FEATURED ETSY SHOP - THE FROG BAG

Glamorous Felt Sea Anemone Soft Sculpture

by

Corinna

Come join me for a visit with Corinna of THE FROG BAG on Etsy.  When you pay a visit to THE FROG BAG you will find a wide variety of items created by Corinna....frog related items, beaded objects, earrings, other jewelry, and a lot more!

Corinna states in her shop announcement that "20% of the price of anything bought here will be donated to The Tapir Preservation Fund, a charity which supports the conservation of tapirs and their rainforest habitat."  Through this endeavor, Corinna has raised over $400.00.  Good for you, Corinna!!

Asian Tapir Cat Toy

Also known as the Malayan tapir (Tapirus indicus), this is the largest of the four tapir species. It is also the only one living in Asia, and the only one so strikingly marked as an adult.

What led you to start creating your art/craft?


I've always been crafty. Some of my earliest memories involve my mother sewing for me, making me stuffed animals, getting ready for her own craft shows, and doing crafts with me (crayon batik, anyone? How about bathtub tie-dye?) so I guess that it was natural that I would carry on that tradition.

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

I've played around with several, but I just really love shiny colorful tiny things. So felt and beads are the obvious choices! Especially since I'm a lousy painter.

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

Designing the piece. I get very excited as I sketch it out and lay out the beads or felt, especially as the color theme takes hold. That said, relaxing into a long stretch of peyote stitch can be very rewarding.

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

Hmm, tough question! I think I choose the kiwi. It is cute and small, rather unassuming at first, but filled with jewel-toned tangy goodness inside.

Biological Cylinder Necklace

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

I'm finally learning to sew with a machine, and I'm getting slightly obsessed with unusual vintage fabrics. I'd love to get good enough with it to actually create clothing.

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

Well, I do a lot of work for the Tapir Preservation Fund (which contributes to rain forest conservation too), and a lot of my work is up-cycled or animal themed, so I guess I'd like to convey a sense of my wonder and amazement at the natural world.

What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?

Just keep at it. And don't be afraid to make friends and contacts among other crafters. They can really help you out when you have those inevitable down times when you feel like you aren't making any progress.

Thanks, Corinna, for taking the time to share your creativity and thoughts with all of us.  To learn more about Corinna and her work, be sure to visit the links below.

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FACEBOOK FAN PAGE

FEATURED ETSY SHOP - SHANNON AMIDON

Damselfly Puzzle with Amethyst

by Shannon Amidon

I'm happy to have Shannon and her very unique artwork out here on DZFANTASY as a featured Etsy artist. Shannon has some amazing pieces of art in her Etsy shop, and I do hope you take the time to pay it a visit. I love how she has created wonderful pieces of art out of nature!

In addition to her interview, I have also included her "profile" from her Etsy shop, which gives us a bit more insight into this delightful, creative artist.

My artwork is described as photo-based mixed media and alternative process photography. My subjects often involve objects that I have found in nature or collected in my travels such as: feathers, seed pods, butterflies, and flowers. Using Xerox transfers, hand distressing, painting and other non silver techniques, I create unique pieces that reflect the mysterious and natural world around me. It is my intention to blur the lines between fine art and traditional photography by altering, layering and distressing my photographs. Through these techniques, I attempt to break through the boundaries of traditional media and conventional fine art by creating an experience that goes beyond the paintbrush and camera.

What led you to start creating your art/craft?

My parents were both artistic and encouraged me to lead a creative life. From collecting and selling rocks I found in the yard, to dressing up my siblings (including my little brother) like fairies and photographing them, they have always supported me in all of my creative endeavors. From a young age, I had a passion for creating and exploring so it was a natural progression for my life.

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

I have never been able to draw, paint or do any of the traditional mediums. For a long time that really frustrated me because I thought that was what made a person an artist. When I was dating my now husband, he had a professional camera with lenses he let me use and encouraged me to take photography classes. After discovering photography, I realized that I could easily express myself through it and I knew I found my medium. The need for texture, warmth and using my hands led me to alternative process photography and assemblage. Recently I discovered copper electroforming; it’s a process that combines my love of nature and science. It’s an exciting and time consuming process that I have been exploring and really enjoying for the past 6 months.

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

Definitely the research and the actual process of creating. I usually work in series, so when I discover something that interests me, I do as much research and learn as much as possible about the subject. Then the actual process of creating each piece and honoring what I have learned is what I love even more than the finished piece.

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

I think a pomegranate, it’s exotic but accessible. The multiple chambers with sweet little treasures that are difficult to get to but always worth it.

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

I have always loved fiber and textile art and think it would translate my vision well.

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

That things like rust, insects and seed pods can be beautiful. I want people to widen what their idea of beauty is. At first glance something might seem simple, strange or even go unnoticed, but if you look further you can always find something fascinating.

What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?

Don’t be afraid to do what you love, there will always be people who don’t like or care for what you do and that is their problem. You just have to keep creating, exploring, growing and being true to yourself as an artist.

Shannon, thanks so much for sharing your ideas and wonderful creations with everyone! It was interesting to learn something new, and to see what can be done using gifts from nature.

SHANNON AMIDON WEB PAGE

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FEATURED ETSY SHOP - BEN MCFUZZYLUGS

I am very happy to be featuring Pam and her Etsy shop.. BEN MCFUZZYLUGS , not only because this artist's work is so adorable, but I love what she is doing to help our four-legged friends. Be sure to visit BEN MCFUZZYLUGS to see how you can help not only this sweet little dog named Mia, but others as well, and have a chance to win a one-of-a-kind felted sculpture of your own dog or cat.

Mia

Below you will hear in Pam's own words what she has to tell us about herself and her creations!

What led you to start creating your art/craft?

The book 'fleece dogs' jumped out at me in a craft shop. I bought it and some supplies and even my 1st attempts looked a little like they were suposed to.

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

I have been doing many crafts for years, but never sold any. On a dog forum, I mentioned what I was making and people asked me to make some fuzzy pets for them too. Everyone loved theirs - and they actually paid for them, so I decided to have a go at selling them.

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

The wool forming into the shapes for me, and when I put the eyes on them and they come to life,

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

Haha good question...a pomegranate...looks simple but there is a lot more going on (and they are hard work but worth it)

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

Clay, I have always loved the look and feel of clay, but have no money or space for a kiln.

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

Love and happiness. I am always so worried when I make a model of a pet that is at the rainbow bridge, our pets are with us for a short time but give us so much. It is nice to have a reminder of them. The good thing about this art is you can even include some of the pets fur into the sculpture.

What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?

Creating what you love - is there a better job?

Thanks, Pam, for a great interview, and also for helping our furry friends through your art! Be sure to visit BEN MCFUZZYLUGS to see her delightful "fuzzy" creations!

BEN MCFUZZYLUGS BLOG