FEATURED ETSY SHOP - ROSE GLEN - Clothing for Curvy Women

Strappy Fun Fair Dress

by

ROSE GLEN

(click on this item's title above to learn more about it)

Let's welcome, Rose and her delightful clothes, which she sells through her Etsy shop, ROSE GLEN - Clothes for Curvy Women.  You can find out a bit more about Rose and how she got started in designing clothes by reading her interview below. Then, be sure to pay a visit to her Etsy shop and other links listed below.

What led you to start creating your art/craft?

My aunties were the local dressmakers, and as a child I became intrigued and wanted to do what they were doing. So I copied in a crudish child like way, I used leftover scrapes and started making clothes for my dolls. The birth of my daughter gave me the incentive to continue sewing spurred on by little money and a desire to dress my daughter in pretty clothes. Coincidently she introduced me to Etsy, as she also has a shop on Etsy called “csevenm”

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

I used to create plus size clothing for a friend's shop, sadly this has now closed. When I was introduced to Etsy, by my daughter, this gave me an opportunity to continue creating. I also love fabrics, what creative person does not and Etsy enables me to indulge in this passion.

Ethnic Print Wrap Skirt

(click on item's title above to learn more about it)

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

The start and the finishes. Buying the fabric, the joy of walking into a full fabric shop, touching feeling and selection a piece of fabric, and seeing the end result of what I have chosen to create from the fabric.

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

Interesting question, hmm, I would say peppers, because they come in all colours, shapes and sizes. They can be sweet or spicy and they are a perfect way to spice up a meal. I feel as an analogy this can be applied to my craft, the fabrics, thread, and sewing equipment comes in all shapes colours and sizes, and dependent of what is used and how it is used, I can spice up and create something colourful and different each time. 



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

I would like to display my work in a small boutique, as it would be available to a wider market. I have managed to find one who was willing to take my daughter’s designs and hopefully I will find one for my designs.

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

I make clothes for women who celebrate their femininity regardless of size, clothes that can be worn across all seasons fashion trends.

What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?

Etsy and the online market is like the ocean, you can easily get swallowed up and drown, but as long as you are doing what you are doing through love and appreciation you will not drown. You will bob around and this way you will get to see what everyone is doing and eventually you will find an ocean to bob up and down in.

Summer Shift Dress

(click on item's title above to learn more about it)

Thank you, Rose, for taking the time to share your thoughts and your creations with all of us!

Be sure to visit Rose's links below to learn more about her and to see more of her designs.

FACEBOOK

TWITTER

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Buy Fiber Fantasy Art to Help Sponsor Rescue Dogs

Fiber Sculpted "FANTASY MERMAID"

Original designs by

DZFANTASY

Original Price: $160.00 SALE PRICE: $145.00 (20% to go towards the sponsoring of a rescue dog)

For the past month or so, I have been volunteering at the Bichon and Little Buddies Rescue, a privately owned dog rescue center in Mukwonago, WI, where I live.  It has given me a better insight as to just how much help these animals need in caring for them, taking care of their medical needs and finding them good "forever" homes.  The people who run this private rescue are very dedicated and depend on volunteers and donations to keep everything going.

I have decided to donate 20% of any sales of my fiber fantasy art purchased either through my DZFANTASY shop on Etsy, or sales received at my art shows.

The usual adoption fee through Bichon and Little Buddies Rescue is $315.00, which is a small price to pay for a "forever" friend.  Included in this fee is your new companion who, before going home, will be spayed/neutered, vet checked, updated on vaccines, heartworm tested, microchipped, and dewormed.  Any other medical treatment will be taken care of as well.  You will also receive a 7-8 week age appropriate obedience training course at For Pet's Sake Dog Training at no additional charge.


To learn more about BICHON AND LITTLE BUDDIES RESCUE and to see some of the dogs available for adoption, click on the link below:

BICHON RESCUE

Visit my DZFANTASY shop on Etsy to see my original designed fiber fantasy creations and jewelry.  I hope to be adding new designs and creations in the coming weeks.

I will be posting, here on my DZFANTASY blog, a photo of any rescue dog that I have sponsored.

Below is a photo of Salty, the very first rescue dog I've sponsored at BICHON and LITTLE BUDDIES.  Salty went to his new home last week!!  It was through the sale of several pieces of my "fiber fantasy" jewelry that I was able to contribute $150.00 towards, Salty's adoption fee.  A big "thank you" to the customer who made this possible!!

The WINNER of the FIBER/SWAROVSKI crystals earrings giveaway is..........

BRANDLYN CAROL

from

CLIFTON, TENNESSEE!

Congratulations, Brandlyn

Brandlyn's entry of 12/6/10 was randomly selected as the winning entry out of the 20 entries received for this giveaway, which ended December 17, 2010.  

A big "thank you" to those of you who took the time to enter the giveaway. 

NOTE: I am having a 10% off sale in my Etsy shop through December 31, 2010.  To receive this discount on any purchase/s all you need to do is enter the coupon code DZFANTASY10 into the coupon code area when checking out.  Great savings!  Get a pair of original designed earrings with hand knit beads and Swarovski crystals for $18.90.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO ALL!

FEATURED ETSY SHOP - DaRosa's Children's Art by Rose

Dragon 8x10 inch PRINT of original illustration

PERSONALIZATION and MORE COLORS available!

CLICK on item's title to learn more!

WELCOME, Rose, and her delightful, whimsical creations, which she sells in her Etsy shop, DaRosa's Children's Art.  Fun, colorful drawings to brighten any child's room and to stimulate their imagination.

Take a moment to read Rose's interview below, where she tells us in her own words how she got started on this fun venture!

What led you to start creating your art/craft?

For my 28th birthday I got an easel, canvases and paint from my mother. I started to create and a colleague was looking for something original for the nursery of his son. The zebra, giraffe and monkey were born! I tweaked the design a bit since then, but I stuck to the bright colors and black outlines.

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

I started with oil paint and spent a lot of money on buying new paints. As a beginner, I wasted too much with mixing to get the right color. Oil also takes longer to dry and is more expensive. For the work I do, acrylic is the best!

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


I always paint the eyes in last and that gives my animals the funny/cute look. I also like sketching new creatures and make custom pieces for my customers.

Coat rack with 4 wooden knobs

(CLICK on item's title above to learn more about it!)

 MORE OPTIONS possible

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

Uhm...does jelly BEANS count? Lots of bright colors!

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

I would love to get familiar with the art of screen printing to make baby clothing with my art work.

TigeR 8x10 inch Original

 painting on stretched canvas

(CLICK on item's title above to learn more!)



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

Visual stimulation! Babies can’t see very well in the beginning. My art stimulates the development of eyesight. My son of 1.5 years still loves my work and can name the animals and make their sounds...

What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?

Listen to other people.... If you like what you create, that doesn’t mean that others do. I just started with more detail in my pictures and they sell. My boyfriend hinted that..

THANKS, Rose for a wonderful interview and for sharing your colorful, whimsical creations with everyone.

To learn more about Rose and her delightful creations, be sure to visit the links below.  It is never to early to develop your child's imagination! 

WEB PAGE

FACEBOOK

Winner of the DZFANTASY $35.00 Gift Certificate Giveaway is.....

KATIE

OF

MURFREESBORO, TN

CONGRATULATIONS, KATIE!!

Katie will be receiving the above sparkly, "fairy face" pin along with several packages of different yarn samples, which she said she would like for the balance of her $35.00 gift certificate!



A "big thank you" to all of you who participated in this giveaway.  I will be running another giveaway in the coming weeks, when I decide what the prize will be!  Stop back and sign up....you never know....you could be the next lucky winner.

Beautiful, light weight "fiber & Swarovski crystal" earrings!

SEA BREEZE!

I just listed these beautiful fiber and Swarovski crystal earrings in my DZFANTASY shop on Etsy.

(CLICK on the title above to learn more about them)

I handknit the fiber "focal" beads, which gives them a truly one-of-a-kind design!  Super light weight!

Aqua "Sea Nymph on her magical fish"...!

Aqua Sea Nymph on her Magical Fish

She was sold today, and will be on her way to her new home !

I finally finished her!  I've had her magical fish finished for a while now, but just couldn't get going on the nymph.  She is light and airy looking in her tones of aqua, which are enhanced with over 100+ Swarovski crystal accents.  Sewing on all the crystals by hand took me quite a few hours in itself.

She is designed to hang as a mobile and will twirl and sparkle!

To learn more about her, visit her in my DZFANTASY shop on Etsy

FEATURED ETSY SHOP - MANDALA MAGIC1 by Anat

RAINBOW BUTTERFLY MANDALA

CLICK on the mandala's title above to learn more about this colorful work of art!

An original hand painted mandala.

by Anat

I'm very happy to have Anat and her Etsy shop, MANDALA MAGIC1 here on DZFANTASY as a featured artist.  I love not only her colorful, mandala works of art, but also the spiritual meaning behind them.  You will want to be sure to visit MANDALA MAGIC1 to see all the beautiful designs!   When you pay a visit to Anat's MANDALA MAGIC1 you will find a delightful choice of many colorful designs, such as the mandala above, and even card sets which you can enjoy coloring yourself.

First, take a moment to learn a bit more about this delightful artist and her creations.

What led you to start creating your art/craft?

Since I was a little child I always had a big attraction towards crafts.

 I was drawing  on every possible thing, but never studied art. When I grew up, I started traveling all over the globe and was exposed to so many amazing things. In India and Nepal I sat with silversmiths, in Japan I studied Sumi-e ( an ancient japanese drawing technique), I used to do macrame jeweley, did some weaving and actually touched almost any crafting material that came through me. All the time I was drawing and painting as presents for friends until friends of friends wanted to buy my stuff, so I started selling them.


So I can say that maybe being born led me to start creating...

CYCLES OF LIFE MANDALA

(CLICK on item's title above to learn more!)

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

I tried almost everything but realized that I enjoy the most to sit in front of a blank paper and see it getting colored.

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

My art is not just the visual side of it, it also have a spiritual meaning. I get the meaning throughout drawing and that makes me study so much. Almost every print comes with a little card that has the story of the painting and what does it mean. I enjoy to learn and to share this knowledge with my customers.

A SET OF FIVE MANDALA GREETING CARDS OF YOUR CHOICE

 FREE shipping for Christmas in July

(CLICK on item's title above to learn more!)

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

Mango, definitely! Sweet with sour touch, juicy, exotic and makes you happy, satisfied and yet longing for more of it once you tasted it.

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

I use my creativity in more mediums...I do mirror mosaic mandalas, wall painting, decorations for festivals and events, teaching mandala courses, playing the guitar, singing and more...Actually, the question for me has to be: if you had more hours in a day, what more would you do?

UNIQUE MANDALA COLORING BOOK

FREE shipping for Christmas in July

(CLICK on item's title above to learn more!)

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

I love it when art has a deep meaning and this is what I would like to pass on.

What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?

Not only for artists, but for everybody: follow your heart and leave your fears behind.

THANK YOU, Anat for sharing your beautiful, inspirational works of art and also for your thoughts!  You sounds like you have been blessed with many forms of creativity and it is wonderful that you share this with the world!

To see more of Anat's beautiful creations be sure to visit her links below.

Fiber Earrings....Fun, Fantasy, and so light weight!

Handknit ribbon yarn bead dangle earrings!

(CLICK on item description above to learn more!)

This is my newest pair of fiber fantasy earrings, which I just listed in my DZFANTASY shop on Etsy.  They are so light weight you won't even know you are wearing them, until you receive a compliment!

Each handknit bead was created using a beautiful ribbon yarn with a satin finish.  It takes approximately 45 minutes to an hour to create each bead.  

I also have a beautiful matching necklace that would go wonderful with these earrings.  See photo below.

Handknit Fantasy Necklace

(CLICK on the items title above to learn more)

I used the same beautiful ribbon yarn for this handknit fiber necklace and accented it with a Swarovski crystal pendant bead and other Swarovski crystals.

See what an exquisite set they would make!

 
I have many more styles of necklaces and earrings available in my DZFANTASY shop.

Featured Etsy Shop - WO STUDIOS

FANTASIES

Click on the above link to see and learn more about this striking piece of art)

Original ABSTRACT Modern Contemporary Fine ART

 Painting by Destiny Womack - dWo - 16x20

I happened to run across this fantastic artist when posting in the Etsy forums for shops who wanted their Etsy minis on my blog.  I was immediately entranced with all the vivid colors and shapes of Destiny's  paintings, so I asked her if she would like to be featured.  Happily, she said YES.

Be sure to check out the "June Specials", that are running in WO STUDIOS!

Be sure to read her interview below and then pay a visit to her Etsy shop, WO STUDIOS to see more of her contemporary paintings.

What led you to start creating your art/craft?

I have created many different forms of art my whole life. It was just something that was in me begging to come out - I started painting when I was younger, but it wasn't until I was in my mid twenties that I started becoming very serious about it... it was something that just called to me .

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

It was hard, and I tried everything, but the first time I got myself covered in paint I was hooked. Something about taking something that is a liquid and turning into something with such depth really did it for me.

THE WAY TO PARADISE

(Click on the painting's title above to learn more about it)

SALE - Original ABSTRACT Modern Contemporary Fine ART Painting by dWo - LARGE 36x24

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

I find it all very enjoyeable. The best thing for me is to just let go and lose myself in the painting in the beginning, and then the finished product is my next favorite part.

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

I would choose a kiwi.... because at first glance it is something unique and different, a little scary to take in but when you bite into it, is a wonderful new experience sweet and delightful, and nothing like it appears at first.

MY SECRET GARDEN 

(click on the above title to learn more about this print)

by dWO

FREE SHIPPING - 11x14 Abstract Contemporarary Modern Surreal Floral Fine ART PRINT

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

I would choose music. I have always had a deep love for it, the composition of music, the writing of the lyrics and perfecting vocal technique. Music can move your soul just as much as looking at a painting

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

I want to convey that you don't have to have a literal object to tell you what to feel or see when you look at a painting. I want my art to be a glimpse into my imagination and hopefully it leads others to take a journey through theirs.

What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?

Don't be afraid to be different, and let others into your world. Even though you may think your world is a little strange, unusual or just downright scary, don't be afraid to share it with others. The best part about any art is being able to see the world and feel it through someone else's eyes.

Great art and interview, Destiny!  One can really use one's imagination when looking at your paintings.  Each person, I'm sure, sees something different when they look at your paintings!   That's what makes them so  unique!

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FEATURED ETSY SHOP - TINY MISHAPS

Broken Wing - vertical sculpture

(Click on link above to learn more about this item)

by Kelly of TINY MISHAPS

WELCOME, Kelly and her Etsy shop, TINY MISHAPS where you will find sculptures like the one pictured above, along with a large selection of her jewelry designs.  Be sure to pay a visit to TINY MISHAPS after you read Kelly's interview below, where she tells us in her own words how she got started in her creativity.

What led you to start creating your art/craft?

I've been creating since I could hold a crayon, so I'm not sure when you could say 'it' started. I'll try to narrow this to the main things in my tinymishaps.etsy.com shop which are currently hanging sculpture and jewelry.

My sculptures started in college when I had to complete a project where I spent a minimum of 20 hours on something but couldn't spend large spans of time on it due to my schedule. My sculpture style was born out of this fragmented time.


In addition, jewelry has been a vital part of my wardrobe and I have a wall devoted to it. A friend of mine got into beading and told me I had to check out a local bead boutique with her. I had always disliked beaded jewelry because it seemed unoriginal and cheap. Well she changed my mind and I started thinking of ways to create my own things with this wealth of sparkling supplies.

Stormy - Sparkling Gray Shell Statement Necklace
(Click on the link above to learn more about this item)

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

My medium has pretty much always been directed by availability. If you look at my shop, you'd think beading/jewelry is my main medium but that was never the intention. It's just so much easier and faster than most things. I can make several pieces in a full day's work whereas it takes me weeks to make a sculpture. For now money, space, availability and facilities determine my medium. But it will always be changing.

I've always been fairly resourceful and am that person who solves problems and makes things with stuff and in ways no one intended. I think I've barely become creative enough with the jewelry because of the material abundance. I tend to become the most creative with limited materials. Lock me up with nothing but a deck of cards and a pair of scissors and you'll see.

Earth and Sky Statement Earrings

(Click on the link above to learn more about this item.)

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

I like making new things and variations on things. I'm one who has a hard time making decisions so I love working when I can create variations on the same thing and see all the ways it could turn out.

I also really love being able to share the things I make whether it be on Etsy or at an art show. It gives purpose to my work when others can appreciate or use it. I especially love when I find people who like my stuff so much they want to own or share it themselves. And I also like comissioned peices and custom work. It's neat to know someone trusts me enough to create something especially for them.

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

I initially thought of a pomegranate because it is mildly out of the ordinary, a whole made up of parts in some sense, and it's a mess but still delicious when taken apart.

Hanging Sculpture- (Blue Cards)

(Click on the link above to learn more about this item.)

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

String? Or perhaps dance. I took a choreography class in college that was pretty successful.

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

My sculptures create the fascination factor and I think they convey a sense of fragmentation and whole. They are based on our fragmented time, but also on layers of beauty, perception an discovery. The piece as a whole is one thing and as you move closer you discover each strand is individually it's own and that each piece upon the strand gives you even more depth of insight.

With my jewelry I like to convey a sense of self and change. I think jewelry is one of many accessories that helps us change, whether that be our look, whether that be the way we look to others or our own outlook. That can come from the way we look and feel in the piece or because it holds special memories or meaning based on who gave it to us or where we've worn it in the past. I think a lot of us have that ''goto" piece that we can put on in a pinch and feel ourselves in. It just makes us feel complete and confident. I'd like to create that for someone.

What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?

Um, My advice for other artists or crafters would be to focus on making your things your own, something I think I can do with my sculpture and need to keep working on with my jewelry. Don't worry about 'what's hot' or what is selling or what other people do. I might even go so far as to say not to follow trends, not to look around too much for fear of being too influenced by others. Take your thing and do it and play will it and see how far you can take it.

Thanks, Kelly, for a great interview and sharing your artistic talents with everyone.  It is a pleasure to have you here on DZFANTASY a featured artist.

Don't forget to pay a visit to Kelly's links below to find out more about her and her creations.

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Rainbow Fiber FLOWER Necklace...Colorful accent for any outfit!

Add some color and whimsey to that favorite top or dress!

HANDKNIT RAINBOW FLOWER NECKLACE

by DZFANTASY

Center of flower is accented with an 18 mm Fuschia Swarovski Butterfly

I am currently having a $5.00 off sale on any purchase/s of fiber jewelry in my DZFANTASY shop.  Last day of sale is tomorrow June 11th.  Visit my DZFANTASY shop for further details by clicking on the link below:

FIBER JEWELRY SALE

FEATURED ETSY SHOP - GLADD RAGGZ

Seaside Sunset

summer inspired handmade fabric hobo style purse. Green, blue, pink. Zipper.

by Pat of GLADD RAGGZ

WELCOME Pat and her fun, colorful creations which she sells in her Etsy shop, GLADD RAGGZ.  When you pay a visit to GLADD RAGGZ, you will find a delightful array of handmade purses, in wonderful colors and styles.  Pat also designs and creates other fiber creations, as well as some jewelry.  It is always fun to learn about the creative person behind any handmade items, so be sure to read Pat's interview below.

What led you to start creating your art/craft?

I come from a creative family, but their creations were for more practical and economical reasons. That aside, a lot of it's rubbed off on me, and I've always loved the art of self expression, particularly with the hands. So, with that, and the fact that I was taught needle arts such as knitting and crochet at an early age, it just seemed natural to follow my passions.

Handmade white,aqua,teal,blue pearl, glass bead rope necklace.

 Sterling, nickel-free. Free shipping USA

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

Although I now work primarily in textiles, I've really used most mediums in some capacity or another. I'm somewhat of a free spirit when it comes to creating, so I try to let my projects guide me instead of the other way around. The only thing that I haven't done is scrapbooking and paper art. I'd like to but never seem to get around to it. I've found that selling on line demands that a person wear many hats, from planning, construction, photography, to promotion, and so forth, and it can be tempting to spread oneself too thin at times.

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

I really love the actual planning and construction phase. And, of course, the finished product, (hopefully) is the most satisfying if everything works out as planned. If something doesn't make me smile, it isn't a success.

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

What an interesting question - I love it! Chili peppers come to mind because they come in many colors, sizes and shapes, and range from mild to hot! I use quite a bit of color in my work, and the colors range across the rainbow and from mild to hot, hot, hot!!

Red Confetti. Handmade, OOAK designer inspired crochet handbag.

 Party, fun, holiday, Mardi Gras.

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

I love making jewelry, and my shop has a few pieces left that haven't sold. I think my jewelry designs are "OK", but I've been told that my talent is more in my textile work. So, I've been expanding my skills in that area, specifically purses and other fabric/fiber creations.

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

First of all, technique and workmanship is very important to me, and it goes out as a calling card for what I do. So the first message would be that of "quality". Beyond that, I want anything I sell or give as a gift to make the buyer completely happy! My work is constantly evolving, and as I continue with my craft, (in particular, my purses), my goal is for them to be as practical as they are attractive. If a bag isn't useful, the money to purchase it isn't well spent. Most of my textile creations are colorful and not too serious. Making each item brings me great joy, so I want the finished product to evoke joy, as well! And, most of what I make is unique - I never want anything to look like it's been mass produced because it isn't. I could mass produce my work and make more money, but, I believe there are still people who are proud to be individuals, and hopefully when they are looking for something to buy, something in my shop will appeal to them.

REDUCED - Green envy, handmade designer inspired crochet purse.

 Green, ribbons, beads. Eyelash. Fun, party.

What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?

Based on what I've learned, do what you're passionate about, and s-t-r-e-t-c-h yourself by trying new techniques and materials! I really believe that being afraid to try something new is a limit to creativity!! Above all, when you are trying something new, see the project through till the end, even if it's a flop. Next time it will be better! Stopping and starting projects and abandoning a new technique only scatters focus and creativity

Great interview Pat.  Your creations are truly delightful and one can tell a lot of love and attention to detail goes into every one of them.  Thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts and creativity with everyone!


To see more of Pat's work, be sure to visit her links below.

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1000 MARKETS

FEATURED ETSY SHOP - HANDPAINTED PETALS by Sheryl

Wine Glasses Hand Painted CRYSTAL Set of Four Elegant and Timeless

by Sheryl of HANDPAINTED PETALS

WELCOME, Sheryl, and her Etsy shop, HANDPAINTED PETALS!  Everything you see in Sheryl's shop gives you a feeling of  "lightness and joy"....from her handpainted wine glasses, jewelry keepsake boxes, greeting cards, signs and tiles to her votives, vases and boxes.  All of these items have the magical touch of flowers on them.  Be sure to pay a visit to HANDPAINTED PETALS after reading Sheryl's interview below.

What led you to start creating your art/craft?

My husband and I were in a car accident caused by a drinker who drove. I have a head injury as a result and while I was rehabbing, I wasn’t able to do much as reading, watching TV or other things were very difficult then. So, I got a video on painting because I wanted to look at flowers. I felt especially drawn to roses for some reason. After a few days, I was tickled pink that my son recognized a rose that I had painted, as a rose.

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

I knew a bit about oils (that seemed very difficult), and had attempted water color once so I knew those were out; acrylics seemed like a reasonable start for my adventure.

Hand Painted Birdhouse with Silk Bird, Roses, and Flowers

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

The sense of discovery as it unfolds and makes itself appear, working with the colors, and seeing someone’s happy reaction to one of my pieces (see below). I’m frequently surprised by how things turn out, and I like that. Well, at least most of the time I like the surprises. As Einstein said, “I don’t think I failed. I just now know 10,000 ways not to do something.” Yep, that sums it up for me! I imagine that that sense of discovery will continue because the creating process evolves, too. I also enjoy playing with color combinations, designing to create a color theme, and mixing my own colors. I have to limit myself, though, because I can spend LOTS of time just designing things and creating color palettes. For a while, I had big pots of the primary colors, but when I realized I was spending more time mixing than painting, I changed to the little tubes of color. After all, my whole purpose is to paint something, not just play in paints!

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

Mmmm. Kind of a Rorschach test for my painting!  A plum and a tomato came first to mind, maybe because purple is one of my favorite colors, and red is my favorite rose to paint. I do have a serving tray with various fruits, including plums. And, I did a set of liqueur glasses in a fruit theme using plums, pears, apples, etc. Anyway, I’m hoping to “grow” myself toward painting fruits and veggies in the future, so we’ll see if that produces a plum or a tomato!

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

If I could choose anything, I’d choose sculpture. I love the three-dimensionality of it and that it gives a complete sense – texture, form, movement -- of an image. I’ve never even tried it but it would be fun to give it a go.

More realistically, collage seems like it would be a good fit for me. I like the vintage motifs and some of the whimsy found in those images. I like the possibility of combining that with my painting, but not sure just how to combine them yet.

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

If I could convey a sense of joy of looking at something pleasing to the eye, I would feel very happy. I like the sense of connected-ness when I paint something and someone gives it a new home.

I’ve taken launching my painting business slowly because of the brain dents and the challenges it presents me. But, I’m looking forward to selling at some craft fairs and or farmer’s markets around the Austin area. I need a ‘helper’ to keep me focused so I’m waiting til my hubby has some time. I enjoy it very much when I can watch someone’s reaction when they see a piece they like. That’s a beautiful feeling for me!

What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?

To have a business plan. Even if it’s a hobby, if it involves money and a goal of some kind, you’ve got to have a plan. A business plan doesn’t have to be complicated: it’s basically just a working outline – like a high school theme paper – that you complete to think through you’re endeavor to make the most of your efforts. I'll help if someone would like to get started on one; just email me via Etsy or my blog, below.

Thanks, Sheryl, for taking the time to share your thoughts and wonderful handpainted creations with all of us.  They truly make one feel good to look at them.  There is no doubt that a lot of attention and love goes into each of your creations.

Be sure to visit Sheryl's links below.

HANDPAINTED PETALS BLOG

FEATURED ETSY SHOP - LuvToSparkle

Pink and Black - Chunky Stretch Bracelet

Black lucite beads decorated with pink and black Swarovski crystals, then to top it all off a big black bow and chunky pink glass heart. Stylish for any day of the week. Stretch bracelet, should fit most!

Shooting Stars - Orange and Bronze Dangle Earrings

Let's welcome, Sharon and her fun, colorful jewelry which she sells in her Etsy shop, LuvToSparkle.  Pay a visit to Sharon's shop and you will find a delightful array of colorful bracelets, necklaces, earrings and more!  Great prices!


What led you to start creating your art/craft?

A trip to Disneyland. I visited a little shop in downtown Disney and fell in love with all the unique jewelry in the shop! And ever since then I've been creating my own pieces.

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

Serious internet searching, I wasn't sure where I wanted to start... but then I found this stuff called resin, and you can create just about anything you can think up with it! I fell in love! Then I discovered pearls and crystals and more recently stretchy bracelets.

My Neon Dream - Double Layer Stretch Bracelet

What an awesome explosion of color!!! I adore the colors pink and orange so I used fun pink and orange beads! Then I paired them with some shiny Swarovski crystals, and to pull it all together a large green crystal, FUN!

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

At the end of a hard day at work, I can come home and use my creative side. Also when my friends, family, or strangers truly love my work, it's so rewarding when people enjoy your work!

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

LoL! What a great question! Probably citrus like oranges and limes, and oh I love raspberries... bright colors! I love bright and sparkly! hehe


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

Currently I'm looking into metalworking. I've always had an interest in it and I would love to learn how to work with metal, make rings, or unique pendants/chains/whatever!

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

To just be yourself. Have fun with what you wear... I think the world is too serious as it is, and I think a lot of my pieces are just fun.

My Heart is Full of Love - Swarovski crystal pendant

What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?

If you want to do something, do it! If it's what you enjoy, then it won't matter what others think, or if you make it big, don't let anyone tell you what you can or can't do.

Thanks, Sharon, for sharing your fun, creative jewelry with everyone! 


Be sure to visit Sharon's links below, where you can see more of her work.

TWITTER

BLOG

FEATUARED ETSY SHOP - HATT STREET

SALE Teal button toque

by Kendra

This toque will beat the competition black and blue. Think girlie toques are just for sissies? Think again! Bright blue teal and black keep this toque edgy and tough. Blue spirals down to the black brim, and two off white buttons finish the punch.

Let's welcome Kendra and her Etsy shop, HATT STREET. Pay a visit to HATT STREET, and you will find an array of lovely, colorful crocheted items...jewelry, spring toques, WINTER SALE ITEMS and more.  First, take a moment to learn a bit more about Kendra and her creations by reading her interview below.

What led you to start creating your art/craft?

My dad taught me how to crochet when I was young, and my mum also taught me how to knit. I kept forgetting how to knit, though, so after the first ten times she showed me, I gave it up as a bad job! The crocheting stuck, and when I saw how much toques sold for in stores, I decided to start making my own. Plus, that way I got to pick whatever colours I wanted! People started commenting on my toques, and I started making them as gifts, and things grew from there.

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

Ah, can we blame genetics?! I never made a conscious choice to create with wool, but it works for me!

The Daffodil Bracelet

Nothing says spring like daffodils. April is also Daffodil Month with the Canadian Cancer Society, and this bracelet combines a crocheted daffodil with their royal blue colours to help spread the word. The band of the bracelet is stretchy, and measures 7" around when relaxed, and can stretch up to 11" at the maximum.  $2 from the proceeds of this sale will go to cancer research.

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

I love a challenge. I love creating custom orders for people and seeing their reactions to my work. I love trying new things and writing my own patterns.

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

I want to say a potato but I don't know why...

The Slouchy Toque

Lightweight and bright, this toque is the perfect accessory for those cool spring evenings when you just want that little extra warmth without getting a jacket. Slouch fit with a snug band, in a cotton blend yarn.

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

Food! I love to cook, and I make some pretty excellent cakes.

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

I don't think I have a message, exactly... Just want people to have fun with winter!

What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?

Let yourself be creative. Go with what works for you, and have fun with it!


THANKS, Kendra, for sharing your thoughts and creativity with all of us.  Kendra has some great sales going on now for her winter items, so don't pass up the chance to get beautiful, handmade creations at great prices.

HATT STREET ON FACEBOOK