FEATURED ETSY SHOP - HOGAN'S HANDIWORK

Multicolor Honeycomb Scarf

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

I'm happy to welcome Denise and Erica, and their Etsy shop, HOGAN'S HANDIWORK, as a featured shop here on my DZFANTASY blog.  Denise and Erica are sisters who work together on this venture.  Pay a visit to HOGAN'S HANDIWORK and you will find beautiful scarves and other accessories!  They also have a "weekly special"!  Now is the time to start thinking about buying original, handmade Christmas gifts.

Take a moment to learn a little bit more how HOGAN'S HANDIWORK came into being by reading the interview below.

What led you to start creating your art/craft?

My sister and I started making our scarves after a friend encouraged us to put our talents to use on Etsy. We can't thank her enough!

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

We both love soft materials, and I (Denise) particularly love texture. The softness of the yarn we chose, and the texture of the stitches both fit the bill.

Multicolor Solomon Neck Warmer- Ready to Ship

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

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

Watching them grow (and being able to promote our shop by wearing the models).

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

I suppose I would choose a strawberry, because it is bright and fresh and photogenic.

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

Autumn Cowl

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

I would choose to sew, because it is really the only other talent in the world of arts and crafts that I have!

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

We want our customers to look at our products and know that they were carefully and lovingly crafted for their 100% satisfaction.

What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?

Keep at it. Love what you do.

Thanks, Denise and Erica, for sharing your work with all of us!  To see more of what HOGAN'S HANDIWORK is all about be sure to visit the links below.

WEBPAGE

TWITTER

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FEATURED ETSY SHOP - REDUXREDUX

Welcome, Carole and her Etsy shop ReduxRedux. Below is a paragraph taken from ReduxRedux's shop announcement. Also, I was wondering what the shop name signified, and as stated in the shop announcement it means....re • dux (rē-dŭks'): [adj] brought back; returned; resurgent

"Welcome to Redux Redux, a shop that brings back old things in new ways. We recover discarded materials and repurpose them for use in the little treasures you see in our small shop. We’re a mother-daughter team that enjoys the creative challenge of reusing found materials in hand-crafted items and their packaging. We strive to be mindful of earth’s resources while we create little delights for the senses."

What led you to start creating your art/craft?

I am a recovering workaholic. When I realized that I could no longer remember what to do for fun, I knew it was time to reconnect with my creative side.

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

Our mission is to try to do as much as we can with materials that have had previous lives. So we look to things like old jewelry, paper, and supplies that others have discarded. It's really fun to challenge yourself to create with the things that fall into your lap!

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

I would have to say the solitude. Most of the rest of my life is filled with people, words, and thoughts. Crafting allows me just to feel and do.

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

I guess I would say the lowly potato...you can do so many things with it.

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

Gardening-it moves the body as well as the soul.

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

There is much life in everyday things. Reuse, reclaim, repurpose, recycle.

What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?

Be kind to yourself. There is enough criticism and negativity in the world. Be as kind to yourself as you are to others.

Thanks, Carole, for taking the time to share your thoughts and creations with everyone! May you and your daughter continue to find enjoyment in what you do.

FEATURED ETSY SHOP - CHANGING WOMAN STUDIO

I love the stunning elegant look of this necklace by CHANGING WOMAN STUDIO! If you'd like to see more of this jewelry artist's beautiful designs be sure to visit her shop CHANGING WOMAN STUDIO! You just might find that perfect gift of jewelry for the "special" someone in your life....or, give a gift to yourself!

First, let's welcome Carol, and hear what she has to say about herself and what motivates her to create her jewelry.

What led you to start creating your art/craft?

I have always loved creating beautiful things and working with my hands, so making jewelry came naturally.

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

While taking a class in another medium, the teacher mentioned this new product called metal clay and I knew right away it was for me, so off I went learning about it and have never turned back.

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

That's a hard question since I really love all of it. I guess finishing a piece and really loving the way it looks.

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

Now that's easy, I'd have to say a pomegranate because its beautiful, vibrant and juicy.

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

I guess it would be fiber arts since that has always been my other love.

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

I'm not sure that I have a message other than putting a little more beauty out there in the world.

What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?

Most of us never think that what we make is "good enough". Make what you love and it will always be good enough.

THANKS, Carol for sharing your thoughts and work with all of us. Your jewelry is exquisite!

To see more of Carol's work, be sure to click on the links below!

CHANGING WOMAN STUDIO BLOG

TWITTER

FEATURED ETSY SHOP - ME PLUS MOLLY by Kirsty

Welcome Kirsty, a delightful artist from Oxfordshire, UK. That is what I love about Etsy....the diversity of all the different types of art/crafts, and meeting artists from all over the world!!

I just love the whimsical, magical look of these purses that Kirsty has out in her Etsy shop, ME PLUS MOLLY. You really must take a look at all the delightful creations out there. Perhaps one will catch your eye! Let's hear what Kristy has to say about herself and her creations.

What led you to start creating your art/craft?

Ohoo, now there's a question! I've drawn and painted and generally been creative since I was at primary school, and its really escalated from there! I became interested in textiles at secondary school and love the idea of creating an item that is decorative and functional.

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

I'm still deciding! I first did textiles at secondary school and my interest in this medium and the myriad of avenues it can offer has continued. I love the interaction of stitch, fabrics, print, and adornment.

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

The sampling and making of items, just getting right down to the creating! There's nothing I like more than being surrounded by all my scrbblings of ideas, threads, fabrics, sequins, buttons etc ooo and beautiful flowers too!

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

Well, I was thinking strawberries and cream, very English! Or perhaps some juicy berries, but then when I thought about it a bit more I'm thinking perhaps more a shallott or red onion, because it has many layers like my individual pieces and work do. Which gives me the scope and opportunity to try out diffrent approaches...to take my work through different avenues(layers!) if I so wish.

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

I still would very much like to draw and paint more. These would be the mediums I would choose, I think I'd have to incorporate them with bits of paper, thread and collage - a more mixed media approach! I've always liked to try animation too, now there's another world to think about! another stage.........!

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

Hmmmm, I'm not sure about a message as such. I'd like people to enjoy my work and the fact that it is handmade. That items are individual and also functional yet beautiful too. And to most definitely realize that handmade equals made with care, made with love!

What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?

Ohooo well, I still need plenty of this myself, but I think more than anything to be true to yourself, your skills and your craft/art. To constantly develop, push and challenge yourself and your knowledge. But most of all to enjoy what you are doing and to have fun!

THANKS, Kirsty for taking the time to share your delightful creations, and your ideas! I feel you have a lot more "creativity" just waiting to come out! Be sure to visit ME PLUS MOLLY, to see what other lovely designs that Kirsty has come up with!

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FEATURED ETSY SHOP - SID'S IN STITCHES

Sid of Sid's In Stitches makes the most colorful, delightful purses and totes. I'm happy to be featuring her shop out here on DZFANTASY, along with a "Special Giveaway" for one of Sid's purses, which she has so graciously offered. If you haven't already signed up for her giveaway, be sure you do! You will find the link in this post and the actual GIVEAWAY post is below her feature. Enjoy reading what Sid has to say about herself and her work.

What led you to start creating your art/craft?

I’ve done crafts and sewing my whole life. Several years ago I created my first bag and then made over 100 (and sold them) for a school fundraiser. This year I asked myself, “What do you really like to do?” My answer – MAKE PURSES! So now I’m working on making and selling my bags.

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

After practicing various crafts over the years, including embroidery and cross stitch (I designed cross-stitch patterns for years), I began to make quilts. It was a way to relax after I had my first child – I took a break by going to all-night quilt classes. Pretty soon I began designing quilts, and working with the beautiful quilting fabrics fed my soul. I began creating other fun items like bags, organizers, and purses and sold those patterns.

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

The most enjoyable part of creating (for me) is choosing coordinating fabric and watching them come together as a finished bag!

If you had to choose a fruit OR a vegetable to describe your work, what would it be and why?

My craft is not just one fruit – it’s a salad! Colorful melons, juicy pineapple, crunchy cashews, rich plums, unusual kiwis, and funny bananas make a purse.

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

I would love to be able to sculpt fun and colorful objects. I admire all the wonderful miniatures I’ve seen. Whatever I made would be cute, funny, and colorful.

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

I’d like people to enjoy life a little more by carrying a purse that’s fun! I also would like people to express themselves with a unique bag instead of trying to be like someone else – wanting the latest, overpriced, “designer” tote.

What advice to you have for other artists/craftpersons?

Work hard and be strong! One of the hardest things for an artist is putting yourself out there and holding up when someone says something silly or stupid that cuts you to the core. You really have to keep yourself motivated, believe in what you do, and ENJOY the doing of it!

GREAT THOUGHTS, Sid!! You can see more of Sid's fun, colorful work by visiting her links below. Also, here is the link to Sid's GIVEAWAY PURSE. All you need to do is leave a comment and your name.

SID'S IN STITCHES GIVEAWAY PURSE

SID'S WEB PAGE

VIEW PURSE STYLES

FEATURED ETSY SHOP - MISS INDIE

What a fun colorful scarf! When I asked Mandy to send me a photo of her "favorite item" in her shop, this was her choice. I can see why... it is such fun and full of color!! I'm happy to be able to feature Mandy and her MISSINDIE shop! Don't forget to pay a visit to MISSINDIE after you read below to hear what Mandy has to tell you about herself, and her work.

What led you to start creating your art/craft?
My mom taught me how to crochet a few years ago when I was a sophomore in high school. She taught me the basics, and I instantly fell in love with it. Soon after I taught myself how to read patterns and different techniques and I've been creating ever since.


How did you decide what medium you wanted to work with?
Really, its all my mom's fault! She introduced me, and I fell in love with yarn.


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

Finding new patterns or creating my own. And yarn shopping. I LOVE shopping for yarn. I swear, I'm like a crack addict when it comes to yarn and a good portion of my room is a yarn stash. Its pretty awesome.


If you had to choose a fruit OR a vegetable, to describe your art/craft, what would you choose, and why?
A mango. Its funky and fun, always different wild colors, and is great by itself or with other things.

What message, if any, do you want to convey with your art/craft?
To be yourself, no matter what. And to have fun with being you.

What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?
Just do what you love. Always. Be creative, and have fun with everything you do.



Lovely, lovely work Mandy...now it makes me wish I would have learned how to crochet when my grandma wanted to teach me years ago!! As I was looking through Mandy's MISS INDIE shop, I came across this beautiful crocheted scarf and thought I'd add its picture out here. THANKS, Mandy, for taking the time to share your work with us.
KEEP ON CREATING!!

MISS INDIE DESIGNS BLOG