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!

______________________

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

FEATURED ARTIST

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

__________________________

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

FEATURED ARTIST

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.

_______________________________

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

FEATURED ARTIST

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.

________________

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

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 Artist

Our featured artist sculpts in Fabric and what she creates is fabulous! Come and meet



Here is our interview with Donna -

Briefly describe what you make?

I design and create one-of-a-kind, fiber fantasy sculptures in the form of fairies, mermaids, sea nymphs riding their magical fish, fairy face pins, magical witches, butterflies, fairy scenes, leaf spirits, and whatever else pops into my imagination!

What mediums do you enjoy working in most?

My favorite medium is "fabric" and "fibers" because I love the warmth and texture that these mediums provide. I especially love using silk, which I hand-dye and hand-paint using silk fabric dyes. It allows me to come up with one-of-a-kind colors and patterns. The many wonderful, colorful yarns available allows me to come up with some pretty wild hairdos for my creations!

How long have you been creating craft?

I have been designing and creating, and selling my sculptures for a little over 10 years.

How did you get started?

I always liked to create things out of fabric, especially when our daughter was little. I started out making cloth dolls, and designed all their clothes, and drew on the faces. After I started getting into craft shows and selling my work there, my work evolved over the years to my current whimiscal designs, which I now sell at art shows in my area, my web page, and on Etsy.

Where does the name of your shop come from?

I came up with the name DZFANTASY because DZ are my initials and I am totally into "fantasy".

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

I would want them to know that each creation was created with a lot of love, with the hopes that it will bring a bit of joy into the lives of whoever may own them.


What words of advice do you have for other artists?

If you truly love what you are creating, don't ever give up and be discouraged if you don't happen to be selling as much as you would like. Keep on creating what makes you happy! Also feel happy and blessed that you have this creativity within you to share with others.

________________________________

Wow! You have got to see these sculptures! Go right now and visit Donna's shop!

While you are at Etsy please come see the new photographs at PAST PERFECT!

Featured Artist

I have a great artist to introduce you to! She makes some very different jewelry. Come and meet



Here is our interview with the artist -

Briefly describe what you make?

i make a wide range of eclectic jewelry and accessories. i dabble in everything so i have everything from the kitsch to the elegant. i like to have something for everyone.

What mediums do you enjoy working in most?

i REALLY love shrinky dink. it's just so much fun to watch them curl in the oven.
i also love gems and pearls, i have oodles of them, and yet, never enough :)
How long have you been creating craft?

i've been crafting my whole life. i used to sew, draw and paint a lot when i was younger. i also learned to knit and crochet in my early 20s.

How did you get started?

with my etsy store? i had been making so much stuff and having it pile up in my studio and not getting much outside love. i figured if i put my stuff up on etsy then people all over the world would at least be able to SEE all of the hard work and love that i put into my items. bonus points that they may actually buy them as well.
Where does the name of your shop come from?

i don't know. it used to be the tag of my blog that i started in 2000. so it was 8 years ago, so i can't remember. but when i started my NEW blog i revived it. then when i opened my store and found myself needing a name, it just seemed natural for it to be A Little Piece of the Madness.

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

that each piece has so much awesome in it. no, seriously, so much awesome your head would explode if you knew just how much.
okay, really? i want people to know that i just really love what i do. (how cheesy)
What words of advice do you have for other artists?

to sell 100 items, you have to list 100 items.
also, make things that you love. do this because you love to. buyers can tell if you're into what you're making. so put all of you in it. i don't care how gross that sounds

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Wow! Come and take a look at her work. I know that you will love it. There are TWO places to look. Her etsy shop
and her own site .

While you are at Etsy, please come see my TWO shops
QBRANCHLTD
and
PASTPERFECT

Featured Artist

We have an illustrator to introduce you to - and she will be appearing on television in 2008 on HGTV! Let me introduce you to





Here is our interview with the artist -

Briefly describe what you make?

I create colorful children's illustrations, unique plush characters, and humorous bee ornaments.

What mediums do you enjoy working in most?

All of my paintings are in gouache. For me, it's an easy medium to work with, and I love the intensity of the colors. I also enjoy working with different fabrics, polymer clay, and acrylics.

How long have you been creating craft?

I've been crafting in some form or another my entire life! My mother is extremely crafty. She's dabbled in nearly everything from quilting to book-making, so she was able to keep me and my sister busy with projects when we were growing up. I also started writing and illustrating little stories on scrap paper when I was 6 or 7.

How did you get started?

I have a BFA in illustration from Rhode Island School of Design. In college, I took a couple sewing and apparel-related wintersession courses. That was probably what led me into experimenting more with more 3-D work in my illustration classes. After graduation, I started making quirky little objects and stuffed animals as gifts for friends. It just sort of expanded until I became involved in RISD Alumni Art Sales, and eventually began selling online.

Where does the name of your shop come from?

It's pretty uncomplicated, actually! "Honeydew" is the name of the color I painted my studio.

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

With the obvious exception of prints, every single thing I create is 100% hand-made and hand-painted. Even when I recreate a popular item (like a particular stuffed animal, for example), no two items are ever exactly alike.

What words of advice do you have for other artists?

Loving what you do has to be your driving force. The market is absolutely saturated with talented artists, and it can be really hard to get noticed. Don't give up and promote, promote, promote! The more you get yourself out there, the easier it will be to people to find you. Networking with fellow artists and craftspeople is really helpful too. It gives you the support you need and a great community for feedback.

____________________

That is great and so is the work! Make sure to keep looking at HGTV's "That's Clever" to see this artist. And don't forget to visit this shop at Etsy!

While you are at Etsy you must see the new photos that I am offering in my shop.

BUY HANDMADE FOR THE HOLIDAYS

You are about to start racking your brain for what gifts to get family and friends for the soon to be here holidays. You will walk through the malls and look in each store and see the same things that you saw last year. You think to yourself, "What did I buy for Mary last year? I can't give her that again!" The holidays are supposed to be fun and festive - not a marathon shopping excursion weekend after weekend with no results. And then when you finally find SOMETHING, ANYTHING and buy it, wrap it, and give it with a smile - that gift some how makes its way back to the store on December 26th to the return counter.

You know you know what I am talking about! Would you like to avoid all that? Would you like to buy something that will not be returned and will be appreciated. It is easy. Would you like to know the secret? Sure you would. Buy handmade!

Buy gifts that have been created with love by an artist who has put talent and effort into making that gift. No worry about if it has LEAD in it! No concern if it is a recall put back on the store shelf!

So this is a good idea, eh? Where can you buy handmade? ETSY! This is an internet site that is a world of handmade. There you will find wonderful craftspeople and artists with great and unique things ready to sell to you!

Start by looking through the great artists that have been featured here on our site. All of them have shops there. Come by my shop and find some really unique and different things.

Don't exhaust yourself before the holidays even begin! VISIT ETSY and enjoy yourself this year!

Featured Artist of the Week

Our artist this week is Tia and she makes small sculptures and assemblages.

Here is our interview with Tia:

Describe what you make?

I love to create and I have many varied creative interests. I design jewelry and hair accessories but my absolute favorite love is polymer clay! Each of my Sculptures are One of a Kind, original pieces of art. I don't use molds or casts in my creations - each piece starts out as a lump of clay and then imagination takes over!

For jewelry, I love to recycle and repurpose old items. Most of my Pendants are hand-made from old game pieces, like RummiKub pieces, old poker chips, etc. I bring them back to life with hand-cut printed paper, painted embellishments, and treasured findings.

What mediums do you enjoy working in most?

I use a lot of paper, glitter, clay and all sorts of found items!

How long have you been creating craft?

All my life. I've gone through all kinds of phases with crafting - from sewing, to creating earrings, pendants and bracelets out of old vinyl records (we're talking 18 years ago!). I have 1/2 my garage made up into a studio and storage - just for craft!

My kids were always the kids at school who brought hand-made Valentine's Day cards and Gifts for their friends and teachers. I've kept one of each and have them in my "Treasure" trunk. (see below)

My family and friends all know that I will make them something for their birthday or Christmas. A crocheted quilt, jewelry of some sort or home made breads. I love one of a kind, handmade items and I've made my family love them too.

How did you get started?

I have been a crafter all my life. The earliest memories I have are of my mother and I creating things. One of the first things I remember creating was "stained glass" art - out of wax paper and leaves or crayon shavings. You sandwich them and then iron - beautiful!

It's been in the last 6 months that I've ventured online to sell. Its an adventure that I'm totally ready for!

Where does the name of your shop come from?

When I was little my mother had decorated an old trunk by painting it with flowers and rainbows (very 1970's.) Inside I keep all of my old school artwork, my old valentines and "treasured" items (plus artwork from my kids). Thus - Tia's Treasures.

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

That I create every piece with care and love. I really care about what I create - its a little piece of me - and I hope that you will enjoy it too!

What words of advice do you have for other artists?

Believe in yourself, create what makes you happy and gives you pleasure and pride. If you're proud of your work, if you're happy making it - it will show through in the finished piece. Love what you do!

_________________________

Come see Tia's shop! Great gifts!
While you are at Etsy come by and visit with us!

Featured Artist of the Week

This week's artist makes very unusual and cute greeting cards. This week we are featuring

Here is our interview with the artist, Haley:

Describe what you make?

I mostly make poodle-themed greeting cards. I take famous and well-known paintings and recreate them with poodles as the stars.

What mediums do you enjoy working in most?

I like working with anything 2 dimensional. Especially paper and various drawing and printing medias.

How long have you been creating craft?

I've been doing crafts since at least high school though just as gifts and not for purchase. I recently started my own business focusing on greeting cards.

How did you get started?

After a lot of thought and planning to make sure that this would be a fruitful adventure, I draw up a few designs and opened shop on my own website. www.haleyshandmades.com I found Etsy a couple of months ago and I thought it would boost my sales.

Where does the name of your shop come from?

I wanted to make my name broad enough to add other items besides just greeting cards at some point but I wanted people to realize that everything I make is handmade and unique!

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

I love making it and I love that its theme is poodles. They are wonderful and aren't as prim and proper as everyone seems to think!

What words of advice do you have for other artists?

Keep making art daily and promoting yourself to become known in your local area, however you decide what that is. Make art about what you love. There's some people out there who will love your work just as much as your love creating it. You just have to find them!

________________

Go over to her shop
or her website! You will find some very different cards!

And while you are at Etsy, come visit us at

Featured Artist of the Week

This week's featured artist of the week is Dragonfly Gems. Here is our interview with the artist, Sharleen:

Describe what you make -
Mostly one of a kind hand made jewelry.

What mediums do you enjoy working in most?
Sterling silver and semi precious stones. I have been branching out into Gold filled lately.

How long have you been creating craft?
Since High School

How did you get started?
I took a Jewelry and Metal smithing class in high school.

Where does the name of your shop come from?
I love dragonflies and I use beautiful gems so it just seemed to go together.

What would you most want people to know about your work?
That I do mostly one of a kind items and I try to make each piece unique and interesting so that someone feels glad to own it or to have given it as a gift.

What words of advice do you have for other artists?
Hang in there and continue to create away!

_______________
Well, direct and to the point! The work is beautiful. Take a look at the shop!

And while you are there come on over to

Featured Artist of the Week

Our featured artist of the week is Poorlulu and she is a needle felting artist. She creates great little dolls and critters with needle felting. For those who do not know what needle felting is - it is the manipulating of wool fibers to stiffen and grab together. The wool can be molded like clay into shapes with the punching of needles or the agitation of the fibers. It is an old and again new craft that is becoming popular.

Here is our interview with Poorlulu -

Describe what you make and what mediums do you enjoy working in most?
I make needle felted collectibles like dolls and bears. And so as you can probably tell that means I love working with wool roving but I have a soft spot for felt as well.

How long have you been creating craft?
I have only been doing this for about 5 months and I am entirely self taught.

How did you get started?
I got started being interested in this craft believe it or not because of ebay. I did a search for outsider art and loved the needle felting stuff that came up and decided to give it a go.

Where does the name of your shop come from?
Poorlulu is the nickname my husband gave me when we first met - it's the name of a character in a comedy show (Harry Enfields show) from the UK. She is a baby constantly being set upon by her jealous toddler little brother, bad harry.

What would you most want people to know about your work?
I would like people to know that I make everything by hand and with lots of love and thought...and that I can make something just for them if they have an idea.

What words of advice do you have for other artists?
My advice probably isn't the best as I just started but I would say if you love what you do stick with it, don't let anyone belittle your work.

Poorlulu has a website in addition to her Etsy shop. Please give that a visit to:
www.stabbies.com

Take a look at her Etsy shop as well and while there stop by and see us!

Featured Artist of the Week

This week we are featuring the art of

The art of Natural Abstracts is unique. Here is our interview with the artist.

Please describe for our readers what you make?
I am a painter of moments found in nature. I use oil paints, canvas and panel. And all of my work is created directly outside.

What mediums do you enjoy working in most?
Oil and glass.

How long have you been creating art?
I have been painting for the last ten plus years.

How did you get started?
I followed my passion. I have always loved painting and nature, so it was natural course.
and is one of the most fulfilling things I do.

Where does the name of your shop come from?
Well my shop name Natural Abstracts came from how I see my work.
Every painting is created out doors on site. I love finding the unique moments and pushing the natural colors so much so my work often borders on being abstract art. The name just made sense.

What would you most want people to know about your work?
That I love what I do, and that there is beauty to be found everywhere in nature.
Look up look around.

What words of advice do you have for other artists?

Believe in what you do, never stop growing and learning. Go for it, don't let your fears get the best of you. and Most of all make it beautiful, whatever you do and people will share your joy.

__________

You must visit Natural Abstracts and see these beautiful paintings.

While you are visiting Etsy please be sure to also look in at

What I am Working On

I have been working on a project that combines my miniature punchneedle embroidery designs with the ACEO format. I have created a design that will fit in the ACEO size. My intention is to mount the finished embroidery on matboard.

I am making two of the same design, but using different color combinations. I have completed the embroidery for one and have yet to start on the second. One of the exciting things about this project is that I am experimenting with new threads. For the designs and patterns that I create to sell, I generally use threads that are easily obtainable by those who purchase the patterns. Over the years I have collected a variety of different threads including hand over-dyed floss, variegated threads, the new DMC closely variegated floss, and a bright metallic gold polyester thread. I am incorporating these different threads into this project. It is very exciting to see the effects that these threads can create!

These designs will not be available as patterns but will be sold as one of a kind works of art. Their small ACEO format will allow them to be sold for much less than a finished work of my usual designs. I will in the future make a larger scale design available as a pattern based upon these small works. This larger pattern will have more detail and color variation.

When these two ACEO's are complete they will be made available at our shop. It will be a week or two more before they are complete. I need to find the right inspiration to start working on the second embroidery. That is how true art is created!