FEATURED ETSY SHOP - SALVAGED EXPRESSION

The Ugly Hat 1 Schizophrenic Sunspot


by

SALVAGED EXPRESSION

(Be sure to click on the photo above to see how this hat got its name)

Let's welcome, Althea and her Etsy shop, SALVAGED EXPRESSION! When you pay a visit to SALVAGED EXPRESSION you will find an eclectic mix of items to choose from....ranging from hats, supplies and vintage, jewelry, candles, other crocheted items and more. Before you head on over to SALVAGED EXPRESSION, let's learn a bit more about Althea and her creations.

What led you to start creating your art/craft?

I've been creating things in various mediums since I can remember. Occasionally things that would surprise my teachers (a paper spring cannon comes to mind) and continued to do so on my free time from childhood on. I guess I don't have much of a choice!

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

I don't necessarily limit myself to one thing, but there are mediums I always return to. Drawing has always been the backbone of my artsy inclinations. Crochet is practical, but also very artistic and allows me to try many different things. Candles I've just always made and enjoyed. I guess there's something about making a solid clean candle and then lighting it on fire. I get to make things that burn and don't raise your insurance! Recycling was kind of inevitable for me too. I work in the environmental field and haven't always had a lot of money. They go together very well!

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

Brainstorming, though that's more involved than the actual process sometimes! Half the time I'm just sitting around when an idea smacks into my brain like a bullet on reentry and won't let go until I've thought it out and plotted and schemed how to make it happen.

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

The key lime! One because I like them, but also because it's a bit of a black sheep of the citrus family. Sometimes I feel like that, being a multidisciplinary crafter in a market where everyone talks about consistancy. A little cool, a little not, quirky, and hopefully pleasantly surprising.

Big Plarn Messenger Bag

(Be sure to CLICK on the photo to learn the interesting facts of this bag's creation!)

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

I'm planning on taking up painting again soon, but for something I've never tried, I think spinning. There are some truely gasp worthy yarns out there, I even own a few and have a hard time coming up with a project worthy of their awesomeness. I'd love to make something like that, and then sell it so the project becomes someone else's problem!

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

Well someone can take whatever message they like when it comes to arts and crafts. That's part of the fun. That's really what I want people to have, along with each order is fun. Hopefully something that makes them feel a little bolder or to blend the person they want to be with the person they have to be.

What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?

Don't take advice from me? Just keep it fun. Whether you sell or not keep it fun, remember you're doing this because it isn't supposed to be work!

Thanks, Althea, for sharing your creations and thoughts with everyone. I find it amazing what you can create with recycled goods. It takes a certain type of creativity to come up with all those ideas.

If you'd like to see and learn more about what SALVAGED EXPRESSION has to offer, be sure to visit the links below. It is fun to read the descriptions and what the items were made from.

BLOG

FEATURED ETSY SHOP - CALSYRIAL DESIGN

Case Refillable Notebook

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Kerry of CALSYRIAL DESIGN
(Click on above photo to learn more about this item.)

Let's welcome, Kerry, and her Etsy shop CALSYRIAL DESIGN. When you pay a visit to Kerry's shop, you will find journals, notebooks, organizers and more. If you have your own materials that you would like to incorporate into a one-of-a-kind item, Kerry will be more than happy to work with you on a custom order.

What led you to start creating your art/craft?

I have always loved art, in all forms, and enjoyed creating it. The last few years though, after having a child and working, working, working, I found that I wasn't being creative at all. I decided to change that, and here I am! I am still pretty new at selling my wares, but I have completely enjoyed creating again.

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

I really just looked around my house. I have so much stuff and a lot of it was just collecting dust because although I loved it, it just wasn't living up to its potential. So taking stock of what I have, and the things that I love to collect I was able to pinpoint the kinds of items I wanted to make. I also knew from the start I wanted to be finding new uses for new things, so Calsyrial Design just kind of came together organically.

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

Looking for my supplies is so much fun. I love rooting through old junk and finding something I can salvage, it is inspiring and where everything I make comes from.

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

Hmmm, this is tough. I guess I would say a kiwi, just because they start out kind of rough looking but with a little prep, they are quite enjoyable. Kind of like repurposing things to make them beautiful and useful!

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

Definitely pottery, I love working with clay because it is so relaxing, and really the epitome of working with your hands. I make pieces only my mother could love, though.

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

That beautiful things don't have to be expensive or contribute to waste!

What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?

I'm kind of new at this to be offering advice, but I will say that you can't go wrong doing something that you truly enjoy doing.

THANKS, Kerry, for sharing your ideas and creativity with everyone out here on DZFANTASY! I always find it such fun to learn about all the different creativity on Etsy and to get a bit of insight into what makes each person motivated to create what they do!

Be sure to pay a visit to CALSYRIAL DESIGN by visiting the links below. You can also follow CALSYRIAL DESIGN on TWITTER to learn of Kerry's sales, and new items, etc.

TWITTER

FEATURED ETSY SHOP - AISLE 3 STUDIO

I was quite amazed when I saw what this artist could create using recycled items!! WOW, that is quite incredible! That just proves there is no limit to what one can do if we use our imaginations!

Deborah is a part-time art teacher, and artist who lives in Des Moines, Iowa. I'm happy to have Deborah and her creations out here on DZFANTASY as a "featured artist". After learning a bit about Deborah and her unique designs, be sure to visit her Etsy shop - AISLE 3 STUDIO.

What led you to start creating your art/craft?

I've loved Art ever since I was a little kid watching my dad draw with chalk pastels in his makeshift studio in the garage. I took classes throughout school in ceramics, photography, metals, painting...you name it, I took an art class in it! I became an Art Teacher and maintained my love for creating! I'm always trying to do something different and unique that is funky yet functional. Really, I'm aware that my art can be a little weird but I create mostly for me and hope that someone else out there will like it too.

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

Being an Art Teacher, like every other Art Teacher I know, naturally, I find it difficult to stick with one medium and one way of doing something. When I chose to start selling on Etsy I wanted to do a couple of things; 1. do something different, and 2. use recycled materials. While living in Northern Virginia, I began making these photo sculptures that used textures and colors. When I looked at my cereal box every morning, I began seeing textures and colors! I came up with a system that would make the petals I cut sturdy enough to form a functioning bowl or wall hanging.

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

I love feeling innovative. Lets face it, we live in a world where most of the time people are praised for following directions and going mainstream. I feel lucky that my job encourages my creative side to shine. I'm inspired by my students when they create something new and feel so accomplished. I love taking that inspiration home with me and putting that energy into becoming innovative in my own Art!

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

Hmm, I would have to say a Pineapple! It just so happens to be my favorite fruit, but is also pointy on the outside, like the edges of my sculptures and has a bold sweet flavor inside.

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

Ceramics, totally! One day I would love to open my own ceramics studio. I just love the feel of clay and all you can do with it. I toured a pottery studio when I was in Atlanta visiting Amnieva (also on Etsy), and just loved the atmosphere in this studio. Clay was everywhere, people were throwing pottery. It's such a flexible material. I tend to think 3 Dimensionally so I love ceramics.

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

I want to show my ability to see the beauty in everyday things that others might not have ever considered. I also want to show that you can still be an Artist and a creative individual when using recycled materials.

What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?

Do what YOU like, not what you THINK others will like. I have made some serious crap trying to come up with what I thought others would want to buy. The thing is, that's never going to work or make you happy. I think people can tell if you like what you do or make. It shows in your work.

Thanks, Deborah for sharing your ideas and creativity with us. I know when I look at cereal boxes I will see them in a new light after seeing what you can create with them! You can see more of Deborah's work by clicking on the links below.

AISLE 3 STUDIO BLOG

FEATURED ETSY SHOP - MISS KARINA'S NEW ORLEANS FASHION DESIGN

COLORFUL - MARDI BRA

If you are looking for the unusual, colorful, unique....be sure to visit MISS KARINA out on Etsy. Here you will find many colorful outfits such as the mardi bra shown above, skirts made from ties and T-shirts, and a lot more. Here Karina will share some of her thoughts and ideas with us. I also took a portion of her Etsy profile to put out here to give you a better insight into what makes Karina tick.

"I have been professionally designing costume and fashion in New Orleans, Louisiana for five years. I have been lucky to have costumed Kings and Queens of Mardi Gras, including myself as Queen of OAK 2006. I am also the proud Mother Shucker of the Bearded Oysters all female dance troupe featuring over 150 members. In 2005, I became the founding member of the New Orleans Fashion Collaborative. My work has been in countless television shows and several films, Mardi Gras parades and balls, sporting events across the country and almost everywhere people are gathered to have fun."

What led you to start creating your art/craft?

Originally, as a preteen, I started sewing so that I could have the slutty 1980s styles that my parents wouldn't buy me. Red spandex was a really easy material to work with back then. I made little tube tops that doubled as miniskirts. My creations evolved from there. Moving to New Orleans 6 years ago really got me going with all the music, Carnival, and Burlesque. There I started creating all sorts of costumes which led to my own 125 women strong parading burlesque troupe, "The Bearded Oysters." Yes, we do have beards. In addition to being inspired by Carnival festivities I am also inspired to create everyday apparel that is ECO-friendly and made from recycled materials.

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

I haven't really decided completely yet. I love fashion because you get to wear it out and get feedback. I also love fashion because you can change how people react to you based on what you wear. Essentially its like creating your own world. Do you want people to smile when they see you? Do you want them to leave you alone? Do you want them to hire you? As a secretary? As a stripper? Do you want them to fear you? Do you want them to lust for you?

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

The whole process really. I love the moments of inspiration, I love shopping for fabrics, I love sewing, I love selling.

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

Dragonfruit: Its all crazy looking on the outside and sweet on the inside.

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

Currently, I am spending a year travelling through Korea, Japan, and Thailand teaching English. I am 1000's of miles from my sewing machine so in this time I have taken up photography. I feel that my sense of design and humor is brought into my photography. I like digital photography because it is instant gratification with no mess, and it hardly takes up any space... totally unlike sewing. Perhaps when I get home these photographs will become the inspiration for my next fashion collection.

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

Eco-Sexy-Happy-Funtime-Girl!

What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?

"The secret of success is making your vocation your vacation" -Mark Twain

Thanks, Karina for sharing your ideas and designs with us. I'm sure you will always be coming up with many more creative designs! If you'd like to see how Karina designs her "mardi bras"...click on the link below, which shows a video.

KARINA ON YOU TUBE

FEATURED ETSY ARTIST - KELLY OF BOXING DAY

"Shabby Chic" rose pin

(recycled from an old sweatshirt)

Welcome, Kelly and her Esty shop BOXING DAY, as another of my featured Etsy artists! This artist has some very clever and unique items you'll be sure to want to check out. Her shop's theme is "the art of recycling. Before you check out Kelly's shop read below to hear what Kelly has to say about her work, and what motivates her.

What led you to start creating your art/craft?

I've been painting seriously since I was 15, and making crafts since pre-school! After college, I worked in the fields of advertising and marketing but I was always doing something on the side related to my love of paint! This "something on the side" thing took its form in having gallery shows for my paintings or selling my jewelry at local craft shows or teaching kids at an art school! As I am dealing with being diagnosed with an auto-immune disorder, I found it impossible to keep working in my field due to the stress and long hours. To keep my busy body from going crazy, I started making things. And while I've always been into recycling, it became an intrical part of what I am doing now as I needed to spend money on food and not art supplies! Necessity is the mother of creative problem solving. (Or something like that!)

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

Painting has always felt right to me. Brush and canvas are where I am at home, but I enjoy learning and the challenge of figuring things out as well, so it seemed natural for me to create projects from what I had around me. Friends know to give me their cast off clothing and old jewelry and anything else that might be good for a project. My aunt sent me a box full of goodies that I have made into bunches of different objects d'art!

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

I love getting lost in what I am doing and then looking at the clock or hearing the phone ring and realize that I am still on planet Earth! For the recycled items, I love to get people's old stuff and then solve the problem of what I can make from it! I love color and creative problem solving and working things out and still being surprised that I can make beautiful works. And sometimes other people think things I make are beautiful too!

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

The first thing that comes to mind is a rutebaga, but I think an orange is better. My art is so colorful and bright on the outside and the inside (or the meaning behind my work) is usually juicy and sweet and joyful. (And it doesn't hurt that my favorite color is orange.)

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

Pencil. I like to draw in pencil and color pencil too. It's good for my subtle moods!

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

My tagline is "The Art of Recycling" and my mission is "Saving the world, one art project at a time!" My method of art is to make beautiful things out of stuff that would go into the landfill, but my message is one of play and bold color, and (sometimes) of order out of the chaos!

What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?

Hmmm... depends on what the question is! I guess it would be one of my favorite things to say: "Always have the courage to be happy!"

Kelly, what a great insight you gave us, as to what makes you "tick" not only as an artist, but you, as a unique person!! THANKS AGAIN, for taking the time to share your thoughts and work with us. Be sure to visit Kelly's shop BOXING DAY by clicking on the links below.

KELLY'S BLOG