FEATURED ETSY SHOP - MARY HANKS

RABBIT, RABBIT PILLOW

by MARY HANKS

I've always loved bunnies, real ones, and any others! This delightful Rabbit pillow by MARY HANKS on Etsy, gives one a very cozy feeling just looking at it. I'm happy to have Mary here on DZFANTASY as a featured artist, and hope you enjoy learning a bit more about Mary and her creativity. When you pay a visit to MARY HANKS, you will find a wide range of items to choose from...children's boutique, paintings, bibs and blankets, purses and totes, all created by Mary.

What led you to start creating your art/craft?

As long as I can remember I've always enjoyed making things. When I was in school, making a collage trumped writing a book report any day! Making & giving gifts that are homemade, cooking, refurnishing furniture, it's just always been a way of life.

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

Well my medium changes because I CAN'T decide what to work with! My shop has more sewn/fabric things, but I'm just as happy with painting. I have done some sculpture, although none are currently for sale. Guess it's time to revisit that craft.

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

Imagining the recipient enjoying whatever item they've purchased from my shop.

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

I'm an avid gardener and cook, enjoying both of those mediums here at home. Unfortunately they don't transfer that well to my Etsy business, or at least I haven't figured out how to practically do that!

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

My Heart's Desire...to use whatever talent that God has given to me to bring glory to Him,to create items of joy, fun, love & grace that will bless those who purchase or give something from me.

What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?

Learning how to photograph and best display is so important. I'm still working on that aspect of this business.

Thanks, Mary, for sharing your thoughts and creativity with all of us. I'm sure you won't run out of ideas of what to do with your talents. Be sure to visit MARY HANKS to see all the lovely items Mary has to offer.

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FEATURED ETSY SHOP - ORIGINALS BY LAUREN

Introducing Lauren's Etsy shop....ORIGINALS BY LAUREN. Here you will find fabric creations ranging from colorful, fun aprons, potholders, bags, bibs, and one-of-a-kind metal jewelry. Be sure to check out the items Lauren has to offer. Below you will hear in Lauren's own words, as she tells us a little bit about herself, and what motivates her to create.

What led you to start creating your art/craft?
I have been sewing since I was 11 yrs. old. I took a metalsmithing class 5 years ago and fell in love with jewelry making, although I don't have much listed.

How did you decide what medium you wanted to work with?
I have done different types of sewing. When my kids were little, I used to design Halloween costumes, and sell children's dresses. Later on, I starting selling children's clothing wholesale, and then I switched to dressmaking and alterations (mostly bridal). I recently got interested in adding to that with Etsy. I saw a need for plus sized aprons, and I have been making them since May.

What aspect of creating your art/craft do you find the most enjoyable?
I love choosing fabric. I want to buy them all. I love quilt shops. They have so many colors and designs.

If you had to choose a fruit or a vegetable to describe your art/craft, what would it be and why?
I think maybe apples, because they are colorful and rich, like cotton fabric.

What message, if any, do you want to convey with your art/craft?
I think I chose to make aprons for larger women because it is something I wasn't seeing in the stores. They only made larger bbq aprons.

What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?
Do something that you love to do , and would do even if you didn't get paid for it. It is very hard work, and if you are not passionate, you will not have the drive you need.

Lauren, thanks so much for taking the time to share your thoughts and work with us. You sound just like me about your "love of choosing fabric, and quilt shops"! I love all the colors and designs! Be sure to visit ORIGINALS by LAUREN by clicking on her links below:

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