Monday, August 15, 2011

We are still here...

I am sure some who have read this site in the past have wondered what has happened to us since this last post in April. Well, life happens and I have not had an opportunity to spend time on this site. We will be back in the Fall when things just naturally slow down, and there is time to do interviews and post articles. Please be patient and keep checking back. We are not lost and the site has not been abandoned. In September, we will be looking for new craft artists to feature, and perhaps we will focus on some of the members of our Etsy Team - Variety Shops of Etsy - and find out why so many have shops that sell a variety of craft.

See you again, SOON!

Thursday, April 14, 2011

As a photographer, myself, I always appreciate the work of other photographers. Here is one that you have to meet.


Here is our interview with the photographer, Jessica -

Briefly describe your photography?

I am most drawn to extremes with light and color. I want to tell a story with my photography. I am always trying to capture a moment in my life that I want to remember, not just for the image that is taken but for where my life was at that time, what i was experiencing, how I was developing, and in which direction my life was headed.

What do you enjoy photographing the most?
I really like photograph architecture. I would say that I am most drawn to that because I like the lines. I am also very interested in Urban life right now. City scenes, spray paint...stuff like that.

How long have you been an artist?

Since I can remember. I always knew I was an artist. I really wanted to be a painter or a sketcher when I was little because that is what my grandma and dad are good at, but I am terrible. It wasn't until later that I discovered my eye for photography.

How did you get started?

The first time I ever thought about selling my photography was about 4 years ago while I was living in France. My husband and I were taking a day trip. We were in the car, driving through the french country side, right before a storm. The sky was this amazing mix of purple, grey, black and yellow and the silhouettes of the trees against the sky were beautiful. I really wanted to get a picture of it but my camera was dead. I somehow managed to get my camera to turn on for long enough to snap one picture. For some reason that picture is what made me want to share my work with other. It's funny because I don't think that is even the best photo I've ever taken just the most inspirational. (You can find that picture on my Etsy shop, titled "A Tree in the Storm")

Where does the name of your shop come from?

I lived in Paris for a couple of years. Le Metro Ligne 6 was the closest line to our apartment there. I have so many fond memories of my life there that I thought it would be appropriate to incorporate my shop name into that experience.

What would you most want people to know about your work?

That I really love what I do!

What words of advice do you have for other artists?

Love what you do!

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You have to come and see this nice work. Visit this shop and then come back and leave a comment.

Thursday, April 7, 2011

FEATURED ARTIST

We are featuring an artist who works in soap. Come and meet


Here is our interview with Rebecca -

Briefly describe what you make?

I create divinely scented handmade, shea butter soaps that contain skin loving ingredients like unrefined shea butter, rice bran, cocoa butter and olive oils. They create a wonderfully rich lather that you can both shave with or use as a shampoo bar. All of my soaps are made from scratch using the cold process soapmaking method and never a pre-existing base.

I also make shea butter and goat milk lotions that leave your skin feeling moisturized, soft, and silky smooth. They contain a combination of Goat’s Milk, Honey and Shea Butter in addition to aloe, sunflower, and soybean oils - all wonderful ingredients for hydrating your skin. My lush lotions are nice and thick so that such as with a cream, a little goes a long way.

What mediums do you enjoy working in most?

I love working with shea butter. I include shea butter as an ingredient in everyone of my soaps and lotions without exception. I also love to experiment with different fragrances though I do carry two unscented soaps for those with allergies or skin sensitivities.

How long have you been creating craft?

I started Rebecca's Soap Delicatessen in February 2001 and have been going ever since. Before soapmaking I worked in a variety of other mediums including scrap booking, painting, screen printing, sculpture, pottery, drawing, photography, graphic design and writing. I was an art major in college so I studied a little of everything including a bit of art history. Soapmaking, however, came after college and was self taught.

How did you get started?

I started buying handmade soaps due to skin sensitivities and it was love at first use. Naturally, due to my creative background, I had to give it a try for myself. After a lot of studying and experimenting, I finally got the knack of soapmaking and came up with my own recipes for the soaps I now sell today. Once I got what I wanted, I decided I'd start up a business and that's exactly what I did. I didn't really get serious about selling though until some years later. I also started out on my own website, not etsy.

Where does the name of your shop come from?

The original idea behind my business was to sell soaps that smelled like delicious favorites from the kitchen I was all about food scents in the beginning. So I combined that idea with my name and Rebecca's Soap Delicatessen was the first idea to pop out of my head. It sounded good so I stuck with it. I've since expanded my line to include more than just food scents however. Lots of people appreciate the scent of lavender and honeysuckle.

What would you most want people to know about your work?

Basically that I really care about my product and I aim for customer satisfaction. If I notice something wasn't right with a product I sent out, I'm going to fix it. If you didn't like a scent, I'm not going to leave you stuck with it. Buying things with an aroma online is difficult and I want to make that experience as pleasant as possible. I also stand by the quality of my product, so if anything is ever not as it should be I want to know so I can make it right.

What words of advice do you have for other artists?

You're only going to get as much out of your business as you're willing to put into it. If you aren't willing to invest full time hours into it, you're not going to get full time money back out of it. Running a business is hard work. It's not a hobby. It takes a lot of time and dedication. There's a reason so many first time businesses fail in the first three years. There's also a reason most businesses don't profit until after the first three years. Secondly, there is truth in the old adage you have to spend money to make money.

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I can't resist saying that working in soap, Rebecca must be cleaning up! Bad joke! Come and see Rebecca's shop - you will like what you see!

Thursday, March 31, 2011

FEATURED ARTIST

Here is a fiber artist who is a felter and wait until you see what she felts -



Come and meet the artist, Alice -

Briefly describe what you make?

I create needle felted dogs. Needle felting is done by stabbing different types of fibers with a sharp, barbed needle to shape and sculpt it. Pieces take thousands of tiny stabs to finish. I use photographs provided by the client to make miniatures of their own dog using this needle stabbing method.

What mediums do you enjoy working in most?

Most times the type dog dictates what fiber I need to use. I love to work with alpaca fiber, because it is so luxurious. I also use merino roving top which is also a very lovely fiber. The core of the dog is made from less expensive wool over a wire frame, with the special fibers finishing the exterior. The wire frame allows the dog to be gently posed. Finally, I use glass eyes because they are 'shiny', more like real eyes, and polymer clay for the noses.

How long have you been creating craft?

I've been making these little dogs for about a year and a half. However, I've been crafting all my life. I love to do all types of needlework, very intricate scherenschnitte and I sew on occasion. I recently had a little fling with terrariums, making them for family and friends. My love of making things is very ingrained. My mother, my grandmother and family were always creating something artistic. My aunt was a well known artist in my small hometown at a time when that was a relatively unique career choice. I have all of them to thank for my artistic abilities.

How did you get started?

I started the little dogs after learning of needle felting on Etsy. I am so crazy about my own dogs and even the dogs of others, it just seemed to be the thing to do. There are some excellent needle felters on Etsy and they are very inspiring. I learned from different blogs: gourmetfelted is one, and on youtube with Kay Petal of Felt Alive. These are just two astonishingly great artists who are willing to share their knowledge with others.

Where does the name of your shop come from?

Actually, my name was made spur of the moment late at night for the purpose of buying something from Etsy (you have to have an account to purchase as well as to sell). I never really had considered having a shop myself. But as I said before, I am always making something and I love doing it, thus, makingstuffwithlove seemed to fit. I wasn't very specific because I am always trying new things. Luckily the name worked when I got ready to make my little dogs, because I certainly love making them, probably more than all the different things I've tried up until now.

What would you most want people to know about your work?

I'd want people to know how much love and caring go into each one. That to me they gain little spirits. I normally know the name of who I'm working on and they are very real to me through clients that tell me stories of their behaviors and personalities. I literally can't get enough of it, and it actually helps in creating the individual dog. I can relate to these owners so well as I read of their love for their dogs. I live fighting the urge to own every needy dog in the world, so this helps me to curb that appetite.

What words of advice do you have for other artists?

First of all, I'm usually getting the advice, not giving it... I guess I'd have to say that to be happy with your art, you have to be doing something that you love. For me, to have been able to connect an art to dogs has been monumental. Of all the crafts I've done in the past, this is the one that fits just right. Customer service is of utmost importance to me. I work very closely with my clients and it is so rewarding, so I'm a big fan of custom work. I realize this doesn't happen in every niche, but if it fits you, I'd encourage others to try it. It makes art a living, breathing thing :)

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You have to go and see what Alice makes. Visit her shop now on Etsy!

Thursday, March 24, 2011

FEATURED ARTIST

Our features focus most often on craft - here we have a feature on art - a painter.




Here is our interview with the artist, Krishala.
Briefly describe what you make?

I am primarily a painter, and initially started by painting pop art works. Lately this has developed into a line of prints in my Etsy shop. Recently, i have picked up a camera and am enjoying photography. I have my 2 year old son all day with me so photography tends to be easier to do while looking after him. We go for wolks and I capture the landscapes. I will get back to painting in the fall, and will be creating larger pieces, still working with oils, and also experimenting with acrylics. I also have a clothing line, Jalousie, which is in my shop - this was created for the fun of designing a 'line' but my true passion is painting.

What mediums do you enjoy working in most?

I used to only work with oils. Lately i have been experimenting with acrylics. one thing I don't like about acrylics is that you cannot manipulate your piece over and over again as you can with oils. I do intend to try watercolour in the near future, after seeing a wonderful local exhibition which inspired me which was entirely watercolour.

How long have you been creating craft?

Only sine 2008! Just after the birth of my son, Leon. I was at home all night and he just slept and slept. so I needed something creative to do! I enjoyed art classes in school, but really my passion for art started in the summer of 2008. When I was nineteen I was very into abstract photography. I lived in Santa Monica, California and the landscapes and greenery were amazing.

How did you get started?

My boyfriend who was a photographer kept pushing me and pushing me to try and do something creative. I think he wanted to live with a like minded artist! I tried one night with a small canvas panel on the kitchen table, and was very proud of what I created. Around the same time I discovered Etsy and as soon as i started gaining hearts on my first few items, I was hooked. (Literally, Etsy is addictive people!) I would paint at night at the kitchen until one night my boyfriend came home with a huge industrial easel.

Where does the name of your shop come from?

Acacias is where i used to live. It's a suburb of Geneva, Switzerland. I added gallery as I thought it would seem more professional. The region is named after the tree Acacias.

What would you most want people to know about your work?

That I am constant exploring and trying new things, and that I put my heart into my work! I don't have formal art training, but I have been thinking of finally taking some lessons to further develop my work. I would like people to think my work is edgy, some of it isn't and I go through phases of just painting 'pretty things' but then I always have the desire to be a bit more rough, and towards the style of pop or modernism. I like the idea and hope that some people are following what I do, and seeing me grow as an artist.

What words of advice do you have for other artists?

Something that I struggle with is that I don't have a distinct style. You don't yet see a piece of mine and instantly recognize it as mine. That is something i believe can really work for you, having a signature style. Also, take good photos of your work. My earliest works which have since sold, some of them I took slightly blurry photos of them. This means sadly that I can never sell them as prints. If you take crisp excellent photos of your work, your work can live on in pendants, prints, postcards, you name it!

Also have faith in what your producing. I am getter better at believing in my work. I used to be insecure as I hadn't gone to school for art, but now I realize what I am creating is unique and precious, even if it won't be to everyone's taste, someone out there will hopefully love it.

Lastly, as another artist on Etsy told me, don't forget to paint! Then paint some more! You can get so caught up in twitter, the forums etc that you forget to produce. Sure marketing is important but try to produce new work as often as you can.

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Krishala does very nice work. Come and see her shop!

Friday, March 18, 2011

FEATURED ARTIST

We have a fiber artist to feature. Come and meet -




Here is our interview with the artist, Joyce -

Briefly describe what you make?

I am a crocheter. I make crochet items for babies, kids, teens, men, women, whomever! :) Right at the moment, my shop is filled with mainly baby and toddler hats, but I'm hoping to expand quite a bit on that and also offer patterns in the near future.

What mediums do you enjoy working in most?

Yarn! LOL. Lately my favorite has been cottons, probably just because it's been VERY warm here in New England this summer and anything heavier seems too much at the moment. I cannot wait for fall though, and add some of the warm, fuzzy, cuddly yarns to my creations!

How long have you been creating craft?

I have actually been crocheting off and on for almost 20 years!

How did you get started?

My grandmother taught me when I was younger, and I would obsessively crochet for a few months and then put it down again. This went on for a few years until I recently made a baby sweater and hat set as a baby shower gift. My two aunts own a craft store, and begged me to make more to sell at their store. So that went great, and I'm trying to keep up with keeping THAT store stocked. Then I posted a few photos on my facebook page and a bunch of people wanted to order some! That's when I decided to open my Etsy shop. It just kind of has taken off from there and I HATE to have a day go by without my hook and yarn in my hands.

Where does the name of your shop come from?

Well, the property we live at has a barn and I wanted to somehow work that into the name. My first choice was The Yarn Barn, but it appeared to be already taken. My next choice was The New England Hooker, but my husband was not crazy about that one! So "The Crochet Barn" was born.


What would you most want people to know about your work?

I guess I would want people to know how much time and effort I truly put into each creation. I have a MILLION ideas for new items swimming around in my head, and hoping to find the time to make them a reality once my little one starts school in the fall. I would want customers to realize that they are getting a true quality item that will last YEARS and probably receive quite a few compliments!

What words of advice do you have for other artists?

I think the best advice I ever got was to go with what you truly love and enjoy. In other words, don't just try to follow the "trends" of what seems to be popular and selling the best, because you will quickly get burned out. Do what you LOVE and it will show in your work.

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This is a nice shop. Come and take a look at Joyce's work and then come back here to leave a comment for her!

Thursday, February 24, 2011

FEATURED ARTIST

Here is another shop that sells a variety - come and meet



Here is our interview with the artist, Melissa -

Briefly describe what you make?

I make a variety of items. The shop started out with a faux flower hair clip, but has since expanded lol. I have light switch covers wich are completly customizable, ribbon hair clips, vinyl hair bows, fabric, ribbon and faux flower brooches, headbands, gift boxes-well a gift box, and some random art items.

What mediums do you enjoy working in most?

I like all fabric. Dupani silk being my favorite, all ribbon-except organza-I can't seem to get it to cooperate lol, any and all items from cameos, photos, buttons, clocks and watches, any random tool or item i can find in the tool box as long as it goes with how im feeling that day. Sometimes a little "odd" ;) and sometimes a little not. Nothing is safe when I have my siccors and hot glue gun.

How long have you been creating craft?

Prob since I was a child, but more on a seriouse level after I had my 3rd child in November 2009. Now its what I do all day and well, all night.

How did you get started?

I didnt open my shop untill November 2010. A year after my 3rd child. I figure if by some chance I get to do what I enjoy and also stay home with my children AND make money doing it...why not? Who wouldnt want that?

Where does the name of your shop come from?

ShamelessAK was just a name I used so that I could purchase items on Etsy. My line of products are called EverMore Accessories....by ShamelessAK. EverMore was a play on Edgar Allen Poe and the Raven (my favorite).Also ive also got just one more thing to say. I'm gonna be here and everywhere EverMore. ;)

What would you most want people to know about your work?

That I absolutley love creating personalized items and I spend many hours making sure that the 1st item and every other like it, is pefect(to me). I have a ton of "mistakes" all over my home. Every item I ship out I would wear/use myself. If not I dont even put it up for sale.

What words of advice do you have for other artists?

Remember to have fun. Not everything has to be so seriouse all the time. If your doing what you love then keep on. You may not wear a 4 inch vinyl bow in your hair now. Ask yourself why not? lol I didnt used to, but now I do. 'Cuz I love being me and you should too!

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I like that advice - "Remember to have fun." Absolutely. Go now and take a look at Melissa's shop - then come back and leave a comment here!

Thursday, February 17, 2011

FEATURED ARTIST

Come and take a look at this great shop. Here is



Here is our interview with the artist, Rebecca - and as you will see, like myself, Rebecca sells a nice variety in her shop!

Briefly describe what you make?

I make all sorts of items!!! I started out making a tutu for my daughter. Then it turned into blankets, and then I learned to crochet!!!!. After my sisters had their babies I started new items like stuffed animals, diaper cakes, and rose bouquets made from baby socks!!! Well from then on I was totally hooked!!!! I went crazy making bows, bow holders, clips, necklaces, leg warmers, scarves, and just about anything else I thought was cute!!!! There are also a ton of items I have in my mind that I would love to try and make, and hope to find a little spare time soon!!!

What mediums do you enjoy working in most?

My favorite is crocheting, although making bows and headbands is working its way closer to the top pretty quickly!! Crocheting will always have a special place in my heart though, because it always reminds me of my grandmother who used to crochet a lot before she passed away several years ago. Even though I did not crochet at the time she was alive, I can feel her looking down and smiling every time I pick up the yarn and hook.

How long have you been creating craft?

I am actually pretty new at making crafts. Several years back I started making some necklaces for myself, but gave up on it pretty quicky because I just didnt have the time to continue doing it. It was about 8 months ago that I really got into making everything I make now.

How did you get started?

I started out making things for my daughter. Then, after I realized how much fun it was, decided to also make some things for family members. After making everything for them, and needing nothing else for my daughter, I decided to sell on etsy, because I just can't stop making things! I'd probably a very stressed out person without my crafts, because it is just so relaxing to make them now!

Where does the name of your shop come from?

I chose "this and that", because thats what I want in my shop. I want people to be able to stop by, and find a little bit of everything. I love variety, and thats what I wanted to be able to offer everyone that stops in at my shop!

What would you most want people to know about your work?

I put everything I have into making each piece of work special. I always have my customers in mind, and my main goal is to work with them, and get them exactly what they want.

What words of advice do you have for other artists?

Starting out is not always easy. It take a lot of time and effort. Its hard to get your name out there. I am still working on that!!!! Advertising is so important in building up a good group of customers. Don't be afraid to just out there and get started, but don't be shocked when it doesnt take off as quickly as you would like!! With hard work and persistance, you will get there :)


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Nice! Now head on over to this shop. Then come back here and leave a nice comment for Rebecca!

Thursday, February 10, 2011

Changes at Etsy - the Online Selling Site for Handmade

Some of our readers are already aware of this as they have shops on Etsy - but there have been some recent changes at Etsy involving the site's forums which are open to all who come to the site, buyers and sellers. Many of the forums that have existed since the site opened are now gone. What remains are forums directed only at sellers - and this is a shame for the shopping public.

It was always possible before the change to announce a new item that went into a shop by using the Promotions Forum. This was a busy place. Some sellers felt that it was too busy - but it brought results. A shop could announce a new item or cleverly remind everyone of other items in the shop and buyers could go and see what was new and for sale. Discounts could be announced. Coupons could be offered. It was the only place on the site that a seller could go on their own and promote their work without paying a fee. That is now gone.

Many of my sales have come from the Promotions Forum. Many buyers have found me there and have come back as repeat customers. This was a way to get your work looked at and ultimately make a sale. Now this opportunity is gone.

There is nothing of any practical application that has taken its place. It is possible to pay to be noticed on the overall site - but why should the customer have to pay the cost for a shop to advertise - no matter what anyone will say - all expenses are reflected in the cost charged.

There is no logical reasoning offered for this change - at least not one that makes any sense to anyone selling on the site. Could the forums been revised to make them more manageable? Sure! But eliminate the ones that the general public would benefit from? No sense at all!

Several sites suddenly sprung up to take the place of the Etsy Forums and also provide a Promotions Forum. One of the most notable is UEF (Unofficial Etsy Forums). But it is too soon to see if this site has any effect on sales. And unless buyers find that site - it will do no good. Take a look at UEF. If you are looking to buy, you will find shops and new items promoted there.

Thursday, February 3, 2011

Craft Selling Venues Online

Most of the readers who come to this site know about Etsy and many have their own Etsy shops. There are changes going on at the Etsy site that may greatly have an effect on the sales potential at that site. Many are scrambling to expand to other selling venues online.

One of the problems is that many sites charge not only a setup fee but also a monthly fee to keep a shop on that site. I have looked at many sites, tried a few who either charge no fee or just a listing fee and I have not had the success that I have had making sales as I have had on Etsy. Will that success continue there remains to be seen.

A few months ago I wrote about trying a shop on a site called Zibbet. So far that shop has made no sales - and it went through the holiday season as well.

A site that many talk about is Artfire. Artfire requires payment for the site but offers a small free shop site as well. My shop at Artfire - though it only has one item listed - my best seller - has had no sales.

A site that has had sales for me is called Silkfair. I have made several sales on the Silkfair site but these have been over the course of more than two years. Silkfair is a sales site that is not just limited to art and craft. General merchandise is sold on the site as well. The owner of the site had tried hard to make it visible and bring customers to the site. There is also a way to migrate your Etsy listings to your Silkfair shop.

I have shops on two sites that are strictly art and I have photography on both and my ACEO mats on one in addition to the photography. One of those sites is Redbubble. Redbubble is a site that prints your artwork, in my case my photography, and ships it to the customer for you. All you do is upload artwork. You set the percentage of the selling price that you will get and Redbubble sets the price. You can sell prints, cards, shirts, calendars, and framed art. All of the work in production is done by Redbubble. The site is based in Australia so the shipping prices to the US are high. I have made sales on Redbubble BUT I have yet to be paid. WHY? Redbubble pays you when your sales balance reaches $50. It has been a couple of years and I have yet to reach that.

The other art site is Art by Us. Here there are no fees AT ALL. You list your artwork or art supplies and you can either set a flat price or run an ebay like auction. Listings remain for months and are easily renewable - and they are free. The site is set up with an emphasis on individual listings and not on "shops", though it is possible to create a single link to all of your listings.

So now we wait and see. Will the changes that have been announced and started to be enacted on Etsy cut down on sales? I certainly hope not but without the ability to interact on the site with potential customers, I think that there will be a downturn coming.

Thursday, January 27, 2011

Scan Instead of Photograph

I recently posted some new items in my Etsy shop and when I photographed the items the images were just coming out with colors to match actual items. I used my good camera - the one that never fails - and put the images through Photoshop to correct the color as best that I could - and still the colors were not correct. There were color casts and tones that just would not go away no matter what I tried.

I was about to give up when I thought of my scanner. Now, my new items are flat and could easily go onto the scanner bed, but I have done this in the past with fully three-dimensional items and it has worked well.

First chose a good background - a piece of color (or white) paper or cardstock. Place the object on the glass bed of the scanner. Cover the object with the background. Close the scanner cover gently on top of the item. Most scanners are made to scan open books so there will be some flex in the cover hinges to get the cover closed flat. If you find that the cover sticks up too far and too much light gets to the bed, cover the top of the scanner with a dark cloth to block the light (this is rarely necessary). Go to your computer and scan. You will get a perfect image that you can place into your software and resize, crop, or manipulate as you choose.

This won't work for everything but it works for many items - especially if they are small and relatively flat.

Recently, new technology is being introduced to scanners that work with digital camera technology rather than a light bar that scans as a photocopier does. These new scanners are actually shooting high megapixel photographs of whatever is on the bed of the scanner. One that I heard about from Lexmark is selling for about $400. I am sure more will come along and the prices will drop considerably.

Thursday, January 20, 2011

FEATURED ARTIST

Here is an artist who is creating some very unique items. Come and meet

Here is our interview with the artist, Nikki -

Briefly describe what you make?

I make clutches and wallets of all different sizes, home decorations (clocks, various decorative stuff), and jewelry (earrings & bracelets for now. I'll do necklaces when I figure out a way of making or getting nice chains instead of just having to buy them at craft stores). I've also expanded my home decor line to include stuffed food men ("Food Friends"). Everything in my shop except for the stuffed food men is made from recycled materials. Right now, the items that seem to get the most views and sales are my big and small cassette tape clutches, kitchen utensil clocks and my Food Friends.

What mediums do you enjoy working in most?

Sewing and polymer clay modeling. When I was a kid I would watch Gumby and those claymation TV shows, and be like "I so want to do that with clay". Nowadays, I love working with polymer clay because I can make my own charms for my jewelry. Sewing is probably my #1 medium though, and it surprises me that it is because I had to teach myself how to sew. I was horrible with a sewing machine in Home Ec class-I couldn't even thread one. I got much better at sewing when I got a good machine--a vintage Singer 301A--and could relax while sewing.

How long have you been creating craft?

I always loved making things when I was a kid, but I didn't really get started full-time with crafting until about 2005 when I didn't have a whole lot of money to buy stuff and realized I could make what I wanted.

How did you get started?

I saw a girl in my acting class in college with a purse made out of Ramen Noodle soup bags, and I really wanted it, and by that I mean I REALLY wanted it. In fact, I wanted it so bad that I devised a way to sew that same bag by hand for myself. I worked at Wal-Mart at the time so I strolled through the craft section, found some vinyl material, and got to work. I had so much fun doing it and looking at the finished product, I knew that I wanted to keep doing it, so I came up with more and more ideas and my hobby grew from there. I knew I wanted to set up shop a couple years ago because I got to the point where I said to myself, "Why keep all this cool stuff just locked up in the house?"--I wanted to share my crafts with others.

Where does the name of your shop come from?

I wanted something that was original, but also sort of described the kind of crafting that I was aiming at. I describe my crafting as being done on sugar highs because I tend to like bright, happy designs in my work, and my work is also very youthful and kid-friendly. I remembered years ago when I would watch cartoons, that sugar cereal was called "Sugar Shox", so I thought that would be a great name for my business as it sort of describes the kind of designs I like. Plus it's short, catchy, & has a nice rhythm to it.

What would you most want people to know about your work?

I love creating new things out of old things. Some call it recycling, some call it upcycling, some call it garbage picking...:) To me, there's just nothing better that you can do than to give something old a new use. I'm also pretty much a big kid (I never really liked becoming an adult LOL), and I like to remember things from when I was younger--that is where my retro cassette tape line comes from. I know there's others who feel like I do too, and I also design things to remember those carefree summer vacation days where all you had to worry about was whether you'd go swimming that day.

What words of advice do you have for other artists?

Don't give up, even the smallest progress is better than nothing. You can build from even the tiniest step. Also, don't let anything stop you from doing what makes you happy--I know I'm certainly not happy just going about the old 9 to 5 workday, coming home and doing it all again the next day. That's no way to live--you have to find out what makes you happy and do it! Even if you only can do a few minutes a day of something. Doing what you love works wonders and actually works better than professional therapy!

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Nice interview. Head on over now to Nikki's shop and take a look. Come on back and then leave a comment!

Thursday, January 13, 2011

FEATURED ARTIST

Here is a jewelery artist that you really should see. Come and meet

Here is our interview with the artist -

Briefly describe what you make?

I make all kinds of beaded jewelry, and I also love to paint, but the main focus of Sweet Avenue at the moment is my collage pendants. I use patterned paper, acrylic tiles, and transferred images to make colorful and lightweight, graphic pendants. The other thing you will see a lot of in my shop is jewelry and hair accessories made with vintage-inspired resin flowers. I started making them purely for selfish reasons - I love to wear them myself!

What mediums do you enjoy working in most?

When I am creating visual art, it's mostly acrylic paints, but also charcoal with ink, and pastels. With jewelry - semi-precious stones, beads of all shapes and sizes, paper, plastic, fabric, wood, ink, all types of metal - basically anything you can think of that can be turned into a cool-looking piece of jewelry, I will use.

How long have you been creating craft?

Over twenty years now, I guess! Although, growing up my mother always encouraged our creativity, so I suppose I've been creating since I was born. I've always been a very passionate person. Apparently, when I was three or four years old, I had a crush on the boy who lived next door, so I painted him a picture, and ran out to give it to him - completely naked! Kids are great because they just do what they want to without worrying about what's proper. I think good artists are the same way.

How did you get started?

I started beading with seed beads when I was eight years old at summer camp. I learned how to make daisy chain, tube peyote stitch, seven bead lace....and it just progressed from there. When I got older, I became more interested in gemstone beads, fashion jewelry (why buy it in the store when you can make it yourself?), and most recently, multimedia jewelry. I have sold jewelry in various ways over the years, including one summer at my parent's farm stand. I decided to open an Etsy shop just this year, and "officially" opened in May. Things have been going really well, and I'm hoping to continue to build momentum. You can also now find my things at the boutique called Trinket on Church Street in downtown Burlington, Vermont.

Where does the name of your shop come from?

The name of my shop comes from the beautiful song "Sweet Avenue" by the band Jets to Brazil, whose singer used to front one of my favorite bands of all time - Jawbreaker. It also happens to be the song that my sister and her husband danced to at their wedding. So besides simply being a song that I love, the song has good memories associated with it.

What would you most want people to know about your work?

One is that I make the things I make because I think they are beautiful, and I love them. I never make a piece purely because I think it will sell. The other is that when they buy a piece of jewelry, or even if they just tell me that they think it's beautiful, they are supporting an important part of me, a part that I don't get to express in my day-to-day, 9-to-5 job. It brings me so much happiness.

What words of advice do you have for other artists?

Follow your heart, support your fellow artists, and dream big! On a more serious note, if you are in business, stay organized and keep good records. You'll be glad that you did!


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Now, take a look at this shop and come back here and leave a comment.

Thursday, January 6, 2011

FEATURED ARTIST

We are back after the Holidays with another artist interview. Come and meet


Here is our interview with the artist, Sarah -

Briefly describe what you make?

I have fabric bookmarks and reusable gift bags in my shop, but I primarily create fabric flowers to be used as an accessory. My Esty shop is relatively new to me and so is this process of creating products to sell. So I am still finding myself and what it is I want to present to the world. Right now I am in the midst of a rainbow-licious project that will include quilts, placemats, bags and more.

What mediums do you enjoy working in most?

I love to work with fabric. The minute my mother gifted me with a sewing machine I was hooked. I love to draw, paint, take photographs and create will sorts of mediums, but I feel I can best offer people quality products of value through sewing.

How long have you been creating craft?

How long? Um...Can you count creating storybooks as a child? =) I'd say I started the love affair with sewing about 8 years ago.

How did you get started?

It all started one winter when I was home from college for Christmas. I was an Environmental Science major and young, which meant I thought I could save the world. Coincidently my mother was slowly taking over my room and was storing her sewing machine and fabric in there. I was inspired to sew dozens of cloth gift bags in order to cut down on the amount of wrapping paper we threw away every Christmas morning. It snowballed from there. Both my mother and mother in law now have hundreds of cloth bags for Christmas and other special occassions. I wanted to challenge myself to new projects and along came blankets and quilts. Now I just want to see how I can challenge fabric to mold into the images I see in my head.

Where does the name of your shop come from?

When I began to acrue more inventory than I could handle I knew it was time to start selling my products. I had just heard about Etsy on some blogs and thought this would be a great way to start. My friend and I brainstormed some shop names and she came up with Seamingly Sarah. It was perfect! I remain open to outside influences and offers of help because sometimes they are just what you need, a blessing.

What would you most want people to know about your work?

I really want people to know that (a) I love to create with fabric, (b) I truly believe each product they receive from me is made with love, pure, true, love and (c) I intend to create products that can be used over and over again, cutting down on the waste we produce in this life.

What words of advice do you have for other artists?

Words of advice? This question scares me because I deal with my own inner battle that I am a good enough artist. A large reason I started Seamingly Sarah was because I wanted to explore who I am as an artist and realize and accept my creativity - nourish and grow it. So the advice that has inspired me just to get started has been to (a) just do it, we have so many ideas go through our heads yet rarely follow through, take a step, even a small one, (b) only do it if you enjoy the process, don't get hung up on the results and (c) find a mantra to counter attack your deepest fears - mine is "I am a valuable artist"

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Great! Now go and see Sarah's shop and come back and leave a comment!