FEATURED ETSY SHOP - MARY HANKS

RABBIT, RABBIT PILLOW

by MARY HANKS

I've always loved bunnies, real ones, and any others! This delightful Rabbit pillow by MARY HANKS on Etsy, gives one a very cozy feeling just looking at it. I'm happy to have Mary here on DZFANTASY as a featured artist, and hope you enjoy learning a bit more about Mary and her creativity. When you pay a visit to MARY HANKS, you will find a wide range of items to choose from...children's boutique, paintings, bibs and blankets, purses and totes, all created by Mary.

What led you to start creating your art/craft?

As long as I can remember I've always enjoyed making things. When I was in school, making a collage trumped writing a book report any day! Making & giving gifts that are homemade, cooking, refurnishing furniture, it's just always been a way of life.

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

Well my medium changes because I CAN'T decide what to work with! My shop has more sewn/fabric things, but I'm just as happy with painting. I have done some sculpture, although none are currently for sale. Guess it's time to revisit that craft.

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

Imagining the recipient enjoying whatever item they've purchased from my shop.

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

I'm an avid gardener and cook, enjoying both of those mediums here at home. Unfortunately they don't transfer that well to my Etsy business, or at least I haven't figured out how to practically do that!

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

My Heart's Desire...to use whatever talent that God has given to me to bring glory to Him,to create items of joy, fun, love & grace that will bless those who purchase or give something from me.

What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?

Learning how to photograph and best display is so important. I'm still working on that aspect of this business.

Thanks, Mary, for sharing your thoughts and creativity with all of us. I'm sure you won't run out of ideas of what to do with your talents. Be sure to visit MARY HANKS to see all the lovely items Mary has to offer.

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WEB PAGE

FEATURED ETSY SHOP - NINA'S WINDOW

"GRAPES" by Nina

Let's welcome Nina, whose shop on Etsy is called Nina's Window. What a exquisite painting! I happened across Nina's work and was so entranced by the colors and designs, that I had to write her and ask her if she would be a "featured artist" on my blog. Happily, Nina agreed!

Read below to hear what Nina has to say about herself and her artwork. I think you will find it truly inspiring and wonderful! Be sure visit NINA'S WINDOW and her other links to see and learn more about this talented artist.

What led you to start creating your art/craft?

I discovered my artistic ability after being diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis about 9 years ago. To say that my life would change drastically would be an understatement. Before my diagnosis, I was an extremely active person. I played organized softball, rode mountain bikes, went camping, enjoyed hiking, water skiing, and snow skiing. My husband and I did a lot of this together along with our three children.

One day out on a walk with the family, I began to stumble and I could not figure out why. We sat for a while and after resting I felt fine again. As time went by, I began to have more and more of these weird feelings in my left foot, numb feelings on my ribcage, blurred vision and feeling completely exhausted. It was a frustrating road to diagnosis because the doctors were unable to pin point the cause. It was not until five years later and several MRI’s that I was diagnosis with MS. I was told there is no cure. Doctor’s do not know how, or why, some people get it. Some doctors believe it is caused by genetics, cold weather, and certain vaccines. It is a progressive decease.

“Progressive” was the operative word for me. I am a realist. I had a pretty good idea of what my future was going to look like as far as my physical activity level and mobility was concerned.

I understood it was not a pretty picture. But it is what it is; I needed to put into perspective what I planned to do with what I had. I’m not only a realist, I am also a fighter. I began to pray diligently. I asked God to give me a new passion and purpose in life. I knew that God had not given me, an outgoing and spirited personality to end up in a wheelchair just looking out a window. I knew he had a purpose and a plan. Jeremiah 29:11 tells us, “For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Dwelling on that, I kept praying.

A very good friend and neighbor gave me some paints and a canvas for a Christmas gift. She said “I know you would be good at painting. You are so creative and outgoing!” I responded, “Thank you”. When she left, I put it all in the closet, "out of sight, out of mind". I had never painted a thing in my life. Truth be told, I had no desire to. Going to art shows or museums was boring in comparison to my previously active lifestyle. So, I kept praying and telling God that I needed Him to give me a new passion…by the way painting was not what I had in mind.

Meanwhile my disease was progressing. I was experiencing less and less mobility. Throughout this entire process, Mondays were coffee days in my neighborhood. This particular Monday I woke up with a different feeling in my heart. As we were all sitting around talking and laughing I announced that I was going home and I was going to paint. I remember going to the closet, pulling the paints and canvas out and wondering how on earth I was going to make something look like anything on this white canvas square staring at me. I was scared. This was not my thing… or so I thought. But I felt that God put this desire in my heart for some reason. I do believe that when God closes a door He opens a window. The door has closed for me physically but He has opened a beautiful window for me with my art. That is why I call my artistic ability “Nina’s Window”. I give God all the glory and the credit. He has been so faithful to me. I love painting. It is so inspiring and it has given me such a venue to express myself.

I love seeing the joy on my friend’s and family’s faces when they see my art. Watercolor is my favorite painting medium. I like the unpredictable qualities it has. Through art, I have met wonderful people and I have learned a lot about myself as an artist and as a person.

Is living with MS difficult? Yes. Do I have difficult days? Sometimes. Am I angry? Absolutely not. My husband and I have three children. Our daughter Erika is 24, married and has a baby boy. Our sons are Ryan, 21, and Jeremy, 19. I have to be honest and say that I don’t know what the future holds for them. Difficult times and challenges come to all of us. I want them to see how full life can be in spite of very difficult challenges. I want them to persevere, be tenacious and to be fighters. I want to inspire in them the belief that God is faithful and that He will never leave us or forsake us.

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

I started with oils (which is what my friend gave me), but it took too long to dry. I switched to acrylics and really liked it. However, once I tried watercolor I was sold. I love how it can be so unpredictable. It is by far my favorite.

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

I love that there are no rules. I paint what I want, when I want and if someone likes it? Well that much better. Getting lost in color and creating is the best 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 red chili pepper. I love the color red. I think of my work as very colorful, passionate and spicy. Making a statement.

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

I would say "music". Specifically, the trumpet. I am a real tomboy. Piano, violin, flute, etc. they just weren't me. I love the sound of a trumpet.

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

Fun! How color lifts your spirit!

What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?

Paint, paint and paint. Don’t give up. The more you paint the better you get. Don’t let anyone discourage you. There is no such thing as a mistake. You learn something every time you paint. How can that be a mistake?

Nina, I can't tell you what a pleasure and honor it has been to have you out here on my DZFANTASY blog as a featured artist. I'm sure your story will inspire others. What a great spirit and gift you have! Be sure to visit Nina's links to find out more about her and her wonderful work.

A CHERISHED MEMORY (Nina's other Etsy shop)

BARGAIN BELLES

ART/CRAFT SHOWS IN A SLOW ECONOMY

Some of my mermaids enjoying the breeze at an art show this past weekend!

This past weekend I did my 5th art show of the season at the STONEWOOD VILLAGE ART FAIR in Brookfield, Wisconsin. I have been doing this lovely show for 4 years now, and this weekend really brought home just how much the slow economy is affecting sales for artists and crafters!

It is a very well run show, and takes place in a delightful New England style setting of shops and restaurants, winding paths, and a central plaza. It is a juried art show, and each year the quality of the artwork being exhibited gets better and better. The show offers jewelry, garden art, glass, photography, painting, ceramics, fiber and a lot more.

It seems that the slow economy is not only affecting the sales of exhibiting artists, but also the number of people attending the show. Saturday started out a bit "drizzly" weather wise, but by noon it turned out to be a gorgeous sunny, not too hot day! I was amazed at the very low number of people attending the show. Sunday we had another gorgeous day for the weather, and while there was a bit bigger crowd, there definitely weren't that many people carrying packages....unless, of course, they had a tiny purchase tucked into a purse or pocket!

I talked to many of the artists at the show and they all were saying the same thing.....sales were "way down", not only at this show, but at others they had already done this season. It seems this is a trend that has been going on for about two years now. Will it get better.....?? We as artists and crafters certainly hope it does. My creating is a passion with me, as I know it is with many other artists, so I'm not about to "throw in the towel", and stop creating....anytime soon!! I've had one fantastic show out of the five I've done so far....so everyone just needs to keep on doing what they love!

Several suggestions for taking some of the cost and risk out of doing shows in these slow times are:

Limit the number of shows you do.

Do shows in your immediate or close surrounding areas. Saves on gas and overnight lodging expenses.

Do shows that have been good for sales for you in the past.

If possible, pick one day shows instead of two.

Stay positive and cheerful at all times!

It would be fun and interesting to hear from artists in other states and areas, to hear how the "slow economy" is affecting your art/craft shows sales and experiences, if any!

Be sure to leave a comment!

FEATURED ETSY ARTIST - EllaParry On Line Art Shop

I love this artist's whimsical, charming drawings, and am happy Ella agreed to take the time to share her art and thoughts with us.

Below you will hear in Ella's own words what she has to say about how she got started in her art and how she feels about it.

Be sure to take the time to visit Ella's shop out on Etsy and also her other links.

Hello! I'm a Brit artist who's really Chinese, originally from Cambodia, lived in Hong Kong, Thailand, Lau, Maco, now living in the UK with my lovely muscian husband for nearly 10 years.


What led you to start creating your art?
I have always had a strong passion for art ever since I was able to pick up my first pencil as a child. After ten years of working and living just to pay bills, and not living the life I always dreamed of, I finally decided to leave my full time job to be a full time freelance illustrator, and try to make my dream come true for myself. Last November, I was lucky and found Etsy!

How did you decide what medium you wanted to work with?
It is based on the environment in which I live, I live in a small place and have little time for art and creating, so I chose coloured pencils for my main medium because it is easy to handle within the limited space I have. In addition, it has allowed me to draw anytime when I can. I love to use a watercolour paper mixed with coloured pencils, which makes for a very great texture.

What aspect of creating your art do you find the most enjoyable?
I enjoy every single moment for creative from the research to complete it. It makes me feel I am alive again.

If you had to choose a fruit OR a vegetable, to describe your art, what would you choose, and why?
I would choose fruit--- the tropical fruit. It is colourful, attractive, warm, sweet and feels like sunshine.

What message, if any, do you want to convey with your art?
I convey my dreams and emotions into my pieces. I enjoy designing characters with surreal gestures in extraordinary scenes that I could be in. By creating my own atmosphere, I aim to make people feel relaxed, smile and forget all the worries they have in the real world and bring them into a fantasy.

What advice do you have for other artists?
Don’t give up your dream, we only live once, do what you want for yourself, and be proud of yourself.

THANKS ELLA, for sharing your thoughts and art with us! I always love to hear when someone has followed their dreams! HAPPY CREATING!

ELLA'S BLOG

ELLA'S MY SPACE

FEATURED ARTIST....Elena Diadenko-Hunter

I was roaming around Etsy the other day looking at all the varied art work out there, and was thrilled to f ind this very talented artist!

I contacted Elena to see if she would like to share her thoughts, ideas and art with us. Happily, she agreed to take the time to tell us about herself and her art.
The above photo is just one of her many delightful works of art! It is really hard to choose a favorite! I love the color and whimsey of it!

Read below to hear what Elena has to say about her beginnings as an artist, and to see more of her colorful work, be sure to visit her web page and Etsy shop. Her links will be below:

Elena, the "budding" young artist!

I love art so much that it is like breathing to me. I do it because I cannot live without it; I see the whole world through the eyes of an artist. My art speaks for my soul. Sometimes, it is happy and pleasing. Other times, it is sad and controversial. Always, it is colorful, unique, and imaginative. My art reflects my love of humanity, the power and beauty of women, and the confusion life brings to us.
I believe art should be very powerful and complex. Somebody once said that art imitates life. Life is complex, so why shouldn't art be? Art should encompass our emotions, experiences and beliefs. It should tell stories, protest injustices, inspire the imagination, nourish spiritually, make people think, please, amuse, inflict pain, confuse, enlighten, and sometimes anger. Everybody feels these feelings, but artists transform these feelings into paintings, sculptures, poems, movies, songs, and plays. My passion is painting. I use color, line and a variety of art methods to express myself.
I was born in Ukraine, and I started painting at the age of 2. I knew then that I wanted to become an artist. I became serious at the age of 10. Between the ages of 11 and 22, I attended 3 specialized art schools, which were very rigorous, but they made an artist out of me. What I learned primarily from my education in the former Soviet Union is that there are 3 aspects to becoming a great artist: great technique, creativity, and years of hard work.

What led you to start creating your art?

As long as I remember myself being a child, I always wanted to be an artist, and that desire never stoped inside of me.

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

I choose my medium depending on the theme of my work.

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

I enjoy when people understand what I am trying to say through my work.

If you had to choose a fruit or a vegetable to describe your work, what would it be and why? (this is a crazy little question I put in)

It would be a kaledoscope, because I can not stop at one particular style of work, I love variety.

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

Every painting has its own message.

What advice do you have for other artists?

Be creative, learn from others and produce your own unique art.

ELENA'S WEB PAGE

THE BIRTH OF A MERMAID

Mermaids have fascinated mankind down through the ages...! I think it is always fun to see all the different styles and mediums used by artists to create mermaids. My mermaids are colorful, whimsical creatures, which I design and create entirely out of fabric. I hand-draw, needle-sculpt, and hand-paint each face individually.

Here I will try to show you several of the steps involved in creating one of my smallest mermaids. She is only 6.5" tall. Her fin span is 5". The upper bodies of all my mermaids are 100% silk tussah fabric. Tussah silk is a silk derived from wild moths, whose main diet is oak leaves. The amount of tannin in the leaves determines the natural color of the silk.

Below is a photo showing my original template ( I tend to scribble on them to get my pens started) for the upper body, along with the the fabric and the upper body drawn onto the top side of the fabric. I use a very thin interfacing which I iron onto the silk fabric. It is on this side, that I trace the pattern. The interfacing allows me to draw the pattern without actually drawing onto the silk. It also provides a stronger piece of fabric. A lot of stress is put onto the fabric when stuffing. I also use the smallest size stitch on my machine to actually sew the body pieces.

In the photo below you will see the 3 parts that make up this tiny little mermaid...her tail was created from a batik fabric. The tail fins were first stuffed lightly with acrylic fiberfill. I then top-stitch a design on the fins. Next, I insert fabric coated floral wire into the sections of the fins, so that when she is finished you can bend them up or down a bit. After the floral wire is in, I clip it so that the wires reach about .75" below the waist opening. I then finish stuffing the rest of the tail. That is what you are now seeing in the photo below.

The upper portion of the body has been cut, sewn and firmly stuffed with acrylic fiberfill up to about the waist. The next step is to insert the upper body portion into the top of the tail. Her head has been sewn and stuffed with fiberfil, and will be added to the body later.The photo above shows the top opening of the tail. This is the hard part...getting the little upper body to fit perfectly into the top of the tail, and hold it there while I hand-sew it into place using clear fishing line.
OK...now the body is attached at the waist!! Next step is deciding what yarns I want to use for her waist accent and hairdo. For this little mermaid, I've used 4 different yarns.. 3 "eyelash" style yarns in various shades of green, and a sparkly yarn that will make her glisten, as if she just came out of the sea!

The next step will be to give our little mermaid a belly button, and sew a Swarovski crystal into the center of it. Then I will finish up with the stuffing of her upper body. She will have fabric coated floral wire armatures in her arms, so that these also may be bent up or down a bit......!

TO BE CONTINUED....Be sure to stop back and see how our little mermaid is progressing!

WELCOME BACK....to The Birth of A Mermaid

We now find our little mermaid with her Swarovski crystal belly button in place, and her upper body firmaly stuffed.

The next step was attaching her head to her body as shown in the photo above. At this point, I then decide what she will be wearing for her accessories and accents.

Now our little mermaid is starting to come to life...and you can see her below with all her accessories/accents, which are all hand-sewn onto the mermaid using a 2mm clear fishing line. Her necklace is sewn onto the body so that you can not see the stitching at all!

She is wearing a necklace which I designed using 4mm Swarovski crystals, and real little sea shells strung on colored wire. She also has crystals and sea shells sewn at her waist.

Now comes the best part....I love creating the faces, which is when each creation takes on its own little personality....!

COME BACK TO SEE HER FINALLY COME TO LIFE!

Tues, May 3rd: We are now back to see the final steps taken before the little mermaid "came to life". Below is a photo of the needle sculpting of her face: I start at the bridge of the nose, work down, create her nostrils, and than go into the corner of the mouth, and up to the outer edge of the eye.

I have several other tutorials out here which show the steps I take to create the faces, so have decided not to show each step here. After the face is sculpted, I hand-paint the eyes and lips using acrylic paint. The eyelash are applied using a Micron pen size .005. The eyes and lips then get a coat of crystal clear 3D lacquer by Sakura, which gives the faces a very "life-like" look and shine. The face is also sprayed with a matte finish sealer by Krylon, so it will not run or smear.

AND NOW......HERE SHE IS...........!

She just sold at an art show today! (6/7/08)

FEATURED ARTIST - BAG LADIES, TOO

WELCOME, Nancy of Bag Ladies, Too, as she tells us in her own words, what inspires her, how she got started in designing and creating her wonderful, colorful, one-of-a-kind bags. I just LOVE the one in the photo here! It is not only colorful on the outside, but on the inside also. (see it in her shop) I really can relate to her thoughts on "one can never have enough fabric"!!

Those are my feelings also. Even though, I also have mounds of fabric in my stash!!

What led you to start creating your art?

I have always loved to sew and was in fact making custom lingerie before I began making handbags. I also made some gowns for some of the pageants in my area. And one day when I was looking for a bag to go with a certain outfit and couldn't find one I thought "hey, I could make one." I ended up loving it and so did everyone else that saw it. So many of my friends told me they were tired of seeing the same bag on everyone's arm and the knockoff's that were crowding all the stores. So my Mom and I talked about it and decided with all the different fabrics out there, all the different and exciting trims and colors you could really make tons of bags and probably never make the same one twice. My Mom has been wanting to open a boutique so we took the bags along with her wearable art and jewelry and Bag Ladies, too was born. And then we found Etsy. I love Etsy!

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

I found I was a fabric fanatic around 25 years ago when I made a few pillows for my couch. I now admit I have an illness. I can stand up in a room and admit I have an obsession. I love lace and texture. I love colors and patterns. I love silks and satins and the way it slides through your hands. I love the way new fabric smells. It's crazy. I have tons and tons of fabric. This is no joke, and the people out there who have the same sickness can back me up on this. I am talking yards upon yards upon yards of fabric. I have enough to make plenty of bags. But I cannot walk into a fabric store or peruse the Internet shops and not buy a few more yards. I am the person who goes to the store for 2 yards and because there is a sale that says for an extra few dollars you can get 3 more yards........well guess how much I got? I am thinking of starting a group for all of us!

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

I love to put fabrics together. finding the combination that makes the bag look incredible. Then putting the right beads or the perfect eyelash trim in just the right place. The process of getting there. Putting on the TV so I have some background noise. I never watch it but it keeps me company. And sometimes blasting the stereo.....Queen, Lynard Skynard, Led Zeppelin, Mozart or Bocelli. Then pulling out whatever color scheme hits me and going to work. I get lost in it. Sometimes I look up and hours have passed.

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

My bags are One of a Kind. I will never make two alike. So my message is to be you. find what you like, what really turns you on. Don't get it because everyone else has one. No matter what it is....a shirt, pants, handbag, car....whatever. I was the Mom who let my daughter express her style from the time she could dress herself. She used to put all kinds of combinations on. And that was okay with me. It made her feel good. And today she has great style at the young age of 12. We look at magazines and go in stores and she really puts together great stuff. And my Mom is the same way. She has incredible style. Buy the things that call out to you. The things that you fall in love with the minute you see them. You wear clothing pretty much 24/7. Be comfortable!

What advice do you have for other artists?

I know it may sound cheesy and everyone that is asked this question says the same thing. Don't Give Up!!!!! It takes a while to get going. Just remember art is what you say it is. I had a teacher that told my daughter that pigs were pink. Well hers was green. The fact is pigs are not all pink and even though a real pig might not be born green they can be green. It was her picture, her pig. And don't copy anyone. Make your art....jewelry, bags, soap, whatever you do, yours. There are only so many styles and shapes of bags. But there are hundreds if not thousands of fabrics and combinations and trims out there. Make a name for yourself. And make customer service the most important thing in your shop. Take the time to write a nice note with your feedback. It doesn't have to be a novel....just a short nice little thanks. Pack your items with care and add that extra touch no matter what it is. And if you say you are going to do something make sure you follow through. It makes your customers want to come back.

Thanks, Nancy, for a delightful interview! Be sure to visit Nancy's Etsy shop, and also her blog.

NANCY'S BLOG