FEATURED ETSY SHOP - BIT'S N' BEADS by GILLIAUNA

Handmade Choker / Necklace - Tranqulity Stone

by BITS N' BEADS by GILLIAUNA

Beautiful stone-like brown nuggets join with gold plated accents and smooth white rounds in this nature inspired choker finished with a tumbled stone pendant. There is a unique, earthy beauty to this OOAK handmade choker.

It is a brand new year and I hope to be featuring a lot of new and interesting artists out here on DZFANTASY.

I'm happy to bring you BITS N' BEADS by GILLIAUNA as my second "featured" Etsy shop. At BITS N' BEADS you will find a wide selection of  beautiful necklaces/chokers, Charms/Key Chains, Earrings, Eyeglass chaings, and a lot more!

Before you pay a visit to this delightful shop, be sure to learn about the two artists who make up "Bits N' Beads".  Below you will be hearing from Zoie, who is one of the partners in this venture.

Bits n' Beads by Gilliauna is a combined effort made up of two friends who partnered together in this endeavor of ours. Zoie and Leal, both create and design jewelry as well as share in the responsibility for all other aspects of our Etsy shop and online selling.

What led you to start creating your art/craft?

I've been crafting for my entire life... *Smile* I come from a long line of women crafters. Each generation of women in my family has had certain talents. My mother sews, embroiders and makes wonderful candy and candles... my grandmother was a potter and sculptor as well as made beautiful hand-crafted porcelain dishes. My great-grandmother made lace and did breathtaking embroidery.

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

My mother started me out early looking for what crafts I would take to... and things just progressed from there.

Handmade Gemstone Bracelet - Be Romantic with Rose Quartz and Cloisonne

Rose quartz and white Cloisonné beads with little red and pink flowers are interspersed with silver accents in this handmade and infinitely feminine bracelet. This unique, one-of-a-kind piece of jewelry is then finished off with a decorative toggle clasp.

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

I love working with colors and I absolutely -adore- shiny things. It made jewelry making a very good fit for me. I've also always been drawn to gemstones, their colors and mystical properties are intriguing to me. I often create my pieces based not just on color but also on the stone's properties.

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

A kiwi. Vibrant inside and out. Unusual and not just sustinance for the eye or body but also the spirit.

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

Only one? I suppose I'd have to choose ceramics and pottery then. *Smile* I used to work with ceramics when I was in school and I loved sitting at the wheel moulding clay with my hands. The -feel- of the clay combined with the act of creating made this both very relaxing and fulfilling.

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

That beauty and quality doesn't have to cost you a month's paycheck. That you can combine natural elements into your everyday life and style.

What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?

Do what you love. You can be good at a great many things that you just hate doing. Talent doesn't necessarily mean enjoyment and you should go after the activities you enjoy.

THANK YOU, Zoie, for taking the time to share your thoughts and the creativity of both you and Leal. 

To see learn and see more about BITS N' BEADS, and what these artists have to offer, be sure to visit the links below!

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FEATURED ETSY SHOP - BY CAMILE

CREAM AND LAVENDER BEADED COLLAR

by CAMILE

CLICK on photo to learn more about this exquisite creation!

WELCOME, Camile and her Etsy shop, "by Camile". When you a pay a visit to "by Camile", you will find a wide selection of lovely items to choose from....collars/scarves, lariats/necklaces, bracelets/earrings and much more!

Let's read below to learn a bit more about Camile and her creations.

What led you to start creating your art/craft?

Having a child yet also having a desperate need for a creative outlet. Once I got pregnant I had to stop oil painting, pastels etc. Then once my daughter was born I no longer had the kind of time I was used to having. I tried scrapbooking and that didn't work. I just stumbled onto crocheting while in my fav section in Walmart...the craft and hobbies section. I bought a book to teach myself how and that's how I started. I fell in love with yarn and realized this was perfect, it was portable and it was also relaxing.

FLOWER SCARF in Indigo, Orange and Green
CLICK on photo to see more of this lovely item!

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

Of course everyone crochets with yarn, but I also enjoy crocheting with wire.

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

With yarn I love the feel and texture of the yarn as it passes through my finger. With wire it's different...it's kind of hard on the fingers, but I love 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?

I'm thinking passion fruit. My work is sexy, feminine and colorful. At the same time, I like simple things without tons of embellishment.

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

I would love to learn how to knit. I've tried a few times and gotten frustrated, but I intend to learn one day.

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

I don't know if I have a message so much as just wanting to create pieces that will enhance your current wardrobe.

What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?

You need a heavy dose of patience and persistence. It's been a year since I opened my Etsy shop and I'm still trying to figure things out.

THANKS, Camile for giving us a bit of an insight into what makes you create your lovely pieces. I always wished I would have listened to my grandma and let her teach me how to crochet! I never could get the hang of it! Your designs and work are very lovely.

To see all of Camile's creations, be sure to visit her shop by clicking on the photos and links below.

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FEATURED ETSY SHOP - PLUM VALLEY DESIGNS - Custom Designs for Fashion and Fun

AUTUMN LEAF SET
(You can go directly to this item in Vicky's shop by clicking on the photo)

WELCOME, Vicky and her Etsy shop PLUM VALLEY DESIGNS. When you pay a visit to PLUM VALLEY DESIGNS, you will find a wonderful selection of jewelry....such as the beautiful necklace and earring set shown above. How romantic looking!

Island Dreams Orchid

(This lovely piece is now on sale at PLUM VALLEY DESIGNS...Click on the photo to learn more!)

What led you to start creating your art/craft?

I started working with crafts and jewelry over 15 years ago. I began by making fancy masquerade masks in my parents garage (the only place I didn't have to clean up the glitter). I then decided I wanted to make my own earrings. I eventually worked my way into seed beads just before my oldest (who is now 12 and manages to take off with my beads now) was born. The beaded amulet bags seemed to be my downfall. I loved the challenge it offered. I even took my beads and patterns to the hospital with me so I had something to do in my down time before she was born! Then with children, came a pause in my beading until about 6 years ago. Now it has exploded all over my study and into the general public!

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

I do not think I have decided on a medium yet. I feel that working with a little bit of everything allows for more creativity. I do have my favorites of pearls and semi precious gemstones though. Eventually I may even take up drawing, because I have tons of little slips of paper throughout the house with sketches of ideas I have during the day. Well, maybe not yet!

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

Sitting up until the wee hours of the morning getting that one design to flow or take shape. Also, I love being able to finish something and say "Now that is my best yet".

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

A mango. With the fullness of the color inside (deep to bright orange) it takes me back to the copper and golden colors I absolutely love. The rich copper tones of sunstones. And on the outside there is the green and red coloring of the skin which remind me of being outside at dusk with the scarlet red sun setting behind the lush green hills. There I go again sounding like I am describing a necklace or a pair of earrings!

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

I would have to say watercolors. I really want to say finger paints(ah the things we learn from Girl Scout meetings)..... But with the great blending of colors, how they dance around each other with such grace. Water colors are really a beautiful way to express ones self.

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

I want people to know that you do not have to pay a lot for beautiful work. You can look great, know your jewelry is going to last, and that it won't be found walking around the corner and running into you. I think that everyone should have something special that they enjoy know that they have an original piece of jewelry.

What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?

Get out and be involved in your community events. Find local fairs or Saturday markets to showcase your work. No event is a waste if you can get out and promote your work! Find many ways to get your work out and be seen. Stand behind your work and do not be afraid that it is not good enough. Be proud to know that your works are hand made.

Vicky, it has been a real pleasure to have you and your work out here on DZFANTASY! Thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts and creativity with all of us. Beautiful work! To see more of Vicky's creations be sure to visit her links below.

PLUM VALLEY DESIGNS ON ARTFIRE

PLUM VALLEY DESIGNS WEBPAGE

SILKFAIR

FEATURED ETSY SHOP - BEADWORK BY AMANDA

U10 Circuit Pendant

I was quite amazed when I saw all the very unique pendants created out of "circuit boards" by Amanda of BEADWORK BY AMANDA. I used to work in G.E.'s Circuit Board Plant in New Berlin, WI, but would never in a million years would have thought they could be created into stunning pieces of jewelry. Very creative, Amanda.

BEADWORK BY AMANDA has a selection of pendants, beaded bracelets, such as the one shown below, and other piece of jewelry. Be sure to stop in for a visit.

What led you to start creating your art/craft?

When I was 9, my aunt gave me a box of seed beads and a loom that she could no longer use. That started the beadweaving and jewelry making process, but I had been into every art form as a kid including quilling, painting, sculpting, candle making, and soap making. For some reason, bead weaving was most appealing so I stuck with it.

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

I think the medium picked me. Since I started at such an early age, beadwork always tested my patience. I am intrigued by the way beads and string marry in such a way that is both pleasing to wear, touch, and see. When beads won’t work, I usually turn to resin, a second favorite.

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

It always the results! I know going into a piece that it will take a few hours, or maybe ten hours to complete. There’s isn’t a better feeling when I’m just finishing a piece and I can get up, stretch, and try it on! I also like the rhythm in creating a bracelet.

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 Kiwano. It has a weird name and is a very dynamic fruit to look at. It is bright and full of life. Its outside is much different than its inside. Plus its tropical which is a major inspiration.

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

It would have to be a visual medium! I’ve dabbled in silk painting and just love it! It’s unpredictable, but controllable if you know how. Colors flow beautifully together and the resulting art can be worn or framed.

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

I have too much of an analytical mind to be concerned with conveying a message. I just like to create things that are beautiful.

What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?

Do not undersell yourself.

Amanda, it was a real pleasure having you out here as a featured artist. Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts, ideas and creativity with us. If you want to learn more about Amanda and her work be sure to visit the links below.

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