Are you an Etsy Shop owner? Would you like to be "featured"?

In the past, I've done many features of Etsy shops, and would like to start doing this again.  Since Etsy did away with the "old forums" it has been hard to let people know that I would love to feature their shop.

Anyone who is interested in being featured here on my DZFANTASY blog, send me a convo or an email to Donna at: dzfairies@msn.com

My Etsy shop is DZFANTASY at: http://dzfantasy.etsy.com/

All mediums are welcome.  My features include several photos of your favorite items in your shop,  interview questions and any links related to your shop.

FREE ADVERTISING FOR YOU!  Looking forward to hearing from you!

FEATURED ETSY SHOP - JEWELRY KALEIDOSCOPE

Hand Embroidered Kitchen Dish Towel Flowers, Butterfly

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

WELCOME, Laura and her Etsy shop JEWELRY KALEIDOSCOPE where she sells vintage items, along with beautiful hand embroidered items, such as the lovely dish towel above.

I think it is always interesting to know a bit more about the person behind each Etsy shop, so take a moment to read Laura's interview below.  Then..........hop on over to her shop by clicking on the links below.  Laura has a lot of delightful items to choose from, both in her hand embroidery and vintage items.

What led you to start creating your art/craft?

I grew up in a college town that had a program like big sister, I have 5 brothers so I was in this program and that is who taught me to do hand embroidery, I think I was around 10 years old.

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

I love all the colors of the floss to choose from.

Hand Embroidered Cross Stiched Lamb Baby Bib

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



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

I love to see the piece come alive when the black lines get turned to color. And I love flowers so, this is another way to make them bloom.

Hand Embroidered Heart Shaped Love Pillow/Pincushion

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

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

Strawberry, they start out as a flower, then a small hard berry, and grow into a pretty red berry.

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

Watercolors, I love all the colors,

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

I like to think I have brightened someone's day with one of my embroidered item, maybe put a smile on their face.

What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?

Have fun doing your crafts and don't be afraid to try some new ones.

THANKS, Laura for taking the time to share your thoughts and creations with all of us.

You can see more of Laura's items by visiting her links below.

FACEBOOK

FEATURED ETSY SHOP - CARIAD CLAY

Love Birds Hanging Heart

by CARIAD CLAY

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

Let's welcome Chloe, and her Etsy shop, CARIAD CLAY as a featured Etsy artist here on DZFANTASY.  It has been a while since I've had time to bring you featured Etsy shops, and I am happy to have CARIAD CLAY as one of the first ones.

Be sure to pay a visit to Chloe's shop after reading her interview below, where she tells us in her own words how she got started in her art.

What led you to start creating your art/craft?

After having my little girl, I started pottery classes to try to banish the baby brain.

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

I've always loved getting messy and really enjoyed pottery at school

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

I love how relaixng it is, just sitting with some fresh clay and working on new ideas. Sometimes they turn out well and other times they are a complete mess, but as long as I get my 'clay time' I'm happy!


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

A banana! It's soft to start with, but hard when dried and it's bright and sunny!

Custom Butterfly Door Number Plaque Any Number Any Colour

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

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

It would always be clay!

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

That I'm a potter from Wales! I love my Welsh roots and living in Wales.

Cariad is Welsh for beloved and if more people know that then I'm happy.

What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?


Make what you enjoy making, then you'll enjoy selling it and talking about it too

Chloe, thanks for taking the time to share your delightful creations with all of us and for sharing your thoughts and ideas.

Be sure to visit CARIAD CLAY by clicking on the links below.

FACEBOOK

FEATURED ETSY SHOP - MOMSHOO by Shu Ning

 Bird tail feathers fabric badge

by MOMSHOO

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

I'm happy to have Shu Ning and her Etsy shop, MOMSHOO here on DZFANTASY as a "featured" Etsy shop.  When you pay a visit to MOMSHOO you will find delightful, colorful fabric badges and pins to add a bit of fun to any outfit.

First, take a moment to read Shu Ning's interview below.

What led you to start creating your art/craft?

Strictly speaking I only started sewing after attending a patchwork class, but way before that, I had art classes all the time! And it was only after being inspired by so many plush artists I read about in books that got me thinking, “Hey! That looks fun and something I could do IT too!” The boredom following the long break before entering University also helped fuel the start of Momshoo.

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

As mentioned before, plush artists were my first inspirations and trying to come up with my own plush for a major art project in school got me hooked on sewing! It wasn’t difficult to realize I wanted to work on all things fabric.

Momshoo- The Little Prince fabric badges set

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

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

Hmm… tough decision. I think I like the finding of inspiration (usually involves shopping around and I can disguise it as ‘working’)… Sewing is also very therapeutic, but I love putting on the finishing touches as I get that sense of satisfaction seeing the readymade products!

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

The lemon! The fruit is sour and some people (like me) love it, others do not. In some way my craft is very specific and you either like it a lot or you don’t! Which is the reason why I don’t actively push my products to passers-by at flea markets; hard-sell doesn’t work for my kind of products. And for those who are interested, they usually appreciate my creations a lot more.

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

Wood! Ah, yes, most definitely wood. I am always attracted to the tiny wooden toys of Germany, but I haven’t had a chance to learn wood-craft as I haven’t found anyone in Singapore who teaches it.

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

There are many ways you can add ‘fun’ in your lives!

What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?

Shop around and experiment often. I find this is a good way for me to come up with new products. (I am still very new to all this! Maybe they have advice for me too? )

Thanks, Shu Ning, for taking the time to share your thoughts and your creativity with all of us. 

Be sure to visit Shu Ning's links below to see more of her delightful creations.

FLICKR

FACEBOOK

FEATURED ETSY SHOP - HOLLY BY GOLLY

String of Love Glass Greeting Card

(CLICK on title above to learn more about this item)

If you are looking for fun, colorful, original designed greeting cards and gifts, then you will want to be sure to pay a visit to HollyByGolly on Etsy!!  This fun shop is run by a delightful artist named, Holly.  You will find whimsical cards such as the one shown above along with colorful magnets and more!

First, take time to read Holly's interview below, where she tells us in her own words how she got started making her HollyByGolly creations.

What led you to start creating your art/craft?

I was working an insane amount of hours at my day job and I needed a creative outlet. I’ve always been interested in paper crafts, pens, markers, etc. and have been a creative soul since I was a child. Once I created my first card I was hooked.

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

I love to draw/doodle and I love paper. Making cards seemed like a natural choice. The glass gem idea came later when I want to add a little something, but I didn’t want it to be a typical embellishment.

Glass Dragonfly Magnets

(CLICK on title above to learn more about this item)

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

My most enjoyable aspect is when I put colored ink to paper. When my pencil sketch pops with color.

Ladybug River Rock

(CLICK on the above title to learn more about this item)

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

All of them, because I try to make my cards and magnets very colorful.

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

Probably paint, because it is easy to apply and you can paint virtually any item.

Glass Spring Flowers Greeting Card

(CLICK on title above to learn more about this item)

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

Fun. Everyone loves to get a card in the mail. Even if you’re not a card sender yourself, my cards make card giving fun. My motto is, “Things that are fun to give… and receive.”

What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?

Don’t try to create when you’re tired or angry. It rarely comes out right. If you must do something, work on ideas, sketches, etc. Nothing you are expecting to “put out there”.

Thanks, Holly, for sharing your delightful creations with everyone.  They make you feel good just looking at them!!
 
To see more of Holly's original designs be sure to visit the links below. They are sure to brighten someone's day.

BLOG

FEATURED ETSY SHOP - LIL BITTY BOWS

Minnie and Mickey Mouse Bottle Cap Hair Bow

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

by

Tara of LIL BITTY BOWS

Let's welcome Tara and her Etsy shop, LIL BITTY BOWS!  Pay a visit to LIL BITTY BOWS and you will find a delightful assortment of colorful, fun hair accessories to dress up your little girls!  Tara designs and creates no slip hair clips, flower stretch bands, bottlecap bows (like the one pictured above), hair bows and a lot more.

Before you head on over to LIL BITTY BOWS, take time to read Tara's interview below.

What led you to start creating your art/craft?

I started making hair clips shortly after my oldest daughter was born. She had the craziest hair I had ever seen on a little girl. I couldn't find a hair clip that would stay in her hair, until someone gave me a name brand No-Slip Hair Clip, after very careful inspection of her clip I was convinced that I could make these clips myself, and that's what I did. It wasn't until just recently that I learned how to make different types of hair bows and bottle caps. I am always on the internet learning new techniques.

Silk Geranium Hair Clip

(Click on on items title to learn more about it)

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

I use grosgrain ribbon for most of my bows and clips. It is a nice sturdy ribbon and holds it shape well.

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

I love seeing people wear and enjoy the hair accessories that I have made.

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

This is probably the Italian coming out in me, but I would say GARLIC. just as Garlic will compliment many recipes, a pretty little hair bow or headband will compliment any outfit.

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

I would say jewelry making. I have never actually tried to make any jewelry, but have always been interested in learning.

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

That all of my products are made with love. Each and every one of my hair accessories were made as if I were making them for my own daughters.

What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?

Don't give up!! If it is something that you truly love to do, than stick with it. I came across this quote the other day and loved it. "Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful."


Thanks, Tara, for sharing your thoughts and delightful hair accessories with all of us.

To see more of what LIL BITTY BOWS has to offer, be sure to visit the links below.

FACEBOOK

FEATURED ETSY SHOP - TREACHER CREATURES

Sock Flamimgo, Phoebie, hand crafted soft toy sock animal

 by Treacher Creatures

Let's welcome, Dawn and her delightful Etsy shop called TREACHER CREATURES.  You really must pay a visit to TREACHER CREATURES to see all the fun, colorful "sock characters".  You might run across a zebra, chicken, giraffe, snail or even an alien!  These delightful little creatures are for young (not under 3 years) and old alike.  They will surely make you smile!

Read Dawn's interview below as she tells us in her own words how she got started on this creative adventure.

What led you to start creating your art/craft?

I bought a book about making creatures from stray socks and I was instantly hooked,

Sock Dinosaur, Reggie

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


This book gave me the idea. I was a keen sewer anyway so it seemed a logical step.

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

I love the way a humble sock can be transformed into a creature that seems to have its own personality.

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

A strawberry, because it is so sweet just like my little creatures.

Sock Giraffe, Geoffrey

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

Paint. I am a passionate painter who loves to capture the landscape around me in paint.

Sock Skunk, Suzie

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

That all sock creatures are adorable. Adopt one today.

What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?

Do what you are passionate about. Let your creativity know no bounds.

Dawn, your sock creatures are definitely "sweet, adorable, and whimsical".  It is easy to see all the love that goes into each of your little creatures. Thanks so much for sharing your creativity and thoughts with all of us. 
 
The above photos show just a few of the delightful creatures you will meet when you pay a visit to TREACHER CREATURES.  Visit Dawn's shop by clicking on the links below.

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

FEATURED ETSY SHOP - STUCK TOGETHER - Magnets by Wendy Parker

JUST OWLS BOTTLE CAP MAGNET SET

by Wendy of STUCK TOGETHER

This is a set of six bottle cap magnets with images of adorable owls on each. Each is made with an image on glossy card stock adhered to a bottle cap with adhesive. The dome over the image is created with a Sun And Moon Resin Glaze Drop creating a protective surface over the paper.

You just have to pay a visit to Wendy's Etsy shop, STUCK TOGETHER!  You will find the most delightful, colorful magnets that can be put to so many uses, or just have them "stuck" about for color and fun!  As a "special" this week only, each purchase will receive a FREE gift!  First, take a moment to read Wendy's interview below to see what inspired her to get into creating her delightful magnets.

What led you to start creating your art/craft?

I have been a crafty person all of my life and have dabbled in this and that for years. I recently started a jewelry shop on etsy and was making a particular glass pendant for the invetory in that shop. I really enjoyed the process of working with the paper and the glass and decided to open shop number two, Stuck Together Magnets, soon thereafter. I really enjoy what I am doing with Stuck Together and get so excited everyday when it is time to work on new pieces.

Fine Art Mermaids Inch Glass Magnet Set

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

Really by accident. I just stumbled upon the love of magnets when I realized I enjoy working with glass and choosing the papers and images. It is all just so fun for me!

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

I would have to say finding and selecting the images for the magnets. Browsing the scrapbook paper in local craft stores is just about one of my favorite activities.

Retro Flowers Bottle Cap Magnet Set

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

I would have to say a strawberry, because this is SWEET!

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

I also make jewelry, so that is my backup creativity outlet. I also enjoy writing and painting.

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

Magnets are fun and functional and everyone loves them, even if they won’t admit it!

Whimsical Deep Purple Pebble Magnet

What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?

Work hard! If you want to be an crafter for a living, you have to give it everything you have got. This is a tough marketplace with a lot of talented people. Work hard, find a niche and be the best!

THANKS, Wendy, for a delightful interview and for sharing your fun, creative magnets with all of us.  I love them!! I can see why you enjoy creating them so much!

To learn more about STUCK TOGETHER, click on Wendy's links below:

FEATURED ETSY SHOP - HALLIE OF HALPAL28

The Belmont Hat (Espresso / Chartreuse / Sky)

by Hallie

WELCOME, Hallie of HALPAL28 on Etsy. Be sure to take time to visit this delightful artist's shop, where you will find her handknit creations. 

Let's learn a bit more about Hallie by reading her fun interview below.

What led you to start creating your art/craft?

I was bored! I started knitting in college, and my course load wasn’t very challenging. I needed something to occupy my hands so that I wouldn't sit and eat cookies all day. I ended up loving it.

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

It wasn’t really a conscious decision. I’ve always loved crafted, but knitting just stuck a lot longer than anything else.

The Hawthorne Headband (Taupe / Marigold)

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

I love picking out the colors and imagining designs in my head. Then, of course it’s fun when they come to life. Starting and ending a project is the most exciting part. There’s a sizable lull in between, but I find it relaxing.

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

I’m tempted to say artichoke, because that’s my favorite food, but I think I’ll have to go with a peach. It’s soft and fuzzy, just like my creations, and it’s a real attention-getter. Whenever I eat a peach in public, people say, “Ooh! A Peach!” Customers often write me that their hats get them a lot of attention, which I think is fun.

The Toddler Oakdale Hat (Any Color Combination)

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

I love putting together outfits. I’m not a very good clothing designer, but I am an expert ‘layerer.’ I’d love to be a stylist or something similar. You can usually find me in either a simple jeans/tee-shirt combo, or covered in half of the pieces in my closet. It’s a good way to gauge how awake I was in the morning—just count the number of items I’m wearing. Right now it’s 7, so I was pretty energetic, but still a bit groggy.

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

Fearlessness and self-expression. Women should wear what makes them feel like themselves. It’s exciting to take risks with your wardrobe, and to be a little nervous when you walk out the door. I wear things sometimes that I know not very many people appreciate, but if they make me happy, it’s still fun. I have this hat with a big brooch and a veil over it, and it usually gets gawked at, but every once in a while someone will say, “I love your hat, and good for you for wearing what you want!” I think the color combinations in my shop are a bit edgy, yet so feminine. They’re impossible to ignore, so you have to be confident!

What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?

Don’t sacrifice your style to please others. If you have a wild product, don’t tone it down to make more sales. You just need to find your niche. On Etsy, there is a product for every customer, and a customer for every product. I often hear, “Is this too weird to sell?” No! You just have to wait for the ‘weirdos’ to find you.

Thanks, Hallie, for a fun interview!  You have a great way of expressing yourself, not only in your words, but in your delightful knit creations.

To see more of Hallie's handknit creations, visit her Etsy shop below.

FEATURED ETSY SHOP - MegnificentCo

Cowl Neckwarmer Scarf, Pink and Brown, The Betty Muff

by MegnificentCo

I'm happy to have Meghan and her Etsy shop, MegnificentCo here on DZFANTASY as a featured Etsy shop.  Pay a visit to Meghan's shop and you will find a beautiful variety of handknit or crocheted scarves, neck warmers and more!

First, take a moment to learn a bit more about Meghan and her creations by reading her interview below.

What led you to start creating your art/craft?

I have a long list of things I want to learn how to do, and knitting and crocheting were high on that list. So, I enrolled in a continuing education class at a local college with my mom, and we sort of learned the basics. The rest I had to teach myself. But, my grandmother is my ultimate inspiration. She could knit and crochet effortlessly, and that really led me to purse this craft.

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

I like all different types of yarn, but I particularly enjoy working with colorful, super-bulky yarn. I think it’s fun to look at, adds a pop of color to any outfit, and is just so soft and lush.

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

I love purchasing the material (read: I love shopping) and figuring out what I want to make next. My mind is always racing ahead of me to the finished project, figuring out what I can do next. I also like the methodical rhythm of certain stitches, when I’m in a knitting/crocheting groove. It is therapeutic and soothing. I love watching a skein of yarn become a delicious piece of eye candy!

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

I would have to say a fruit. The colors involved are vibrant and eye-catching, the material involves a wide-range of textures, the process has both sweet and sour moments, and the end result is satisfying and healthy (it’s good to keep warm, right?).

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

I would choose to make soap. I love cooking and all kitchen-related aspects. From what I’ve read, there are a lot of aspects to soap-making that involve standard cooking techniques. I love how a scent can affect your mood. I also am very attracted to the packaging process of soap making.

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

To use your accessories as a chance to be playful, take risks, or add a pop of color. I tend to have a standard “uniform” of clothing and colors I always gravitate towards, and I think a lot of people are like that. Incorporating a unique accessory does not require a huge commitment or investment, and it adds a lot to an outfit without changing your overall look or identity.

What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?

If you feel discouraged, start making a new item. I find that as long as I keep busy, I feel proactive. Always look for ways to improve your craft/art.

Meghan, thanks for giving us a peek into your thoughts and creativity! 

To learn more about Megan, click on her links below.

FACEBOOK

TWITTER

FLICKR

FEATUARED ETSY SHOP - AMANDA'S ANGELS by Amanda Mae Calta

Peace Angel

by Amanda Mae Calta

("This is my favorite angel, mainly because of who and why I made this one for. She was designed for a couple whose two year old daughter died. I'm hoping that this angel will be a gentle reminder of their daughter and give them comfort to know they will see her again.")

WELCOME, Amanda and her Etsy shop AMANDA'S ANGELS.  When you pay a visit to Amanda's shop you will find delightful little angels that will make you smile!  Angels are everywhere.....some we can see and know as family and friends, while others are "unseen" watching over us.  Amanda's little angels make a beautiful, thoughtful gift idea, and as she states in her shop's title...."everyone needs an angel"!

Read Amanda's interview below to see how she got started in creating her angels.

What led you to start creating your art/craft.

I've always enjoyed creating things. These angels started because I needed an angel for the top of my Christmas tree. I couldn't find anything in the stores and decided to make one for myself, that was about 8 years ago. Sometime last year, I was looking for something to keep me busy (I'm a stay at home mom) and thought I could recreate my angels for other purposes. I wanted to make them for decor for a little girl's bedroom.

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

I thought wood would be the best medium to stand the test of time. I remember growing up and always having the same angel on the top of our Christmas tree. I wanted the same tradition for my children. I also love to build things.

PEACOCK ANGEL

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

I find it most enjoyable to see how my children react to the angels that I make. I like the lessons that I am teaching them by what I do. I also love the time to myself to just be creative. I love to wander through the craft stores and look at products to see if I can incorporate them into my products.

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

I’m not good at this game. I’ll say an apple. My designs are simple, they are classic just like an apple. A simple beauty!

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

I have been wanting to learn to crochet. Someday it will work out to take the class to learn.

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

I just want to convey peace and reassurance through my angels. When my first husband passed away, I felt drawn to angels. I had pictures taken of my oldest son in an angel costume and found peace and happiness through those pictures. We will always go through tough times. I hope to give reassurance and peace to those who look at my angels.


What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?

Find a product that you love to create and keep making them. There are going to be moments of frustration, but keep moving forward.

Thanks, Amanda, for a lovely interview and for sharing your little angels with everyone. Keep on making your angels!


Visit AMANDA'S ANGELS by clicking on the photos or shop link below. I'm sure you know someone who would love to have a little keepsake angel.

FEATURED ETSY SHOP - CITY OF KARIS

Mystery Jewelry Subscription by CITY OF KARIS

Here is a fun, unique idea offered by Etsy artist, Karis, and her shop CITY OF KARIS

A gift that keeps on giving-for a whole year!

DESCRIPTION:
With this purchase, you will receive a surprise gift in the mail once a month for one full year.


This is a great gift for yourself or someone else. Imagine coming home from a hard day of work and finding a beautiful surprise at your door. If you are buying for someone else, they will be receiving free jewelry for a full 12 months.


This is also an incredible value-much cheaper than if you were to purchase these things separately. And trust me, this is awesome stuff!


Everything from necklaces, art pendants, earrings, bracelets, hair pieces, and more!


The image above is a sample of what you could receive, but may not be the actual items you receive.

Welcome, Karis and her Etsy shop CITY OF KARIS.  One of the items that Karis offers in her shop, is the "Mystery Jewelry" subscription which is described above.  I think it is a fun idea, and something that would make a great gift idea. 
 
When you pay a visit to CITY OF KARIS, you will also find "art collages", paintings, necklaces and more. First, lets learn a bit more about Karis and her creativity by reading her interview below.
 
What led you to start creating your art/craft?
 
I started creating jewelry because my family would go garage/estate sale hunting for fun when I was little. I would mix and match the pieces, eventually making my own creation.

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


I wanted to combine art with jewelry, so this is shown in my pieces. Also, all of my work is weiner dog approved.


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


I find it enjoyable when someone else loves something I have made!

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 banana. Much of my inspiration comes from Carmen Miranda.

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


I would choose mixed media painting. It is exciting to see a blank canvas transform. I have some pieces in my shop now, and am hoping to add more.

11" x 14"

Bohemian Green Button Vase Mixed Media Painting

by Karis

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


My message is that it is okay to buy a handmade, original piece, rather buying from retail blobs.


What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?


Do what makes you happy!

Thanks, Karis, for taking the time to share your creativity and thoughts with all of us.  your "Mystery Jewelry" subscription is a great idea!  It is always fun to look forward to getting something in the mail!


Be sure to visit the links below to see more of Karis' creations.

BLOG

FEATURED ETSY SHOP - CUT YOUR HEART OUT

My Heart Is Rubber and You Are Glue Necklace

by Jessica

of

CUT YOUR HEART OUT

Just in time for Valentine's Day....! 

 I'm happy to welcome Jessica and her Etsy shop which she calls CUT YOUR HEART OUT.  Pay a visit to Jessica's shop, where you will find her fun jewelry designs like the heart necklace above and the colorful button necklace below.

Button Up Necklace

Read Jessica's interview below to learn a bit more about how she got started creating her fun, funky jewelry.

What led you to start creating your art/craft?

I've always been the artsy/crafty sort. When I was a kid I was constantly making things out of random objects. I can't think of one time in my life when I wasn't engaged in some sort of art activity, whether it be writing, photography, painting or crafting. A couple of years ago, I started making jewelry and it became a favorite pass time. I don't even remember what sparked the interest other than the fact that I love accessories, but at one point I made way more pieces than I needed so I decided to try my hand at selling some of them on Etsy.

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


I played around with various materials until I found the ones I liked best. I tend to go for a more eclectic feel so using found objects is my main source of inspiration which are also used in my pieces.


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


There's something very therapeutic about creating objects with my hands. I enjoy the time I spend actually making the pieces.

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


A mango. Not so foreign that no one "gets" it, but just exotic enough that it stands out in the fruit bowl.

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


Photography. I have always loved being behind the lens.


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


Individuality, passion, soulfulness.

What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?


Create with your heart.

Thanks, Jessica, for a great interview, and for sharing your creativity with everyone!  To learn more about Jessica and her creations, be sure to visit her links below.

BLOG

FACEBOOK FAN PAGE

FEATURED ETSY SHOP - BRIGITTE'S BUTTON BIJOUX

ICY CLOUD BUTTON PENDANT

By Brigitte

This 2 1/4" (5.5cm)wide by not quite 2" (4.5cm high) pendant had 5 unique white upcycled buttons of various sizes surrounding a small icy blue button. It is wired together using silver coloured wire and comes on a 24" (60cm) adjustable black hemp cord.

WELCOME, Brigitte and her Etsy shop BRIGITTE'S BUTTON BIJOUX.  Be sure to pay a visit to Brigitte's shop where you will find her delightful button creations.  Using buttons as her medium, Brigitte designs pendants, and other designs using different colors and sizes of buttons.

What led you to start creating your art/craft?

I started making button jewelry because I was trying to come up with new gift ideas that would be unique but not expensive.

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

I work in a theatre wardrobe so buttons are abundant and pendants are my favourite type of jewelry to wear.

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

The part I find most enjoyable is designing the piece. I really enjoy colour so mixing the different shades of buttons together is a blast.

BOLD BUTTON PENDANT

This not quite 3" (7cm) high by not quite 2" (4cm) wide pendant is made up of new and reused buttons in shades of red, blue, light wood, white and reddish brown . It is wired together using silver coloured wire and comes on a 24" adjustable natural hemp cord.

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



I would choose an exotic fruit salad because each piece is unique and a mixture of different things.

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

I also knit a lot. It makes great gifts and nothing says cozy like a homemade toque or a pair of fuzzy mittens made just for you.

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

I think everything can be art and if it brings you joy and causes no harm, do it. We're all unique and we should be proud to express that.

What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?

 Keep creating!

Brigitte, thanks for sharing your unique button creations with everyone!  It was interesting to see what one can create by using their imagination using everyday items like buttons.  To visit Brigitte's shop on Etsy, click on the links below.