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!

Changes at Etsy - the Online Selling Site for Handmade

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


Here is our interview with the artist, Sarah -

Briefly describe what you make?

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

What mediums do you enjoy working in most?

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

How long have you been creating craft?

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

How did you get started?

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

Where does the name of your shop come from?

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

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

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

What words of advice do you have for other artists?

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

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

FEATURED ARTIST

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


Here is our interview with the artist, Gwen -

Briefly describe what you make?

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

What mediums do you enjoy working in most?

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

How long have you been creating craft?

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

How did you get started?

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

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

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

Where does the name of your shop come from?

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

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

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

What words of advice do you have for other artists?

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

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

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

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

GAMES FOR THE HOLIDAYS!

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

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

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

FEATURED ARTIST

Here is a great gift idea. Come and meet

Here is our interview with the artist, Stacy -

Briefly describe what you make?

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

What mediums do you enjoy working in most?

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

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

How long have you been creating craft?

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

How did you get started?

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

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

Where does the name of your shop come from?

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

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

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

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

What words of advice do you have for other artists?

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

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Nice! Now, come and look!

FEATURED ARTIST

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


Here is our interview with the artist, Suzanne

Briefly describe what you make?

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

What mediums do you enjoy working in most?

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

How long have you been creating craft?

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

How did you get started?

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

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

Where does the name of your shop come from?

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

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

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

What words of advice do you have for other artists?

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

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

FEATURED ARTIST

We are featuring a fiber artist. Come and meet


Here is our interview with the artist, Diane:

Briefly describe what you make?

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

What mediums do you enjoy working in most?

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

How long have you been creating craft?

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

How did you get started?

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

Where does the name of your shop come from?

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

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

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

What words of advice do you have for other artists?

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

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

New Site

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

FEATURED ARTIST

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



Here is our interview with the artist - Karen!

Briefly describe what you make?

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

What mediums do you enjoy working in most?

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

How long have you been creating craft?

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

How did you get started?

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

Where does the name of your shop come from?

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

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

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

What words of advice do you have for other artists?

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

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Great interview!

Come and see Karen's shop for yourself!

FEATURED ARTIST

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



Here is our interview with the artist, Julie -

Briefly describe what you make?

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

What mediums do you enjoy working in most?

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

How long have you been creating craft?

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

How did you get started?

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

Where does the name of your shop come from?

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

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

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

What words of advice do you have for other artists?

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

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

FEATURED ARTIST

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





Here is our interview with the artist, Hayley -

Briefly describe what you make?

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

What mediums do you enjoy working in most?

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

How long have you been creating craft?

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

How did you get started?

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

Where does the name of your shop come from?

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

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

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

What words of advice do you have for other artists?

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

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Come see Hayley's shop.

FEATURED ARTIST

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!