FEATURED ARTIST

Our features focus most often on craft - here we have a feature on art - a painter.




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

I am primarily a painter, and initially started by painting pop art works. Lately this has developed into a line of prints in my Etsy shop. Recently, i have picked up a camera and am enjoying photography. I have my 2 year old son all day with me so photography tends to be easier to do while looking after him. We go for wolks and I capture the landscapes. I will get back to painting in the fall, and will be creating larger pieces, still working with oils, and also experimenting with acrylics. I also have a clothing line, Jalousie, which is in my shop - this was created for the fun of designing a 'line' but my true passion is painting.

What mediums do you enjoy working in most?

I used to only work with oils. Lately i have been experimenting with acrylics. one thing I don't like about acrylics is that you cannot manipulate your piece over and over again as you can with oils. I do intend to try watercolour in the near future, after seeing a wonderful local exhibition which inspired me which was entirely watercolour.

How long have you been creating craft?

Only sine 2008! Just after the birth of my son, Leon. I was at home all night and he just slept and slept. so I needed something creative to do! I enjoyed art classes in school, but really my passion for art started in the summer of 2008. When I was nineteen I was very into abstract photography. I lived in Santa Monica, California and the landscapes and greenery were amazing.

How did you get started?

My boyfriend who was a photographer kept pushing me and pushing me to try and do something creative. I think he wanted to live with a like minded artist! I tried one night with a small canvas panel on the kitchen table, and was very proud of what I created. Around the same time I discovered Etsy and as soon as i started gaining hearts on my first few items, I was hooked. (Literally, Etsy is addictive people!) I would paint at night at the kitchen until one night my boyfriend came home with a huge industrial easel.

Where does the name of your shop come from?

Acacias is where i used to live. It's a suburb of Geneva, Switzerland. I added gallery as I thought it would seem more professional. The region is named after the tree Acacias.

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

That I am constant exploring and trying new things, and that I put my heart into my work! I don't have formal art training, but I have been thinking of finally taking some lessons to further develop my work. I would like people to think my work is edgy, some of it isn't and I go through phases of just painting 'pretty things' but then I always have the desire to be a bit more rough, and towards the style of pop or modernism. I like the idea and hope that some people are following what I do, and seeing me grow as an artist.

What words of advice do you have for other artists?

Something that I struggle with is that I don't have a distinct style. You don't yet see a piece of mine and instantly recognize it as mine. That is something i believe can really work for you, having a signature style. Also, take good photos of your work. My earliest works which have since sold, some of them I took slightly blurry photos of them. This means sadly that I can never sell them as prints. If you take crisp excellent photos of your work, your work can live on in pendants, prints, postcards, you name it!

Also have faith in what your producing. I am getter better at believing in my work. I used to be insecure as I hadn't gone to school for art, but now I realize what I am creating is unique and precious, even if it won't be to everyone's taste, someone out there will hopefully love it.

Lastly, as another artist on Etsy told me, don't forget to paint! Then paint some more! You can get so caught up in twitter, the forums etc that you forget to produce. Sure marketing is important but try to produce new work as often as you can.

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Krishala does very nice work. Come and see her shop!

FEATURED ARTIST

Here is an artist who works in various media. I would like to introduce you to



Here is our interview with the artist, Kelli -

Briefly describe what you make?

I make a lot of things, but my true love is painting. I paint on canvas, wood, furniture, walls, floors, you name it. I also love making hair clips and bows and handcrafted jewelry. I love things that make people go, "Where did you get that???? It is so fun and unique!" I have a new line of up cycled barn wood paintings that are getting noticed quickly locally and on etsy too...that excites me.

What mediums do you enjoy working in most?

I love acrylic paint the most and the more I mix it the more I like it...I am a color lover and mixing interesting colors and hues is fun for me. I love to layer paintings to bring out a bright, vivid mix of colors.

How long have you been creating craft?

I don't' remember not painting...so my entire life I suppose. I consider my first real paintings to be the set I did when I was nine months pregnant with my son. He is 8 now. They are of an elephant, an alligator and a monkey. I couldn't find what I wanted and whipped them out while my parents and my husband painted Greer's nursery. I finished in much less time than they did and couldn't wait for the walls to dry to get them up. I got so many compliments on them I started doing paintings for other people and it just kept growing from there. I sell at a lot of local craft shows now, but am new to selling on etsy. I am hoping to build a fan base there like the one I have locally. I began making jewelry a few years ago and started selling it almost immediately. I began making hair bows when I had my little girl and wanted to make some for her. I used my extra stock to make more to sell and they took off fast.

How did you get started?

I just went for it. It was word of mouth at first and still many customers come from the word spreading of satisfied customers. I am still working on my etsy store and am a newbie there. I am frugal with my shop and only put money into it from sales. This supports my habit of creating and allows me to continue doing it even when the economy is down.

Where does the name of your shop come from?

I used my name a long time ago on my very first business cards and have just kept it ever since. I have thought about changing it over the years, but it is working for me. I include my middle initial as a nod to my Dad who I adore.

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

That a lot of obsessive compulsiveness goes into each piece...into each stroke really. I try my best to have the best possible craftsmanship and I don't make anything unless I am enjoying making it. I always want this to be fun...never something I dread or that feels like work.

What words of advice do you have for other artists?

Go for it! And do everything you can to get it out there. I keep a list of strategies and ideas and haven't implemented them all yet, but I am always planning my next move and prioritizing what that move should be. Do what you love and love what you do!!! That's what life is all about, right??? If not it should be.

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Wonderful interview. Wonderful shop - come see!

FEATURED ARTIST

We have 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 painter to feature this week. Come and meet



Here is our interview with the artist, Amanda -


Briefly describe what you make?

I create original paintings with acrylics in addition to creating mixed media/2D art that has a modern vibe to it but can suit itself in different types of decor as well.

What mediums do you enjoy working in most?

Acrylics. Although I have not tried oils to date I am totally happy with what I can achieve with acrylics. With 3 kids I have a limited working time so acrylics accomodate that as well. I love working with different gel mediums as well it helps to create the type of texture I desire. Also, I have brought in using papers and really enjoying that route right now plus they are upcycled. I rescued an almost bin bound wallpaper sample book from a local paint shop and use that a lot in my 2D pictures.

How long have you been creating art?

I have had a love of drawing as far back as I can remember! If I wasn't drawing or painting I was doing some sort of arts related thing from sewing, beading, crafting, modelling and professional acting. Infact, I acted professionally since I was 14 with jobs in commercials, movies and various roles in TV series, but again, I have 3 wonderful kids and the amount of hours away from them just wasn't worth it. No matter how much money I could make, no amount would ever buy time back! With this and a series of other events that happened in my life is what brought me back to painting.

How did you get started?

I started getting more serious about selling my paintings after incurring a large stock pile of them from painting so much. The biggest challenge for me to get over was fear! (Crazy huh!? ) But it first kept me from even painting for a while because of all the what ifs...what if it's no good, what if I lost my touch, what if this and what if that. I had people always encouraging me and asking if I was persuing my art and I realized that I had been given a talent to share and use, not to waste! Many sales later through both Ebay and Etsy I have shared my art with people throughout North America and just recently, in Europe as well! These people would have never been able to enjoy my art on their walls if I had stayed in fear and done nothing.

Where does the name of your shop come from?

The name of my shop is simply my last name - Park. Add the art studio on the end and there you have it. I still wanted my store name to represent me but when I googled Amanda Park it is strangely an actual place in Washington! Look it up for yourself.

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

I want people to know that my work is created with passion! I love what I do and in everything I do, I will do it to the best of my ability. That is how I was raised. I will keep tweaking a painting for days and even months until I am satisfied with how it looks. It is frustrating getting to that point sometimes, but so rewarding to see the finished product.

What words of advice do you have for other artists?

Get around people that will encourage you in what you want to do and DO NOT let fear of rejection get in the way. A great quote from the king of hockey ( I am Canadian so I think everyone here knows this one ) Wayne Gretzky is - " You miss 100% of the shots you don't take. " So true. Look for different ways to get yourself out there and stay positive.

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Fabulous! Please come and take a look now at this shop and then come on back and let Amanda know what you think!

FEATURED ARTIST

This featured artist's work is unique. You really must see it for yourself. Let me introduce you to



Here is our interview with the artist...

Briefly describe what you make?

I don’t know the best way to label what I make, but they are basically painted canvases that would be used as home décor or wall hangings. They have a design along with a quote or personalized to include a name. My next goal is to make some pictures frames.

What mediums do you enjoy working in most?

I am really into acrylic paints right now. They have an endless possibility when it comes to colors and I find them to be the easiest paint to work with. Not to mention adding a little paint to something can make a HUGE difference.

How long have you been creating craft?

I have been doing crafts all my life. My parents always say that when I was little I constantly had a piece of paper and pencil in my hands. From then on I’ve always had to be busy creating things. But only until about 2 months ago I finally decided to try to sell some of my pieces.

How did you get started?

One day I was sitting at Barnes & Nobles looking through a book of people who make money from selling crafts and came across someone who used Etsy. Right when I got home I started looking through the website and fell in love. I started creating canvases and when I felt like I had enough to start it up, I created an account and opened a shop. From there I created a facebook page and twitter account to try and get my name out there.

Where does the name of your shop come from?

Coming up with a name for me was almost a nightmare. Once I came up with it I knew I would be stuck with it, and when you are a perfectionist that is a little stressful. My mom and I started emailing back and forth trying to come up with something and finally she came up with “Bellatina.” Both sides of my family are Italian (Longinotti & Ugolini…can you tell?) so it’s only natural that she had to incorporate some Italian in there and then she added on “tina” because that’s what some of my close friends call me, short for Christina. Put the two words together, add “creations” to it, and it makes a pretty good name!

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

I put a lot of effort into it. I am such a perfectionist it sometimes drives me crazy, but as a result, all of my pieces are very nicely done. I would never sell something that I wouldn’t approve of myself. I love doing them and I hope others can see that.

What advice do you have to give to other artists?

Be proud that you are an artist. Not everyone is given this talent. As an artist you are given the ability to express yourself and at the same time create beautiful things for others to enjoy.

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Good interview. Nice shop. Come and take a look at Bellatina Creations and then come on back here and comment and let this artist know what you think!

Featured Artist

This featured artist is in Canada and she makes beautiful creations that are useful as much as they are pretty. Come and meet -



Here is our interview with the artist, Beth -

Briefly describe what you make?

I hand paint household objects everything from telephones to toilet seats.I love taking boring everyday household items and giving them beauty.I also paint on canvas,my favorite things to paint are butterflies,birds,spiders,animal prints and silhouettes of people.I am working on some canvas paintings right now that will be added to my Etsy shop soon.

What mediums do you enjoy working in most?

I use mainly acrylic paint,enamel or fabric depending on the surface i am working on.Because i paint on so many different things i have a very,very large paint cupboard as most items have their own type of paint to be used.

How long have you been creating craft?

I have been painting for about 7 years on and off.

How did you get started?

I have always envisioned how something would look painted from the time i was young,i would see background color and all the different shades in my head.I have always had a great love for art,but did not attempt to paint until about 7 years ago.I am a self taught painter and think it shows when i paint on canvas as i break every rule to painting there probly ever was.But it does make my work unique.

Where does the name of your shop come from?

My shop name CanadianCreationz Canadian-i am canadian Creationz-i create it was the first name that popped in my head when i was thinking up a name and i just thought it had a nice flow to it.

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

I love what i do and get the greatest enjoyment out of every second.When i am painting i am truly happy.Creating my new ideas or even someone elses gives me great pleasure,and i always love a new challenge.I paint household items for fun and i paint most of my canvas pictures more seriously,but still get the same satisfaction in the end result.

What words of advice do you have for other artists?

The first thing i ever officially attempted painting on as an artist was a pickle jar,i used dollar store brushes and paint and it looked quite awful when i was finished.But i loved how the brush flowed the paint almost as if straight from my thoughts.My mind opened so wide i felt as is i had found a whole new world.And i had,creating is a world of its own no matter what it is you make its the most wonderful way to express yourself.I still have my ugly painted pickle jar and will keep it always to remind myself as long as i love what i am doing it is all worth it.The most important thing is to enjoy yourself.

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Now, go and look at Beth's great SHOP!

Featured Artist

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





Here is our interview with the artist -

Briefly describe what you make?

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

What mediums do you enjoy working in most?

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

How long have you been creating craft?

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

How did you get started?

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

Where does the name of your shop come from?

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

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

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

What words of advice do you have for other artists?

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

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

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

Featured Artist

Our featured artist is eclectic in what she offers in her shop - much like our shop. She has some great things to offer and some interesting things to say. Here is our interview with the artist, Gwynne.

Briefly describe what you make?

In my shop, you will find many different items! I have original drawings, prints, cards, t-shirts, messenger and tote bags, and jewelry. I enjoy drawing more than anything because it is my therapy and I love to see what my illustration becomes when I complete it. When I begin to draw, I usually do not have a theme in mind and just start drawing with my Sharpies or Prismacolor markers. I have dealt with depression on and off and this is why my art is so important to me. By being able to create something gives me some peace and relief from the struggles I have had with depression.
What mediums do you enjoy working in most?

I prefer to use Sharpies and Prismacolor more than anything! Although, I recently have been purchasing numerous jewelry supplies to begin creating jewelry. I will feature vintage and retro jewelry in my shop soon! Many sellers would open a second shop for this, but, I have decided to keep everything in one shop to show the different sides of my art and of me.
How long have you been creating craft?

When I was a child, I began creating and knew that my dream for the future was to be an artist. My degree is a B.A. in Art although, I was raised to consider a career that would help support me financially. When I graduated, I began a job in sales and continued in sales for many years. Over the years, I continued to create...mostly when in a depression and then recently decided to share my art with others when I found Etsy.

How did you get started?

I left a job in May after 18 years and decided it was time to live my dream and that is when I began posting my art on Etsy. For several years, I kept telling friends..."I am going to start selling my art" yet, I kept putting it off. I am thankful that I found Etsy when I was looking for something to buy several months before I began selling.

Where does the name of your shop come from?

PenGwynne Art is a name I came up with several years ago when I was telling everyone I was going to start selling my art. My name is Gwynne and when I was in junior high someone asked me "Do you have a pen Gwynne?" and then they noticed that (pen Gwynne) was like penguin so,from that my nickname became pengwynne! My Mom even started me a penguin collection. And the best part of it all is I draw with pens!
What would you most want people to know about your work?

My work is my therapy, as I stated earlier, and it has truly been a blessing to be able to express myself through my drawing. I am a loner and enjoy being by myself. My art is a result of different things I have gone through over the years. Some of the work in my shop is from 2003 when I was in a very depressed state. I remember creating over 110 drawings within about a 3 to 4 month period. I still have many pieces I have not added to my shop from that time. I guess what I want people to know about me through my work is that I have survived some tough times and without my art, I am not sure if I would have.

What words of advice do you have for other artists?

My advice to other artists is to live your dream! Do not be afraid to create what is in your mind. It may not be something everyone loves, but, it is something that you have created and it is a piece of you. If you suffer from frustration, anxiety, depression, etc. your art is your best therapy!


Wonderful! Please be sure to visit Gwynne's shop!

Featured Artist

This artist is a needlework artist. Here is Eggmoney -

Here is our interview with the artist, Lynn -


Describe what you make?

I make a wide variety of needlework items. I like to try different techniques and methods. Working in different mediums inspires creativity in the others and keeps it lively. I make quilts, children's clothing, smocks, aprons, bead knit purses, beaded leather Indian corn pendants, jewelry pouches, totes, and greeting cards, and more. I also do custom work.

What mediums do you enjoy working in most?

I most enjoy handwork projects such as hand embroidery, appliqué, quilting, and knitting. I like to work at a peaceful pace and ponder things while creating. Handwork is also portable and I can take it along when I go to my teenagers' music events, and appointments.

How long have you been creating craft?

I have been doing needlework as long as I can remember. I come from a long line of needle workers. Along with many valuable life lessons, my mother and grandmother taught me to sew, knit, crochet, tat, embroider, and more. My sisters and I used to make clothes for our dolls. I also did a lot of projects for 4-H competitions. I finished my first quilt in 1976 for the bicentennial celebration. I was in 6th grade. It won ribbons at the local fairs.

How did you get started?

I started my etsy shop when my youngest child turned one. I was making so many children's clothes that there was no way one little girl could wear them all.

Where does the name of your shop come from?

My grandmothers and great grandmothers lived on farms and had small chicken flocks from which they earned household money or "egg money" from selling eggs. They also supplemented their household income by selling baked goods and needlework. I believe they are smiling now as they see me revive that tradition in a twenty first century setting.

We have a flock of chickens that free range around our yard and we sell their colorful and healthy eggs to neighbors and friends.

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

I pride myself on quality workmanship- I sew as if my mother is watching over my shoulder, as she did when I was doing my first sewing projects in the 4-H club. "If something is worth doing, it is worth doing right!" she would say.

I get inspiration from my three children, family memories from my childhood, and my present surroundings (including the chickens).

What words of advice do you have for other artists?

Create things that you enjoy making. Have fun. Don't compromise your values for a sale. Be patient.

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C0me to her shop and meet Lynn at Eggmoney.

While you are at Etsy come by and visit with us - we are getting our shop ready for your Valentine's Day gifts for your "Sweeties"!

BUY HANDMADE FOR THE HOLIDAYS

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

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

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

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

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

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

Featured Artist of the Week

Our featured artist this week has a shop on Etsy called Tippytoe.

Here is our interview with the artist, Christine:

Describe what you make.

I make fun, bright, animaly, floraly, leafy, and vintage inspired costume jewellery and paintings.

What mediums do you enjoy working in most?

I love to work with beads, any kind I can get my hands on. I love anything vintage, especially if it's in animal or flower/leaf form. My Oma likes to give me her old jewellery she doesn't wear anymore for me to take apart and re-use. She's pretty great that way. For my paintings I love acrylics. I find it the best for playing around with!

How long have you been creating craft?

I have been creating as long as I can remember. My father was an avid drawer and was always teaching me new techniques to draw birds. I think that's where a lot of my use of nature in my work comes from. Also, my mother always use to sew and when I was really young I use to take scraps of her fabrics and hand sew them into little purses for her. She never would use them though. But at least now she is my jewellery's biggest fan!

How did you get started?

I went to Sheridan College of Art and Design outside of Toronto for glass forming. Once I got out of school I realized that doing glass sculpture was a bit out of my budget. I had always made jewelery for friends and family so I got a couple of jobs working for a jeweler and a clothing designer. After a while of making other peoples work for a living I thought I'd give it a try for myself.

Where does the name of your shop come from?

My boyfriend actually named my shop. Tippytoe comes from a Seinfeld episode in where George and Jerry use it as a code word because Jerry is trying to steal an answering machine tape form Georges girlfriend. We love Seinfeld!

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

Hmmmm, I would want people to know that my work is not to be taken too seriously! It's just fun to wear and fun for your walls. It's meant to be enjoyed!

What words of advice do you have for other artists?

Ahhhahaha! I'm not too sure I should be giving advice to anyone. But, I guess I'll say enjoy what you do/make, have fun with it! Don't take yourself too seriously. And the thing I'm still trying to learn is that not everyone is going to like what you make. Try not to take it personally because we all have different taste.

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Please be sure to come to Tippytoe and take a look at Christine's great work - both her jewelry and her art.

While you are at Etsy be sure to come over and visit with us!

Featured Artist of the Week

Our featured artist of the week is Artangel. Artangel is a painter in the United Kingdom and does beautiful paintings.



Here is our interview with the artist, Angela.

Describe what you make.
I am an artist and the work I have on Etsy is all my original art - mostly acrylic or mixed medias paintings on canvas. I like to experiment though, and there are other artworks in my shop too; oil pastels, aceos, etc. (watch this space!)

What mediums do you enjoy working in most?
As I said I love to experiment, my favorite mediums at the moment include acrylic paints, collage (I love using found papers and bits of old artwork), colored pencils, watercolor, oil pastels.

How long have you been creating craft?
I have been painting and drawing as long as I can remember. I first sold my work at the age of 11 (on a very small scale, obviously!). I have been selling online for around a year and have been on Etsy since the end of April - it's a great site and has a lovely community.

How did you get started?
I really couldn't say how I got started painting, as I can't remember a time when I didn't. The love of color, texture and art generally is just inate in me I think. I have had a couple of really fantastic art teachers though, who certainly nourished my love of the subject. I first started considering that I may be able to sell my work online at the suggestion of a friend - thanks Julie!

Where does the name of your shop come from?
My name is Angela so I was thinking of maybe having that involved in the shop title, also I have been told that my style is quite feminine and spiritual, so I thought "angel" would fit with both.

What would you most want people to know about your work?
All my work on Etsy at the moment is original art and each piece is unique. I am always happy to create a commissioned piece to your specifications. Painting gives me such satisfaction that in many ways it is reward in itself, but when someone likes my work enough to actually hand over their hard-earned money for it, it is such a thrill!

What words of advice do you have for other artists?
Have faith in yourself and your work - you are unique and only you can produce what you produce. Be proud and keep creating - I firmly believe that art, in whatever form, enriches your life and hopefully the lives of others too.

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Take a look at Angela's paintings at her on-line shop.
While you are there come over and also visit with us -

Featured Artist of the Week

This week's featured artist is



Here is our interview with artist, Darcy. She does some beautiful mixed media work.

Briefly describe what you make?
I am a mixed media artist. I work mostly from intuitive emotion, allowing my pieces
to develop and grow, while exploring color and texture within human personnas that
are somewhat abstract or considered "outsider art" by nature. I hope to touch my
viewers with these pieces, striking a chord in them that evokes there own emotions
and interpretations about the piece. And at the very least, I hope to make them
smile!

What mediums do you enjoy working in most?
I love acrylics, watercolor crayons and oil pastels. I also love the divine
serendipity of collage. Recently, I have been combining traditional with digital
mixed media collage.

How long have you been creating craft?
Ever since I was a kid. I always loved art.

How did you get started?
My father always encouraged my creativity, and though I attended art school, I really
feel that it's only in the past 7 years or so that I have let go of trying to fit
any one genre, and just go with my own style of working. Keeping an Art Journal
liberated me tremendously in this area.

Where does the name of your shop come from?
Creating art brings me great joy and my hope is to pass that joy along to my viewers
and buyers. Hence the name Art n Joy!

What would you most want people to know about your work?
That it's unique, eclectic, and colorful. And that I will do custom work but not
in the conventional sense, which of course you would probably realize when you view
my work. I like to take people and put them in a kind of theme of their request. I
recently did a piece for a woman with her two Torkinese cats called The Cat Lady.
And I'm now working on a piece for a woman who wants me to use her boyfriend in an
illusionist theme.

What words of advice do you have for other artists?
Follow your heart and soul. Don't compare yourself to other artists.
Silence your inner critics, and create art that makes you feel good.
Play and have fun!

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You must go to Darcy's site - ART N JOY and see the beautiful work that she does.

While you are at Etsy looking at Darcy's work, come over and take a look at

Featured Artist of the Week

This week we are featuring the art of

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What words of advice do you have for other artists?

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

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You must visit Natural Abstracts and see these beautiful paintings.

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