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

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



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

Briefly describe what you make?

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

What mediums do you enjoy working in most?

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

How long have you been creating craft?

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

How did you get started?

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

Where does the name of your shop come from?

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

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

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

What words of advice do you have for other artists?

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

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

FEATURED ARTIST

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






Here is our interview with the artist, Steena -

Briefly describe what you make?

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

What mediums do you enjoy working in most?

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

How did you get started?

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

Where does the name of your shop come from?

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

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

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

What words of advice do you have for other artists?

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

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

FEATURED ARTIST

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



Come and meet the artist -

Briefly describe what you make?

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

What mediums do you enjoy working in most?

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

How long have you been creating craft?

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

How did you get started?

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

Where does the name of your shop come from?

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

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

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

What words of advice do you have for other artists?

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

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

Featured Artist

Our artist is a glass artist. Working in glass always intrigues me. A friend once told me that you can always tell a glass artist by the bandaids on her fingers. I don't know if our featured artist has any bandaids, but her work is beautiful. Come meet Carrie of




Here is our interview with Carrie -

Briefly describe what you make?

I create custom leaded stained glass windows, hanging panels, cabinet inserts, and many various smaller gift items such as mirrors, candle holders, picture frames jewelry boxes, sun catchers, coasters, and many more things.

What mediums do you enjoy working in most?

I am first an artist using various mediums, pencil, charcoal, watercolor,conte,I also started working with stained glass, but pride myself on not using other people's patterns. Most of my pieces are unique, created by me unless a client wants otherwise.

How long have you been creating craft?

I've been working with stained glass for 11 years.

How did you get started?

I lived on the east coast, and my husband built this fabulous wine cellar with bricks from a demolished 1817 building in New Bedford. We wanted a window for the cellar, went around trying to find one when I decided i wanted to make my own. I took classes in Boston and the rest is history! I loved creating so much, I had to start selling some in order to afford to buy materials to make more. I started doing craft fairs, finally along with a good friend, we had our own Christmas gift show every year and word of mouth spread. I worked with builders and interior designers. I only did commissioned work from then on. I've since moved and now have to start over to establish myself in a new market that already has stained glass studios.

Where does the name of your shop come from?

Instead of Designed with Class, I substituted Glass.
What would you most want people to know about your work?

It's all created with the utmost care and with no shortcuts, If I don't think a piece looks good, I'll re-do it. All my designs are one-of-a-kind. I love to work with in peoples budget so they can have what they want.

What words of advice do you have for other artists?

Just to keep doing what you love, try to have a lot of self-confidence, be able to take rejection, not everyone will love your work. That's what makes us so unique! Do what makes you happy first then worry about the money, otherwise, you'll grow to despise your craft.

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Great! You have got to see Carrie's work. Come visit her Etsy Shop

I also invite you to come see my newly, redesigned site, Pop Goes the Needle
It features an art medium that many of you are probably not familiar with. Come take a look!

Artist of the Week

This week's artist is a jewelry artist. The shop is called Alegro Arts and it is a shop on Etsy.


Here is our interview with artist, Gary.
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Briefly describe what you make?

Handmade jewelry and beads. Right now, I'm focusing on stringing, beadwork, and polymer clay.

What mediums do you enjoy working in most?

I love working with natural stone, theres just so much variation and possibility that I could never come up with on my own. My wife will find the most amazing stone or glass beads, and its a challenge to come up with ways to use them.
I started working with polymer clay last year, and I really like the possibilities of that medium. I finally made some pendants that I like well enough to try to sell last month.

How long have you been creating craft?

As long as I can remember. But not always jewelry. I just love to learn and work with my hands, so I try to pick up whatever people around me are willing to teach. I've learned cross-stitching from a friend of mine as a way to pass time on long bus trips. I've done some sewing, crochet, painting, airbrushing, and even air brushed t-shirts at a comic book store for a while.

How did you get started?

When I was a musician, I worked for a while in musical instrument repair. A lot of the techniques used there are the same as jewelry making, like silver and brass work, soldering, brazing, and plating. I started doing some repair work on silver jewelry, then my wife pushed me into going all out into making my own.

Where does the name of your shop come from?

Allegro is a musical term, it means "brightly, with spirit" I was a music major and professional musician for a while, and I liked the term. I decided to call it "Allegro Arts" instead of "Allegro Jewelry" because I know I may change gears and find new mediums whenever I get inspired.

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

Every piece has a story, some inspiration that made me put it together that way. That does make it a little difficult for me to make multiple copies of a design, but it works for me.
Im not really in this for the money. If I make enough to pay for my hobby, I'm happy. I may not be rich, but I do enjoy what I'm making, and that comes out in the designs.

What words of advice do you have for other artists?

Don't try to follow trends or make whats hot right now. Make what you love, what inspires you. If you just try to make stuff that sells, you'll be bored with your work.

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Come and see Gary's work at Allegro Arts!

And while you are at Etsy come visit with us and see all of the great new things that have been added to the shop for the holidays!

To support The Art of Craft please click on the Google ads at the right side.

Featured Artist of the Week

Our artist feature this week is on

Here is our interview with the artist, Jim - a really great glass artist!

Briefly describe what you make?

There are two main types of glass, and both are used in my work, soft, and hard. You are probably wondering how can glass be soft?, everyone know it is “hard”. The differences are the temperatures at which the glass will melt is the biggest criteria, My work is generally categorized as supplies: lampwork borosilicate beads which are categorized as “hard glass”. Lampworking goes back to the days of ancient Egypt, when they had slaves who would fan the fires, or “lamps” filled with oil, to raise the temperature of the fire.
Additionally, using “soft” glass, fused glass dichroic pendants are made, in a kiln. Kind of like a glass sandwich, all melted together, NOT edible, but most beautiful. After the pendant is annealed, and cooled, I then facet it, in much the same manner a gemstone is faceted. A very time consuming process, but, in my opinion, well worth the extra effort.

In addition to making glass beads, and pendants, there was a time when I made glass cuff bracelets, using dichroic glass.

What mediums do you enjoy working in most?

A friend once told me that I have a real passion or glass, and it is so totally true. I have studied, and mastered silversmithing. As soon as I get a “round tuit”. Plan on merging the two (glass and silver) together to a greater degree, and making finished pieces

How long have you been creating craft?

Let’s see. My journey with glass started in ’75. 1975 that is, I am old, but not that old..

How did you get started?

The glass journey started with a desire for one (1) Tiffany style lamp. There was a fine gentleman in my town, Naperville, Ed Hoy, who ran a retail store and sold stained glass supplies. It was a long conversation, him telling me you do not start with a lamp, and me telling him “ I only want one lamp”. Finally he relented, and sold me what would be needed to make one lamp. I was instantly addicted!!!!! First it was flat work, lamps, windows, etc. Then on to sand blasting, fusing (melting) the glass, and finally lampworking, or as it is often called off hand glass blowing.

Where does the name of your shop come from?

My ancestors all came from Czechoslovakia, and there were a few from Moravia, and I am told some were gypsies. Doing art shows., traveling here and there was indeed a transient life style. So, it seemed logical to merge them together, and arrive at the name “glass gypsy”.

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

My work is created from images that I see in my minds eye. It isl original, and created using all the talents GOD has given me.

What words of advice do you have for other artists?

Here is a favorite quotation of mine :
“If a man does not keep pace with his companions, perhaps it is because he hears
a different drummer. Let him step to the music which he hears, however measured or
far away.”
David Thoreau
Truly do believe that this speaks to all artists. Please yourself first with your work. Let your heart and your inner spirit guide you for the direction to take. Life is so short, and sleep is highly overrated!

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Wonderful work! You have to see the glass beads and glass creations that Jim creates at Glass Gypsy - an Etsy Shop!

While you are at Etsy come by and see a whole new assortment of things - and especially things for the holidays at

Featured Artist of the Week

This week's featured artist is


Here is our interview with Joy, the artist -

Describe what you make?

I make lampwork glass beads, which means I spend a lot of time over a hot torch melting glass into wonderful shapes. Then I use those creations to fashion into jewelry. I enjoy using silver mostly, but recently have ventured into the gold scene.

What mediums do you enjoy working in most?

Glass is my favorite, but I also draw and paint. My avatar on Etsy (the cute little monkey that represents my shop) is a drawing of mine.

How long have you been creating craft?

All my life I've been up to some kind of art, but I started in glass about 2 years ago.

How did you get started?

On a whim, really! I saw a "Make Your Own Glass Beads" kit in a art supply/hardware store, and I thought "That would rock!". I took it home, made a couple of hundred dreadful lumps of molten glass, and here 2 years later I have the right tools and equipment (along with a lot of practice!) and can make a beautiful bead. I have never taken a class though.

Where does the name of your shop come from?

Monkeys are my favorite animal. I live near Boulder on a street that has Boulder in it, so it seemed a logical choice. Plus, there's a lot of flinging that goes on in my studio!

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

Many people assume that I just buy glass beads and make jewelry out of them. Because I make each of the beads in my pieces by hand, one at a time, each one is unique and different. I also try never to have repeat pieces. If its sold, its the only and last one you will ever see.

What words of advice do you have for other artists?

Be patient! It takes time before people start to see that you have something they want. Keep creating and eventually you will be recognized for your efforts!

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Joy is a wonderful glass artist. You must see her work at her shop Boulderglassmonkey

She has a blog site too so take a look at that as well!

While you are at Etsy come see the new things that I have added to my shop!