bags and embroidery pattern but for something like the logs or the rocks I just sort of organically start painting or stitching. I use a ton of felt and boxes and boxes of DMC embroidery floss but I also love to work with vintage fabrics that I find at thrifts, from old clothes, at flea markets, or on eBay. As for special techniques. . . I use a lot of blanket stitching to construct my more soft sculpture items (like the logs or rocks) and I also screenprint my own material for the logs. I used to hand paint them but my friend, Hannah, of "Made with Love by Hannah, showed me the light and taught me to print.

What are your goals and vision for your business?
I'd like to become more focused on my work. I get a bit scatter brained at times. I'd also like to update the shop more often and more regularly, maybe pick a day every week to do updates. . . like every Friday is date night with the Boyfriend! Make it an event. I also need to figure out a way to deal with demand. Especially with the logs. . . people LOVE the logs and it's hard to keep up. I get a lot of wholesale requests that I have to sadly turn down because I just can't fill them printing and sewing all of them by myself by hand. My mom has recently started to help me which has been a huge relief but it's just a drop in the "I need help!" bucket.
As for long term. . . I honestly don't know. I know it's bad but I'm the least business saavy person you'll ever meet. I dream of meeting someone who knows all about business and who will help me make this into something I can truely do as a living. Right now, though this is my only "job" I rely a lot on help from my family and roommate and the random odd job here and there.

How and where do you market your business?
Again, I'm bad here. I've been lucky enough to get a lot of blog attention without even looking for it and with each blog post I get sales. I also do a lot of indie craft fair all around the country. Every show helps me get more press and fans. I know. . . I'm really lucky!

What inspires you?
Nature, trees and wildlife, especially when I lived in the city. One summer, I went with friends to Hunter, NY and the picks from that still inspire me. I also have friends in Woodstock, NY and I always get ideas when I visit there. I'm mad about bright colors, especially greens and yellows. I love going to close-out fabric stores to find kooky fabrics and to run my hands through the big bins of buttons and zippers. I love Christmas and old Christmas decorations from the 50's and 60's. Actually, I love all sorts of things about the mid-century aestetic and collect vintage fabric, magazines, clothes, home decor items, and books from the period.

Who is your favorite musical artist? (click on the artist name to see a video)Only one!?!? Okay. . . easy. . .Elvis Costello! I'll link to "Alison" since my only tattoo says "my aim is true."

What are two of your favorite things from your shop?
Robot Christmas Ornament: pictured above
The Happy Day Tote:pictured above
If this doesn't sell this year, I'm sooooo taking it for myself!

I am a fan of:
Tell us 5 of your most visited websites, on-line stores or Etsy stores (include links):
www.televisionwithoutpity.com - For my TV based snarking needs.
www.jezebel.com - For all sorts of lady related awesomeness.
www.dinosaursandrobots.com - So many wonderful things live on this blog!
www.craftzine.com - The folks who currate this site find the most wonderful craft projects from all over the web.
www.ebay.com - For all sorts of collecting finds, especially when I don't have the time to poke around in the thrift stores around town.

Find me:
Website and clearing house for all things MIBF related: www.myimaginaryboyfriend.com
My blog: myimaginaryboyfriedlovesme.blogspot.com
My shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=14938
I also blog about crafting and post projects on over at www.craftstylish.com

LoveLeeSoaps

2008-10-30T00:01:00.000-07:00

Today I am featuring the wonderful Leeana Provan of Daytona Beach, Fl from LoveLeeSoaps. She sells colorful, fantastic smelling soaps, body butters, lotions, shampoos, conditioners, and lip balms in all different shapes and sizes. She has incredible soaps that look like donuts, ding dongs, cupcakes- they are remarkable similar to the real thing- but don't eat them!

What is your “real” life like?
There is real life out there besides soap!? When I do find free time I try to always be near the water whether it is spending the day at the beach, jet skiing, or fishing. Most of it is spent with my wonderful boyfriend and chihuahua named Tank. I am also attending college majoring in graphic design.

What is your process?
My soaps are all made using the melt and pour method. I use high quality soap bases that do not contain any harsh detergents, SLES, or SLS. My products are made with all different techniques from swirling to layering that tend to change with my mood.

What are your goals and vision for your business?
My short term goal for my business would have to be making new products and styles and improving all that I can to help it grow more and more everyday. My long time goal would have to be fulfilling my dream of opening a successful bath and body boutique.

How and where do you market your business?
I do some in promoting in the forums on Etsy and pass out business cards when ever I can. I also just signed up for advertising on majaba and I am really excited to see how it turns out.
http://www.etsy.com/forums_main.php
http://majaba.org/heartomatic.php

Do you subscribe to any business related blogs, zines or magazines? http://www.onthedotcreations.typepad.com/
http://soap-queen.blogspot.com/
http://www.etsy.com/storque/

What inspires you?
I am inspired by so many things around me. Its so amazing how anything you can imagine can be made into soap or something soap related. I am especially inspired by bright colors, fun shapes and interesting designs. I recently came across a necklace on Etsy that I was so inspired by, that I immediately made a soap after it. Pictured Above.

Necklace

Soap

Who is your favorite musical artist? (click on the artist name to see a video)
Just like the styles of my soaps, I change the music I listen to with my mood. Most of the time I listen to Jack Johnson.

What are two of your favorite things from your shop?
This is so hard to choose!

Here are my favorites.....for now :)
Popcorn Soap
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=16452630

Sock Monkey Soapsicle
pictured above

I am a fan of...
• www.WildOliveKids.etsy.com
• www.EricProvan.com
• www.Flickr.com
• www.FredFlare.com
• www.Layercake..etsy.com

Find me...

• www.LoveLeeSoaps.etsy.com
• www.trunkt..org/LoveLeeSoaps
• http://flickr.com/photos/22311796@N05/
• http://seekingdesigners.com/loveleesoaps

Klewism

2008-10-28T23:24:00.000-07:00

I have had my eye on the creations of Lindsey Bucklew of Klewism from Washington DC for awhile. I am in awe of her work! She sells extremely intricate, one-of-a-kind pieces of wearable art. I was checking my inbox for her response to my questions because I couldn't wait to see what she said about her process and inspiration...and it doesn't disappoint.

What is your "real" life like?
I have a 'pet' bat (rather, a bat that has chosen my window screen as it's daytime sleeping spot) who, though not cuddly, is cute... in an ugly sort of way. Sometimes, however, I get to play with a very cuddly and fluffy Siberian Husky, named "Loki". I'm quite an animal enthusiast.
I also love to swim in the ocean, paint pictures, try new artistic mediums, read books, travel, and collect curiosities. I'm intrigued by people, objects,
and subjects that are fantastic or eccentric.

What is your process?
I use just about anything in my jewelry: wire, buttons, beads, rhinestones, screws, nuts, bolts, bones, shells, vintage jewelry fragments, buckles, drawer handles, photos, paintings, fresh water pearls, needles, and semi-precious stones. I grab a pair of pliers and wire cutters, then the jewelry just "happens." I just start working and the piece evolves organically as I go. It's a stream-of-consciousness process that I really only try to analyze in retrospect.

What are your goals and vision for your business?
Put simply, I want to keep exploring and creating jewelry for my own pleasure.
I'll be making jewelry whether I have a business or not. I want Klewism to thrive, in part, so I can afford to continue this creative obsession.

What inspires you?
I'm inspired by details and 'imperfections'. Cracks in plaster, the infinite network of wrinkles and ridges on human skin, old books with splitting spines... the juxtaposition of contrasting textures is endlessly fascinating to me.
I love nearly every color, so colors usually 'jump' out at me in pairs or groups depending on my mood. If I could have my ideal work space, it would always smell like cinnamon, evergreen, or like "Christmas"... those smells probably trigger childhood fantasies of walking into a room of whimsical toys.
I mainly listen to audio books while I create, so whatever narrative or lecture
I'm listening to influences the final product in some indirect way.

Who is your favorite musical artist ?
Wow, that's hard for me to say... I'm a classic rock nerd, really. I love The Who, Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, The Beatles.... I also love classical music in a naive way- I know absolutely nothing about it- it's way beyond my musical comprehension, and yet it's transcendently beautiful.
For stimulating the more primal parts of my brain, listening to a performance of The Who at the Isle of Wight never fails to do the trick.
You-Tube link

What are two of your favorite things from your shop?
Usually my favorite thing is the most recent creation, but the most epic projects, which tend to be necklaces, are never far from the top of the list. One of which, The "Helen of Troy" Necklace was my first truly grand project.
pictured above
Another favorite, also a 'statement' necklace is the "Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil"- the mixture of vibrant jewels tones makes this piece look like a thick cluster of multi-colored berries on a tree with golden leaves.
First picture

I am a fan of.....
My favorite online jewelry store is MocaShop. Every item in the shop is unique, and really edgy: http://mocashop.com
World Artisan Gems: http://worldartisangems.com/
The Wire Artisans Guild Blog: http://www.thewireartisansguild.blogspot.com/
An absolutely brilliant Milliner, Katie Burley: http://katieburley.com
The Wire Artisans Guild Team Store:
http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5750321

Find Me....
My Website: http://klewism.com
Etsy Store: http://klewism.etsy.com
Flickr Photostream: http://www.flickr.com/photos/lindseybucklew/
Indiepublic: http://www.indiepublic.com/profile/LindseyBucklew
Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/klewism
Facebook:http://www.facebook.com/home.php?ref=home#/profile.php?id=686887937
Stylehive: http://www.stylehive.com/person/klewism

A Blond and A Torch

2008-10-28T00:01:00.000-07:00

I am pleased to introduce Jen Nixon from Nome, Texas of A Blond And A Torch. She makes and sells mostly sterling silver jewelry--rings, necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and now cuff links. She likes to keep things simple, but elegant. She says, "Sometimes less really is more."

What is your “real” life like?
My real life is crazy right now! On top of being a domestic goddess, I am trying to recover from hurricane Ike, raise my 12 year old son, and still find time to hang out with my husband. On top of that, I have two dogs outside, Layla and Lucy, and two inside cats, Ginger and Max.

What is your process?
I typically work with sterling silver, sometimes gold-fill and brass. I prefer using simple soldering techniques and, of course, I love to beat things into submission with my hammer.

What are your goals and vision for your business?
Well, when this started it was just a hobby to lower stress. Now I am selling online and in a few stores scattered around the U.S. I would like to see my online business grow in the short term, and my wholesale accounts grow in the future. However, I am terrified of success......LOL

How and where do you market your business?
Mainly I try to get myself out there online. I am on Trunkt:
www.trunkt.org/ablondandatorch
Flickr:
http://flickr.com/photos/jennixon/
And I have my blog:
http://ablondandatorch.blogspot.com/

What inspires you?
Nature inspires me--I love flowers and I have been working on a series of flower-like rings. I also love the shapes that I find all around me.

Who is your favorite musical artist?
Oh, such a tough question! I really don't have one. I get sick of songs so easily so what I like is always changing. I have to say that when I am the car I will catch myself speeding if Saving Abel comes on!

What are two of your favorite things from your shop?
This always changes too! Right now I love these Striation Rings:
Pictured below
They just catch so much attention when I wear them!
And of course my bangles:
Pictured above
Which I wear many of!

I am a fan of...
Sandra Eileen-Jewelry For Your Good Life:
http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5168107
Funky Quail:
http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5420568
Une Petite Etoile:
http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5085211
Passemeterie:
http://www.shoppassementerie.com/

Find me...
www.trunkt.org/ablondandatorch
http://flickr.com/photos/jennixon/
http://ablondandatorch.blogspot.com/
http://www.smashingdarling.com/item/hammered-band

Wednesday Wandered

2008-10-27T00:01:00.000-07:00

Today I have Carla Rey Lankford from Nashville, Tennessee of Wednesday Wandered. She sells prints of her original artwork and is planning to add other items soon, like note cards featuring her images. Her work is a very ethereal feel and a glow that draws you in. Carla is new to Etsy and I am sure she will be a huge success!

Describe what you sell
So far, I sell prints of my original artwork. I am planning to add other items soon, like note cards featuring my images, and perhaps some of the experimental stages that happen before an image reaches it's "finished" state. My images continue to evolve, if you bought one that was printed last week, and compared it to one that was printed last year, the two wouldn't be identical. I'd have added something, subtracted something, changed it in some way. It might not even be evident unless I pointed it out. Sometimes I use an existing piece and it becomes the base for a whole new image.

What is your "real" life like?
I'd have to say my "real" life is awfully darn nice. I am married and have an eight year old son. We live in a neighborhood where you can't see most of the houses from the street, and deer and foxes and owls roam around taking little notice of us.

My work is pretty much producing my style of photographic illustration for the publishing and marketing fields, and a few interior designers. I've been very lucky to develop relationships with clients who want me to use my particular style for their products. I get to spend all day, every day doing this.

I love to travel, which you can see from my work. It was the traveling and taking photos that led directly to what I do now. I was an art director for an ad agency, and as clients would see my own images on the walls of my office, they began to ask me to do that sort of thing for them. Finally there were enough requests that I left the agency and struck out on my own.

What is your process?
My photographs, to begin with, and watercolors that I paint. I keep trying different ways of combining the two to create something that is more interesting than either would be on it's own. I guess a plane ticket and my camera are my two most reliable tools.

When I was studying photography in school, I loved the test sheets from the darkroom. I was always picking them up off the floor and saving them. I was fascinated by the accidental beauty that sometimes happened there. The same with printer's test sheets. I used to come back from press checks with the sheets they ran through to clean the presses and the mistakes. Sometimes the colors would get printed in the wrong order, and it changed everything, the way the unrelated layers built up to make something so different from what was intended. I began experimenting to find a way to create those accidents. I'm still finding new ways.

What are your goals and vision for your business?
I just want to have a way to reach people who value individuality, who see something in my images that speaks to them. With etsy I don't have to convince a marketing director that my work appeals to a certain type of person who has X amount of disposable income, or that they could move 500,000 units for the holidays. I like the idea of making a comfortable little living without having to compromise.

How and where do you market your business?
I only joined etsy a couple of months ago, so I am still sorting out those details. I think we are only beginning to recognize the power of this personal form of marketing, through blogs and allowing customers to get to know the person behind the product. Never before have artists been able to get their work in front of so many eyes without going through some kind of middle man, an agent, a gallery owner or a publisher. It's wide open.

Do you subscribe to any business related blogs, zines or magazines?
I read etsy's articles in the Storque, but not a lot of others.The best information comes from other artists going about things the same way.

What inspires you?
History and travel are my biggest inspirations. I am mad for old books, photographs. When I was a kid, I covered the walls of my room with National Geographic maps. Besides buildings and statues, I photograph any interesting texture I see, tree bark, stones, leaves, cracks in the sidewalk, shadows. Before I started shooting with a digital camera, I used to get really funny looks from the guys at the photo lab when I would go to pick up my 200 prints of tree bark and rocks and concrete. I use it all. I am inspired by anyplace with a long history of civilization. I love the crumbly and the crooked and the weathered, and the smell of damp autumn days, and scent of black walnut hulls on my hands.

Who is your favorite musical artist? (click on the artist name to see a video)
My hands down personal favorite is Me'shell N'degeocello
Depending on what I need to produce, these artists I can always count on for inspiration,
Cesaria Evora
Misia
If I need to produce something dark and gloomy, there's an endless supply of goth anthems.

What are two of your favorite things from your shop?
Wow, it's hard to choose a favorite. The things that are in the shop have never been used for a commercial project, they are all images I created purely for their own sake. They all have really fond memories attached to them. I suppose The Guardian (below), because he reminds me of the books I read as a child, and Cesare. (above) Catching the bird in flight in that image was purely accidental. And it was on film, so I had no idea whether or not I had caught it until I got home and processed the film. One of those happy surprises.

I am a fan of....
I have a list of bookmarks you wouldn't believe, all organized into folders with names like Inspiration, Social Responsibility, People I Know, People I Wish I Knew, The Byzantine Empire. Looking at the list of folders is like a catalog of what I have worked on, what I have found interesting, or where I am planning a trip.

Here are a few that I check out all the time.
http://www.moleskinerie.com/ - always something here to set you thinking about art
http://www.hillbillyplease.com/%7Ehillbill/blog/ - Her photographs are amazing, she reads the most interesting things and posts excerpts, and she has an etsy store. http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5154453
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Main_Page - my daily shot of "Hmmm, I had no idea..." I always scroll down to the image of the day.
http://www.ted.com/
http://prettylittleworldfashion.blogspot.com/
http://www.poppytalk.blogspot.com/

Where can we find you on the web
www.wednesdaywandered.com
www.wednesdaywandered.etsy.com

Giveaway Winner

2008-10-26T20:43:00.000-07:00

Congratulations ShopPOPKO- you are the winner!
Thank you to the 30 people that commented/entered this giveaway!

Most of the comments I got were about the background color of my photos. Most of those comments mentioned not liking the background so much. I have taken your advice to heart and have decided to re-take all of the pictures with a white background.

Without further delay the winner is commenter # 8.
That would be ShopPOPKO, she said...
"alright im in! first impression- your banner is great and striking and pretty and makes me want to see what yo uhave. next, i like how your shop announcement is concise. im not crazy about the constant blue. its a little too much for my eyes. i can see how it ties it all together, but i think that your work is cohesive enough to bind itself. i would vary the backgrounds more. "
cheers! cp

I wanted to put a screenshot of the random integer generator below- that is what I used to come up with the winning number- and after trying for nearly an hour I can't get the screenshot saved as a picture- blah blah blah- you are just going to have to take my word!
Because I commented once during the week- my post was not counted in the final number- which doesn't matter much here because my comment was after #8.
Thank you again for all of your input and check back within the week for the posting of another giveway.

Free Weekends

2008-10-24T22:06:00.000-07:00

Since I have decided to take a break from blogging and selling on the weekends I feel elated and giddy on this Friday night.
I am wearing my new Nick and Nora sugar skull pajamas from Target- I swear I will not take them off all weekend- I will even wear them to the grocery with my Ugg boots- I swear- I love them that much!
I am thinking about the fun things that I will do with my family- maybe I will do some online shopping- catch up on the laundry- make a big breakfast in the morning- who knows?
It's two whole days- there is nothing that can't wait until Monday- actually Sunday night- that is when my giveaway ends- make sure to enter it over the weekend- you could win the great earrings that you see over there in the top right hand corner of the screen. Click on that picture to go to the post that explains what you have to do to enter.
In the meantime- here are some pictures of what my weekend might look like...

DaliDecals

2008-10-24T00:01:00.000-07:00

I hope that you love DaliDecals as much as I do! They have incredible wall decals that feel so modern because they are mostly silhouettes. My favorite is this first picture. I really want to find a place to put this in my new house. The owners and creators of DaliDecals are Alicia and David of Florida. Check out the cute picture of them at the bottom. If you can't find what you need in their shop- they do custom- convo them or visit their site.

What is your "real" life like?
"Real" life is mainly work…this is a full time job for both of us, and part time for a few others. We are constantly working. We even have this miniature laptop that we bring everywhere so we can always answer emails and convos.
We occasionally get out for a ride on our motorcycles, or take them to the track. We've got two dogs, Tex (Siberian Husky) and Sammi (German Shepard). They keep us pretty busy too!

What is your process?
We design all of our decals on the computer, and cut everything out of vinyl rolls using one of our vinyl cutters.

What are your goals and vision?
Short term…keep growing. Long term…keep growing. : )

How and where do you market your business?
We mainly just market our products through our Etsy shops and our websites, www.dalidecals.com and www.badasscustomdecals.com. We are currently in the process of rebuilding our Badass Custom Decals site.
We focus on organic search engine optimization, and some sponsored ad campaigns on various search engines. We also get a good amount of publicity through various blogs around the internet.

What inspires you?
Heh…anything can inspire us. It's really a lot of fun coming up with ideas. Pretty much anything can be made into some sort of decal.

Who is your favorite musical artist?
There are lots, but I'd have to say the top few are Tool and Thievery Corporation

What are two of your favorite things from your shop?
This is way too tough a question. There are too many that I like, and there are many that haven't even been added to our sites. It's way too difficult to just choose two. We actually have 15 decals up all over our house.
(last two pictures)

Where can we find you?

http://www.dalidecals.com
http://dalidecals.etsy.com
http://badasscustomdecals.etsy.com
http://www.badasscustomdecals.com
http://offensivedecals.etsy.com

Twisted Sister Arts

2008-10-22T23:31:00.000-07:00

I am so excited to introduce Jill Lawrence of Naperville, Illinois from Twisted Sister Arts. She sells handwoven Wire jewelry, with gems and embellishment. I do wire work myself and I am in awe of the work she does. As a special treat she has sent along photos of herself in the process of making a piece.

What is your “real” life like?
Real life, past owner of Top 500 flower shops, currently employed as a blooming and plant buyer for Top 10 Flowershop chain. No children, Loving husband who dotes on me, two cats.

Interests, Wire, Cubic Zirconia, Silver, Glass Fusing, Pearls, and combining all these materials into a piece of art.

What is your process?
I currently use Parawire non tarnish silver and gold wire. I weave the wire freehand, and only use flat nose, needle nose, blunt cutters and an occasional tapestry needle (sharp) to achieve my weaving. I usually start with an idea, and weave to accomplish it. I think anything that is made of metal, I can weave to match it. I'd love t o be able to afford to go to solid silver, and gold plate, but the expense keeps me back. I want my customers to be able to afford my work.

What are your goals and vision for your business?

Short term, selling a huge loom that occupies the studio. Medium term, turning the studio, into a full studio. Setting up a business plan to achieve my long term goals. Long term, being able to hold classes to teach my work, being able to sell enough to support my husband and me.

How and where do you market your business?
I sell my work on Etsy,
http://www.twistedsisterarts.etsy.com
http://www.twistedsisterarts.com

I kept my personal twistedsisterarts.com web page even though it's not current, because I want to learn to load my own script and pictures. I also sell my work at the Wheaton French Markets in Wheaton and Chicago, Illinois. Next year, I plan to start working the art fairs.

Do you subscribe to any business related blogs, zines or magazines?

http://www.etsy.com/storque/

What inspires you?
A beautiful cubic zirconia stone, a Watch movement, Cracks in concrete, Leaves on trees, Leonard Bernstein, My couch, Roast chicken. My best ideas come in the night, when I can't sleep. Right now, I've got a copper etching I want to do, 12"x12", and use leaves from our trees, to imprint with paint and then use etching solution to leave the imprint on the copper. Until I make it, I don't move on to the next idea.
I also use an "idea book" which I carry in my purse. I get inspired sometimes at work, and to keep from loosing it, I write/draw it out. When I'm uninspired, I look at it, and get the "bug" all over again.

My favorite artist... (click on artist name to link to a video)
Andrea Bocelli.

I am a fan of...

http://www.annerush.com for her inspiration and direction in jewelry trade. http://cageycrafters.invisionzone.com for starving jewelry artists
www.artjewelrymag.com
www.etsy.com
www.ganoskin.com for more inspiration and direction

Find me...

www.twistedsisterarts.etsy.com

Blue Rock Gourds

2008-10-22T00:01:00.000-07:00

Today: Wendy Overdorf of Millersville, PA of Blue Rock Gourds. She sells hand grown, hand painted and stained gourds, bird houses, feeders, butterfly houses, masks, santas, bowls and jewelry gourds as well as washed craft ready gourds for artists and crafters. After looking at their website I fell in love with them. They have pictures of their home where their store is and pictures of the family together making and selling gourds. It makes me yearn for the days of my youth in the mid-west and of a simpler time.

What is your real life like?
I am married to the "GourdFather" my awesome hubby Milty and we have two beautiful children Zane 16 and Abbie 7 and one spoiled dog "Johnny Cash". I work a mind numbing job in a tax office, dreaming of gourds, crafts and my craft shop in our house. I love to walk the dog, watch my kids play soccer and baseball and going on occasional dates with the Gourdfather. My dream is to work full time as a gourd artist and have my quirky little gourd shop.

What is your process?
Blue Rock Gourds grows, cleans and stains all the gourds by hand. The Gourdfather is the driller, packer, stainer and craft show set-up. I paint, sell, maintain the website, ship and pack and market the gourds. We make a great team!

Business Goals and Vision...
Short term I will be glad to make it to Christmas with gourd orders! Long term I would like to be a full time gourd artist, work on my website and become more internet savvy, I would rather paint gourds than build a website it scares me!

How do you market your business?
You can see Blue Rock Gourds at various craft shows in Pennsylania, Delaware and Maryland.
www.gourdpower.com
http://bluerockgourds.blogspot.com/
Follow my blog and you will be entered to win a gourd birdhouse! I give a gourd a week away FREE!!
http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5911769
http://myworld.ebay.com/bluerockgourds/
http://www.shophandmade.com/Store/Bluerockgourds

Do you subscribe to any business related blogs, zines or magazines?
I love magazines, I just got my first copy of ReadyMade and wonderful hipster craft mag!
http://www.readymade.com/
I just started blogging and I could become addicted! I follow mostly craft blogs:
http://foldingtrees.com/ cool paper creations blog
http://debbiegootterdesigns.blogspot.com/ my new fellow blogger!
www.betzwhite.com wonderful felted goodies
www.thefunkyfelter.com I am in the holiday boutique!

What inspires you?
The loveeeeeeeee the color GREEN, it makes me feel good. I also love vintage looks and vintage buttons with sparkle. I am an old Bonnie Raitt fan from way back in the day, she also makes me feel good! I love being home creating gourds and vintage button jewelry.

Who is your favorite musical artist? (click on the artist name to see a video)
BONNIE RAITT who else!

What are two of your favorite things from your shop?
Red Butterfly house
(First picture)
Warty Hard Shell gourds, they ROCK!
(third picture)

Am a fan of these places...
Puff Pastry Shoppe Vivien does amazing work!
http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5842822
Bethie B makes awesome soap!
http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5903404
http://www.myimaginaryboyfriend.com/
http://www.pancakemeow.com/
http://www.girlscouts.org/ Proud mom of a daisy scout!

Find seller at...
www.gourdpower.com
http://bluerockgourds.blogspot.com/

Macaroni and Glue

2008-10-20T21:28:00.000-07:00

I am pleased to introduce todays artist, Kelly Drill from Texas of Macaroni and Glue. She offers invitations and announcements, handcrafted greeting cards, unique and special holiday card sets, and vintage-inspired blank notes. It's really great stuff and makes me reconsider how often I use stationary- I need to start writing more hand written letters and notes- it would be a pleasure to do it on such beautiful paper.

What is your real life like?
I’m a work-at-home mom to one beautiful, precocious 3-year-old and one beautiful, strong-willed Black Lab. In addition to Macaroni and Glue, I provide part-time childcare for my niece and do a substantial amount of volunteer work for a Democratic political action committee. My pre-child life included stints as a film/TV production assistant, an event planner, an editor, a print model (bizarre experience…), and a variety of other things before I finally settled into an 8-year career in the medical ethics field. About a year after leaving my corporate job to do the mommy thing, my family relocated to a suburb of Dallas, where housing prices are much more reasonable and there are an astonishing number of things for preschoolers to do.

What is your process?
I work with a lot of vintage illustrations that are now in the public domain. They are often scanned images of old postcards, advertisements or book pages and require lots of digital love before they can be used in a design for print. My “tools of the trade” are mainly my laptop, my printer, my scoring blade, and my paper-trimmer. I do use some scrapbooking techniques (although I’m actually not very good at scrapbooking…) for my individual greeting cards. I’m particularly fond of big chunky eyelets that require me to break out my hammer.

Business Goals and Vision...
I’m still in the process of rounding out my product line to include a wider variety of invitations, announcements, and bridal stationery. While I do a substantial amount of custom work in those areas, I’d love to have more options available in my shop. Since my job as Mom is ultimately my first priority, in the short term, I just want to continue to see growth in my work - I want to streamline my creative process and hone my design skills. I’ve established some great wholesale and corporate relationships this year, and I hope to continue to do so, expanding my presence on the web and in brick and mortar shops. Long term, I plan to transition Macaroni and Glue to its own e-commerce site in hopes that, as my daughter gets older and enters school, I’ll have the freedom to contribute to the family financially, but still be here for her when she gets home.

How do you market your business?
I’d love to say that I have a carefully thought-out marketing strategy, but unfortunately I’m a bit “unfocused” in this area. I’ve been very fortunate to have had such a positive response to my business, both through the Etsy shop and through word-of-mouth, and because of that, I spend most of my available “work” time keeping up with my orders. That said, I’m trying hard to learn about the brave new world of social media, and have seen traffic to my shop increase a little bit at a time as I’ve incorporated new online tools into my marketing arsenal. I have a blog http://macaronianndglue.com where I feature other Etsy sellers, talk about my business and my creative process, and let readers get to know a bit more about me. I have a Facebook page , a MySpace page , and a portfolio on Trunkt where industry professionals and potential wholesale clients can find me. I run inexpensive ads through Project Wonderful on a wide variety of sites. I also do my best to keep my Flickr photostream up-to-date with all my latest creations. Most recently, I added my URL to LinkReferral , which has produced the single biggest bump in traffic to my site so far, and I’ve received a lot of great reviews. I’ve also begun using Twitter and have seen big increases during my “tweeting” times as well.

Do you subscribe to any business related blogs, zines or magazines?
I have a love/hate relationship with business periodicals and blogs. While I love reading them and getting great advice on growing my business, I often find that there just aren’t enough hours in the day. So, rather than get frustrated by all the great advice I can’t put into practice, I’m taking a bit of a hiatus from too much biz-related content.

What inspires you?
I’m inspired by all things vintage and girly. My current obsession is turn-of-the-century illustrations and greeting cards from the 30s – 50s. I love to find beautiful vintage imagery, and then take it completely out of context to create something fun and modern. My 3-year-old daughter is also a huge source of inspiration – she teaches me how to look at the world in unique and quirky ways, which helps to keep the creative juices flowing.

Who is your favorite musical artist? (click on artist name to see a video)
I have lots of more recent faves, but I absolutely adore Peggy Lee.

What are two of your favorite things from your shop?
I love the new holiday cards. A couple of my favorites:
Picture #5
Picture #1

Am a fan of these places...
Somewhere along the line, the time I spend online for business merged with the time I spend online for leisure… The sites I visit daily are Twitter, Facebook, LinkReferral, Google Reader, and Etsy. I get a lot of inspiration from other Etsy artists, particularly jewelry artisans and illustrators – whenever I get the chance, I love to just browse.

Find seller at...
Etsy
Blog
Portfolio
Facebook
MySpace
Twitter
Flickr

Zeng

2008-10-20T00:01:00.000-07:00

I'm so excited to share the art of Zeng Ye from FuZhou ,China of Zeng. She sells some of the coolest prints- I will not attempt to describe them- they speak for themselves. She says "Selling my art work is just selling my fair dream. I think the real world is so normal, as a designer I want to do something different. I think I can give our own lives some colour and surprise!" I think she is right....

What is your real life like?
I'm single.I’m a graduate student in Chinese art school and I’m also a professional designer and illustrator! I’m doing some design work for Chinese company's in order to support myself. I major in home product design such as beds, chairs, storage and everything about our lives. Art work sold on my Etsy shop and drawing are just my hobbies.When my design work makes me tired I will do this art work. I will have a rest and find fun from them.

What is your process?
The main tool I use is software such as Photoshop CS , Paint and Cinema 4D. I also take some photos with my cameras. When I have time, I will see Disney movies and look through my favourite art and design books in order to find inspiration.

Business Goals and Vision...
My short term goal is try to expand my current business on Etsy. After one or two months I will add my original hand drawing on my Etsy shop. Long term I want to develop my home products which are designed by myself, then sell on the network. Now I’m working together with my teacher to do home product design, then search for factories and put our design into products. In the long term- I have another very important thing -I think I should find a good man then get married.
Do you subscribe to any business related blogs, zines or magazines?
I buy some software books. If I want to read magazines or other books, I will go to the library.

What inspires you?
Everything which is beautiful, such as flowers ,bags, drawing, sweet girls, handsome boys or just a strange word.

What are two of your favorite things from your shop?
a rabbit girl and a cat with a mask (second image)
a rabbit lady- third image (I hope one day I can become this rabbit lady.Go to anywhere if I want)

Am a fan of these places...
http://mocoloco.com/
http://www.core77.com/
http://www.plusminuszero.jp/index.html
http://www.art.com/

Find seller at...
www.zeng.etsy.com

My First Giveaway!

2008-10-19T21:52:00.000-07:00

I will keep it short and sweet...
1) Here is a pair of earrings that you could win! The Sophie earring handmade by me. Retails for $52.00 Here's how....
2) Go to my Etsy store-dgdesigns.etsy.com (click on the link or on my Etsy mini at the top left of the page) and give me one critique on my product, presentation, photography or anything that comes to mind as you look at my shop.
3) Leave a comment here- on this post- at the bottom -telling me that thing. I appreciate your feedback so please don't hold back!
The fine print....
*Open to U.S. residents only.
*Your comment must be unique- any duplicate comment or critique will be removed from the final result.
*Results will be determined by a random selection at random.org by random integer generation at 10:30pm on Sunday, October 26th. The result will be posted at 11:00pm on the same day with a screen shot of the random number selected and will also include the time stamp at the bottom. I will include the name of the winner (blogger user name) in the post.
*If you do not have a blogger user name and post "anonymously" please include your name and email address in the body of the comment.
*Winner will be contacted by email within 24 hours- make sure you check back in the event that I can't reach you.
* Earrings will be custom made for you and will be shipped by Friday, October 31st or sooner.

What is the "Little Black Box"

2008-10-18T11:17:00.000-07:00

I have decided that on the weekends I am going to take a break from blogging.....partially. There are occasionally some interesting things that I want to share with my readers and I will do that on the weekends.
Today I would like to answer the question...."What is a Little Black Box". I had never heard about it until last month when I followed a link on the Etsy forums in answer to the very same question. After looking at the site I sent an email and before I knew it I was committed to be in the November box- which I am thrilled about!
In a nutshell...the "Little Black Box" is a box that contains about 20 samples from on-line retailers advertising their products. The box can be purchased by interested parties directly from the web-site. Currently they are selling about 200-300 boxes per month with some of those going to the media. And I must say that for the price of around $25 (changing monthly depending on what is included) it is a steal!
Go to the website- you will find more information about who is included for the current month as well as FAQ's for interested business as well as those interested in purchasing. One of the most interesting things I found there was the forums - one of them allowing customers to give feedback on the particular seller and item.
Each of my little packages is different. Some are worth more than $40 wholesale price. I have included sterling silver, swarovski crystal and gemstone necklaces, earrings and bracelets. The item in the picture is reserved for Kim- the creator of the box. I got a little creative with my packaging as I wanted to include a postcard showing some new designs (picture shows a mock up) and still have my jewelry presented in the nice craft box that I usually package it in when I get an order.
So, get yourself a Little Black Box and see what all the buzz is about!

Pinks and Needles

2008-10-17T00:01:00.000-07:00

I stumble across so many amazing artists when I am cruising around Etsy everyday and it was really a pleasure to come across Gigi Minor from my very own town- Tucson, AZ- she has a shop called Pinks and Needles. What drew me in was the cottagie frothiness that is carried over into every element of her shop- presentation -packaging- graphics- lets not forget product.

Describe what you sell.
I'm expanding my business in a few different
directions but my "pin toppers" are my most popular items. What's a pin topper? ( I bet a few of you are wondering...) it's basically a tiny little hand sculpted surprise on the top of a sewing pin! Think of it as a little "bling" for your pincushion! It may be a cupcake or a piece of fruit, a little birdie or even a fancy platter with a slice of cake : )

What is your real life like?
Well I can say this for sure ~ it's busy and getting busier with the holidays approaching. I'm married to a wonderful man, no kids (yet), we have 2 old lady cats (Priss and Tanzy) and a Silky Terrier Chester Copperpot. I have so many interests it's ridiculous! I love to go thrifting up in Catalina! Baking, interior decorating, gardening, web design, sewing clothes for my Blythe dolls, travelling (although we never seem to find the time to go out of country any more), watching movies, making something that cost a dollar look like a million bucks, building doll houses, I've just started to dabble in writting my own patterns for pincushions, the list goes on and on.....it's safe to say i'm not a person who ever gets bored! There's too much fun stuff out there to learn and make!
What is your process?
Step #1: Making the pins! I hand sculpt each pin without the use of a molds. My materials are very simple: polymer clay, my hands, a flat surface, pins and most importantly LOVE!

Step #2: Baking the pins! I usually like to fire up the oven about 2-3 times per week ~ especially since the warmer weather is approaching I prefer to bake in larger batches.

Step #3: Varnishing! This is the part that requires a lot of patience!
First I will varnish the pins and let them dry but it's funny sometimes the varnish dries really slow and I have to wait a day or more to apply a second coat. Then wait again. So please note this is usually the part I'm waiting on myself before I can move on to the next step : )

Step #4: Packaging! I know this probably sounds funny but this is my most favorite part of the process because I love pretty packaging and seeing something come together is the most rewarding : )The first step is to design the little card stock each pin is tied to. I use fabric and scrapbook paper a lot for the initial concept as my background design. I also love to use different computer graphic programs like Print Artist and Fireworks to get the job done. Each design has it's own little card and I hand cut each card after I print them out, punch tiny little holes and then tie each pin on to secure it in place. A little piece of tape is applied to cover the tip of the pin so no one gets hurt! I have now started to sign and date the back of each card too : )

(Hopefully we're on) Step #5: Each pin is then put into a small ziplock bag and off to the "presentation" box it goes. Each box will be tied with a coordinating string and a Pinks & Needles hang tag with a seasonal flower.

Business Goals and Vision...
Ha! This is a great question? One that I ask myself daily - also one that my parents ask me very frequently. It's somewhat of a "catch-22"
because since it is only wee little me who makes everything I feel like I I were to hire help and go bigger it wouldn't be an indy business like it is now. Which I love! Handmade items are the best for so many reasons! That's the one thing BIG BOX stores don't have ~ items made with love and passion. I really have to take it day by day and ride the wave while I can so to speak because I know I won't be making pin toppers forever! What's really important to me is that I create things that I know my customers will enjoy so I am open to adding new things and expanding what I offer! I have yet to sell any paintings ( one of my true passions is painting on canvas, but I haven't had the time : )

How do you market your business?
I think flickr has been a huge catalyst for me. That's where most people find me and then that trickles into etsy and so forth.
I was asked by Sarah (owner of Quilt Fabric Delights) to make pin toppers for the "Pincushion of the Month Club" and that's brought in a ton of business. She does advertise it in magazines etc. Check it out ~ it's really cool:
Also Sandi Henderson of Portabellopixie was my very first pin topper order back in February of this year! She was the one that really got me up and gunning to open my etsy shop Pinks & Needles! For those of you who don't know who she is...she's a licensed fabric designer for Michael Miller Fabrics. Her newest line Farmer's Market is out now and it's fabulous! She featured a few of my pin toppers to accent her cupcake pincushion pattern on the front cover!
Even though I won't be attending Silver Bella this year, one of my friends Cheryl Dack of http://www.confectionsfabric.com/ will be handing out tons of samples for me! I also have a few people that do the big quilt shows and pass my cards out ~ other than that I'd say good old "Word of Mouth".

Do you subscribe to any business related blogs, zines or magazines?
I honestly don't really subscribe to any! I know this may comes as a shock but if I have any extra time to myself I go to fun links (unrelated to business per say):
For Doll Stuff:
http://www.puchicollective.com/
For Inspiration:
http://www.portabellopixie.typepad.com/
For Escape:
http://soapnet.go.com/soapnet/index

What inspires you?
Hmmm....everything but the kitchen sink! My husband Naiche (pronounced "nay-chi"), whose my rock! Nothing phases him and he never gets bent out of shape. He's a retired golf touring professional who is very involved with the "Green" movement, which in turn makes him a very caring and innovative person! Movies (Romantic Comedies), Re-Runs (the OC), Flickr (eye candy on every page), bright and vibrant colors, shabby chic, fruity smells, California (my home State), my parents (my Dad is literally a walking encyclopedia and my mom is the most grounded person I know), Retro and Vintage Styles, my animals, out of print books, cakes and bakery items in general...gift wrap, ribbon, blank canvases, flowers and last but not least eating healthy salads every day! I know it may sound silly but I really do notice a difference in how I view every day life when I eat better!

Who is your favorite musical artist?
I have many favorite bands and am constantly changing what's in my CD players. I really love old records from my grandmother's era, Musicals like The Sound of Music, West Side Story, South Pacific, My Fair Lady etc. Newer voices like Amy Winehouse (even though she's a hot mess as they say ~ her voice is like butter! I'm not much of a country fan but I love Johnny Cash! My niece Lauren is so amazing I could listen to her sing all day long!
Here take a listen

What are two of your favorite things from your shop?
Strawberry Cupcake Ornaments: ( second picture)
Kawaii Deery Fawn Pincushion Set: (third picture)

Am a fan of these places...
Pivot12: Art Gallery
Love Lee Soaps
Fun Fabrics
Off the Wall Graphic Art
Cutest Stuffed Plushies

Find seller at...
Etsy
Tons of my photos are on flickr: everything from my thrifty finds, Blythe Dolls posing for the camera, things that I bake etc...
http://www.flickr.com/photos/giginbigred/
My blog Pinks & Needles:
http://www.pinksandneedles.blogspot.com/

Elfland

2008-10-16T00:01:00.000-07:00

Today we have the great Shaina Mote from Los Angeles, CA of Elfland. She sells handmade clothing, bags and occasionally jewelry made from found metals or everyday objects. All the clothing that she makes is made from reclaimed materials. As you will see...she does not sacrifice style in the process.

What is your real life like?
I am only nineteen (twenty in a week!!!) so I don’t have any kids or anything like that. I hang out with friends- I intake as much art, in any and all forms as possible to fuel my creative endeavors. I play in my darkroom, in my journal, on canvas and on my sewing machine.
As far as my work schedule goes, I work for Elfland most days a week- working weird hours (ie: 4pm-4am) and one day a week for my father’s tree moving and preservation company as a photographer and marketing manager. (check him out: he moved and saved the largest tree on earth!)

What is your process?
My process starts with finding the right materials and let me assure you—I am very picky. I can’t stand fabrics that are scratchy, non-breathable or stiff. I always go for beat-up, faded men’s t- shirts, vintage silks, rare fabrics like woven gold, metallic thread, vintage hardware (buttons, zippers etc) anything that has true personality is for me.
Once I find the materials, I look at my inventory of fabrics. Some colors and textures play off of each other- I take it from there. Usually I am not sure what I am going to make when I walk into my studio, it just happens.

Business Goals and Vision...
My main goal for Elfland is to maintain integrity, hopefully that means making enough money for me to survive on!
My long-term goal is to start another line called mote (my last name, the smallest fairy in Shakespeare’s Midsummer Nights Dream, meaning a minute speck of dust). Mote will be comprised of more “handmade couture” items if you will. This line will be a bit more polished and experimental versus Elfland’s everyday, ready-to-wear attitude.How do you market your business?
I market mainly through etsy.com and I rely heavily on word of mouth from happy customers. I also sell at an awesome boutique in the arts district of Culver City, called Indie Collective owned by a fellow etsian.

Do you subscribe to any business related blogs,zines or magazines?
Not at this point. But I love picking up art, fashion and photography magazines like: Blindspot, Artforum, Zink, Nylon, (the upcoming designers section), Another Magazine, etc.

Who is your favorite musical artist? (click on artist to see video)
Hard question… I’ll have to go with the B-52’s.
What inspires you?
Everything, but here are the highlights-
My mother, fairy tales and myths, circus, Anais Nin’s writing, junk, Henry Darger’s illustrations, dream life, off hues or diluted colors, bright or oversaturated colors, circles.

What are two of your favorite things from your shop?
The Secretly Aerodynamic Socialite because of it’s unique shape (third picture)
and The Halo Sculptress because of the rarity of the types of fabrics used. (second picture)

Am a fan of these places...
www.peoplescouture.etsy.com my friend, owner of Indie Collective boutique and gallery
www.sennatree.com my fathers tree moving company
www.fashionspot.com view independent designers collections here
www.lonelyplanet.com the dream of traveling
www.bottlevillage.com the inspiration for my bottle house
Find seller at...
www.shainamote.com
www.elfland.etsy.com
www.flickr.com/photos/elflandclothing
www.facebook.com

Triz Designs

2008-10-15T00:01:00.000-07:00

Today I am glad to introduce Patrizia Tager (Triz) from Isreal of Triz Designs. She creates mostly OOAK wearable art and beaded jewelry using glass seed beads, semi-precious stones, Swarovski crystals and fresh-water pearls. All of her pieces are designed and bead-woven one bead at a time. I confess...I have seen her alot on the front page and am always intrigued by the intricacy of her pieces and the mostly dark colors- which I tend to favor in what I choose to wear. So, here she tells us a little about herself.

What is your real life like?
I work as a desktop publisher for a publishing house. I'm a single mum of a gorgeous 4 year old boy. We have a gorgeous 12 year old black cross-Alsatian named Kaya. Before my discovery and total immergence into the wonderful world of beading I used to do a lot of sports; walking, tennis, swimming, karate, yoga… but now between my job and my son, every single spare minute I have is spent either beading or doing something related to beading.

What is your process?
The main tools I use are needle, thread and of course beads. The main techniques used in my work are bead-weaving, bead crochet and bead-embroidery, which has become my very favourite technique to use as I find it incredibly versatile and inspiring – it just gets my creative juices going! I don't have a specific process but I usually either get inspired by a particular colour, depending on my mood, or a particular bead or stone. When I find myself stuck for inspiration, I look through my favourite art and design books and I'm always sure to find inspiration from some of my favourite beadwork artists.

Business Goals and Vision...
My short term goals are to continue beading and learning as much as I can about this wonderful medium in terms of both techniques and history. In the long term, I would like to be able to quit my job and support myself with my beadwork and teaching.

How do you market your business?
I mainly market my work mainly on Etsy, by advertising on blogs and through the following sites:
http://www.indiepublic.com/profile/TrizDesigns
http://divapreneur.ning.com/profile/TrizDesigns
http://etsybloggers.ning.com/profile/trizdesigns
http://www.beadersshowcase.com/profile/TrizDesigns
http://www.skwigga-zine.com/profile/TrizDesigns
http://thedb.com/TrizDesigns
http://www.seekingdesigners.com/trizdesigns

What inspires you?
Everything inspires me!!! All colours, all textures, art, architecture, antiquities, Italy, the sea, flowers, R & B music and the beads.

Who is your favorite musical artist? (click the artist name to see a video)
I have so many, but at the moment I've been listening to a lot of Mary J. Blige, I love her!!!!

What are two of your favorite things from your shop?
This is so hard to say… I love all my piece they are my babies J but here are 2 of my favourites of the moment:
Purple Balagan - http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=13349610
Black Panther Necklace - http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=14987675

Am a fan of these places...
http://beadartoriginals.blogspot.com/ - newly formed group of amazing artists who create beads and who create with beads
http://etsy-beadweavers.blogspot.com/ - wonderful group of talented bead-weavers
http://www.serafinibeadedjewelry.com/ - my favourite and most inspirational bead artist
http://www.bogal.biz/Default.aspx?L=EN – my favourite bead supplier
http://thelonebeader.com – amazing beaded art

Find seller at...
http://www.triz.etsy.com
http://www.triz-beadingmania.blogspot.com/
http://www.flickr.com/people/trizdesigns/

I've Been Tagged....Now What?

2008-10-15T00:00:00.000-07:00

My featured seller today (Triz) send me a big thank you today by way of a tag....she cyber tagged me. Thanks a bunch Triz- I thought you liked me...did I say something? Post the wrong pictures? (Just joking)
Which means that I have to make a post sharing 7 things about myself -which is good (if you are a person that cares to know anything about me) and bad because I tend to be a rambling over-sharer and I have already shown that here in the intro. Okay- on with it I guess

1) Something interesting...I have been kicked off of Flickr twice this month. Who knows why....they can do that if they think you are selling so beware. Even more interesting is that I friended my old self with my new account because apparently people can see it but I just can't access it.

2)I sit outside on my patio- on my laptop all day promoting my blog and my jewelry while I chug gallons of Diet Arizona Iced Green Tea and smoke my brains out (don't judge)

3)I have bought three Japanese Chins in the last 6 months because apparently 4 kids is not enough and I want more babies...take a look at the cuties on my Flickr - but hurry because I don't have such a great track record there so far.

4)My favorite color is green- grass green- it makes me happy every time I see it.

5)I only wear black- I don't really know why ....When I want to buy something it just looks better in black.

6) My iPhone is my best friend and my right arm...texting may just be the best way to communicate ever!

7) I was born in Sheboygan WI which apparently got it's name from an Indian who sometimes thought his baby daughter looked like a boy and said to his wife one evening..."Look, she boy again." I don't know if I buy it though.

So....according to the rules of "tagging" this is what I...and my tagees must do....
1. Link to your tagger and list these rules on your blog.
2. Share 7 facts about yourself on your blog, some random, some weird.
3. Tag 7 people at the end of your post by leaving their names as well as links to their blog.
4. Let them know they have been tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.

The following bloggers are the faithful that post on my daily Etsy thread promoting their blogs. Consider yourself tagged
mayhemarts.blogspot.com
jangiesetsyshop.blogspot.com
kalapohl.blogspot.com
theebonswan.blogspot.com
crayonmonsteretsy.blogspot.com
beneaththerowantree.blogspot.com
getartnow.blogspot.com

Deco Alley

2008-10-14T00:01:00.000-07:00

I am pleased to introduce Priyanka Sodhi from Kitchener, Ontario Canada of Deco Alley. She sells contact cases and screw top containers with handmade clay and re-ment miniature pieces. Other items include cell phone covers, special edition cases, and handmade miniature collectibles.
I had her saved in my favorites on Etsy because I planned to purchase a contact lense case for my sister for Christmas. They have a very unique kitchy cuteness that is hard to resist. After agreeing to being interviewed for this blog she send me the sweetest email telling me that she was sending over some samples for me! Love that! I will post the pictures of them here when they arrive.

What is your real life like?
I recently got married and left my sales job to move in with my husband. He was so awesome to let me take this year off to try building my business and experimenting with different fields in design. All I have been doing the past year is working 12 hours a day on building my business, experimenting with new materials and techniques while taking care of household chores. I started running in July to help with releasing stress and keeping up energy levels and hope to run in some races next spring. My other hobbies include cooking and baking.

What is your process?
I am still at an experimental and growth stage. I do not really have a set process because I do not want to set limits on myself. I just read a lot, spend hours researching designs online and thinking! I am on a limited budget so I do not have access to many tools or materials. Things I use daily are air drying clays, toothpicks, and tape over popsicle sticks to hold things on when painting. Recently I have been working with silicones and resin to add another dimension to my miniatures.

Business Goals and Vision...
My short term goal is to really learn some good online marketing techniques and try to expand my current business on etsy. Long term I want to build a miniature empire in which one can buy supplies to make their own quality miniatures at home with little investment and no prior knowledge on making miniatures.
How do you market your business?
I am trying to build up traffic through my blog. Recently I signed up with Flickr and have registered with some blog search engines such at Techoranti. I am attending a miniature show in Toronto this month and hope to gain some experience and meet some more people locally.

Do you subscribe to any business related blogs, zines or magazines?
I have subscribed to Inspiri Art and Craft blog and I have several other links saved to my bookmarks. Right now I am concentrating on reading books on business in general such as "What they don't teach you at Harvard Business School" by Mark H. McCormack. In the past self help books like Getting Things Done by David Allen give you some helpful tips on managing life especially when trying to market and grow you business but balance daily life.

Who is your favorite musical artist?
I listen to a lot of R&B, Hip Hop and indie/rock type bands. I have grown up in the Middle East and I am of South East Indian origin so I have been exposed to many different types of music. I love Arabic music and listen to songs from Bollywood movies. Also my husband is originally from Sri Lanka so I am starting to listen to some Sinhalese songs too! Right now to improve my Japanese speaking skills (so when I get to visit Japan I won't be totally lost!) I have been listening to a Canadian/Japanese band called Monkey Majik. Here is a link to a fun tune on youtube

What inspires you?
I love music and colors! I always have my ipod shuffle with me. I am also a huge manga/anime fan. My inspired definitely comes from Japan since decorations on your cell phone and other personal belongings is a must! It is like a culture there and I want to bring this culture to North America.

What are two of your favorite things from your shop?
Its the head phones (sold unfortunately but they are just so cool especially if you listen to your ipod all the time like me) and my miniature bunny and bird because it's only 4 cm across, 2 cm tall and completely handmade.
Headphones
(pictured above)
Bunny and Bird
(pictured above)

Am a fan of these places...
1.crunchyroll.com for anime
2.ebay for new re-ment miniatures or rare ones
3.etsy just to browse new goodies that are listed daily
4.my email because I am obsessed with replying to people in a timely manner
5.google to randomly search for images and inspirations

Find seller at...
Etsy shop
decoalley.com is my blog and it has a link to my esty shop

Jangie

2008-10-13T00:01:00.000-07:00

Today we have Angie Johnson from Orland Park, IL of Jangie. She sells functional ceramics, crocheted items like hats and scarves and cards. Her items have a stand out signature style that exude a very quality feel. Angie is also featuring me on her blog today so have a look at that also so check that out...

What is your real life like?
Right now I am taking art classes finishing up my bachelors degree.
I'm on the go between school, attending art museums and other cultural events around town, organizing meetings for my crochet/knitting Meetup group and of course creating more things for my Etsy shop. My boyfriend and I are also involved in a German culture organization that his family is part of and we'll be celebrating Oktoberfest this weekend. He also flies gyroplanes and I photograph his flights. I try to keep a running commentary going on my daily-life blog.

What is your process?
I love working with my hands. I've been crocheting for about 6-7 years now and I like experimenting with new yarns and techniques. I've also been doing ceramics for about that long as well and I really enjoy working on the wheel. Unfortunately I don't have access to a ceramic studio right now or I'd be making more functional items. I've also been working a lot with digital media like Illustrator and Photoshop and have been working on letterform design, playing with typography as you can see with the cards I sell. Basically my process boils down to practicality and function. I love designing and making things that people will love and use.

Business Goals and Vision...
I guess the adage that if you do what you love it doesn't feel like work is really true with my Etsy shop. I don't even really consider it an independent business because it's something I just love to do. I have only been selling on Etsy just over 2 months and I love interacting with the community, finding new artists that blow me away with their talent and creativity, and of course selling my items.
Short term I would love to make it to 10 sales, as I told myself I would throw a party to celebrate that goal. Long term I would love to find a market for my cards as I expand into more typography designs.

How do you market your business?
I have a page on WeLoveEtsy, pass out business cards everywhere I go (and of course work on crocheting wherever I go), swap cards with sellers who go to craft shows/send out promotional bags. I'm also in the Etsy forums a lot and part of the Artsy Danger Ladies Team on Etsy. One of the group things we do is have a 20% off on the 20th of the month sale.

Do you subscribe to any business related blogs, zines or magazines?
I don't really subscribe to any business related blogs or anything, but I do spend time in the forums, learn from other sellers in Etsy Chat, and read Storque articles.

What inspires you?
I love intricate and beautiful design. I love bold colors, swirls, repetition, Islamic tile layouts, interesting typography, lovely paper, well done graphic design ads, and of course, beautifully crafted and glazed ceramics.

Who is your favorite musical artist?
Hands down, Loreena McKennitt. You can visit her website http://www.quinlanroad.com for details and videos.

What are two of your favorite things from your shop?
My 5-pack of all occasion cards (pictured below)
Organic White Cotton Scarflette with Light Buttons
(pictured above)

Am a fan of these places...
Etsy, of course.
http://www.etsy.com
Any time I need inspiration, I visit this site (and wish I had a ton of money!) http://www.paper-source.com
Webcomics:
http://www.yhtcomic.com - You'll Have That by Wes Molebash http://www.daniellecorsetto.com/gws.html - Girls with Slingshots by Danielle Corsetto
Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com

Find seller at...
http://www.angiejohnsonart.com - my personal fine art website. I need to update it... someday.
http://jangiesetsyshop.blogspot.com - I feature Etsy sellers I love Monday-Friday with a special Friday post featuring a seller who commented on a previous post picked at random. :)
http://adam-angie.blogspot.com - my personal blog where you can keep up with my everyday life beyond Etsy.
Flickr!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/jangievarnsen/

Just Jaynes

2008-10-11T00:01:00.000-07:00

Today we have Cathy Meinke from Greenville, Michigan of Just Jaynes. She sells sterling silver charms and pendants with artistic flair. I found her while searching for sterling silver elements for my own jewelry and found that she has many interesting and unique pieces that I haven't seen in any other Etsy shop- or through any of my suppliers for that matter! Many of her pieces have the feel of handmade. You can trust her to keep you on the cutting edge of whats hot in jewelry components.

What are the best sellers in your shop?
I'd say that the angel wings and swallow pendants are my best sellers, but overall, my sales are pretty well spread out over a variety of items.

How do you market yourself?
What is your target market? Most of my marketing has been by posting to yahoo groups. I joined groups for crafters and jewelry makers that allow advertising. Not all groups allow ads. I also started a blog that I try to update frequently, and recently added a newsletter sign up so that I can do email marketing. When I started this shop, I did some promoting in the forums but most of my sales have come from frequent listings.

What is your target market?
My target market is both retail and wholesale customers. Most of my pendants slide onto a chain, so you don't need fancy tools to make a pretty and simple necklace. And for the more experienced jewelry maker, I'm able to offer bulk or wholesale pricing on most items in my shop.

What do you offer that sets you apart from the other supply sellers on Etsy?
Buyers won't find 10 other shops on Etsy selling the same items, nor can they walk into their local big-box craft store and find these charms. Shipping from my shop is only $2.00 for the entire order. Most online suppliers charge at least $8-$10 per order.

What is your "real" life like?
During the day I manage a small vinyl sign shop. I share my home and heart with my supportive husband, two dogs, and two cats. When I'm not working on my shop, promoting, or shopping for new products, I'm golfing or fishing.

Where can we find you on the web?
www.justjaynes.etsy.com
My blog is http://www.justjaynes.blogspot.com All my sites are linked from my blog, and I keep an updated craft show schedule where local buyers can find me!
Any offers you want to give blog readers?
Mention dgdesigns blog in the message to seller and I'll refund shipping! Good for 30 days after this blog posting.