Monday, April 14, 2014
Mother's Day Gift Ideas from DZFANTASY on Etsy
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
FEATURED ETSY SHOP - HEARTSABUSTIN
We also see so many different names used for each artists' shop, so I thought it would be interesting to read here, why Erin's shop is called "Heartsabustin"
"Heartsabustin is a wildflower that grows all over the eastern United States in moist forests. This little plant is rather unassuming in the spring, but in the fall, the seed pods burst open to display hundreds of little red heart shaped berries. The plant was a favorite of my great-grandmother's and inspired the name of my wonderful shop here at Etsy."
When you pay a visit to HEARTSABUSTIN, you will find a beautiful selection of jewelry....precious metal clay creations, necklaces, bracelets, earrings and more.
What led you to start creating your art/craft?
I decided I could make jewelry as pretty or prettier than the things I saw in the department stores. I was right - and it has lead to a wonderful realm of learning!
How did you decide what medium you wanted to work with?
I started using glass beads, but I knew I wouldn't be happy until I was able to create some of my components myself. I started out with polymer clay, but that didn't quite fit the bill. I've been eyeballing precious metal clay for a while and finally took the plunge when I got money for Christmas from my parents. It was love at first sight!
What aspect of creating your art/craft do you find the most enjoyable?
I love being inspired. Fabrics inspire me, color combinations I see out in the world are a great inspiration. Nature is also a wonderful place to find inspiration, especially since PMC lends itself so well to that "organic" look I like.
If you had to choose a fruit OR a vegetable, to describe your art/craft, what would you choose, and why?
Oranges! Sweet and hot colored all at the same time.
If you had to choose one other medium in which to display your “creativity”, what would that be, and why?
I would like to get a better handle on working fiber into my pieces. I quilt and sew, as well, so it seems natural to want to include that aspect of my craftiness into my jewelry making. I just haven't completely figured it out, yet.
What message, if any, do you want to convey with your art/craft?
That I love what I do and that each piece means something to me, as well as to the person who buys it.
What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?
Do what you love. I know we've all heard it before, but if this crazy thing we call Etsy and crafting isn't fun, it will show in your work. It must always be something that you love. If you don't love it anymore, find something else that sparks you!
Erin, thanks for a wonderful interview and for sharing your creativity with everyone! Beautiful creations!
To learn more about Erin and her creations, be sure to visit the links below.
Monday, February 15, 2010
FEATURED ETSY SHOP - PIXIE DUST FINERIES
I have always been an artsy/crafty person. When I was a kid,I was constantly doing some type of craft from macramé to knitting, to drawing, you name it I probably did it. In 2007, I lost my job; I started making jewelry as gifts for my family. At one point, I made many more pieces than I needed so I decided to try my hand at selling some of them on Etsy.
How did you decide what medium you wanted to work with?
I have always loved jewelry and I love the relationship that women have with their jewelry. It makes us feel beautiful, feminine, and powerful. It affects us in many ways, and even if a piece does not cost thousands of dollars, it is still precious to us. Therefore, I choose Jewelry.
What aspect of creating your art/craft do you find the most enjoyable?
The part of jewelry making I find most enjoyable is designing the piece. Creating jewelry is very therapeutic for me.
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 tomato, because they come in many varieties of shape, sizes and colors.
If you had to choose one other medium in which to display your creativity what would that be, and why?
Pencil Drawings, it is something I have always enjoyed doing, but never really pursued it after school.
What message, if any, do you want to convey with your art/craft?
Individuality, creativity, uniqueness!
What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?
Focus on what you love and you will be successful.
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
FEATURED ETSY SHOP - DAINTLY DESIGNS
by DAINTLY DESIGNS
Read Jackie's interview below to learn how she got started creating her lovely jewelry.
It started as a Christmas present for my mom...I thought I'd learn how to make earrings and make her a bunch of them as a gift. I went bead shopping and all the lovely beads had me envisioning so many lovely pieces of jewelry, I went a little overboard in my bead buying! This seemed to be the case every time I went bead shopping, resulting in my collection of 2 tackleboxes full of beads! I decided making jewelry to sell would be an excellent use for all those beads, and a fun way to make some extra money.
How did you decide what medium you wanted to work with?
I like the limitless options available when working with sterling silver, gold, and antiqued bronze wire. I also wanted to form my own earwires, and using wire allowed me to do that.
What aspect of creating your art/craft do you find the most enjoyable?
Picking out beads, of course! I love when I find that unique bead that catches my eye and I immediately start imagining what I can design with it. It is also very rewarding being able to create something that people find special!
Be sure to pay a visit to DAINTLY DESIGNS, to see all of Jackie's charming and exquisite jewelry. She has a huge selection of wonderful earrings! You can either click on the individual photos below to go directly to that item in her shop or click on her shop link below the photos.
Sunday, June 21, 2009
FEATURED ETSY SHOP - NEW HOPE BEADING BY CAROLINE MAGDA
I'm very happy to have Caroline and her Etsy shop NEW HOPE BEADING as a featured shop here on DZFANTASY. Be sure to pay a visit to NEW HOPE BEADING to see all of Caroline's beautiful pieces of jewelry.
What led you to start creating your art/craft?
I started making jewelry after my daughter was diagnosed with epilepsy. At first, I made medic alert bracelets for her, but soon found that, because I needed to concentrate on what I was doing, making jewelry kept me from worrying about her having a seizure at school. When she had more bracelets than any 8 year old could possibly wear and I had run out of people to make gifts for, my husband encouraged me to start a business.
How did you decide what medium you wanted to work with?
I have always been fascinated with gemstone. When I was about 6 years old, Santa brought me a rock tumbler. I remember waiting for it to be done…because it takes a couple of weeks, you know. When it was finally done I would roll the stones over and over in my hands and take in every detail and feature. I haven’t changed much. Today I received a shipment of gemstones from a supplier. I could hardly contain myself to get the envelope opened. I have been moving them around on trays all day in different combinations with different things I own already. First I think they want to be a necklace, no a bracelet. I should probably start work on some of the pieces, but I won’t. I need to look at them for a few days and “play” some more. When it is the right combination I will know.
What aspect of creating your art/craft do you find the most enjoyable?
I love the planning. I am never at a loss for ideas. Last night my 6 year old woke up with a bad dream. I got him back to sleep, but instead of going back to sleep I crept down to my studio at 3:00 am because I had just decided how I wanted to lay out a certain necklace and had to quickly sketch it before I forgot.
If you had to choose a fruit OR a vegetable, to describe your art/craft, what would you choose, and why?
Yeah don’t think I can think of one and I really tried LOL. I don’t think of my craft as a noun but rather as a verb. It would be more like creating a meal for dinner. You have to decide what to serve and how you are going to prepare it. So I guess making fruit salad is the best thing I can come up with for fruits. What are you going to include? How are you going to present it?
If you had to choose one other medium in which to display your “creativity”, what would that be, and why?
I used to write. In fact my Masters is in teaching writing. As I’ve gotten older, however, I find writing drains me. I am not sure why this is, but it is probably the reason I do not have a blog of my own. Making jewelry has just the opposite effect on me. It energizes me.
What message, if any, do you want to convey with your art/craft?
I don’t know that I necessarily want to convey a message, but rather it is a form of duty. I feel a respect for the materials and feel obliged to mold them. I used to laugh when I would hear the old adage about the sculptor who saw the block of stone and knew where the sculpture lay within it. “Yeah right?” I hear myself say. But if I have to be honest, and I know it sounds silly and I fear a bit pretentious, but I’ve had that feeling. I do try to use my shop I as a way to be an Epilepsy Advocate. Even today, epilepsy is a topic that people shy away from. This stigma keeps people from seeking treatment and makes them feel alone. They are not alone. Epilepsy affects 3 million Americans and 50 million people worldwide. That is more than MS, Cerebral Palsy, Muscular Dystrophy and Parkinson’s disease combined! To hear their stories, visit
http://www.epilepsyadvocate.com/ and click “Meet the Advocates.”I keep this link in my shop announcements as a resource for people. From time to time, I have items where 100% of the sale price is donated to The Epilepsy Foundation of NJ. Right now I have 2 such items. These items can be found under my shop section “Benefit EFNJ”. In addition, I donate 5% of all sales to The Epilepsy Foundation of NJ.Coral, Turquoise, and Bali Silver Earrings
What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?
For me, I always say don’t let all of the promoting and pressure to do more eclipse what you love to do.
If you'd like to learn more about Caroline and her jewelry, be sure to visit her links below.
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
FEATURED ETSY SHOP - jaC JEWELRY
jaC JEWELRY WEBPAGE
Visit Janna's website where you can sign up for a monthly newsletter that includes specials, sales and new product information.
Saturday, May 9, 2009
FEATURED ETSY SHOP - ONE HEART JEWELRY
WELCOME, Debi and her Etsy shop, ONE HEART JEWELRY. While looking through Debi's shop at all her beautiful designs, you get the feeling of elegance and charm! You really must take a peek!
What led you to start creating your art/craft?
About 20 years ago, I was fascinated with the Native American beadwork I had seen in a museum while visiting the Pine Ridge & Rosebud Indian Reservation in South Dakota. When I returned home, I found a book about beaded earrings by Deon De Lange (may not have spelled her name correctly). It just went from there!
How did you decide what medium you wanted to work with?
I knew from the start I wanted to work with beads to make jewelry, the smaller the better at the time. Since then I enjoy many types of beads, stones and pearls, along with various techniques, in my jewelry designs.
I never thought about my work in these terms. How about red, green and yellow apples, because apples are so versatile and tasty in many different dishes. My work tends to reflect many styles and “themes”, casual to dressy, and in between.
If you had to choose one other medium in which to display your “creativity”, what would that be, and why?
Photography. There is much about life that isn’t noticed as I go about my daily living, until I pick up a camera. At that moment, life looks different! I see different! I enjoy focusing on the details of everyday life.
What message, if any, do you want to convey with your art/craft?
I have a jewelry collection entitled “Love, Peace & Unity” that I hope opens people’s minds to the possibility that the idea of being one with the world, with each other, regardless of race or religion, is attainable.
Sterling Silver World Peace Necklace with Seven Beautiful Charms
What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?
Be true to your passion for art and don’t allow “life” to put stumbling blocks in the path of your creativity.
Debi, lovely, lovely creations, and also wonderful ideas on "unity" and expressing this through your "Love, Peace and Unity" designs! Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts and creativity with everyone.
To see more of Debi's creations be sure to visit her links below.
Monday, May 4, 2009
FEATURED ETSY SHOP - CALIKLEIN
PEARLY BRIGHTS
by Cali Klein
Cali of CALIKLEIN on Etsy has some exquisitely designed earrings and necklaces in her shop. I was just out there taking a look around, and found one creation to be prettier than the next. Cali uses semiprecious and precious stones and beads along with sterling silver to design her beautiful jewelry.
She also has a wide select in both the necklace and earring categories, so be sure to pay CALIKLEIN a visit. You just might find something that you can't do without!
What led you to start creating your art/craft, and how did you decide what medium you wanted to work with?
The way I got into making jewelry is a bit unorthodox. . . The truth of the matter is, I was bored with the jewelry I was seeing everywhere and oftentimes it was way too expensive. . . so I started making jewelry for myself. People would stop me and ask me where I bought the earrings or necklace I was wearing. When I told them that I made them, they would ask if I could make something for them. One person even bought a necklace off of my neck! After a while, my jewelry making habit began to be a very expensive one, so I decided I should start selling the pieces I made instead of just keeping them for myself!
What aspect of creating your art/craft do you find the most enjoyable?
My favorite aspect about making jewelry is that each piece can be so different from the next. I love making one of a kind pieces because they feel special. I also love hunting for beautiful semiprecious and precious stones. I want to make women feel even more beautiful! I think jewelry is a great form of self expression and it's a wonderful way to complete an outfit.
If you had to choose a fruit OR a vegetable to describe your art/craft, what would you choose and why?
The fruit that best describes my jewelry would probably be mango because much of my jewelry is vibrant in color and a little bit exotic.
If you had to choose one other medium in which to display your "creativity", what would that be and why?
I also display my creativity with industrial design, design research, and drawing & painting.
What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?
The only real advice I'd give to other crafters would be to make what you love! I believe that if the things you make are things that you'd want to own, others are bound to want whatever it is you're making and selling.
Cali, it was fun having you out on DZFANTASY as a featured artist. Your work is beautiful! Keep on creating!
Don't forget now, be sure to pay a visit to CALIFKLEIN.
Saturday, April 25, 2009
FEATURED ETSY SHOP - PLUM VALLEY DESIGNS - Custom Designs for Fashion and Fun
(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!)
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?
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.
Friday, April 3, 2009
SPRING FLING PART II - If you are looking for SPRING, you'll find it on ETSY!
Come join me in the second series of delightful, colorful spring items from a collection of shops on ETSY. Whether you live in an area where it finally looks like spring has sprung, or you live in a warm climate all year long, I'm sure you will enjoy what the following shops have to offer.
This is SPRING FLING - PART II. I will have a SPRING FLING III out here in the next week or two. ENJOY!!
Baby items, children clothes, stuffed animals and more
SHOP: WISH WITH ME
Soft sculpted dolls, animals, crocheted bags
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
FEATURED ETSY SHOP - CREATIONS JULIE JONGLEUSE
Julie of CREATIONS JULIE JONGLEUSE on Etsy has a very unique and distinctive style in her "firework" necklaces. They are quite intricate and delicate looking, as you can see from the photo above. She makes them in quite an array of colors and styles. Be sure to take a look at all of her jewelry in her Etsy shop, CREATIONS JULIE JONGLEUSE. Read below to find out a bit more about this creative jewelry artist.
What led you to start creating your art/craft?
I had so much creativity in me and wasn't able to use it in my job as a laboratory technician. I really like jewelry, so I tried and liked it very much.
How did you decide what medium you wanted to work with?
I love glass! It's so versatile. It can be shiny or not, any shape you want, any color you want.
What aspect of creating your art/craft do you find the most enjoyable?
To see my jewelry worn by someone. It's so cool!
If you had to choose a fruit OR a vegetable, to describe your art/craft, what would you choose, and why?
A watermelon. It's fresh, colorful and "splashing".
If you had to choose one other medium in which to display your “creativity”, what would that be, and why?
I really, really don't know.
What message, if any, do you want to convey with your art/craft?
None.
What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?
ALWAYS believe in you!
Thanks, Julie for taking the time to share your thoughts and creativity. To learn more about Julie and her creations, click on her links below.
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
FEATURED ETSY SHOP - NEW LIFE DESIGNS
Shot Through the Heart Glass Heart Bracelet
WELCOME, Pam and her Etsy shop NEW LIFE DESIGNS. Don't you just love the fun, contemporary bracelet above with its glass hearts, and black and red colors! Pam has a wide variety of delightful jewelry...earrings, bracelets, necklaces and more. She uses one of my favorite beads in a lot of her designs...Swarovski crystals! They are so sparkly and fun!
Hi, My name is Pam & I live in Tyler, Texas. I'm a mother, wife, & a granny. I've been making jewelry about 4 years now, & I absolutely love it. My inspiration comes from life, culture,& nature. I love everything about it, from going to the bead store, being surrounded by all those gorgeous, shiny beads & finding that perfect bead or stone, to sitting down & creating something that's a little part of me. I've finally found my bliss!
What led you to start creating your art/craft?
It was sort of a roundabout way. I had always loved art as a kid, it was my favorite subject. As a young adult, I dabbled in this and that, trying crochet, cross stitch, drawing, etc. but, I never seem to find something that resonated. Fast forward to my early 50's, my boss in our office opened a boutique, where she started making jewelry to sell in her shop. I immediately became interested, (I think it was all the sparkle in the crystals, actually!) So, I bought a few books, tools, gemstones, crystals, and that's when I really got hooked. It kinda snowballed from there! I took several classes at my local bead store, and online, and I always get so excited when I learn something new that I can make.
How did you decide what medium you wanted to work with?
It was truly love at first sight when I first got a look at all the gorgeous beads, crystals, stones, etc. that are out there. I go into my local bead store, and I just get mesmerized by all the beauty, I can stay in there for hours!
What aspect of creating your art/craft do you find the most enjoyable?
I think, while I really do love it all, my most favorite is when I actually sit down and lay everything out on my work space, and then pick up that tool, that's when time seems to stop for me.
If you had to choose a fruit OR a vegetable, to describe your art/craft,what would you choose, and why?
This might sound weird, but I think I would say it's kind of like an onion, with every new technique I learn, or new piece I make, another layer gets peeled away and something even better is revealed.
If you had to choose one other medium in which to display your creativity, what would that be, and why?
Oh, that's a tough one. Hmmmm, I think I would like to try making glass or lampwork, or dichroic glass. Those pieces are so beautiful, I think that would be great.
What message, if any, do you want to convey with your art/craft?
I think the message I'd like to convey would be that everyone has a unique, creative spark inside, and it can only be expressed by discovering and uncovering who you really are inside. When you do that, (and it's available to all of us), that's when you can truly connect with people, like a language of the heart, so to speak.
What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?
First, pay no attention to the little man behind the curtain, the one who tells you, I'm not good enough, I can't do this, no one will like it. The only thing that matters is that you take the action, push past the doubt and fear, and really go for it! Oh, and also, have fun!
Thanks, Pam, for a great interview and sharing your creativity with all of us. Be sure to pay a visit to NEW LIFE DESIGNS, and also check out Pam's other links listed below. You just might have to treat yourself to a pair of new earrings, bracelet....or who knows what else might catch your eye!
Friday, December 5, 2008
FEATURED ETSY SHOP - EARRINGS by JULIA A - Lovely, Feminine, Classic
If you are looking for a special pair of earrings to lend a bit of class or special look to any outfit, be sure to visit JULIA A on Etsy. Julia's shop specializes in earrings, so I'm sure you can find the perfect pair! I know I can't leave the house without wearing earrings! Let's hear what Julia has to say about how she got started making her jewelry.
What led you to start creating your art/craft?
I remember finding a bead shop when I was in high school; I immediately gravitated toward deep blues, and was entranced by the idea of creating things I really loved, with designs that were completely mine. I think I was 16 at the time. Since then, I've been working with beads off and on, and it's been a consistent passion more recently. In the past year or two, my main focus has become earrings.
How did you decide what medium you wanted to work with?
I've been drawn to beads, and earrings, because they're something that I enjoy and wear. Designing and making them had instant appeal.
What aspect of creating your art/craft do you find the most enjoyable?
I love discovering a new way to accentuate pretty beads...the satisfaction of new designs is wonderful. I'm waiting for an order of beads in the mail now, and I'm excited to get started with some new looks!
If you had to choose a fruit OR a vegetable, to describe your art/craft, what would you choose, and why?
Wild blueberries are unique in their wonderful color, and they're sweet and dainty. The work I do seems best described by blueberries--I make unique statements of classic beauty with my dainty earrings.
If you had to choose one other medium in which to display your “creativity”, what would that be, and why?
I've always thought it would be wonderful to work with clay...handmade pottery can have such gorgeous colors, and it would be involving and satisfying to work with color and shape in such a versatile medium.
What message, if any, do you want to convey with your art/craft?
Beauty and balance. I like interesting jewelry that's based on simple beauty. Pretty beads set off by a bit of embellishment can make a strong stylistic statement while still being petite and lovely.
What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?
It's common advice: Find what you're passionate about. If you love what you're creating, you'll achieve much more, and enjoy it immensely.
Thanks, Julia, for taking the time to share your thoughts and creativity with everyone!
Be sure to visit Julia's Etsy shop and her other links below, where you will find delightful, affordable earrings to compliment any outfit you might decide to wear.





