FEATURED ETSY SHOP - LOVE, MADDY

Cherries pink and red cabochons - 6 pc. set

This listing is for 6 resin flat back beads (cabochons). Features very lovely cherries in red, pale pink, and fuchsia. The stem has a flower with a rhinestone center. You will received 2 of each color.

Let's welcome Stevie-Lynn and her fun, colorful Etsy shop LOVE, MADDY.  Pay a visit to LOVE, MADDY where you will find delightful, colorful beads to add to your own creative designs. You will also find a selection of fabrics in Stevie-Lynn's shop.

Take a moment to read Stevie-Lynn's interview below, where you will learn how she became involved in her current venture.

What led you to start creating your art/craft?

I originally sold note cards in my shop. Combining my love of fabric and sewing with paper. I'd cut images from fabric and sew them onto paper. But it seemed not to be very popular among customers, so I eventually pulled them all from my shop. Now I just focus on selling supplies.

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

I love fabric, so I decided to sell cute fabric from Japan.

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

Nowadays I don't really have much time for crafting, but I like being able to provide nice sewing/crafting supplies to others at affordable prices.

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

I'd choose a strawberry. They're cute and sweet; which sums up many of the things I sell in my shop.

Sweet green designs fabric (SALE ITEM)

1 fat quarter of fabric (18x22 inches) featuring a cute Japanese print in green. Features varous animals, ribbons, bows, and buttons.

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 try needle felting or polymore clay. I just love the 3D aspect you get from stuff made from them.

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

When I made note cards, I wanted the time and care I put into making them to come across to my buyer. So I would stamp them "Handmade with love". Now since I just sell supplies, I still package my items with the same stamped image. Because I hope that the love and appreciation for the items will show through and enhance the buyer's own crafts.

What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?

The only advice I have is to keep your eyes open and take inspiration from different things. Also, never be afraid to try a new craft or medium.

Thanks, Stevie-Lynn, for taking the time to share your thoughts and colorful supplies with everyone.  Be sure to visit the links below to see what fun supplies you might find at LOVE, MADDY for your next creative project.

BLOG

FEATURED ETSY SHOP - SID'S IN STITCHES

Sid of Sid's In Stitches makes the most colorful, delightful purses and totes. I'm happy to be featuring her shop out here on DZFANTASY, along with a "Special Giveaway" for one of Sid's purses, which she has so graciously offered. If you haven't already signed up for her giveaway, be sure you do! You will find the link in this post and the actual GIVEAWAY post is below her feature. Enjoy reading what Sid has to say about herself and her work.

What led you to start creating your art/craft?

I’ve done crafts and sewing my whole life. Several years ago I created my first bag and then made over 100 (and sold them) for a school fundraiser. This year I asked myself, “What do you really like to do?” My answer – MAKE PURSES! So now I’m working on making and selling my bags.

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

After practicing various crafts over the years, including embroidery and cross stitch (I designed cross-stitch patterns for years), I began to make quilts. It was a way to relax after I had my first child – I took a break by going to all-night quilt classes. Pretty soon I began designing quilts, and working with the beautiful quilting fabrics fed my soul. I began creating other fun items like bags, organizers, and purses and sold those patterns.

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

The most enjoyable part of creating (for me) is choosing coordinating fabric and watching them come together as a finished bag!

If you had to choose a fruit OR a vegetable to describe your work, what would it be and why?

My craft is not just one fruit – it’s a salad! Colorful melons, juicy pineapple, crunchy cashews, rich plums, unusual kiwis, and funny bananas make a purse.

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

I would love to be able to sculpt fun and colorful objects. I admire all the wonderful miniatures I’ve seen. Whatever I made would be cute, funny, and colorful.

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

I’d like people to enjoy life a little more by carrying a purse that’s fun! I also would like people to express themselves with a unique bag instead of trying to be like someone else – wanting the latest, overpriced, “designer” tote.

What advice to you have for other artists/craftpersons?

Work hard and be strong! One of the hardest things for an artist is putting yourself out there and holding up when someone says something silly or stupid that cuts you to the core. You really have to keep yourself motivated, believe in what you do, and ENJOY the doing of it!

GREAT THOUGHTS, Sid!! You can see more of Sid's fun, colorful work by visiting her links below. Also, here is the link to Sid's GIVEAWAY PURSE. All you need to do is leave a comment and your name.

SID'S IN STITCHES GIVEAWAY PURSE

SID'S WEB PAGE

VIEW PURSE STYLES

FEATURED ETSY SHOP - LA CHAPINA HUIPIL CRAFTS BY ERIN

I am very happy to feature this artist's colorful work, and I think you will find it fascinating as to how and why she started creating her wonderful pieces. Erin of La Chapina Huipil Crafts out on Etsy selected this item from her shop as her favorite. Below is information from her shop regarding this piece. Don't you just love all the wonderful colors!

I made this mosaic from scraps of many different Guatemalan huipiles. I cut them into 168 half-inch squares and attached them to thick watercolor paper using fabric glue. Within the piece there is an accent piece featuring birds from a huipil made in San Lucas Toliman.Some of the villages represented in this piece are San Andres Xecul, Tecpan, Tactic, Quetzaltenango, Chichicastenango, Nahuala, Santiago Atitlan, and Tamahu.

WOW, 168 pieces....now that takes patience! Read below to find out in Erin's own words what got her started in creating her colorful works of art, and other insights into this delightful artist.

What led you to start creating your art/craft?

I've been in Guatemala since March 2007 fostering the little girl we're in the process of adopting. In August of that year, a local orphanage was raided here in Guatemala, and political tensions surrounding international adoption were running very high. Agencies began suggesting that fostering parents, like us, stay inside with our kids until things calmed down. Rumors abounded that the police were going to question any gringos they saw with Guatemalan children. So for close to two months, I only left the apartment with our daughter a handful of times. As one would imagine, being confined to apartment grounds with a toddler for that long was challenging. Eager for something to do while the baby napped or played on her own, I started looking at craft blogs for inspiration. I hand-sewed about 20 stuffed animals and little dolls out of outgrown baby clothes and, later, felt. It was a fun diversion from the stressful reality of our situation.

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

I had long thought something really pretty could be made from the embroidered collars of huipiles. Once I got the sewing bug, I started visiting a shop here in Antigua that frequently had used collars and other huipil scraps for sale. The first things I made were some pillows that featured collars from Chichicastenango; I embroidered Spanish words like “esperanza” (hope) and “amistad” (friendship) within the circle formed by the collar.For my next project, I purchased several small of bags of huipil scraps in order to make Christmas ornaments for some family members back home. Afterwards, I posted photos of the ornaments on my personal blog, and the next thing I knew, I had people leaving comments saying they wanted to buy sets for their own families. An online friend who was coming to Guatemala kindly offered to transport any items I sold back to the US for shipping through the USPS. I accepted and was thrilled to have the opportunity to earn some money to help with the many expenses we were incurring by having to maintain households in both the US and Guatemala. Largely through word of mouth throughout the online adoption world, I ended up selling about $2500 worth of Christmas ornaments over the next couple months.

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

I love going to local markets and shops to look for the used textiles. I also find cutting up scraps for my scrap sampler bags very relaxing.

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

I suppose peppers, because they come in all different bright colors and can be spicy - They stand out from other ingredients.

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

I am constantly amazed by the amount of work that goes into the hand-weaving, so I want to spotlight the Maya women who make the textiles in the first place. My work is dedicated to them. I also want to spread the word about the many things one can make using repurposed materials.

What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?

Try to find a niche that very few other artists are occupying. Identify your target market and keep them in mind when brainstorming new products, setting prices, or advertising.

ERIN, thanks so much for sharing your wonderful story and art with us! Be sure to visit Erin's shop, LA CHAPINA HUIPIL CRAFTS out on Etsy. You may also visit her other sites by clicking on the links below.

ERIN'S BLOG

FLICKR

FEATURED ETSY SHOP - ORIGINALS BY LAUREN

Introducing Lauren's Etsy shop....ORIGINALS BY LAUREN. Here you will find fabric creations ranging from colorful, fun aprons, potholders, bags, bibs, and one-of-a-kind metal jewelry. Be sure to check out the items Lauren has to offer. Below you will hear in Lauren's own words, as she tells us a little bit about herself, and what motivates her to create.

What led you to start creating your art/craft?
I have been sewing since I was 11 yrs. old. I took a metalsmithing class 5 years ago and fell in love with jewelry making, although I don't have much listed.

How did you decide what medium you wanted to work with?
I have done different types of sewing. When my kids were little, I used to design Halloween costumes, and sell children's dresses. Later on, I starting selling children's clothing wholesale, and then I switched to dressmaking and alterations (mostly bridal). I recently got interested in adding to that with Etsy. I saw a need for plus sized aprons, and I have been making them since May.

What aspect of creating your art/craft do you find the most enjoyable?
I love choosing fabric. I want to buy them all. I love quilt shops. They have so many colors and designs.

If you had to choose a fruit or a vegetable to describe your art/craft, what would it be and why?
I think maybe apples, because they are colorful and rich, like cotton fabric.

What message, if any, do you want to convey with your art/craft?
I think I chose to make aprons for larger women because it is something I wasn't seeing in the stores. They only made larger bbq aprons.

What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?
Do something that you love to do , and would do even if you didn't get paid for it. It is very hard work, and if you are not passionate, you will not have the drive you need.

Lauren, thanks so much for taking the time to share your thoughts and work with us. You sound just like me about your "love of choosing fabric, and quilt shops"! I love all the colors and designs! Be sure to visit ORIGINALS by LAUREN by clicking on her links below:

LAUREN'S BLOG

FEATURED ETSY SHOP - FAIRY NANA a.k.a Eve Reddin Lennon

Now, doesn't this delightful, exquisite fairy outfit just make you wish you could be a fairy and flit around in it....! It did me!! I met FAIRY NANA when she sent me a convo, expressing how much she loved one of my fairies in my DZFANTASY shop. Well I just had to take a look at her shop, and was in awe when I saw her delightful creations!! Each one is more exquisite than the next one. Now if I were a fairy, I'd have to have at least several of these gorgeous creations.
I'm so happy FAIRY NANA agreed to take the time to tell us about herself, her creations, and what got her started. Please read below to hear, in FAIRY NANA's own words what she has to say.

What led you to start creating your art?

It was the “silver Lining” following a stroke. ( I have CNS Lupus) I’d lost the fine motor skills in my right hand, and a physical therapist gave me a stack of felt square ,a large needle and thread, telling me my homework was to sew lines across each piece. I told her I couldn’t sew, but she insisted, so eventually I managed. It soon became boring, so I moved on to felt flowers at which point my granddaughter requested a princess skirt for her birthday party. YIKES! Eventually I managed a rudimentary tulle princess skirt for her, but I kept working on princess and fairy skirts until I felt they were “good enough” to pass muster. I ended up donating them to the Make A Wish Foundation – something I continue doing every month.

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

I didn’t really. I had already been a painter and lost the ability with a series of strokes. Sewing and the medium of fabric came after I had to “reinvent” myself.

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

There are many – but perhaps the most precious is that I know that once someone puts my finished costume on – no matter what troubles she may have been dealing with, and no matter how she may have been feeling about herself, she will twirl around and feel beautiful , empowered, special, and absolutely as if she can make something magical happen in her life. It is almost as if I can impart a little bit of the feeling of “anything is possible” through a simple costume. I have no idea why – but when someone puts on one of these costumes they ALWAYS smile!!!!

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

That every girl – no matter what her age and no matter what is going on in her life – she is wonderful, unique, and beautiful – and that there is tremendous power in that.

What advice do you have for other artists?

Be true to yourself….and respect others as well as yourself.

Thank you FAIRY NANA, for not only creating such beautiful costumes which bring joy into the lives of others, but for taking the time to share your wonderful thoughts out here!! Be sure to visit FAIRY NANA's Etsy shop, to see more of her exquisite creations. Either click on the photo to go directly to that item in her shop, or click on the FAIRY NANA link below the photos. You won't be disappointed!

Strawberry Faery - Princess

Costume Child 3 -6

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