FEATURED ETSY SHOP - EMILY'S ESCAPE

Vintage Inspired Flower Necklace

by Emily

Swarovski Crystal and Pearl V-Shaped Drop Necklace
(Click on the above photo to learn more about this exquisite necklace)

WELCOME, Emily and her recently opened shop on Etsy, EMILY'S ESCAPE. If you are looking for some really exquisite pieces of jewelry...necklaces, earrings....be sure to pay a visit to EMILY'S ESCAPE. Her delicate designs are beautiful and the prices are great!!

What led you to start creating your art/craft?

I've been interested in making and wearing jewelry ever since I was old enough to thread a bead onto a piece of string. My craft has obviously evolved over the years. Since I love making jewelry so much, I decided to try and make a small business out of it.

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

I've experimented in all kinds of supplies for making jewelry. In the fifth grade I started selling jewelry I made with seed beads. After that I got into hemp jewelry. In high school I was very interested in chainmaille. Now I have a wedding coming up and I decided to make the jewelry for myself and my bridesmaids. That has gotten me interested in more delicate and formal jewelry made with crystal and silver.

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

I love the process of making jewelry because it helps me escape the real world. Taking a few hours to use your hands and forget about life's worries is very relaxing. I also appreciate getting comments from people. It's great to see that my work has an effect on others.

Lavender Cluster Earrings - Swarovski Crystals and Pearls Clustered on Silver Plated Chain

(CLICK on the above photo to learn more about these enchanting earrings!)

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

A strawberry. It's sweet, delicate, and pretty.

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

I already love to draw and play piano. I just wish I was better at both. If I were to try something new I might try writing a novel. I like to read and write, but I've never been able to find the time to practice my writing.

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

Jewelry that is feminine and delicate can also be edgy and unique.

What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?

Don't worry too much about the statistics on your page (sales, views, hearts, etc). Focus more on making connections with people and enjoying yourself. When you spend more time really reaching out to people and doing what you love, the rest will follow.

EMILY, it was great to have you and your delightful jewelry here on DZFANTASY as a featured Etsy artist. Your work is very exquisite. Wishing you much success!

If you'd like to learn more about Emily and her creations, be sure to visit her links below.

DEVIANT ART

LIVE JOURNAL

EMILY'S ESCAPE BLOG

FEATURED ETSY SHOP - NICOLE THREADS

Royal Blue Patchwork Pocket Top

by NICOLE

(Click on above photo to learn more about this colorful top)

WELCOME, NICOLE and her Etsy shop NICOLE THREADS. NICOLE THREADS has a wonderful selection of handmade clothes for you to choose from along with belts, wrist cuffs, earrings and more! Be sure to stop by for a visit. Now let's learn a bit more about this creative young lady.

What led you to start creating your art/craft?

I started sewing when I was about 16. I collected lots of different fabrics and vintage clothing that I knew I wanted to do something with but wasn't sure what. I eventually experimented enough to develop Nicole's Threads into what it is today.

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

I still haven't! I make clothing, paint, take pottery classes,and play music among other things... I love it all so much, but sometimes it becomes difficult to decide on which to focus more time on.

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

I love the finished product the most, each step is just part of the process. Finding someone who loves the finished product is just as rewarding.

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

Gee, I don't know. I may choose a strawberry. Someone once said that the tops I make remind them of miss strawberry shortcake, was that her name?

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

To physically show my creativity I would probably choose painting, or ceramics, I really can't decide! I love making music above all other creative outlets. You could hear it at: http://www.myspace.com/nicoleerincarey

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

I want my 'new' creations to almost be a thing of the past.. I want my clothing to be sustainable, comfortable and cute... in that order.

What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?

I'd say to keep experimenting and ask always ask questions. Promote yourself by wearing your own creations, give things to your friends, start a blog (and update it more than I do), use flickr, use everything that is free as a serious resource.

THANKS, Nicole for taking the time to be featured here on DZFANTASY. It is fun having you and your creations here, and may you keep on expressing your creativity in many ways!

To learn more about Nicole, visit her links below.

BLOG

MYSPACE

FLICKR

FACEBOOK

TWITTER

FEATURED ETSY SHOP - AMANDA @AMY MAY DESIGNS

Let's welcome, Amanda of AMY MAY DESIGNS on Etsy. AMY MAY DESIGNS offers a wide selection of items ranging from handmade, totes, clutches, as well as a variety of cute "button" earrings and necklaces.

Be sure to visit Amanda's shop....you just might find something you can't do without!

What led you to start creating your art/craft?

Boredom I guess. I am a full-time designer at a large surf company and spend many hours behind a computer, which is the opposite of what I really wanted to be in design for so…I found Etsy and just started making things I like.

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

Since I have a full-time job…still…I knew I wanted to start small to test the waters. I have always loved making jewelry, and have done it for fun since I was a teenager so I started with jewelry and with the idea that I would eventually start making handbags also. One of my other favorite things!

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

This is a tough one, possibly the shopping, either for the fabric or the beads and other notions. I LOVE to shop! I also really enjoy seeing the final product, once you have finished the closure or sewn your last seam, seeing it all come together is definitely the most rewarding…Until someone buys it, then that is the most most rewarding.

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

Hmm, wow I thought that last question was the tough one…I would say maybe an apple. Its simple, round, comes in different sizes and colors, can be sweet or tart and you can never go wrong with an apple!

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

Music, I have always been really inspired and influenced by music, and always dreamed of being a singer/musician. Even though the extent of my singing/music career lasted through sophomore year of high school choir.

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

Fun, simple and well made accessories should be affordable for everyone!

What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?

Just Make It!

Amanda, thanks for a fun interview, and for taking the time to share your creations with everyone!