LULU DESIGN - WHIMSICAL "JANUARY CAT PRINT" GIVEAWAY!

"JANUARY CAT" (Print)

by Kathy Crabbe

of

LULU DESIGN

I'm happy to be hosting another giveaway for one of Kathy Crabbe's delightful, whimsical prints. This giveaway is for her "JANUARY CAT" print as shown above.

Please read below to see how to enter this giveaway.

GIVEAWAY INFO AND HOW TO ENTER:

START DATE: December 31, 2009

END DATE: January 31, 2009 - 12:00 Midnight CDT

PRIZE: 1

PRIZE VALUE: $14.95

OPEN: Worldwide

PRIZE DESCRIPTION:

January's snug puss keeps
cozy and warm
at her favorite windowsill
watching the storm.

8.5 x 11 inches 21.6 x 27.9 cm.

Reproduction "January Cat" is a laser reproduction printed on card stock from an original silk painting and comes packaged in a clear resealable art bag with acid free backing and artist's bio

Approximately 1 in. (2.5 cm.) white border surrounds the image with title, date and reproduction of artist’s signature below image

HOW TO ENTER:

1. Leave a comment in this post.

2. Leave at least your first name, and either your email address or another link by which I can get in contact with you, should you be the lucky winner of this giveaway.

3. I will randomly select a WINNER from all the entries submitted, on February 1, 2009. WINNER will be notified via EMAIL, and they will have 5 days in which to send me their full name and shipping information. If WINNER does not respond within the 5 day timeframe, I will randomly select another winner from the remaining entries.

4. I will notify KATHY CRABBE at LULU DESIGN who the winner is, and winner will receive the prize directly from LULU DESIGN.

If you have ANY questions, please feel free to contact me at: dzfairies@msn.com

Treat yourself, and pay a visit to LULU DESIGN to see Kathy's other delightful prints and to learn more about the various "readings" that Kathy offers. Kathy Crabbe is not only a professional artist, but is also a soul reader, medium, and astrologer.

KATHY CRABBE'S "SOUL READER" BLOG

FEATURED ETSY SHOP - EVERYBODY ELSE

I love the whimsical look of this artist's drawings. What fun cards!

WELCOME, Melody and her Etsy shop, EVERYBODY ELSE. Read below to learn a bit more about Melody and her creativity!

What led you to start creating your art/craft?

All kids draw. When you're in preschool it's a given that you will spend a certain percentage of your life coloring, mostly on things other than paper. Most kids also grow out of that. I became obsessed.


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


Pencil and paper are just so darn convenient. I can draw anywhere. If I'm inspired I don't have to wait. Plus, I draw all the time so it's what I'm best at. I also use photoshop to color my cards, and I just love Photoshop because I can try out so many different ideas in such a short span of time.


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


I'm not sure I could choose! Seeing it all come together is definitely a big high though.


If you had to choose a fruit OR a vegetable, to describe your art/craft, what would you choose, and why?


A peach, because it's so sweet!


If you had to choose one other medium in which to display your “creativity”, what would that be, and why?


Just one?! Probably photography. I love to take photos. I love the way photographing something can let us see it differently.


What message, if any, do you want to convey with your art/craft?


Life is fun! My drawings are almost always people, and they're almost always enjoying themselves. I've tried the angsty, soulful bit and it just doesn't work for me. Once I was in a cafe and I was upset and trying to draw something edgier than I normally do, and a girl in line peeked over my shoulder and cried, "Oh that's so dear!" What can I tell you? It was.


What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?


Have your own style. People really latch on to that and want to have more. Sometimes I try to change it up a bit. I'll copy other people's styles or try to do something different. Invariably people say, "But what about YOUR people?" On the other hand, always be growing. My style hasn't changed much since highschool, but it is a lot more polished than even a year ago.

Thanks, Melody, for taking the time to share your thoughts and delightful, whimsical work with us.

FLICKR

CRAFTERS REPORT GIVEAWAY! TRACK YOUR ETSY SHOP'S SALES

FULL SHOPPE HISTORY PACKAGE

This giveaway is from Doug of CRAFTERS REPORT on Etsy, which I am happy to be sponsoring here on DZFANTASY.

To give you a better idea of what this "giveaway" is about, please read below to hear in Doug's own words just what he provides in his reports on your Etsy shop.

"I provide quick, but detailed graphical reports to provide a visual synopsis of how your shop has done over selected time periods. These reports allow you to monitor spikes and valleys in your sales graphs to make the most of your promotional efforts.

Please see the results of one customer's report here."

(thanks crochetedbaby for allowing me to share these): SAMPLE REPORT

START DATE: December 30, 2008

END DATE: January 31, 2009

PRIZE: 1 - Winner's choice of any report currently listed in CRAFTERS REPORT shop.

OPEN: To ETSY Shops WORLDWIDE

TO ENTER:

1. Leave a comment in this post,

2. Leave at least your first name, and either your EMAIL, or another link where you can be contacted, should you be the winner of this giveaway. PLEASE NOTE: Report will be delivered either by CONVO or EMAIL.

I will randomly select a WINNER on February 1st from all who have left a comment. WINNER will be contacted by me to notify that you have won. WINNER'S NAME AND EMAIL address will be forwarded to Doug, so that you may choose which report you'd like to receive.

WINNER must contact me within 5 days from end of giveaway, or I will randomly select another WINNER from the remaining entries.

If you have any questions regarding this giveaway, please feel free to contact me at: dzfairies@msn.com

BELOW IS A DESCRIPTION OF THE "FULL SHOPPE HISTORY PACKAGE" AS SHOW IN THE PHOTO ABOVE. TO SEE AND LEARN ABOUT WHAT OTHER REPORTS ARE AVAILABE FROM "CRAFTERS REPORT" visit Doug's shop below.

I will create a custom year end sales report for the shop of your choice. Within 12 to 48 hours you receive an electronic report which includes the following:

1. Sales tallied by month for each month of your shoppe's existence (1 graph)

2. Sales tallied by day for each month of your shoppe's existence (1 graph for each month of shoppe's existence)

3. Daily sales of the most recent 30 days from the time you checkout (1 graph)

Why? Because its fun and even useful. Pamper yourself with a nice visual of your shoppe's sales history. This fun item is delivered by email or convo within 12 to 36 hours of ordering.

FEATURED ETSY ARTIST - ANGELINE DIXON

The Light Upstairs

by Angeline Dixon

WELCOME, Angeline Dixon, and her Etsy shop, which she calls 13th AVENUE. Angeline has a talent for taking photos of rundown, delapidated buildings, which she describes as either "urban or rural" decay and turning them into works of art. I've included a portion of her "Etsy profile" to give you a better insight as to what makes up Angeline, the person, the photographer and artist.

Hi!

My name is Angeline, and I am a Disengaging Perfectionist, Dreamer, Loner, Lover, Reasonable, Eccentric Character. I am currently laid off from the airline industry, and exploring my dreams of self expression. I am a volunteer through Americorp, mentoring children, and I am an advocate for sustainable living,vegetarianism, organic foods, especially organic meat and dairy, and living green.

What led you to start creating your art/craft?

I started doing photography and digital art, after many years of being placed in the shadow of my ex husband. I always loved to write, work with acrylic paints, draw, or just take photographs of delapidated architecture. My ex did not encourage me, and I kept these passions to myself, until I had the strength to leave.

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

I decide based upon mood. I mainly write when I feel down, When I draw, it is usually an idea, such as the Spider Pot picture, I was actually taking a shower, and I thought how cool it would be if animals and plants morphed into one, and what would they look like?

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

I enjoy the consumption of time that would have been wasted by doing nothing at all. I find inner peace when I draw, and when I take photographs, I usually bring a friend and give them tours of the inner city, and show them that there really is no need to be afraid, but instead I show them how to embrace adventure, and appreciate what was, and what is now.

If you had to choose a fruit OR a vegetable, to describe your art/craft, what would you choose, and why?

A pumpkin. It is simple, the theme I have is obviously related to my love for Halloween.

If you had to choose one other medium in which to display your “creativity”, what would that be, and why?

Clay, I love clay, the possibilities are endless, but alas, I do not have a kiln.

What message, if any, do you want to convey with your art/craft?

With the urban decay photo's, I would love for people to look beyond the damage, and see how beautiful the structures are, and instead of condemning them, why not restore them, bring them back to their glory, protect the history behind them, and revitalize the parts of the inner city where they reside. These are artifacts. The drawings I do, I just want people to loosen up when they see it, open their minds, and not be afraid to like something that lacks conformity.

What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?

You don't need to have a college education to be an artist or craftsman. It is a natural skill that everybody has. Some people may like what you do, some may not, focus on the people that can see your vision, and appreciate that.

Angeline, thanks for sharing your thoughts and creativity with everyone. I found it very enlightening to see how you can take a photo of something that most of us would look at as being beyond repair, and turn it into an interesting piece of art! Be sure to visit the links below to see more of Angeline's creativity!

WEB PAGE

GECKO JEWELRY GIVEAWAY

EARRINGS AND SCRABBLE PENDANT GIVEAWAY

by Jeanna

of

GECKO JEWELRY!

I am happy to be hosting this giveaway from Jeanna of GECKO JEWELRY on Etsy. This giveaway is for the set shown above for 1 "pair of earrings and a scrabble tile pendant" created by Jeanna of GECKO JEWELRY.

START DATE: December 28, 2008

END DATE: January 31, 2009 at 12:00 midnight CDT

PRIZE: 1

ELIGIBILITY: Open WORLDWIDE

VALUE: $17.00

HOW TO ENTER:

Please be sure to read and follow the rules as listed below.

1. Leave a comment in this post

2. Please leave at least your FIRST name, and an "email address or link" where I can contact you, should you be the lucky winner of this giveaway.

A WINNER will be randomly selected on February 1, 2009, out of all entries submitted, and will be contacted via EMAIL.

WINNER will have 5 days in which to email me their complete shipping information. If this information is not received within the 5 day time frame allowed, I will then select another WINNER from the remaining entries.

The WINNER will receive the prize directly from JEANNA of GECKO JEWELRY!

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at: dzfairies@msn.com

GECKO JEWELRY has a wide variety of delightful jewelry! Pay a visit to GECKO JEWELRY by clicking on the links below!

GOOD LUCK TO ALL!!

FEATURED ETSY SHOP - LITTLE RED BEAR

LOLLIPOP PLUSH BLANKET

Bright and colorful on the outside and oh so soft and cuddly on the inside!!

WELCOME, Wulandari, and her delightful, handmade creations, for babies and small children. She calls her Etsy shop, LITTLE RED BEAR. I'm happy to have Wulandari out on DZFANTASY as a featured Etsy shop, so let's learn a little bit more about her.

What led you to start creating your art/craft

When I was blessed with my little baby boy, my lifestyle changed greatly. I was also given time to slow down and assemble my own thoughts, and realized that I sometimes undervalue my own creativity. I realized not only my passion for designing things for my baby, but that I dearly loved creating things in my spare time.

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

I began experimenting in sewing with my husband and my mother, who I knew had been involved in crafts for some time. I had never really sewn anything of value before; but in sewing, I discovered an enjoyable outlet for my creativity and, through Etsy, a way to reach the world.

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

The satisfaction of seeing my own creations being used by little children.

If you had to choose a fruit OR a vegetable, to describe your art/craft, what would you choose, and why?

A Watermelon. Smooth, clean exterior that masks the time spent on it's creation, surprisingly enjoyable once it’s yours!

If you had to choose one other medium in which to display your “creativity”, what would that be, and why?

If I did not create small things for babies and kids, I would probably experiment with painting. This would be another way for me to reach people and create a visual representation of my own ideas.

What message, if any, do you want to convey with your art/craft?

I want people to see that handmade products can mean so much more than mass-produced ones. For me there is a true joy in seeing and using a handmade product, especially around your baby.

What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?

Get involved in communities and be willing to take on feedback. Often the best personal growth may come about through others’ ideas.

THANKS, Wulandari, for a delightful interview, and for sharing your creations with everyone. Be sure to visit LITTLE RED BEAR....you just might find the perfect item for your little one, or perhaps a gift.

.2

FEATURED ETSY SHOP - 1337 ART

Now this is the perfect bracelet to wear if you need a boost to your "luck"!! Hmm....I sure could use some when we go to the casinos!

I'd like to welcome, Christina, and her Etsy shop, 1337 ART. 1337 ART has a wide range of unique items ranging from bracelets/rings, beverage charms, brooches, necklaces, hair accessories, and more! You really must pay a visit! 1337 ART IS CURRENTLY HAVING AN AFTER CHRISTMAS SALE...SO DON'T MISS OUT ON SOME GREAT DEALS!

What led you to start creating your art/craft?

I have always been interested in art and crafts. When I was a kid, I used to buy beads at the local sidewalk fairs and make jewelry and key chains. Later on I started making beaded animals. I started making real pieces of jewelry two years ago when I saw two beautiful components that stirred a desire in me to create a necklace out of them.

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

I design and make what I like. I accumulate a large amount of materials such as pendants and wire and miscellaneous beads, and I choose some items I like and make something with them. I wanted to make beautiful quality pieces of jewelry; the type that you cannot find at a department store.

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

The most enjoyable part for me is shopping for supplies and turning my ideas into a reality. I often write down/attempt to sketch designs in many notebooks, and when I find the right items to make a particular design; how enjoyable that is!

If you had to choose a fruit OR a vegetable, to describe your art/craft, what would you choose, and why?

A lime; bold, casual, with a bit of flare. Why not wear pearls one day and gemstone chips the next?

If you had to choose one other medium in which to display your “creativity”, what would that be, and why?

I have already been experimenting with collage work and photography, and I would love to incorporate these and expand on them to be included in my business. They are both endless and beautiful and unique.

What message, if any, do you want to convey with your art/craft?

Life is both spontaneous and beautiful; do not be afraid to be you.

What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?

Follow your dreams and never stop doing what you love, when it sometimes seems as though you can't go on. If you want to make your artwork your way of living, planning, organization, and patience are the key ingredients to something successful.

Great advice, Christina...! Thanks for sharing your thoughts and creations with all of us! Be sure to visit Christina's links below to see more of what she has to offer.

BLOG

TWITTER

FLICKR

DEVIANT ART

ETSY OR ARTFIRE....WHY NOT BOTH!

COLORFUL, WHIMSICAL KNITTING FAIRY

I've just added this newest creation of mine out on my new ARTFIRE - DZFANTASY studio. Being a curious person, I decided to go ahead and open an ARTFIRE studio to see what it is all about. I will be listing some of my work out there, but my Etsy, DZFANTASY shop will still be my main focus for selling my creations. I feel it is good to keep an open mind to all possibilities!

If you'd like to see more photos and learn more about this delightful "knitting fairy", click on the link below.

DZFANTASY ON ARTFIRE

FEATURED ETSY ARTIST - NIMBUSNOVEM - Drawings and Stone Etchings

NORA - Original Clay Board Drawing

by Elizabeth

I just loved the artist's inspiration for her above drawing, so I have included it below:

One morning last week I woke up thinking of my great-grandmother, Nora. She and her husband, her sister and brother-in-law moved to North Dakota before the turn of the century. The land was so cheap as to be nearly free and they thought to farm there. They went by horse and wagon and the journey was long. They were hopeful, however, and I imagine it had to be at least a little exciting. As it turned out Nora hated North Dakota. The sweeping winds of the plains turned the fields into whispering oceans and she was at once seasick and homesick. She stayed long enough to give birth to my grandmother, then moved back to Ohio where she lived the rest of her days.I thought of her on the plains, looking toward the east under a full moon; the wind making a sea of the fields of grain and grass. I thought of how at nighttime, at least the moon would feel like a familiar friend (look closely and you'll see it reflected in her eye). I thought of her all a-twitch and at any moment ready to bolt for home.

WELCOME, Elizabeth and her fantastic drawings and etchings, which she offers in her NIMBUSNOVEM shop out on Etsy. The details are truly amazing! Be sure to pay her shop a visit to see all the wonderful things she has to offer.

What led you to start creating your art/craft?

I've always loved drawing, but I specifically became interested in etching/engraving marble and granite when I worked in the memorial industry. It was quite an introduction, as I was immediately thrown into doing one custom job after another. I did cars, trains, portraits, landscapes, animals-- anything you can imagine. Scratchboard and clayboard became favorite mediums because I could use the same techniques as I use on the stone work.

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

I love the permanence of stone. I really like the idea of catching an ephemeral glance of an eye or twitch of a bird's wing on something as eternal as marble and granite. Scratchboard and clayboard allow me do add color and really get into the details-- something I really love.

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

I love the sound of my xacto knife scratching out the details on the board. I love when a stone piece is done and I can feel the eyes of my subject looking back at me.

If you had to choose a fruit OR a vegetable, to describe your art/craft, what would you choose, and why?

I think I'd have to choose an apple. A drawing a day keeps the doctor away!

If you had to choose one other medium in which to display your “creativity”, what would that be, and why?

I've really been wanting to make boxes and other containers that display some of my work and may be become works in their own right. In fact, I'm looking into that now and plan on offering some in my shop this spring. I studied sculpture for many years and I miss it! I may be getting back into that as well.

What message, if any, do you want to convey with your art/craft?

I want people to look at my work and feel it look back. There is a feeling you get right in the center of your chest when you connect with an art work. I want to give this feeling to people.

What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?

Don't think your talent and skill ever leaves you. It's always there waiting for you to call on it and wake it up again.

Thank you, Elizabeth, for giving us a bit of an insight into your thoughts of being an artist, and also for sharing your amazing work with everyone! It is just exquisite! You can see more of Elizabeth's work by visiting NIMBUSNOVEM on Etsy, and TRUNKT

TRUNKT

WINTER IN WISCONSIN....!

LET IT SNOW, LET IT SNOW, LET IT SNOW!!

Well it certainly has been doing that here in Wisconsin! I don't think a day has gone by, in the last couple of weeks, when we haven't been out clearing the driveway of the pretty white stuff! It is beautiful, but right about now I'm thinking "spring"! Guess we have a long way to go before that happens! Perhaps, I'll just go out and build a snowman!!

It will be a while before the birdies can take a bath in their favorite birdbath!

FEATURED ETSY SHOP - NEEDFUL THINGS - by KRISHA

Welcome, Krisha and her Etsy shop "NEEDFUL THINGS"! Krisha's shop has a variety of items ranging from art dolls, jewelry, original photography, ACEO's and more. Most important is the fact that any item purchased from NEEDFUL THINGS....will result in a percentage going towards helping our four-legged friends who are in dire need of help. Be sure to visit Krisha's Animal Rescue Blog...I did and found it very informative and heart-warming! A lot of credit goes to anyone who helps out all the needy animals in this world!



What led you to start creating your art/craft?



I'm a journalist and write an animal-rescue blog, http://www.arkansasonline.com/rescue, for the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette. I wanted to find a way to contribute to a very special group of ladies at Out of the Woods Rescue. They go out into the rural parts of Arkansas where there is very little assistance for strays or abused animals. I didn't have a lot of time or money to give, so I decided to use my eclectic tastes and budding skills to relieve stress for me (playing with clay is a great way to blow off steam), and help out the rescue organization. The markup on the items in my shop is 25%, which is the percentage the animal rescue group gets. I just get the cost of the materials. My time is donated, but I don't know if I'd really call it a donation because it's such fun!



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



I was drawn to the magazine Art Doll Quarterly about five years ago. I find doll-making symbolic, primitive, spiritual. Memories come flooding back from when I was a child playing with my dolls, working out their stories as I create my dolls today. Immediately, I was drawn to clay because it's earthy. It somehow fits. If you believe in the Bible, Adam was formed of clay. Why shouldn't we form our own creations out of the same stuff? It's a difficult medium for me though. Drawing is my best artistic asset, but I keep coming back to clay, hoping that one day I will learn to master it.



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



I love creating the stories behind the works. My dolls always have stories. With my photography, it's the hunt for that beautiful photo of the day. With my magnets, I look for the funky, iconic and graphic. With my jewelry, it's picking out the components that go together. I just know which chain works with which pendant; at least it's obvious to me very quickly. I don't know if others would agree with my compositions. With my journals, I love the whole process: choosing the fabric, the book size, the special embellishments - always Swarovski crystals. With my sketches and artist's cards, I like the hunt for just what I want to express. I would imitate art I love - am thinking of doing it - but I'm chicken. So my creations are entirely original.



If you had to choose a fruit OR a vegetable to describe your work, what would you choose and why?



What an interesting question. I suppose I would choose a carrot because I love carrots, and they are a great inspiration for sculpture. Also, they grow deep in the earth but have fluffy lettuce hair. I remember plucking them from the garden as a child, and I loved it.



If you had to choose one other medium in which to display your "creativity", what would that be and why?



Goodness, I already work with clay, photography, fabric, yarn, beads, crystals, silver, copper, micah powder... I guess glass. Yes, I'd love to learn how to create stained glass like Frank Lloyd Wright's designs.



What message, if any, do you want to convey with your art/craft?



I'd just like everyone to know that they are helping a cat or dog in need when they buy from me. I also want them to know everything I make is very personal and dear to me. I make everything with great care and improve with every piece I make.



What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?



My advice to other Etsians is to promote yourself, not just on Etsy but offline as well. Order some beautiful Moo mini cards - you won't want to give them away - but you can create a collage for your house or office. Believe in yourself, but don't be pushy. Most importantly, make what you love.

Krisha, thanks for a very delightful interview, and for sharing not only your thoughts and work with all of us, but your Animal Rescue site and information. Great job! Be sure to visit Krisha's links below.

ARKANSAS ON-LINE - RESCUE IN THE ROCK Animal Rescue Blog

ALTERS - An Etsy Blog

FEATURED ETSY SHOP - FIBRESANTRIC

I am truly amazed at the delightful "knitted and felted" purses that this artist has created. One can only imagine the time involved to come up with such an exquisite purse as the one shown above. Be sure to visit, Sandra's shop FIBRESANTRIC out on Etsy, to see what other items she has to offer.

What led you to start creating your art/craft?

My mom taught me to knit when I was 8, and I played with fibre sporadically until I got really serious a few years ago. My nephew’s birth inspired me to start knitting again, albeit mostly baby items, but I started designing almost as soon as I picked up the needles. I wasn’t thinking about selling at the time; so many ideas were flowing I didn’t know how to manage designing with output. So I spent a few years toying with the idea while still designing and churning out a few pieces for myself and family until I finally decided to give it a go.

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

There wasn’t much other choice. I do sew a little, but knitting and felting are so much more forgiving. Knitting is a rhythmic, repetitive motion that entrances and helps to sooth and de-stress. If I’m going to have a second job, it’s going to be a (mostly) stress-free one!

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

Designing and experimenting come first for me. When the juices are flowing, the possibilities are endless.

If you had to choose a fruit OR a vegetable, to describe your art/craft, what would you choose, and why?

Hmmm. Banana. It’s a staple, available year-round and affordable compared to its pricier counterparts.

If you had to choose one other medium in which to display your “creativity”, what would that be, and why?

Music is my first love. It evokes so many feelings and can convey innumerable messages. I’m never at a loss when trying to express myself musically, whether through singing, playing instruments or dancing.

What message, if any, do you want to convey with your art/craft?

The handbag is the workhorse of my brand. I hope to show that knit and felted bags aren’t dowdy, unfashionable or out of touch. There are many wonderful designs out there that are functional as well as beautiful, and the workmanship put into this craft is well worth the price tag.

THANKS, Sandra for sharing your wonderful thoughts and wonderful creations with us. You can visit FIBRESANTRIC by clicking on the links below.
What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?

Just do it. If you don’t, the world will miss out on your talent.

FEATURED ETSY SHOP - Once Upon a Box

Handpainted Nature Scene Jewelry Box

by Barbara

of

ONCE UPON A BOX

Now who wouldn't want to keep their jewelry in this beautiful, hand-painted jewelry box by Barbara. It makes one feel good just looking at the lovely nature scene.

Barbara has other delightful boxes in her Etsy shop, ONCE UPON A BOX, so be sure to pay her a visit. These jewelry boxes would make very unique, one-of-a-kind gifts for any occasion!

What led you to start creating your art/craft?

My parents were both creative people. My mother was a part time actress, and my father was a painter in his spare time. Guess it rubbed off on me. I have always loved using my hands to create things as far back as I can remember.

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

After art school, I worked in the textile industry painting large designs for sheets and comforters. My work that I do now is an extension of that experience.

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

I find that I am most unhappy when I am not painting. I have a sense of peace when I paint and get excited when I think of a new design to try out.

If you had to choose a fruit OR a vegetable, to describe your art/craft, what would you choose, and why?

This is a hard question to answer, but I think I would choose an apple because after I eat one it gives me a clean crisp feeling which is the way I hope my designs look when I'm done.

If you had to choose one other medium in which to display your "creativity", what would you choose and why?

If I had to choose another medium,I think it would be clay because I love the way it feels in my hands and the way it's so malable.

What message, if any, do you want to convey with your art/craft?

Nature is beautiful, and I hope that my work conveys this message.

What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?

My advice to other artists/crafters would be to create what you love at all costs and listen to yourself, not other people.

Barbara, your work is truly delightful! Thanks again for taking the time to give us a bit of insight as to what makes you "tick" as a creative person!

Be sure to visit's Barbara's links below to see more of her work.

INDIEPUBLIC

FLICKR

FEATURED ETSY SHOP - SILK ART FROM BRAZIL

100% SILK SCARF

WELCOME, MARIA and her beautiful hand-dyed silk scarves! Maria's Etsy shop is SILK ART from BRAZIL. I've always loved silk! I'm sure you will love the beautiful colors of Maria's scarves. Each one has exquisite color combinations!

What led you to start creating your art/craft?

I am a born artist, although it took me a few decades to realize it. Therefore, I have always created stuff, although I didn't call myself an artist. Two years ago, I left behind a career as a marketing executive, moved to paradise (I live in a tiny coastal art colony in the Northeastern part of Brazil), and embraced my artistic side full-time.

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

I am a very curious person, so I have tried and worked with several media, in different times of my life. For the last 10 years, I have focused on paper and fabric and in the last couple of years Silk Painting has been my love.

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

The fact that you start with a white canvas (in my case a white piece of silk), and you build on it, until you came up with a piece that is entirely new, and nobody else has done anything exactly like that before you. Isn't that amazing?

If you had to choose a fruit OR a vegetable, to describe your art/craft, what would you choose, and why?

That's a hard one. I think it would be a watermelon, which is moist, refreshing and has bright and beautiful colors.

If you had to choose one other medium in which to display your “creativity”, what would that be, and why?

Well, it would definitely be paper. Why? because when I work with paper I feel like I am back in kindergarten... So many papers, so little time.

What message, if any, do you want to convey with your art/craft?

I also teach, and a lot of people think they are not artistic, or creative. It makes me feel really good when somebody in my classes are amazed by the piece of art they have created. The message I want to convey is "I can do it and you can do it too".

What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?

Only one: go for it and always include new elements in your art. Learn several media and combine them. This gives you an outlet for your creativity and a uniqueness that every artist looks for.

THANKS, Maria for sharing your beautiful "silks" with everyone, and for a delightful interview.

FEATURED ETSY SHOP - SERENITY COLLECTIONS

COPPER DREAMS

Amulet bag by Debbie

I'm happy to have Debbie of Serenity Collections as a "featured artist" out here on DZFANTASY! I just love this artist's beaded amulet bags! I'm thinking I might just have to get one for my very own! They are all so beautiful that it is really hard to choose a color. Be sure to pay SERENITY COLLECTIONS, on Etsy a visit so that you can see for yourself how charming these bags are.

What led you to start creating your art/craft?

I first started selling my jewelry because doing it as a hobby, I was accumulating more than I could wear and I could not just keep buying beads for fun. Now I am trying to grow my business through my Etsy shop because I have become disabled, and can no longer work a regular job. Running my Etsy store not only will hopefully give me some income, but it makes me feel like I am still part of something. Being stuck, mostly at home, with no one around except my family is a bit strange after being in the work force, raising 2 kids by myself etc. Making friends on Etsy is a wonderful thing for me.

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

During my teens I tried all kinds of crafts, drawing , painting, and mosaic work. I learned to knit and crochet and bead, I learned ceramics, actually earned my teaching certificate in ceramics, but the beading kept drawing me back. I would take up my knitting needles then go back to my beading needle, pick up a paintbrush then put it back for my beading needle, By the time I hit my 20's I knew beading was what I wanted to do.

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

There are actually two parts to this. I love taking a tray with little piles of different color beads and ending up turning them all into one beautiful product, there is nothing more satisfying. I also like the way I can use my beading to get away. It does not matter what kind of day I have had, no matter how hard I worked or what went wrong or whatever has stressed me out, once I start working with my beads, my mind goes to a different place and everything else goes away leaving me peaceful and content while I work.

If you had to choose a fruit OR a vegetable, to describe your art/craft, what would that be and why?

I would choose a cluster of grapes on the vine. So simple, clean simple food. But look again, the subtle, deep colors, the glisten if they have dew, check out the drape of the leaves with all the differences in shape and how the vines curl so lazy and relaxed. My bags are so much deeper than a quick look, like a cluster of grapes.

If you had to choose one other medium in which to display your "creativity", what would that be and why?

I love polymer clay, hope to become more skillful with it as I practice.

What message, if any, do you want to convey with your art/craft?

My jewelry tells a story, just as all peices of jewelry or even a bead does. They are all made with a purpose, for a reason, with a plan in mind.

I took the following paragraph from Debbie's profile on Etsy, as I thought it was really special, and would like to help spread the word.

"I have also just started a new project for my granddaughter. She is out to save all of the animals in the world, and has made it her mission to do all she can. I make sequin ornaments along with my jewelry and sell them year round. 10% of every ornament I sell will be donated to a local chapter of ASPCA in my grandaughter's name and she will be taking responsibility for all areas of this project other than making the ornaments. I want to get this information out to everyone because it is an important project to her and she is very excited."

THANKS, Debbie for taking the time to share your thoughts and exquisite work with everyone!

DEBBIE'S MYSPACE

"FROSTY" the FAIRY GIVEAWAY

"FROSTY" the FAIRY

GIVEAWAY

by

DZFANTASY

I've decided to have another "special" giveaway for this sparkly, one-of-a-kind, fiber-sculpted fairy! She is exquisite with her frosted fabric, sparkling silver hairdo, and lots of Swarovski crystal accents. To enter this giveaway, please follow the rules as listed below:

START DATE: December 15, 2008

END DATE: January 15, 2009 - 12:00 midnight CDT

ELIGIBILITY: Open WORLDWIDE

PRIZE: 1

VALUE: $39.00

To enter this GIVEAWAY....just leave a comment in this post!!

ALSO, and this is VERY important, PLEASE be sure to leave at least your first name and an email address or link, as a means of contacting you, should you be the lucky winner of this "FROSTY FAIRY"!!

WINNER'S name will be randomly selected, from all the entries submitted, on JANUARY 16th. WINNER will be notified VIA EMAIL, and will have 5 days in which to respond with their shipping information. If WINNER does not respond within the given timeframe, I will randomly select a new WINNER, from the remaining entries!

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at: dzfairies@msn.com

ABOUT THE FAIRY:

This exquisite little fairy is 6.5" tall, and is the smallest of my "wall style" fairies. She is designed to either hang on the wall, or dance from a bit of ribbon. There is a loop on the back for this purpose.

Her face, like all of my creations, is 100% silk, which I individually hand-draw, needle-sculpt and hand-paint.

Her body/wing fabric is a beautiful fabric in colors of white and greyish blue, with sparkles throughout! Her accents are crystal clear Swarovski crystals in her hair, on the front of her chest, at her waist, on the tips of her toes, and also in the center back of her wings. Oh yes, she also has a crystal belly button.

Her sparkling/glistening hairdo was designed from an Italian "eyelash" style yarn.

GOOD LUCK TO ALL!

FEATURED ETSY SHOP - MICHELLE KELLER aka MiK Designs

I'd like to welcome Michelle Keller and her Etsy shop, MiK Designs! At MiK Designs you will find "vintage" items, and also Michelle's most innovative, unique designs using beanie babies! I think it is pretty fantastic the way Michelle has made use of these adorable creatures, and how she has turned them into some real delightful characters, such as the one above. What a great imagination!

What led you to start creating your art/craft?

I am a trained metalsmith with a BFA in metalsmithing, but my senior year I had a real drive to sew and play around with constructing conceptual items in metal and fabric, mostly because I just love the contrast between the two mediums. My first sewn/metal series was a group of finger puppets some of which I have on my website http://www.michelleakeller.com/ . From this point on, I began experimenting with toy construction.

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

Kind of answered that above but in addition, after constructing jewelry out of metal it is very pleasing to see sculptural items be able to take form with fabric in a much more fluffed out manner!

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

The problem solving. I love coming up with an idea and the enjoyment I get from executing that idea all the way to the final product.

If you had to choose a fruit OR a vegetable, to describe your art/craft, what would you choose, and why?

Pomegranite, because it is kind of weird, sometimes lumpy, slightly rare, and full of goodness!

If you had to choose one other medium in which to display your “creativity”, what would that be, and why?

Well um, I guess it would have to be silver and gold, conceptual jewelry is really were my heart lies!

What message, if any, do you want to convey with your art/craft?

I use a lot of "used" toys, like my series of altered beanie babies. Most of these toys have never even been played with since they are collectors items. I reconstruct them into hand-sewn monsters that are re-stuffed without beans. My main message with this series is that even toys can be made from recycled items and materials in a clean manner. Our world is full of recyclables!!

What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?

Push your concepts and come up with some type of well planned, well executed idea that relates to your work and can take it just that much further. The marriage of concept and craftsmanship makes a piece just that much more interesting.

Michelle, thanks for sharing your delightful creativity and ideas with all of us!

Be sure to visit the links below to learn more about Michele and her creations.

WEB PAGE

BLOG

MYSPACE

WINNER OF DZFANTASY'S "CHRISTMAS FAIRY" FACE PIN

The WINNER of the GIVEAWAY for the above "Christmas Fairy" face pin is

LINDA from AUSTRALIA!

CONGRATULATIONS, LINDA!

Linda's entry of November 30, 2008, was randomly drawn, by my husband, from the 81 entries submitted for this giveaway! I will be shippping Linda her Christmas Fairy pin today.

Thank you all for your delightful comments! If you haven't already entered my other giveaways, be sure to do so now. All giveaways running on DZFANTASY will always be shown in the right column of my blog under the heading of DZFANTASY GIVEAWAYS. Just click on their photos to get to the giveaway post.

New giveaways are always being added, so do stop back to see what they are.

MERMAID LOOKING FOR A GOOD HOME!

RAINBOW MERMAID!

(click on her photo above to learn more about her

I finished this delightful mermaid today, and just had to bring her out here! She is so sweet and whimsical with all her rainbow colors....from her tail fabric to her gorgeous hairdo! She is ready to go to a new home....so if you LOVE mermaids, like I do, you might want to visit her in my DZFANTASY shop on Etsy. I have FREE WORLDWIDE shipping now through DECEMBER 20th.

A true angel experience "HEAVENLY VOICES" submitted by DEBRA

Here's the little angel above to let you know that DZFANTASY has another true angel story for you to read. This story was so kindly submitted by Debra, who hopes that by sharing her experience with others, it will help people to realize that we are definitely beng watched over and guided.

HEAVENLY VOICES

submitted by

DEBRA

This holiday season had started off pretty sad for me. My mom passed away from lung cancer July 6th 2007, and I was prescribed an antidepressant to help with my anger because I wasn't coping with losing my mom. She was only 67 young, and we had just lost my grandmother the Thanksgiving before, and losing my grandmother was a terrible loss for me too.

These two women were very important figures in my life and I just wasn't dealing with my loss, and my medications started doing things to me that I just didn't pick up on right away. Because I wasn't paying attention to what was going on with me and I was so focused on dealing with my loss, I almost lost it all.

The morning started out just like every other morning, but this morning I decided to drive my step-daughter to school to let my husband sleep in. I dropped her off at school and was headed back home, now granted I felt tired and run down and I did know that I wasn't getting the sleep I needed, but I thought I was ok to drive. I was driving along just fine when all of a sudden the lights went out ! I don't know what happened , it was like I wasn't really there at all ,but I do remember a feeling of the most truest peace I have ever known in my life. I felt no fear or pain, just peace.. Then I felt a presence in the car with me and I heard a female's voice talking to me in a very calming but firm instruction "Place your hands on the wheel and take hold, but not too tight", Slowly put your foot on the pedal and press slowly, do this now! I remember the car hitting the dirt and then the car spinning around like I was in slow motion. The car stopped completely and I looked around in a daze. Across the street some men were trying to attempt to climb a fence to come to my rescue, they were young firemen training. I still couldn't believe what was going on. I looked around me and still for a moment felt a presence of comfort around me. I was not afraid, and I think I should have been kind of upset but, I WAS IN COMPLETE CONTROL !! My car had completely stopped , I was facing the wrong direction so I turned the key on and started my car and as I proceeded to turn my car around and get back to my home. I rolled down the window and waved my hand to the firemen and yelled " I'm alright " , I'm OK " Thank you, and drove home.

All the way home I kept trying to figure out what had just happened to me because I had never had an accident and consider myself to be a very good and safe driver. I was feeling very alive when I got home and very hopeful because I knew in my heart and my mind that my life was saved because of an angel !! I knew this creature was here to help me, and I truly believe that my mother or my grandmother was the angel, because I felt like I knew this presence. I was so at peace and I wasn't afraid of dying or death, but it wasn't my time and my angel was there to help me and because of this I have taken a more deeper commitment to LIVING !! I don't take it for granted and I have learned to give more of myself than ever before ! I take pleasure in knowing that my mother and grandmother are watching over me and that they know how much I love and miss them.

I believe I found your website because I was meant to tell you my story. People need to know that we live in a wonderful, mystical, and sometimes yes,a sad world, but that each of us has a choice and we can either live it as a dimly lit candle or we can let it shine brightly and share that light with the rest of those lost to sadness and negativity. As for myself, I have had my doctors check my medications and I am on the right track now and I am doing great. Don't get me wrong, I will always miss them, but we will be together again in heaven when my father in his time brings me home. Until then I will live my life like it was intended to be.

Debra, thank you so much for sharing this experience with everyone. I'm happy our paths have crossed, and may your special angels always be watching over you.

Debra's name will be entered into my DZFANTASY ANGELS STORIES drawing for December, where the randomly selected winner will receive a custom designed "special" angel, created by me, in their choice of colors. If you have an experience you'd like to share click on the angel below to find out more about how you can submit your story.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at dzfairies@msn.com and put Angel Stories in the subject line.