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

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

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

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

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!

Craft Selling Venues Online

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Scan Instead of Photograph

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

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

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

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

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

FEATURED ARTIST

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

Here is our interview with the artist -

Briefly describe what you make?

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

What mediums do you enjoy working in most?

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

How long have you been creating craft?

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

How did you get started?

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

Where does the name of your shop come from?

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

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

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

What words of advice do you have for other artists?

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


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

FEATURED ARTIST

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!


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

FEATURED ARTIST

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!

New Site

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.

FEATURED ARTIST

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

FEATURED ARTIST

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!