FEATURED ARTIST..DEBORAH BACH-BRITZMAN

WELCOME, DEBORAH..I'm happy to have you here as one of my "featured artists", and know others will enjoy hearing, in your own words, what you have to say about your art.
Here is what Deborah has to say.....

A little about me…I’ve been crafting since I was 9 years old. I still have that 1st lumpy clay item – bunny or elephant, can’t tell what it is – for inspiration. Besides making jewelry, I love to sew & quilt and will try any other craft that looks fun/new/unique. I've been selling my jewelry at private parties and shows for over 2 years and selling online since 2002.

What led you to start creating your art?

I've worked with fabric art for many years but haven't had the time since son #2 came along. After seeing what my friends were paying for jewelry, I decided to create my own - different colors, shapes, techniques - all at affordable levels. They now make up the bulk of my client base and have different jewelry for different outfits.

How did you decide what medium you wanted to work with?

I love the look of natural stones and love how easy it is to incorporate even the largest stone into a cohesive look by wiring it in. I'm now in love with copper, heating it to create different colors is so much fun!

What aspect of creating your art do you find the most enjoyable?

Putting together the right combination of stones and beads until it just "clicks."

What message, if any, do you want to convey with your art?
We're all unique, and unique is beautiful!

What advice do you have for other artists?

Make what you love, don't feel pressured to follow trends or try to figure out what people will buy. If you love it, someone else will too.

If you'd like to see more of Deborah's work, vist her FLICKR site:

FLICKR

FEATURED ARTIST ..SARA AMES MONTAGUE

WELCOME ..Sara Ames Montague

Hear what Sara has to say about her art in her own words below.
WHAT LED YOU TO START CREATING YOUR ART?

It's hard to say, because I don't remember a specific time when I started creating. It seems like it's just always been a part of who I am.

HOW DID YOU DECIDE WHAT MEDIUM YOU WANTED TO WORK WITH?

Taking pictures is something I just always enjoyed, ever since I got my first little plastic, purple camera when I was probably 8. I've always been inspired by beautiful places, whether home or traveling, so I guess I "decided" to photograph places as a way of keeping visual memories of my experience. At some point, the motivation grew from capturing into creating. My collaging (not a real word, I know) has been more of a traditional creative process. I first remember making a collage in 3rd grade for a class project, and while I don't remember the assignment, I remember the strange looking character I created with newspaper clippings. I was fascinated with the idea that I had made something interesting out of a bunch of not-that-interesting things, and this process continues to exhilarate me, which is why I continue to make collages.

WHAT ASPECT OF CREATING YOUR ART DO YOU FIND THE MOST ENJOYABLE?

As is the case with life, I've found that it's the journey--and not the destination--that is most enjoyable. There's something magical, and intensely personal, about watching an idea materialize into a piece of art. It's cliche, but I love watching art "come to life," and I tend to feel a sense of communion with these works in progress as they emerge.

WHAT MESSAGE, IF ANY, DO YOU WANT TO CONVEY WITH YOUR ART?

Every piece is a reflection of myself, so the messages evolve and change as much as I do.

WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR OTHER ARTISTS?

Regardless of what people say, regardless of whether you make any money, regardless of what "talents" you think you have or don't have... don't be afraid to call yourself an artist. Don't qualify or apologize for your passion.

THANKS, SARA, for taking the time to share your art, thoughts, and ideas with us! I love your answers!

If you would like to see more of Sara's work, be sure to visit her sites below. You may click on any photo in Sara's ETSY MINI to get directly to that item in her shop.

VISIT SARA AT HER BLOG: SARA'S BLOG

My newest creation...MAGICAL KNITTING FAIRY!

I had a lot of fun designing and creating this newest addition to my fiber sculpted fantasy figures. It wasn't easy actually knitting with those teeny, tiny needles, but I did it! She is full of fun and sparkle.
She was sold at my first art show of the season, May 3rd!

FEATURED ARTIST - DEBRA LINKER

WELCOME DEBRA LINKER...

To learn more about Debra, and her thoughts and feelings on being an artist, read below.

I am an acrylic artist, living in the Seattle, WA, USA area. After 20 wonderful career years in high-tech senior management, I left corporate life, obtained a real estate license, and began painting - first as a hobby, and then as a passion, and now as a full, fledged artist. If I am not painting enough, I don't feel whole.

My work is often vibrant, full of color, and ranges through a variety of "styles" and subjects. I have been featured in NW galleries/retail stores and love hosting art shows. Along with painting, I spend a great deal of time mentoring others to help them find their creative consciousness and voice.

What led you to start creating your art?
A mentor suggested that, I "paint". I had no previous experience and no KNOWN desire.I followed the advice - picked up a paint brush - and haven't looked back.I've been painting a couple of years and have no formal training at all. (Ipreviously made art quilts, and did some basic knitting and crocheting butwas not at all interested in "crafts").
How did you decide what medium you wanted to work with?
I browsed art supplies until a medium "jumped out" at me. I knew absolutely nothing about the differences between oil and acrylic and pastel. I landed with Acrylic paint - and have learned to use the paint in ways that surprise my oil painting friends!

What aspect of creating do you find the most enjoyable?
I find the most enjoyment out of sitting in front of a blank canvas,asking it what it wants to be, getting my mind quiet and waiting for inspiration. Next - it is the feel of paint on the brush - the weight of the brush in my hand. Then - the feel of the paint gliding across the canvas, and the brush in my fingers as I scumble and scrub and dab. I also love the experience of receiving my high resolution scans on CD and opening the digital image of my painting on my computer and seeing it as if it were someone else's creation. The "WOW! *I* DID THAT!!". Nothing is more rewarding .... Oh except when someone else has the "WOW" expression when they see my art. What do I love the MOST? All of it. painting, thinking about painting, talking about painting,.. painting in my sleep. When I am not painting - I am not whole.

What message, if any, do you want to convey with your art?
The message in my art is simple: LIVE IN FULL COLOR !!

What advice do you have for other artists?
Find a way to turn off the cruel internal critic who tells you, “you can't"; that your work sucks; that you should get a real job; that no one is going to buy your art; that you are a fraud. Find a way to rise above that judgmental voice in your head and get to an inner place where it does not matter what the outcome is - the joy is in the creating. (Later - you can focus on the "business" aspect of your art...but while you are creating - just CREATE without judgment, fear, or worry about money). The best advice I ever received was to read (and do the exercises) in Julia Cameron's The Artist Way. I'd like to pass that bit of advice onto every artist.

Debra's art may be viewed by clicking on the links below:

DEBRA LINKER WEB PAGE
DEBRA'S ETSY SHOP
DEBRA'S BLOG

MY DZFANTASY ETSY MINI

Below you will find some of my DZFANTASY creations now available in my Etsy shop.



Click on any photo to go directly to that item in my shop.

PAM QUEVEDO - FEATURED ARTIST

WELCOME TO PAM'S WORK.

BELOW, IN PAM'S OWN WORDS, SHE WILL TELL YOU ABOUT WHO SHE IS AND WHAT HAS INSPIRED HER TO CREATE HER WONDERFUL DESIGNS.

Hi, my name is Pamela Quevedo. I'm a stay at home mom to 2 wonderful little girls. I've been creating stuff since I can remember & I've never stopped teaching myself new things.

HERE IS PAM'S DESCRIPTION OF HER BEAUTIFUL PIECE OF WORK SHOWN ABOVE:

This piece began life as one half of a pattern for a collar called Portrait. I modified the pattern for that half into this amazing piece of neck art. Enhanced with clear swarovski crystals and gray rounds it measures 14 inches laid flat & 4 inched wide at the center. It closes with a sterling silver lobster clasp.

PAM, WHAT A BEAUTIFUL, INTRICATE DESIGN! YOUR CREATIONS GIVE NEW MEANING TO THE TERM "TATTING"!


What led you to start creating your art?
I simply got bored with knitting and crochet a couple of years ago so I went looking for something new. I found needle tatting online and taught myself.

How did you decide what medium you wanted to work with?
Most tatting is done with very small thread, but I taught myself with crochet thread. I loved the bold look of the larger thread. I occasionally love to tat with sock yarn as well. It works up so nicely.

What aspect of creating your art do you find the most enjoyable?
I have a compulsive need to keep my hands busy. Tatting jewelry not only fulfills that need, but also allows me to update a fiber art that has long been associated with doilies and grandmothers.

What message, if any, do you want to convey with your art?
I really want people to see tatting as a modern art. I want them to see my pieces as both a link to the past and a very wearable piece of jewelry.

What advice do you have for other artists?
I always tell people to make what they love. Don't be tempted to cater to a current trend just to sell something. If you create art for art’s sake, then you will always be satisfied with your work whether it sells or not.


THANK YOU, PAM, FOR TAKING THE TIME TO SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS AND ART WITH US! If you'd like to see more of Pam's work be sure to visit her links below:

PAM'S ETSY SHOP

PAM'S BLOG

BELOW IS PAM'S ETSY MINI. CLICK ON ANY PHOTO TO GO DIRECTLY TO THAT ITEM IN HER SHOP.

FEATURED ARTIST RONALYN HURLEY

IT'S HARD TO BELIEVE SHE ISN'T REAL!!

Read below to hear what Ronalyn has to say about her exquisite work!


I have been reborning for several years and it still excites me each time I transform a doll into a Reborn. To see the doll come to "life" never ceases to amaze me, even after all this time.
Reborning is the art of transforming a plain vinyl doll into a doll that looks like a real baby. These dolls are no longer toys; they become cherished collectibles.

Chloe is all dressed up in her adorable crocheted dress and tights, for a trip to Grandma's. Bathed, fed, and very sleepy, she just couldn't stay awake any longer. Baby Chloe was reborn from a plain, vinyl doll. Her realistic complexion and blushing were accomplished with non-toxic, Genesis Heat-Set paints, applied in several layers and baked after each layer. You don't have to worry about fading or rubbing off. Her hair is a high quality mohair wig, cut in a cute style to complement her features. Her hand-applied eyelashes add to the realism.

What led you to start creating your art?

I saw a Reborn doll on eBay several years ago, loved it and wanted to learn how to make one for myself. I went online to find instructions and joined a couple of Reborn Doll Yahoo groups. The instructions were pretty basic but I learned a lot from the groups. After finishing my first one I was hooked. I became better and better at it and eventually started selling them on eBay and to acquaintances and co-workers.

What aspect of creating your art do you find the most enjoyable?

I love seeing the dolls "come alive" as I work on them. I accomplish that with several layers of Genesis heat-set oil paints.

I am working on a line of child-safe Reborns that children can play with.

THANKS, RONALYN for sharing your adorable babies with us! If you'd like to see more of Ronalyn's work be sure to visit her sites below. Ronalyn's ETSY MINI is below. Click on any photo to go directly to that item in her Etsy shop.

RONALYN'S BLOG
AWORLDOFCREATIVITY
BEAUTIFULMEMORIES (Etsy Shop)
MYDESIGNCOLLECTIBLES (Etsy Shop)

GREEN LEAF DIVA

This delightful DIVA is 100% silk, which I hand-dyed using silk fabric dyes. The leaf template was designed from a leaf of one of my house plants.

WHIMSICAL CAT FAIRY

MEET MY WHIMSICAL CAT FAIRY!! SURE TO BRING A SMILE TO YOUR FACE, AND A BIT OF MAGIC TO YOUR SOUL! SHE IS FULL OF FUN!

I used one of Laurel Burch's colorful, whimsical fabrics for her body and wings. Laurel Burch was one of my favorite artists, who brought a lot of joy to the world with her art.

This delightful feline fairy is 15" tall and can be seen either on my web page or in my Etsy shop.

FEATURED ARTIST - KATE E. AUSTIN

"Dive" was inspired by a poem of the same name, penned and performed by slam poet Andrea Gibson (www.andreagibson.com). It's also about resurfacing after a long time spent "underwater".

Kate E. Austin was raised in Killington, Vermont, and now resides in Glens Falls, New York. The complicated story of how she came to be there winds through her artwork. She has had two solo shows locally in 2007 and is seeking new venues to show and an opportunity to use the degree she's on the verge of earning from Empire State College. Kate is the Co-President for the North Country Arts Center and an exhibiting and active member of five local arts organizations. She is available for commissions, and also is available for website design.

Read below to get more of an insight to Kate and her art

1. What led you to start creating your art?

I've always wanted to be an artist, ever since I was three and visited the Norman Rockwell Museum in Rutland, Vermont. I saw his art hanging on the walls and went home to draw pictures because I wanted to sell my art, too! It's been uphill since.

2. How did you decide what medium you wanted to work with?

I'm a Jill of all trades - I wouldn't say I've buckled down to just one medium right yet. I love to experiment, and my latest work has been inks, acrylics, and watercolor on yupo, playing with texture and color through the use of salt, rubbing alcohol, and windex. I just want to keep trying new things!

3. What aspect of creating your art do you find the most enjoyable?

I like that I can try to express what's in my head, that I can make a picture with my hands that shows you what I'm thinking or what I've gone through better than if I were to try to tell you in a conversation. I also love that I can discover new patterns that occur in nature, and manipulate them. It's a little like playing God, making these creations.

4. What message, if any, do you want to convey with your art?

There's so much I have to say - I want to tell people about how I grew up, about silly thoughts I have, about how interconnected we are with everything else and how amazing that is, about the universe, about me... It's a new message with each painting, but it's always told from my perspective. That's why I don't really enjoy creating paintings of lakes and mountains - while that's beautiful, it's something we all see... I want to share something that only I can tell you.

5. What advice do you have for other artists?

Don't throw anything away. Sign everything. Use the highest quality materials you can afford. Get your work OUT THERE! Don't be embarrassed. Push boundaries. Challenge yourself. Talk to people about your art. Ask for criticism but let it roll off your back. DON'T GIVE UP!

If you'd like to see more of Kate's delightful work be sure to visit the links below:

KATE'S BLOG

WEBSITE

AEPHEMERA (Etsy Shop)

IVYTEAKETTLE (Etsy Shop)

FLICKR

CLICK ON ANY PHOTO BELOW TO GET TO THAT PARTICULAR ITEM IN KATE'S ETSY SHOP

RAINBOW HEART FAIRY

This colorful, Rainbow Heart fairy is my very latest creation. She is full of color and fun! She is designed to hang on the wall, and is 11" tall from the tip of her toes to the tip of her wings. She would bring a bit of magic and whimsey to any room in your home or office. She'll be sure to make you smile! Available at my Etsy shop: DZFANTASY

Colorful, whimsical butterfly fairie, perched on her moss covered stump. Available in my DZFANTASY shop on Etsy.

ART SHOWS, CRAFT SHOWS....YOU APPLIED...GOT ACCEPTED...NOW WHAT??

I find that even after doing shows for more than 10 years, I still get excited the closer it gets to the show date!!

The night before, my husband andI have loaded my van with all the equipment that I need for my set-up and display. This includes, my canopy, canopy sides, black gridwall, folding table, chairs, umbrellas (just in case...!), my tool box, and other odds and ends! In the morning I only have to load my containers with my creations.

Now...I always tell myself I better get to bed early the night before so that I will have plenty of rest for the long day ahead! Well, that usually doesn't work, as it seems whenever I know I have to be up at the crack of dawn, I end up laying awake thinking....gee, I have to get up pretty soon!

Now it is time to get up.....I could have sworn I just went to sleep! Some shows have early "set-up", which means you can set up the night before. That is great if it is a show close to home, or if you plan on staying overnight where the show is being held. Other shows only allow you to set up the morning of the show, which means you should get there as close to the hour that is designated as "set-up" time. It is wise to get there a bit earlier, especially where a show as the exhibitors' booth space smack dab next to the other booths, both front and back! It is really hard to get your booth up if everyone is already set up right next to you.

Another thing I've learned is to put my canopy sides up, even though the weather forecast doesn't include rain.....we all know how wrong they can be!! It is a lot easier to attach your sides, and then roll them up into the top of your canopy, and clip them with clamps. Then......if it does start to rain, it is a lot easier to just roll them down from inside your canopy.

If at all possible, it is a good idea to keep your containers somewhere within your alloted booth area, so that when "tear down" time arrives they are right there for you to start packing up. I always bring along a big black tablecloth size piece of fabric. (black goes in with my display of black gridwall). I can then use this to cover up all my containers and other junk and still have a great looking display. I've been in many shows where you had to have everything contained within your 10' x 10' booth.

• CLAMPS - I usually carry at least a dozen or more. I like the black heavy duty plastic ones with the orange tips. These have so many uses....clipping them to the canopy legs when it gets really windy. The velcro straps on the side aren't always enough to keep the sides from flipping open, clipping up your rolled up sides, and we've even used them to create a canopy of shade for ourselves by clipping them to a nearby tree or bush. You just never know......when they might come in handy!
• CLEAR PLASTIC SHEETING - I always keep a couple packs of the 9 x 12 clear plastic sheeting that you can find in any paint department. This has saved me many times from having my creations ruined by a sudden rain. I can flip them over my gridwall display and customers can still see them.
• TOOL BOX - It is always wise to make up a little tool box, where you can carry a hammer (for pounding in canopy stakes), screw driver, wooden wedges (a lot of booth sites on grass aren't always level), wire snipper, extra canopy stakes, and whatever else you feel you may need for your particular display set-up
• BUG SPRAY - nothing can be more annoying when are sitting outside for two days, and are being bombarded with mosquitoes or other annoying little insects!
• COOLER FULL OF ICE CUBES - That has saved us (my sister and ) from melting at many a show. It can get pretty hot, when you are at a show in 90 degree plus weather.
• BATTERY OPERATED FAN - This past summer, I bought several fans, which sure helped me survive the hot weather, and my customers enjoyed it also. People don't seem to buy as much when the weather gets so hot.
• BUSINESS CARDS, CARD HOLDERS, PENS, AND YOUR ART SHOW SCHEDULES TO HAND OUT (People always are asking, "where will you be next".
• PACKAGING SUPPLIES - I have a separate container where I keep all my packaging supplies such as bags, ribbons, colored tissue paper, etc. (I arrived at one show, which was about an 2 hour drive from my home....and lo and behold, when I made my first sale....no, bags!!
• CASH/CHANGE FOR THE SHOW
• CREDIT CARD SALES SLIPS AND PROCESSOR

Even with all the work and long hours that are part of doing shows, I still LOVE it!!

HARLEY RIDER FAIRY

WIND FAIRY
Harley Rider Fairy
Comes from an enchanting place.
She began as a spirit of wind,
See the magic in her face.
A mixture of leather, denim, fringe,
Crystal, and gold,
She delights in the dreams
Of both the young and the old
Who disregard confining rules,
Who dare to be free.
She protects and guards them fiercely
Without apology.
A creation from "The Young At Heart"
To place by your side,
Whether you soar in fantasy
Or on a Harley ride.
--margaret fodor butcher
11/28/2007

This is the first of my "Harley Rider" fairies, and was done as a special order. She was a lot of fun to design and create! My husband and I love taking trips on our Harley. I hope to have a chance to create another one soon.

ART SHOW CANOPIES AND ACESSORIES

This post is a continuation of my post on ART SHOWS, TIPS, TRICKS AND OTHER INFO.

If you are going to be doing outside shows, you definitely need a canopy! They come in many colors and sizes, and price range. I've always used the EZUP pop-up style canopy for its ease of setting up and also for the price factor. I've been doing shows for ten years, and am now on my third EZUP canopy. Below is a list of some of the things you need to consider when buying a canopy"

A CANOPY MUST BE :

WATERPROOF - nothing is worse than sitting at an art show, when it is raining and have your canopy start dripping drops down from the ceiling. I know....it has happened to me!! This is especially true when you have art work which can be ruined from even the slightest drop of rain on it. I've found that the lower priced EZUP canopies are NOT waterproof, even though they say they are. I have a 500 denier top, which still happens to drip, if there is a steady downpour...so beware. They have lower prices, but you need to decide if it is worth the hazzle. I would definitely go for a higher price canopy if you can afford it. I can't as yet!

ALLOW IN LIGHT: If you are exhibiting outdoors and you have a heavier textured canopy without skylights, etc. your work won't be displayed in the best light. Of course, if it is a nice sunny day, you can usually leave your sides up. Definitely can't always count on that!!

MUST STAND UP TO THE WIND: Whether a canopy can stand up to the wind, is one of the toughest tests of how good a canopy is. Wind is one of the biggest things to contend with at a show. Even with weights, I've known of artists who've had their canopies take off on them if a really big wing comes up in a storm. I was at a show where even my heavy gridwall flipped over on me!

There are so many different style canopies, some like the EZUP, where all you have to do is pull it apart and click it into place. The dome type canopies, which are really much better as far as being waterproof, having skylights, awnings, etc. seem to me harder to put together, but I've seen one person setting one up by themselves. All the metal poles and getting them in the right place seems a bit confusing to me, and I have my sister to help me.

Canopies are made either from nylong, polyester, polyethlene, or vinyl. Vinyl being the material that is most waterproof.

CANOPY ACCESSORIES:

4 sidewalls - must haves, a good idea is to get one with a middle zipper for the front of your canopy

weight bags - these are a must when displaying on surfaces other than grass. A lot of artist make their own using piping and cement. I use sand bags that clip onto my canopies legs, plus I usually attach my gridwall to the canopy legs for extra security.

awnings - these are great to keep the sun off the front of your booth or even a side. Also, helps to keep rain off anything you might have displayed in the very front of your booth, if it is only drizzling a little.

extra stakes - extra stakes to hold down the canopy

To get an idea about some of the styles and pricing of various canopies visit the web pages below:

FLOURISH

They handle several styles such as EZUP and Dome style canopies.

EZUP

This is the official EZUP site. It shows their different styles, prices, accessories and more.

SILVER WINGED MERMAID

While I have been designing and creating fiber sculpted mermaids for quite a few years, I never thought of designing a mermaid with wings!

This stunning creature was born, when a very talented poet, contacted me through my YOUNG AT HEART web page. She was wondering if I could create such a creature to go with her poem. After reading her poem, this is what I came up with. Below you will see photos of the SILVER WINGED MERMAID, and also Margaret was so kind as to share her poem.

SILVER WINGED MERMAID / GOLDEN RINGED MAN
(A Modern Day Myth With A Twist)
She is a New Age Siren,
How seductively she sings.
Across many rivers her lover
Scans the waves for her wings,
While his land-loving lady,
Whom he thinks is unaware
Of the strange bond between them,
Knows, but in truth, does not care.

Fly like a bird Mermaid Woman,
Fly on silver wings,
Touch the heart, mind and soul
Of the lover in your dreams.
Fly modern day siren
To the golden ringed man on the shore.
Lift up in astral flight,
Meet in the night and mystically soar
margaret butcher

I will be sharing some of Margaret's other poems out here in the near future.

LET ME TURN YOUR HOBBY OR SPECIAL INTEREST INTO A "FAIRY SCENE"

I love to design and create "Fairy Scenes", and have done several of these very detailed creations as "special orders". My first one was for a "lamp-work" bead artist. Here is a photo of the one I did for her.

The artist sent me some of her own lamp work beads to include in her scene, and little materials that she used in her work. Below is her comments after receiving her "Lampwork" bead fairy.

"I got home just now and guess what was waiting for me at the door, yes the bead fairy. We are still marveling over your artwork and the detailed work and beauty of it. Still cannot figure out where to display her. My husband was so pleased, since he was the one that helped me get into beading years ago, and we think you went above and beyond in your design work with this piece, the scene is beyond words. This piece has very fond meanings for us and I thank you."

I also met a wonderful lady, who created beautiful, wearable art in the form of knitting. Here is the "Knitting Fairy Scene", which I designed for her as a special order.

This scene has the little fairy actually knitting a teeny, tiny scarf, with needles I created! Now, that was a challenge...! She has baskets full of little balls of her favorite yarns, and even little wooden, hand-painted books on knitting.



The scene below was a "special order" for a wonderful lady who was a "healer". It depicts "color therapy", crystals and more.

If you would like to help design/create a "special" scene of your own, or for a friend, please feel free to get in touch with me to discuss what we could come up with. You may see other of my "Fairy Scenes" out on my YOUNG AT HEART web page under the link "FAIRY SCENES".

If you are a knitter, or an avid reader, I have several of those show out on my web page also.

DOING ART SHOWS....Tips, Tricks and other info!

Art shows in my area (central Wisconsin) will be starting soon, so I thought it might be fun to share some ideas and experiences that I've encountered over the past 10 years of doing shows.

Here I am at a show I did about 5 years ago! I need to get a better picture!!

Many of you may just be starting out, or trying to decide if shows are something you would like to get into. I for one, LOVE doing shows as they let you meet so many fun, wonderful people! I enjoy the one-on-one contact with customers.

It does mean putting in long, long hours....like getting up at 4 a.m. and not getting home sometimes until 9 p.m. I'm very lucky as my sister, Dianne goes with me to all the shows and we have such a great time together! She is very talented at setting up and displaying my creations, into a very delightful way. Something which I don't have any patience for. I would love for all the little creatures to just jump up on the shelves by themselves! My sister, and best buddy below!

• APPLYING FOR SHOWS:
  
  When I started out 10 years ago, I applied to shows that were called "art and craft" shows, and after several years found that I needed to only apply to "art" shows, where people appreciated the time and energy that went into the design and creation of my work.
  
  Know your work...pick shows that will fit in with what you are creating. You can save yourself a lot of frustration and money in the long run.
  
  If possible, check out the show before applying for it. Get a feel for the type of work exhibited there, do the exhibitors look happy....are people at the show carrying packages, or are there a lot of unhappy looking artists sitting in their booths! Talk with the artists in the shows. Ask how long they have been doing the show, and what they think about it.

If you are just starting out, try several shows close to home so that you won't have the added expense of motel costs, eating out, and high fuel expenses. I know artists who have spent several hundreds of dollars doing a show out of state, or further away from where they live, and had all these expenses, only to have ended up just covering the shows expenses. This can be especially true in todays slow economic market.

JURIED OR NOT JURIED SHOWS

• Non-juried shows - these shows don't require an artist to submitt slides or photos to be judged to see whether they will let you in that particular show. Many craft shows fall into this category. Depending on what you make, some of these shows may work for you, and are easier to get into.

• JURIED SHOWS - these shows require an artist to submitt slides, a few allow photos, and many of the better art shows are now using the ZAPP application method. ZAPP allows artist to upload their work onto the site, and once you have registered with ZAPP, you can use this information to apply to whatever shows accept this method, instead of having to send slides to each individual show. I have yet to use this method, but can certainly see the benefits of it. Juried shows charge a non-refundable jury fee, which can be anywhere from $5.00 - $40.00 in my area. This is a fee that a show charges to look at your work. Booth fees are separate and the amount can depend on your area, how long the show has been running, etc. As an example, a juried show in my area can run between $250.00 - $500.00 or more. Two of my best shows which I do, have a jury fee of $15.00, membership fee of $25.00, and a booth fee of $200.00. This is for a 2 day show.

In my next post, I try to cover some of the "must" equipment to have for a show, sources and other ideas.

If anyone has any comments or questions on the above, I'd be happy to hear from you.

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BUTTERFLY FAIRY WINGS

I designed these colorful BUTTERFLY FAIRY WINGS as wall accents. While they can be hung just about anywhere you want a bit of color, whimsy, and magic, they really look great if they are grouped with flower photos or nature photos!

Each face is 100% silk, which I hand-draw, needle-sculpt and hand-paint. The wing pattern is one that I designed, and it is lightly stuffed with acrylic fiberfill, top-stitched into a design and has inner wire armatures. There is a loop on the back for hanging.

Sometimes when people saw them at my art shows this past summer, I don't think they could visualize how they could display them. I have several of them in various rooms in my home, and they make you smile when you look at them. I have added photos here to give you any idea what you can do to display them.

Their hairdos are created from fun, colorful yarns, with unique textures and fibers.

I love to take closeups of flowers, so it is really a fun way to give a splash of color to any room in your home or office.

I have several of these "WINGS" listed out on my DZFANTASY Etsy shop. So be sure to take a look.

MY STEPS TO CREATING A FACE

In the coming weeks, I hope to little segments of how my fantasy figures are created. Below you will see the steps in creating a face to the finished fairy. I do each creation's face individually.

STEP #1 - PLACEMENT OF FEATURES
After the head is sewn, using 100% silk tussah fabric (tussah silk is silk which comes from wild moths, whose main diet is oak leaves, I draw the placement of the features using a Micron pen, size .005. The natural colors of tussah silk range from a light cream, to a darker tan color, depending upon the amount of tannin in the leaves. The face above has been hand-dyed to obtain this shade of brown.

STEP #2 - NEEDLE SCULPTING
The head is then sewn onto the body using 2lb clear fishing line. I lightly needle sculpt each face using a clear light weight quilting thread. I start at the bridge of the nose, and then going into the corners of the mouth, and to the outer edges of the eyes. The unique facial expression is derived from how the needle is worked with the stuffing and the tension applied. This is how each of my creations end up with their own unique personality, and charm!

STEP #3 - PAINTING THE FACE
Using a size 18/0 brush, and acrylic paints, I paint the face. The eyelashes and eyebrows are then drawn on with the Micron pen - .005. The cheeks get an application of blush, and the upper brows get an application eye shadow in a shade to match their eyes. After the face is completely painted, I spray it with a Krylon matte finish sealer for protection of the colors. A final application of a crystal clear lacquer goes on the eyes and the lips, which gives them a 3-dimensional look and a bit of shine.

STEP #4 - FINISHED FACE WITH HAIR APPLIED

FINISHED FAIRY
The above steps are just a small portion of what goes into creating one of my completed figures. Do stop back for a visit, as I hope to have other processes out here in the coming months.