FEATURED ETSY SHOP - REBECCA ANN CREATIONS

Black Twisted Cable Hat With Bow

by

REBECCA ANN CREATIONS

(CLICK on item's title above to learn more about it!)

WELCOME, Rebecca and her Etsy shop, REBECCA ANN CREATIONS, as a featured artist here on my DZFANTASY blog.  Pay a visit to REBECCA ANN CREATIONS, and you will find a wide range of items to choose from....bath, hair accessories, jewelry, head attire, scarves, cowels and a whole lot more!!

Let's learn a bit more about this multi-talented artist by reading her interview below.

What led you to start creating your art/craft?

I learned to crochet with a friend of mine in 2007. I loved it and was making things for friends and family. Someone asked me if I had an Etsy account, so I looked into it! Now I've learned to make many things in addition to my crochet! I just love creating!


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


This one is hard. I still don't really know what medium I'm in. I like wearing all kinds of accessories so I started making them! I'm always making different kinds of accessories . Whenever I see someone wearing something I like, I go home and make it!


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


I enjoy the feeling once I'm done with something. I guess my favorite aspect is finishing a project!

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


I would say a peach. Sometimes it's sweet, sometimes a little tangy, but most of the time it's calming.... that is how I feel about my creations!


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


Wow...only one? lol. I love creating things, I would like to learn to sew and make children's clothes. I always look at other people's shops who make little girls dresses and I wish I could make them!

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


My message is that we are all beautiful in our own way! I create many different styles because I know we all have different tastes, and even though we are different we are all beautiful!


What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?


GO FOR IT! If you enjoy making things than do it! Otherwise you'll regret it later.


Rebecca, thanks for a lovely interview and for sharing your creative ideas with everyone!  To see more of Rebecca's designs and to learn more about her, visit the links below.

Lacy Fingerless Gloves

(CLICK on item's title above to learn more about it!)

Adjustable Cowl/Neckwarmer

(CLICK on item's title above to learn more about it!)

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FEATURED ETSY SHOP - 1mADwoman

Mustard Yellow Clutch

by

Erin of 1mADwoman

(to learn more about this beautiful clutch, click on the item's title above)

It has been a while since I've had the time to put featured Etsy artists here on my blog, and am happy to have Erin and her Etsy shop 1mADwoman here today.

Erin designs and creates lovely handmade purses, bags and clutches, so be sure to visit "1mADwoman" on Etsy to find your perfect accessory.

First, take a moment to read about Erin and how she came to be creating these lovely accessories.

What led you to start creating your art/craft?

I have an obscene amount of fabric leftover from other projects and from inheriting fabric from my grandma and her best friend when they decided to get rid of their stuff. Some of it was stuff I was never going to wear, so I started making purses and clutches out of it. It turned out to be a hugely fun and fantastic decision!

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

I've been sewing for twelve years - I wanted to learn to make my own clothes because it's much easier to find what you want to wear that way! I also started quilting a couple of years later. Almost every baby born in my personal vicinity has received a baby blanket from me in the last ten years. Learning to design the purses was actually pretty easy - no curved seams or body parts to fit!

Black and White Clutch

(click on item's title above to learn more about this stunning clutch)



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

The total freedom it gives me. I can choose what I want to do and how I want to do it. I really don't do well in traditional office settings - I get bored way to easily!

Cream Corduroy Purse

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

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

Pumpkin - I'm as full of ideas and want-to's as a pumpkin is full of seeds!

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

I've always wanted to learn how to draw properly - I can't draw anything but basic stuff with any regularity!

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

That this is FUN and that I really love what I do!

What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?

Do what you love and enjoy it! If you don't love it, you won't enjoy it, and you won't be any good at it. And believe in yourself - even if no one else does, you MUST believe that you can do what you set out to do.



Thanks, Erin for a delightful interview and for sharing your lovely creations with all of us.  Erin also designs jewelry and sells it in her other Etsy shop called "Heartsabustin".  Be sure to visit Erin's links below.

HEARTSABUSTIN

FACEBOOK

TWITTER

FEATURED ETSY SHOP - SEA LUBBERS..Nautical Vinyl Decals

Beluga Whale Vinyl Decal removable fish Sticker

by Mandie of SEA LUBBERS

WELCOME, Mandie and her Etsy shop called SEA LUBBERS.  Mandie creates nautical themed vinyl decals which you can use to decorate any room in your home, office or even a vehicle.  What really makes them great is that they are removable!  Pay a visit to SEA LUBBERS to see how you might be able to create a unique, colorful "nautical" look!

First, lets learn a bit more about Mandie, and find out how she came to be creating her nautical, vinyl themed decals.

What led you to start creating your art/craft?

I love creating digital art and clipart designs. I decided to take my desire to design into a new outlet of vinyl designs.

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

I wanted something fun and usable for all types of surfaces.


I chose vinyl decals because they can be used on small items like cell phones to large items like the side of an airplane. Completely customizable for anyone.

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

The designing process.

Angel Fish set Vinyl Decal Wall Stickers Nautical Beach Home Interior Decor

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

well.. LOL. I never put any thought of my craft towards food. I do know I crave pineapple. Will that count?  SURE....any answer here counts!

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

Glass, because business windows, doors, and vehicle windows are great ways to advertise, decorate, and be viewed from both sides.

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

Sea life, pirates plunder, beachy decor.. arrrr.

Beware of Pirates Vinyl Decal pirate ship removable Wall art Sticker

What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?

Enjoy what you do, and take time to smile.

Thanks, Mandie, for a fun interview and for sharing your creativity with everyone!

To see more of Mandie's nautical designs be sure to pay a visit to the links below.  When you visit her shop, you will notice that  Mandie offers a wide choice of colors for the decals.

FLOWER FAIRIES....to wear!

Whimsical "FLOWER FAIRY" pin and necklace set

For the past couple of months now I've been drawn to creating various styles of "fairy and flower" fiber fantasy jewelry!  The colorful "flower fairy" shown above is not only a pin, which can be worn alone, alongside the necklace, but can also be pinned onto the handknit necklace.

The yarn used for this flower fairy is so exquisite in its colors and texture.  It is a gorgeous yarn from Karabella Yarns and is called JEWELS!  I have it in several different color combinations, so you will be seeing more of this fun yarn in various designs.

I just started putting clasps onto some of my necklaces, and couldn't believe how long it took me to get one of those little "jump rings" on!  I'm sure it doesn't take all you jewelry artists out there as long as it did me!!  lol!  I guess I will have to practice a bit.

I'm trying to decide if one of these fairy pin/necklace sets would be a good idea for my next giveaway, so if any of you out here have a comment.....I'd love to hear it!

FEATURED ETSY SHOP - Amy's Soaps N Things

Mandarin Tiki Soap

by AMY'S SOAPS 'N' THINGS

Amy's Soaps 'N' Things is my first featured shop for the new year!  When you pay a visit to Amy's shop, you will find soaps, body wash, and lip balms all with wonderful sounding names like...China Rain, Hawaiian Breeze, Spiced Lavender and more!  Great prices also!

Large Spiced Lavender Bar - $4.00

Lavender flowers mixed with an array of other wonderful aromas makes for this sweet and spicy fragrance.

What led you to start creating your art/craft?

I needed the money, I've always loved fragrances and I can't seem to get hired at Bath and Body Works.

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

Well actually soap isn't my first choice, fashion design is, but I haven't had the money to start up my fashion shop yet.

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

Definitely the fragrances. I love finding new ones.

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

Hmm, I'd say Strawberries, because they are super fragrant, sweet and really good for you.

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

Well I already mentioned fashion up above so I'll say making beaded jewelry. I like making earrings.

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

ALL PROCEEDS ARE GOING TOWARDS MY COLLEGE FUND!!

What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?

 Have patience. Starting a business takes a ton of time and money to get it established. I'm still working on that myself.

Thanks, Amy, for taking the time to share your thoughts and your products with everyone!  Wishing you a lot of sales in 2010, to build up that college fund!! 

To see more of Amy's products, visit her Etsy shop, by clicking on the links below.

WEB PAGE

FEATURED ETSY SHOP - ECO CREATIONS

Blush - Matte Pink Glass Seed Beaded Hemp Bracelet

by COURTNEY - ECO CREATIONS

ECO CREATIONS on Etsy is a two woman team.....Courtney and Stacy.  When you pay a visit to ECO CREATIONS you will find a wide array of choices of eco-friendly and nature-inspired hemp, beaded jewelry and artwork.....bracelets, necklaces, earrings and more!!

In the interview below, Courtney gives us a peek into how she got started designing and creating her colorful, fun jewelry.

What led you to start creating your art/craft

I began working with hemp as a teenager and it spiraled into beaded jewelry after I graduated high school. I never thought about selling my creations until I gave a necklace to a friend and they asked where I had bought it. The remark completely floored me and got me thinking that maybe my artistic talent could eventually become my livelihood. After I started selling on Etsy, my then girlfriend (now fiance!) started trying to push my artistic horizons and exposed me to painting and ceramics.


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


Honestly, I never really chose just one medium, nor do I see myself stopping from exploring new mediums. Currently I'm learning glassblowing and ceramics as well as working on improving my graphic design skills on the side.


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


What I love about creating is how I can look at anything around me and draw inspiration from it. As a result, my jewelry, although inspired by nature, is far from the muted, subtle colors usually used when incorporating nature in design.

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


My work is reminiscent of peppers in my opinion. Peppers can be sweet or savory or in your face spicy and I feel that my work is very much the same way in the colors I choose and motivations I have.

Abstract painting

by STACY - ECO CREATIONS

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


I would actually love to make pins. I love the idea of creating a bunch of designs and sayings that people will then use to express themselves on backpacks, bags, clothes, etc. I just love self-expression and for my work to be the medium that people use to help express themselves would be an otherworldly feeling.

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


If people take anything from my work I would hope that it would involve having respect for the earth. If people don't start caring about their environment we won't have an earth to live on!

What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?


I have to say the most important advice I ever received was to never give up (cliche as it is!). It's really easy to give up when you go days, weeks or months with no sales, but as long as you keep on promoting on your end and have a good product the sales *will* come. (I promise!)


Thanks, Courtney, for taking the time to share your creativity and thoughts with everyone. 


To learn more about ECO CREATIONS, be sure to visit the links below.

THE CLOUD LADY BLOG

ECO CREATIONS FACEBOOK FAN PAGE

TWITTER

Love the color turquoise....? Beautiful turquoise items in this treasury?

I just found out I'm in another treasury!  I don't know how they do it, but it is always such a delightful surprise to hear that one is in a treasury on Etsy. 

This delightful "Turquoise" themed treasury was put together by Gayle from WHATS HER NAME, and Sandy from CAPE COD CONSIGNMENTS!  Another great job ladies. Thanks for including my rainbow butterfly fairy.

Here is the link to the treasury, so that you can check out all the wonderful items in it.

TURQUOISE TREASURY

This treasury will expire Friday, 12/04/09 at 7:05 p.m., so be sure to check out the shops!

FEATURED ETSY SHOP - BLUE BIRDS AND BLOSSOMS

Berries purple pink fuschia warm scarf hand knit

by

Romy

WELCOME, Romy and her Etsy shop BLUE BIRDS AND BLOSSOMS.  When you pay a visit to Romy's shop, you will find not only a wide variety of handknit scarves and neck warmers, but also her delightful, original fine art....STILL LIFE, ABSTRACT, LANDSCAPES and more! 

First, let's take a moment to learn a bit more about this talented artist by reading her interview below.

What led you to start creating your art/craft?

Like many people I did a lot of arts and crafts when I was a child. I think my mom probably still has some of my childhood drawings from when I was about 5 years old.


In college, I studied earth sciences, never took any art classes, as I was planning to work in the science field. I guess you could say through a twist of fate I wound up working as a photographer. Science became the hobby and art became the career. From there I just kept expanding into different art mediums… photography, painting, fiber arts, etc.

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

I think the mediums choose me. Seems like I'm drawn to them, the creative energy seems to flow through me to whatever medium - like an urge to express that energy.

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

The whole process… from being inspired and coming up with ideas for new pieces, to creating those pieces, and finally hearing from collectors how much they enjoy that artwork in their home makes the circle complete.

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

Had to think about this one… I'd say a wild fruit tree. They grow as part of the local ecosystem and according to the local micro-climate conditions. Wild fruit trees aren't dependant on all the inputs of fertilizer and stuff that a cultivated fruit tree is, they adapt to whatever is available. Times when everything they need is in abundance they give sweet and tasty fruit that you can't find in any store.

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

Probably either clay, mosaics, or landscape design. (Guess I couldn't choose just one - laughing). I enjoy working with my hands and also enjoy working with the earth. When I see a bare patch of ground in the garden I imagine all the beautiful flowers and edibles that can grow in that space.

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

My personal belief is to try to contribute positively to the world in whatever I do. Through my art I try to convey the beauty and simplicity of the natural world… as our lives get more hectic, complicated, and technologically advanced I find myself longing for the simpler things in life. So through art, I try to give the viewer not only a positive place to escape to for a moment, but a space to explore their own personal connection with the natural world.

What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?

Believe in your abilities… always keep learning, growing, and experimenting with your art or craft. As far as the business side goes… continue to educate yourself on running a business. Realize that it takes a lot of discipline and perseverance to be self employed, and it takes even greater perseverance to be self employed in the arts field.

GREAT, interview, Romy!  I love how you express yourself, not only in your creative talents, but in your words as well.
 
To learn more about this delightful artist, visit her links below.  Romy has also started "featuring" other artists (myself included), and you can read about them on her blog.

BLOG

WEBSITE

TWITTER

BE THANKFUL TREASURY

I just found out my Native American inspired Fairy made it into a treasury tonight on Etsy.  This treasury was a collaborative effort by WHATSHERHAME and SANDYSCAPECODORIG'S on Etsy.  Thanks for including me ladies.  Below is the link to this treasury if you'd like to visit the shops and get a better view of what each shop has to offier.

BE THANKFUL TREASURY

FEATURED ETSY SHOP - PICCOLINA DESIGNS

Bobbing for Apples Tutu

The "Bobbing for Apples Tutu" is created with a spectrum of apple hues in Gala red, Golden Delicious and Granny Smith green tulle. A truly scrumptious treat for your little girl!

WELCOME, Mia and her Etsy shop, PICCOLINA DESIGNS. What will you find at PICCOLINA DESIGNS......?  The most darling colorful tutus to make YOUR little one look like a princess!  The colors are enchanting, and Mia will be happy to work with you on a custom order, so be sure to pay her shop a visit.

What led you to start creating your art/craft?

When I discovered I was pregnant with my daughter, I began looking for modern children's clothing and was surprised to find that there weren't a lot of options. It inspired me to pull out my sewing machine and start making them myself. When she was about six months old, and becoming a mobile maniac, I decided to purchase her a tutu for a six month photo shoot. I had a vision in my mind of what I wanted, but could not find what I was looking for... and it spiraled from there. I had several friends and family members with young daughters who were endowed with tutu gifts, and I began getting orders through word of mouth. I recently started my website and Etsy site, and it has been a wonderful experience. The craft community is so supportive of each other, and have helped make it a smooth transition into the online business. It is extremely rewarding when someone falls in love with something you design.

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

I usually am inspired by my daughter to create something. I make my first design for her, and the most enjoyable part is seeing her enjoy wearing it!

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

Interesting question! Definitely a fruit, as tutus are full of sweetness. My choice would be an apple. They come in a variety of bold colors and I have been inspired by the apple orchards & Tree Adventure of Nebraska City to create one of my tutus (the 'Bobbing for Apples Tutu').

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

My profession is as an interior designer, so I am fortunate to be able to live out my other medium of choice. Our society spends most of our time in a built environment, and it is a real joy to design a positive place for people to spend their days.

TWILIGHT TUTU - Size Small

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

Life is full of whimsy. Nothing profound, but all the same.

What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?

As I mentioned before, the craft community is an incredibly welcoming group of talented people. I would recommend getting involved in the craft community, whether participating in Etsy forums or a local group of artisans, they are great sources of information and support.

THANKS, Mia, for taking the time to share your thoughts and enchanting tutus with all of us.  To learn more about Mia and her creations, be sure to visit the links below.

PICCOLINA DESIGNS WEBPAGE

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 - FREAKY KEEN

 VERONICA DOLL

by

FREAKY KEEN

WELCOME, ANNA and her Etsy shop FREAKY KEEN on Etsy.  When you pay a visit to FREAKY KEEN, you will find notebooks, dolls, jewelry, zipper charms and more.

First, let's hear what Anna has to say about how she got started in creating, by reading her interview below.

What led you to start creating your art/craft?

It’s hard to say how I started. I started learning to sew from my mom when I was little. She sewed and created a lot, most of our Christmas presents were homemade. I grew up sewing and crafting, a lot of my favorite toys I made myself. I never thought much of it as a hobby or anything until after high school, that’s when I went nuts with it. I ended up with more bags than I actually use, I’ve made almost every wallet I’ve ever owned, almost all my tank tops are t-shirts I “customized” and you can’t look around my room without laying eyes on something I created. It just kept going from there.

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

I mostly work with fabric and castoff clothing because it’s what I have on hand and it’s what I am accustomed to. One of the first projects I remember doing was a quilt I started when I was about 7 using my old baby clothes. When you handle it so much, you start to develop a taste for fabrics and the many textures and prints available to you.

BLACK CAT

by FREAKY KEEN

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

I find when I’ve spent so much time on something that I’m exhausted and my fingers hurt, it’s all worth it when I can hold up my creation and go ooh and ahh.

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

My craft is like a tomato, because the word tomato refers to many different varieties of the fruit (is it a fruit or a vegetable?), but they all are still tomatoes and still delicious and versatile. Unique individually, but together the same.

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

I already use more than one medium. Sewing is my number one choice for creativity, but my number two frequently changes as my interests do. It’s like my other hobbies. Singing, anime/manga, reading, RPGs and writing will always be top. But as for number two, I was big on yoga for a while but then I got into hiking for a bit, then dance came back although it never really left, then I started doll collecting, then charm bracelets, then chick lit, mystery novels, seed collecting, yoga again, roller blading, et cetera. I usually never completely drop a hobby, just push to the back a little. The same with my craft. I haven’t made any handkerchiefs in awhile but I feel the urge to do so, and I’m thinking of ways to combine sewing with bottle caps. Bottle caps are another thing I work with on occasion. The more I try, the more creative and imaginative I become.

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

I guess when I make things, I want people to know that there is nothing wrong with liking cute things. Your pencils don’t have to be plain, wallets don’t have to be boring or “classic”, and adults can have plushies and dolls too. And what better reason for this than that it makes you and everyone around you smile. Maybe I’m just being naïve. But hey, studies do show that smiling helps increase longevity.
What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?

Look for special sales on craft supplies and those baggie things at thrift store full of miscellaneous supplies. These are great for jump starting your creativity. Challenge yourself to learn a new skill from a sale or to find a use for an odd looking find, it’s very rewarding when you succeed at it. Also, avoid trends in crafting, do the projects you find interesting. This applies to those you sell as well as for personal use. If you make something that you don’t completely love, and it doesn’t sell, you are going to be stuck staring at it until you find someway of unloading it. And as for personal use, your free time is too precious for you to waste on an activity you don’t care for all that much. Adding on to that, don’t quit something you like just because you stink at it. My crocheting blows, but I still whip out the hooks on occasion and get down with it.

ANNA, thanks for a delightful interview!  You have a great way of expressing yourself!

To learn more about Anna and her creations, click on the links below

BLOG

FALL FANTASY....Signs of FALL on Etsy!

ACORN FAIRY FACE PIN

BY

DZFANTASY

Wear her as a pin or as a necklace!!

Fall is starting to show its beautiful, colorful face here in central Wisconsin where I live, and it will be getting more colorful in the weeks to come!  Seeing that fall is my favorite season I've put together a FALL FANTASY feature here on my blog to highlight some of the colorful "fall" items from various Etsy shops.

Due to the number of items received for this FALL FANTASY feature, I decided to break it into several segments.  A second one will be coming within the next several days.

There are signs of fall not only in nature, but also in many of the delightful shops on Etsy.  I hope you enjoy seeing the photos and paying a visit to the shops.  So now let's begin our FALL FANTASY  tour.

November Rain Photograph 8x10

by METAL LEAVES STUDIOS

Taken while leaving Chicago on a stormy November morning.

Organic Nesting Bowls - Set of 3 - Great Fall Colors - Espresso, Spice, and Mustard

By ECO CHIC HANDKNITS

A set of 3 nesting bowls handmade by myself using 100% Organic Cotton Yarn. The yarn is both grown and spun without the use of any herbicides, pesticides, or other chemicals.

BLUE SWING COAT

by JASPER VISIONS

This wonderfully soft blue coat is perfect for fall or spring. It's made of a knit blend, but the fabric is so delightly fuzzy, you can't tell if it's a knit or woven fabric unless you turn it inside out to look at the wrong side.

Pumpkin Yellow iPod Cozy (handmade knitted iPod, iPhone, iPod cozy)

by ON A ROLL COZIES

A 100% Peruvian Highland wool cozy for your iPod classic or other similarly-sized item, such as an iPhone or camera. My iPod classic fits perfectly and my little Nikon snuggles in it quite nicely as well.

Autumn Medley Dangle Earrings

by ECLECTICA BY JAN

Get ready for a new season! All the colors of autumn are here: gold, brown, orange, and even a hint of purple, blend into this fun medley of color for your earring collection.

Sweet Fall Dress, Pocketdress with adorable Acornbaby

by GERMAN DOLLS

One of my darling Waldorf Style dresses. I make them to fit my 12 inch doll model. They may fit other dolls or a teddy bear. This one I made out of an adorable Moda fall print. I just love the warm oranges/reds/browns.  Included is a small Pocketbaby that travels in the Big Front Pocket. The baby is Caucasian and has blue eyes.

Crochet Scarf in Varigated Red-Shocking Pink-Bright Orange-Yellow

by NEEDLE MANIA

Moss stitch crochet scarf, varigated red-shocking pink-bright orange-yellow , 5-1/2" wide, 68" long with fringe, made with Orlon Sayelle 4-ply yarn. Pattern stitch forms an automatic scalloped edge on the side of the garment. Machine washable on gentle cycle; cool dryer setting or air-dry.

CARMEL APPLE EARRINGS

by STUDIO SEVENTY FIVE

The lampworked beads in these earrings are spectacular! They are a crisp apple green dotted with glittery copper flecks. Beads are topped with a brass spacer and citrine round. They dangle from antiqued brass kidney ear wires.

Needle Felted Penny Pumpkin Fruit Faerie

by ANNA BELLE ARTS

Penny is a little darling. She loves Halloween. “ It’s simply the best time of the year!” she says with her sweet little voice. She loves to take her children trick or treating and rarely leaves a trick. The real treat is to see her flitting about the costumed children, scurrying about town!

Harvest Goats Milk Soap

by SISSY SOAP

Dress up your soap dish with these fun fall leaves. This is a real warm aroma of Apples and Cinnamon! Yummy! Soft shades of burnt orange. Each bar is individually wrapped and labeled.

AMBER DANGLE EARRINGS

by METALLIC PEACH

Cute dangly chain earrings, with amber coloured beads. These measure approximately 9cm.

Happy Halloween - Lampwork Bracelet and Earring Set - SRA

by BASTILLE BLEU BIJOUX

I'll be adding the 2nd segment of my FALL FANTASY feature within the next couple of days so do stop back to see all the wonderful items yet to come. I'm having problems with BLOGGER, so need to redo some of the shops I already had in this post.

FEATURED ETSY SHOP - THE JOYS OF JESS

Pink Birdie on a Branch - Hand Embroidery

by Jess

Let's welcome Jess, and her Etsy shop, THE JOYS OF JESS.  After learning a bit more about Jess and her creativity, by reading her interview below, be sure to pay a visit to her shop to see what she has to offer.

What led you to start creating your art/craft?

I used to crochet, but found that I was frustrated with how long things took to make. I was also frustrated with the cost of nice yarn! I was puttering around Michael's one day and saw a book called "The Impatient Embroiderer" and thought "Now THAT is for me." I picked up some hoops, fabric, and floss and that was that.

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

Trial and error! I've tried everything. Painting, quilting, sewing clothing, crochet, knitting, mosaics. You name it, I gave it a whirl. Embroidery is the one that has stuck so far.

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

When I finish a piece. I'm all about the end product. If I finish something and I'm proud of it, I just feel awesome.

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

This question cracks me up! I would probably pick a cucumber. I love cucumbers, much like I love embroidery. Growing cucumbers is a quick process, much like embroidery (compared to other crafts I've tried!). Now I am missing our cucumber plant!

A Field of Scribble Flowers by Jess

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


I honestly don't know! I'm very burnt out on crochet, because I did that for years. Knitting is too slow. I do teach preschool and I think my creativity comes out there in planning lessons and art projects.

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

I just want to create items to warm your home. I grew up with crossstitch on the walls and it always seemed homey to me.

What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?

Keep trying! If one type of craft isn't working out for you, try another one! There's something out there for everyone. And if you love what you do, it'll show in your work, and there's nothing better than that.

Thanks, Jess, for a delightful interview and for sharing your creativity with everyone.

To learn more about Jess, click on any of the links below.

BLOG

TWITTER

FLICKR

FEATURED ETSY SHOP - StellasKnits

Hand Knit Crochet Combination Christmas Red and Green Wide Scarf Wrap or Shawl
CLICK on photo to learn more about this beautiful scarf!

What a gorgeous scarf!! Those of us who live in areas where there is winter, won't have to wait that long for the cold wings to blow. What a lovely item to keep warm with.

Vicki of StellasKnits on Etsy has a beautiful selection of handknit items to choose from. Great prices too! Each one is prettier than the next .......shawls, capes, scarves, mittens and gauntlets, baby items and much more. Be sure to pay StellasKnits a visit! First, let's learn a bit more about Vicki and her creations.

What led you to start creating your art/craft?

I've been knitting for over 40 years when my grandma taught me how to knit. My shop name is a tribute to her - Stella - and I appreciate the lessons every day when I pick up my knitting needles to work on my latest creation!

Hand Knit Scarf - Tootie Fruity - Bright Hot Pink Yellow Orange Green

CLICK on photo to learn more about this fun scarf!

LOVE THE COLORS!

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

I think the medium picked me! I continue to learn new things all the time and love the challenge of creating a new item.

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

The fact that no matter how hard life can get at times, knitting is a constant. I can be troubled about something, pick up my needles and get lost in the work.

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

Hm, I think I would pick an orange because it starts as a seed and then begins a transformation into the perfect fruit! It's sort of like knitting. I start with a seed of an idea, begin the process of knitting each stitch into the next and transform it into a finished piece.

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

Painting with acrylics. That's something else my grandma Stella enjoyed. Sadly, the talent necessary for that art skipped me, but I take heart in the fact that her talent for painting went straight to my daughter's hands!

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

A return to the basics. Knitting has become more popular again as actors and actresses take it up and I think that's great! I think we as a society had begun to forget that you can actually make very useful things crafted in beautiful ways by our own hands.

What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?

Find something that is a passion for you. Your craft must be something you enjoy just for the sake of doing it. Rarely do you get rich from selling the items you make, but it feels so good to know that others appreciate your work.

Vicki, thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts and beautiful knit creations with everyone!

Don't forget now....stop in to see what StellasKnits has to offer. It is always delightful to have something warm and colorful to keep warm with when the cold winds start to blow!

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