THE ART OF CRAFT

We are still here...

2011-08-15T01:55:00.002-04:00

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!

2011-04-14T17:35:00.001-04:00

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.

FEATURED ARTIST

2011-04-07T17:30:00.000-04:00

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!

FEATURED ARTIST

2011-03-31T17:37:00.000-04:00

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!

FEATURED ARTIST

2011-03-24T17:28:00.001-04:00

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!

FEATURED ARTIST

2011-03-18T12:16:00.003-04:00

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!

FEATURED ARTIST

2011-02-24T17:48:00.001-05:00

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!

FEATURED ARTIST

2011-02-17T17:38:00.003-05:00

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!

Changes at Etsy - the Online Selling Site for Handmade

2011-02-10T19:17:00.002-05:00

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.

Craft Selling Venues Online

2011-02-03T17:44:00.000-05:00

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.

Scan Instead of Photograph

2011-01-27T17:30:00.004-05:00

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.

FEATURED ARTIST

2011-01-20T18:30:00.000-05:00

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!

FEATURED ARTIST

2011-01-13T17:34:00.002-05:00

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!

__________________

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

FEATURED ARTIST

2011-01-06T17:36:00.000-05:00

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"

__________________

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

Happy Holidays to ALL!

2010-12-24T17:40:00.000-05:00

I just would like to wish all of our readers very happy holidays and a joyous new year! Let's all hope that 2011 will see an improving economy and a renewed growth in retail sales. We will have many artists to feature in the coming year! Our best to all!

FEATURED ARTIST

2010-12-17T17:49:00.001-05:00

This artist has some wonderful things for the tots! Come and meet

Here is our interview with the artist, Gwen -

Briefly describe what you make?

I design and sew blanket dolls for babies and small children. They can also be called loveys. Blanket dolls have been widely used in Europe as a comforting toy for babies. The idea is that mom sleeps with the doll for a few days and the fabric will absorb her scent. Then when baby is snuggling with the doll it can smell the comforting and familiar scent of the mother and it will soothe the baby by letting it know that mom is near.

What mediums do you enjoy working in most?

Ever since I saw minky fabrics for the first time I have been hooked. The softness and texture of the fabric is just perfect for baby items. I have made so many minky blankets for my two babies and for friends. I just can’t get enough of that fabric. I’ve always been tempted to make a large blanket for myself, but somehow I just have not gotten around to it yet.

How long have you been creating craft?

I have been crafting for as long as I can remember. My mother always did little craft projects with my sister and I growing up. We mostly made little clothes for our dolls and as we got older we stared to make furniture for our dollhouse. I also had a wonderful grandmother how was patient and taught me how to knit and crochet when I was really young. Most of my crafting has always revolved around sewing or knitting. I have somewhat turned my love for creating and designing into my full time job. I have been working as an architect for the last 10 years and love what I do. It is another creative outlet for me, granted the materials used are not as soft, but I get the same satisfaction from my day job as I do from crafting.

How did you get started?

I got started with my Etsy shop just a couple of months ago, back in May. I’ve been browsing Etsy for the last 3 years and always thought that one day I would love to open my own shop. But being a brand new working mother I just couldn’t believe I’d somehow be able to manage my time well enough to pull of
such a big endeavor.

When my second daughter was about 9 months old I just had this urge to design her a doll that she could cuddle with at night. She was having a terrible time sleeping through the night and I thought that if she had a truly snuggly companion to hold on to it might help her. My husband and I also noticed that she was never able to find her pacifier in her crib in the dark, so I wanted this doll to help with that problem as well. I worked on several different prototypes and after a couple of months and a lot of input from family and friends I arrived at the Blossom Baby doll which is currently featured in my Etsy shop. I made a few of these dolls for my friends’ babies as well and everyone seemed to really like them. Especially the babies! Mabel immediately took to her Blossom Baby and by tying her pacifier to the feelers of her doll we have been able to enjoy long sleep-filled nights.

After having some success with my daughter and with friends, my sister encouraged me to look into starting my own Etsy store and I decided to just go for it. It has been a huge learning experience. Designing and sewing the dolls is the easy part for me. Setting up and promoting the store has been a wonderful challenge. I am constantly trying to improve the doll as well as my shop and am now working on a new product that I am hoping to start selling in August. I will also be adding new blanket dolls to my shop where the flower hat will be replaced with a star hat, the new Star Snuggles.

Where does the name of your shop come from?

The name of my shop “Mabelise” was inspired by my two beautiful little girls, Mabel who is just about to turn 2 and Elise who will be 5 years old soon. Initially I thought about naming the shop “Elise and Mabel” but after kicking around some other ideas with my sister, we came up with Mabelise. My husband was very opposed to this name in the beginning because it is just so similar to Maybelline but I simply loved that with one name I could dedicate my work to both of my children. Especially since the doll was originally designed for them. Elise has her own doll as well that she is really fond of.

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

Making these dolls has truly been a labor of love for me. I have invested so much heart and soul into these little creatures and love the idea that somewhere out there another baby or child may be comforted by one of my dolls. Every doll is completely handmade. The production of these dolls is partly done on my Singer sewing machine and partly by hand stitching. The faces are all individually embroidered by hand and I feel that in turn each doll has it’s own personality and each one is unique.

What words of advice do you have for other artists?

My advice for other artists is to simply follow your passion. There are so many amazing shops in the Etsy community and so many talented artists who are just inspiring. Even if their medium is completely different from mine, seeing their artwork just encourages me to keep going. Opening and running a successful store on Etsy takes a lot of time and energy and patience. I am a very new shop owner myself and still have very far to go, but there is so much help out there in the community. Etsy is a great place to showcase your artwork and your craft, but it does take a lot of hard work. As I mentioned earlier, for me the hard part is not making my dolls, but it is running my Etsy shop itself. I think as long as you are able to take the time to learn all the different aspects of running and promoting a shop you can have a successful shop. The one thing that I never really considered when I started was how difficult it can be to achieve great photos of my items. It is the number one thing that I am trying to improve. Since no one is ever able to actually touch and feel my dolls, I need the pictures to really show off my items. So I guess besides following your passion, if you are considering opening up your own Etsy shop, learn to become a great photographer.

How do you comply with the CPSIA requirements for children’s products?

All my products are made from materials that are on the exempt list for lead testing. I am required, however, to have sewn on labels on my items for tracking purposes. These labels contain my brand name and website, the materials used, care instructions, and date and place of manufacture. Currently I make those labels myself with approved fabric and inks.

______________________________

Great interview! Please come and look at what Gwen has in her shop! They make great gifts!

GAMES FOR THE HOLIDAYS!

2010-12-10T16:46:00.005-05:00

Everyone enjoys a good game and I make three great ones. These are perfect gifts for the family, for friends, for anyone on your gift list. OR just for you! Treat yourself once in a while!

My games are historic reproductions - but history does not have to be boring! Just because a game has been played for hundreds of years - in one case thousands of years - does not mean that the game will not be enjoyed just as much today!

Here are the games! And you can purchase them at Q Branch Ltd.

FEATURED ARTIST

2010-12-03T17:38:00.000-05:00

Here is a great gift idea. Come and meet

Here is our interview with the artist, Stacy -

Briefly describe what you make?

Socks. I have two main flavors that I have listed in my shop: tabi (traditional Japanese, split-toe socks) and my Simple Luxury line.

What mediums do you enjoy working in most?

I enjoy working with natural fiber yarns. There are some synthetics that work well for me and my current focus, but I really find the most inspiration and pleasure working with fiber from animals, be it common wool or luscious cashmere or alpaca. There's just something about the way it handles and suits itself to socks that appeals to me.

There are some amazing synthetics and alternatives to natural fibers for those who are vegan, allergic/sensitive, or just want something else, so don't think I'm putting down those fibers. Just a personal preference for my current production. :)

How long have you been creating craft?

I've been creating since I was tiny. My mother is an amazing craftswoman, and made all of our clothes growing up, from jeans to sweaters to underwear. There's nothing she can't do, if she decides to take the time to try. From my earliest memories, I remember making modeling clay sculptures, learning how to decorate Easter eggs, helping her with her baking, and drinking straw and card towers.

How did you get started?

I started knitting at around age 9. My mom gave up her knitting for other pursuits a few years before, so I had an heirloom collection of knitting needles (some over 100 years old!) and patterns and books to start. I taught myself, and my mom helped me out when I needed it. I've taken breaks from it, and really picked it back up again about seven years ago.

Socks became my focus as I tried to eliminate my husband and father from stuffing their regular socks into flip flops, and I haven't looked back. I sold them at craft shows and fairs for a few years, but developed health problems, moved, and wasn't able to get back into that sort of production. I started my own website and Etsy shop a little over a year ago, and have found it a great way to maintain my older clients and find new ones without the physical demands.

Where does the name of your shop come from?

I don't really know, to be honest! When I first toyed with selling my socks, it's the name that popped into my head and stuck. I wanted a name that related to feet without being totally foot oriented, and thought it was cute and quirky and fit with my theme pretty well.

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

I've found that a lot of people shy away from my products because of my primary use of natural fibers. There's a pretty common feeling that natural fibers are hard to care for and super picky, but there's a natural fiber (or fiber blend) out there for every lifestyle and care regimen. I try to link my easy peasy instructions for washing my socks in my listings, and I've had people try out wool for the first time and that makes me happy. :)

I'd also like people to give a pair of handmade socks a try. I hear a lot of '$50 for socks? I can buy 10 pairs at for half that!', and I'd almost like to hand those people a pair with the instructions to wear them a week and report back. Not everyone likes, appreciates, or cares about the difference, but I like to think that you can feel the warmth from the creator in each pair. There's a common line out there that says that handmade socks are like hugs for your feet, and I truly believe that. Besides, where else can you get socks knit to fit your foot specifically?

What words of advice do you have for other artists?

At least once, try one thing at a time and experiment within that area, rather than bouncing from new thing to new thing. I used to feel like I was most creative and had the best ideas when I bounced from craft to craft, but I've found that I can be more creative when I spend time focused in a more narrow area. Experiment with colors, textures, and patterns and you might find a new path to take.

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Nice! Now, come and look!

FEATURED ARTIST

2010-11-26T18:26:00.000-05:00

This artist creates something useful in everyone's home. Come and meet

Here is our interview with the artist -

Briefly describe what you make?

I create unique hand painted accent pillows for home or office decor. I like to think of them as 'that little something extra' that adds a bit of art without using wall space, or as a point of interest in a space that could use some spark!

What mediums do you enjoy working in most?

When I first began experimenting, I used permanent ink on different kinds of fabric until I found what worked best for me, then began using paint in order to expand my use of colour. Currently, I continue to use high quality fabric paint with a mix of fabrics to vary the look and to appeal to a wider variety of customers.

How long have you been creating craft?

I started sketching my shoes just for fun almost one year ago, things evolved from that point on and I now have an Etsy shop that I enjoy spending time in!

How did you get started?

After a long and rewarding career with a large Canadian corporation, I retired and began a quest to try some things I had never done before. One of these thoughts included trying my hand at some form of art; what it might be was unknown at that time. I have always loved shoes, and I thought it might be fun to use some of my high heels as subjects of inspiration for sketches. I did this, and the idea to create hand painted pillows followed. Although I had never sewn, with my husband's encouragement, I bought a small sewing machine, did some reading online on how to make pillow covers, then proceeded to make my first pillow!

From there, it's been a steady evolution, and I'm now thrilled to say my pillows have found homes all over North America!

Where does the name of your shop come from?

My shop name 'fancy4u' is actually a name I made up in haste when I found something on Etsy I wanted to buy, but needed a username! This was long before I had any plans to open a shop on Etsy. When you visit my shop you will notice my banner says 'PillowArt' and that is the name I will use when Etsy allows us to make those changes in future.

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

I like the idea of my pillows being used to change or freshen the decor in a home without needing to go to a lot of expense. My pieces can add a fun twist or accent to the theme in a room's decor, or become the starting point to build theme in a room. To me, there is nothing like a unique handmade piece of art to bring a room alive and add fun and flair. I have become such a fan of handmade and Etsy is the place to find 'that perfect something' you're looking for!

What words of advice do you have for other artists?

You must always have fun creating, no matter what it is you're working on. Be prepared to work hard at getting exposure for your craft, the hard work will pay off and many other people will ultimately be able to appreciate your creations also!

____________________________

Come look, come buy. This is a shop not to be missed.

FEATURED ARTIST

2010-11-18T17:38:00.000-05:00

This artist does something that is a bit different from the others that we have interviewed. Come and meet

Here is our interview with the artist, Suzanne

Briefly describe what you make?

I screen print original designs and drawings that I create and then put onto t-shirts, totes, onesies and hankies. I try to come up with things that speak to me that hopefully speak to others. Some of my designs are image based and a few are text based. A simple onesie with hand drawn trucks or fresh grown flowers can be found in my shop. And contrastly, you can find a simple "Romance is Dead" piece on another shirt that I wrote, designed and printed. You can also find designs that have been test printed onto a shirt or bag. This is where the first print of a screen is tested so I can see how the ink coverage is working. I use the entire shirt or bag, covering it with these tests, so they are mix matched and fun.

What mediums do you enjoy working in most?

Definitely screen printing, which is perfectly matched for my design work. I have a degree from Herron School of Art and Design, which has been around for more than a hundred years! I'm found on my computer or with my sketch book in hand a lot while I'm home.

How long have you been creating craft?

I've been an artist, since I was young, starting off focusing on painting with oils while I was in high school. When I went to college I ended up discovering Visual Communication, which is graphic design, and fell in love. It's amazing how imagery and text beautifully put together can communicate powerfully. It just doesn't have to say something, it can be beautiful, or purposely ugly. This is the power you have as the designer or artist to evoke feelings and send messages. Sometimes it can be a way to work through things personally or celebrate things...visual communication is universal. Everyone has something to say, some people want to hear what you have to say, some agree, and some don't, which is totally fine. We are all so different, it's just fun personally to say what I want to say creatively. I've been screen printing for 2 years.

How did you get started?

I've been interested in printmaking since college. But since I paid for college myself, I was very selective of the classes I took. But my hunger for printmaking grew.

So, using a garden hose and the sunlight, I began teaching myself how to screen print. It took a few months to get the process down and I'm still finding that I'm learning more and more about screen printing the longer I do it. And I have to say, teaching myself the process by trial and error has made this experience more emotional than I would expect. A successful exposure and print made my day! It felt so good to get it right. And oppositely but equally, when I didn't succeed I felt like tossing the screen into the trash! Learning from my own mistakes was very gratifying. I felt like I conquered something that at one point I knew nothing about. How fun is that!?

Where does the name of your shop come from?

Speak For Yourself. It is a bold and powerful thing to speak for yourself. Standing up and speaking up, sometimes that takes guts and can be a scary thing, but I think it is hugely important. Be brave. Also, communication is so important, we can all strive to be open and sometimes just a little more honest. It is a vulnerable thing to do, but I think it pays off in the end. You can be stronger personally and speak up for yourself, others, the environment, disease, all types of things, that's how the ball gets rolling, and if you do it effectively, you can change things!

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

My work is something I'm compelled to do, I'm passionate. I like to have fun. I love beautiful things. I'm honest and I think my work is too. I love what I do, it can be scary making things for other people, but it's exciting when people appreciate it or can identify with my work.

What words of advice do you have for other artists?

Keep your chin up! I think it is difficult for some artists [obviously me :)] to continue putting yourself out there and seeing what others think of you and your work. Art is subjective, and sometimes what your saying people disagree with or don't get the feeling behind it. If you're a sensitive person this can be challenging, but if you can stay positive, that is the key.

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Great interview. Come and see this shop! Then come back and leave a comment!

FEATURED ARTIST

2010-11-04T17:17:00.000-04:00

We are featuring a fiber artist. Come and meet

Here is our interview with the artist, Diane:

Briefly describe what you make?

Figuratively? I make people laugh (I hope). Literally, I crochet all sorts of items- hats, scarves, mug cozies, ipod cases, etc, etc. I love yarn, bright colors, and have a short attention span. So crochet ticked all the boxes.

What mediums do you enjoy working in most?

As stated, I love yarn. So in addition to crochet I also knit. However I like calling myself a hooker which is why crochet took the top spot. Aside from crochet I very lightly dabble in photography and painting.

How long have you been creating craft?

I'm not what you would consider a crafty person. For example, I buy all the stuff to make an awesome scrapbook of a summer vacation and then it just sits there gathering dust. That being said, I enjoy making things. The universe says you can't make stuff. It all exists and we just manipulate the atoms. But when I take a ball of yarn and make it into something you can wear or use, well, it's as close to being a god as I'm ever going to get.

How did you get started?

A neighbor taught me to knit when I was about 10. I thought it was cool that I could carry around sharp, pointy sticks. I learned to crochet a little over a year ago. From the moment I learned I was hooked (pun intended).

Where does the name of your shop come from?

When I was learning to crochet I had a day job I dreaded. By dread I mean every fiber of my being turned to stone the moment I pulled into the parking lot of my office. I could barely get down the side walk. It was like walking through peanut butter to force myself to show up. Crochet was/is a stress relief and it was not work. It was pure pleasure. So my shop is KnotWork, meaning no matter how busy I get or how frustrating it can be, it is still not work to me in the literal sense.

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

For those who crochet or knit you understand the time it takes. The items may seem costly to many because our society simply doesn't value yarn. And while our materials may cost less than say the silver wire to wrap around a lovely bead- it is our time and expertise you are paying for. So many people think they can knit or crochet. And yes, many people can with lots of practice. But we've already practiced and perfected and we sat there for three hours making that hat. Please remember that when you're distracted by those shiny beads at the table next to ours at a craft show. :)

What words of advice do you have for other artists?

Decide whether this is simply an art/hobby or a business. If it's a business then you should keep trying new things and see what sells. If it's a hobby, or your art, keep trying new things if you want to be challenged. But don't stubbornly stick to what you like and wonder why no one else wants to buy it. However, always make sure that your personality comes through in your work as that is what makes you truly unique.

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Great interview! And some great items just in time for holiday shopping! Go and check out Diane's shop. Then come on back and leave a comment!

New Site

2010-11-01T01:27:00.001-04:00

Come take a look at a new photo blog site that I have created to feature my photography. The images will be added twice a week on Tuesdays and Fridays. Most images will be available for sale at one of the sites that I am on. Come and see PAST PERFECT.

New Addition

2010-10-21T17:45:00.002-04:00

I have just added a new version of my popular and historic Pirate's Box Game to my shop. This is a portable, pocket version of the game. And just as historically correct!

The pocket version is played the same way and is just as much fun - perhaps even more so when you can stash it in your pocket and take it anywhere that you go!

This was a gambling game that was played by pirates and adventurers in seaports and aboard ships around the world for 250+ years.

Now, it is fun for all. It is a challenging game of strategy. Wager on the outcome and it is back to the days of the pirates when treasure's were won and lost at this game.

The game is played with dice and number tokens. The game can be learned in a minute or two and will be played for hours at a time. The best part of this game is that it can be played alone when no one else is around to play and still be fun. It may be played by any number of players.

EACH GAME TOKEN HAS BEEN KISSED BY FIRE AS IS BEFITTING A PIRATE!

You get 9 rustic number game tokens that measure over 1.25" in diameter of solid wood, two "faux bone" dice, and a cloth bag to keep it in and carry it in. The game instructions are laminated and fit in the bag with the playing pieces. The pocket version of the game sells for $12 plus shipping.

This makes a great gift for holidays, birthday, or just for you!

I Don't Think I Want to Do Craft Shows Anymore

2010-10-14T18:14:00.000-04:00

We have been doing craft shows for more than twenty five years. In the past five years or so, craft shows have become overwhelmed with vendors selling imported, commercial merchandise. So much so that you can hardly find the handmade among the garbage that is being sold. There was a time when these "buy and sell" vendors would try to hide that what they were selling was commercial - they would take the stickers off that say "Made in China", they would remove the commercial packaging, and hide the shipping cartons that it all was delivered to them in from the factory. Not anymore. Now the imports are just put out on display with the packaging and the stickers of origin - and the cartons stacked behind the tables.

We recently did a craft show that we have been doing for twenty years. This is actually the only show that we have done for several years now since the commercial vendors overtook the other shows that we do. As we are sitting in on booth we are seeing people walking by with commercial holiday decorations and kids with plastic toys. One woman and daughter came up to look at my wife's collector teddy bears (which sell for all of $5) and the daughter was deciding which one she liked. There was a discussion and then the mother said, "Ok, if you would rather have the Webkin, we will go back to that booth and buy it now." And then they walked away. Webkin? Craft? Of course not. Webkins are commercial dolls. And they were being sold at this so-called "craft show". I then decided to walk around the show and see for myself. I walked up and down the first two aisles of this large show. On those first two aisles alone there were 28 booths selling commercial items (exclusively). This was the majority of booths in those aisles. Moving along to the rest of the show, the same was found. It was hard to find the crafts and easy to see who was getting business - the guys selling jewelery for $3 / 2 for $5. All of which was commercial. With this there is just no way to compete.

In the past at this particular show we would come away with a profit for the day of several hundred dollars. This year we barely sold over the entrance fee for the show - which means that we gave away all that we sold and then lost money.

We have been told - complain to the show promoter. We have done this several times - and each time we were not invited to come back to do the show while the buy and sell vendors returned. All of the shows that we have done, including this one, are juried to get in. Obviously, whoever is jurying the show does not know what they are looking at OR just does not care. And no one ever comes around to see that what you are actually selling at the show is what was juried. The people next to us were selling commercial candy - in the wrappers. Did someone jury Hershey bars?

This is not just a local problem. The professional craft trade magazines have noted this as well - and not just with local shows but with the large "exclusive" shows as well.

It is a disgrace when someone shopping at a craft show comes up and looks at your craft and says "Oh, is this handmade?" A polite, of course, is the answer, but they look astonished that anyone would actually make things to sell. And in essence, they really don't care. And they certainly do not appreciate the time and talent that goes into the items that need to sell for more than the imports.

No, I don't think I want to do craft shows anymore.

FEATURED ARTIST

2010-10-07T17:25:00.000-04:00

Here is an artist who works in various media. I would like to introduce you to

Here is our interview with the artist, Kelli -

Briefly describe what you make?

I make a lot of things, but my true love is painting. I paint on canvas, wood, furniture, walls, floors, you name it. I also love making hair clips and bows and handcrafted jewelry. I love things that make people go, "Where did you get that???? It is so fun and unique!" I have a new line of up cycled barn wood paintings that are getting noticed quickly locally and on etsy too...that excites me.

What mediums do you enjoy working in most?

I love acrylic paint the most and the more I mix it the more I like it...I am a color lover and mixing interesting colors and hues is fun for me. I love to layer paintings to bring out a bright, vivid mix of colors.

How long have you been creating craft?

I don't' remember not painting...so my entire life I suppose. I consider my first real paintings to be the set I did when I was nine months pregnant with my son. He is 8 now. They are of an elephant, an alligator and a monkey. I couldn't find what I wanted and whipped them out while my parents and my husband painted Greer's nursery. I finished in much less time than they did and couldn't wait for the walls to dry to get them up. I got so many compliments on them I started doing paintings for other people and it just kept growing from there. I sell at a lot of local craft shows now, but am new to selling on etsy. I am hoping to build a fan base there like the one I have locally. I began making jewelry a few years ago and started selling it almost immediately. I began making hair bows when I had my little girl and wanted to make some for her. I used my extra stock to make more to sell and they took off fast.

How did you get started?

I just went for it. It was word of mouth at first and still many customers come from the word spreading of satisfied customers. I am still working on my etsy store and am a newbie there. I am frugal with my shop and only put money into it from sales. This supports my habit of creating and allows me to continue doing it even when the economy is down.

Where does the name of your shop come from?

I used my name a long time ago on my very first business cards and have just kept it ever since. I have thought about changing it over the years, but it is working for me. I include my middle initial as a nod to my Dad who I adore.

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

That a lot of obsessive compulsiveness goes into each piece...into each stroke really. I try my best to have the best possible craftsmanship and I don't make anything unless I am enjoying making it. I always want this to be fun...never something I dread or that feels like work.

What words of advice do you have for other artists?

Go for it! And do everything you can to get it out there. I keep a list of strategies and ideas and haven't implemented them all yet, but I am always planning my next move and prioritizing what that move should be. Do what you love and love what you do!!! That's what life is all about, right??? If not it should be.

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Wonderful interview. Wonderful shop - come see!

FEATURED ARTIST

2010-09-30T17:15:00.000-04:00

We are featuring a fiber artist who is tuning out some great work. Come and meet

Here is our interview with the artist - Karen!

Briefly describe what you make?

I make mostly items made from fabric. I've designed a "mini clutch" that I am very proud of. I also make knitting/crochet/jewelers organizers. My husband bought me a nice embroidery machine and I am creating fun messages to put on those organizers. For the Christmas season I also offer salt dough ornaments.

What mediums do you enjoy working in most?

My favorite medium is fabric. But I was a floral designer for 30 years and sometimes get an itch to make arrangements again.

How long have you been creating craft?

I've been sewing my own clothes since I was 14 years old. 40 years later I'm still thrilled to create something to wear from a square of fabric....that just amazes me!

How did you get started?

I took a sewing class in junior high... was flunking it sadly! One day I just picked out a pattern, cut it out and began sewing. Hours later I had something to wear that I had made all by myself! Well that started me out big time! My mother had made all my clothes up until then. Now I make clothes for anyone. My favorite was the Football Hall of Famer, Bobby Bell (GO CHIEFS!) He wanted a KC Chiefs shirt like the one that I was wearing! I made him a shirt that fit his long arms and torso. I've seen him wearing it too! That made me feel so proud! His wife ordered a shirt for herself too!

Where does the name of your shop come from?

When my husband and I were moving from Connecticut to Kansas City I was planning to open up a flower shop. I wanted something that made one think of home...relatives make me think of home...I am an Aunt and Aunt Karen's Flower Shop became the name of my florist shop. Everyone in town referred to me as Aunt Karen, my customers, neighbors, the mayor, everyone! So Aunt Karen was just the logical move for my online store. I create everything in it so... Aunt Karen's Creations voila!

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

I want people to know that because I love everything that I create, they will be getting great quality, imagination and often whimsy when they choose my things. My mini clutches are my own design and I am proud that they are so versatile! I even have friends in wheelchairs that swear by them! On one of my knitting needle cases I embroidered the words in mirror reverse...it's saying? "I knit for my sanity!" What better way to express that than in an unconventional way?

What words of advice do you have for other artists?

Hmmmm, it's difficult to advise artists on their art so I won't go there. There will be times when someone asks you to make something that you truly don't like - the end result is just not what you wanted. Sometimes artists most famous work was something that they detested! Your followers know what they want and what they want from you...so go with it! You can make your next piece for you ... and someone else will love it too!

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Great interview!

Come and see Karen's shop for yourself!

FEATURED ARTIST

2010-09-23T17:46:00.000-04:00

This featured artist makes an interesting assortment of accessories. Come and meet

Here is our interview with the artist, Julie -

Briefly describe what you make?

I make unique clothing and accessories for girls and women, using interesting vintage elements like millinery flowers and quilt patches. At the moment I have mostly headbands, pins, and sundresses, but I'm hoping to expand soon into skirts, tops, and crocheted and knitted items. I'd also love to experiment with making some stationery with my fashion illustrations on it!

What mediums do you enjoy working in most?

Oh, gosh, I love it all... At the moment, I'm doing a lot of sewing and crocheting, which lets me work with two of my favorite crafting materials, fabric and yarn. When it comes to fabric, my heart still belongs to my very favorite-- floral cotton. It's great for everything from dresses to purses to rosettes for hair accessories, and it looks pretty on everyone. I also love to draw, especially fashion illustrations, and for those I use Chartpak markers (which have a lovely, wet, almost watercolor feel to work with), Prismacolor colored pencils, and a variety of other oddments, including eye shadow, q-tips, and pen-and-ink.

How long have you been creating craft?

I've always been making things-- my mom used to come downstairs in the morning and find me at the kitchen table, working busily on one craft project or another. I started drawing clothing when I was about 6, and my first sewing adventure was at age 10 or so. I joined a 4-H sewing group, and made a really atrocious smiley-face print dress, which I proceeded to slice up the middle when I tried to serge the inside edges. Whoops. I come from a family of artists, so creativity and crafts were always strongly encouraged.

How did you get started?

I'm not exactly sure where my desire to design clothing, in particular came from, but it was there from a very young age. Then, after I'd drawn clothing, I wanted to learn how to make it, so I started creating outfits for my dolls. I was especially fond of cutting up socks to make very chic (to my 8-or-9-year-old mind) little tube dresses for my Barbies. Before long, I wanted to do more than that, and I became very involved with miniatures, and began experimenting with polymer clay foods and little hand-sewn objects for my dollhouse. By age 14, I was sewing on a regular basis, and then at 15 I had a spectacular sewing teacher who really inspired me and helped me with my technique. (Thank you Mrs. Wells!) My grandmother taught me to knit when I was 16, and as soon as I saw amigurumi I just had to learn to crochet, and learned from books and websites. I've always had the urge to create, and I was fortunate enough to have parents who encouraged that. Now I'm going into my third year at the Fashion Institute of Technology for fashion design.

Where does the name of your shop come from?

The name of my shop is somewhat less than deeply meaningful, I'm afraid. My name is Julie Rose, and I spend the vast majority of my time sewing. Also... I couldn't resist the rhyme.

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

I think an artist's intent really comes through in their final piece or item. To me, it's really important that someone wearing one of my creations feels effortlessly pretty and feminine. It's also important that my pieces be functional-- durable, nonrestrictive, and viable wardrobe and accessory options for the modern woman. I truly love every piece of clothing and every accessory that I create, and I always hope that it's as enjoyable for a woman to wear one of my pieces as it was for me to create it.

What words of advice do you have for other artists?

Know that your work is valid. It's so easy for people to de-value creativity, but it is something that no amount of money can buy. When you feel the urge to create, create. Art is something that will never be able to be manufactured, and even though it isn't always easy to find them, there are people out there who will fall in love with your work. Also, that creative "dry spells" happen, and even though they're scary, they're not insurmountable. You'll make it through, something will inspire you to pick up the pencil or the sewing machine or the paintbrush again, every time.

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Great! Come and see all of the nice things that Julie makes right here!

FEATURED ARTIST

2010-09-16T17:43:00.003-04:00

We have a craftsperson this week who knows how to deliver quality at a reasonable price. Come and meet -

Here is our interview with the artist, Martha -

Briefly describe what you make?

I make colorful fabric headbands. Wide, skinny, and elastic with flowers.

What mediums do you enjoy working in most?

I enjoy working with my hands. Everything from cooking (I will get my degree in culinary arts soon!) to sewing, writing, painting and photography. I also love embroidery and beading. It's just that lately between school and my store, I only get to do the sewing and the cooking.

How long have you been creating craft?

I have been creating things as long as I can remember. My dad still has Birthday cards that I made for him when I was 5. I became interested in crafts as a child. I grew up watching my mom create all kinds of outfits for me and my sisters, and many things for our house, like curtains, comforters... you name it. It actually runs in the family, my grandma was a seamstress and a nurse, her brother was a tailor, my mom sewed for us, my three sisters also sew, but I am the only one who made a business out of it, and I am enjoying every minute of it, because it allows me to be my own boss and be creative. Did I mention how fun it is to buy supplies for my store?

How did you get started?

It is funny because I was encouraged by co-workers to sell the things that I made. I made new outfits for me to wear on every "casual Friday." My friends always wanted me to make things for them, and I did, several times. Then I started making my purses too, and that's how I started selling. So it's good to work with lots of female friends!
I started an etsy store for my bags, I included a few headbands and the rest is history. My headbands outsold my bags, and that's how Bargain Headbands came to exist.

Where does the name of your shop come from?

I had an epiphany. I decided to start a store just for my headbands, I just needed a name, so one afternoon I was thinking about what my headbands were like and "Bargain Headbands" came to my mind, I thought it was perfect!

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

I would like them to know that Bargain Headbands offers more than 100 beautiful headbands under $5 -You can never have too many headbands!
You'll know you found the right place when you visit my store.

What words of advice do you have for other artists?

Don't give up.
Try to improve yourself all the time. Read about marketing, SEO, photography and customer service. Learn as much as you can about your business and practice what you learn, it's worth it.

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You can get a lot f gift shopping done at Martha's shop! Come see!

FEATURED ARTIST

2010-09-09T17:33:00.004-04:00

Our artist this week is a jeweler. Come and meet -

Here is our interview with the artist, Tara.

Briefly describe what you make?

I make jewelry. More specifically, I make jewelry that is inspired by the deep blues and greens of the ocean, the warm sand on the beach, and the sparkle and glint of the sun off the water. I am an avid beachgoer and am most in touch with myself and my soul when near the ocean. I have a passionate love for the sheer, raw energy found there and for all the creatures, big and small, who live in its depths. Many of my creations include sea glass and various charms like sand dollars, starfish, and mermaids. Others just have a hint of the ocean or nature in the color or style.

What mediums do you enjoy working in most?

My favorite to work with is copper. I love how organic it looks and it contrasts so well with so many colors and stones. I also love working with silver. I use gold and brass as well, and enjoy both of them. My favorite shape of stone is definitely a briolette, or teardrop, shape. They are so natural looking and are of course inspired by the water as well.

How long have you been creating craft?

I started out last year selling my paintings and have only been selling my jewelry since February. I've always been creative, though, and I think I've found my niche (for now) with jewelry. There's something so "perfect" to me about working with such sparkly gems and precious metals (because I'm such a girly girl at heart)

How did you get started?

When I sold my first painting, I took that money and bought some cheap wire, pliers, and beads at WalMart and set about teaching myself how to make what I already loved to wear. The designs had been in my head for years but it took a day or two of making awful looking mistakes before I started to actually get the ideas translated into wearable art. I've come a long way since then and haven't looked back since!

Where does the name of your shop come from?

Years ago, when I first started going online, I started using watergirl as a handle because I grew up on the beach. When I opened an account on eBay (again, years ago) watergirl was taken and waterwaif was born. I've loved it since then because waif sounds more "mermaid-y", doesn't it?

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

That I want you to love it as much as I do. I love doing custom work for people and have even created pieces for someone based only on "I want black stones and some gold". Every artist puts their own heart into each piece and I just love giving mine away every time.

What words of advice do you have for other artists?

Don't underestimate yourself and always keep looking ahead. Don't wait for opportunities to fall into your lap; seize them now. I waited until my kids were almost grown (they are 15 and 12 now) before I started trying to sell my creations online. I so wish I'd started sooner and not wasted any time. We only live once and we, each and every one of us, have so much to share with each other.

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Nice! Come and see this shop and then come on back and leave a comment for Tara!

FEATURED ARTIST

2010-09-02T17:42:00.002-04:00

This is a fiber artist and a silkscreen printer. Come and meet purushapeople -

Here is our interview with the artist, Hayley -

Briefly describe what you make?

i make American sweatshop free yoga clothing, hand screen printed and hand dyed by me! clothes are meant to inspire the wearer to feel one with nature, and to love her body as much as she loves the world! purusha makes clothing that is classic and timeless, yet youthful and modern. the perfect clothing for exercise, lounge, or after exercise :)

What mediums do you enjoy working in most?

i enjoy screen printing above all else, and i also dabble in oil painting on the side. i have a painting shop on etsy www.meandmystarlight.etsy.com , but i have yet to make a sale, so i stick mostly to making clothing!

How long have you been creating craft?

purusha was started in December of 2008! so ive been working on my business for around 1 1/2 years, and i love every minute of it. i cant wait though for more time to pass, so hopefully i can grow and expand more, and be featured in more boutiques across the country.

How did you get started?

he he i got started because i had so many crazy entrepreneurial ideas, and i was finally like, well you'd better pick one if you want to have something succeed! i was digging lots of little holes all over the place, because i have many interests... i was working on making a health drink, selling paintings, and writing and illustrating a children's book about my dog, and..... getting into screen printing! i loved screen printing the most, so i was like, OK im going to make something with this! so i started buying my own yoga pants (USA made only), and dying them and screen printing them. i got so many compliments on them so i started to sell them online on my etsy shop. sales were a bit slow at first, but now they are getting steady as i am building a name for myself.

Where does the name of your shop come from?

my shop name, purusha people, is a Sanskrit word. purusha means 'the soul of the universe' or the loving energy that is in all beings. i've always loved this word, and thought it was perfect for the image i am portraying with my yoga clothing.

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

i would like people to know that i can customize any garment just for them :) i love to own clothing that no one else has, so i enjoy creating pieces for customers that are specially made just for them! id also like people to know that you can be comfortable and stylish at the same time! purusha clothing is extremely soft and wearable, yet sharp looking and turns heads!

What words of advice do you have for other artists?

words of advice: so cliche, but true- never give up! invest all of yourself into your product and you will get noticed! time takes care of all, and if you work hard and be yourself you will be rewarded! promote your image and your brand anyway you can- facebook, etsy, twitter- and don't be afraid to be different!

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Come see Hayley's shop.

FEATURED ARTIST

2010-08-26T17:42:00.003-04:00

This artist is a jeweler - Come and meet:

Here is our interview with the artist, Cindy -

Briefly describe what you make?

I make handcrafted sterling silver jewelry. My pieces incorporate real gemstones, freshwater pearls, and swarovski crystals. I make earrings, bracelets/anklets, watches, necklaces & pendants, and rings, and focus primarily on colors and styles that remind me of nature and the beauty of creation that we find all around us. There are so many colors

What mediums do you enjoy working in most?

I work exclusively with sterling silver for metals, and hopefully someday soon fine silver. I've even started to use Argentium sterling silver which is supposed to be letter allergenic or tarnish-prone. I love real gemstones. They are so beautiful, and each one is so different. They are all unique, and I think that adds to the charm of my jewelry.

How long have you been creating jewelry?

I have only been making jewelry for about a year, but have loved being creative all my life. I play the piano as well, and also have a marketing business, and I love that each day is different.

How did you get started?

I actually started sort of on a whim. I had created a bracelet and watched someone make earrings, and then decided I wanted to try as well. It took me a little bit to learn what my style of jewelry was, but I now have learned that I love to great feminine and dainty pieces of jewelry that is classic and timeless from high quality materials. I believe everyone wants to have affordable jewelry that is beautiful designed and made from top quality materials.

Where does the name of your shop come from?

ck is my initials, and I work with silver. I was looking at all different kinds of shop names, and when I thought of cksilver, it all came together and made sense. I knew it was meant to be!

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

I believe in top quality custom service. That starts with the products I work with, my quality of work, and includes how I treat my customers before, during, and after their purchase. All my products are guaranteed, and come in a silver cotton-filled gift box. I work hard to keep my 100% satisfied customer rating, and want each and every person to know they are valued.

What words of advice do you have for other artists?

It takes a lot of work to promote and sell your work. Be prepared to do the hard work yourself or hire someone else to do it. People won't know about your work unless you tell them! I thought just because I was on Etsy people would find me.

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Great interview! Nice work. Come see Cindy's Shop! Then come back here and leave a comment.

FEATURED ARTIST

2010-08-19T17:49:00.002-04:00

We have a fiber artist to meet - come and say hello to:

Here is our interview with the artist, Grace -

Briefly describe what you make?

I make hand-crocheted items including fashion accessories, appliques, housewares etc. The reason I make such a wide variety of products is because crocheting, for me, is so much more than just a way to make money listing random stuff...it's an art. Just like an artist never paints the same thing twice I don't like to only make the same thing over and over. Everything in my shop is made with a lot of thought.

What mediums do you enjoy working in most?

I love working with cotton! It's so strong and sturdy. It also comes in so many bright, bold colors that the possibilities are endless. I also love working with other natural fibers such as wool, bamboo and alpaca although items made from those fibers have not been added to my shop yet. But...fear not...more fun fibers are soon to come. :)

How long have you been creating craft?

Well, I've been creating things since I was old enough to hold a crayon. When it comes to crocheting I have been stitching for 3 years now. Once I set my mind to learning something new there's no stopping me; I have been able to learn so many techniques, tips, and patterns in the last 3 years. :)

How did you get started?

I got started when my Mom bought a how-to-crochet book and showed it to me. I had wanted to learn how to crochet and this book had such wonderful illustrations and directions. I learned how to make my first granny square the day I learned to crochet.

Where does the name of your shop come from?

My Dad is actually the one who came up with the name (he's the best). I was homeschooled during the vast majority of my school career so I was trying to find a word that included "home" somehow; something that communicated the fact that I was brought up at home. The fact that I work with yarn made the word "Homespun" just totally made sense. It combined the homeschool and yarn factor. The word "Handmaiden" is a pretty word that referred to my love to serve my family and God. It also included "handmade" only spelled differently. So...needless to say there's a lot of meaning in my name and I just love it (and it's all thanks to my great dad).

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

Every stitch is made by me with great love and care. I am really picky about my work being absolutely perfect. So if I am a few rows into a scarf, for example, and I see that there's a stitch that's a little bulky and uneven, I will unravel what I just did and fix that one stitch. I care very much about quality and bringing back some of the forgotten arts and crafts. There's a lot to be said about those time-intensive crafts that all of our grandmothers knew how to do, learning them ourselves, and taking them to the next level...making them appealing to this generation and generations to come.

What words of advice do you have for other artists?

Don't be tempted to follow trends. If there's something on Etsy that's really popular and you happen to love it then go for it! :) But don't try to go along with a trend just because it's a trend. Popular themes come and go; colors, animals, etc. but a unique style is something that you can truly claim as your own.

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Great interview! Come and see Grace's work and then come on back and leave a comment of appreciation!

FEATURED ARTIST

2010-08-12T17:22:00.002-04:00

This shop makes soap - but really not just soap that you might buy at a grocery store but soap that is very, very special. Come and meet -

Here is our interview with the artist, Karina

Briefly describe what you make?

Soap That Makes Scents is a handmade bath and beauty company. We live and play in New York City, one of the best places to network in the world. All of the high quality ingredients used in our vegan soap bars, lip balms, body souffles and salt bars are found right in the Tri-State area.

What mediums do you enjoy working in most?

I love exploring different fragrance and essential oils and getting inspired by them. Scents invoke memories, feelings, emotions, and thoughts. Our Orange Dreamsicle soap bar may make you remember your childhood...chasing down the street after the ice-cream truck and tasting that cool, sweet and creamy sensation of your youth. Pumpkin Spice Body Souffle makes you remember the crunch of vibrant Fall leaves underneath your feet when walking through a forest, or spending time with your family during the holidays. Scents bring feelings. They bring life. We want to give a slice of life with every bar we create.

How long have you been creating craft?

Soap That Makes Scents became established in 2001...I'm originally from Canada, so I started making bath and body products there. After meeting my American-born husband, I dug up my roots and transplanted myself to New York! The business went full-time in 2006.

How did you get started?

Growing up, when most kids wanted to become ballerinas, or firemen, my standard answer to the question "What do you want to be when you grow up?" was always "I want to be the boss." When I hit my early twenties, I knew I didn't want to work for someone else forever, I wanted to work for myself. After taking a soapmaking class on a whim I immediately fell in love with the idea of working with colors and blending scents; I've never looked back.

Where does the name of your shop come from?

We wanted to convey to people that not only where handmade soaps superior to commercially-made chemical bars, but that our customers were smarter than companies give them credit for. Today's consumer is well-educated on not only what they want to put in their bodies, but also what they want to put *on* their bodies. Our business is soap. And buying our soap makes sense. Put that together with our undying love for all things fragrant---the name Soap That Makes Scents was born!

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

That we love "talking shop" any chance we get! Soap-makers jump at the opportunity to educate someone about our creative process, the benefits of certain ingredients out there compared to others that may be more "mainstream", misconceptions about handmade soaps, etc. So convo me anytime---to ask a question about a soap you've fallen in love with, a custom scent you want created especially for you, or to discuss what ingredients would suit your tastes best---I'll talk your ear off!

What words of advice do you have for other artists?

Do not expect a flock of buyers in your store the moment you list your first item. Networking is extremely important all of the time, but even more so in the beginning stages of your business. It does take time to build a customer base, and things won't happen magically overnight, no matter how original and exciting your items are. Promote to your target audience instead of just anyone: you'll save a lot of time, energy and money this way.

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Great soap. And Karina tells me that her husband, Richard will be joining the business very shortly! Come and see this shop! And then come on back and leave a comment!

FEATURED ARTIST

2010-08-05T17:17:00.000-04:00

This week's artist makes tree sculptures - come and meet

Here is our interview with the artist, Apryl:

Briefly describe what you make?

I sculpt trees using artistic wire, Brazilian agate, gemstones, and often other materials. I do some home decor but my focus truly is wedding cake toppers.

What mediums do you enjoy working in most?

I absolutely love wire. There is nothing more exciting than pulling it off the spool and twisting it into a piece of art. Trees are very free form and natural so I love how the wire lends itself to creating different types of branches.

How long have you been creating craft?

Like a lot of people I've always been a crafter. I've probably tried just about everything there is to try that doesn't involve an open flame. I'm clumsy and no one will let me go that far!

How did you get started?

I started making tree sculptures in 2004. My grandmother taught me how to create them. She and my grandfather were also crafters and were often on the road going show to show. It means a lot to me that my grandmother shared her talent with me and has helped me grow this successful business! Shes my biggest cheerleader and is always asking me what I'm doing that is new and exciting.

Where does the name of your shop come from?

I thought I was being creative and when I proudly announced to my grandparents I was going to call my business Original Creations By Apryl they laughed and said that Original Creations was the name of their shop when they were in business. At the time I was creating more than just trees or I'm sure I'd have come up with some whimsical wire tree name.

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

I customize beyond gemstones! I have a wall display just for my beads and I've worked with some of my customers to create pieces using glass, acrylic, wood, and other materials. I've just started to break into more work like this in the last year and I hope it will continue to grow.

What words of advice do you have for other artists?

Don't spread yourself too thin and don't be afraid to evolve. When I started I made wire wrap jewelry and trees. I did well for awhile but over time the trees picked up and the jewelry wasn't doing so well. I dropped the jewelry line and concentrated on the trees. I developed ornaments, favors, cake toppers, and more customized work. Once I had a focus things really started to take off!

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Great interview! Come see Apryl's work here and then come back and comment. Also read Apryl's personal site here!

New Camera

2010-07-29T17:34:00.001-04:00

I recently moved up to my first digital SLR camera - Canon's newest model - T2i. Getting this camera was not easy. It was released this March and almost immediately sold out everywhere. It took until just recently for me to get a hold of one of my own. I did a lot of research and looked and tried a number of cameras until I decided that this is the one. One major factor was price range. You can purchase a DSLR anywhere from $500 to $4000. My budget was $1000 and I wanted to get the most for the money at the best quality. For those who are not heavily into photography, a DSLR is a digital camera with interchangeable lenses and what you see in the viewfinder is not an electronic representation of what the camera sees but the actual view through the lens brought to the viewfinder with a mirror. Essentially, what you see is what you get - with the ability to make any adjustment possible in exposure, lighting, tone, depth of field, etc. Way back before digital cameras I did shoot a film SLR - which I still have - but let's face it with the ability to shoot digitally whatever you see at no cost in film or developing - well.

I have been shooting professionally with a Canon that is in-between a DSLR and a Point in Shoot and all of the photos that I have sold up to now have been with that camera. I have even won photo competitions with that camera and have gallery displayed my work. But it was time to make the move and now with 18 megapixels and a high tech camera I am hoping to expand both my market and my ability to capture what I see.

Here is a photo from my first excursion out to take pictures.

The photo was actually the worst of the pictures that I took that day and I decided to improve what little I had with photo software. Why did I pick the worst shot to show you? To show what is possible both with the camera and the ability to manipulate a photograph after it is taken. I must say that in the end it came out pretty good - and is offered for sale both at a Stock Photography site and at my page on Red Bubble.

This picture was taken with a 18 to 55 mm zoom lens - the standard lens included with the camera when you purchase what the camera companies call the "kit" meaning that it includes the camera body and a lens from the manufacturer. This is the "kit" lens. I also purchased a longer zoom lens - 55 to 250 mm. This lens I am finding is more versatile when outdoors as it can bring the distance in close and still has a decent wide angle view.

What I am finding out most is that I have a lot to learn about this camera, but so far the results have been very pleasing. As time goes along I will be showing more photos on my various sales sites from this new, great camera.

If you are thinking about getting more seriously into photography this is a camera to definitely check out - Canon T2i.

Trying to Find a Real Craft Show

2010-07-22T18:00:00.001-04:00

It is harder and harder to find a craft show that makes sure that all that is being offered for sale is actually handmade by the artist who is selling in the booth. We no longer will do a craft show that we have not seen in advance. We attend many shows - walk through the entire show and count how many people selling are selling commercial imports and the numbers are staggering.

We have stop doing most shows that we have done over the years. The few that we do have remained with a majority of real craft being sold but those shows have their growing share of commercial import vendors. One has to question why even call these craft shows at all. Some shows that had wonderful reputations for many years have now started to call themselves craft and gift show because the majority of vendors are selling commercially made items - known in the retail industry as "buy and sell".

Are there fewer craftspeople? Certainly not. What there are - are more people who are out of work who have decided that it is easy to wholesale purchase imports and sell them at craft shows. Some will be very open about what they are selling - offering them in their commercial packaging with the Made in China stickers in place on the items themselves. Some think they are pulling something on the public and when asked if they have made something say yes - and that something is what was seen on the infomercial the night before being sold for $19.99 and you get two plus all of these extras. Really - one guy insisted he made the pocketbooks with the insides that move from bag to bag - just ignore those packing cartons with the commercial name of the product on them under the table. These people think they are pulling something on the craft-buying public and I guess they are because they are there at the craft show selling and people are buying.

I have been asked why can't the two - real craft and buy and sell items go together at a show. The reason is very simple - there is no way to compete. I can purchase from a catalog at wholesale very attractive jewelery that I could sell and make a good profit for at two for ten dollars. And I have seen vendors at craft shows selling exactly this. Now, if it takes me an hour to make a handmade necklace and it costs me ten dollars in materials, how could I sell that necklace at two for $10 to compete with the import seller? There is no way.

I have been at craft shows - very prestigious craft shows - where a customer will come up and ask if I make what they are looking at in my booth. I have to say "of course" which is the truth - but just that someone is asking me and the rest of the real crafts people selling is an indication that something is really wrong. I have seen other legitimate crafts people put signs up that say, "We make everything that we sell." How sad to have to do that at a craft show.

There had been a problem in some states around what could be called a "flea market" and what should not be and some states passed laws about the use of the name "flea market". When the same has been proposed by the craft community about the name "craft show" it has been ignored.

I wish I had an answer. The best that you can do is let the promoters at a craft show know that the people who are selling are not selling crafts - but you know what has happened when I have done that - the response is " So?"

FEATURED ARTIST

2010-07-14T23:27:00.002-04:00

This is a very unusual craft - an ancient craft brought to modern application. Come and meet

Here is our interview with the artist, Jessica:

Briefly describe what you make?

I make handmail chainmaille jewelry, key chains, and lanyards.

What mediums do you enjoy working in most?

I work with bright aluminum, anodized aluminum, enameled copper, and sterling silver.

How long have you been creating craft?

I first learned the art in August of 2009, after my doctor told me I needed a hobby.

How did you get started?

I bought a book and taught myself from that book, other books and the internet.

Where does the name of your shop come from?

Since chainmaille deals mostly in metal, i wanted to represent that with a regal association, such as the reign of a monarch.

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

I am completely self-taught and despite having a medical condition that hinders my craft, I still love making jewelry!

What words of advice do you have for other artists?

Dont give up. Keep experimenting and putting yourself out there. You will never go anywhere if no one can find you.

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Well, short on words but big on talent. Come see Metal Reign!

FEATURED ARTIST

2010-07-01T17:37:00.002-04:00

Our featured artist takes something old and makes it into something new. Come and meet

Here is our interview with the artist, Lorraine -

Briefly describe what you make?

I (mostly) make clothing and accessories and all of my items are created with upcycled materials. This has its upsides and downsides – the downside being that an item cannot be re-made exactly as the original and the upside is that each item is truly one of a kind!

What mediums do you enjoy working in most?

Any fibers, textiles, jewelry, notions or other salvaged items. I am addicted to rescuing otherwise forgotten and discarded items and I use the characteristics of the existing pieces to inform my designs - the final piece evolves during the creation process and often ends up quite different from the original concept!

How long have you been creating craft?

I cannot remember a time that I didn’t create – from my very earliest memories of spending hours making simple daisy chains through painting, sculpting and altered art, I have always created. I grew up helping my Mum sew my dance costumes and learning photography from my Dad – I can still remember going into the attic where the darkroom was and watching the magical process of pictures appearing on a blank sheet of paper (pre-digital of course!).

How did you get started?

Hmmm – I’d love to give you a wonderfully profound story, but the truth is my creations and collections of found treasures were starting to take over the house! With much encouragement from friends and family I decided to overcome my fear and “put myself out there” as an artist/designer. Although the fear still lingers, I love it! I can create to my heart’s content and I no longer have to secretly squirrel away my finds or feel guilty about constantly hunting for treasures!

Where does the name of your shop come from?

I moved to Canada from England and it always made me laugh when my brothers referred to my move as “hopping across the pond”. I later realized that “pondhopper” was actually a well used term for expats who moved to a country across the ocean from their own! Anyways, I thought it would be appropriate and decided to pair it with “studio” which is admittedly a rather grand name for my little room where all my designs are brought to life!

As a child our family travelled by ferry (long before the Chunnel was built!) from Dover to Calais every year and then camped throughout Europe for our summer holiday. There were always seagulls that accompanied the ferry across the “pond” so I decided to incorporate a seagull as imagery for my shop. I also liked the message of the 1970’s book Jonathan Livingston Seagull by Richard Bach about the seagull that didn’t want to be one of the crowd and aspired to greater things, and as seagulls are natural scavengers, it seemed to fit! I spent a morning sitting outside our local Tim Hortons taking pictures of the seagulls that were waiting to scoop up doughnut crumbs before I finally snapped the seagull you see in my shop banner.

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

I love the whispers of lingering stories in my work and the way they make each piece so very unique - one of my customers told me that she loved wearing my designs because they inspired her, I hope that my work passes on a bit of that feeling to each new owner.

What words of advice do you have for other artists?

Be brave . listen to your heart . don’t stress when your muse goes silent for a while . share . push through barriers . have fun . be generous with your hugs

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This is truly a unique shop and you must see it!

FEATURED ARTIST

2010-06-24T17:46:00.001-04:00

This artist makes what is known as "fine" jewelry, come and meet

Here is our interview with the artist, Jaynemarie -

Briefly describe what you make?

I make fine handcrafted jewelry using fine gems, pearls, crystals and metals. I use different methods to make my jewelry depending on what I have and what I want to work on. I will make custom items as well, especially for weddings, proms and other special occasions. My jewelry is well made and, of course, looks much better than I can ever photograph it!

What mediums do you enjoy working in most?

I like combining metal, chains, gems and pearls in combination that are pretty and unexpected. I find it hard to pick a medium because every metal (gold, silver, copper, etc.) has really nice characteristics. I will usually pick some pearls and gems and then play with various metals to see what I can come up with. I find I do a lot by combining chains and gems together in unexpected ways. I just love the look of different metals as well as how different chains look and move. I also enjoy the color, texture and variety of gemstones and pearls.

How long have you been creating craft?

I started a looong time ago to make jewelry for me when I was in junior high. I wanted a necklace that I could not afford, so I figured out how to make it. It was a beaded necklace that at intervals had woven flowers. I went to a craft store and bought a box of different color seed beads and thread and from there made not only that necklace, but others for my friends.

How did you get started?

I started by beading simple necklaces and branched out into using precious gems and pearls. I went that route because I like jewelry so much and realized that I could never afford to buy what I wanted, so I had to learn how to make it myself. From there I wanted to more and so I went to school to learn more advanced techniques. Now I make jewelry for my daughters as well as for people who see my jewelry and ask for special pieces. I really enjoy creating something beautiful which is why I keep making jewelry.echniques.

Where does the name of your shop come from?

It comes from my name. It simply Jewelry made by me.

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

I work very hard to make high quality jewelry using the best materials I can. My work is creative and can be personalized for your occasion and wardrobe. I love to make jewelry for weddings and other special occasions because I know that these are very important days and you want to look the best you can. I really like creating pieces that are beautiful and fun to wear. I know my work could be sold in stores (and has been), but I prefer to sell it personally so that I can make it as affordable as possible.

What words of advice do you have for other artists?

Make what you like. If you do not like what you are trying to sell, why should anyone else?

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Jaynemarie's work is truly a "cut-above". If you want something of quality please visit her shop!

FEATURED ARTIST

2010-06-15T11:52:00.000-04:00

Here is an artist that creates new things from old. Come and meet

Here is our interview with the artist, Jennifer -

Briefly describe what you make?

I have a line of clothing and gifts made with vintage linens, sterling and other fun things from the past. My "tag line" is - Through our collecting we pass on the linens of our mothers & grandmothers to our daughters & grand daughters.

What mediums do you enjoy working in most?

I start with 100% cotton dresses, shirts, onesies and then add all different types of vintage linens : handkerchieves, chenille bed covers, table runners, doilies, etc

How long have you been creating craft?

I think I started my first company in grade school - i made button covers and sold them at my chirch gift shop. I have had some sort of "thing" going my whole life. My grandmother (who will be 90 in Sept) started sewing as a child, she taught my mom, and my mom saught me when I was 12. Southern Yankee is the first business that has taken hold!

How did you get started?

I studied Fashion at Texas Tech University, so I am "formally" trained. But it was my first Christmas as a newly wed that started Southern Yankee. I made our chirstmas card and mo co-workers loved it and said I should sell them. It just happened a sorority sister (ZTA) of mine was opening a Papyrus Stationery in NYC, so I started making greeing cards in 1999. I was also collecting vintage handkerchiefs at that time, to make blankets... well the rest, as they say, is history!

Where does the name of your shop come from?

When I was starting my company, my mom asked " what best describes you?" I was born and raised in Dallas, TX and marries a "yankee".

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

That I love doing it! it is my creative outlet in my crazy little world (my kids are 9, 5 & 3!) My favorite thing is doing shows and seeing peoples reactions to my dresses!

What words of advice do you have for other artists?

Go for it! life is too short to have regrets! Even if it is just a hobby or a corner in the kitchen, do what makes you feel good!

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Great interview. Nice work. Come see Jennifer's creations!

FEATURED ARTIST

2010-06-03T17:34:00.000-04:00

This week we have a paper artist! Come and meet:

Here is our interview with the artist -

2.
3.
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5.
6.
7.
Briefly describe what you make?

I take plain jane journals, books and planners embellish them with my art and adorn them with beautiful fibers and silk ribbon.( I now dye some of my own fibers and silk ribbon ). I also make artistic Greeting cards, tags and embellish small boxes with papers, vintage finds,and fibers. I use some very special techniques that I have developed and that are
mine, and my trademark as an artist. My items are useful and a piece of art at the same time.

What mediums do you enjoy working in most?

Paper and ink are my favorites ! I love the versatility of paper. You can take a piece of paper, manipulate it to mimic century old leather or old yellowed paper, the kind you would find in your grandma's dusty attic. I also love working with all kinds of fibers and am now dyeing my own silk ribbon, its opened up a whole new area of creativity for me. I adore all things vintage and use vintage pieces in my work whenever
I can. Most of my work has a vintage look to it and the old medal and findings are a perfect match. I find embellishments for my work everywhere! Thrift stores, tag sales,
and friends and family are always finding stuff for me, sometimes even when I'm on a walk, I've found things on the street! I like old things that tell a story. I've always liked reading and writing. A lot of the words and Quotes that I use on my work are my favorites, they say something to me personally, so I put those on my work because its part of who I am.

How long have you been creating craft?

Well its been a long time because I'm so old!! The first thing I ever remember making
that fueled my creative fire was a Mother's Day gift I made when I was about 10 or 11.
It was a tuna can that I put plaster on and textured it with a fork,added brown paint
all over to give it that old patina (see, I was doing it even back then..) and then added a cute little felt bird and a little plastic branch that looks like real wood to the side. I was so proud of that and I remember my mom's face when i gave it to her.
She saved it and I have it today.

How did you get started?

I started scrap booking about 12 years ago. Taught scrap booking and card making classes for a few years. I soon became bored with it all. I experimented with different products and started using then in different ways. My style evolved out of that and I started applying my art to some of my favorite things. I gave my art as gifts to family and friends and soon was on my way to selling it for all to enjoy.Its been a journey that has opened up doors and my heart.

Where does the name of your shop come from?

Its very simple!
The first 2 letters of my first and last name. Degi is also a nickname that some of my friends call me. Paperart encompasses all that I do. Paper and art are 2 of my favorite things in the world.

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

6.The Quotes and words that I chose on my work has touched my heart and soul and says a lot about the artist behind the work. Words are so powerful, whether you are speaking,
reading or writing them. I have a lot of respect for artists that make their own books and paper, I've done it and it is so much work. But for me I've found that it is not a process that I enjoy. So I use books and journals that are ready for my artistic touch, thats where the doors open for me and I can put mt heart and soul into that. I am working on putting my art to canvas, I've had so many people say to me I want to put your art on my wall!
So I'm going to do a little of that. I also don't really like to do dupulates of my work
or try to make 2 of the same, but I realize that sometimes its what people want, I want my customers to be open and honest with me so I can work with them and make them a piece
that they will treasure.

What words of advice do you have for other artists?

Don't put limits on what you can do, and don't worry what other people will think about your art. Be brave. Don't follow logic or common sense when you are creating your art, for that's when you will discover who you really are and what gifts you have to share. Find time to be still in your life and you will find your calling, who you are and what you are meant to be doing. Don't ever stop Dreaming...
A Favorite Quote:
"Your life is the manifestation of your dream; it is art. And you can change your life anytime if you aren't enjoying the dream. Dream masters create a masterpiece of life; they control the dream by making choices. Don Miguel Ruiz

__________________
Nice interview!

Come see this shop! And then come back here and leave a comment!

So Many Just Don't Know

2010-05-27T18:02:00.003-04:00

I have written about CPSIA - the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 before. See this article. This law was passed almost two years ago in August and has been in full effect now for some time. This law effects every craftsperson and artist who works in children's themed craft or art. Anything made to be used of for a child under the age of 12 comes under this law.

Now, I am not going to write another article telling you about this law, but I am going to tell you about my amazement that no one still knows that this law even exists. With the exception of the craft artists that are active on the Internet, no one else knows. Crafts artists don't know. Consumers don't know. The media - newspapers, television, and radio - does not seem to know.

This past weekend we were at a very high class art show - visiting, not selling. The show featured fine art and also high end craft. One of the craftsmen there was selling children's furnishings, toys, etc. All handmade of wood and painted. Now the wood is not a problem under this law, as long as the wood is not finished or coated in any way. This wood was painted and therein lies the problem. The paint is not permitted under the law without extensive and expensive testing. And the testing process for the most part is prohibitive to those selling craft.

There is also a labeling requirement in this law. Every children's item must be labeled permanently in a certain way. Was any of this fine work for children labeled? No. Was this craft artist ignoring the law. No. He knew nothing at all about the law and neither did the people who were buying from him.

Even commercial items for children under 12 that are supposed to now all be labeled to be in compliance with the law are not. Many, many retail stores have new inventory on their shelves without the required and specific label. While large retailers may be very much aware of what they risk and have decided not to sell anything out of compliance, many small businesses, like everyone else, have no idea about CPSIA.

This is just amazing. Why is this law kept such a big secret? It is like saying that now everyone must stop at a red light but not tell anyone. What can be done about it? Frankly, I don't know. I do know that this law needs to be drastically changed and amended or at best repealed and rewritten to be responsible legislation. But that is not going to happen. But at least, while everyone that is involved with making or selling children's items must comply with this law, tell people about it.

Just my observations...

FEATURED ARTIST

2010-05-20T17:44:00.003-04:00

This shop is a bit different in the theme of what it sells. Come and meet

Here is our interview with the artist, Sabina -

Briefly describe what you make?

I make spiritually inspired jewelry and crocheted items. That's the short answer. The long answer is that I make pieces that I feel bless the wearers because while I'm making them, I listen to worship music and let the music inspire me in the creation process.

What mediums do you enjoy working in most?

With the jewelry I started out just being interested in the beads, but as time has gone by, I've wanted to learn more and more, so now I'm into wire wrapping, etc. I keep saying I want a micro torch so I can get into some real metalsmithing, but my 18 year old daughter (who's an artist) keeps insisting that I'll burn the apartment building down ...

When I'm crocheting, I work with different kinds of yarn, but prefer either cottons or acrylics that are easy to care fibers. I'm the kind of person who thinks about how this will be used and how would I want to be able to care for it if it were mine. Then I choose the fibers that can we washed and dried easily.

How long have you been creating craft?

For as long as I can remember I've been doing some sort of crafting. When I was little I used to take leftover bits of fabric and fashion clothes for my Barbies. Then my mom taught me to crochet. Later a friend taught me how to knit. I had a sewing business for 10 years when my children were little. I also had a scrapbooking store for four years. So it seems like I've always been doing something crafty.

How did you get started?

Well, because I had some business sense it was pretty easy for me to take my crafting to the next level and make things to sell. I used to give things away and then people said that my things were so well made that I should sell them. When it came to the jewelry and crocheting, that was easy to make the decision to sell them.

Where does the name of your shop come from?

The actual name of my shop is Angelic Adornments and it came from the fact that I listen to worship music while creating -- so it was like having angels for muses. It just seemed like the logical choice.

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

I so love what I do and I feel a little piece of who I am is in each piece. I want the works to bless the wearers and brighten their day. So when they buy one of my items, I hope they will feel blessed.

What words of advice do you have for other artists?

Don't quit your day job! Ha ha. Seriously though, if you love what you do, if it gives you joy and is almost therapeutic in nature, then keep doing it. I keep telling my daughter to please herself first in her art work and if other people love it that that is icing on the cake. Don't try to please man first because you will lose all sense of who you are in your art. And its your sense of self that needs to shine through to others from the things you make.

____________________________

The work here is lovely and you must see for yourself that you are going to find that her pieces just wonderful for anyone!

Come visit Sabina at her shop!

FEATURED ARTIST

2010-05-13T17:44:00.002-04:00

When you first take a look at this shop you are going to say, hey, this does not look like craft- but if you look closely through the listings you will see some very fine, handmade jewelery mixed in with listings for antiques and vintage collectibles. Many of our shops are eclectic and I also have added some vintage to my listings from time to time - so with that said, come and meet

Here is our interview with the artist -

Briefly describe what you make?

I handcraft One Of A Kind items. I love Gemstones! I create many pieces with all kinds of lovely Gemstones. I make Gemstone Jewelry, Hair Accessories, and Wall Decor.
Other Items that I handcraft are Candles, and Catnip toys.
I also Collect and Sell vintage items as well.
My Vintage collection comes from my grandmothers personal collection of over 30 years.
She decided it was time to start down sizing her collection of Fenton, Depression glass and more. She gave these items to me to keep what I desired, and to help me in starting up my shop.

What mediums do you enjoy working in most?

I Craft all my items from home.
I work with my children sometimes when creating some of my items.
This way they can put their finishing touches to it, and be included in my work.
I also help them create their own Items to sell on my site in the Kidz Craft Section.
This gives them a sense of accomplishment when I tell them how well they have done, and that their craft they made is online for sale.

When I am working on something more complicated I like to wait till my children are off to bed, or at school when the house is quiet and I can put my full attention into a piece.

I currently work from the comforts of my living room.
I have the nice table with drawers and a large Armoire next to the recliner to keep all my supplies and finished products in. I am currently working on making a work area in my basement where I have more space to lay things out, and keep supplies in as I am starting to running out of space in my little area.

How long have you been creating craft?

I have been creating my own crafts since I was a little girl.
My mother has always been one of those Artsy, Crafty people.
When my sister and I were young we would do Ceramics, and make Porcelain dolls with our mom.
We also helped our mom with her on going projects.
We always wanted to do our part where our help was needed.
We even helped run her booths at the craft shows.

How did you get started?

I have always loved to do crafts, and create new things.
My Husbands sister is the one who introduced me to Etsy.
She convenience, and inspired me to join Etsy and open my own shop.
She told me I should share my work with others.
She still keeps my spirits high when she compliments one of my pieces.
I have been a member since June 2009 because of her, and have met a lot of wonderful people here.

I plan on continuing to follow in my mothers footsteps of creativity, by creating one of kind hand crafted items to share with others.

Where does the name of your shop come from?

My Sister in Law and I sat back and came up with all kinds of off the wall names.
Nothing fit.
She said Mandi Your first name and Middle name just sound so nice together. Plus the spelling is so different to.
It reminds you of a mom and pop vintage shop, or craft shop why not just use that.
I thought about it and said why not?
Its different, sounded like a good shop name and I couldnt seem to come up with anything better.
I think it fits to and that is what is most important.

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

I create with love. Each Item is always made with love, as I love what I do.
I spend alot of time creating my items. I focus on detail, quality, and trying to create something you wont find somewhere else.
Sometimes I will remake a piece over several times before I am satisfied with it.

Sure you may find a lot of jewelry, hair accessories, wall hangings, candles, and cat toys anywhere, but my focus is to make sure my items are not like others.

I strive to make them different, and interesting, yet lovely.

I also strive on Customer Service as it is a must! I worked in Customer Service, and Management for over 15 yrs.

My goal is to make Every customer Happy, and Satisfied with their purchase, communication and delivery.
I have been selling Antiques, and Vintage plus many other items for years on Ebay with 100% positive feedback from every customer and made it to a power seller.

What words of advice do you have for other artists?

Just hang in there and keep doing what you enjoy.
I know its hard, and sometimes it can get frustrating in the beginning when you are trying to get your business to grow. But if you love doing what you do just stick with it.
Advertise Locally, Word of mouth and Online and they will come.
I am still trying to get my face and products out there myself.
But I wont give up because I enjoy what I do.

_____________________

Now come and take a look at this shop!

Another Sales Venue Site

2010-05-06T17:22:00.001-04:00

I sell my craft, or perhaps I should say, OFFER my craft on several different sites. So far there have only been three that have been four that have brought any sales, with Etsy remaining the number one site for consistency of making sales. One of the other sites has brought three sales in almost two years, another has brought four in more than a year, and the other has brought two sales - but no payment as there is a minimum that must be reached on that particular site before you are paid. So when I focus my attention on my shops it is the Etsy shop that gets most of my time.

I recently came across anther site called Zibbet. I came upon this through a tweet on Twitter and went to look. What interested me most about this site is that there is an option to sell on the site completely for free. The free account includes the listing of up to 25 items and provides more than enough features to set up a shop. When I looked at the site, the first thing I did was look at several shops to see if anyone is making sales. Unlike Etsy, this site has no visible sales statistics for its shops. Not good, really. When I do not see visible sales stats I figure that is because the site does not want you to see that no one is making sales - which is what I have discovered through direct experience on some of the sites that I offer work for sale. I looked around. Checked the terms of agreement. Everything seems to be legitimate and I registered for a free sales account and opened a shop.

I now have a shop on Zibbet - Q Branch Ltd. (what a surprise! - same as all my other shops) I am starting with just a few items - my big craft sellers on Etsy and we shall see how it goes. Since it is not costing me anything but time there really is nothing to lose.

If you are interested in a shop on Zibbet follow this link and see what there is. You can get the free site or for less than $10 a month you can get a premium site with unlimited listings and a number of other features. Or get yourself a free one to start and see how it goes. If sales start coming in you can always move up to the premium account later. As time goes along I will post here if any sales are made.

FEATURED ARTIST

2010-04-29T17:38:00.001-04:00

Things for the little ones - so cute. Come and let me introduce you to this Canadian shop and artist -

Here is our interview with the artist, Savannah

Briefly describe what you make?

My products are geared to baby and mom accessories. My favourite items to make are sock monkeys, and I've also introduced sock cows to the mix. I make them using regular polyester socks and soft fuzzy socks (so cuddly!). I also make smaller items for babies such as bibs, personalized soother straps (my favourite is the one with the slogan "Sucker...", though I can't take credit for the idea; it was my husband's), baby hair clips and headbands, and baby legwarmers, to name a few. I have stuff for Mom too, because all Moms deserve a treat. I offer business card holders, headbands, and some crafting supplies, with new items to come. (I just made myself a bag using a pair of Old Navy pants and will be soon making these for my shop as well!)

What mediums do you enjoy working in most?

I enjoy working with fabric the most. I love all the patterns and colours and textures you can work with all in the same project. You can make the same thing with 2 different fabrics and the style and attitude of the item becomes totally new and unique! I love starting out with a flat piece of fabric and ended up with a cute or stylish or sassy item that has personality. I love watching it take shape with each seam. I also love making things out of something that was totally different, like the sock animals. One minute, they're a pair of socks that albeit cute, will be worn and scuffed on the floor and become "nothing special." A few seams later, it's a cute, soft, cuddly friend for a young child and will likely be named, go on car rides, have tea parties, or explore the jungle.

How long have you been creating craft?

I always like doing arts and crafts growing up, but I've only been sewing for a couple of years. I started making baby slings when my son (now 2) was a couple of months old when my commercial baby carrier was hurting my back and shoulders. After my daughter was born (she's 10 months now), I started making the sock monkeys and other items, and that's when I opened my Etsy shop. I love thinking of new things to make, or finding patterns of something I haven't tried before. I can be pretty stubborn about what I make. A new pattern might be difficult, and I might be calling my sewing machine names the entire time, but I need to conquer what I start or I'll feel defeated. Usually, it turns out well in the end (though not always the first...or second..attempt), though sometimes it doesn't turn out as well as I'd hoped and I may not make it again. But at least I tried, right?

How did you get started?

I actually started out on a different e-store site, but after a full year and no sales, I gave that up and tried out Etsy. I was a bit hesitant because I was afraid of losing money with the fees, but after making a few sales, even small ones, I realized that Etsy had so much to offer and the fees didn't touch a lot of my profit. I've enjoyed chat rooms since college, so I immediately foudn the chat rooms and made friends, as well as sales, in the rooms. I've gotten SO many tips and pieces of advice though the other Etsy chatters; they've really helped my develop my shop and are continuing to be a great resource as well as friends. I started reading Storque articles, and going to the virtual labs, and am slowly learning how to make my shop work better.

Where does the name of your shop come from?

The name of my shop actually came from when I was making only baby slings, when I first started (hence the baby bundle part). I added in the 'Boutique" just to make it sound more complete, and to open up the possibility of having other items in my shop. I'm glad I did, since now I only sell a couple of slings a year.

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

Wow, this question I had to think about the most. I want people to know that my work is made with love. Yes, it's cliche, but it's true. As I said before, I love picturing kids playing pretend with my sock animals. I love imagining babies wearing the bibs or hair clips I made. I like to imagine the comments people might get about my products. I also want people to know that my work is safe, of course. It's all made in a pet-free and smoke-free environment, and I only make things that I'd feel safe giving to my own kids. Most of my what I make in my shop, I've made for my own children too. These are difficult times, financially. I know how much work goes into earning dollars, and I want my customers to know that I value their money for what it means to them when I craft.

What words of advice do you have for other artists?

My first words of advice for other artists and crafters are to believe in yourself and your work! You put your heart into what you make; don't sell yourself short! Too often I see people under pricing their work in a desperate attempt to make sales, but it comes across as just that: desperate. Pay yourself fairly! Think of what goes into your products, and think about what you would pay for such an item from someone else. If you price too low, people might think your stuff is cheaply made.

When it comes to your shop, use your tags! All 14 of them. And use relevant tags. Words that you would put in a search engine looking for the same or similar items. Go to the virtual labs and forums, you'll find great advice there and can have your shop critiqued.

Most of all, craft because you love it. If you let it become a chore, it'll reflect in your work. If it's starting to get too stressful, I think it's better to take a short vacation from your shop, then to continue something you're not enjoying anymore and letting the negativity build. This is something you love! Don't let "business" steal that from you!

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Great interview! It is always a pleasure for an artist to share so much. You must come to Savannah's Etsy shop to see these cute things!

FEATURED ARTIST

2010-04-22T17:29:00.004-04:00

Fine silver and gemstone jewelery always sets itself apart - come and meet our featured jeweler -

Here is our interview with the artist -

Briefly describe what you make?

I create unique pieces of jewelry using sterling silver and 14 karat gold wire and gemstones. As of now, I use various wire wrapping techniques to achieve the look and composition of my designs and wire sculpting and hammering techniques as well.

What mediums do you enjoy working in most?

Primarily, I use sterling silver to keep the cost as affordable as possible though some stones and designs just need the look of gold to fully bring them to life. I just love shaping and manipulating metal. What I may love more is the stones themselves! Since I was a kid, and like a lot of kids, I loved picking up cool-looking rocks and had a rock collection. My grandfather is a geologist and a lapidary and he certainly played a role in fostering my love of rocks. This interest has stayed in me and every time I see rough (or uncut) specimen or a cut and polished gem, I get a little giddy inside.

How long have you been creating jewelry?

I began seriously wire wrapping about June-July of 2009. I had played around making a piece of jewelry here and there for a long time but the art of wire wrapping beyond making loop closures was something new to me. You can really do a lot with wire, without soldering. Though I must say, in the future (hopefully near rather than far) I want to expand my skill set and start soldering, sawing, eventually grow into a real metal-smith.

How did you get started?

As I said earlier, I had made jewelry before, just for fun, probably since I was about 11 years old. I've always enjoyed crafting, whether it be jewelry, sewing/crocheting, drawing, building, I've dabbled in a lot of things and I enjoy it all. The idea to actually make jewelry as a serious endeavor (e.g. more than a hobby) was really one of those crazy things you wake up to one morning and you can't get it out of your head. I didn't begin right away but there it was: sooner or later I was going to make jewelry to sell. I started out making some beaded watch bands because they were simple and cute but then I came across some jewelry tutorials for wire wrapping and the rest is history.

Where does the name of your shop come from?

I tell you, one of the hardest things in forming a business is coming up with a name for it, at least that's what was hardest for me. I was brainstorming and I asked my husband offhandedly (for probably the fifth time over the course of two weeks) what I should call my shop. He suggested, without much thought to it, "Honoria." We had been watching "Jeeves and Wooster" episodes and there's a character named Honoria Glossop in one we'd seen recently. He thought the name sounded nice. I mulled over it and shortened the name to Noria and the name "Noria Jewelry" just had a ring to it that I liked.

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

I do it all myself; the designs, the forms, the wrapping, even the findings (except for some commercially-produced chains), I make them myself. There are other fabulous wire artists out there and while I strive to one day be counted among them, I also strive to keep my aesthetic unique to my own style and artistic expression.

What words of advice do you have for other artists?

Keep it enjoyable. Learn new techniques, seek fresh inspirations. Don't be afraid of criticism, in fact, welcome it and then learn from it.

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Very nice - very elegant! Come see this shop - and then come back and leave a comment!

The Lucet

2010-04-15T17:59:00.006-04:00

Many years ago on a vacation we were visiting The Jamestowne Settlement, a recreation of the Jamestown Fort on the James River in Virginia, the first permanent English settlement in America. The site then was not as well developed as it is now, having just past the 4ooth Anniversary of the founding of the settlement, but it had a small museum, an Indian village, reconstructions of the ships that brought the settlers to found the colony, and a recreated fort. On the schedule that day of demonstrations, it said "cord making". I interpreted this to mean rope and was excited to see how this is done. At the specified time we headed down to the area inside the fort and I looked for the large rope making apparatus that I expected to find. Nothing like that was there. Instead, sitting on the side of a path on a small bench was a woman with a basket in her lap and a small tool in her hand. I asked where the cord making demonstration would be and she smiled and said, "right here".

What she had in her hand was a lucet. She explained that is an ancient tool used for centuries to make strong, decorative cord that would be used to embellish clothing or tie things together like lace. She proceeded to move her fingers and twirl the tool around in her and as she worked - hardly looking down, a length of cord grew from the bottom of this lucet. I watched amazed. I had never seen anything like that before, and as a student of history I was fascinated. In my head I could see so many possibilities with this and this was before I had started reenacting history.

When we got home I had to find out more. At the time there was no Internet and therefore no Google to search. I went to the library and started going through historic needlework books. I looked through many until I found one that talked about the lucet or lucette. I learned more history but did not find what I wanted - a detailed photograph of an historic artifact. References led me to other sources and I found what I was looking for.

I took the photo and the described dimensions - plus knowing what the lucet that the woman had demonstrated looked like and proceeded to recreate one that was historically accurate - though there are many historic designs of lucets. My first lucet was carved from walnut. I still have and use that lucet.

Now that I had the lucet and some basic instructions on how to work it from one of the books, I got some string and tried it. It did not take long to produce cord just as the woman at Jamestown had done. Great! But what to do with that cord? I bought some floss in various colors - variegated color floss should be great as the cord would then vary in color shades. I also found a variety of metallic cords from which I could make larger, lucet cords. I started making these cords on the lucet and they looked great. The idea came to me to make earrings from the loops of cord. Setting the ends of short lengths into finding caps and then attaching ear wires, I had earrings that looked very different and attractive. I took them to work with me and they sold right away to co-workers. I took them to craft shows and they sold there too.

As I was making cord I decided to make a second lucet out of cherrywood. That one came out great too! And I still have and use that lucet. Years past and I became involved with 18th Century Living History - and saw the lucet as a way to interact with the public and talk about history. I also decided to make a few lucets and see if they would sell. While I did not figure on interest from the general public, I focused on those with an interest in history and approached one of the larger suppliers of period items to reenactors - from all periods in history. They liked the lucets very much, placed an order, and put my lucet in their catalog - as well their as bringing it to sell at living history events. They continue to order them form me and resupply their inventory.

Some time later I decided to add the lucets to my Etsy shop to see if they would sell there to the crafting and general public. I had the first lucets for sale on Etsy. They started selling and I added lucets in different American hardwoods - each designed and hand-carved as my original, historically accurate reproduction.

The lucet is easy to use and when I started offering them for sale I wrote a small booklet with photos to show exactly how to use them. Most of my lucets come with this booklet and those that do include illustrated instructions with all of the necessary steps. Anyone can learn to use the lucet within ten or fifteen minutes of following the diagrams and the text and once you know how to do it you will always be able to do it.

The cord may be used to make jewelry - like the earrings that I made or bracelets or necklaces. Multiple cords make great belts. The cord is strong and can be used to make laces for shoes or for clothing. It is truly unique.

In the past year I decided to add another style lucet to my offerings. Some lucet have handles and while I prefer the smaller lucet that just fits in the hand, some do prefer a lucet with a handle to hold and turn while working. The handle lucet that I designed is historically correct in design but is not a reproduction of an ancient lucet. It is still appropriate for living history events. It works exactly the same way, though it is held in the hand by the handle. I make this lucet of thicker wood with a larger eye to allow much larger cords to work with this lucet - while still being perfect for the thinnest fiber. I make most of my handle lucets from poplar wood. It has a remarkable grain pattern and coloring that will vary uniquely from piece to piece.

All of my lucets are for sale and may be found here at my Etsy Shop - Q Branch Ltd. It is definitely unique. No two lucets of mine are ever exactly the same - the wood alone, plus the hand-carving makes each one of a kind. Many have never seen a lucet before. The cord that one can make has a million creative possibilities. Come over to the shop and see what great ones are there now.

FEATURED ARTIST

2010-04-08T17:48:00.001-04:00

This artist has talent in an ancient craft - very different, though what she creates is very modern and appealing. I am introducing to you -

Come meet the artist, Jess -

Briefly describe what you make?

I specialize in Chinese arts, specifically brush painting and knottings. The paintings have a very light and serene feel, and I mostly concentrate on scenes from nature – including landscapes, flora, and some animals. In terms of the knotting, I take traditional knotting techniques and apply them to functional usages, such as hair accessories, drawing from modern inspiration in the everyday world.

What mediums do you enjoy working in most?

Chinese brush painting is done on rice paper using ink and watercolors, which are applied using special brushes made of bamboo and animal hair. For knotting, I use a specific type of cord, which is perfectly round in diameter with a very smooth finish.

How long have you been creating craft?

I’ve been painting for a good number of years, since I was in my early teens. It sort of fell by the wayside during college, but I picked it back up about a year after graduation. Knotting has been more of a hobby of mine for quite awhile, and I didn’t start experimenting more with this technique until after college as well.

How did you get started?

My parents are originally from Taiwan, and they made sure that even as I grew up in America, that I retained a bit of that traditional culture. So when I saw my mother painting when I was younger, watching the sure strokes of her brush across the paper, I decided that I wanted to learn as well and began going to lessons. I picked up knotting at our local Chinese school during special culture classes. Eventually, this appreciation for the traditional art forms merged with my own modern inspiration, giving rise to the items that I now create.

Where does the name of your shop come from?

I never thought to try selling my work while I was growing up. However, a year after graduating from college, when I moved to Brooklyn and began painting and knotting with a vengeance, I realized that I couldn’t realistically keep everything I was creating. There simply wasn’t enough space in my apartment! So I began searching online, and stumbled across Etsy. Since my apartment played a large part in me selling my work online, it seemed fitting to name my shop “C Line Creations,” as my apartment is located right off of the (C) subway line in Brooklyn!

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

My work is heavily influenced by Asian culture, as evidenced by the art forms I work in, but it is also inspired by the modern world in which I live. In that way, most of my creations are a melding of east with west, in the same way that I am a Chinese woman immersed in the western world.

What words of advice do you have for other artists?

Try to relate to your customers. One of the best parts of selling my own work is to realize that someone else out there likes it as well, and to be able to actually communication and make a connection with that person. There’s really nothing like it, and good, personable customer service really cannot be overemphasized.

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Come now to see Jess's shop at Etsy, then come back and let Jess know what you think!

FEATURED ARTIST

2010-04-01T17:46:00.003-04:00

We are getting back to our artist features and this is a knitter. I would like to introduce you to

Come meet the artist, Crystal -

Briefly describe what you make?

I make knitted photography props mainly for newborns. I do offer larger sizes in the hats but most of my listings are for newborn photography.
I knit beanies, Elf/Pixie hats, slings, cocoons, pods/bowls and I also offer organic dyed cheesecloth that can also be used as slings and wraps.

What mediums do you enjoy working in most?

I would think, by far, my favorite would be handspun merino wool. It is such a wonderful thing to use when knitting and it's so soft. Some of my best yarns have come from Etsy fiber artists.

How long have you been creating craft?

I've been knitting for a few years now. My mom taught me how to crochet when I was a little girl but I never really did anything with it. It wasn't until I started knitting that I actually got interested.

How did you get started?

I got started by coming to Etsy here and there looking for photo props of my own. I would look around but never really buy anything and then I realized that I could make the items I wanted on my own. I then started hats and cocoons for friends in my real life and also for photographers I had met online. I then realized that people actually wanted what I sold and I was urged to open up a shop on Etsy so the circle of photographers I associated with could pick and choose what they wanted and the business just branched off from there.

Where does the name of your shop come from?

Since all of my pieces are personal to me I also wanted my shop name to be personal. I wanted to incorporate my name in some way but I didn't want it to be my name.
My name is Crystal Katherine Connell
I took my initials "CKC" and came up with 'Country Knit Cocoon'. It was the first thing I came up with and it all worked so well together.
I do, indeed live out in the country (a little too far out). All of my items are knit and I make cocoons.

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

I would want people to know that although it is very time consuming it is what I love to do. Every piece is different even if it looks like one I've sold before. My knitting comes with me everywhere and it's nice to know that something I knit and put so much effort into is being loved by someone else. I absolutely love when I get a convo from a buyer and attached to it they have a photo of a sweet little baby either wearing it or in it (as in the slings and cocoons).

I love that it's all handmade by me while watching a good movie or while watching my own little ones playing in the yard or just being crazy in the house.
Just knowing that every piece is personal (to me at least) is what makes it all so worth it.

What words of advice do you have for other artists?

My advice would be to do what you love. If you do what you love the rest will come easy. If you do what you love the hard work does not seem so hard. That is how I look at it. Sometimes I have to step back for a minute and remember why I do this. I do it because I love it and when it comes to the point where I no longer love it I will stop doing it.

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Y9u must see the really nice work that Crystal does and it is all for sale at her online shop. Leave her a c0mment here in appreciation!

Something New that is Very, Very Old

2010-03-25T17:16:00.004-04:00

I have just added a new line to the historic reproductions section of my shop. They are nalbinding needles. Now, you ask, what is nalbinding? Nalbinding, also spelled naalbinding, is a an ancient form of knitting done by the Vikings that carried on through Medieval and Renaissance times. It is also known as single needle knitting.

A variation of nalbinding became popular again in the late 20th Century and was then called toothbrush rug making. The techniques and stitches are the same.

A series of loops and knots form the stitches and one who knows this ancient art can create hats, mittens, scarves, socks, and more. Once the technique is learned this knitting goes quickly. Unlike traditional two needle knitting, short lengths of yarn are used rather than a continuous skein. There are many free sources on the internet to learn the stitches including videos that show close up what to do to teach yourself this art.

Who wants nalbinding needles? This art has become popular amongst Renaissance and Medieval living history reenactors and members of the S.C.A., as well as hobbyists and crafts artists who are looking to express themselves in a unique way.

The needles vary in size. This one is a little more than four and one half inches in length and is 3/8" wide. This needle is made of American Maple - a renewable and durable hardwood. The grain pattern of maple is distinct and this piece shows the beautiful striping. The needle is sanded to a silky smooth finish and is then hand-rubbed with oil and polished to glide through the stitches - which is highly desirable in nalbinding. This needle is a pleasure to work with. The eye of the needle shown has been sized to accommodate all common sizes of yarn.

If you do nalbinding or would like to start, come to my shop at Etsy - qbranchtld - and take a look at the fine handmade needles that I have to offer there.

My Workshop - Part 2

2010-03-18T17:43:00.002-04:00

This article picks up from Part 1 last week -

The garage here is a one and one half car garage. Not sure what half of a car it will fit, though. We did not really keep our van in there - it was too tall. And there was no point in keeping the little car in there though we tried at times. (blocked by the van on the driveway anyway). This would have to be a two part plan. To make the garage work we had to come up with more room for the cars, and, besides, we were tired of dealing with trying to back out to a four lane main street. We had a circular driveway installed. I don't like to mow grass anyway, so the lawn would not be missed. That took most of our finances for the moment and it took two more years to get to the next and most important phase of the two part plan - finish the garage. Convert it from a bug-invested garage with some beams that were rotting at the base to a nice, comfortable and usable workshop. I took a lot of time figuring out what I wanted. How many electrical outlets would be needed. What the lighting should be. How to keep the overhead storage and increase it if we could so that the Christmas ornaments still had a place to be and I could have storage for lumber. I knew of a contractor from work and called him in. No problem! I gave him the plans and all I had to do is sit back and watch it go up - "in less than two weeks!" Two weeks turned into two months. The man that he put in charge of the bulk of the job liked to work on his own schedule. There would be several days that he was expected that he was no where to be seen. Then he would come and put in a half day's work. The job was taking the entire summer and we had a road trip vacation planned at the end of the summer. "Go, don't worry - it will be all done when you get back." Reluctantly we went - and it was done when we got back but not exactly as we expected. Nothing major but there was some substitutions of the agreed upon garage door and such. After a few threats and some money taken off the final bill my workshop was complete.

I started right away moving my small woodworking machinery and tools up from the basement and into my "Shop". No longer would it be referred to as the "garage" but now it was the "Shop" or the "Workshop". "I am going out to the "SHOP"!", I would yell to my wife. Her answer was and still is, "Be CAREFUL!". She knows me well.

Of course, with a nice new and larger shop, those little machines would not longer do - but nothing was purchased until I purchased my lathe. It actually was a birthday present bought for me by my wife. It had to be ordered by the store and when it was time to pick it up with had them put it into our van and wondered how we would lift it when we got it home. We ingeniously devised a collection of tables that stretched from the van to inside the shop - through the garage door that we knew should remain as part of the structure. The tables led all of the way to the lathe stand that was purchased at the same time. I assembled the stand and we got the lathe up onto the first table by pushing and then pushed all of the way inside to where it would come to rest. Of course, as so many things go, when we opened the carton to start to get the lathe out we found that the cast iron base was cracked! We closed the box and started pushing in the opposite direction. My heart in my throat - as I come THIS close to having my lathe. We called the store and told them to expect us back immediately and they better order another lathe right away. Happily they said that they just happened to have another (?) and we should come and exchange it. Which we did. Of course, now we had to push the new carton out of the van, onto the tables, and over to the stand. Finally, it was there - in my shop!

I will not go into the learning process now, but with the help of some books and videos I discovered that I was a natural on the lathe and was producing nice pieces rather quickly. When you have a lathe, you learn that you really need some large and powerful machinery to go along with it to make the best use of it - along with the specific collection of gouges and chisels that you need to "do it right".

It will probably not surprise you that my workshop is now full to the brim with machinery and tools. There is no place really to put anything else and what is there is all on wheels so that it can be moved into the center of the garage, pardon me, shop to work with. I love that shop.

What we had not figured on when we had the shop built was climate conrol - not for what is inside, but for me. It gets to be over 90 degrees F in the summer and down to 2o degrees F in the winter. There are about three months in parts total through the year that one can actually go into the shop and work comfortably. The summer months have been handled with the addition of a through the wall air conditioner which to the surprise of the installer was the first that he ever installed in a garage. Heat in the winter is not so easy. I tried a lot of different types of space heaters - a radiant heat dish that looks like a satellite antenna that did nothing but make my legs warm and an electric oil filled radiator that did little to fend off the freezing cold inside the shop. I eventually found a radiant heater that attaches to the ceiling that gives off a nice heat if it is pointed in your general direction. Two of these, each placed at different sides of the shop pointed to the spots that I work the most do the job as long as it is not TOO cold outside. Having never figured on these, if two tools and a heater are turned on at the same time - the fuse blows. Only a problem when I want to run the dust vacuum while I am working. And of course, don't put both heaters on at the same time if there is any tool running because that puts me in the dark too.

But I love my shop. And this winter it has been too cold for those heaters to keep up. And the snow piled high from the the house to shop door does not help either. I have not been in the shop for any significant time now since November. I tried one day in February when I needed to make a lucet for Etsy - just having sold a walnut one with none to replace it. It was sold cold that I could not feel my finger going too close to the sanding machine and caught the edge. Nothing serious but annoying- and once my fingers thawed from the cold I could really feel those two little cuts!

Ah, but the Spring is almost upon us and soon I will be able to go inside my shop again. I will be able to clean up and re-organize my shop again. In the cold it has been leave all behind and get back into the house quick. A big mess results that way -which is waiting for me to put it back the way it was and is supposed to be. And maybe, just maybe I will be able to start working on those projects that I have been thinking of doing as I have watched the nasty weather come down all winter.

My Workshop - Part 1

2010-03-11T17:06:00.002-05:00

This has been a hard winter. With all of the snow, the rain, and the cold I have not been able to get into my workshop to work for months. My workshop is outside of my house in what was once the garage.

When we got married we intended to move right into a house, but the house market and the interest rates on mortgages at that time - this is over thirty years ago - was not going to allow that to happen. We moved into an apartment and stayed in that apartment for ten years before we found "our" house.

While we were in the apartment there was no way that I could have a workshop. The neighbors upstairs and to the side of us were unhappy enough that we are "night people" and stay up beyond the hours that most do. It is not that we make a lot of noise, but the television is kept on and the walls are not what they could be. This was an apartment complex that did not permit children, but the people upstairs eventually had a baby and we used to hear, through the ceiling, the little guy in one of those little walkers on wheels scoot from one side of the room to the other. As he got bigger they had to move out of their three rooms and then there was no more scooting upstairs - not that we minded. It was kind of funny following the little guy's movements back and forth. Anyway - no workshop in the apartment. We were doing craft shows back then - with our inventory stored in the living room. My wonderful wife was doing most of the work with her MA Bears (tm), quilted pillows, and baby quilts. I was doing small handwork - but it really was not satisfying my need to create. I took up gourmet-style cooking and would put my creative energies into the kitchen. It impressed a lot of relatives and friends. I could not wait to get into a house.

Back in those days, before there were infomercials and home shopping networks on television, there would be info presentations in the shopping malls. Companies trying to sell a gadget would have a representative set up on a stage in the center of a mall, gather a crowd, and put on a "show" to let you know how wonderful this gadget was and why you absolutely needed to have it. I bought my first punch needle set at one of those presentations. Never then did I think that it eventually would become a business for me designing patterns at Pop Goes the Needle. But what would really get my attention was the ShopSmith man. He would come to the mall to show off the invention of the century - a complete woodworking shop in one machine. The ShopSmith company is still around but the pitchmen at the malls are long gone. I just loved going to one of those demonstrations. To lure you there they gave away hardcover books about woodworking that were, of course, all about the ShopSmith, but applied to any woodworking equipment and were full of techniques. IF I could not do it, I could at least read about it. Well, the ShopSmith man would make it all look so easy. This is a LARGE shop tool - maybe six or more feet long - and heavy ("but look how easy it is to move around on wheels!"). What always got me was when he set up the machine - it converts to five different tools - to become the lathe! A lathe was a tool that none of us in junior high school (what is now called middle school) industrial arts woodworking class were allowed to touch. It was TOO dangerous we were told for the likes of us. I always wanted to try a lathe. I would watch in fascination as the ShopSmith man would cut away at that spinning block of wood and produce - a dowel! Amazing! Even the cabriolet leg that he could make on the machine converted to a bandsaw in just five cuts of a piece of wood was as exciting. In seeing my enticement, he always said directly to me - take one home with you tonight and you can be doing this tomorrow! No, I live in three rooms with very close neighbors and thin walls. I don't think that they will like me converting the living room to a woodshop and making noise on a ShopSmith. No, I just had to wait.

Eventually we found and could pay for a house. Of course, in the ten years that this took houses went from $60,000 to $170,000 and interest rates were over 13% for mortgages by then. But we bought a house that has possibilities. Converting the garage came a while later. I first filled the basement with small woodworking machinery. This house has half of an unfinished basement and that part consists of the furnace, the heating oil tank, and the washer and dryer - but there is a little space around and in the corners to fit the smallest table saw, band saw, jig saw, radial arm saw, and drill press that I could find. What I had never figured on was some way to catch the dust that I was creating and not only was this a problem for health (which I never realized at the time - after all isn't the smell of fresh cut wood and sawdust wonderful) but also was not a friend to my furnace which was getting clogged. Still no place for the lathe - and I knew that the wood shavings put out by even a small lathe would never be able to be dealt with in the basement. It was time to look elsewhere.

End of PART 1
Next week - Part 2

FEATURED ARTIST

2010-03-04T17:34:00.004-05:00

We have an interview for you with an artist you takes what is old and makes them new and exciting again. Come with me and meet

Here is our interview with the artist, Jillian -
(lack of capital letters is Jillian's)

Briefly describe what you make?

i illustrate images on porcelain or glass wares. i typically find vintage pieces, but sometimes am able to find out of business vendors in my local area who are liquidating. i like the idea of combining my art with function and making something interactive.

What mediums do you enjoy working in most?

my favorite medium to wok with is using pen and ink on paper, followed by ceramics or glass. i love the way it feels holding a good ink pen, i get excited about it and i could talk about pens and paper for long enough to make people question my sanity. i also love photography, and work part time as a photographer.

How long have you been creating craft?

i have been illustrating for myself and for gifts to people i know my entire life. some periods more frequently than other periods. i opened my etsy shop in late october and have been have been focusing on vintage wares since then.

How did you get started?

i debated for a long time. i was uncertain if i was making the right choice and if my work would sell at all. i have a wonderful supportive family and figured i would open my etsy shop to see what would happen. i told myself that if i only sold to family members for the first couple of months, i would take the hint and focus on building my photography work base instead of selling illustrated pieces. i opened my shop and quickly realized i was making the right choice regardless if i was a popular seller or not. i loved it and knew i had to keep doing it for me.

Where does the name of your shop come from?

22 pages is a literary reference from the book catch 22 by joseph heller. i feel that the paradox of a catch 22 is more frequent than most people realize and i try to envision myself moving gracefully through those paradoxes as gracefully as turning the pages of a novel.

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

it's all original and done by my hand. i've tremendous respect for people who use stock images or who mass produce their original images in their own projects. i realize that can be every bit as challenging and rewarding as what i do. for me, i love the idea that every piece i make is varied . i love the slight imperfections that seem to be rare in a world of ever growing perfect printed font and sharper than anything graphic designed images.

What words of advice do you have for other artists?

there is so much about a blank paper or canvas that is intimidating. it's price as well as it's lack of failure or flaws. it can be compared to the images and ideas of what we are supposed to achieve or what society expects of us each individually.
learn that it's ok to mess up once in a while, it's ok to not be perfect and we don't always need to improve or get better with every project. holding patterns and regressions are fine and they can often lead us to other places we wouldn't have otherwise found.
i can't believe how long it took me to start putting my art out there. i had put so many expectations in my work before i started, it was challenging to begin. it wasn't the bank papers fault because that's what blank things do, they reflect what is standing right in front of them.

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Come take a look at 22pages - and leave a comment to let Jillian know what you think!

FEATURED ARTIST

2010-02-25T17:42:00.003-05:00

We have an artist who creates something that we have not had before on this site - come and meet

Here is our interview with the artist, Kathy -

Briefly describe what you make?

I have recently discovered my passion for cross stitched greeting cards for any occasion, birthday, thinking of you, baby, congratulations, and most holidays.

What mediums do you enjoy working in most?

I enjoy working with the small cross stitch patterns that nicely stitch on 14 count aida cloth. I mostly enjoy the white and ivory coloured cloth and anchor floss for my projects. Soon I may need to add "glasses" to my ever growing supplies as it can be tedious work at times!

How long have you been creating craft?

I have been cross stitching since 1999.

How did you get started?

I got started on holidays in Florida with cousins of ours. MInd you the cousins that taught me to stitch were an eleven year old and her eight year old little sister! It is something I was always interested in so in one afternoon these two little girls started my passion for cross stitching.

Where does the name of your shop come from?

My shop name is not exciting at all! I joined up just as a curiosity and did not realize at the time I was stuck with this boring KCowie shop name. Though once inside my shop I'd like to go by created4U, maybe one day I will be able to change it.

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

I would want people to know the amount of work and hours that actually go into one of those little cards and that is BEFORE I turn it into the greeting card. It takes a great deal on concentration to complete a pattern, but I love it anyways.

What words of advice do you have for other artists?

My advice to others is do not get too attached to a piece of work you have done. I know it can be hard to part with it but in order to succeed you must not get too involved with the piece. Just close your eyes tight when you mail it off I find this often helps! Most of all enjoy what you are doing and the satisfaction it brings when someone likes it enough to purchase.

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Kathy does nice work. Come and take a look at her shop and then head back on over to here and leave a comment for Kathy!

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Like embroidery? Here is something else to take a look at!

FEATURED ARTIST

2010-02-18T17:30:00.003-05:00

We have a glass artist to meet. You will enjoy getting to know

Here is our interview with the artist, Steena -

Briefly describe what you make?

I specialize in fused glass bowls, platters, and trays. Fused glass is considered “warm glass” work meaning it is fired in a kiln to usually no more than 1450 degrees. To fuse glass two or more pieces of glass are cut, shaped, ground and cleaned into the desired shape and pattern. Then these pieces are fused together in the kiln. The fused piece is now placed over a mold and put back into the kiln to be “slumped” into the mold shape.

What mediums do you enjoy working in most?

I use Bullseye Glass exclusively for my work. Bullseye makes beautiful glass that is specially designed for fusing. It always turns out lovely. I have worked with many mediums in art throughout my life, but glass is by far my favorite. Its versatility and wide array of colors is wonderful to work with.

How did you get started?

My love of glass goes back many years. During a college trip to Europe, I became fascinated with the stained glass in the cathedrals. Upon returning home, I took my first class in glasswork and learned how to make stained glass windows. This served as a wonderful introduction to the world of glass art. From there I began to learn glass bead making and became intrigued by the amazing transformation that takes place in glass once heat is applied. These glass beads became parts of handmade jewelry that I gave to friends and occasionally sold at small craft fairs. A cross-country move and new neighbors served as my introduction to fused glass. My new neighbors commented on a glass bead necklace I had made which turned into a discussion about kiln formed glass. My neighbor’s mother taught fused glass. We talked about my fascination with glass she suggested I try one of her mother’s classes. I signed up for her class and was immediately captivated by kiln formed glass. Shortly after the class, I purchased my first small kiln and began perfecting the art of fused glass in my basement. After several years, I decided to relocate back to the Pacific Northwest. The Seattle area is renowned for its glass art and is a wonderful location to continue to pursue fused glass.

Where does the name of your shop come from?

I had a cat many years ago who would sit with me while I made stained glass windows. He was fascinated by the glass and the way the light reflected on it. Also, this cat was quite large. He would sit up next to me with his back legs straight out and his front paws to the sides. His large belly would spill over to the sides and this reminded me of the laughing Buddha pose. When I started my shop, I wanted to honor my now deceased kitty who hung out with me on my first glass projects.

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

Most people do not allow themselves to do more than look at glass art, perceiving glass only to be something fragile that must be admired from afar. To me, glass should not be just a flat object experienced only with the eyes--glass is beautiful both seen and touched. For this reason, I endeavor to take fused glass from a two-dimensional object to a three-dimensional experience. To achieve this, I add glass dots, which are tack fused onto the glass base, adding both dimension and texture. My glass dots come from pattern bars that I have built, fired, cut into pieces on a tile saw, and re-fired into dots, creating tactile embellishments for my fused glass pieces

What words of advice do you have for other artists?

Make the art you like, not what you think will sell. Your art will find its audience.

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Glass is an ancient art and Steena does it so well! Go now and take a look at Budha Kitty Glass Then come back and tell this artist how much you appreciate the work!

FEATURED ARTIST

2010-02-11T17:46:00.004-05:00

Here is a fiber artist from Canada doing something a bit different. Come and meet

Here is our interview with the artist, Sarah

Briefly describe what you make?

I design and sew toys and accessories from recycled wools and cottons—plush dolls, mostly, mittens and pouches, all with hand-embroidery. The dolls, aka “Beasts” come in two sizes: the small ones (about 5” tall) fit snug in a hand and larger ones (about 10”) tuck nicely under an arm.

What mediums do you enjoy working in most?

I’m a scavenger at heart (part hawk, I figure) and love upcycled textiles. I find 100% wool sweaters from thrift shops and shrink them. Cotton flosses and wool yarns are for ornamental embroidery. I avoid synthetics and polyesters as much as possible. Friends drop off their inherited button jars and mistakenly shrunked sweaters, so my stock is growing.

How long have you been creating craft?

I’ve been crafting things since my first dandelion wreath in the sandbox, but since then I studied at art college where I made drawings and ceramics. I taught high school art and now I’m home raising kids. I learned to sew and embroider as a child (my mom was a prolific quilter) and returned to the craft a few years ago.

How did you get started?

The sewing sprang from the need for a birthday gift for my mom, who’s in a nursing home and unable to talk, read, or do much of anything independently. I wanted to give her something small and soft that she could hold and feel my love. I tried sewing a heart from fabric but it wasn’t good enough, I thought, (the first one was really ugly) so I made about a dozen more until I could get it right. I learned about felting wool along the way. I love the freedom of cutting and sewing felted materials—it’s very immediate and almost all your work shows—there are few hidden seams. There’s something honest and upfront about that.

Where does the name of your shop come from?

A “wildebeest” is a gnu, but literally means “wild beast”. I slipped “wool” into the name as a nod to both my material and the goofiness of the plushies’ personalities. Or maybe it’s me who’s the wooldebeast!

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

I’m inspired by the concept of comfort dolls—knitted donations for kids in Africa who have lost loved ones. Comfort dolls are packed in place of Styrofoam chips for HIV-AIDs medication. I made and sent one via I-Cross Canada a few years ago and loved the small scale of the doll. Sewing with recycled wools suits me better than knitting but I still like the idea of the beasts as gifts for anyone in need of a smile or comfort.

What words of advice do you have for other artists?

Tip 1: Take time to play, to develop a personal style. Experiment. Make some stuff you’d never sell.

Tip 2: Be careful not to smudge your work with the remains of your chocolate stash.

Tip 3: You can find time to make things in strange places. I hand embroider on long car trips, for instance.

Tip 4: Don’t drop straight pins under the table where your husband puts his feet.

Tip 5: Inspiration comes from the most unlikely of places—a faded decal on an antique teacup, maybe. Be ready for it.

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Go right now and visit Wooldebeast - and then come back and tell Sarah what you think!

FEATURED ARTIST

2010-02-04T17:38:00.001-05:00

We have a painter to feature this week. Come and meet

Here is our interview with the artist, Amanda -

Briefly describe what you make?

I create original paintings with acrylics in addition to creating mixed media/2D art that has a modern vibe to it but can suit itself in different types of decor as well.

What mediums do you enjoy working in most?

Acrylics. Although I have not tried oils to date I am totally happy with what I can achieve with acrylics. With 3 kids I have a limited working time so acrylics accomodate that as well. I love working with different gel mediums as well it helps to create the type of texture I desire. Also, I have brought in using papers and really enjoying that route right now plus they are upcycled. I rescued an almost bin bound wallpaper sample book from a local paint shop and use that a lot in my 2D pictures.

How long have you been creating art?

I have had a love of drawing as far back as I can remember! If I wasn't drawing or painting I was doing some sort of arts related thing from sewing, beading, crafting, modelling and professional acting. Infact, I acted professionally since I was 14 with jobs in commercials, movies and various roles in TV series, but again, I have 3 wonderful kids and the amount of hours away from them just wasn't worth it. No matter how much money I could make, no amount would ever buy time back! With this and a series of other events that happened in my life is what brought me back to painting.

How did you get started?

I started getting more serious about selling my paintings after incurring a large stock pile of them from painting so much. The biggest challenge for me to get over was fear! (Crazy huh!? ) But it first kept me from even painting for a while because of all the what ifs...what if it's no good, what if I lost my touch, what if this and what if that. I had people always encouraging me and asking if I was persuing my art and I realized that I had been given a talent to share and use, not to waste! Many sales later through both Ebay and Etsy I have shared my art with people throughout North America and just recently, in Europe as well! These people would have never been able to enjoy my art on their walls if I had stayed in fear and done nothing.

Where does the name of your shop come from?

The name of my shop is simply my last name - Park. Add the art studio on the end and there you have it. I still wanted my store name to represent me but when I googled Amanda Park it is strangely an actual place in Washington! Look it up for yourself.

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

I want people to know that my work is created with passion! I love what I do and in everything I do, I will do it to the best of my ability. That is how I was raised. I will keep tweaking a painting for days and even months until I am satisfied with how it looks. It is frustrating getting to that point sometimes, but so rewarding to see the finished product.

What words of advice do you have for other artists?

Get around people that will encourage you in what you want to do and DO NOT let fear of rejection get in the way. A great quote from the king of hockey ( I am Canadian so I think everyone here knows this one ) Wayne Gretzky is - " You miss 100% of the shots you don't take. " So true. Look for different ways to get yourself out there and stay positive.

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Fabulous! Please come and take a look now at this shop and then come on back and let Amanda know what you think!

FEATURED ARTIST

2010-01-28T17:29:00.001-05:00

We have a potter to present to you - or should I say "ceramics artist" - Come and meet

Here is our interview with the artist, Laurie -

Briefly describe what you make?

I make fine art, functional ceramics. Each piece is hand-crafted by me and no two are alike. I use stoneware and porcelain clay and fire in electric, gas and wood-fueled kilns depending on the surface result and color I am seeking with a particular piece.

What mediums do you enjoy working in most?

Clay, Clay and Clay. I had tried painting and photography, but from the moment I touched clay, I was hooked. I would someday like to combine clay with photography, but I will always work in clay. I get my need for variation by trying different firing techniques. I tried wood-firing again this last fall after many years just using an electric kiln and just loved the results. It's a lot of hard work, with unpredictable results, but so worth the effort.

How long have you been creating craft?

Prior to my first pottery class, I would call myself an arts and crafts dunce. I was never good at making things as a kid, except for mud pies. I have now been make pots for close to seven years.

How did you get started?

When I moved to D.C., I knew no one. So I started taking art classes as a way to meet people and as a creative outlet from work. I had no talent at painting. When I quit my job, I couldn't afford to keep up with photography. I was always drawn to pottery in galleries and stores, so I decided to give it a try. I took my first pottery class at a community center in 2003 and a year later moved to the Art League in Alexandria. I became an associate there last fall.

Where does the name of your shop come from?

Claytastic is a blend of clay and fantastic, which is what I think of pottery - it is just fantastic to make and use.

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

I make my pieces to be used and touched. Not only are they dishwasher, microwave and food safe, but the texture and shape is comfortable to hold and use. I have given a lot of thought into the usage of each piece. Also, my inspiration is multi-faceted. I am inspired my nature, architecture, the human figure, the colors and textured of the places I have lived and traveled. Who I am is present in each piece of work.

What words of advice do you have for other artists?

Get outside your current environment and expand your inspirational inputs. Travel. Go to museums of all kinds. Take pictures of everything. I have learned that sometimes things we don't even think about being our inspiration, subconsciously inspires us and finds it way into our work. The more inputs you have, the richer and more interesting your work will be.

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There are some very nice things to see in this shop! Click on over there now - and then return to leave a comment for the artist!

FEATURED ARTIST

2010-01-21T17:26:00.002-05:00

This week we have a jewelry artist who does some very nice work. Come and meet

Here is our interview with the artist, Christina -

Briefly describe what you make?

I design and make jewelry and beaded bookmarks. Most of my earrings and necklaces are made with gemstones and semi-precious stones, as well as glass, shell, and pearl, and I mainly work with sterling silver. I use the same quality materials to embellish my silver-plated hook bookmarks.

What mediums do you enjoy working in most?

My favorite materials to work with are natural stones. I love the unending variety of colors and patterns in Ocean and Crazy jaspers. I love the swirls in Banded and Botswana agates. I love to take out my magnifying glass and look at each little bead I buy and admire the whirls and dots and splashes. I take photos of my jewelry with a macro lens
so buyers can see all the little fine details, and hopefully appreciate them as much as I do.

How long have you been creating craft?

I got off to a pretty slow and unsuccessful start early on. My first attempt at creativity was an 8th grade sewing class and I didn't do too well there. It was too much math/measuring for me. My freshman year in high school I tried again, taking a Home Ec. class in sewing, and I made my teacher cry. (She retired soon after so I don't think it was just me that stressed her out...) I started doing cross stitch in college and kept at it over a ten year period. And then once I had children my creative efforts went into making things that they could help me with like candles, soaps, and ornaments.

How did you get started?

A few years ago my ill father came to live with me, and I and my family cared for him until he passed away in 2007. During the year that he lived with us I spent a lot of time assessing my life, my needs, and my interests and desires. After that year of very emotionally intense care-taking, I felt a strong need to do something creative. Without any real thought I decided I wanted to try my hand at making jewelry and within a month of his passing I was in a craft store buying some beads and wire. I've been making jewelry and bookmarks now for just over two years and love everything about the creative process. I also think of my dad when I think of my jewelry business, and how happy he'd be to see me doing what makes me happy.

Where does the name of your shop come from?

I had such a difficult time choosing my shop name! Etsy was the first place I considered to start my shop in so I did quite a bit of looking around to see who was selling there. I went through so many names while trying to decide if I was a cute cottage, a serious studio, a fancy aerie. I finally decided I was a down-to-earth shop and the name Leaf and Tendril soon followed. I think the name suits me because it's natural and organic, no muss and fuss.

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

I'd like people to know that I really care about the quality of materials I choose. That I take a lot of time and thought into putting each piece together. And that even though I fret daily that I'll never sell another thing again - I thoroughly enjoy what I'm doing and hope that some of the energy and fun carries into the earring or bookmark I'm making, and then onto the person who buys and uses it.

What words of advice do you have for other artists?

I'm still new to the business of being an artist so I won't give business advice. The advice I will give is this: YOU CAN do this - design, create, innovate, sell - without a degree from a fine arts school. You don't need to have started when you were a teenager, or even be a 20 something. You don't need a whole lot of money and a beautiful studio to go with it, although that would be nice. You just need to set a little of your very valuable time aside, and while doing that, listen to your inner artist. She/He will tell you what to do, and then you'll figure out how to do it.

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Great interview - nice shop. Come visit it!

FEATURED ARTIST

2010-01-14T18:00:00.003-05:00

Hmm. Our featured artist describes their shop as "evil" - really. Well, that should get your interest about -

Come meet this "evil" artist -

Briefly describe what you make?

I make the world a brighter place with snarktastic greeting cards and paper gifts that your mother would never send. We combine beautiful design with edgy copy to create the kind of products that make smart people laugh.

What mediums do you enjoy working in most?

I tend to prefer working in larges. Size matters, you know. Flytrap is a paper store.

How long have you been creating craft?

My shop has been open for a little over a year. But I don't consider it a craft. It's more of a means of spreading evil pleasure.

How did you get started?

I started by making jewelry. I sold okay, maybe 35 sales in 6 months. I realized I sucked at jewelry after I made some obnoxious parking tickets in December of 2009 (my only paper item at the time). They sold like hotcakes. By mid-February, I had given all of the jewelry away and completely transformed the business into paper products.

Where does the name of your shop come from?

Venus Flytraps teeter on the edge of inappropriate plant behavior - just like Flytrap products do. They're also funny looking.

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

Someone, somewhere is going to get offended. Someone, somewhere else is going to laugh. The important thing to remember about Flytrap is that we will not skimp on quality in language, paper, design, or printing. You're going to be able to give someone a card that makes them laugh after teasing them with a warm and fuzzy graphic.

What words of advice do you have for other artists?

Be agile. Don't get emotionally attached to any aspect of your business - least of all your art. If something's not moving, create something that will. By the same token, realize there is a market for everything. If you're going to insist on creating a product that isn't moving, spend your time finding a market that wants it.

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Neat things from a neat artist. Come see NeatThings

FEATURED ARTIST

2010-01-07T17:30:00.000-05:00

The first shop to be featured on this site for the New Year is Squirrelonaledgetop

Come meet the artist -

Briefly describe what you make?
I make decorative pillows!

What mediums do you enjoy working in most?

I have a fabric obsession! I love to make my pillows with high quality designer fabrics and/or interesting vintage fabrics and trim. I love adding a touch of vintage to my sewing creations, even if it's only some old buttons. An item that has journeyed through time and passed through many hands is special. It is a great thing to be able to renew a vintage item, to be a part of it's history, and pass it along for more generations to enjoy.

How long have you been creating craft?

I started making pillows in 2008 so that I could beat the winter blues. I own a farm, which means working until I could fall down all spring and summer, and then lots of down time in the winter. I needed to have an outlet for my creativity and to occupy my time during the long cold winter!

How did you get started?

I love to sew and have always loved decorative pillows. A friend told me about Etsy, so I joined, and so the pillow mania started! Since I have tons of fabric stock piled, I went right to town sewing up my pillows! Now that I am making so many pillows, I have an excuse to hunt down and buy really cool fabrics for my "collection".

Where does the name of your shop come from?

The name of my farm is Ledgetop and not only do I love squirrels, but there seems to be a large population of them here. So it was natural for me to name my shop Squirrel On a Ledgetop!

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

I create my pillows with attention to detail and I LOVE creating them. I have an eclectic kind of style that influences me to create a diverse collection of beautiful pillows! I am excited to find new (or old) fabric and come up with new designs to share in my shop!

What words of advice do you have for other artists?

A good piece of advice would be to never give up! If you put in the time and have the determination you will be rewarded! It may seem slow at first, but keep creating and adding to your shop and things will pick up. Reach out to the Etsy community if you have questions. The most important thing is to stay positive!

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What a nice way to start the new year. Go now and take a look at Squirrelonaledgetop and then come back and leave a comment to let this artist know that you really appreciate the work!

Combining Shops

2009-12-31T18:07:00.000-05:00

For those of you who shop or sell at Etsy - the number one site to buy handmade craft and art - you may know that some sellers run more than one shop with the idea that different types of items should be sold in apart from each other. A few years ago, I opened a second shop for my photography, pastperfect. I did this for two reasons - the first and foremost, was that I was interested in becoming a member of the Etsy photography "street" team called POE - Photographers of Etsy. When I had contacted them from my shop, qbranchltd I was told that only shops that sold only photography were admitted as members. The second reason to open the second shop for photography was the idea that I could direct galleries and other interested parties to that shop to see my photography - without any distraction of the other things that I sell.

What I have found since opening this second shop is that it is very difficult to promote two shops equally and the attention and effort that is devoted to one takes a great deal away from the other. Yes, the second shop made some sales, but nothing like my first shop makes. I almost said my "main" shop. This is what happens. It is very hard to treat two shops as equal children - giving them both the love and attention that they each deserve and must have to flourish.

I have been seriously thinking of taking all of my photography - as it expires (and a great deal of it has already expired) and move it to my first shop. There it will get the attention of my efforts that I put to promote that shop. There it may get noticed by those who come to browse - to those whose initial attention is attracted by other things.

If I do this, it will happen a week or two into the new year - which by the way arrives in about six hours. With the Christmas retail season past and the late winter and Spring holidays on their way, perhaps - just perhaps - things will change for the better in sales of my art photos, nestled snugly in their own little category at qbranchltd. Come around in a few weeks and see.

If you are thinking about opening a second shop, think long and hard about how you will promote it and the time and resources that you have to do that. Whatever you do now will then be split in two. It is something to consider.

And crazy me! I have something new and different for me that I am thinking of making and selling and I had the thought that it might do better in --- it's own shop.

Happy 2010 to all!

Happy Holidays!

2009-12-24T17:53:00.000-05:00

It is Christmas Eve. All the presents are now purchased and wrapped and should be sitting under the Christmas tree - or hidden in a closet waiting for Santa to find them and put them under the tree for the morning. Christmas customs vary not only by country but also by family. Some families like to exchange gifts on the night of Christmas Eve leaving Christmas morning for the kids, church, and a dinner that makes the table sag. Other families like to do it all on Christmas Day. Either way - gift buying is done for a while (or at least until all that Christmas cash is put together to start buying what you hoped you would get but didn't).

Never the less, we are not featuring any artists this week but taking this opportunity to wish everyone Happy Holidays - no matter what those holidays may be!

Peace to all from the Art of Craft!

Oh yes... If any of you have some of the holiday gift cash that you are itching to spend - come take a look through some of the featured artists on this site and treat yourself to something really, really nice!

Ho! Ho! Ho!

FEATURED ARTIST

2009-12-17T17:46:00.002-05:00

This featured artist's work is unique. You really must see it for yourself. Let me introduce you to

Here is our interview with the artist...

Briefly describe what you make?

I don’t know the best way to label what I make, but they are basically painted canvases that would be used as home décor or wall hangings. They have a design along with a quote or personalized to include a name. My next goal is to make some pictures frames.

What mediums do you enjoy working in most?

I am really into acrylic paints right now. They have an endless possibility when it comes to colors and I find them to be the easiest paint to work with. Not to mention adding a little paint to something can make a HUGE difference.

How long have you been creating craft?

I have been doing crafts all my life. My parents always say that when I was little I constantly had a piece of paper and pencil in my hands. From then on I’ve always had to be busy creating things. But only until about 2 months ago I finally decided to try to sell some of my pieces.

How did you get started?

One day I was sitting at Barnes & Nobles looking through a book of people who make money from selling crafts and came across someone who used Etsy. Right when I got home I started looking through the website and fell in love. I started creating canvases and when I felt like I had enough to start it up, I created an account and opened a shop. From there I created a facebook page and twitter account to try and get my name out there.

Where does the name of your shop come from?

Coming up with a name for me was almost a nightmare. Once I came up with it I knew I would be stuck with it, and when you are a perfectionist that is a little stressful. My mom and I started emailing back and forth trying to come up with something and finally she came up with “Bellatina.” Both sides of my family are Italian (Longinotti & Ugolini…can you tell?) so it’s only natural that she had to incorporate some Italian in there and then she added on “tina” because that’s what some of my close friends call me, short for Christina. Put the two words together, add “creations” to it, and it makes a pretty good name!

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

I put a lot of effort into it. I am such a perfectionist it sometimes drives me crazy, but as a result, all of my pieces are very nicely done. I would never sell something that I wouldn’t approve of myself. I love doing them and I hope others can see that.

What advice do you have to give to other artists?

Be proud that you are an artist. Not everyone is given this talent. As an artist you are given the ability to express yourself and at the same time create beautiful things for others to enjoy.

________________________

Good interview. Nice shop. Come and take a look at Bellatina Creations and then come on back here and comment and let this artist know what you think!

Something a Bit Different

2009-12-10T17:56:00.000-05:00

I thought that with all of the promotion and presentation of other artists that I do on this site I might blow my own horn and share some of my work with you. I am an eclectic craft artist. I work in a variety of mediums. I have been creating craft for more than forty years and I have always look at new ways to express myself. What will happen is that I will see something that catches my eye - a medium that I have not tried yet and then start finding out all that I can about it. Almost all of my skills have been self-taught. I am a strong believer that if you are motivated and willing to put in the time to find out how something is done you can do it.

As I am blowing my own horn here I will say that what I have set my mind to mastering I have been successful at. I have had many exhibitions of my work. I sell in a gallery. I have won awards, both local and statewide. I have been published in craft and art magazines. And I have three pieces in a museum collection. All this in addition to selling for the past over thirty years at craft shows - and now on the Internet at Etsy and my own sites.

I present to you a sampling of my work. With it you will find links where you may purchase if you so desire - and if that link does not work, it means, happily, that the piece has been sold.

I have been turning pens for about six years. I work on a wood lathe and create the barrels for the pens and assemble the wood barrels onto high quality pen hardware.

This particular pen is of artistic styling - not a conventionally shaped pen. This pen is made of Goncalo Alves and interesting wood that is light reddish brown in color.

This pen sells at my shop at Etsy. If you are interested take a look HERE.

Here is something from my other passion - living history. I am a reenactor of the American Revolutionary War period.
I created this game to play at 18th Century encampments and thought it would make a great addition to my crafts for sale. I has proven very successful and is sold through a national catelog/website for living history. I also sell it at my shop at Etsy. In my shop this is called The Pirate's Box Game. It is a gambling actually played in the 18th Century. It was very popular at seaports and with pirates, along with those with a bit of coin to lose in taverns.

This is a fun game that may be played by all ages. The game may be played solitaire or with a group. If you are interested in this game - they make great gifts - come and take a look HERE. These are always in my shop so if this link does not work just go to my Etsy shop - Q Branch Ltd. to see one.

This is called a Lucet. This is another of my historic reproduction. This is an ancient cord making tool used for thousands of years to create strong, decorative cord. If you look at Cinderella's dress and see the lacing holding it up in the front - that is cord made on a lucet. Lucets were used commonly throughout the 17th Century through the 19th Century in America. They are still commonly used in parts of Europe today.

The lucet is fun to use and VERY EASY to learn. The cord made on the lucet today is made from any string, thread, floss, ribbon, yarn, and so on. The cord that is created is thicker and stronger than the string that it is made from. Today it is used by craft artists for jewelry, fabric embellishment, laces, and so much more. This is simple enough for a child to learn and create friendship bracelets, shoe laces, and such. These are always in my Etsy shop made from different woods and there are two styles - with a handle and without. This has no handle. The difference is just a matter of preference - as they make the same cord. If you are interested in a lucet look HERE. Also if this link is sold there will always be others in my Etsy Shop.

I am not going to overwhelm you all with too much but I should mention my other shop - Past Perfect and show you a sample of my work from that shop. This is my photography shop and I have been professionally taking art photographs for the past four years. Here is just one of my photos. This is a red tail hawk. This hawk was rescued by a wildlife rescue preserve. I was doing an indoor craft show and this preserve was showing some of their animals to the public. It happened that our booth was right next to their presentation area and I was so close that I could take photos that I never would have been able to get any other way. I am glad I had my camera with me that day.

If you are interested in this photo it is HERE. There are many other photos - and another hawk too - at my shop Past Perfect.

So there you have it. A small sample of my work. I thank you all for looking and appreciate any comments.

FEATURED ARTIST

2009-12-03T17:51:00.002-05:00

We have another artist who works in unusual medium for craft - soap, but never the less, craft it is. Come and meet

Here is our interview with the artist, Jackie -

Briefly describe what you make?

I handcraft soap, bath and beauty, and home fragrance products.

What product do you enjoy making the most?

I truly enjoy making my hand milled soap the best. I find the hand grating process to prepare the soap base to be therapeutic and I like fussing over the Crockpot the 4 hours it takes to cook the soap. It’s fun! It is also neat to add exotic ingredients like emu oil and pumpkin powder and watch them magically transform the soap.

How long have you been making bath and beauty products?

2 years now.

How did you get started?

I did a year’s worth of Internet research and joined soaping forums and read everything I could on making soap. I tried to learn about every aspect of soapmaking from the different ingredients to business legalities.

Where does the name of your shop come from?

Twice in the past I have partnered with another Virgo making business cards. I like the name and people know me by it and maybe in the future there will be another Virgo who will join me in this venture!

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

I have done and still do a ton of research so my products can be the best they can be and be safe and enjoyable to use. My soaps and bath and beauty products are very high quality for the money! I am also greening up my line and am now using all natural glycerin soap bases in my glycerin soaps. My hand milled soaps are pure soap, no chemicals in them other than the colors I add and sometimes the fragrances.

What words of advice do you have for other artists?

You are only limited by your imagination! If you love doing it and have determination, you will succeed!

________________________

Like puppies - come check out the puppy soaps - their for people, not puppies. Come take a look at Jackie's shop!

FEATURED PHOTOGRAPHER

2009-11-26T17:40:00.000-05:00

First, Happy Thanksgiving to all!

We have another great photographer to feature. Come and meet

Here is our interview with the photographer...

Briefly describe what you make?

I make fine art photographs. Mostly I focus on nature photography, but I also have some whimsical and some industrial subjects.

What mediums do you enjoy working in most?

I am adoring digital photography because I take A LOT of pictures! Digital allows me to try angles and styles that I might not have with film because of the expense.

How long have you been creating craft?

I've always been interested in photography. My grandparents gave me my first "real" camera when I was about 8.

How did you get started?

When my grandfather passed away a few years ago, my grandma gave me his circa 1970 Olympus and all the lenses and things he had acquired over 30 years. Since then I've switched to digital, but I haven't stopped shooting!

Where does the name of your shop come from?

The name of my shop comes from my desire to show things the way they actually appear. Nature photography is my main focus- hence, the "stone." Presenting nature unaltered, unPhotoshopped, unposed is where the "unturned" part comes from. I don't turn the stones I photograph!

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

I show people what I saw. I rarely alter photographs beyond cropping, and perhaps changing to black and white. I really only use Photoshop to put on my watermark! I like people to know that what they are seeing is real, not the result of tweaking in a computer program. I think that's important to show people real nature before it disappears.

What words of advice do you have for other artists?

Doing something you love is so important. It's such a thrill to open my new images and find something that makes me proud. I wish that feeling on everyone.

______________________

You know the expression that a picture is worth a thousand words - check out this shop!

FEATURED ARTIST

2009-11-19T18:01:00.001-05:00

We have an artist that has taken some time off and is now returning with her work for all to enjoy once again. I would like to introduce you to -

Here is our interview with Tara!

Briefly describe what you make?

I am best known for my OOAK vintage pieces that combine found pendants, charms, and Lucite. Other items I create are scrabble, domino, and glass pendants, rings, earrings, and bracelets.

What mediums do you enjoy working in most?

Since I have an appraisal certificate in antiques/vintage, I really do enjoy searching for my vintage finds. Creating OOAK necklaces and earrings is truly rewarding. Lately I have reintroduced graphic design to my shop and I am really having fun with that too.

How long have you been creating craft?

I have been creating for a lifetime and selling online/offline for almost 11 years now. The first piece of jewelry I ever made was a friendship pin, very popular in the 80's. I remember that no one showed me how to do it and I severely damaged myself with the safety pins and pliers. From then on I was hooked!

How did you get started?

I've always been crafty and full of endless hyper energy. I constantly needed projects to entertain myself when I was little. No computers, bad T.V., and small New York City apartment = the need to express yourself creatively. I used to make Barbie little soaps from larger bars, and I had rigged up an actual little shower for her in her house.

I started selling when I realized it was getting too hard to leave the house every day and try to cram in a part time job, dogs, kids, errands, and housework. I was doing random craft shows but found it equally as hard to commit to certain times. My husband was extremely supportive and didn't want me to work at all. I felt I needed to occupy myself and since I already had tons of handmade jewelry, the next step was naturally to sell it. Plus, you need to make money to buy new supplies!! LOL

Where does the name of your shop come from?

Honestly, it's not a really meaningful story. About 5 years ago I was looking to buy a domain name. It seems everyone in the universe is also named Tara. I purchased jewelsbytara and thetaracollection. I didn't like it at the time and wanted to make it more specific. Eventually jewelrybytara came up for sale and I grabbed it.

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

That I take it extremely seriously and put a lot of effort and time into each piece. I inspect everything before it leaves my workshop and I redo if necessary. I try very hard to label correctly and give out specifics on pieces. I am always keeping my designs fresh and enjoy bringing everyone new pieces. Customer service is a huge thing with me and everyone gets their problems resolved ASAP.

What words of advice do you have for other artists?

Searching out answers to questions yourself can actually lead to more knowledge than someone just telling you. I started with absolutely no knowledge of accounting, web design, graphic design, marketing, and selling online. My husband refused to help me when I was setting up my first site and gave me the speech about figuring out everything myself. I was so angry then, but I thank him now for letting me find my own way. I believe that learning by doing is the best way to retain knowledge. Also, DIY (do it yourself), should become your new motto. Everything that you can buy so far as supplies, packaging, etc. Can be made by you for a lot less money. I learned website coding and graphics on my own too.

______________________

Great interview - come an take a look at Tara's shop and of course, come on back and leave a comment for Tara!

FEATURED ARTIST

2009-11-12T17:56:00.002-05:00

We have an artist that works in a very different medium - fragrance. I would like you to meet

Here is our interview with Karina -

Briefly describe what you make?

My name is Karina, and I live in New York City although I'm originally from Toronto Canada. I moved to the States in 2003, and love living in such a dynamic and exciting place like New York! My American-born husband, Richard, helps out greatly with my shop and has now become a soap addict too.

What mediums do you enjoy working in most?

I love working with different fragrance oils and blending "odd" ones together to create a fantastic new scent. There's something wonderful about a buyer smelling my soap at a show and going "Oh wow this smells REALLY good" --- to give them a scent combo they wouldn't have perhaps experienced elsewhere is very special to me.

How long have you been creating craft?

Since 2001...I went full-time with Soap That Makes Scents in 2006.

How did you get started?

I went to England on a business trip, and in-between banquets and conferences, it became pretty boring just hanging around the hotel. I discovered a soap-making class not too far away and went on a whim just to have something to do. I didn't believe in love at first sight until then. After I returned to Canada (where I'm originally from) I took a few more locally-based workshops as well as some business classes, and my dream began.

Where does the name of your shop come from?

I would love to say that I thought long and hard about this and then had a great vision in the middle of the night as it would make a fantastic story..but, alas, it was just a moment of quick brainstorming one rainy afternoon. The name definately fits, wouldn't you say?

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

A bar of soap is the simplest and most environment-loving way to get yourself clean.
At Soap That Makes Scents, we believe in minimal packaging. We believe in small batches to ensure freshness. And we believe that using high-quality ingredients should not mean that we have to sacrifice low pricing for you.

What words of advice do you have for other artists?

Do not expect a flock of buyers in your store the moment you list your first item. Networking is extremely important all of the time, but even moreso in the beginning stages of your business. It does take time to build a customer base, and things won't happen magically overnight no matter how original and exciting your items are. Promote to your target audience instead of just everywhere you can---you'll save a lot of time, energy and money this way.
____________________

Very different and a craft product that everyone has a use for - and great gift items too! Come and take a look at this shop - and then come on back here and leave a comment for Karina!

FEATURED ARTIST

2009-11-05T17:56:00.002-05:00

Here is a artist making very nice decorative pillows for your home. Come and meet

Here is our interview with the artist, Cheryl -

Briefly describe what you make?

My name is Cheryl and I have a passion for pillows. I design and sew decorative pillows in small collections to ensure a quality one-of-a-kind pillow. I also have a children, tween and teen line. I have a signature “pocket” that I have used on many of my children’s pillows and expanded into my pocket stockings for people and pets. I like the idea of having little extra hiding places for notes, etc. My original design, the Sleep-n-Stash Pillow, takes this to the extreme by having a complete internal “secret” pocket. This was originally made for a soldier’s return to Iraq to keep his letters and photos inside. Now it is popular from children to teens to stash their special items inside; trading cards, music players, etc.

What mediums do you enjoy working in most?

I love working with many types of fabric from decorative to soft fleece and flannel. My process starts when I place all of my fabric on my cutting table and start matching up the complimenting fabrics and begin dreaming up its design. I like to have some traditional sizes and styles and end up with a few “wow” pillows.

How long have you been creating craft?

I have been happily designing for 6 years now. This all began after I was searching store after store for pillows for my sofa. The pillows were uninteresting, weren't the right color and of poor quality. So, I decided to make my own. I received so many compliments that I began a business creating one-of-a-kind decorative pillows.

Where does the name of your shop come from?

The name is literal, I step into my sewing studio, take a look around and my stress melts away and I am then “inspired”. Sewn Inspirations.

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

I want to make a difference in the way you view your home. I believe that by adding a few pillows to your sofa, beds & chairs, you can create a whole new look without the high cost of buying new furniture. I design, sew and deliver the pillows right to your doorstep, all without the hassle of searching numerous stores for the "perfect" accessory. All you need to do is decide which style and size best suits you and the quantity needed to make your room look distinctive.

What words of advice do you have for other artists?

Once you find your passion, do what it takes to keep it in your life. I have done at-home parties, craft shows, selling in brick and mortar stores, my own website and Etsy. If you find a perfect location for your craft, approach the owner. Every owner I have approached, has accepted my offer.

______________

Great interview and really nice work. You must see this shop! Then - come back here and leave a comment and let this artist know your appreciation for her work - then go buy something nice! Nice gift ideas, too!

FEATURED PHOTOGRAPHER

2009-10-29T18:02:00.001-04:00

Here is a photographer on Etsy with some great Fall themed photographs - and more. Come and meet

Here is our interview with the photographer, Ezzy!

What do you make?

The short answer to that is Artwork! I shoot with a Nikon D40X - digital - then use photoshop to enhance, change, and edit my work. My subject matter mostly includes landscapes, but I also take a few still lifes. I do some portraiture outside of my etsy shop.

What mediums do you enjoy working in the most?

Well, photography in all aspects of course, but there are, after all, many different aspects of photography. I was never much good at taking pictures when I was young. I can't tell you how many photos I have of people from the neck down that I took with my first camera. But eventually I started working with film - and I fell in love with it! Nothing makes a better sound than the swish and click of the shutter on a completely mechanical old camera. And then there is the darkroom . . . the acid smell of the developing chemicals and the weird light. But digital has been a fun experience as well. The convenience, ese adn versatility of digital is a great addition to the world of photography. And then there is photoshop. It took me a lot longer to warm up to that than anything else, but now that I have learned it, it is so much fun to create in it!

How long have you been crafting?

Well, as an artist, I have been drawing as long as I can remember. I ghad an old Sunday school teacher who used to tell me she knew I'd become an artist because when I was two and in her sunday school class, she gave all the children crayons and paper. And while all the other children were eating the crayons and throwing them at each other, I was sitting quietly, drawing little circles on my paper. I started painting with oils when I was 11 and continued that through college. It wasn't until my sophmore year of college that I discovered photography, but I fell in love with it. I'm 26 now so I have been photographing for about 7 years now.

How did you get started?

I was reluctant to do it, but I signed up for the photo class offered at my college. I borrowed an old Canon camera from a family friend, never intending to like photography enough to want to buy one of my own. I was just taking the class because I needed the credit for my art degree. I wasn't very good it at first - I actually had to reshoot my first assignment and stay after class for some one on one tutoring with my teacher. But when I finally got the hang of it, I excelled. I stayed late after class and came in to the darkroom in the evenings afer work. Eventually I grew to love it enough and gather enough skills, I presented my senior art show in photography. I now own 2 35mm fil cameras, a yashika medium format camera, a holga, and a Nikon D40X.

How did you name your shop?

The name of my shop comes from my name. In case you are curious (cause it's kind of a strange name) there is a story behind "ezzy." I have a younger brother who I am very close to. He is two years younger than I am and when we were little, he couldn't say my name - Sara. So, he called me "Sever" and I hated it! That's how little brothers are! And of course, since I hated it, he did it even more. As we got older "Sever" went way until I was in middle school and he started calling me that again. Then, one day out of the blue, he started calling me Sever again. A couple weeks later, he mixed it all around and called me Ezzfur. I was mortified and made him promise to never call me that in front of anyone ever. So what does he do? He calls me that at a birthday party in front of friends. They liked it, latched onto it and shortened it to Ezzy. And it stuck! So when I first discovered etsy, I created an account under my name. I have named my shop "In Other Words, Photography." My husband is a writer on the side and he actually helped me come up with it. It goes along with the old cliche that a picture is worth a thousand words.

What would you want people to know about your work?

I guess what I want people to know about my photography is that I never really feel more like myself than when I am behind the lens. It's a natural high - I find myself smiling every time I lower the camera after taking a picture. Beauty is all around in the big and in the small. When I am behind the lens, I get to explore that beauty, single it out, give it a voice. My portrait work, for example, is very rarely posed. My best photos are when people aren't paying attention to me - when they are relaxed and natural. I don't create wuth the sole purpose of making money - I create for the joy of it. For the sound of the shutter opening and closing, for the excitement of downloading a shoot and seeing what came out, for the smell of photo chemicals and the feel of the camera in my hands . . .

Any words of advice for other artists?

To other artists, I would say be true to yourself. Create what you love and the work that comes from it will be a true reflection of yourself. Do it for the right reasons, for the love of the yarn sliding through your fingers, the feel of the clay spinning on the wheel in your hand, the paint beneath your finger nails, and dropped beads glittering in the carpet. Don't create to make a living - live to create. Know that what you leave in this world is a little more beauty a piece of yourself that can never be erased.

_________________________

Ezzy does some very nice work! You must go and see Ezzy's shop -and then come back here and your appreciation!

FEATURED ARTIST

2009-10-22T18:00:00.000-04:00

I would like to introduce you to an interesting artist that works in hemp! Come and meet

Here is our interview with the artist, Courtney...

Briefly describe what you make?

I must admit to being yet another Etsy jewelry designer, but I like to think I have a different take on design than other sellers! Personally I love taking a concept that others may think of as drab or boring and making it come alive. For instance, I base all of my design ideas on things I've seen in nature. I've had many people convo me saying that they love how my designs are so bright and full of different textures since they think of nature-inspired items as being a bit monotone in both color and texture. However, I feel that the natural world is full of different colors, shades and textures that many people just never notice!

What mediums do you enjoy working in most?

In particular I love macrame because I like taking hemp and dressing it up to be more than a "teenage" accessory, which I feel is how many people think of it. I also enjoy the feel of the fibers in my hands and how easy it takes on any shape or pattern I envision.

How long have you been creating craft?

I, of course, began tying hemp jewelry as a teenager and later began to expand my designs to include beaded and wire jewelry.

How did you get started?

I started designing jewelry because I needed a creative outlet and felt that I had no artistic talent, which I recently realized isn't true! It actually turns out that the OCD control freak in me was just afraid of the lack of control I feel over the paint and the canvas. I originally began selling my designs to make a little money on the side for groceries and extra spending money. Then a couple of months back I began to realize how much I love to create and that if I took my work more seriously I could actually turn it into a legitimate business, which it is well on its way to becoming!

Where does the name of your shop come from?

My shop name was created while I was on one of my hippie chic fashion kicks and derives from the word eco-friendly. I thought I may end up regretting the name, closing shop and starting over, but as my design aesthetic has developed I have realized just how much I believe in being "green" and using as many earth-friendly materials as possible. After all, the rest of the world shouldn't suffer just so you can look fabulous!

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

Personally I believe the most important aspect of my work is the fact that it is all environmentally friendly. I use locally made materials, materials I create myself and scour yard sales and rummage bins for things to take apart and reuse by incorporating them in my designs. I feel that it is extremely important to keep as many items out of landfills as possible and this environmental consciousness definitely carries over to my designs.

What words of advice do you have for other artists?

The most influential advice I ever received both as an artist and a person is to be true to yourself and let it flow through everything you do because that is the only way to be truly happy.

______________________

You have got to go and take a look at this very different jewelry. Go and look at this shop and then please leave your comments here and let Courtney know that you appreciate her work!

FEATURED ARTIST

2009-10-15T18:03:00.002-04:00

The work by this artist is adorable. You must come and meet
THE FAIRE GLEN

Here is our interview with the artist, Ruth -

Briefly describe what you make?

I hand crochet a lot of women's accessory items, such as capes, shawls, and neckwarmers. I especially love sculpting faeries, and have many of them in The Faerie Glen. Three years ago, I discovered needlefelting and just had to make some tiny bunnies and it evolved from there.

What mediums do you enjoy working in most?

Of all the mediums I work with, I get my greatest pleasure from sculpting with polymer clay.

How long have you been creating craft and how did you get started??

All of my life I have been creative. When I was very young, my mother showed me how to make a kite from twigs and paper and flour glue. Next, she taught me how to make dolls, and I have never stopped creating. There have been many flea market type booths in my life, and then along came Ebay and Etsy.

Where does the name of your shop come from?

Creating a name for my shop was easy since I began with only FAERIES. Where do faeries live? In a glen of course. Thus THE FAERIE GLEN was born.
What would you most want people to know about your work?

Of utmost importance to me is that People know that when I create, from any medium, is that I am totally absorbed in what I am doing and always do it right. If it is not right, it goes to charity. And I have tried purchased knit and crochet patterns that were not up to my standards.

What words of advice do you have for other artists?

My advice to new artists is practice, practice , practice until you are good enough that you would purchase your own product. Do not get discouraged. You will improve and so will the sales.

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You have got to see these cute, little fairies in Ruth's shop. Come and visit - and then leave a comment here to let her know what you think!

FEATURED PHOTOGRAPHER

2009-10-08T17:59:00.001-04:00

This feature brings you a photographer who sells her work on Etsy. Come and get to know

Here is our interview with the photographer, Gina -

Briefly describe what you make?

I shoot photography in black and white as well as color. My photos range from architecture to nature to anything that really catches my eye.

What mediums do you enjoy working in most?

My favorite thing lately has been black and white photos with a splash of color. I like to hand color a photo when I can. Other times I will use Photoshop to get that color to pop.

How long have you been creating craft?

The minute I developed my own film and made my own prints in high school, I was hooked. I loved that I could take something from start to finish by myself. So, that makes it about 12 years.

How did you get started?

I guess this question can be answered in the question before. That would be high school.

Where does the name of your shop come from?

I'm more of a visual person and less of a words person. So the name of my shop is just my name and what I do: Ginaphoto.

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

I have a different perspective on things. I hear a lot of people say "I never would have thought to take that" or "You definitely have an eye for things". I love that. I love taking the ordinary everyday things and looking at them differently and putting that in a photo.

What words of advice do you have for other artists?

Words of advice would definitely be to keep trying and to get yourself out there. I kept thinking that people would just find me, which in some cases is true. But you really have to put yourself out there to get noticed.

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What is not said in words, Gina says with her photos. Come and take a look at her shop and see her work. It is not the same old, same old.

FEATURED ARTIST

2009-10-01T18:00:00.000-04:00

We have a jeweler to feature. This is another Etsy shop and all of this wonderful work is for sale there! Here is

Come and meet the artist -

Briefly describe what you make?

I design jewelry and then handcraft it using beads, gemstones and metal wires. My aim is to create more earthy and yet sophisticated jewelry that would not only accessorize an outfit but also make a fashion statement. While some of my pieces are subtle and understated, others are more bold and chunky. I like designing jewelry for everyday wear that can take you from work to into evenings and would work for all seasons as well as love to create focal pieces for parties and formal get together where your jewelry will attract attention.

What mediums do you enjoy working in most?

I love working with silver wires, pearls and gemstones. To me silver and pearls are very versatile and can together create jewelry that can be chic or ornate; modern or vintage and everyday or occasional. However, very recently have started using brass findings too. Brass helps me create pieces with a more vintage feel to them. I have also worked a little bit with gold filled wire and you would find a few pretty gold pieces in my ETSY shop too.

How long have you been creating craft?

It has been only 3 years that I have started jewelry making but have come long ways in this time. However, I have miles to go. ETSY has always succeeded in inspiring me and when I look at the immense talent pool in ETSY, I always think of all the various jewelry making techniques that I would love to master and use for my designs.

How did you get started?

I was deeply inspire by a friend of mine who makes beautiful jewelry. When I met her initially her handmade necklace created from bright red seed beads and chunky silver Bali beads caught my attention and that is when I started reading up on handcrafting jewelry, buying cheap beads and wires to do experiments with. In the last 3 years now, it has grown to be a shop in ETSY.

Where does the name of your shop come from?

I call my shop 'Echos of Spring'. The name came from the colorful jewelry that I strive to create so that all through the year my jewelry can remind you of spring and echo its seasonal colors in your wardrobe.

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

I am always striving to create new and more attractive designs created with quality raw material. Though I tend to use local bead stores for all my jewelry supply needs whenever I am visiting places I go on a bead and raw material hunt looking for interesting beads, stones and crystals. Also, my prices are very reasonable and affordable as I take my shop more as a passion. My aim is to make the buyers enjoy what they purchased as much as i enjoy creating the piece. So keep checking http://echosofspring.etsy.com for more jewelry and great sales. Currently offering free shipping on all pieces.

What words of advice do you have for other artists?

I am probably too new to creating art and may not have advice for other artists. However, would like to add that creating art is a passion and let us all keep creating beautiful art.

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This is beautiful work and you must see it. Come and visit this shop now and then come back and leave some comments for the artist!

FEATURED ARTIST

2009-09-24T17:56:00.002-04:00

Our new feature is a shop on Etsy that is a must see for new mothers or anyone needing a gift for a new mama. Here is

Come and meet the artist, Amy -

Briefly describe what you make?

I make a variety of items, just based on whatever idea strikes me, or something I see that inspires me. I started up shop in April of this year with some Baby Bodysuits & cute boutique Baby Wipes Clutches, but have since branched out into Drink Coasters, and beautiful Sparkling Hair Pins & Hair Blossoms. I use only the best designer fabrics, Swarovski crystals, and other ingredients for my items.

What mediums do you enjoy working in most?

My favorite right now are my Wipes Clutches & my Sparkling Hair Pins...I've found them almost addictive! Every time I see a cool fabric, or a pretty finding, I rush home from work to start making something new. My head swirls with ideas constantly!

How long have you been creating craft?

I have been creating things for friends and family just about forever, but I just decided to open up shop in April. I just couldn't find the right outlet before, but when I found Etsy, I knew I had found a new home for my shop!

How did you get started?

My desire to create started long long ago, as a little girl. My Mom used to sew beautiful things for us to wear, so it started with sewing little projects of my own, cutting patterns, picking materials. I then moved on in college to creating gift baskets for weddings of my friends and family using my crafting skills & premium gifts, but couldn't find a way to translate that into a business that would work for me. I then started making baby gifts, including my Bodysuits & Night Lights for friends & family, and people told me I should set up shop so it would be easier for them to purchase things to give, and to tell others about my items. So in April, I opened up my Etsy shop, and have had so much fun since then!

Where does the name of your shop come from?

One of my other favorite things to do is work in my garden, and though I have many favorite flowers, Camellias are one of the most hardy and beautiful that I grow. When I decided to open up shop, I wanted something that reflected not only who I am, and what I love, but something beautiful and sort of catchy. The Pink Camellia was inspired by my "In The Pink" Camellia plants, a gorgeous hot pink ruffled Camellia. I tossed it around for a few days, and the name just sort of stuck.

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

I would mostly like to say that my work is a labor of love. I don't sell anything I wouldn't be happy to buy or give myself, and I'm proud of every single item I've created. Each item to me is special, and I work extremely hard to make sure they are of the best quality. I also take pride in keeping my prices affordable to just about everyone. There's nothing better than giving a gift that is original, and can't just be picked up at the local big box store! Nobody else will have what you have purchased!

What words of advice do you have for other artists?

My advice for other artists would be to just follow your heart. Sometimes you create something and think nobody else will be able to see what your inspiration was, or nobody else will love it as much as you. I have to say that I have been proven wrong every time! We are always our own harshest critic, and I think people need to believe in themselves and in their own talents, and share them!

__________________________

Great interview!!! Come and see this shop! Leave some comments for Amy!

FEATURED ARTIST

2009-09-17T18:04:00.001-04:00

This featured artist creates all types of beautiful hair bows and has a shop on Etsy! Come and meet

Here is our interview with the artist -

Briefly describe what you make?

I make luxury headbands and hair accessories for fashion minded women. They're eye-catching and are crafted to stand out in super thick, curly, or kinky hair. Definitely not your standard everyday hair accessories! These are for your divas, drama queens, fashionistas, pin-ups, and glam girls.

What materials do you enjoy working with the most?

I definitely have a tulle addiction! The other day, my baby niece found a scrap of tulle in my pocket. She held it up and said "princess?" That's exactly how I think of tulle. It's so feminine and dreamy. Even though it's light and airy, it has the ability to make a elegant, regal statement.

How long have you been creating craft?

I've been doing crafts since I was a child. My mother is a fine art painter (marvalousartandtile.etsy.com) and always encouraged me to explore my creative side. I was even named for a famous fashion designer. Naturally, I studied fashion design in school and now I use those couture elements in my hair accessories.

How did you get started?

When I started wearing my hair in an afro, I couldn't find any hair accessories striking enough to stand out in my big cloud of hair. I began making my own and then friends of mine encouraged me to start a shop on etsy.

Where does the name of your shop come from?

My friends and I wanted a name that would reflect the high fashion aspect of the hair accessories. You can buy headbands anywhere, but we wanted to differentiate ourselves from the competition by highlighting it's runway style. After brainstorming, we settled on the haute sounding "La Petite Boutique de Bandeaux."

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

I realize what it's like to get a brand new shiny headband only to have it shatter apart after it's first use. That's why at La Petite Boutique de Bandeaux, we use quality materials from around the globe. Our headbands are made from a study yet flexible metal wrapped in satin ribbon, tulle, organza for comfort. You won't find any cheap plastics here!

What words of advice do you have for other artists?

Finding a mentor has been key for me. You can always learn from someone more experienced than yourself.

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You have got to come to this shop and see these hair bows!

FEATURED ARTIST

2009-09-10T17:54:00.003-04:00

This feature is on a jewelery craftsperson on Etsy. Come an meet

Here is our interview with the artist, Lindsay -

Briefly describe what you make?

I create one of a kind beautiful pieces of jewelry. My jewelry is vintage inspired and created using repurposed vintage materials in combination with other lovely beads and gemstones. Because of this, each piece is very unique and is made with a great deal of love.

What mediums do you enjoy working in most?

Obviously, I'm a jewelry maker, so I love working with beads, but my favorite thing to do is the days that I go to antique stores or go rummaging through my grandmother's old jewelry to find unique vintage components to use in my jewelry creations. Some of my favorite non-vintage materials to work with are turquoise and freshwater pearls. I love anything with pearls. ♥

How long have you been creating craft?

I have always loved arts and crafts from the time I was very young. When I was little, I could sit for hours and just color in a coloring book or draw pretty pictures to go on the refrigerator. I loved craft time at school when most kids would have rather been on the playground. Though I've loved crafts almost since the time of birth, I have only been creating jewelry for around 6 years.

How did you get started?

I got started creating jewelry after searching for a unique Christmas present for my sister one year. I ended up making her 10 pairs of earrings. After that, my friends and her friends started asking for them and I realized that this could become a business for me. I began to sell only earrings in boutiques and salons in my hometown. Now, my jewelry line has expanded to include necklaces and bracelets as well.

Where does the name of your shop come from?

The name of my shop came from the idea that while each piece is unique and one of a kind, it also represents me. I have never made a piece of jewelry that I wouldn't personally wear, so you are getting a good sample of my style by looking at my shop.

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

I want people to know that my work is not just a business to me. It is something that I absolutely love doing. I take pride in every piece. Honestly, it's hard to decide which pieces to sell and which to keep for myself because I love my work so much.

What words of advice do you have for other artists?

If your craft is something that you love, don't give up just because you aren't selling as much as you like. Loving what you do is the most important thing.

__________________

Come visit a great shop! The jewelery has a vintage look and "retro" is hot!

FEATURED ARTIST

2009-09-03T18:07:00.000-04:00

Here is another great artist and shop on Etsy. I want to introduce you to

Come meet the artist!

Briefly describe what you make?

I'm a fashion design student, still learning about many creative possibilities, I make all kinds of cute accessories, at a low to mid-low price range :) This includes Kawaii origami handfolded earrings, Handpainted wooden jewelry pieces (my current favorite: The Salima Earrings), and clutches (designed by me, very unique, and texturally intriguing).

What mediums do you enjoy working in most?

I ADORE fabric, it is my pleasure to incorporate and play with fabric in as many ways as possible. I use fabric scraps in jewelry as a creative eco-friendly way to add interest, in my bag designs, you will sometimes find cute and funky elements (in one of my designs I incorporate the elastic part of a floral sheet as a detail on the back). I also really enjoy origami, I just find it so adorable!

How long have you been creating craft?

I am still young, I have been sewing for maybe only 5 years? I actually did not start making jewelry until this summer, but I feel that I am learning quickly, cannot wait to get back to school to learn more techniques and ideas :)

How did you get started?

I got started by just taking sewing classes at school, my interest was then furthered when my parents bought me a Husquvarna Viking a few years ago. Everytime I learn a new technique, I feel that I create one more "dimension" into which my work can expand, I love mixing ideas. Took a class at school this year based on painting, and am now enjoying being able to use those abilities to make jewelery :)

Where does the name of your shop come from?

Honestly, there is no real amazing story. When I was a little bit younger my mom stressed the importance of not using numbers in my Flickr account name, she said "Just pick two things you love". We had recently been on a trip to China, which I found to be just beautiful (no really, I am slightly obsessed), and I have a problem with my love of the color blue (I currently own 13 blue dresses, some of which I made myself). Blue wasn't really very interesting so I went with Azure, and AzureChina was born.

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

I am still learning, and when I do learn something I go back to improve upon pieces which have already been completed. For example when I first started making my origami star earrings I was just using thread to sew them to the earring hooks, since then I have learned to wire wrap and went back to fix all the earrings, did a photo re-shoot, etc.) This is just one example!

What words of advice do you have for other artists?

Promoting is key.
Photos are THE key. You might know your work is beautiful, but if your potential buyers are looking at a photograph that is dark or that detracts from the beauty of the image, they will immediately move on to another seller.
Posting and running in the forums is not attractive, unless the creator of the thread asks you to post and run, it is not polite to ignore the posts of others, and assume that they will still be interested in yours. On the other hand, if you show interest in another's work and idea's, generally they will reciprocate the favor :)

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Wonderful answers! Great shop and things that you must see. Come and visit with AzureChina. And if you want to learn more about her - read her blog!

FEATURED ARTIST

2009-08-27T17:57:00.004-04:00

I am going to start featuring some on-line shops again on this site. This is a site on Etsy. I would like you to meet

Here is our interview with the artist, Leslie!

Briefly describe what you make?

Illustrated greeting cards, pocket mirrors and recipe cards with friendly, happy animals and creatures.

What mediums do you enjoy working in most?

I love Adobe Illustrator - the program I use to illustrate. I also love the 100% recycled brown bag envelopes I provide with my cards.

How long have you been creating craft?

Since October 2008.

How did you get started?

A co-worker turned me on to Etsy, and I decided I wanted to have my own shop. I'm a graphic designer, so it seemed like items with my own illustrations was a pretty good idea. I started with my beaver illustration, and many of the other animals and critters just kind of flowed from there.

Where does the name of your shop come from?

It was just a silly nickname I used for my boyfriend - not even sure where it came from. It was just one of those goofy things that stuck, and it seemed like a good name for a shop containing mostly animals!

6. What would you most want people to know about your work?
That I love it! I just really love illustrating and coming up with new ideas - it makes me feel, errr, sparkly! I think that's so important. When you love what you do, it really shows. And it also gets you through the hard times.

What words of advice do you have for other artists?

Find something you love, and do it! When there is passion and love behind your art, you will succeed.

__________________

Great shop and great cards. Be sure to check out the mirrors! Please do visit Leslie at her shop!

Selling at Shelf Rental Stores

2009-08-21T18:43:00.003-04:00

In the 1980's shelf rental craft shops were opening all over. It was a popular way to sell crafts as an alternative to craft shows and this was when the Internet was in its infancy and there were no sites like Etsy, etc. There are still shelf rental shops, but many fewer than there once were.

So what is a shelf rental craft shop? This is a store that will rent you space on a shelf - or the entire shelf - or several shelves - in the store to sell your crafts. The store handles all of the business transaction of the sale. Some retail stores set aside a part of their store and rent shelf space to craft artists or there are stores that are completely shelf rental.

Does this work for the craft artist? In our experience, No! We tried a number of shelf rental shops. We made very few sales in most. Only in one shelf rental location did we do well and this was in a large indoor flea market store. I will relate that disaster story later in this article.

The problem with shelf rental is that the shop owner has no advantage as to whether your work is selling or its not. Most shelf rental shops just charge a monthly fee for the shelf space with no commission on top of that. Some do tag on a commission - and actually, though it is more of an expense to the craft artist this is a good thing for the artist. The management (or owner) attitude we encountered at all of the shelf rental shops we were involved in was "if your work does not sell and you leave I can quickly rent your space to someone else". All these shops did was display your work and IF someone found the work and purchased it they would act as the cashier, hold your money, and settle up with you on a schedule. None had salespeople who would work at "selling" the various crafts on the variety of shelves. Now, in the shops that had a commission taken on each sale, the shop had a reason to work at selling what was on the shelves.

To want to try shelf rental you want to only rent at shops that are local to you. A number of shops will seek renters across the country. The problem with this is you must ship your items to that shop - at your expense. If you never walk into the shop, you will never really know if your items actually ever were put onto a shelf. I am not saying that all shelf rental shops are dishonest or unethical - but I have heard of this happening.

When you rent the shelf space, you go to the shop and put your items out on display. You need to check in regularly to see if work has sold and if items need to be replaced. You then come in - at a time arranged with the shop (to not be disruptive to business) and restock your inventory.

The shop is making the sale, collecting the money, and collecting the sales tax. If the shop is giving you the purchase price and the sales tax and you are sending that tax into your State, fine. If the shop is collecting the sales tax and submitting it to the State for the shop - which is what usually happens, you MUST get the shop to completer your state's sales tax resale form, signed with their number to collect state sales tax - just as if you were selling to them for a wholesale sale. The shop should not object to this. It is standard operating procedure for retail stores. If they make a fuss, move on because something is wrong there.

So what happened at that successful shelf rental shop. At the time we were selling baby quilts. We actually were renting a wall that had hooks that would hold bagged baby quilts with room at the side for display of what each looked like. These quilts sold well. They sold so well in fact that the shelf rental owner of this shop inside the indoor flea market decided that his wife could make these quilts too and he would then get all of the income from this hot selling item. He told us to leave. We were told that we took up too much space. I offered to pay him more for the space and he said no. About a month later we were walking through the flea market and and there on the same wall were a "variation" of our quilts, not quite as well made. Such is the problem with shelf rental.

Should you absolutely not do shelf rental to sell your work? Not necessarily. Visit the shop a few times to check it out before even talking to the manager/owner. When you are ready, don't agree to any long term commitments. Rent one month to see what happens. Make sure your work is on the shelf and stop by unexpectedly to see what is happening in the store. See what happens. If you make sales well above the amount of rent you are paying, then rent another month and go along from there. Remember, this rent is an expense that you need to cover in the prices of your items. If you don't you might as well be just giving your work away.

A New Concern for Wholesaling Your Work

2009-08-12T17:09:00.004-04:00

In my last article I provided links for the new CPSIA law that effects anyone creating items for use by children 12 and under in the United States. This law includes specific labeling requirements - which you will see a link about in that article.

Many retail shops that buy wholesale will often remove the label that the craft artist placed on the item. They do this for a variety of reason - the most common of which seems to be not wanting to identify the source of the item to their customers for fear that the customer will go directly to the artist/craftsperson to buy directly. This has happened to my work at several stores I have sold to in the past. I had not concern about this because I already made my sale to the retailer. Under CPSIA this becomes a problem. Now, the manufacturer's label (YOU) must remain on the item - and that label must be permanent. A retailer clipping that label off will place you liable under the law.

This is something that you must discuss with any retailer you are selling wholesale to. You may need to have the retailer sign in your wholesale agreement that the retailer will under no circumstances remove the label that you permanently attach to the item being sold to them, in compliance with the Federal law, C.P.S.I.A.

The idea of what happens to it after it leaves my hands no longer apply under this law. Of course, this only applies to items intended or marketed to children of the age 12 and under.

CPSIA - Links You Need to Know

2009-08-05T19:36:00.004-04:00

The Consumer Protection Safety Improvement Act, CPSIA, a law passed by Congress and signed into law by President Bush in August 2009 effects any artist or craftsman creating things that are intended for, used by, or appeal to CHILDREN under the age of 12. This law has wrecked havoc on the craft community. This law is currently in effect. The law covers everything for children that will be sold, donated to charity, or given away, with the exception of personal gifts to family or direct friends. The law is enforced by both the C.P.S.C. and each State's Attorney General. Violation is a Federal Offense punishable by very large fines and imprisonment.

To learn what you need to know about CPSIA here are some links to give you all of the information that you need -

Consumer Product Safety Commission

ABOUT CPSIA

Guidelines for Small Businesses and Crafters

THE LAW REQUIRES SPECIAL LABELING OF ALL ITEMS - LABELS GUIDELINES

LABELING FAQ

FOR RESALE SHOPS AND THRIFT STORES

FEATURED PHOTOGRAPHER

2009-07-17T18:29:00.001-04:00

Here is another in our features of wonderful photographers who sell their work on-line. Come and meet -

Here is our interview with Andrea -

Briefly describe what you make?

I make photographs, mostly of everyday objects utilizing bold color and shapes, but I also have a few pretty flowers and landscapes available for sale.

What photo mediums do you enjoy working in most?

I always use a DSLR (digital single lens reflex) camera for my studio work and most everything else. However, lately I've been trying to use more film and to focus more on black & white. I'm trying to get back to why I fell in love with photography in the first place: just looking around and taking pictures of what I see instead of "creating" or "styling" a photo. When I do this, I use a Nikon N65 (my very first camera), a Holga, and a small accordion-style medium format camera called Wester Chrome-Six NKK.

How long have you been creating?

I having been taking pictures regularly since my freshman year of high school, about 8 years ago.

How did you get started?

I can't remember how I got started in photography. I've always been an artist of some kind, either painting or drawing and everyone always knew me as being very artistic. My guess would be that I've always liked looking at photographs and when I actually tried my hand at it, I liked it much more than drawing or painting. For me, it's much easier to make beautiful art with photography. If you mess up, you don't have to erase or start over, you can just take another picture. Which probably means I wasn't that good at drawing in the first place!

Where does the name of your shop come from?

The name of my shop IS my name!

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

I would want most people to know that I put a lot of time and effort into my photography, especially the studio work. I know that my style is very different from the pretty, dreamy, flowery, neutral-toned work that seems to be most popular on Etsy, but I don't mind being different. Hopefully the people who like my work will find it and support it.

What words of advice do you have for other artists?

I'm so bad at giving advice... really all I can say is: if you love it, then do it. And don't let anyone tell you that you should do it a certain way or not do it a certain way. The best part about being an artist (as with everything else) is if you honestly stick to it, your art will grow and become stronger in time. Believe me, I feel I've come light years since I first picked up a camera!

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Come now and take a look at Andrea's shop on Etsy. Andrea is a member of POE - Photographers of Etsy.