FEATURED ETSY SHOP - AUTUMN RAIN CREATIONS BY APRIL

Photography Print 5x7 Summer Day

Late in the summer when all the plants and flowers are big and beautiful.

by April

 of AUTUMN RAIN CREATIONS

WELCOME, April and her Etsy shop, AUTUMN RAIN CREATIONS.  When you pay a visit to April's shop, you will find a lovely selection of -  Photographic Art, Handcrafted and Upcycled Vintage Earrings. Craft Supplies. Flax Pillow Packs. Vintage Treasures.

Before you visit, AUTUMN RAIN CREATIONS, take a moment to read April's interview  below to get a bit of an "insight" into what started April on her creative adventures.

What led you to start creating your art/craft

I don't think there was anything that led me to start doing this it's just there in me always has been. My grandmother, dad and my daughter are very artistic, so it has always been around me one way or the another. It may sound cliche, but as a child I was always creating something. I have always been intrigued and interested in all art. I love being around it.

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

I have always just worked with what I enjoyed and felt drawn to at that moment.

Purple Glass Copper Dangle Earrings

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

The solidarity aspect is most enjoyable to me. That's when I just put my whole self into my project and nothing else is on my mind but the creation itself.

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

When I am taking pictures, I really see so much of the beauty of nature (God's labor) so I guess I would have to say fruit.

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

Probably painting. I use to draw and paint when I was young and have always wanted to start back up again. My daughter is 17 and paints/draws so artisticly. It motivates me.

Purple Leaves Eye Pillow

Eye Pillow Pack filled with Flaxseed. Use cold or hot. Heat in microwave in intervals to achieve gentle moist warmth or store in refrigerator/freezer too cool or help unpuff eyes. Wonderful for a number of aches and pains. Measures 9x3 inches. Made of cotton fabric and flaxseed.

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

I think it's more of a personal inner strength than a message for me. I do it because it makes me feel good, it's calming, it's a creative outlet and sharing it helps me show how I feel about life at that time.

What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?

I don't believe in what's best selling or following the trend. My advise would be draw your creativity from your heart and roll with it.

Thanks, April, for taking the time to share your thoughts and creativity here on DZFANTASY.
 
To learn more about April and her art, be sure to visit the links below.

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FEATURED ETSY SHOP - BRIOLE PHOTOGRAPHY

STORMY SAILS

8x10 Fine Art Photograph

Beautiful sailboat at anchor off the small British Virgin Island of Jost Van Dyke

by BRIOLE PHOTOGRAPHY

Heather of BRIOLE PHOTOGRAPHY on Etsy has some very stunning and beautiful photography in her shop.  Scenes of nature and beautiful scenes from the Caribbean, and more.  Be sure to stop by for a visit!  First, let's read Heather's interview below to see what her thoughts are regarding her art.

What led you to start creating your art/craft:

I took a photography class in high school which started my interest in the subject, but it really began with the purchase of my first digital camera in college. I love looking at the world through the perspective of a camera lens. It makes me slow down and savor the moment and see the beauty in the unexpected. A photograph captures a moment in time that would otherwise be forgotten...and for that, I am forever grateful.

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

For me it wasn't so much a conscious decision that I choose this medium, rather it was a passion that found its way to me. It wasn't something that I said in advance, I am going to go out and learn photography and this is what I want to do...once I started experimenting with photography, it was a feeling of coming home and now I couldn't imagine my life without it.

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

The joy of taking a picture that at first glance would be something that someone wouldn't consider worthy of taking a second glance at. But once captured, it becomes something beautiful that someone would want to hang on their wall and look at time and time again.

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

This is a great question! I would say a red bell pepper...it captures your attention at first glance, and upon further examination, it has a depth and complexity of flavor that is hard to beat and it is very colorful and joyful to look at.

PRETTY IN PINK - 8 x 10 Fine Art Photography

by Heather

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

I do have a second creative outlet which is quilting. I am a fifth generation quilter and love the process of combining different fabrics into a piece of art that serves two functions, both being a piece of art and something warm to snuggle with on a cold winter day.

PEACE HILL - 8 X 10 Fine Art Photography

by Heather

This photo is of a solitary sugar mill ruin, which sits atop Peace Hill watching over the island of St. John, in the US Virgin Islands.

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

That beauty can be found everywhere. You just have to slow down and appreciate it!

What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?

Find your own artistic expression and point of view. It is easy to fall into the trap of trying to emulate what is popular at the moment or what others who also share your medium are selling. Be true to yourself and your artistic vision will resonate with others because it is a true expression of something you believe in.

Heather, your work is wonderful!  Thanks so much for taking the time to not only share your photography with everyone, but for also sharing your thoughts with us.
 
To see and learn more about Heather and her work, be sure to visit her links below.
 

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FEATURED ETSY SHOP - CAROLYN MACKIN

Lourve-Rivoli metro station, Paris, France- petite fine art print- 7.778 x 3.5in

by Carolyn Mackin

WELCOME, Carolyn Mackin and her fairly new Etsy shop (April, 2009), called CAROLYN MACKIN.  Carolyn is a fine art photographer, and has a wide variety of prints listed in her shop.  Be sure to pay a visit to Carolyn's shop....you just might find that perfect scene to hang in your home or office.

First, let's learn a bit more about Carolyn by reading her interview below.  I always find it fascinating to learn why someone chose the "medium of expression" that they did.

SPECIAL OFFER:  Carolyn Mackin is offering free shipping to anyone who places an order during the month of September or October 2009 and adds the message "fantasy" at checkout.

What led you to start creating your art/craft?

Just before my third birthday, I spent two weeks decorating the goody bags, tablecloth, and party hats for my party, and I have been creating ever since. Creating images of beauty that resonate emotionally and spiritually and then sharing those pieces with others gives me extreme pleasure and a sense of fulfillment.

Australia, Embracing Couple, 2001)- petite fine art print- 8 x 3.5in

by Carolyn Mackin

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


I have always loved to create objects and experimented with many mediums. A photography workshop I took at a local art museum while in high school secured my passion for the medium. The click of the camera's shutter, watching prints magically emerge from light sensitive paper, and then the control and infinite possibilities I found with digital imaging all made photography very appealing to me.

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


Sharing it with others and receiving feedback gives me immense pleasure. I love honest critiques and feedback and the wonderful dialogue it can produce.

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


Very interesting question! A blueberry because they are beautiful on the outside, but have a full depth of flavor and nutrients.

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


Oh- choosing just one is impossible! I love to hand paint on my images, and I love paintings in general. However, I find the blank white canvas daunting and so starting with a photographic image works best for me. I have also worked with video and installation art. I find the combination very powerful, however it can be expensive and time consuming.

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


I like to convey many different messages in my work, depending on the series I am working on. I take the time to write an artist statement about each portfolio so that the viewer can get a glimpse of what my intention was.

What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?


Create from your unique perspective. Tell a visual story in each piece that is true to who you are. Work that has a different perspective and authenticity to it will always stand out as superior for me.


THANKS, Carolyn for sharing your great photography with everyone.  It must have been fun to visit those places and to capture them with your photographic eye.
 
To learn more about Carolyn and her work, be sure to visit her links below.

CAROLYN MACKIN WEB SITE

FEATURED ETSY SHOP - SCENIC NEW YORK

Beach Glass Christmas Tree Glass Tile Pendant, Christmas In July SALE
(CLICK on above photo to learn more about the pendant)

SCENIC NEW YORK is a husband and wife team, but in the interview below we will be hearing from Heather. SCENIC NEW YORK is participating in Etsy's "Christmas in July Sale", which runs through July 22nd, so be sure to stop by for a visit to see what they are offering. You will find a wide selection of beautiful items ranging from unframed photographs, beach lover gifts, pendants, mouse pads and more!

Zen White Waterlily Serene Photograph Mousepad, Christmas In July SALE

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

What led you to start creating your art/craft?

I've loved photography since I was a child. My mother encouraged me greatly. She not only bought me my own camera and film, but also took me on day trips where we lived in Pennsylvania so we could take photos (she is also an avid photographer). The other items in my shop are inspired purely by my love of the beauty of the area, especially the beach and lakefront. When my husband and I decided to start Scenic New York, we also decided to create crafts from items found around the state like beach glass and driftwood.

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

For photography, I chose to use a digital camera simply because they are easier to find and the results are instantly available. For the crafts, I have collected beach glass (also called seaglass or sea glass) since I was a child, so using that in various ways just seemed natural. The driftwood fit well with the beach glass, and the other items just came along as we traveled the area taking photos. We did make a decision to use milkpaint as much as possible on painted products because it is eco-friendly and really has no smell when you're using it. It smells a bit like damp earth, and that's it.

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

The travel. I love to see all the beautiful places in the state, even if I've been there many times before. The biggest bonus to this business is spending time with my husband traveling around New York to photograph the landscape as well as collecting materials like the beach glass. I do enjoy creating new products as well, and the challenge of trying to be unique.

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

Hm. I've never thought about that! I would have to go with an artichoke, because there are so many layers to what I do.

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

If I could, it would be painting. I can see so many scenes that I just can't photograph because I can't remove a specific item from the frame. If I could paint them, I could choose to include or leave out items as it suited me. I'm not very good at painting though, I've tried!

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

To stop and SEE the roses! I know it's a play on a cliche, but the main point we want to convey with Scenic New York is the incredible beauty of the state that surrounds us everyday. Sometimes it's not as easy to notice, so we try to "cut out" the distractions by framing a single item in the photo. It's amazing what's here that you'd never even notice as you go about your daily life.

What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?

Do what you love! Don't give in to trends or pressure to create something you don't like because you think it will sell. If you create something that speaks to your audience, they will pick up on your message and love it just as much as you do.

THANKS, Heather, for a delightful interview and for sharing your creations with everyone.

To learn more about what SCENIC NEW YORK has to offer be sure to click on the links below.

FEATURED ETSY SHOP - PARKWOOD COTTAGE PHOTOGRAPHY

Peacock - 8 x 10 Color Print

(CLICK on photo to learn more about it)

WELCOME, Lisa and her Etsy shop PARKWOOD COTTAGE. At PARKWOOD COTTAGE you will find some great photography in a wide range of subjects, including, black and white photos, landscapes, nature, and more!! Lisa offers you your choice of sizes. Be sure to pay a visit to PARKWOOD COTTAGE after you read Lisa's interview below.

What led you to start creating your art/craft?

My father was an avid photographer when he was younger, and I think I inherited his love of photography. Also, my husband is an architectural draftsman, and he has taught me to look at things from a design aspect and to see the beauty in small details.

HOMEWARD BOUND - 8 X 10 Colored Pring
(CLICK on above photo to learn more about it)

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

Photography was a default for me - I can't draw or paint, so the only other way for me to capture the images I liked were with a camera.

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

I love editing. It gives me a chance to really study a photograph and look for the minute details that give it character.

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

I think it would be an onion. Onions are composed of layers, and I think photography is the same. The longer you look at a picture, you're able to see deeper into the details that are not visible at first glance.

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

My talents are very limited! I might be able to write a poem.

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

My message would be that there is beauty all around us, even in the smallest of things, and all we have to do is look closely to see it.

What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?

Be patient, and don't be shy about promoting yourself.

Lisa, it was a pleasure to have you here on DZFANTASY as a featured artist, and to get to learn a little bit about you and your photography.

To learn more about Lisa and PARKWOOD COTTAGE, be sure to visit the links below.

PARKWOOD COTTAGE BLOG

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FEATURED ETSY SHOP - DOLCE CHIC

Tulip Magnolia- Signed 8.5 x 11 Print

(CLICK on above photo to learn more about this beautiful print!)

If you love flowers, like I do, you'll be sure to want to pay a visit to Candi's shop on Etsy, DOLCE CHIC. There you will find a wonderful selection of flower prints, and more! You will also be able to choose what size print you'd like.

SPECIAL OFFER: Candi is offering "Free Shipping" on 8.5" X 11" prints only, to any reader of DZFANTASY blog. If you see one of Candi's beautiful 8.5" x 11" prints, that you'd like to purchase, be sure to tell her you saw her feature on DZFANTASY. Refund of shipping price will be refunded through PayPal. Be sure to take advantage of this special offer! Offer is available now, July 9th - Sunday, July 12th.

What led you to start creating your art/craftFunny story?

I started a shop in 2008 creating a totally different craft, and to gain exposure I started a blog. I had read that a good way to gain readers is to showcase many different things. My mom has a beautiful garden and I thought maybe I'll start photographing her various plants, David Austin roses, vintage chairs and such, showcase them on my blog so people can see her goodies. I had no idea I'd get such a positive response from my readers telling me I should open up a photography shop.

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

I love my Canon camera, it is my favorite!

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

Taking photos is most enjoyable and relaxing to me. When I'm stressed, I grab my camera and shoot. It's such a happy medium!

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

I'd choose a banana. Fashionista Rachel Zoe has coined the term "that's so banana's to describe something she loves, and I've also read that bananas tend to lower blood pressure. Needless to say I love photography and it lowers my blood pressure.

Turquoise Sunflower- Signed 8.5 x 11 Print

(CLICK on above photo to learn more about this lovely print)

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

I love writing, my degree is in Mass Media, and I interned at two news outlets while in college. I would love the opportunity to continue writing or even one day combine the two.

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

Happiness. I love that my photos are bright, colorful and happy. When I take these photos this is how I feel, and I would like others to feel the same way.

What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?

Be yourself, work hard, and not to give up. It's tough to make it as a crafter. Don't just rely on online outlets, try to get your work out to the world whether it's taking it to shops for wholesaling, craft shows, what have you. Make yourself known. You never know where opportunities lie.

Candi, thanks for a wonderful interview, and for sharing your lovely photography.

To learn more about Candi and her work, be sure to visit her links below!

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FEATURED ETSY SHOP - DANA LAYMAN PHOTOGRAPHY

Dream in Pink - 8x10 Print

WELCOME Dana, a photographer whose Etsy shop is called DANA LAYMAN PHOTOGRAPHY. Dana recently opened her shop on Etsy, so be sure to pay her a visit. You will find a variety of subjects, from flowers to other interesting subjects. The photo below really caught my eye!.

Bottle House - 8x10 Print

What led you to start creating your art/craft?


My mother was always into photography and it was just natural for me to start taking pictures. I got my first camera when I was about 9 at Disney World, and have been shooting ever since. I became really serious about it about 6 years ago.

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

I struggled between film and digital and which way did I want to go, but now I just do both!

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

I love seeing the final product and seeing others reactions to it. It's nice to see what you've accomplished.

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

I would say a watermelon because it's colorful and juicy, and it usually reminds you of good times. I think watermelon is a relaxing, fun simple fruit, just like my work.

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

If I didn't do photography there are a lot of other things I would like to try...I think magnets are fun or some kind of mixed media.

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

I want people to look at my work and think that I have different and interesting shots. Ones you'll never get bored of looking at. I want them to think "how did she do that??"

What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?

I would advise to just truly love what you're creating, and believe that you can be successful in it. Just work really hard and put a lot of effort into it and always try to improve.

Dana, I enjoyed having you here on DZFANTASY as a featured artist, and wish you every success with your photography! Thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts and photos with everyone.

To learn more about Dana and her work, be sure to visit her links listed below.

WEBSITE

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FEATURED ETSY ARTIST - ANGELINE DIXON

The Light Upstairs

by Angeline Dixon

WELCOME, Angeline Dixon, and her Etsy shop, which she calls 13th AVENUE. Angeline has a talent for taking photos of rundown, delapidated buildings, which she describes as either "urban or rural" decay and turning them into works of art. I've included a portion of her "Etsy profile" to give you a better insight as to what makes up Angeline, the person, the photographer and artist.

Hi!

My name is Angeline, and I am a Disengaging Perfectionist, Dreamer, Loner, Lover, Reasonable, Eccentric Character. I am currently laid off from the airline industry, and exploring my dreams of self expression. I am a volunteer through Americorp, mentoring children, and I am an advocate for sustainable living,vegetarianism, organic foods, especially organic meat and dairy, and living green.

What led you to start creating your art/craft?

I started doing photography and digital art, after many years of being placed in the shadow of my ex husband. I always loved to write, work with acrylic paints, draw, or just take photographs of delapidated architecture. My ex did not encourage me, and I kept these passions to myself, until I had the strength to leave.

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

I decide based upon mood. I mainly write when I feel down, When I draw, it is usually an idea, such as the Spider Pot picture, I was actually taking a shower, and I thought how cool it would be if animals and plants morphed into one, and what would they look like?

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

I enjoy the consumption of time that would have been wasted by doing nothing at all. I find inner peace when I draw, and when I take photographs, I usually bring a friend and give them tours of the inner city, and show them that there really is no need to be afraid, but instead I show them how to embrace adventure, and appreciate what was, and what is now.

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

A pumpkin. It is simple, the theme I have is obviously related to my love for Halloween.

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

Clay, I love clay, the possibilities are endless, but alas, I do not have a kiln.

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

With the urban decay photo's, I would love for people to look beyond the damage, and see how beautiful the structures are, and instead of condemning them, why not restore them, bring them back to their glory, protect the history behind them, and revitalize the parts of the inner city where they reside. These are artifacts. The drawings I do, I just want people to loosen up when they see it, open their minds, and not be afraid to like something that lacks conformity.

What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?

You don't need to have a college education to be an artist or craftsman. It is a natural skill that everybody has. Some people may like what you do, some may not, focus on the people that can see your vision, and appreciate that.

Angeline, thanks for sharing your thoughts and creativity with everyone. I found it very enlightening to see how you can take a photo of something that most of us would look at as being beyond repair, and turn it into an interesting piece of art! Be sure to visit the links below to see more of Angeline's creativity!

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