PinkTigersDen- Fascinating Fascinators and Headpieces

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

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

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

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

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