CHRISTMAS GIFT BUYING THE EASY WAY, RIGHT FROM YOUR EASY CHAIR!

Colorful Butterfly Knit Necklace by DZFANTASY

Give a gift of whimsey and magic!

At DZFANTASY you will find magical fiber sculpted, fairies, mermaids, wearable art fairy face pin/knit necklace sets, fairy face pins, and many more magical creations!

It is hard to believe that the "holiday shopping" season is almost upon us.  Another year has flown by so fast!

Why not take the hassle out of shopping for Christmas gifts, or other gifts by shopping on-line!  No waiting in long lines, or wandering through hot, crowded shopping malls trying to decide what to buy for everyone on your list.

There are a tremendous amount of interesting, delightful shops that could very well meet your gift buying needs without ever leaving the comfort of your home. 

Sit back, grab a hot cup of coffee, tea or a glass of "whatever", and take a look at a very small sampling of what you can find on Etsy. 

Below you will find a photo of the shop owner's favorite item, and also links to visit the shop to see what else they have to offer.  Give a special "handmade" gift. 

ART N JOY
At ART N JOY you will find artful paper gifts, goodies, and prints.

DAISY LOVE HOLD IT
VERSATILE Post It Note HOLDER And More

This Versatile HOLD IT! is Great For Holding Post It Notes, Lists, Coupons, Recipes, Photographs, and More! A Wonderful Gift for Any Occasion, For Anyone On Your List, or Give One To Yourself!

SHUFFLE STUDIO

At SHUFFLE STUDIO you will find fun, colorful, original designed lampwork beads and jewelry! Lampwork beads to create your own jewelry or buy ready made.

Purple Passion Handmade Lampwork Earrings by Cara

This pair of earrings are sweet and girly in lovely shades of purple, with handmade lampwork beads from Shuffle's torch. These earrings are made with silver plated findings and swarovski crystal accents, and they measure 50mm long.

LAUGHING FRIDGE ART MAGNETS

At LAUGHING FRIDGE you will find fun, colorful art magnets which will certainly liven up your refrigerator, file cabinet and more!  Great selection to choose from.

Winter Wonderland Weiner Dog - Daschund Art Magnet

This cute little magnet is a dachshund dressed in her winter wonderland sweater with the snowman applique and matching knit hat (no doubt from an Etsy artist). Her furry winter boots will keep those little paws nice and warm. She'd be stylin' on anyone's fridge or file cabinet!

CROCHETED LITTLE THINGS

At CROCHETED LITTLE THINGS you will find delightful hand crocheted selection of cupcake, faux food and spa items!

Crocheted cupcake Christmas tree ornament - Personalized with initial

This is a funny and yummy crocheted cupcake Christmas tree ornament that will spice up your Christmas!!

The amazing feature of this cupcake Christmas ornament is that you can personalize it with your initial or the initial of your dear ones for a small but thoughtful gift.

SIMPLY FLAUNT

Hand crafted Jewelry

At SIMPLY FLAUNT, you will find Sterling silver PANDORA & TROLL charms, handcrafted earrings, bracelets and necklaces.

Autumn... Earring charms sterling silver and Swarovski crystal

A beautiful Trio of handcrafted fall color sterling silver and Swarovski crystal earring CHARMS; 6 charms in total for a flash of colorful sparkle! Wear one, wear two, wear them all - or mix them with other charms from our Collection. These charms work with all the Flaunt handcrafted sterling earwires.

OJAMI

Ojami specializes in otedama (juggling & jacks game) and obento lunch bag sets!

Otedama is a traditional Japanese juggling and jacks type game played with bean bags. Very addictive! Ojami are the beanbags with the distinctive traditional round indented shape.

A miniature otedama ball in white snowflakes on deep red. Show off your seasonal spirit with this original otedama necklace! (Yuki means snow in Japanese.)

H and J  STAR CREATIONS

At H & J STAR CREATIONS, you will find a wide assortment of colorful handmade fabric Zippy/multiuse pouches, purses/wristlets, cosmetic bags, totes and more.

This is the sweetest little thing, and the perfect gift or stocking stuffer for your crafter (or yourself). It is made of high quality Japanese fabrics, the main fabric is a light pewter blue with a white and blue accents. The binding and pocket strip, pincushion and needle panel are from black "Japanese crossing" fabrics. So beautiful and useful. Three panels, one with a pocket, one with a pincushion and one with a needle panel to store all you need for a travel kit

ADORABLE BABY CREATIONS

At ADORABLE BABY CREAIONS, you will find Baby Gifts, Personalized Blankets, Memory Quilts, Bibs

These candy cane bibs are so cute and functional!! The front of the bib has candy canes and snowflakes on a Chrismas green background. On the back side is a soft, absorbent, white terry cloth. In each bib is 100% cotton batting. The snap enclosure makes the bib easy to put on and take off!!

ECA ECHO

Eca Echo crafts handmade knits, specializing in scarves and hats for men and women. One of a kind ornaments have recently been added for the upcoming holiday season!

Bascom Scarflette

Wrap it around your neck while outdoors, and you can even wear it indoors to spice up an outfit. The rich royal purple will complement many outfits and the wooden dongle adds some interest.

GoodNite Gracie A Gallery of Cats In Clay

At A GALLERY OF CATS IN CLAY, you will find a delightful array of clay bowls, boxes, dishes, pendants, earrings and more....all with original whimsical cat designs. 

The clay disk is 1-5/8” in diameter, 3/16” thick, but the piece is approximately 2-¼” tall with the wire and bead. You are receiving the pendant only (not a necklace.)

LIL MISS POLKA DOT

Lil Miss Polka Dot offers a variety of custom original artwork, handpainted nursery /kids room art, decor, personalized letters, initials, jewelry, accessories, gifts and more.

Banner / Garland - - Canvas Handpainted - - Custom Made- - HAPPY BIRTHDAY- - 5 inch shapes
Do you want a special BIRTHDAY BANNER ? Use it with the birth of your child as a unique BABY MUM and later on as special NURSERY DECORATION....


How about a teachers gift ? Or just as decoration in a room...It is also a wonderful and special gift to give as a remembrance ornament/wall hanging!

HATT STREET

At HATT STREET, you will find original designed handknit toques, slippers, mittens and more.  Keep warm in style!

Multicoloured toque with pompom

A real mishmash of colours and textures. Finished with a big pompom on top.

The infant toque and slippers set was SO ADORABLE I had to add it also!

Infant toque and slippers -  Fits 0-12 months.

 Fun and bright colours in hypoallergenic yarn with non-slip tread on slippers. Slipper strap buttons with a yarn bobble.

ALTERED BEAUTY

Gifts, Jewelry, Curiosities

At ALTERED BEAUTY, you will find a wonderful , unique selection of necklaces, earrings, pendants and more.

Ocean Ceramic and Fiber Necklace

This beautiful necklace was created using a pendant and beads from Etsy seller Shaterra. The pendant and beads are strung onto some beautiful multicolored fibers and finished with a silver tone lobster clasp

AT FIRST BLUSH

Naturally aged brass; Beautifully handcrafted earrings

When you pay at visit to AT FIRST BLUSH, you will find beautiful, handcrafted brass earrings combined with beautiful Czech glass beads, pearls and more.

The Bronze Age - cultured baroque pearls and antiqued brass

Seven golden bronze cultured baroque pearls make up these cute cluster earrings. A large antiqued brass jumpring gathers the pearls and adds an industrial feel, yet it still manages to melt into the background--allowing all your attention to fall onto the pearls. The pearls are not completely smooth, they have bumps and ridges which only add to the character of these earrings.

LAST LEAF DESIGN

At LAST LEAF DESIGN you will find screen printed "tees' for both adults and children.

PINK OWL ONESIE

Cute pink Owl print. 100% cotton onesie

ABBEY'S ALLEY

At ABBEY'S ALLEY, you will find custom designed scrapbooks, cards, invitations and more!

Plaid Post-It Clipboard

The 4” X 4” board is cut from a medium weight chipboard and then covered on both sides with patterned paper. There is a binder clip at the top of the board, also covered in coordinating paper and then tied with ribbon to finish it off! These make great gifts for anyone, even yourself! Each board comes with one pad of post it notes.

ECO CHIC HAND KNITS

At ECO CHIC HAND KNITS, you will find a wonderful assortment of eco friendly handknit bowls, which the artist designs using 100% organically grown cotton yarn....Nesting bowls, large bowls, bowl sets and more.

Organic Nesting Bowls - Set of 3 in Pistachio - Perfect for Christmas

This particular set is a wonderful addition to any Christmas or holiday decor. They also make a perfect hostess gift if you will be stopping by friends and family homes over the holiday!

DESIGNS ARE UNIQUE

At DESIGNS ARE UNIQUE, you will find a beautiful array of necklaces, earrings, pendants, and more!  The gorgeous necklace below really caught my eye when I paid a visit to this shop.  Just spectacular!

Coral - Handmade Sea shore lampwork beads with sterling silver

The fabulous focal bead has starfish on one side and small sea urchins on the other. It is surrounded by sterling silver bail "spike" beads. Inner sections are packed like a school of fish with the colors of the ocean. This beauty even has a bed of coral on each side where a sterling turtle makes his home! The toggle is a large wave of sterling silver washing ashore. This seaside wonder measures 9.5 inches end to end and would make a unique addition to your treasure chest!

JORDAN

Necessities for the Chic Mama

When you pay a visit to JORDAN - Necessities for the Chic Mama, you will find a shop that specializes in diaper bags, handbags, wallets, accessories, and wetbags.

The Mini Purse- Deco Rose Forest

A brand new purse from Jordan!

This purse is so cute and just the right size for all the essentials. Features a zip top to keep all your essentials secure and a stylish handle with silver O-rings. Purse has pleats along either side and a flat bottom to keep everything upright.  Measures approximately 12"(long) x 6"(tall)x 4"(wide). Stap is about 17 inches long from end to end. Purse is lined with heavy duty interfacing for maximum durability.

HIJINX

Cute Caps and more by Lynne Adamson

Pay a visit to HIJINX, and you will find beanies, fingerless mittens, pins, and a lot more to choose from.

Slouchy Beanie in Cranberry

Cozy slouchy beanie in the most beautiful shade of red I've ever seen. The rich red color of cranberry, not as dark as burgundy or as bright as crimson. Perfect with your most chic black outfit or add a splash of color to your denim. This hat will be perfect for holiday shopping. Plenty of room to tuck your hair up in inclement weather. Add some bling with a sparkly pin.

Wear it forward over your brow in blustery weather or push it back and show off your shiny locks. This hat is tighter around your face for a snug, comfortable fit.

THE MONKEY SHOP

When you pay a visit to THE MONKEY SHOP, you will be sure to find a cuddly "sock monkey" that needs to make his/her home with you!  Several sizes to choose from. 

CONLEY the Sock Monkey

You will love the softness that this sock monkey has. It measures 19" long 5" wide, it is light brown and white, and it has a white attached hat. It is Machine washable in the gentle cycle and you can machine dry it too. I use the softest socks I can find to create a cuddle affect that any child or adult will love to hold.

MIMSY DOES IT

At MIMSY DOES IT, you will find MIMSY knits, MIMSY art, and MIMSY Sews It selections.

Preemie or Doll Blanket with FREE Matching Pillow

The adorable blue and lavender striped blanket comes with a FREE matching pillow. This set is the perfect size for a tiny baby or a little girl's favorite baby doll comfy. Knitted of bulky baby boucle, the blue has a slight lavender undertone. The blanket is about 19" x 17" and the pillow is about 9" x 6".

INSPIRATIONS BY KAREN

When you pay a visit to INSPIRATIONS BY KAREN, you will be charmed by her wonderful needlesculpted figures.  Karen creates "life-like" figures of dogs, cats, birds and more.  She would be more than happy to create a "likeness" of your beloved dog or cat.  Karen also does other figures and scenes like the beautiful "angel" below

Angel Needle Felted Angel Wool Portrait Painting

This Angel was Inspired by my love of fiber and Angels~

This Wool Painting measures approximately 8 1/2" x 10 1/2" and is almost 3-D while she stands holding her Basket of Yarn in colors of Sky Blue, Turquoise and Royal Blue fiber with a background of night sky deep blue. Her gown is Peridot with Golden stripes, she has deep Reddish Brown Curly Locks of hair which are actually Lincoln Locks, with Falkland Wool Wings in shades of pale Aqua and brown.

james0812

When you pay a visit to james0812, you will find the most adorable handknit baby items!  Sweet little outfits, such as the one pictured below, little booties, gorgeous baby shawls and more!

LITTLE SANTA BABY

This little Santa outfit is handmade using baby soft red yarn and winter white Eskimo, which is a fur like yarn. Little Santa baby comprises of a full skirted matinee coat, an elf styled hat and little red snow booties. The matinee coat is knitted in red yarn with the back,front,cuffs,neck and yoke all being trimmed with the fur like yarn and is fastened with three snow flake designed buttons. The elf styled hat is also hand knitted in red yarn and trimmed with the same fur like yarn, but it also has a little bit of fur on the top designed to look like a little ball of snow while the foot of the booties uses the same red yarn also,but they have a collar of winter white fur which is designed to keep the feet extra warm and cosy. The ideal Santa outfit for babies first Christmas.

POSH ADORNMENTS

At POSH ADORNMENTS, you will find a delightful selection of one-of-a-kind earrings, necklaces, bracelets, hair adornments and more.  Add a bit of "glitter" or "glam" to your outfit!

Grape Soda Purple Hue Crystal Drop Earrings

Purple is my favorite color, and I tried to put every shade of purple glass bead I had in these dazzling earrings! The earrings are made of a sterling silver oxidized chain, hung from a silver plated tribal hook. They have glass beads and crystals on the ends, and are hung with a smoky mauve/purple Swarovski bead. They hang over 1" long and sparkle in the moonlight.

DONAHUE DESIGN GLASS

At DONAHUE DESIGN GLASS, you will find beautiful, original artist designed glass....stunning glass bowls, wall vases, masks, flower suncatchers and more!  As I have 3 of Bonnie's pieces, I can tell you that they are truly gorgeous! I have one of the turqoise flower suncatchers shown below, and I love watching the sun shine through it.

GLASS SUNCATCHER Large Turquoise Flower

Organic, textural and glowing with a light source, the iridized surface of this delicate fused glass suncatcher shows a rainbow of colors when the sun goes down. Designed to hang in a window it measures 8" tall by 8" wide. FREE SHIPPING in the continental US.

D. J. REIGAL

D. J. REIGAL offers personalized custom engraved fixed blade and folding pocket knives. Individually engraved by hand, the knives are unique to each owner, a timeless, personal memento that will pass to the next generation.

Personalized Custom Engraved Folding Hunter Pocket Knife

 

If you are an avid hunter or outdoor sportsman, consider taking this elegantly hand engraved folding pocket knife with you on your next trip. This folding knife by Rough Rider has been engraved by Dennis Reigel in 19th century-style scrollwork and floral designs. Dennis uses deep cuts to ensure that the design won't rub smooth over time. The single stainless steel clip blade is razor sharp for a clean cut. The polished, "antiqued" bone handle gives the knife an overall vintage quality. Folded, the knife measures just under five inches (12.6 cm).  If this is a special gift, let Dennis engrave your loved one's initials at no extra cost.

SERENITY COLLECTIONS
Handcrafted ornaments and jewelry

When you pay a visit to SERENITY COLLECTIONS, you will be amazed at the beautiful beadwork created by this talented artist.  You will find exquisite beaded amulet bags, bracelets, necklaces and more!  I have one of Debbie's gorgeous amulet bags, and also had her make one for my daughter, so I can tell you that the workmanship, quality and design are absolutely fantastic!  Perfect gifts to be treasured for years!

MIDNIGHT ROSE

This bag is done in royal blue matt seedbeads. The rose on the front of the bag is a peice I bead embroidered separatly then wove onto the bag, it is open top, no flap. The fringe ends in a combination of a small lustered acrylic bead, a larger clear glass druck then a marbled blue/white gemstone chip. The bag is 2 1/2" by 2 1/2". The fringe hangs 4" at the longest point. The chain which is 27" just slides over your head, no clasp.

35TH OF MAY

Whimsical polymer clay Jewelry Accessories and more...!

FILLED 35TH OF MAY ADVENT CALENDAR

What better way to get into the Christmas mood, than opening a little gift each day of December!

Make your special other a different kind of Christmas gift. One that starts the 1th of December and keeps on giving till Christmas Eve.


This is a wonderful gift for children too! Just imagine how much fun they will have opening a little drawer everyday, with a nice surprise inside.

I'd like to thank the Etsy shops that participated in this special feature! There are a lot more delightful shops to see on Etsy, so be sure to pay a visit! I'm sure the shop owners would love to hear any comments you may have. Thanks for stopping by DZFANTASY. 

FEATURED ETSY SHOP - THE HEMP PATCH

Labradorite Shine - Hemp Necklace

by THE HEMP PATCH

This is made with 100% natural organic hemp. The necklace features a large Labradorite doughnut pendant and four Labradorite beads. I used thnk brown hemp and a spiral knot to tie this one up. It closes with a knot through the loop.  Labradorite is a great healing stone. It is very enlightening and is great for your creativity and self esteem.

WELCOME, Whitney, and her Etsy shop, THE HEMP PATCH.  I always loved the natural look of hemp, and when mixed with stones it is truly beautiful.  Whitney has a wide variety of beautifully designed, hemp necklaces, jewelry sets, ankle bracelets and more.....so be sure to pay a visit to THE HEMP PATCH!

Let's learn a little bit about Whitney and how she got started creating her hemp designs.

What led you to start creating your art/craft?


I had a great art teacher in school. She tought me how to tie hemp (macrame) in one of my first classes with her. I remember her telling us that we needed to come back to class the next day with one finished hemp necklace. She was surprised when I came back with an intricately knotted hemp belt.

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

After realizing how much I enjoyed working with hemp, I ran into a lady vending necklaces at a large music festival in our area. Her set up was just a blanket on the grass and there was at least 10 people around her picking out the necklaces they wanted. That was when I realized that I wanted to do that, and I could.

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

When I'm vending, I love watching people look at one certain necklace and know what that is what they want. Seeing people with smiles on their faces after purchasing something that I brought to life has always been one of the best feelings for me.

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

An apple. I find most people looking at my items trying to find the perfect one, just as you would with an apple.

Agates and Bubbles - Hemp Necklace

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

I've been looking into creating a new shop, all with recycled/upcycled materials and items. It's something I've been wanting to do for a while, and I'm finally bringing it to reality.

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

Hemp is such a useful material. There's more to it than just tying it up into a piece of jewelry. Wearing it is a great way to show that you care about the earth and want to help improve it.

What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?

I honestly feel like I'm still to young to give out any meaningful advice, I'm the one that still needs it, haha! If I had to say anything though, it would be to keep your hobby a hobby. I'm not saying not to try and sell it if that's what you want, but when creating what you love starts to frustrate you, take a break! Hobbies are supposed to be enjoyable, not a pain.

Whitney, wonderful creations and great interview!  Thanks for sharing both your thoughts and creativity with everyone.
 
To see more of Whitney's jewelry, be sure to visit the links below.

THE HEMP PATCH WEB PAGE

FEATURED ETSY SHOP - THREE SEVENTEEN

Pink Expression double strand necklace with pink freshwater pearls and silver beads

by Krissy of THREE SEVENTEEN

WELCOME, Krissy and her Etsy shop, THREE SEVENTEEN. When you pay a visit to Krissy's shop you will find a wide variety of items to choose from....necklaces, bracelets, earring, vintage items and a lot more!

THREE SEVENTEEN is also having a HALLOWEEN SALE, which runs to November 1st.  It also has a SALE SECTION so be sure to take a peek in there.

Let's read Krissy's interview below to see how she got started in her creations and a shop on Etsy.

What led you to start creating your art/craft?

I have always been crafty since I was a kid. My mom actually was a teacher's aide in pre school and worked directly with the art aspect of it. She would do small projects and I would work with her when she was making her sample projects for her class. I took many art classes as a child and by age 13, I was featured in the Newark Museum. A few years later I was asked to paint some pictures for a Catholic Charities auction and got high praise for the pieces I did. Graduating High School, I got awarded a full scholarship to Moore College of Art and Design in Philadelphia PA, and there I really started dabbling in every aspect of art. Though I was a 2D Fine Art major and Photography minor, I really got serious about jewelry design by taking some classes separate from my regular classes. I took the extra classes in school as well as outside the school and absolutely fell in love. I was lucky enough to have some of my pieces featured at my school's art shop as well as around Philadelphia. I focused myself on the fact that jewelry design WILL be my career no matter what. Of course I also have some other loves with my soap making, vintage finding and so on, but jewelry design and fine art will always be my primary love. After having my kids, I became a volunteer assistant at a local Michael's store for Bob Ross classes and also some of their jewelry classes. I just love making jewelry and making things people will wear and love.

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

It was a lot of experimentation with many forms of art before I settled that I was going to be a jewelry designer. I love art and I will always love dabbling in everything and anything. I will try everything once. 

Ceramic Carrot Wall hanging Hand Crafted with beautiful green ribbon

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

I find planning very enjoyable. I have a notebook that I love to sketch my ideas down in. I then take that to the store or have it next to me when I am purchasing supplies online and love finding the PERFECT supplies for my work. I also love the outcome and seeing how people love what they purchase! It's rewarding.

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

I have no idea! I would say a fruit bowl! Colorful and yummy!

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

I would love to get back into sewing and making purses/totes. I did that when I was a kid! Though I haven't found the time to do that with two kids. I would probably love to make a shop solely for my fine art paintings, sketches, etc...

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

Being a single mother, I love for people to know that it is possible to have kids and still find the time to do your craft. However I would also love to become successful in my craft and business so that I can stay home with my children and show other single mother's that it is possible to make a living from what you love!

What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?

I have seen so much negativity lately about people wanting to quit because they aren't selling as much as they want to. I would LOVE to tell people NOT TO QUIT! There were so many days where I got myself down and wondered, why am I still doing this if no one cares? I taught my kids never to be quitters because things will always be better no matter how bad you think they are. It is true. Things WILL get better. Especially in the economy we're in now, people don't have too much money for extras. Give it some time... There is always someone out there who will love your craft/products and as much as you think you're not being noticed, you really are.

Thanks for a great interview, Krissy, and taking the time to share your lovely creations with everyone.

To learn more about Krissy and her creativity, be sure to visit her links below.

BLOG

FACEBOOK

TWITTER

MY NEW FACEBOOK FAN PAGE

JUST A SHORT POST TO LET EVERYONE KNOW, I FINALLY DID IT......I NOW HAVE A FAN PAGE ON FACEBOOK!

For some reason FACEBOOK has never been quite clear to me, as to how it works.  Well, after spending a better part of this evening working on it, I think I finally figured it out! (well at least most of it)

I've added a "BECOME A FAN" gadget in the upper left column of this blog, so if anyone would honor me with being a fan, that would be great!

I will be using my FAN PAGE to keep people updated on my latest designs, "specials and sales" in my DZFANTASY shop on Etsy, and also on current and upcoming "giveaways".

I'd be happy to hear your suggestions and comments as to what info you'd like to see on my page.

WINNER'S CHOICE GIVEAWAY - Handmade Decorative Tassel by ANA'S HOUSE DRESSING

Classy Santa Tassel

I am happy to be hosting ANA'S HOUSE DRESSING'S delightful WINNER'S CHOICE GIVEAWAY for any one of her "decorative tassels", available in her shop at the end of the giveaway.  The above "Classy Santa Tassel" is just one of many of the  wonderful tassels that the lucky winner will get to choose from.

Read below to see how to enter this great giveaway:

START DATE:  October 25. 2009

END DATE:  November 25, 2009 - 12:00 Midnight CDT

OPEN:  Worldwide

VALUE:  $18.00 - $26.00

PRIZE:  Winner's choice of any 1 decorative tassel available in Ana's Etsy shop at the close of giveaway on November 25th

STEPS TO ENTER:

1.  Visit Ana's shop either by clicking on the text link below or by clicking  on her Etsy shop link below the thumbnail photos, then come back and leave a comment as to which "tassel" you would choose if you are the lucky winner.

DECORATIVE TASSEL GIVEAWAY

2.  Be sure to leave your email address or a link to your email address, as the WINNER will be contacted by email ONLY! 

3.  At the close of the giveaway, I will randomly select a name from all the entries received.  WINNER will receive an email requesting their complete shipping information, and a date by which it must be received.

4.  If the WINNER doesn't reply within the given timeframe, another entry will be randomly selected.

5.  Ana will be informed of the WINNER"S name and address, and she will ship the "tassle" directly to the WINNER.

If anyone has any questions, they may contact Donna at: dzfairies@msn.com

GOOD LUCK AND THANKS FOR VISITING!

FEATURED ETSY SHOP - ANA'S HOUSE DRESSING

RABBIT TASSEL

by ANA of ANA'S HOUSE DRESSING

"This is my new favorite tassel. Beautiful pale green ceramic rabbit sits on top of several gorgeous layers of high end decorator trims and riboons. Accented with red this sweet tassel is big on character."


Ana, of ANA'S HOUSE DRESSING on Etsy creates the most delightful decorative tassels, which most certainly would add a bit of color and whimsey to any area in your home!  The green bunny above is one of my favorites!
 
 I'm happy to have Ana here on DZFANTASY as a featured Etsy shop.  Ana has also kindly offered to have a WINNER'S CHOICE giveaway for one of her tassles.  Be sure to click on the TASSLE GIVEAWAY link below to learn more about this fun giveaway, and how to enter.
 
First, let's learn a bit more about Ana and her creations, by reading her interview below.
 
What led you to start creating your art/craft?


I have always been artistic and really began sewing when my daughter was born, when she passed away, I couldn't bring myself to draw anymore.Two years ago, I entered a recovery program called Celebrate Recovery, and on this journey I have found that bringing together the sewing with the creativity was a wonderful outlet for me.

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

I love fabrics and trims, I also love to paint and draw, so this is like a combination of both.

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

The inspiration I get when I start with either an already painted ceramic or an unpainted ceramic. I used to think the finished product was the most important part, now I believe it is all in the process...kind of like life.

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

Avacado, either you love it or hate it, sometimes not real sure what to do with, but leave it to a Hispanic to make some delicious guacamole!

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

Pencil. I used to draw and express myself this way as a child and I have had a real yearning to pick it up again, and let myself feel the pain and put it on paper.

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

Don't take life too seriously, don't miss the good while looking for the perfect.

What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?

You find your niche when you pick up that special something that transports you to another dimension and the world fades into the background. That moment when you realize, for this I was created.

THANKS, Ana, for a great interview and for sharing your wonderful creations with everyone.

To learn more about Ana, and her creative endeavors, be sure to visit her links below.

BLOG

I'm a Hodgepodge Blog

To enter Ana's 'WINNER'S CHOICE - DECORATIVE TASSEL GIVEAWAY click on title below the SANTAS CLAUS tassle photo.

WINNER'S CHOICE - DECORATIVE TASSEL GIVEAWAY

FEATURED ETSY SHOP - PAINTING PAM AND PAPER TOO

Here's Your Stimulus Package Paper Money Note Cards

by PAINTING PAM

These Paper Money Note Cards are perfect to enclose real money for graduation, anniversaries, birthdays and for those special people in your life.

Measuring 5 3/4" X 8 1/2", the card is formed with beaten abaca fibers and genuine shredded US Currency. The Currency has been hand stirred into the pulp.

WELCOME, Pam and her Etsy shop, PAINTING PAM AND PAPER TOO.  When you pay a visit to Pam's shop you will find delightful offerings of handmade "paper wear jewelry", "frameable paper wall art", "note cards" and more....so be sure to pay a visit.  

First let's learn a little bit more about Pam and how she got started creating her homemade paper items.
 
What led you to start creating your art/craft?
 
I took a hand papermaking course in 1990 at Penland School in NC.

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

This course inspired me to return home and set up my own papermaking studio with a vacuum table to create large paper sculptures.

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

In papermaking, there are many actions which I do which creates a rhythm or dance. There is the noise of the blender, the quietness of the water, the coolness of the water and pulp as I dip my hands and mould/deckle frame in, the pressing new paper on blankets and finally moving my 12 ton hydraulic press out into the driveway. I love all of these.

Ferns Embedded in Hand Made Paper

Framable handmade paper in 8 x 10 matting for easy framing

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

I'm a fruit smoothie, any flavor because I use a blender to chop up the pulp, use many colors of pulp and it's liquidy!!

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

I would be a collage artist because using different types of paper, one glues and pastes all kinds of paper to create an art piece.

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

Hand papermaking is over 300 years old with the origins starting back in China. The process I go through is labor intensive, but buyers will purchase an original note card or stationery with real leaves and/or flowers.

What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?

My advice for artists--Do what you love and love what you do. As an artist, this is my escape from the modern world.

Pam, thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts and original handmade paper items.

To learn more about PAINTING PAM AND PAPER TOO, be sure to visit the links below.

BLOG

FACEBOOK FAN PAGE

ARTFIRE SHOP

BEHIND THE SCENES PART II - A Glimpse into the workspaces of artists and crafters!

WELCOME, to BEHIND THE SCENES Part II - where you will get a further glimpse into the workspaces of more Etsy artists and crafters.  If you missed seeing the first segement of "Behind the Scenes", click on the link below.

BEHIND THE SCENES SEGMENT 1 - A Glimpse into Etsy artists workspaces

Below you will see the remaining shops that I didn't have time to add into the first segment, which took me many hours to get set up and finished.  Thanks for your patience. 

ALYSSA KAY COLLECTIONS

by Trish

Trish says, "I am almost ashamed of sending you this picture, I am not terribly organized. But of course I sometimes work right at my kitchen table too, right out of a fishing tackle box that transports all my supplies."

A lot of the artists felt the same way as Trish, but when you see all the beautiful creations that come from these workspaces...it sure doesn't matter how messy we artists can get in our spaces. It is what comes OUT of them that counts!

KITSCH CAFE

What a fantastic, organized space this is!

SHE'S BATTY DESIGNS

Here we can see several photos of what this artist's workspace looks like at different times.

Very Neat!

Ah, now that looks more like it!

Now we know she's been working really hard here!

THE NAKED FROG

Teenage daughter's shop

ATELIER EXPO ARTE

"Just some pictures to show you where and how Atelier Expo Arte makes his handmade pieces.

This takes place in a small town in Portugal, called Vila Nva de Gaia."

ALEXANDER'S DESIGNS

Husband and wife team.

His workspace!

Her workspace!

LIZARD'S JEWELRY

This area is in our living room, which is now been taken over by me as a studio. This area is where I do most of my metal clay work. I do my fabricating work in a space up-stairs in our bank barn. My husband's studio is up there (he's a sculptor...) JEFF HALL'S ART 

I have a space where I do soldering and the heavy equipment is there, i.e; drill press, lathe, sanders, etc. Now that I have also started incorporating polymer clay in my work I've had to start another space dedicated to that. So I basically work all over the place, but this area featured is where I do most of it.

RAINS SEWS

I don't know how people stay so organized! Wonder what the secret is!

MAD ART JEWELRY

Here we get to see some of the steps taken to create MAD ART JEWELRY'S workspace.

TWO RIVERS SOAP

THANKS AGAIN to all the Etsy shops who participated in this "work spaces" feature.  It was fun seeing how everyone works....I guess some of us are very neat and organized and some have "organized clutter".  I definitely fall into the last category.