FEATURED ETSY SHOP - LITTLE RED BEAR

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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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FEATURED ETSY SHOP - LITTLE GREEN SHOOT

Oscar

It is with great pleasure that I bring you this delightful 17 year old artist, and her charming creations. Welcome, Chloe' of Little Green Shoot, and one of her creations, Oscar, the cute little fellow above. You really must take the time to visit Little Green Shoot to see Chloe's other creations.

What led you to start creating your art/craft?

I wish I knew! My bears in particular were a complete suprise! At first it was my intention to recycle my leather offcuts into Journals. Then, just 3 weeks later I was looking down at my very first Leather & Suede Artist Bear - Toby. Craft in general though has always been a part of my life. It's one of those things you dont get a choice in. Busy hands, happy head. If it weren't for needles & thread I'd go crazy...although some days I'd swear it was the root of my insanity!

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

It was all a big accident really. I'd come across a large amount of leather offcuts that were soon to be discarded, and took them off their hands. It's such beautiful material, I hated the thought of it going to waste. I didn't know then what it would be used for -I just knew I could give it new life.

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

Everything! Every stitch & every snip! I hand sew all my bears. It's true it takes awhile, and my fingers protest - butIi love every minute of it. It's all worth it when you see their tiny faces staring back at you!

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

I think a kiwi. They may look a little different, feel a strange kinda fuzzy, but they're beautiful and sweet underneath it all - plus, they're green - which suits us!

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

Writng. I love escaping into my own world and exploring the wild imaginations of others. Writing can be powerful and beautiful, in fact it's to books I owe my imagination!

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

I guess if I had anything to say, it would be to let my work speak for itself . I'm 17, and I am happy sharing that with people. It's sad, but sometimes it gets a negative response. I've taught crafts to bright younglings and I'm a huge supporter of young talent!

What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?

Do what you love. Love what you do! It's important to learn new things, especially when you find yourself getting a little bored or frustrated. It'll give your creativity a kick, as well as your Making Mojo!

Chloe'...you are truly a delightful young lady, and I hope you keep on designing and creating your enchanting creations! Thank you for sharing your ideas and creativity out here with us, and also for taking the time to teach others! To learn more about Chloe' and her creations be sure to visit her Little Green Shoot shop on Etsy, and visiting her other links below.

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FEATURED ETSY SHOP - LOVE AND A SANDWICH

You will have to check out Chelsea's LOVE AND A SANDWICH shop out on Etsy to find out who this delightful fellow is! I'm happy to have Chelsea of LOVE AND A SANDWICH out here on DZFANTASY as a featured artist. I believe you will enjoy reading what Chelsea has to say about herself and her work. She is truly delightful, just like her creations!

Hi! I'm Chelsea Rae, I'm 19 years old and the one woman handsewing machine behind Love and a Sandwich. I hope my work makes you laugh or at least makes you giggle under your breath.

What led you to start creating your art/craft?

I worked at a craft store one summer between college semesters, and even though it was mostly boring it was sometimes really inspiring to be around all these materials, and have all this time to brainstorm things to make with all of them! I was also inspired by one of my favorite artists Brandy Milne, who had recently put up a bunch of strange looking monsters on her site, and I fell in love with them. I wanted to make my own so bad! So I bought a bunch of felt, borrowed my moms sewing kit, and took out some embroidery and doll making books from the library. I had hardly any sewing experience at all, and taught myself all from scratch. After I made my first plush, (A small 3 inch tall embroidered owl made out of old sheets and felt) I didn't really want to stop. And I haven't. That was last September.

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

It just kind of happened I guess. I tried it and I really loved it. So I kept at it. It didn't hurt that felt was pretty cheap and easy to come by. My drawings were always simple so it seemed more appropriate for them to be in 3D form, which made my monsters look much more impressive. Also, sewing was something I could do while I was doing something else. I watch movies and documentaries a lot while I sew. When I was drawing, the hyperactive part of my brain wanted to do something else, so I never got as much drawing done as I wanted to. With sewing I could get all the pieces cut out, and then turn on a movie and watch it while I did the tedious parts of sewing.

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

Designing them, and getting really excited about what they're going to look like when they're all done! Having all the pieces cut out and laid out on top of each other, and being really happy about it, so happy I might even start wiggling around in my seat with excitement.

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

Hahaha good question! Hmm I'm not sure. I guess oranges, 'cause they're squishy and vivid and good with breakfast! Just like my monsters.

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

Clay probably. I do love drawing, but it stresses me out sometimes. I'm afraid to mess up. My monsters look so much better in 3D than they ever could on paper, and I like the idea of being able to pick up and hold and feel whatever you've made, instead of just being able to look at it.

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

Happiness! Hmm... yeah that's it really. I just want to make people happy with what I make. Make them giggle or smile, make them enjoy life a little bit more. Give them something to hug. Everyone likes hugs.

What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?

Don't stop! Ever! If you love it, at least. If you hate it, by all means, stop.

CHELSEA, thanks for taking the time to share your fun, whimsical creatures, and your thoughts about them. I do believe you've accomplished your goal of making people smile or giggle a little! I know I did! If you need a bit of cheering up and feel like smiling, take a look at LOVE AND A SANDWICH, and Chelsea's other sites! You'll be happy you did!

CHELSEA'S BLOG

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CHELSEA ON DEVIANT ART