Monday, June 28, 2010

Fiber Earrings....Fun, Fantasy, and so light weight!


(CLICK on item description above to learn more!)

This is my newest pair of fiber fantasy earrings, which I just listed in my DZFANTASY shop on Etsy.  They are so light weight you won't even know you are wearing them, until you receive a compliment!

Each handknit bead was created using a beautiful ribbon yarn with a satin finish.  It takes approximately 45 minutes to an hour to create each bead.  

I also have a beautiful matching necklace that would go wonderful with these earrings.  See photo below.


(CLICK on the items title above to learn more)

I used the same beautiful ribbon yarn for this handknit fiber necklace and accented it with a Swarovski crystal pendant bead and other Swarovski crystals.


See what an exquisite set they would make!
 
I have many more styles of necklaces and earrings available in my DZFANTASY shop.

Sunday, June 27, 2010

FEATURED ETSY SHOP - LIL BITTY BOWS

(Click on item's title above to learn more about it)
by

Tara of LIL BITTY BOWS

Let's welcome Tara and her Etsy shop, LIL BITTY BOWS!  Pay a visit to LIL BITTY BOWS and you will find a delightful assortment of colorful, fun hair accessories to dress up your little girls!  Tara designs and creates no slip hair clips, flower stretch bands, bottlecap bows (like the one pictured above), hair bows and a lot more.

Before you head on over to LIL BITTY BOWS, take time to read Tara's interview below.


What led you to start creating your art/craft?


I started making hair clips shortly after my oldest daughter was born. She had the craziest hair I had ever seen on a little girl. I couldn't find a hair clip that would stay in her hair, until someone gave me a name brand No-Slip Hair Clip, after very careful inspection of her clip I was convinced that I could make these clips myself, and that's what I did. It wasn't until just recently that I learned how to make different types of hair bows and bottle caps. I am always on the internet learning new techniques.


(Click on on items title to learn more about it)

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

I use grosgrain ribbon for most of my bows and clips. It is a nice sturdy ribbon and holds it shape well.

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

I love seeing people wear and enjoy the hair accessories that I have made.

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

This is probably the Italian coming out in me, but I would say GARLIC. just as Garlic will compliment many recipes, a pretty little hair bow or headband will compliment any outfit.

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

I would say jewelry making. I have never actually tried to make any jewelry, but have always been interested in learning.

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

That all of my products are made with love. Each and every one of my hair accessories were made as if I were making them for my own daughters.

What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?

Don't give up!! If it is something that you truly love to do, than stick with it. I came across this quote the other day and loved it. "Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful."


Thanks, Tara, for sharing your thoughts and delightful hair accessories with all of us.

To see more of what LIL BITTY BOWS has to offer, be sure to visit the links below.

Saturday, June 26, 2010

Get a FREE "After 5 Roll On" in your choice of scent with a purchase from CHERRY CITY!


WOW, look what CHERRY CITY on Etsy is offering.....!

A FREE "After 5 Fragrance Roll On" ($10.00 value) when you make a purchase from CHERRY CITY.  There are over 200 fragrances to choose from!  How is that for a great deal.

To receive this FREE gift all you have to do is enter the Coupon Code - DZFANTASY in the comment section.

To see what CHERRY CITY is all about and what products are offered click on the links below.

Thursday, June 24, 2010

ARE THERE ANY GOOD ART SHOWS LEFT??

This photo is from an art show I exhibited in last Sunday - June 20th, 2010
46th Annual Art Festival - Watertown, WI

Where are all the people you might ask?  That is exactly the question that was going through most of us artists' thoughts who were in this show!  

This is the third art show I've done this season, and I have to say it was the worst attended show I've been in, in a long while!  It makes one wonder how much the show was advertised.

It is a beautiful setting in a park.  The show is held on an island, and this was the 46th year for this show.  I had done this show about 5 years ago, and the attendance was good.   We were truly amazed at the small amount of people who attended it this year.

While sales have been down to almost nothing for the 3 shows I've done so far this season, I couldn't believe the lack of people at this show.  The other shows had people, but nobody was spending any money.  This show had no people hardly and nobody buying.  Very disappointing, and I know a lot of the artists (46 approximately), probably didn't even make the booth fees.  I just barely made the booth fee of $80.00.

 
This is a photo of the bridge you drive over to get to the island.

Notice...no big crowds walking over the bridge to get into the show!  This is how it looked all day long!  What is really disappointing is that it is such a beautiful setting for an art show....artists get to pick their own spots, and spacing isn't limited to the usual 10' x 10' space.  There are a lot of nice trees and even geese and ducks strolling around.

It was obvious a lot of the same artists aren't returning to the show, as when I checked the number of new artists listed in the flyer....over half were new to the show this year!
Here are me and my sister...still smiling after only 4 sales for the whole day!
(I'm on the left and my sister is on the right)

She is not only my sister, but my best friend and buddy! 


A portion of my booth at the show.  My sister is my "display artist"!

She loves to set all the creations out, which is lucky for me because I don't have the patience for it!  I do help her, but she decides where everything looks the best.  We always get a lot of compliments on our booth.

In all honesty, I really wouldn't recommend doing this show unless you want to have a nice relaxing day sitting in the park.

My next show will be one of my very best shows...the FIREFLY ART FAIR in Wauwatosa, WI.  I can hardly wait to see what the results of this show will be.  It has always been a good one through the years, and while the sale dollars have gone down, they are still really good for me.  We shall see......!


Wednesday, June 23, 2010

LOOK WHAT ARRIVED IN MY MAIL TODAY!


This fun, colorful tassel arrived today as a "gift" from Ann the TASSEL LADY on Etsy! 

THANK YOU, ANN for your lovely gift.  It is now hanging in my dining room...see the photo below.  My dining room is where I do most of my creating and this fun addition surrounds me with color.




I'm hosting a "winner's choice" giveaway for Ann for one of her delightful tassels.  I have to tell you that the photos don't do these tassels justice!  They are so well made  and take more time to create then one would imagine.

Be sure to pay a visit to the TASSEL LADY to see what other styles are available, and also take the time to sign up for the "giveaway".  Winner will get to pick out any tassel in Ann's shop with a value of  $20.00 or less.

Click on the link below to enter the giveaway post, or you can also access it by clicking on the "tassel" photo in the upper right column of my blog.

Tuesday, June 22, 2010

DECORATIVE "TASSEL" GIVEAWAY by TASSEL LADY - WINNER'S CHOICE


Come join the fun and enter this delightful WINNER'S CHOICE GIVEAWAY from the TASSEL LADY on Etsy. 

I am happy to be hosting this giveaway for Ann and her Etsy shop, TASSEL LADY!  See the details below to see how to enter the giveaway:

START DATE:  June 22, 2010

END DATE:  July 22, 2010 - 12:00 midnight CST

OPEN:  USA only

PRIZE:  1

VALUE:  $20.00 or less - Winner will have the opportunity to choose any "tassel" in Ann's shop with a value of $20.00 or less.

RULES TO ENTER:

1.  Pay a visit to the TASSEL LADY shop and pick which tassel you would choose should you be the lucky winner.  Click on the link below to enter the shop.


2.  Return to this giveaway post and leave a comment telling us which "tassel" you would choose.

3.  Be sure to leave an email address or a link to an email address, as this is the ONLY way the winner will be contacted.

4.  At the end of the giveaway on July 22nd, I, as the host of this giveaway, will randomly select a winner from all the entries received.  WINNER will be contacted via email and will have 3 days in which to send me their shipping information.  I will then notify Ann, and she will contact you so that you may tell her what your choice is.  Ann will be shipping the "tassel" directly to you.

Below are several more photos of the different style of tassels available in the TASSEL LADY.  To see all of the choice, be sure to visit the links below.






Saturday, June 19, 2010

FEATURED ETSY SHOP - LaCeramiste


(CLICK on the title link above to learn more about this creation)
by Casey of LaCeramiste

WELCOME, Casey and her Etsy shop, LaCeramiste as a featured artist here on DZFANTASY.   Casey designs and creates soldered yarn and quilt pendants like the pendant pictured above., and also many other styles of beaded jewelry. 

Be sure to pay a visit to LaCeramiste to see all of the different colors and styles which Casey has to offer in her fiber pendants, and beaded jewelry.  First, take a moment to learn a little bit more about Casey and her creations by reading her interview below.

What led you to start creating your art/craft?

I've been a crafter since I was in middle school - I used to stay up late nights on my bedroom floor making jewelry for myself and my friends. As a teenager I learned to crochet, knit, and quilt, and I started taking pottery classes in college. My mom was an avid antique collector and period crafter and always cross-stitched, quilted, stenciled, sewed, painted...I got the need-to-make gene from her and took it in my own direction.

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

Jewelry is something I've always been able to come back to, no matter how many other projects I try out. When I started on Etsy, I had just been back home to visit my dad and childhood home and had gone through a bunch of my old things, including some vintage jewelry stashes and beads/supplies. That got me back into making jewelry around the same time I moved and was job hunting for a couple of months. Etsy seemed like a great way to spend my down time and relieve stress. And I've stuck with it for almost a year so far!


Summery Wire-Wrapped Glass and Gunmetal
(CLICK on item's title to learn more about these delightful earrings)

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

I love that beads can surprise me - I might have the same set of beads for months and contemplate getting rid of them because I don't think I'll ever use them. Then all of a sudden one day I'll think of a way they can be used out of nowhere. I also love the idea that someone out there is wearing something I made, in a city I've never visited, and might get a compliment on it.

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

A pomegranate. It's complex, beautiful, and unique in a way that surprises you if you've never cut one open before.


(CLICK on the above link to learn more about this colorful pendant)


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

Clay - right now I'm low on funds so I can't afford to be taking pottery classes, but I loved doing it when I was able to. I would have gotten into making more pendants and miniature pottery if I hadn't had to quit my class. You have to have patience and a vision when you start creating a piece of ceramic art and I think those were good things for me to practice.

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

A piece of jewelry that you love doesn't have to break the bank. I try to keep my prices low because my target market is people like me, who love wearing unique jewelry but can't afford to spend a ton on it - or would rather spend their money on more important things.

What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?

Make sure to take some time to make something for yourself once in a while - a pair of earrings just for you, something to put up on your wall, something really good for dessert. It's easier to remember why you do this when you keep a reminder of your own creativity around, instead of shipping it all off to somebody else.


Casey, thanks for taking the time to share your lovely creations and also for giving us a peek into "you" the artist!

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

Thursday, June 17, 2010

Featured Etsy Shop - WO STUDIOS



Click on the above link to see and learn more about this striking piece of art)

Original ABSTRACT Modern Contemporary Fine ART
 Painting by Destiny Womack - dWo - 16x20

I happened to run across this fantastic artist when posting in the Etsy forums for shops who wanted their Etsy minis on my blog.  I was immediately entranced with all the vivid colors and shapes of Destiny's  paintings, so I asked her if she would like to be featured.  Happily, she said YES.

Be sure to check out the "June Specials", that are running in WO STUDIOS!

Be sure to read her interview below and then pay a visit to her Etsy shop, WO STUDIOS to see more of her contemporary paintings.

What led you to start creating your art/craft?

I have created many different forms of art my whole life. It was just something that was in me begging to come out - I started painting when I was younger, but it wasn't until I was in my mid twenties that I started becoming very serious about it... it was something that just called to me .

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

It was hard, and I tried everything, but the first time I got myself covered in paint I was hooked. Something about taking something that is a liquid and turning into something with such depth really did it for me.

(Click on the painting's title above to learn more about it)

SALE - Original ABSTRACT Modern Contemporary Fine ART Painting by dWo - LARGE 36x24

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

I find it all very enjoyeable. The best thing for me is to just let go and lose myself in the painting in the beginning, and then the finished product is my next favorite part.

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 kiwi.... because at first glance it is something unique and different, a little scary to take in but when you bite into it, is a wonderful new experience sweet and delightful, and nothing like it appears at first.


(click on the above title to learn more about this print)
by dWO

FREE SHIPPING - 11x14 Abstract Contemporarary Modern Surreal Floral Fine ART PRINT

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

I would choose music. I have always had a deep love for it, the composition of music, the writing of the lyrics and perfecting vocal technique. Music can move your soul just as much as looking at a painting

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

I want to convey that you don't have to have a literal object to tell you what to feel or see when you look at a painting. I want my art to be a glimpse into my imagination and hopefully it leads others to take a journey through theirs.

What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?

Don't be afraid to be different, and let others into your world. Even though you may think your world is a little strange, unusual or just downright scary, don't be afraid to share it with others. The best part about any art is being able to see the world and feel it through someone else's eyes.

Great art and interview, Destiny!  One can really use one's imagination when looking at your paintings.  Each person, I'm sure, sees something different when they look at your paintings!   That's what makes them so  unique!

Tuesday, June 15, 2010

2010 Watertown Art Festival - Watertown, WI .... JUNE 20TH

I will be exhibiting at the 46th Annual Watertown Art Festival being held  in Watertown, WI on Riverside Island Park this coming Sunday, June 20th!.

I haven't done this show for several years and will be looking forward to seeing if it has changed since the last time I did it.  It is held on an island, which is a beautiful setting for the show.  Artists get to pick their own site, and there is plenty of room so one isn't packed one artist on top of each other like most shows.

There will be a variety of mediums....painting, 2D and 3D mixed media, photography, etchings, ceramics, pottery, sculpture, fineglass/metal/wood craft, jewelry and fine fiber art.

HOURS: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. rain or shine, so let's hope the sun is shining brightly!

The last show I was in, 2 weeks ago, had a tornado warning and the show closed down at 2 p.m.

LOCATION:  Waterown's Riverside Park located on Labaree ( Hwy R) & Boughton St.

Click on the link below to get to the Watertown Arts Council's web page.



If you live in the area, be sure to stop by for a visit!

Monday, June 14, 2010

FEATURED ETSY SHOP - TINY MISHAPS


Broken Wing - vertical sculpture

(Click on link above to learn more about this item)

by Kelly of TINY MISHAPS

WELCOME, Kelly and her Etsy shop, TINY MISHAPS where you will find sculptures like the one pictured above, along with a large selection of her jewelry designs.  Be sure to pay a visit to TINY MISHAPS after you read Kelly's interview below, where she tells us in her own words how she got started in her creativity.

What led you to start creating your art/craft?

I've been creating since I could hold a crayon, so I'm not sure when you could say 'it' started. I'll try to narrow this to the main things in my tinymishaps.etsy.com shop which are currently hanging sculpture and jewelry.

My sculptures started in college when I had to complete a project where I spent a minimum of 20 hours on something but couldn't spend large spans of time on it due to my schedule. My sculpture style was born out of this fragmented time.


In addition, jewelry has been a vital part of my wardrobe and I have a wall devoted to it. A friend of mine got into beading and told me I had to check out a local bead boutique with her. I had always disliked beaded jewelry because it seemed unoriginal and cheap. Well she changed my mind and I started thinking of ways to create my own things with this wealth of sparkling supplies.



Stormy - Sparkling Gray Shell Statement Necklace
(Click on the link above to learn more about this item)

How did you decide what medium you wanted to work with?
My medium has pretty much always been directed by availability. If you look at my shop, you'd think beading/jewelry is my main medium but that was never the intention. It's just so much easier and faster than most things. I can make several pieces in a full day's work whereas it takes me weeks to make a sculpture. For now money, space, availability and facilities determine my medium. But it will always be changing.



I've always been fairly resourceful and am that person who solves problems and makes things with stuff and in ways no one intended. I think I've barely become creative enough with the jewelry because of the material abundance. I tend to become the most creative with limited materials. Lock me up with nothing but a deck of cards and a pair of scissors and you'll see.

(Click on the link above to learn more about this item.)

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

I like making new things and variations on things. I'm one who has a hard time making decisions so I love working when I can create variations on the same thing and see all the ways it could turn out.



I also really love being able to share the things I make whether it be on Etsy or at an art show. It gives purpose to my work when others can appreciate or use it. I especially love when I find people who like my stuff so much they want to own or share it themselves. And I also like comissioned peices and custom work. It's neat to know someone trusts me enough to create something especially for them.

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

I initially thought of a pomegranate because it is mildly out of the ordinary, a whole made up of parts in some sense, and it's a mess but still delicious when taken apart.

(Click on the link above to learn more about this item.)


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

String? Or perhaps dance. I took a choreography class in college that was pretty successful.

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

My sculptures create the fascination factor and I think they convey a sense of fragmentation and whole. They are based on our fragmented time, but also on layers of beauty, perception an discovery. The piece as a whole is one thing and as you move closer you discover each strand is individually it's own and that each piece upon the strand gives you even more depth of insight.

With my jewelry I like to convey a sense of self and change. I think jewelry is one of many accessories that helps us change, whether that be our look, whether that be the way we look to others or our own outlook. That can come from the way we look and feel in the piece or because it holds special memories or meaning based on who gave it to us or where we've worn it in the past. I think a lot of us have that ''goto" piece that we can put on in a pinch and feel ourselves in. It just makes us feel complete and confident. I'd like to create that for someone.

What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?

Um, My advice for other artists or crafters would be to focus on making your things your own, something I think I can do with my sculpture and need to keep working on with my jewelry. Don't worry about 'what's hot' or what is selling or what other people do. I might even go so far as to say not to follow trends, not to look around too much for fear of being too influenced by others. Take your thing and do it and play will it and see how far you can take it.

Thanks, Kelly, for a great interview and sharing your artistic talents with everyone.  It is a pleasure to have you here on DZFANTASY a featured artist.

Don't forget to pay a visit to Kelly's links below to find out more about her and her creations.

Friday, June 11, 2010

FEATURED ETSY SHOP - TREACHER CREATURES


Sock Flamimgo, Phoebie, hand crafted soft toy sock animal

 by Treacher Creatures
Let's welcome, Dawn and her delightful Etsy shop called TREACHER CREATURES.  You really must pay a visit to TREACHER CREATURES to see all the fun, colorful "sock characters".  You might run across a zebra, chicken, giraffe, snail or even an alien!  These delightful little creatures are for young (not under 3 years) and old alike.  They will surely make you smile!

Read Dawn's interview below as she tells us in her own words how she got started on this creative adventure.

What led you to start creating your art/craft?

I bought a book about making creatures from stray socks and I was instantly hooked,


Sock Dinosaur, Reggie

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


This book gave me the idea. I was a keen sewer anyway so it seemed a logical step.

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

I love the way a humble sock can be transformed into a creature that seems to have its own personality.

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

A strawberry, because it is so sweet just like my little creatures.

Sock Giraffe, Geoffrey

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

Paint. I am a passionate painter who loves to capture the landscape around me in paint.


Sock Skunk, Suzie

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

That all sock creatures are adorable. Adopt one today.

What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?

Do what you are passionate about. Let your creativity know no bounds.

Dawn, your sock creatures are definitely "sweet, adorable, and whimsical".  It is easy to see all the love that goes into each of your little creatures. Thanks so much for sharing your creativity and thoughts with all of us. 
 
The above photos show just a few of the delightful creatures you will meet when you pay a visit to TREACHER CREATURES.  Visit Dawn's shop by clicking on the links below.

Thursday, June 10, 2010

Rainbow Fiber FLOWER Necklace...Colorful accent for any outfit!

Add some color and whimsey to that favorite top or dress!

HANDKNIT RAINBOW FLOWER NECKLACE

by DZFANTASY


Center of flower is accented with an 18 mm Fuschia Swarovski Butterfly




I am currently having a $5.00 off sale on any purchase/s of fiber jewelry in my DZFANTASY shop.  Last day of sale is tomorrow June 11th.  Visit my DZFANTASY shop for further details by clicking on the link below:

Tuesday, June 8, 2010

FEATURED ETSY SHOP - GLADD RAGGZ



Seaside Sunset
summer inspired handmade fabric hobo style purse. Green, blue, pink. Zipper.

by Pat of GLADD RAGGZ

WELCOME Pat and her fun, colorful creations which she sells in her Etsy shop, GLADD RAGGZ.  When you pay a visit to GLADD RAGGZ, you will find a delightful array of handmade purses, in wonderful colors and styles.  Pat also designs and creates other fiber creations, as well as some jewelry.  It is always fun to learn about the creative person behind any handmade items, so be sure to read Pat's interview below.

What led you to start creating your art/craft?

I come from a creative family, but their creations were for more practical and economical reasons. That aside, a lot of it's rubbed off on me, and I've always loved the art of self expression, particularly with the hands. So, with that, and the fact that I was taught needle arts such as knitting and crochet at an early age, it just seemed natural to follow my passions.


Handmade white,aqua,teal,blue pearl, glass bead rope necklace.
 Sterling, nickel-free. Free shipping USA

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

Although I now work primarily in textiles, I've really used most mediums in some capacity or another. I'm somewhat of a free spirit when it comes to creating, so I try to let my projects guide me instead of the other way around. The only thing that I haven't done is scrapbooking and paper art. I'd like to but never seem to get around to it. I've found that selling on line demands that a person wear many hats, from planning, construction, photography, to promotion, and so forth, and it can be tempting to spread oneself too thin at times.

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

I really love the actual planning and construction phase. And, of course, the finished product, (hopefully) is the most satisfying if everything works out as planned. If something doesn't make me smile, it isn't a success.

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

What an interesting question - I love it! Chili peppers come to mind because they come in many colors, sizes and shapes, and range from mild to hot! I use quite a bit of color in my work, and the colors range across the rainbow and from mild to hot, hot, hot!!


Red Confetti. Handmade, OOAK designer inspired crochet handbag.
 Party, fun, holiday, Mardi Gras.


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

I love making jewelry, and my shop has a few pieces left that haven't sold. I think my jewelry designs are "OK", but I've been told that my talent is more in my textile work. So, I've been expanding my skills in that area, specifically purses and other fabric/fiber creations.

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

First of all, technique and workmanship is very important to me, and it goes out as a calling card for what I do. So the first message would be that of "quality". Beyond that, I want anything I sell or give as a gift to make the buyer completely happy! My work is constantly evolving, and as I continue with my craft, (in particular, my purses), my goal is for them to be as practical as they are attractive. If a bag isn't useful, the money to purchase it isn't well spent. Most of my textile creations are colorful and not too serious. Making each item brings me great joy, so I want the finished product to evoke joy, as well! And, most of what I make is unique - I never want anything to look like it's been mass produced because it isn't. I could mass produce my work and make more money, but, I believe there are still people who are proud to be individuals, and hopefully when they are looking for something to buy, something in my shop will appeal to them.



REDUCED - Green envy, handmade designer inspired crochet purse.
 Green, ribbons, beads. Eyelash. Fun, party.

What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?

Based on what I've learned, do what you're passionate about, and s-t-r-e-t-c-h yourself by trying new techniques and materials! I really believe that being afraid to try something new is a limit to creativity!! Above all, when you are trying something new, see the project through till the end, even if it's a flop. Next time it will be better! Stopping and starting projects and abandoning a new technique only scatters focus and creativity

Great interview Pat.  Your creations are truly delightful and one can tell a lot of love and attention to detail goes into every one of them.  Thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts and creativity with everyone!


To see more of Pat's work, be sure to visit her links below.

Sunday, June 6, 2010

FEATURED ETSY SHOP - HANDPAINTED PETALS by Sheryl


Wine Glasses Hand Painted CRYSTAL Set of Four Elegant and Timeless

by Sheryl of HANDPAINTED PETALS

WELCOME, Sheryl, and her Etsy shop, HANDPAINTED PETALS!  Everything you see in Sheryl's shop gives you a feeling of  "lightness and joy"....from her handpainted wine glasses, jewelry keepsake boxes, greeting cards, signs and tiles to her votives, vases and boxes.  All of these items have the magical touch of flowers on them.  Be sure to pay a visit to HANDPAINTED PETALS after reading Sheryl's interview below.

What led you to start creating your art/craft?

My husband and I were in a car accident caused by a drinker who drove. I have a head injury as a result and while I was rehabbing, I wasn’t able to do much as reading, watching TV or other things were very difficult then. So, I got a video on painting because I wanted to look at flowers. I felt especially drawn to roses for some reason. After a few days, I was tickled pink that my son recognized a rose that I had painted, as a rose.

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

I knew a bit about oils (that seemed very difficult), and had attempted water color once so I knew those were out; acrylics seemed like a reasonable start for my adventure.


Hand Painted Birdhouse with Silk Bird, Roses, and Flowers

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

The sense of discovery as it unfolds and makes itself appear, working with the colors, and seeing someone’s happy reaction to one of my pieces (see below). I’m frequently surprised by how things turn out, and I like that. Well, at least most of the time I like the surprises. As Einstein said, “I don’t think I failed. I just now know 10,000 ways not to do something.” Yep, that sums it up for me! I imagine that that sense of discovery will continue because the creating process evolves, too. I also enjoy playing with color combinations, designing to create a color theme, and mixing my own colors. I have to limit myself, though, because I can spend LOTS of time just designing things and creating color palettes. For a while, I had big pots of the primary colors, but when I realized I was spending more time mixing than painting, I changed to the little tubes of color. After all, my whole purpose is to paint something, not just play in paints!

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

Mmmm. Kind of a Rorschach test for my painting!  A plum and a tomato came first to mind, maybe because purple is one of my favorite colors, and red is my favorite rose to paint. I do have a serving tray with various fruits, including plums. And, I did a set of liqueur glasses in a fruit theme using plums, pears, apples, etc. Anyway, I’m hoping to “grow” myself toward painting fruits and veggies in the future, so we’ll see if that produces a plum or a tomato!

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

If I could choose anything, I’d choose sculpture. I love the three-dimensionality of it and that it gives a complete sense – texture, form, movement -- of an image. I’ve never even tried it but it would be fun to give it a go.

More realistically, collage seems like it would be a good fit for me. I like the vintage motifs and some of the whimsy found in those images. I like the possibility of combining that with my painting, but not sure just how to combine them yet.

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

If I could convey a sense of joy of looking at something pleasing to the eye, I would feel very happy. I like the sense of connected-ness when I paint something and someone gives it a new home.

I’ve taken launching my painting business slowly because of the brain dents and the challenges it presents me. But, I’m looking forward to selling at some craft fairs and or farmer’s markets around the Austin area. I need a ‘helper’ to keep me focused so I’m waiting til my hubby has some time. I enjoy it very much when I can watch someone’s reaction when they see a piece they like. That’s a beautiful feeling for me!

What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?

To have a business plan. Even if it’s a hobby, if it involves money and a goal of some kind, you’ve got to have a plan. A business plan doesn’t have to be complicated: it’s basically just a working outline – like a high school theme paper – that you complete to think through you’re endeavor to make the most of your efforts. I'll help if someone would like to get started on one; just email me via Etsy or my blog, below.

Thanks, Sheryl, for taking the time to share your thoughts and wonderful handpainted creations with all of us.  They truly make one feel good to look at them.  There is no doubt that a lot of attention and love goes into each of your creations.

Be sure to visit Sheryl's links below.


FIBER JEWELRY....The newest trend in jewelry. Be unique!


Handknit Ribbon Yarn Necklace with Swarovski crystal accent pendant

by DZFANTASY

A couple of weeks ago I was reading an article that said the trend towards "fiber jewelry"  is the latest thing!    I had this idea over a year ago to start creating fiber fantasy jewelry, and the above necklace is my latest design. 

While I sold 30 of my fiber fantasy necklaces, which included many different styles, at my art show this past November, I have the feeling that people in my area are a bit behind the times when it comes to trying something new and innovative.

How about the other areas of the world.?  I've seen a wonderful array of fiber jewelry ....necklaces, brooches, earrings, etc. on Etsy and was wondering how other artists are doing with their creations.  It would be fun to hear from others who design/create fiber jewelry.  Perhaps, in the near future, I will gather a group of these fiber artist together and do a special post here on DZFANTASY showing the different styles and designs.

I am working on a pair of matching earrings for the above necklace.  I currently have a wide variety of necklaces, necklace/face pin sets, fiber earrings and more in my DZFANTASY shop.

SPECIAL SALE ON ALL FIBER JEWELRY IN MY DZFANASY SHOP - JUNE 7th - JUNE 11th - $5.00 off any piece of fiber jewelry.  Refund will be given via PayPal, or you may contact me prior to purchase and I will adjust the price of the item, before you pay.  CLICK on the image below to get to my shop.