Showing posts with label animal sculptures. Show all posts
Showing posts with label animal sculptures. Show all posts

Monday, June 14, 2010

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.

(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.

(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.

Monday, September 14, 2009

WINNER'S CHOICE - ART GLASS "FLOWER SUNCATCHER" by DONAHUE DESIGN GLASS


I'm thrilled to be hosting this giveaway for a WINNER'S CHOICE - of an original designed art glass "flower suncatcher" from Bonnie of DONAHUE DESIGN GLASS!!


Her work is nothing short of fantastic! I can vouch for that, as I own several pieces of Bonnie's work, and they are much more beautiful in person than even the photos can show!!


Now you have the opportunity to enter this great giveaway, where the WINNER will be able to select any "flower suncatcher" which is in Bonnie's shop at the close of this giveaway. Read below to see how to enter this great giveaway:

START DATE: September 14, 2009


END DATE: October 14, 2009 - 12 midnight - CST


ELIGIBILITY: Open to USA only

PRIZE: 1 - Glass "Flower Suncatcher"

VALUE: $29 - $39.00


READ THE RULES BELOW TO ENTER:


1. Visit Bonnie's Etsy shop, DONAHUE DESIGN GLASS, by clicking on her shop link below and see what suncatcher you would pick if you are the lucky WINNER.


2. Come back to this post and leave a COMMENT as to what suncatcher you would choose, should you be the lucky winner, OR tell us what is your favorite item in her shop.

3. Be sure to leave your email address or a link to an email address, as this is the only way the WINNER will be contacted. This is very important!

4. At the close of the giveaway on October 14, 2009 - 12:00 Midnight CST, I will randomly select a WINNER from all entries received up until the close of the giveaway.

5. I will contact WINNER for their full shipping information. WINNER will have 3 days in which to reply, or I will have to randomly select another WINNER from the remaining entries.


6. Once the WINNER has replied with their shipping info, I will forward this information to Bonnie, who will contact you to see which suncatcher you would like. She will be sending the prize directly to the WINNER.


As the host of this giveaway, please feel free to contact me with any questions you may have. Contact Donna at: dzfairies@msn.com


THANKS, BONNIE, for letting DZFANTASY host your great giveaway!


GOOD LUCK EVERYONE!

Friday, February 6, 2009

FEATURED ETSY SHOP - INSPIRATIONS BY KAREN

Needle Felted Wool Sculpture Portrait Bald Eagle
by Artist Karen Clothier


Let's welcome needle felting artist, Karen Clothier, and her wonderful creations! You can see more of Karen's delightful creations in her Etsy shop, INSPIRATIONS BY KAREN. She has a wide range of beautiful creations ranging from her Wildlife Collection, Clothing and Acessories, to Custom Needle Felted pets, and many more needle felted items. You won't be disappointed.

Being a bird lover myself, I just had to put Karen's "cheery cardinal" out here!


Read below to find out a bit more about Karen and her creations.

What led you to start creating your art/craft?

I had many signs while changing my focus and needle felting just "found" me! I tried almost every craft, always teaching myself. At about age 12, I started sewing all of my own clothes and by 15, I was making clothes for other people. Then I learned to knit and crochet, made many beautiful sweaters and baby things, and I still like to sew, but the needle felting has taken on a life of its own with me, and nothing I have ever done compares to sculpting animals from sheep's wool roving!

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


Many times while I was in Quilt shops, I saw tiny bags of wool roving, not knowing what it was used for. Then several people suggested that I open a shop on Etsy, so I did. I listed my Adirondack Ladies jackets and my own designs of Adirondack Dog coats. Then I started looking around Etsy and the first shops I saw out of 160,000 shops were the needle felted dogs, and I couldn't get enough of looking at them, wishing I could do that. One day I ordered some wool roving and a book and I was hooked, and on my way to doing dogs myself! Then from there I taught myself many other animals and birds, and a year later I am one of those talented artists doing what I absolutely LOVE doing.

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

Wow, to narrow it down to just one aspect is difficult! I love the finishing touches, putting on long hair, or spots, ears, tails,and such! And the feeling that I get when the animal looks as if it has taken on its own personality!

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 Pumpkin! Why, because they are really easy to grow, they are a wonderfully amazing vegetable that can be used for so many things, they are fun, and the color is brilliant!

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

Wool felt fabric, because I could incorporate it into my sculptures and wool paintings!

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

I want to give collectors that love animals a variety of medium in which to collect.

What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?

Listen to your heart, and watch for signs, go with what you are passionately attracted to and you will excel in everything you create!

Thanks again, Karen, for sharing your thoughts and exquisite creations with all of us. You can visit Karen's shop INSPIRATIONS BY KAREN by clicking on any of the photos below, to go directly to that item in her shop, or clicking on the link below the photos. You will really be amazed at this artist's work.

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INSPIRATIONS BY KAREN BLOG

FLICKR

Monday, October 20, 2008

FEATURED ETSY SHOP - BEN MCFUZZYLUGS

I am very happy to be featuring Pam and her Etsy shop.. BEN MCFUZZYLUGS , not only because this artist's work is so adorable, but I love what she is doing to help our four-legged friends. Be sure to visit BEN MCFUZZYLUGS to see how you can help not only this sweet little dog named Mia, but others as well, and have a chance to win a one-of-a-kind felted sculpture of your own dog or cat.



Mia

Below you will hear in Pam's own words what she has to tell us about herself and her creations!

What led you to start creating your art/craft?

The book 'fleece dogs' jumped out at me in a craft shop. I bought it and some supplies and even my 1st attempts looked a little like they were suposed to.

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

I have been doing many crafts for years, but never sold any. On a dog forum, I mentioned what I was making and people asked me to make some fuzzy pets for them too. Everyone loved theirs - and they actually paid for them, so I decided to have a go at selling them.

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

The wool forming into the shapes for me, and when I put the eyes on them and they come to life,

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

Haha good question...a pomegranate...looks simple but there is a lot more going on (and they are hard work but worth it)

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

Clay, I have always loved the look and feel of clay, but have no money or space for a kiln.

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

Love and happiness. I am always so worried when I make a model of a pet that is at the rainbow bridge, our pets are with us for a short time but give us so much. It is nice to have a reminder of them. The good thing about this art is you can even include some of the pets fur into the sculpture.

What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?

Creating what you love - is there a better job?

Thanks, Pam, for a great interview, and also for helping our furry friends through your art! Be sure to visit BEN MCFUZZYLUGS to see her delightful "fuzzy" creations!




BEN MCFUZZYLUGS BLOG

Tuesday, September 23, 2008

FEATURED ETSY SHOP - SILK BAGS 'N TREASURES by SUE

I'm happy to have Sue of SILK BAGS 'N TREASURES as a featured artist on DZFANTASY. The above photo show's one of Sue's original designed creations. Be sure to visit SILK BAGS 'N TREASURES after reading what Sue has to say about herself and her creations.

What led you to start creating your art/craft?
I have always had an artsy streak. I was even doing murals on the walls of the womb! I've worked in most all mediums. I've done many local craft fairs over the years, but I don't keep up with them anymore. I am tickled to have found Etsy!! What a great place to show our wares. In 1997, I was diagnosed with Myasthenia Gravis, which is an auto-immune disease that effects the communication between nerves and muscles. I had to retire on disability, and since then I have been crafting as much as I can to supplement my income and to keep busy. I started off painting critters on smooth rocks and then I began to sculpt them in clay. I'm an animal lover, so that interest worked well as inspiration.

In my shop I feature handbags made of 100% imported Chinese silks. Rich with color and texture, my silk bags are a delight to the eye and the hand. All profits made on the sale of each bag will go to support a Christian mission in the far East.


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

My craft closet, which badly needs 'destashing', can attest to my many interests artistically. I've tried most all mediums. There was even a period of time when I soft sculpted babies and sold them. But my most recent artistic endeavors have been influenced by the market. Folks love their dogs, and that was a deciding factor in what I could do to artistically represent them. I enjoy painting, and was successful at that, but then I discovered polymer clay, and that was all I needed!


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

It is fun to take a lump of shapeless clay and turn it into a close likeness of an animal. It's fun to rise to any challenge, trying to create a way to achieve a certain pose, and of course it's always terrific to get good feedback from happy customers.

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

LOL! Well, I never thought of it this way. I suppose it would be an onion, with all the layers, waiting to be peeled back. My clay pets have really improved. When I first started making them, my son joked that they all looked like little zombies, and I have to agree that they did! HA!! I still have to laugh when I look at pictures from that time. But like with most anything, practice either makes perfect, or greatly improves your efforts.

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

Well, I've ALWAYS loved glass. It mesmerizes me. Translucent, appearing to be fluid and yet solid! I would love to make lampwork items.

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

I have a sense of whimsy and humor, and I hope that comes through in my sculptures. I hope that people can see the "personality" of their pets in special order pieces.

What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?

Be patient. It takes time to develop you client base. Just because your items aren't flying off your virtual shelves, don't give up.

Thanks again, Sue, for taking the time to share your lovely creations, and giving us get a bit of "insight" as to what makes you the delightful person and artist that you are! You can learn more about Sue (a.k.a SOO), by clicking on her links below. You just might want to have her sculpt your favorite four-legged friend! How whimsical!



HEART THOUGHTS BLOG

SOO'S ORIGINALS (Clay Animals)