FEATURED ETSY SHOP - BRASS CAT STUDIOS

Nesting in Rainbows

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BRASS CAT STUDIOS

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WELCOME, Xeque and her Etsy shop BRASS CAT STUDIOS.  I love the unique colors and textures of the above necklace!  When you pay a visit to BRASS CAT STUDIOS you will find other delightful creations created by Xeque....both vintage and modern jewelry, along with some supplies, etc.

Let's find out how Xeque (pronounced just like X), got started in her creative endeavors by reading her interview below.

What led you to start creating your art/craft?

One day I started playing with my sister's beads. I was having so much fun just making patterns and color schemes with plastic beads and stretchy string, I decided I had to start getting some real supplies.

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

I've tried so many different crafts. Oftentimes I would enjoy it for a very short while then it would just fizzle out. Jewelry was something I had tried on numerous occasions in my childhood, but it wasn't till later on when I experimented with my sister's beads I realized just how much I loved it and that it was the one thing I never tired of. So I wanted to try my hand at selling to help fund the craft.

Twinkling Lights Tree Wreath Ornament

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

It's a really good feeling to share with others what you've created with your own hands. My family and friends always enjoyed receiving my jewelry as gifts, but when I started being encouraged by total strangers who saw my jewelry, it gave me the confidence to give Etsy a try. The unity in people who create handmade goods makes the experience so much more enjoyable.

If you had to choose a fruit OR a vegetable, to describe your art/craft, what would you choose, and why?
 Passion fruit, because I'm passionate about what I do.

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

Hmm...does writing count? If so, because I've always loved writing, and do have the hope to publish someday. If not, art, because in the past I really enjoyed drawing before I started making jewelry.

Web of the Widow

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

I don't feel I have a message really. I just have fun, and hope people have fun wearing what I make.

What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?

I think anyone is capable as long as they love what they do. Your craft shouldn't be a chore, it should be something you enjoy doing. People will care about your work as much as you care about it.


Xeque, is has been a real pleasure to have you and your unique creations here on DZFANTASY as a featured Etsy artist.  Thanks for taking the time to share not only or creations, but also for a great interview.

To see more of Xeque's creations, be sure to BRASS CAT STUDIOS by clicking on either the thumbnail photos or shop name below.

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GREAT SAVINGS on DZFANTASY with ETSY'S New "COUPON CODE" Feature!

Tiny Fiber Fairy on Handcarved Mushroom!

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DZFANTASY

Original Price: $70.00 - 10% off - $63.00

Now you can easily save 10% on any item in my DZFANTASY Etsy shop, since Etsy recently implemented their new feature of a COUPON CODE!

Etsy sellers have been asking for a feature like this for quite some time and it has now come to pass.  In celebration of this new feature, I have created my first "Coupon Code", whereby buyers will receive 10% off any item in my shop.  All you have to do to receive the 10% savings is enter this code in the "coupon code box" at time of checkout:  DZFANTASY10

I will be keeping this code active until December 31, 2010.  Be sure to take advantage of this great idea....just in time for holiday purchasing.

To visit DZFANTASY, just click on any of the photos below, or click on the shop's title below the photos!

FEATURED ETSY SHOP - CAT IN A CUP

Snowman clipart

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WELCOME, Olga and her new Etsy shop, CAT IN A CUP!  If you are looking for fun, colorful clip art to enhance your own projects, be sure to pay a visit to CAT IN A CUP.  Olga says she will be continually adding new items, so you might just want to "favorite" her shop.

Take a moment to read Olga's interview below where she tells us in her own words how CAT IN A CUP came into being.

What led you to start creating your art/craft?

I´ve always liked creating things. As a child I would draw pictures, small comics, make clothes for my dolls, etc. So, it was a natural thing for me to study Fine Arts and continue creating things. I think I especially like art and crafts because it´s a way to express myself, to create not only a craft but also the whole character and a story.

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

There are so many mediums I want to work with! I haven´t decided yet. But for now my favorite is the computer, but I also like to make toys, and I need materials and sewing for that. And I enjoy painting with acrylics on small canvas. As you can see it´s impossible to choose only one medium.

Christmas Cards Holiday Kokeshi

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

A good thing and a bad thing about creating art is the total freedom of it. I don´t have timetables, and I love it, any moment of inspiration is good for creating. But, it can be a bad thing as well, as I find it hard to finnish the project I´m working on, there´s always somthing to add or to improve. I really need some schedule.

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

A tomato, it´s very versatile, for some people it´s a fruit and for others it´s a vegetable, it´s usually red but can be yellow and green as well. Just as my art, I love so many styles and ways of creating.

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

If I had to choose only one, it would be the traditional medium. There´s something about it that digital art cannot offer me. It would be painting because for me it´s much easier to paint than to sew, and so I can create more.

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

I want to create something that people can use in their everyday life, something that would add fun, creativity and inspiration to the usual routine.

Zodiac 1x1 inch squares

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What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?

The advice that I was given by many artists and crafters is to create what you really like. I couldn´t agree more. When you are working on something you really like, you get the best results and enjoy the process more.  Of course it´s not always possible, but one tries.

THANKS, Olga, for a delightful interview and for sharing your creative, fun digital art with everyone.

To see more of what CAT IN A CUP has to offer be sure to visit the links below.

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FEATURED ETSY SHOP - HOGAN'S HANDIWORK

Multicolor Honeycomb Scarf

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I'm happy to welcome Denise and Erica, and their Etsy shop, HOGAN'S HANDIWORK, as a featured shop here on my DZFANTASY blog.  Denise and Erica are sisters who work together on this venture.  Pay a visit to HOGAN'S HANDIWORK and you will find beautiful scarves and other accessories!  They also have a "weekly special"!  Now is the time to start thinking about buying original, handmade Christmas gifts.

Take a moment to learn a little bit more how HOGAN'S HANDIWORK came into being by reading the interview below.

What led you to start creating your art/craft?

My sister and I started making our scarves after a friend encouraged us to put our talents to use on Etsy. We can't thank her enough!

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

We both love soft materials, and I (Denise) particularly love texture. The softness of the yarn we chose, and the texture of the stitches both fit the bill.

Multicolor Solomon Neck Warmer- Ready to Ship

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

Watching them grow (and being able to promote our shop by wearing the models).

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

I suppose I would choose a strawberry, because it is bright and fresh and photogenic.

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

Autumn Cowl

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I would choose to sew, because it is really the only other talent in the world of arts and crafts that I have!

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

We want our customers to look at our products and know that they were carefully and lovingly crafted for their 100% satisfaction.

What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?

Keep at it. Love what you do.

Thanks, Denise and Erica, for sharing your work with all of us!  To see more of what HOGAN'S HANDIWORK is all about be sure to visit the links below.

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FEATURED ETSY SHOP - JEWELRY KALEIDOSCOPE

Hand Embroidered Kitchen Dish Towel Flowers, Butterfly

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WELCOME, Laura and her Etsy shop JEWELRY KALEIDOSCOPE where she sells vintage items, along with beautiful hand embroidered items, such as the lovely dish towel above.

I think it is always interesting to know a bit more about the person behind each Etsy shop, so take a moment to read Laura's interview below.  Then..........hop on over to her shop by clicking on the links below.  Laura has a lot of delightful items to choose from, both in her hand embroidery and vintage items.

What led you to start creating your art/craft?

I grew up in a college town that had a program like big sister, I have 5 brothers so I was in this program and that is who taught me to do hand embroidery, I think I was around 10 years old.

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

I love all the colors of the floss to choose from.

Hand Embroidered Cross Stiched Lamb Baby Bib

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

I love to see the piece come alive when the black lines get turned to color. And I love flowers so, this is another way to make them bloom.

Hand Embroidered Heart Shaped Love Pillow/Pincushion

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

Strawberry, they start out as a flower, then a small hard berry, and grow into a pretty red berry.

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

Watercolors, I love all the colors,

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

I like to think I have brightened someone's day with one of my embroidered item, maybe put a smile on their face.

What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?

Have fun doing your crafts and don't be afraid to try some new ones.

THANKS, Laura for taking the time to share your thoughts and creations with all of us.

You can see more of Laura's items by visiting her links below.

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FEATURED ETSY SHOP - DaRosa's Children's Art by Rose

Dragon 8x10 inch PRINT of original illustration

PERSONALIZATION and MORE COLORS available!

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WELCOME, Rose, and her delightful, whimsical creations, which she sells in her Etsy shop, DaRosa's Children's Art.  Fun, colorful drawings to brighten any child's room and to stimulate their imagination.

Take a moment to read Rose's interview below, where she tells us in her own words how she got started on this fun venture!

What led you to start creating your art/craft?

For my 28th birthday I got an easel, canvases and paint from my mother. I started to create and a colleague was looking for something original for the nursery of his son. The zebra, giraffe and monkey were born! I tweaked the design a bit since then, but I stuck to the bright colors and black outlines.

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

I started with oil paint and spent a lot of money on buying new paints. As a beginner, I wasted too much with mixing to get the right color. Oil also takes longer to dry and is more expensive. For the work I do, acrylic is the best!

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


I always paint the eyes in last and that gives my animals the funny/cute look. I also like sketching new creatures and make custom pieces for my customers.

Coat rack with 4 wooden knobs

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

Uhm...does jelly BEANS count? Lots of bright colors!

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 familiar with the art of screen printing to make baby clothing with my art work.

TigeR 8x10 inch Original

 painting on stretched canvas

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

Visual stimulation! Babies can’t see very well in the beginning. My art stimulates the development of eyesight. My son of 1.5 years still loves my work and can name the animals and make their sounds...

What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?

Listen to other people.... If you like what you create, that doesn’t mean that others do. I just started with more detail in my pictures and they sell. My boyfriend hinted that..

THANKS, Rose for a wonderful interview and for sharing your colorful, whimsical creations with everyone.

To learn more about Rose and her delightful creations, be sure to visit the links below.  It is never to early to develop your child's imagination! 

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FEATURED ETSY SHOP - STEFANIE'S SAMMELSURIUM

BANGLE

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with my own lampwork beads, sari ribbon, fiber and other fabrics

Please welcome, Stefanie and her Etsy shop, STEFANIE'S SAMMELSURIUM. I just love the texture and colors of this jewelry artist's creations!  If you are looking for unique, creative jewelry that will bring you compliments, be sure to visit Stefanie's shop.

First, take a moment to learn a bit more about Stefanie and her creations by reading her interview below.

What led you to start creating your art/craft?

I was seeking a way to relax and express myself after my daily job. I collected jewelry since I was a teenager so it was a obvious choice what to turn to.

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

As I said – jewelry was and is an important part of my life. Whenever I stumble upon special kinds of beads or great fiber & fabric I have to get it and make jewelry out of it.

Christmas Ring with sari and wire

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

That I can actually make things with my hands. My regular job is all about business and marketing I have no connection to the finished product. Sometimes that can be frustrating .

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

I think a watermelon – it combines my favorite colors and it is far from being delicate - so is my jewelry. I love bold, chunky and vibrant pieces.

Multi strand pearl bracelet purple green

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

 I guess I would try my luck with my second love – fibers! But I’m a terrible knitter and crocheter.

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

That life is all about variety and that there is always a bright side. I try to express that with my color choices and the different materials I work with.

What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?

Enjoy what you do. Try to make things you like and not what the markets ask for. In the long run it will pay off and the whole creating process is so much more rewarding. And join a community. You meet great people like Donna here.

Thanks, Stefanie, for a great interview and for sharing your inspired, creative, jewelry with everyone! Be sure to pay a visit to STEFANIE'S SAMMELSURIUM shop on Etsy, and visit her other links below.

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