FEATURED ETSY SHOP - LOVEMS

Cheetah- Lovems - Baby Security Blanket

(CLICK on the above photo to learn more about this darling CHEETAH LOVEMS)

I just spent a fun half hour going through Nancy's LOVEMS shop on Etsy trying to decide which was the cutest out of her 61 LOVEMS currently listed in her shop! They are so adorable! Each one is more adorable than the next.

Young moms, grandmas or anyone looking for a truly delightful baby gift, be sure to visit LOVEMS. It must be such fun to go looking for all the soft animals that are a part of each LOVEMS.

Read below, to hear in Nancy's own words what made her start creating her LOVEMS.

What led you to creating your art/craft?

I started making the Lovems for my little granddaughter, Maddi. Maddi couldn't carry around a stuffed animal and blanket at the same time, so I decided to take a soft squishy animal and attach it to the softest fabric I could find. Needless to say the Lovems were a hit. They are the perfect size (about 20X20) for the little ones to drag around with them and when you toss them into the car to take along the animal is already conveniently attached. Once other people and family members saw them and kept asking me to make them for them as well, I knew this was something I had to make and sell.

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

I don't think I actually decided on sewing as my outlet for creativity - I think it chose me. I have been sewing as long as I can remember beginning when I was about 5 and I cut up my Dad's new shirt to make Barbie clothes! BOY - was I in TROUBLE! To this day I always ask my mother - "how could I not want to use that shirt - it was a beautiful black western shirt with great big red roses on it?"

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

My favorite part of the creative process is the end result! I have not made a Lovems yet, that doesn't just turn out adorable and I LOVE it when people receive them and send me pictures of their little ones with them.

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

I would say the Lovems are most like a peach - they are all warm and fuzzy!

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 paint or work with Polymer Clay - although I think I'd better stick to sewing!

Security Blanket - Lovems - Penguin

Can't you just see your "little one" cuddling up to this cute little guy!
(CLICK on the photo to learn more about this LOVEMS)

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

I don't think there is any real message to convey with the Lovems.

What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?

I would tell everyone to do something that they LOVE so it never becomes just another job that you have to do. By the way - my husband would like to thank all of the customers that keep me busy up in my sewing room! And he is relieved that I am not making anymore blankets for around the house - he has always said he felt like he was living in a blanket shop - and now he actually is!

NANCY, thank you for taking the time to share your delightful LOVEMS and thoughts with everyone!! I love the one about using your Dad's shirt!!

To see more of Nancy's creations, be sure to click on the links below!

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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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FEATURED ETSY SHOP - LITTLE RED BEAR

LOLLIPOP PLUSH BLANKET

Bright and colorful on the outside and oh so soft and cuddly on the inside!!

WELCOME, Wulandari, and her delightful, handmade creations, for babies and small children. She calls her Etsy shop, LITTLE RED BEAR. I'm happy to have Wulandari out on DZFANTASY as a featured Etsy shop, so let's learn a little bit more about her.

What led you to start creating your art/craft

When I was blessed with my little baby boy, my lifestyle changed greatly. I was also given time to slow down and assemble my own thoughts, and realized that I sometimes undervalue my own creativity. I realized not only my passion for designing things for my baby, but that I dearly loved creating things in my spare time.

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

I began experimenting in sewing with my husband and my mother, who I knew had been involved in crafts for some time. I had never really sewn anything of value before; but in sewing, I discovered an enjoyable outlet for my creativity and, through Etsy, a way to reach the world.

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

The satisfaction of seeing my own creations being used by little children.

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

A Watermelon. Smooth, clean exterior that masks the time spent on it's creation, surprisingly enjoyable once it’s yours!

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

If I did not create small things for babies and kids, I would probably experiment with painting. This would be another way for me to reach people and create a visual representation of my own ideas.

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

I want people to see that handmade products can mean so much more than mass-produced ones. For me there is a true joy in seeing and using a handmade product, especially around your baby.

What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?

Get involved in communities and be willing to take on feedback. Often the best personal growth may come about through others’ ideas.

THANKS, Wulandari, for a delightful interview, and for sharing your creations with everyone. Be sure to visit LITTLE RED BEAR....you just might find the perfect item for your little one, or perhaps a gift.

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