FEATURED ETSY SHOP - BIT'S N' BEADS by GILLIAUNA

Handmade Choker / Necklace - Tranqulity Stone

by BITS N' BEADS by GILLIAUNA

Beautiful stone-like brown nuggets join with gold plated accents and smooth white rounds in this nature inspired choker finished with a tumbled stone pendant. There is a unique, earthy beauty to this OOAK handmade choker.

It is a brand new year and I hope to be featuring a lot of new and interesting artists out here on DZFANTASY.

I'm happy to bring you BITS N' BEADS by GILLIAUNA as my second "featured" Etsy shop. At BITS N' BEADS you will find a wide selection of  beautiful necklaces/chokers, Charms/Key Chains, Earrings, Eyeglass chaings, and a lot more!

Before you pay a visit to this delightful shop, be sure to learn about the two artists who make up "Bits N' Beads".  Below you will be hearing from Zoie, who is one of the partners in this venture.

Bits n' Beads by Gilliauna is a combined effort made up of two friends who partnered together in this endeavor of ours. Zoie and Leal, both create and design jewelry as well as share in the responsibility for all other aspects of our Etsy shop and online selling.

What led you to start creating your art/craft?

I've been crafting for my entire life... *Smile* I come from a long line of women crafters. Each generation of women in my family has had certain talents. My mother sews, embroiders and makes wonderful candy and candles... my grandmother was a potter and sculptor as well as made beautiful hand-crafted porcelain dishes. My great-grandmother made lace and did breathtaking embroidery.

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

My mother started me out early looking for what crafts I would take to... and things just progressed from there.

Handmade Gemstone Bracelet - Be Romantic with Rose Quartz and Cloisonne

Rose quartz and white Cloisonné beads with little red and pink flowers are interspersed with silver accents in this handmade and infinitely feminine bracelet. This unique, one-of-a-kind piece of jewelry is then finished off with a decorative toggle clasp.

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

I love working with colors and I absolutely -adore- shiny things. It made jewelry making a very good fit for me. I've also always been drawn to gemstones, their colors and mystical properties are intriguing to me. I often create my pieces based not just on color but also on the stone's properties.

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

A kiwi. Vibrant inside and out. Unusual and not just sustinance for the eye or body but also the spirit.

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

Only one? I suppose I'd have to choose ceramics and pottery then. *Smile* I used to work with ceramics when I was in school and I loved sitting at the wheel moulding clay with my hands. The -feel- of the clay combined with the act of creating made this both very relaxing and fulfilling.

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

That beauty and quality doesn't have to cost you a month's paycheck. That you can combine natural elements into your everyday life and style.

What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?

Do what you love. You can be good at a great many things that you just hate doing. Talent doesn't necessarily mean enjoyment and you should go after the activities you enjoy.

THANK YOU, Zoie, for taking the time to share your thoughts and the creativity of both you and Leal. 

To see learn and see more about BITS N' BEADS, and what these artists have to offer, be sure to visit the links below!

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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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FEATURED ETSY SHOP - HOT PINK CHICK

Changing Seasons Bracelet

by BONNIE of HOT PINK CHICK

Sure to get lots of compliments, beautiful Czech glass leaves, yellow faceted Czech glass rondelles with Picasso finish and tiger eye jasper rounds are individually wire wrapped onto an etched, raw brass oval link chain. The focal point of this creation is a large, lovely, slightly patinaed brass leaf.

Let's weclome, Bonnie and her Etsy shop, HOT PINK CHICK.  The exquisite bracelet above is only one of many beautiful pieces of original designed jewelry you will find when you pay a visit to HOT PINK CHICK!  Bonnie has wonderful designs of earrings, necklaces, bracelets and more to choose from.

I think it is always interesting to learn a bit about the artist behind the wonderful creations we can find on Etsy, so before you pay a visit to HOT PINK CHICK, let's hear from Bonnie.


What led you to start creating your art/craft?

I've always been artistic, my father is a painter and I grew up in a household that was very creatively motivated.


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

I came across jewelry making a few years ago and fell in love. The limitless possibilities always keep it fresh and exciting for me.

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


I love seeing people wear and enjoy the things I've created. That's the most rewarding part of what I do. It's such a rush for me to sit with a bunch of individual components and put them together to make something people want.

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

Wow! What an interesting question! I'd have to say an onion (even though I'm allergic) because it has many layers and can be used in many different ways to compliment many dishes.

BLUE FLASH NECKLACE

by BONNIE

If you've never experienced labradorite gemstones, now is your chance! These fascinating stones flash brilliant blue in the light. They're amazing!  This sterling silver box link chain is anchored by a sterling silver circle design pendant from which five smooth round labradorite gemstones hang.

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

That's an easy one - interior decorating. That's my other passion. I love putting color on walls and coordinating a room with various textures, fabrics and pieces.

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


I would definitely want to convey that I love what I do and all my jewelry has some of that love in it. I want to give women affordable, pretty, stylish pieces that they can wear every day.

What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?

Love what you do and never give up. These go hand in hand for me. There will always be slow times, there will always be times when you've stepped into a new arena and need to establish yourself and there will always be times when you doubt yourself and your talent. They don't call us 'starving artists' for nothing! But if you love what you do and you stay true to yourself and your art, it's easier to keep pushing forward towards success.

Bonnie, lovely, lovely creations, and great interview!  Thanks for sharing your thoughts and creativity with all of us.
 
To learn more about Bonnie and her jewelry, be sure to visit her links below.
 

HOT PINK CHICK BLOG

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FEATURED ETSY SHOP - AGERATUM JEWELRY by DONNA

Amethyst Elegance Necklace with a Fiery Spark

AGERATUM JEWELERY

by DONNA

The gorgeous amethyst necklace shown above is only one of the many beautifully designed pieces of jewelry that you will find when you visit Donna's Etsy shop, AGERATUM!  Donna has a huge selection of necklaces, earrings, earring/bracelet sets and more, so be sure to stop by for a visit.  Here you will find some great gift ideas, and also great savings.  AGERATUM is offering a "holiday sale" through December 15th!!  Don't miss out!

To find out a bit more about this delightful jewelry artist, read her interview below.

What led you to creating your art/craft?

I've always been inclined to make things myself and have done many kinds of crafts. One day, while visiting our kids in MA, we girls decided that to visit a shop and make our own necklace/etc. would be fun. I have been stringing ever since and can't seem to stop!


How did you decide what medium you wanted to work with?
I've always liked natural stones. My brother cuts gemstones and that probably enhanced my desire to make beautiful things with natural gemstones also. Since then I have branched out into glass and this year I have purchased a set of polymer snowmen for earrings. The thought of using plastic just makes me shudder, although I suppose there are some beautiful plastic beads around.

What aspect of creating your art/craft do you find the most enjoyable?
The finished product - and its NOT finished until its most enjoyable to me!


If you had to chose a fruit OR vegetable, to describe your art/craft, what would you chose and why?
A strawberry. It has such vibrant colors, it starts out as a pretty little green plant, then a beautiful little white flower appears (much like a thought that pops into my head for creating), then it grows into a beautiful red fruit (red, my favorite) that is sweet and tart (down right sassy) and has all those varied little seeds adorning it. Yummy! And quite often they are shaped like little hearts - symbolizing love. That's where my creations come from - the heart.

If you had to chose one other medium in which to dislay your "creativity", what would that be, and why?
Photography. I'm not very good at it, but it just thrills me to capture some of God's handiwork in a still picture. I am learning how to use those few good pics I get to turn them into objects of appreciation. Am I thinking a new etsy shop here??? hmmmm

What message, if any, do you want to convey with your art/craft?
Just love one another - be happy, enjoy life. Never give up.

With All My Heart .....
feel so special while wearing this lovely bracelet and earring set .....or give as a gift

What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?

My first thought is "Oh my! I need all the advice I can get!" Not sure if I could help someone else. HA Maybe, just put love into your work, and always do the best you can. Be open to criticism - it is a learning tool, even though it may hurt a little.

Donna, thanks for a delightful interview, and for sharing all of your lovely creations with everyone!  One can tell you really enjoy what you do!


You can visit Donna's shop by clicking on any of the photos below, to go directly to that item, or click on her shop name below the photos, to visit her AGERATUM shop.

FEATURED ETSY SHOP - BY CAMILE

CREAM AND LAVENDER BEADED COLLAR

by CAMILE

CLICK on photo to learn more about this exquisite creation!

WELCOME, Camile and her Etsy shop, "by Camile". When you a pay a visit to "by Camile", you will find a wide selection of lovely items to choose from....collars/scarves, lariats/necklaces, bracelets/earrings and much more!

Let's read below to learn a bit more about Camile and her creations.

What led you to start creating your art/craft?

Having a child yet also having a desperate need for a creative outlet. Once I got pregnant I had to stop oil painting, pastels etc. Then once my daughter was born I no longer had the kind of time I was used to having. I tried scrapbooking and that didn't work. I just stumbled onto crocheting while in my fav section in Walmart...the craft and hobbies section. I bought a book to teach myself how and that's how I started. I fell in love with yarn and realized this was perfect, it was portable and it was also relaxing.

FLOWER SCARF in Indigo, Orange and Green
CLICK on photo to see more of this lovely item!

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

Of course everyone crochets with yarn, but I also enjoy crocheting with wire.

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

With yarn I love the feel and texture of the yarn as it passes through my finger. With wire it's different...it's kind of hard on the fingers, but I love the way it looks.

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

I'm thinking passion fruit. My work is sexy, feminine and colorful. At the same time, I like simple things without tons of embellishment.

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

I would love to learn how to knit. I've tried a few times and gotten frustrated, but I intend to learn one day.

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

I don't know if I have a message so much as just wanting to create pieces that will enhance your current wardrobe.

What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?

You need a heavy dose of patience and persistence. It's been a year since I opened my Etsy shop and I'm still trying to figure things out.

THANKS, Camile for giving us a bit of an insight into what makes you create your lovely pieces. I always wished I would have listened to my grandma and let her teach me how to crochet! I never could get the hang of it! Your designs and work are very lovely.

To see all of Camile's creations, be sure to visit her shop by clicking on the photos and links below.

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FEATURED ETSY SHOP - RACHEL MORGAN DESIGNS

Bird, Nest, and Egg Pendant or Brooch

by

RACHEL MORGAN DESIGNS

CLICK on photo to learn more about this charming item!

WELCOME, Rachel and her Etsy shop, RACHEL MORGAN DESIGNS. When you pay a visit to Rachel's shop, you will find original designed necklaces, earrings, and also several household items. Her prices are very affordable, and the designs are charming, so be sure to stop in for a peek!

What led you to start creating your art/craft?

I have always been interested in crafting, and had been doing hemp jewelry for fun since the summer camp days. After I got hired at a desk job that required me only to answer the phone (that barely rings!) I decided to start making jewelry in my spare work time. It then progressed into a hobby I do outside of work!

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

I chose jewelry simply because it was something I could do at my desk. My other hobbies (painting, screenprinting) are inherently messy.

Mermaid Dangle Beaded Earrings

CLICK on earrings to learn more about them!

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

I really enjoy looking at a finished product and being proud of it. I love the calm it brings me as well. Nothing makes a pleasant end to an otherwise crappy day like sitting down and creating a few new pieces in the evening.

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

Odd question! I guess I'd say...apples. There are multiple varieties and colors, everyone has a favorite, but they're all delicious.

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 one other medium, it would definitely be painting. I paint just about as much as I create jewelry, I just haven't yet put anything up for sale.

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

If there's a message to convey, it's that anyone can be creative, and that some of the most simple things can be the most expressive and beautiful.

What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?

My advice: Don't create your art for money. Create your art because you want to, because it's worth it to you. Ask yourself -- if I were to never make any money off this, would I continue to do it? If the answer is no, you might as well stop now; your lack of passion will show. If the answer is yes, keep crafting. You will be successful.

Great answers, Rachel! ThankS for taking the time to share these thoughts and your creativity with everyone.

To see more of Rachel's designs, be sure to visit her links below.

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