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 :)


--------

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

FEATURED ARTIST

Here is a great gift idea. Come and meet

Here is our interview with the artist, Stacy -

Briefly describe what you make?

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

What mediums do you enjoy working in most?

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

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

How long have you been creating craft?

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

How did you get started?

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

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

Where does the name of your shop come from?

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

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

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

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

What words of advice do you have for other artists?

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

_____________________

Nice! Now, come and look!

FEATURED ARTIST

We are featuring a fiber artist. Come and meet


Here is our interview with the artist, Diane:

Briefly describe what you make?

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

What mediums do you enjoy working in most?

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

How long have you been creating craft?

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

How did you get started?

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

Where does the name of your shop come from?

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

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

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

What words of advice do you have for other artists?

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

------------------

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

FEATURED ARTIST

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



Here is our interview with the artist - Karen!

Briefly describe what you make?

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

What mediums do you enjoy working in most?

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

How long have you been creating craft?

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

How did you get started?

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

Where does the name of your shop come from?

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

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

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

What words of advice do you have for other artists?

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

_________________________

Great interview!

Come and see Karen's shop for yourself!

FEATURED ARTIST

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



Come meet the artist, Crystal -

Briefly describe what you make?

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

What mediums do you enjoy working in most?

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

How long have you been creating craft?

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

How did you get started?

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


Where does the name of your shop come from?

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

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

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

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

What words of advice do you have for other artists?

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

_______________________

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

Something New that is Very, Very Old

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

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

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


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

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

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

FEATURED PHOTOGRAPHER

We have another Photographers of Etsy member to feature. This photographer brings a very surreal look to her photography. Come an meet



Here is our interview with Debbie -

Briefly describe what you make?

I'm a part time photographer. I love to take nature photos.Mainly macros. I love close ups of the lil things that most people miss.

What mediums do you enjoy working in most?

I mainly shoot Canon DSLR.I love using my digital camera. I do;however, use a holga camera and now shoot TTVs through a vintage Argus camera.I also have a polaroid that I use from time to time also.I love the differend feel of all of these cameras. I could never pick just one.

How long have you been creating craft?

I have been shooting for as long back as I can remember being able to hold a camera. I always hated having my photo taken so I got behind the camera. As a famous writer once said."having the camera gives you power". You have the power to shoot what you like.Share what you want with the world or share nothing at all.

How did you get started?

I got started when I was young and my grandpa would let me use his old cameras. My first camera was a Polaroid,which I do still use from time to time. I recently got back into photography and have been shooting for charities. I joined a camera club last year and hit the ground running. Havent stopped yet. And now I'm selling my work along with having a few featured in a local gallery.

Where does the name of your shop come from?

Name of my shop just comes from me. My names Debbie and I photograph and Ive recently learned to knit.

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

Its a huge time commitment. I work full time at another job and do photography on the side.Between weddings,charities and what I like to shoot for fun.Its a lot of time and work. You have to love what you do and I do. I hope that comes across in my work.

What words of advice do you have for other artists?

If you like photography and want to improve I suggest finding a camera club online and joining them. Its a really good investment in yourself.You find like minded people who enjoy it as much if not more then you. You will learn so much from them and all the critique on your work is great.

___________________

Great shop. Come and see this shop and the fine photography - and some knitting too!

Featured Artist

These artists make so many cute things - come and meet this cooperative of artists called



Here is our interview with one of the artists - Michele!

Describe what you make?

Since we are a Collective, we make many different things. Joanie makes the Caterpillar Fur items, and is branching out into making knitted toys. I make Sockmonkeys, knitted and soft toys. crochet items and knitted shawls. Juanita makes the most wonderful embilished hats. Sadly at the present she is going to school full time, so hasn't made any for us in awhile. Together we also make anything else that catches our fancy. It's all just a bit of whimsy.

What mediums do you enjoy working in most?

We adore anything of a textile nature. Yarns, wool, fabrics of all sorts. Between us we have enough stashed stuff just in yarns and fabrics to open a small store.

How long have you been creating craft?

Each of us has been crafting for about 30 years.

How did you get started?

I started and learned to knit at a Rennaisance Faire many years ago, as part of an Audience iteraction gig. As well as spinning wool from scratch on an about a 250 year old Giant Walking wheel.

Joanie and Jaunita are part of the same Guild. We love to act together, and all have a passion for our respective crafts. It was just a natural progression that we went in together in this venture.


Where does the name of your shop come from?

The name came from the first knitted toy I ever made. The color of the wool yarn was Rosewood. Which also became the name of the item. Rosewood became our shop mascot.

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

We're old fashioned girls. We love to make things with our hands. We put the same love and attention into the work we do for others, as we would do for ourselves. Often the items we make become gifts for our friends and families.

Sometimes our friends and families just come over and take what we make. For example my two hat snatching grown daughters!

What words of advice do you have for other artists?

Always do your homework on any new venture. Market research, keywords, price and cost analysis are all very important. Have a plan, and a road map. Otherwise you just start to spin your wheels,and get frustrated.

_________________

So great. This is our first cooperative featured! Their shop is terrific. VISIT it now!

Featured Artist of the Week

This week's featured artist is ---




Here is our interview with the artist, Amanda.

Describe what you make?

I make a variety of sewn and knitted items. I like to make tote bags and reusable shopping bags, from recycled, re-purposed, or vintage fabrics whenever possible. I also make the occasional toy, and I love to make aprons. Sewing with scraps fascinates me, because it is a way to get something usable out of something otherwise unusable. I have quite a few scraps; I'm annoyed by the fact that garment pattern companies seem to use very wasteful layouts; I often have almost half a yard left after making a garment. I occasionally make hemp jewelry as well, and have done a little beading in the past.

What mediums do you enjoy working in most?

I enjoy working with yarn and fabric the most. Yarn, in particular, is a very forgiving medium, and if you mess up, it's easy to hide the mistake or undo it and start over. Fabric I like because it is a lot quicker to make a garment out of a piece of already woven material than to essentially create your material by tying lots of little knots, which is what knitting is.

How long have you been creating craft?

I've been creating crafts for nearly as long as I remember. My mother was very creative and taught me to sew and embroider at a very young age. Maybe not at five, but at six or seven. The first project I remember making for myself was a rag doll with button eyes, cut out along the lines of a gingerbread man, and the seams weren't even turned to the inside.

How did you get started?

I got started on Etsy because I stumbled onto the site and bought a vintage sewing pattern, a year or so ago. I didn't actually put up my shop until the end of August. I had been sewing a lot, but there is a limit to the number of purses and things that me, my family, and friends need, so to continue creating, I needed somewhere to get rid of the things I was making.

Where does the name of your shop come from?

The name of my shop comes from my tattoo. Seriously, I have a butterfly tattoo, but it is green and not really blue. Blue is my favorite color, though, and "Butterflygreen" just doesn't have the same ring to it.

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

The thing that I want people to know about my work is that I don't make anything that I'm not in love with.

What words of advice do you have for other artists?

The only words of advice I have come from the mistakes I've made as a newbie - one is don't undervalue your time, and keep track of how long it takes to make something, and the other is to remember to include all the fees you will have to pay in the price of an item. Make a pricing formula. Also, don't give up too easily. Count it all as a learning experience, sort of an apprenticeship.

__________________
Great interview! Great artist! Check out her shop Buterfly Blue

While you are at Etsy come on over and see us too! We have added some new things in our shop!