FEATURED ETSY SHOP - JENUINE JEMS

Whimsical garden torch

by

Jen

of JENUINE JEMS

The enchanting, whimsical garden torch shown above would bring a bit of magic to any garden! It is just one of Jen's delightful creations. When you pay a visit to Jen's shop on Etsy, JENUINE JEMS, you will see that this artist gives a magical touch to all of her creations, which range from sun catchers, painted glass, paintings and more. Be sure to pay a visit to JENUINE JEMS after learning a bit more about Jen as she tells us in her own words what her creativity means to her.

What led you to start creating your art/craft?

To be honest, I really have no idea! I can remember taking a drawing class back in middle school and then I don’t think I did much artistically for a while after that. After graduating college, I started playing around with beads and jewelry making and it has just kind of evolved into all of these other things. Mostly I try new projects just to see if I can do it at first and then I end up falling in love with the process and getting lost in it for a while.

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

As you can tell by my shop, I still haven’t decided, nor do I care to really! I really only hope to learn to work with more mediums! I always like to try new things. So many things interest me! Sometimes I go in waves. For a long time it was just the beads and jewelry, at the moment I’m loving different wirework and acrylic painting! Who knows what’s coming next week! LOL!

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

Honestly, at the moment, it’s the quiet time I’ve set aside for myself. I know that may seem selfish… I am a stay at home Mom to two wonderful people and the days are hectic sometimes! I look forward to my quiet times in my art room alone with my music, my jems and my thoughts. Although I must say that as they are growing, they join me there often and I love watching their creativity grow along with mine. I also love that feeling of someone seeing something I’ve made and watching them smile and get interested in how it came to be.

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

This makes me smile! I guess a tomato perhaps… They come in different colors and I like color. One is never quite sure if it’s a veggie or a fruit, much like I never know what I may create next. It’s all a fun mystery! Plus, I just love them and my creations!

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

I would really love to try more serious metal and wirework...with the torches and all of that good stuff! I have a jig and some hammers, but that only takes me so far!

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

I’m looking for smiles. I just want someone to look at something I’ve made or that anyone has, for that matter and think, “look at that, I’d love to have that in my home, or wear that, or give that to… because it makes me smile”! I also think it’s important to see that it’s just fun to try new things and that you don’t necessarily have to be trained to create anything. That to me is the beauty of it all. If you can picture something, try it and by all means ask for help, but don’t think you can’t.

What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?

I’m so new to all of this real creating, but if I had to, it would be to keep at it as long as you smile while doing it! It’s funny, for so long I just made all of these things and they just sat in my little art room. Turns out, they all had places they were meant to live, eventually. And I have hope for the others in there too!

Cherry tulips acrylic on canvas painting

by JEN

Jen, thanks for a delightful, upbeat "peek" into what makes you tick as an artist. We'll all be looking forward to seeing where else your "creativity" takes you!

If you'd like to see more of Jen's creations, and learn a bit more about her, be sure to visit her links below.

JEN'S BLOG

JEN'S WEB PAGE

FEATURED ETSY SHOP - ROSE LULLABY DOLLS

Arthur the Handmade Rod Puppet

by

Robyn Wilson-Owen

He's a poetic type, best suited to pondering life in the dappled shade under a lovely leafy tree. He's has a rod coming from his shoulder blades and one elbow to operate him.

I'm very happy to intoduce Robyn Wilson-Owen, and her Etsy shop, ROSE LULLABY DOLLS. Robyn designs and creates one-of-a-kind puppets and other art dolls. While Robyn is fairly new to Etsy and has only 3 delightful pieces in her shop right now, she states in her shop announcement that more will be arriving soon, so be sure to stop back and pay ROSE LULLABY DOLLS a visit. If you heart her shop, then you will be sure to see her new creations as they arrive. Let's learn a bit more about this London based artist.

What led you ato start creating your art/craft?

I'm a trained set and costume designer for theatre. I started making dolls and animating them for shows and then took a couple of courses in puppet making and became totally in love with it. I just love creating individula characters.

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

I work with paper and masking tape because its a really quick and clean way of paper modelling, I then cover that with papier mache for strength and gesso for painting or coloured tissue paper. Using paper and tape was a breakthrough for me as it makes my process a lot quicker. It's also a lot easier to clear away in a hurry when my daughter wakes from her nap!

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

I love searching for materials to use and starting to make a character not knowing how they'll turn out.

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

I'd choose one of those comedy shaped carrots - when its grown in loads of directions - everyone's special and quirky, and sometimes a little rude!

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

I love theatre, and that's my 'day job'. I enjoy sewing alot.

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

I just want people to smile when they see my work.

What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?

Just keep making, hone your skills and be aware of what's going on currently in your area of work.

Thanks, Robyn, for sharing your thoughts and delightful characters with everyone. Hope we get to see a lot more of them in the coming weeks.

Rainbow Sea Sprite and her colorful fish mobile

Whimsical, RAINBOW SEA SPRITE ON HER MAGICAL FISH

MOBILE

by

Donna - DZFANTASY

I just finished this newest sculpture....a tiny sea sprite riding her rainbow colored fish. This sculpture took me about 15 hours to complete. The entire sculpture has 112 Swarovski crystals handsewn into the fish itself and also for the sprite's accents. I use a 4# clear fishing line, which can't be seen. It is like creating two separate sculptures....first the fish and then the sprite. The sprite is then handsewn onto the fish.

The entire sculpture measures approximately 9" long, and 6.5" high. Both the fish and the sprite are firmly stuffed with acrylic fiberfill, and the sprite and the fish's tail fins have inner wire armatures.

This sculpture is designed to be hung as a "mobile". There is a loop on the back of the sprite from which to hang her.

I've designed 4 different styles of fish and this is the smallest of them.

The sprite herself is 100% silk fabric which I handdyed/painted using silk fabric paints.

I just listed her in my DZFANTASY shop on Etsy, and if you'd like to learn more about her, you can click on either of her above photos.

FEATURED ETSY SHOP - BIJOUGIRL DESIGNS BY AMANDA CONLEY

Oval Hummingbird with Pearl Necklace
by
Amanda Conley
(click on the photo above to learn more about this lovely necklace)

WELCOME, Amanda Conley and her Etsy shop BIJOUGIRL DESIGNS. I was just wandering through Amanda's shop, and love her nature inspired designs. One can definitely tell she is in tune with nature. At BIJOUGIRL DESIGNS, you will find a lovely selection of necklaces, earrings, rings and more. Be sure to pay a visit!

What led you to start creating your art/craft?

My major in college was Fine Art - painting and sculpture. When I met my husband, who was also a fine art major, I decided to let him be the painter and I would would start working with metals.

Teardrop Chandelier Earrings with Pearls

(click on the above photo to learn more about these beautiful earrings)

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

I've always been a jack of all trades, master of none. When I began a little family (I now have three children,) I realized that I needed to narrow my interests down, and jewelry became the forerunner.

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

The process used to be the most dreaded part of my craft because it takes patience - but as I have grown in my craft and my business, I find my self enjoying the process the most. It's a anticipated and meditative part of my day to just do the next thing in the process of getting the jewelry finished.

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

My craft is a fruit. There are seasons of nothing...building, thinking, etc., but when the product is finished, it's beautiful, sweet and desirable. It takes a while to make it that way, but when it's done, it's worth it.

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


Painting. It's what I see and interpret into my jewelry. I trained to be a painter before I even realized that I wanted to be a jeweler. So, if there was something else, it would be painting.


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


There is definitely a spiritual message to my jewelry. My inspiration comes from my Christian beliefs and from my experiences with nature and family.


What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?


Don't forget that there are seasons for everything. You can't do everything at once, and while you are marketing, you won't be creating, and vice-versa. And that's o.k. and normal. Take everything one step at a time, breath, and you can do it. Persevere.

THANKS, Amanda, for taking the time to share your beautiful jewelry and thoughts with everyone!

If you want to learn more about Amanda and her jewelry, be sure to visit her links below.

BLOG

THE WINNER OF ORIGINAL SURREAL PAINTING "PURPLE ROCK" BY TYE J IS.............

"PURPLE ROCK"

by

TYE J. SCHLOER

The WINNER of the surreal painting 'PURPLE ROCK" by Tye J. is:

GINA of TOLEDO, OH

CONGRATULATIONS, GINA!

Gina's entry of May 27, 2009, was randomly selected as the WINNER, out of the 48 entries received for this giveaway. The giveaway ended May 27, 12:00 Midnight CST.

Thank you to all of you who entered, and for your wonderful comments. I'm sure Tye J. appreciated hearing from you all. Also, a "thank you" to those of you who "hearted" TYEJ's etsy shop.

NAME THE "MERMAID" GIVEAWAY!

NAME THE "MERMAID" GIVEAWAY

Last month's giveaway from DZFANTASY was the "Name the Fairy" giveaway, and this month I've decided to have a "Name the MERMAID" giveaway.

The prize will be the sparkly, gold-green, fiber sculpted mermaid shown above. Read below to find out all about this month's giveaway:

START DATE: MAY 27, 2009

END DATE: JUNE 27, 2009 - 12:00 Midnight CST

OPEN: WORLD WIDE

PRIZE VALUE: $95.00

RULES/GIVEAWAY INFO:

1. Leave a comment in this post giving a NAME for the mermaid. At the end of the giveaway on June 27th, I will randomly select 5 entries, and these 5 entries will be added to a POLL, so that everyone can vote on their favorite "mermaid name". The mermaid name with the most votes will the WINNER!

2. Please be sure to leave either your email address, or a link to your email address, as the 5 entries which are selected to go into the poll will be notified by EMAIL ONLY!

3. Once the 5 entries are randomly selected for the poll, the poll will run for 1 week. Again, at the close of the poll, the Mermaid Name with the most votes will be the WINNER. The WINNER will be contacted by email, and I will then ship the mermaid to them.

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

The "Name the Fairy" giveaway had 102 entries, and a lot of delightful names were entered. Hope to see a lot of entries and names for the "MERMAID".

ABOUT THE PRIZE:

SIZE: She measures 8" tall from the top of her head down to where her tail curves, and another 8" from the curve of her tail to the tip of her fins.

She is designed to hang on the wall. There is a loop on the back of her neck, and also one on the upper portion of her tail, so that she will balance correctly on the wall.

Her silky textured,fabric tail is gorgeous shade of green, and the fabric has sparkly chips of rhinestones throughout. Quite magical looking. Her tail is firmly stuffed with acrylic fiberfil. The fins have been top-stitched into a design, and have inner wire armatures.Her upper body and face are 100% silk tussah fabric. Tussah silk has a lovely sheen to it. It comes from wild moths, whose main diet is oak leaves.

Her face, has been individually hand-drawn, needle-sculpted and hand-painted which gives her, her own unique personality and charm! Her eyes and lips have been enhanced with a crystal clear lacquer, which gives her a very life-like look and shine.

Her beautiful hairdo was created using an Italian yarn, which is a wonderful mixture of soft, wispy eyelash, and colorful "poofs". It glistens and shines, so that the mermaid looks as if she just came out of the sea!Her accents are Swarovski crystals in her hair, along with a real sea shell, Swarovski crystal and shell necklace, and two strands of Swarovski crystals at her waist, along with another real sea shell. Oh yes, she also has a Swarovski crystal belly button. There is a total of 50 Swarovski crystals in her accents.

GOOD LUCK!

FEATURED ETSY SHOP - SUE RUNYON DESIGNS

PEACH pearl necklace set

(Click on the above photo to learn more about this beautiful set)

I'm very pleased to have Sue of SUE RUNYON DESIGNS on Etsy as a featured shop here on DZFANTASY. Sue has a wide variety of lovely jewelry creations to choose from...fresh water pearl and gemstone necklaces, necklace sets, earrings, bracelets and bracelet sets, and much more. Be sure to pay a visit to SUE RUNYON DESIGNS. You just might find a piece of jewelry that you can't live without. To learn a bit about what motivates this creative artist, read Sue's interview below. I found it very interesting.

What led you to start creating your art/craft?

I've always been interested in art and design since I was a child and made my own paper dolls and all their little paper clothes. I have a BFA in Drawing and have also pursued many creative outlets from basketry to soap making. I enjoy working with my hands and the whole creative process.

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

I had the opportunity to live in South Korea for two years. Since it was just two hours to Beijing, China by plane, I traveled there a couple of times and went to the famous Hongqiao Pearl Market. When I saw how beautiful and affordable freshwater pearls had become over the past couple of decades of improvements in culturing them, I became interested in learning more. I realized that not many jewelry artists were working with traditional methods for hand-knotting pearls, but the art was much in demand because of the beauty and quality of the finished product. Back in Korea, I learned the art of classic pearl stringing--with a whole lot of practice. Armed with my scanty knowledge of the Korean language I took advantage of the colorful gemstone bead vendors in Seoul for finding beautiful beads to mix with freshwater pearls in my designs. I really had no idea of starting a business, but when my designs started selling off my neck, a business was born.

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

I enjoy the actual time that I have to design and make my jewelry. I love throwing things down on my design table and seeing which combinations really enhance the design. I often do professional pearl re-stringing and custom work and have fun working with my customers on their special designs. Most artists don't really enjoy that type of collaboration, but I've had a great time with it. I have awesome customers.

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

LOL. I'd have to say a Korean Shingo pear. Since my jewelry making was "born" in Asia and my family was addicted to these incredible pears while we lived there I'd say they might have a little something to do with it. ☺

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

I haven't done much of it lately, but I do enjoy quilt making and also drawing with pastels. Sometime you just need a change and stepping away from jewelry making for a time to work in another medium is refreshing and makes one see new design possibilities.

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

The pearls, gemstone beads and metals that I work with are just exquisite in and of themselves. I try not to get too fussy with the designs because the materials themselves are so flattering on women. There is a reason pearls, jade, silver and the other materials I work with have been treasured forever. They just look beautiful against the skin. I take the view that our Creator is a much better designer than I am and I like to show off what he can do to the best of my abilities.

What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?

You really have to love what you do because there is a lot more to being successful than just creating. You have to love it enough to stick with it through the licensing, advertising, promoting, book keeping, providing customer service, website design, packaging, photography (my least favorite part) and all the rest.

Sue, thanks for a very enlightening interview. It was fun hearing your thoughts and views relating to your beautiful jewelry designs.

If you'd like to learn and see more of Sue's work, be sure to visit her links below.

WEB PAGE

BLOG

FACEBOOK

FEATURED ETSY SHOP - MAYA'S KALUPI

W r i s t l e t - Orange Burst

(click on the photo to learn more about this creation)

by

ARMEE

of MAYA'S KALUPI

WELCOME, Armee and her Etsy shop MAYA'S KALUPI! When you visit Armee's shop you will read how she arrived at the name of her shop. There are so many different shop names on Etsy and it is interesting to see how the owner's came up with their shop names.

Armee creates colorful wristlet purses (as shown in the photo above) wallets and more. The fabrics are delightful and full of color! Be sure to pay MAYA KALUPI a visit and see for yourself! First, let's read below and learn a bit more about Armee and her colorful creations.

What led you to start creating your art/craft?

I was inspired by the beautiful fabrics that I'm seeing on Etsy, also by the different wristlets and pouches pattern that Keyka Lou are selling. Since I'm only at home taking care of my daughter and of course my husband, I decided to start sewing and sell beautiful wristlets and pouches on Etsy and that's when Maya's Kalupi was born.

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

Ever since I was a little, I think I was 10 years old, my Mom had already taught me how to sew. Back then, my mother taught me how to sew baby shorts and shirts. Even though I have no idea or experience sewing wristlets and pouches, I told myself I might as well try since I know how to use a sewing machine, so I already have something to start with.

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

The aspect of creating that I find most enjoyable is when choosing the fabrics that I will be using (the outside and the lining fabric). When pairing 2 different fabrics, I'll choose this for the outside fabric and this one for it's lining, then I'll think if it's going to look great when paired. After sewing and finishing one particular item the 2 different fabrics will always look good together as a finished item. I'm surprised that every 2 fabrics I choose are always a perfect fabric combination. I'm always happy with the finished item.

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

I think I will choose a ripe, orange papaya. Why papaya? I like the color orange and the rich, deep color of it. I guess it represents my rich, colorful products in my store.

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

That would be paper. When I was still a little younger, I enjoyed creating something on paper. Before I used to make my own Christmas cards to put on a gift for my friends and I was interested before in origami, also in scrap booking. I'm not sure what happened to my interest in scrap booking, it just went away and I haven't started it yet. I guess my patience in creativity just flew away. Now, I want to do crafts that will only take me a few minutes to see the end result.

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

I just want my art/craft to speak for itself. That if someone will see it, they will know by themselves that the one who makes those items really loves what she's doing. I believe that the art/craft that you are doing reflects who you are.

What advice do you have for other artist/crafter?

As a crafter, I would suggest that you also try to do other stuff. I've done that a few times already and it's a lot of fun. It always get me excited to try a certain craft for the first time. Right now, I'm interested on learning how to crochet. But for now, Maya's Kalupi is my priority. Thanks to all!

Armee, thanks for a delightful interview! Your work is colorful and fun, and I believe you get your message across that you love what you do!

To see more of Armee's creations and to learn more about her, be sure to visit the links below.

MAYA'S KALUPI BLOG

ME LOVE SUNSET
(Armee's 2nd Etsy shop - Jewelry supplies/findings)

FEATURED ETSY SHOP - JENGLO

ROYAL JELLY
Part of our Bee Line, these cute, approx 2" earrings feature Tibetan silver bees, millefiori glass daisies, and a rich, honey-hued, fiber optic glass bead at the bottom. Wired on antiqued brass. Find out what everyone's buzzing about!

WELCOME, Jen, and her Etsy shop, JENGLO. The earrings pictured above are just one of many of Jen's creations. At JENGLO you will find a wide selection of earrings, necklaces, lanyards and charms, and much more! JENGLO is now having a sale so be sure to stop by!

NOW UNTIL JUNE 1st - BOGO HALF OFF SALE!!

What led you to start creating your art/craft?

I have always loved making small things. Jewelry in particular has always interested me. I grew up in an area where girls and women expressed themselves through the earrings they wore. It was not unusual for a girl to have at least two piercings in each ear from the age of 12 or even younger, and for her to wear earrings that were personal and important. Even more, I loved to play with the jewelry that belonged to the women in my family. It was all so unique to each woman. The jewelry they owned was absolutely an outward expression of each one's individual, internal beauty. Because of this, my love and appreciation for jewelry and how it works was born.

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

When I was 15, I started working with polymer clay. This medium was introduced to me by my best friend, and I couldn't get enough of it. By and by, another friend introduced me to the world of beads, charms, and the magic of round-nosed pliers. I dabbled in it on and off for a few years, and then I really jumped into it in 2005.

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

When I am in the middle of creating something and another equally feasible and worthwhile idea jumps, flows, or pops into my mind, I know I am on the right creative path. That is the most fun of all, to me. 4. If you had to choose a fruit OR a vegetable, to describe your art/craft, what would you choose, and why?I would choose a peach - it is soft, fuzzy, and sweet/tart on the outside. On the inside is something unique, mysterious, and safe...and full of life.

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

It would absolutely be in the written word. In writing, there is an infinite amount of answers to the questions in my mind. Maybe someone else has the same questions, too. Writing, I guess, gives me another way to express gratitude for being one of the dots on humanity's map.

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

That it's okay - encouraged, even - to play. To celebrate the beauty within by expressing it on the outside.

Thanks, Jen for a delightful interview and for taking the time to share your creativity with all of us! To see more of Jen's creations, visit the links below.

DAWANDA SHOP

"NAME THE GARDEN FAIRY" .... THE RESULTS OF THE POLL

The poll ended today for the "NAME THE GARDEN FAIRY"....the winning name was:

MAY BOUQUET FAIRY - 23 Votes

Entry submitted by: Karen (Inspirations by Karen)

CONGRATULATIONS, KAREN!

Karen, will be receiving her MAY BOUQUET FAIRY in the mail sometime next week.

The other votes were as follows:

BLOSSOM THE ENCHANTED FAIRY - 12 Votes

MOSSY - 8 Votes

SHARMILA - 6 Votes

FLOSSIL - 2 Votes

A big "thank you" to all who entered the giveaway and for those of you who voted.

Next, I will be having a "Name the Mermaid" giveaway in the next couple of weeks, so be sure to stop back and give her a name. More details to follow.

FEATURED ETSY SHOP - JANEL'S SEWING AND STUFF

GREEN PAISLEY - 18 in X 18 in Square Pillow Cover

- Envelope Back for Easy Changing or Care

WELCOME, Janel and her Etsy shop, JANEL'S SEWING AND STUFF. I hope you enjoy reading Janel's interview below, as I did. When you pay a visit to Janel's shop, you will find a wide variety of her colorful, handsewn items....pillow covers (in several sizes), purse size tissue cozy's, tote bags and more.

Purse Size Tissue Cozy
(lots of colors to choose from)

What led you to start creating your art/craft?

Being that my Mom sewed, my grandma sewed - I was destined to sew also... I am not a real patient person, so sewing was more of a instant gratification type of hobby..... I started sewing when I was in 1st grade... My Mom sewed so she taught me, and then I did take sewing lessons from this lady that owned a sewing shop.... I remember making a one piece outfit - I see pictures of it now and can't believe that I actually made it, yet wore it in public.......

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

Sewing fabric into something and being able to use it right away was perfect for me..... If I had to glue something, paint something or wait for somthing to cure or set, I would go nuts!!! I tried making candles once, but I was so impatient the candle wax was not cured yet, and I was trying to burn them..... Needless to say I don't make candles anymore..... Fabric is just something that I like to work with and being that it comes in lots of colors and textures, I don't get bored with it.

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

The final product.... Seeing that I just made something that I or anyone else can use in some way is so satisfing to me..... I don't make real complicated items, as I need to be able to finish a project in a short time frame to get that gratification that I finished a project.

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

Wow, you ask hard questions... I am a very picky eater, so I don't eat a lot of fruits or vegtables...... I guess I would have to say a Lemon - I love the color Yellow and it's bright and cheerful..... I love anything bright and cheerful!!! Now I don't think that my craft is sour in anyway so I would also have to say a very sweet Orange also... And because I also like the color Orange - (it's also bright and cheery!!)

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

I LOVE photography.... I am a terrible person to take photos, but my office/studio walls are covered in ETSY photographers work..... I love pictures of animals (Cows, goats, squirrels, birds, etc) and I also love flowers (bright colors and Black and White).... I also love landscapes...... I have some really beautiful photos of the Grand Canyon and Red Rock Canyon.

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

I just want people to know that I have fun making the items that I do.... I hope that they have fun showing them off and using them..... Sewing is not hard, anyone can do it..... I find that other artist trades are much harder than sewing, but sewing can be used as a hobby or as a necessity of life.... Overall you have to enjoy what you do in life and if you are lucky enough to be able to craft for a living make sure that you are working with a craft that you love.

What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?

Love what you do..... if you are not satisfied with the craft you are working on - just try to tweak it a bit - add some fabric - add some paint or glue - or just switch crafts all together..... Believe in what you make.... if you don't believe in what you make then other people are not going to believe in it either..... Promote what you make.... Whether you sell it or not.... Other people will love to see that you have a talent and make beautiful art.

Thank, Janel, for a delightful interview and for taking the time to share your thoughts and creativity with everyone!

To learn more about Janel and her work, be sure to visit her links below.

TWITTER

FLICKR

FLICKR PROFILE

My newest Fairy Face Pin.

New "Fairy Face" pin arrival

I just added my newest fairy face pin shown above to the "FAIRY FACE" pin section of my DZFANTASY Etsy shop.

I am currently running a Winner's Choice Fairy Face Pin giveaway, which will end June 5th - 12:00 midnight CST. The winner will have the choice of selecting either the "fairy pin" shown in the giveaway post, or they can select any "fairy face" pin from my Etsy shop that is available at the close of the giveaway.

If you haven't already entered this giveaway, there is still time to do so. Just click on the fairy face below to get to the giveaway post.

I hope to have time to add several more new "fairy faces", to my Etsy shop before the close of the giveaway. If you'd like to see what is now available, click on the link below.

DZFANTASY FAIRY FACE PINS

FEATURED ETSY SHOP - TOMATO TEA

Blue Pom Pom Neckwarmer - Made to Order - 5 Colour Choices
by

Katrina of TOMATO TEA

WELCOME, Katrina and her Etsy shop TOMATO TEA. You might not be looking for something to keep you warm right now, but winter will be back before we know it, so be sure to pay TOMATO TEA a visit.

What led you to start creating your art/craft?

Back in 2005, I saw an amazing crocheted Katamari Damacy (http://amigurumi.deviantart.com/art/Katamari-Hat-quot-ultrablue-quot-Ebay-25595201) hat and that sparked off my initial interest in textiles, but mainly crochet. I loved making hats and scarves for friends and family but wanted to try knitting too. After a few attempts, I then caught the knitting bug in 2007 and haven't stopped either craft since. Just recently I've learned to sew, and so small sewing projects are appearing in my shops along side crocheted and hand knit items.

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

Its hard to choose really! I enjoy designing new items, trying out different yarns and stitches and then making up the prototypes in different colours. ButI love making current items to order, knowing that someone out there wants one of my pieces of work!

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

Interesting question. I would say... a pineapple. Simply because I love texture and I try to feature this in my work.

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

I'd like to have a go at spinning one day, if that counts as a medium! I would love to dye, spin and hand knit my own yarn into a neckwarmer - I'm two thirds of the way there!

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

I suppose its the same for any artisan trying to make a business out of what they do, they want to convey the beauty of handmade. I put a lot of thought and love into my work and I hope that comes through to the buyer.

What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?

No matter how hard things get, just keep doing what you love. Your craft is what makes you, and there are people out there who will appreciate what you do. Make your items higher than your own standards and buyers will come back again and again.

THANKS, Katrina for sharing your thoughts and creatiivity with everyone! To learn more about Katrina, be sure to visit her links below.

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WHO WILL WIN THE "GARDEN FAIRY"....BE SURE TO VOTE FOR YOUR FAVORITE NAME!!

WHAT WILL THE "FAVORITE" NAME BE??

My "Name the Garden Fairy" giveaway ended May 14, 2009 at 12:00 Midnight, CST! Each entry had the opportunity to give the fairy a name, and the chance to be one of the 5 randomly selected entries which will be included in the "voting poll" .

Now it will be up to YOU, the visitors to DZFANTASY to vote for your favorite name from the 5 entries, which were randomly selected from the 102 entries submitted for this giveaway.

The 5 randomly selected entries are listed below, and will also be listed in a "poll" which will be displayed in the "upper right column of this blog", so that you may vote for your favorite name. The name which receives the most votes after the poll closes, will be the WINNER. Join the fun and vote for your "favorite" name. Below is the name of the person who submitted the entry, the date of entry and the name they gave the fairy:

1. AMANDA's entry of 4/16/09 - FAIRY NAME: Flossil

2. LUBASA's entry 5/12/09 - FAIRY NAME: Mossy Fairy

3. LINDA L.'s entry of 4/16/09 - FAIRY NAME: Sharmila (meaning comfort and protection)

4. KAREN (Inspiration by Karen)'s entry of 4/28/09 - FAIRY NAME: May Bouquet Fairy

5. SPLASH's entry of 4/18/09 - FAIRY NAME: Blossom the Enchanted Fairy

The five people have been notified that their entries have been randomly selected to be in the poll. Now let's see who will be the winner!

There were a lot of lovely, unique names suggested for this delightful fairy, and it will be fun to see which name out of the 5 entries becomes the favorite. If you'd like to see all the names that were submitted, just click on the "giveaway" link below.

NAME THE GARDEN FAIRY

Thanks to everyone who took the time to enter this giveaway! I am already considering having a "name the mermaid" giveaway, so be sure stop back and enter.

FEATURED ETSY SHOP - LIFE UNCOMMON

Glass Tile Pendant - Square - Key of B Flat
(Click on above photo to learn more about this pendant)

WELCOME, DJ and her Etsy shop LIFE UNCOMMON. DJ tells you in her shop profile that she came up with her shop's name of LIFE UNCOMMON because it was inspired by one of her favorite songs by the singer, Jewel, titled Life Uncommon. Since there are so many unusual shop names on Etsy, I find it fun to know how some of them got their names.

DJ creates, fun, unique and very affordable pendants, so be sure to pay a visit to LIFE UNCOMMON and see all the variety she has to offer. You will find square, round, rectangle, dichroic glass pendants and more.

What led you to start creating your art/craft?

I love wearing original jewelry and changing it to match with my outfits, moods, etc. I also covet glass, thus Life Uncommon was born.

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

I tend to collect old postcards, greeting cards, magazines, vintage books, etc. I often get a lot of my pictures from those sources. I chose glass because it was the best way to use those pictures and wear them as art.

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

I enjoy finding just the right picture or graphic to put in my pieces. For me, it's about the search.

Glass Pendant - Round - Rainbow Fish
(Click on photo to learn more about this pendant)

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

I'd probably say a vegetable medley. In other words, a bit of everything.

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

Music. I play the clarinet, flute & saxophone and I really love playing random songs at various tempos. It's the best way to express creativity in my opinion, although it cannot really be sold here on Etsy the way crafts can.

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

Fun. I want my pieces to make people smile and bring smiles from others who see them being worn.

What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?

Always be budget conscious, but never let that stop you from growing your art.

DJ, thanks for taking the time to share your creativity and thoughts with everyone! I believe you have accomplished your goal of wanting your art to bring smiles to people's faces.

Be sure to visit LIFE UNCOMMON, and DJ's other links below to learn more about DJ and her work.

WEB PAGE

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FEATURED ETSY SHOP - LINSART CREATIONS IN CLAY

Polymer Clay One of a Kind Art Doll NAF 6

by

LINDA

OF LINSART

Linda of LINSART on Etsy designs and creates one-of-a-kind polymer clay art doll faces and abstract faces, which you can use in the creation of your own art doll, pendants, pins and more. She also has ready to wear pendants available in her shop.

The above art doll face is just one of the many different styles that you will see when you visit LINSART.

Polymer One Of A Kind Abstract Face Pendant Bead

What led you to start creating your art/craft?

I worked as a wood crafter making country items for years, and I needed a change.

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

I saw some polymer clay pendants in a magazine, and was interested in this medium so I researched it.

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

Creating one of a kind abstract hats.

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

A fruit, I have been told that these faces are "sweet"

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

I would love to try lampwork and glass work sometime. I find that the colors are outstanding, and loving abstract, I have been interested in this.

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

Individuality ! I like to make one of a kind items vs. mass produced, and they are handmade in the USA !

What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?

Treat your customers well, and with respect. Take care of business, keep them happy when they want to special order something, comply ! Treat them like you would like to be treated as a customer. Ship out fast, follow through with communications. Thank them!

Linda, thanks for sharing your thoughts and creative talents with all of us. I really like all the different and unique style of faces that you create.

Be sure to visit LINSART and Linda's other links below to see the big variety of faces that she has to offer you for YOUR artistic endeavors!

INDIEPUBLIC

LINSART BLOG

MADE IT MYSELF

LINSART ON ARTFIRE

FEATURED ETSY SHOP - THREAD SPIDER TEXTILES

Contemporary Lace Panel

by

THREAD SPIDER

(click on photos above to learn more about this creation)

This delicate panel sparkles and shimmers in the light. Cobweb felt creates a light and floaty backing for the lace effect surface which is lovingly embellished with lacy flowers ,hand embroidery and beads.

Christine of THREAD SPIDER on Etsy is a wonderful textile artist from the UK. When you pay a visit to THREAD SPIDER, you will find embrodered panels, textile jewellery (see photo below), ACEO's and more. Be sure to pay Christine's shop a visit and see what other delightful creations she has to offer.

Round and Round We Go

by Christine

Colorful Textile Brooch (click on photo to learn more)

What led you to start creating your art/craft?

When my daugher was small I returned to college to study for my City and Guilds Diploma in Design and Embroidery.

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

I love working with fabrics, fibers and yarns . I do sometimes use plastics and metals in my work I am happier using more natural fibers.

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

I adore creating new fabrics to stitch into. I enjoy the tactile pleasure in making felt, especially really fine almost cobweb felt and nuno felts. I relish the fact that I don't always have full control over how the finished piece will look as some fibers will often shrink more than others. This only adds to the fun.

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

I suppose that would have to be runner beans. I say my work is often organic in that while I have worked on the intial design, the end result often takes itself off in different directions because of the nature of the materials I use.

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

Drawing and sketching . I would love to be able to draw more .

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

My passion is to create tactile and scrumptious textile .

What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?

Believe in yourself and when working on new pieces, ask yourself "What happens if I try ........"

Thanks, Christine, for being a featured artist out here on DZFANTASY, and sharing your thoughts and creativity! To see and learn more about Christine's creations, visit the links below.

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FEATURED ETSY SHOP - ONE HEART JEWELRY

Dreamy Pearl Earrings

by

Debi of

One Heart Jewelry

WELCOME, Debi and her Etsy shop, ONE HEART JEWELRY. While looking through Debi's shop at all her beautiful designs, you get the feeling of elegance and charm! You really must take a peek!

What led you to start creating your art/craft?

About 20 years ago, I was fascinated with the Native American beadwork I had seen in a museum while visiting the Pine Ridge & Rosebud Indian Reservation in South Dakota. When I returned home, I found a book about beaded earrings by Deon De Lange (may not have spelled her name correctly). It just went from there!

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

I knew from the start I wanted to work with beads to make jewelry, the smaller the better at the time. Since then I enjoy many types of beads, stones and pearls, along with various techniques, in my jewelry designs.

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

All of it! But a favorite that I get lost in is the design process. Especially how a design can change from my original idea into something so completely different by the time I’m finished!

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

I never thought about my work in these terms. How about red, green and yellow apples, because apples are so versatile and tasty in many different dishes. My work tends to reflect many styles and “themes”, casual to dressy, and in between.

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

Photography. There is much about life that isn’t noticed as I go about my daily living, until I pick up a camera. At that moment, life looks different! I see different! I enjoy focusing on the details of everyday life.

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

I have a jewelry collection entitled “Love, Peace & Unity” that I hope opens people’s minds to the possibility that the idea of being one with the world, with each other, regardless of race or religion, is attainable.

Sterling Silver World Peace Necklace with Seven Beautiful Charms

What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?

Be true to your passion for art and don’t allow “life” to put stumbling blocks in the path of your creativity.

Debi, lovely, lovely creations, and also wonderful ideas on "unity" and expressing this through your "Love, Peace and Unity" designs! Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts and creativity with everyone.

To see more of Debi's creations be sure to visit her links below.

1000 MARKETS

FLICKR