Looking for a unique, affordable gift ideas...? Here is my newest addition to my FANTASY WEARABLE ART collection..."Butterfly in Field of Flowers necklace!

"BUTTERLFY IN A FIELD OF FLOWERS" Necklace

by DZFANTASY

As we all know the economy still isn't all that great, and with the holiday seasons coming up, I've been trying to come up with some fun, affordable, fantasy gift ideas.

The above necklace is my latest efforts to have something "magical and colorful" to offer my customers while still being affordable.

The necklace can be moved around on your neck so that the butterfly is displayed in various position...either up closer to the neck or down further.

If you love butterflies and of course flowers, like I do, you can now wear a bit of their magic wherever you go!  This is my first butterfly necklace, but hope to have more available in the coming weeks.

To learn more about this newest piece of wearable art, click on the link below!

  BUTTERFLY FIELD OF FLOWERS NECKLACE

HAVE A WONDERFUL DAY FILLED WITH MAGIC!

"BEHIND THE SCENES" - A glimpse into artists/crafters workspaces!!

Come join me on a fun, fascinating peek at the "workspaces" of some of the artists and crafters who sell on Etsy.

You will also be able to click on their shop's links and photos to see the end results!   You might even get a glimpse of several of the artist themselves. Some will have little comments, others will not.

MY DZFANTASY WORKSPACES

Here are several photos of my "spaces" throughout my house!

My dining room where I do all my "finishing" work..the faces, adding the hairdos, and accents, etc.

Bedroom used for storage and sewing

 My husband says, "no wonder you can't ever find anthing!" I guess it's time to straighten it up a bit, and start all over to mess it up!

LIVING GLASS ART

Anna says..."I have yet to brush my hair, and I'm working in my pajamas.

Now that's one of the benefits of being an artist!  We get to work in our PJ's.  To see Anna's finished art, click on her links below!

BEADED JEWELRY BY SUSAN

I love to work in my studio when the sun is shining through the windows, music is filtering in from the living room where my husband sits reading, and our six cats are wandering in and out (but no messing with the beads!)

I have a horrendous number of beads after 18 years of collecting them, so I really have to keep organized -- by using a lot of storage compartments that are labeled and arranged by groups, having different types of storage for seed beads and delicas and donuts, and by always keeping my tools and supplies in the same place.
 

Here I am in my studio using my high-tech photography equipment: a sketch pad and two lamps.

PURPLE CLOUD STUDIO

Michele says..."Oh, Yeah, love that mess!"

Michele's workspace

and her greyhound helper!

PURPLE PEONY'S WORKSPACE

To see what creativity comes forth from this "workspace", click on the links below.

LAVE ME SOAP CO.

Here you are seeing several photos from Angela's workspaces.  The photo on the right is where Angela said she makes most of her soap. The photo on the left is where she said she is "sitting right now".

Supply Cabinet

To see all the wonderful soaps in Angela's shop, be sure to click on her links below.

STUDIO M.M.E.

Megan says, "I'm very spoiled in that I get to work in a printmaking studio at the Plains Art Museum in Fargo. Don't worry, my home studio is much smaller and messier."

SUSANA DUARTE - Handmade Contemporary Silver Jewlery

I'm Susana and I live in a quiet village near Lisbon, Portugal and I since my childhood I have always loved crafts. I began working in jewelry in 2006 mostly because handcrafting objects makes me a happier person.

My beautiful and humble workshop

MGHJ

Mary says....."I have been on the move so much the last six months that I have gotten to the point where my "workspace" is my clipboard, a bag of supplies, and whatever location I happen to be in at the time."

TIMES AND CHIMES

TIMES AND CHIMES...is a mother/daughter team in the Ozarks

MIA SOPHIA

This is what I received for my anniversary last year. My husband built this room onto the garage for me.

CAROL BRADLEY DESIGNS

I could call it a studio, but it's more like a room taken over by beads. It tends to be a bit of a mess. It's probably an obstacle course to the uninitiated. There are two work tables, in theory. One is usually storage. This one is the real work table and here's what it looks like now.

ICING ON THE MOON

Icing on the Moon says,  "The room's a bit messy, but I know where everything is...."

JULE'S ARTWEAR

A GALLERY OF CATS IN CLAY

Gracie, says, "If it looks like a mess, I guess it is.  I'm moving my studio in November and don't even want to think about it.

FINE ART PHOTOGRAPHY BY BOMOBOB

Bob says, "Here's me multi-tasking in my studio.  No cameras were harmed in the making of this photo"

COTTON RIDGE EMPORIUM

Cotton Ridge Emporium says, "I'm always straightening up, but it's still always a mess!"

I hope you enjoyed this first segment of "BEHIND THE SCENES" of artists and crafters workspaces. More will be coming in my next segment, so be sure to stop back for a visit.  If you don't see an artist's thumbnail photos or shop's link, it may most likely means they have their shop in "vacation" mode.

FEATURED ETSY SHOP - C'EST MAGNIFIQUE

Captured Woodland Fairy - Original Mixed Media and Found Objects
by Tania

of C'est Magnifique
(Click on photo above to learn more about this creation.)

I've been featuring Etsy shops here on DZFANTSY for a little over a year now, and it is always such fun to come across all the amazing artists and crafters, and to learn a bit about what makes each one "tick", and to see their delightful creations!

I'm happy to have Tania and her Etsy shop, C'EST MAGNIFIQUE, as a featured shop. Tania creates a wide variety of altered and mixed media creations such as, altered art dolls, assemblage, shadow boxes, altered couture, and much, much more. Do yourself a favor and pay a visit to C'EST MAGNIFIQUE where perhaps you will find something you just can't do without!

What led you to start creating your art/craft?

My whole family is crafty in one way or another. My grandmother’s sewed, crocheted, and painted. My mom sews, and paints and my dad is creative in the garage! I have always been interested in arts and crafts from the time I was young, in fact my mom recently gave me a Clue board game that I had made when I was about 12! I remember saying to my mom all the time, “I want to make something”! I used to go out to my dad’s garage looking for things to “make something with” too! I think my first experience selling my wares was at my mom’s craft shop that her and her friend co-owned. I made little faces out of nylons and made them into lapel pins. I had a little basket of them next to the cash register and believe it or not, I actually sold some! My mom worked at a bank too, and she used to take things that I made and put them on her teller window and sold them for me.

Mini Sewing Shadow Box - Altered Art Sewing Themed Collage

by Tania

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

I have tried many different kinds of arts and crafts (wood carving, sewing dolls and teddy bears, decorative tole painting, etc.), but it wasn’t until I picked up an issue of Somerset Studio magazine that I discovered altered art and mixed media, I was hooked! It seems to satisfy my urge to “make something”! Following patterns and instructions just isn’t satisfying enough for me I guess.

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

I enjoy the process of taking something that once served one purpose and re-creating it or altering it into something else. Adding found objects and vintage ephemera to create my art is so satisfying and it also satisfies my pack-rat tendencies because I get to collect “stuff” that may be useful in my art! I still have the urge to sew and paint sometimes, but I think altered art is the most satisfying for me.

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

I think the passion fruit because it has a unique flavor that is appealing, much like my art! It is unique, I hope it is appealing, and I am very passionate about my work!

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

I think fabric would be another medium that I would enjoy. I do a little bit of altered clothing, but I’m not that creative with it yet… I think my sewing skills need a little improving first!

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

I’m not necessarily trying to convey a message except perhaps the feeling that I am having when creating each piece. I think that artwork is very subjective. Two or three different people can look at the same piece and it will have a different meaning for each of them.

What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?

Do what you love. Don’t try to make something because you think people will like it, make it because you like it. Not everyone is going to like what you make and that’s okay.

Tania, thanks so much for taking the time to share your delightful creations and thoughts with all of us. You must have a great time searching for all the "goodies" that make up your creations!

To see and learn more about Tania's creations, be sure to visit her links below.

BLOG

FLICKR

FEATURED ETSY SHOP - ARTISTIC ACCENTS BY DARLA

Moments in Time Original Mixed Media on Masonite

Welcome, Darla and her shop on Etsy, ARTISTIC ACCENTS. I just love the wide eyed look of Darla's angel paintings...there is something so whimsical and enchanting about them. Do be sure to visit ARTISTIC ACCENTS to see more of Darla's work.

What led you to start creating your art/craft?

I was divorced and for 2 years felt like I was lost and couldn't think about anything but being alone and I felt like a failure. I prayed for God to bring me something, anything to help me move forward and take my mind off the past. Then I saw Donna Dewberry on QVC and decided to order one of her kits. I ended up ordering more and eventually trained with Donna to become a certified instructor. I taught for several years and sold quite a bit of my work on Ebay and through special custom orders. It wasn't until recently that I became totally intrigued with whimsical folk art, mixed media angels and fantasy art. I'm just starting to actually design my own work (angels) and finding it so fun! It amazes me how I try to do 2 of the same faces and it never works out, yet when I try to do two different looks to my girls, I can still tell they've got very similar qualities to them. Does that make any sense?

Sweet Angel Annie Mixed Media

ORIGINAL Folkart on 16 x 20 Canvas

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

I've tried them all, but like acrylics. I'm a MESSY painter and too impatient for oil painting. I like mixing different mediums the best and never knowing how a piece will turn out until it's done.

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

I like knowing my piece made someone smile. I'm finding out that not everyone appreciates my style at the moment, but that's ok. I'd rather create unique, one of kind pieces than try to copy the mass produced artwork that's hot at the moment at any given retail store.

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

Banana......my artwork seems to get sweeter as 'I' ripen with age ...ha..ha!

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

I would love to use clay and cloth and create dolls. I grew up with all brothers, and I have all sons (even male dogs), so I'd like to make sweet little girl dolls to have around.

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

Lately, probably due to turning 50 in a few months, I've been really interested and drawn to more spiritual artwork, and that's what I've been trying to create. The world is in such a state right now and painting sweet angels soothes me

What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?

Paint what YOU like, and don't try to paint what you think people will like/buy. IF you love it, that's what is most important. Do what you enjoy and the other rewards and benefits will follow. Believe me, I have to repeat this to myself constantly.

Thanks for a great interview, Darla. It is always fun and interesting to hear how and why an artist creates what they do. Your paintings are delightful.

To learn more about Darla and her work, just click on the links below.

ARTISTIC ACCENTS WEB PAGE

DARLA'S BLOG

FEATURED ETSY SHOP - FIREFLYGIRL

Mixed Media Collage

Her Nerves Jittered theme Dolls and Cat and stressed Mom

by

Margaret

WELCOME, Margaret and her Etsy shop, FIREFLY GIRL! You really must visit Margaret's shop to see all of her delightful creations....from Fairies and Pixies captured in jars, to collages, glass slide necklaces, pendants and more!

Be sure to read Margaret's interview below to learn a bit about what thoughts and ideas go into her "creativity"!

What led you to start creating your art/craft?

After many years doing and selling decoupage items, I discovered ACEOs and collage. From there I have been trying all different forms of mixed media and assemblage and enjoying every minute of it.

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

I have not decided to settle on one medium. This is an exciting journey which may not have a true final destination.

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

The most enjoyable aspect is that moment when it all comes together for me on an idea. Suddenly, as I work, I just know or find what to add or what to take away from a piece. When I know the piece has expressed a part of me I wanted to give away or share, it is ready for the person who will "connect" with it to have it.

If you had to choose a fruit OR a vegetable to describe your "creativity", what would that be and why?

I would say an artichoke would be the vegetable I would choose. Naturally, it is because of the many layers! Then, inside the artichoke, is the best or sweetest part. I feel like on my journey I am peeling off layers and finding more and more within myself to express.

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

If I had to choose one medium it would be collage with paper and paint. Again, for the layers. I feel our hearts, our very souls, are layers of consciousness. Thoughts, ideas, expressions, all contain meanings which are deep and meaningful.

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

I want to convey both HOPE and HUMOR. There is a part of us, no matter what is happening in our lives that holds fast to hope. Humor helps us see things from a unique vantage point and contributes to hope by creating more coping skills for us.

What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?

My advice to others is: Let go! Mostly, let go of the idea that you cannot express yourself! Even if you cannot draw and have not yet been trained to paint, you CAN learn to create if you can push past doubt!

Margaret, it is a real pleasure to have you out here on DZFANTASY as a featured artist. Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts (I love how you expressed yourself), and for sharing your work with everyone.

FEATURED ETSY SHOP - VALERIE OF MISTFLOWER STUDIO

Bob, Why the Long Face mixed media mosaic African mask

by Valerie

of

MISTFLOWER STUDIO

What a stunning piece of art....! I love all the colors and intricate design of this African mask! One can only imagine the time and creativity it took to create it.

Let's welcome Valerie of MISTFLOWER on Etsy. Valerie's shop has a wide variety of colorful pieces of her art, ranging from mosaic art, such as the mask above, acrylic paintings, mosaic pendants, colorful mosaic pocket mirrors, and much more! Be sure to pay a visit!

What led you to start creating your art/craft?

I sustained a traumatic brain injury in a multiple car accident thanks to a drunk driver. I had to re-learn how to do many things, and I started putting together children's jigsaw puzzles as a challenge. As I recovered, the puzzles increased in difficulty. I had been an artist for most of my life up until the accident, so when I started feeling well enough to create again, I decided to try making a mosaic because it was like a jigsaw puzzle. That's how it all began.

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

My art is still evolving. First and foremost, I'm a texture junkie. I've dabbled in many mediums, but mosaics and mixed media bring me the most pleasure. I love how chunks of glass feel in my hands.

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

I love giving things a new life, whether it's broken china, damaged tile, a beautiful broken bottle that I tumble...it all makes my heart sing. As humans, we're all "damaged" to some extent and we're constantly transforming ourselves. Why shouldn't discarded inanimate objects get the opportunity to be a part of something beautiful?

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

Hmmm...I was going to say a blackberry, because the texture of the berry reminds me of a mosaic, but that's too easy. I'd have to say an onion because of the multiple layers. You have the protective skin, it can bring a tear to your eye, the layers and layers of onion. It can be used and prepared in so many different ways. It's intricate and intense...two words that are often used to describe me.

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

I'm really drawn to soft fibers. I would love to learn how to knit and make giant wall hangings that are rich with texture and embellished with things like glass beads and copper wire.

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

I'd like to think that my work tells people to never give up, that something broken can always heal and become whole again and not to be afraid of color.

What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?

Find something that you love and that speaks to you. Your art might not be for everyone, but on Etsy you have a worldwide audience. You're sure to find admirers/buyers. Also, don't give your work away with ridiculously low prices. You're worth more than that, and you'll quickly burn out and feel bitter. Art comes from your heart and soul. Be good to yourself and your art will reflect that.

THANKS, Valerie for a wonderful interview....love your answers, and your work! Don't forget to visit Valerie's links below.

MISTFLOWER STUDIO BLOG

MISTFLOWER STUDIO WEBSITE

ONE OF MY FAVORITE ART SHOWS -WINTER ART FESTIVAL - MADISON, WI

This past weekend, I was an exhibitor at the "WINTER ART FESTIVAL" Madison, Wisconsin. This was not only my last art show of the season, but another of my very favorite shows.

The show is put on by The Wisconsin Alliance of Artists and Craftspeople, Inc. (WAAC). I feel that this show is one of the top quality shows in my area. It not only is well run by a group of wonderful people, who are artists themselves, but also has the highest quality and variety of art that I have seen in this area. The mediums range from Ceramics, Fiber, Glass, Graphics, Jewelry, Mixed 2-D, Mixed 3-D, Painting, Photography, Sculpture and Wood.

This was my 6th year of participating in this show, and it is always a pleasure! While, the economy has certainly taken its toll on the sales figures of artists, I still find it to be one of the best shows around....not only for sales, but also for the quality of the art on exhibit. As soon as you walk into the show, you can't help but pick up the "good vibes" that this show generates.

I was pleasantly surprised at the number of creations, which I sold this weekend, so you can see me smiling below!!

I couldn't do a show without my sister, Dianne (above photo), who is not only my sister, but my very best friend and display artist! She loves to set up the display and "play with the creations" as she calls it. I'm thankful for that because I don't have the patience or the technique she does for knowing how they will look their very best. Many times throughout the day, she will move them to new spots, and lo and behold...they happen to catch someone's eye, where before they didn't get the attention. She did that with a fairy on Saturday, where a lady had said she was going to take a walk through the show and come back and buy her. Well, in the meantime, my sister had rearranged several of the fairies including that particular fairy, and another lady came into the booth and went straight to the fairy and bought her. The other lady did come back about an hour later, and she thought we were teasing her when we said it was sold. She told us next time she wouldn't wait!

YOUNG AT HEART is my business name, and an artist's statement is required to be on display at this show.

Below you will see photos of some of the isles of art at the show, taken before and after the show was open. I tried to get photos when the isles weren't very crowded. There was a good crowd both Saturday and Sunday, but one didn't see a whole lot of purchases walking by!

This talented pottery artist had a wonderful display of his colorful pottery bowls, dishes, mugs, and vases across the isle from us. If you'd like to learn more about this artist, visit his web page below:

MATTHIAS JAMES POTTERY STUDIO & GALLERY

The delightful creatures shown below are created by 3D-Mixed Media artist, Mary Lou Hager of Milwaukee, WI. Mary and I have been in quite a few of the same shows for several years now, and her work is nothing short of "AMAZING"! The details and colors are exquisite in each of her creations. She has a fantastic collection of turtles, frogs, lizards, fish, butterflies, and much more. Visit Mary's website by clicking on the link below. Mary also does several art shows in Florida, so if you live in Florida...check her art show schedule to see if she might just happen to be in your area.

MARY LOU HAGER

All in all is was a delightful weekend! I now will have to get started on making new creations for my jury slides, and getting things organized for next year's show. The application deadlines come up rather quickly...beginning already in the first few months of 2009.