FEATURED ETSY SHOP - SEVILLE83 - EXCESS BAGGAGE SOLUTIONS

MIRROR SUNRISE
by

Samantha

Below is the story of the photograph shown above. Samantha of EXCESS BAGGAGE SOLUTIONS, told me this was her favorite item in her Etsy shop. Read below to see why.

I have listed this photo because before my future husband and I were together, he sold me the car that the mirror belongs to , and when I took that picture after not sleeping for almost 24 hours I thought it was kinda neat. After I showed it to him, he had asked if there were any way it could get turned into a poster. That poster is currently in our bedroom.


Samantha, has recently opened her Etsy shop, EXCESS BAGGAGE SOLUTIONS, where she offers handmade tote bags, along with photography, and other items. After reading her interview below, be sure to pay a visit to EXCESS BAGGAGE SOLUTIONS.

SPOOK-TACULAR ORANGE
Trick or Treat Bag

CLICK on photo go learn more about this item

What led you to start creating your art/craft?

What started me initially was going into a quilt shop on vacation and seeing bags that were made out of bits of quilt. I bought a few because I thought they were awesome and as I was looking at them more and more, I realized that these aren't that hard to make, this is something I can do too! For the pictures, photography is something that I've loved for a very long time and I get a lot of compliments on pictures I take and this was one way to share those pictures with everyone.

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

I grew up around my mom making quilts, I knew how to quilt and I do enjoy it. For the photographs I wish I had a darkroom, because then I could go straight up old school with film.

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

For the bags and scarves and such, its that moment right after I finish where I take it off the sewing machine and flip it the right way (for the bags) and take in my finished product. For the photographs, it's seeing them on my camera right after I take the picture.

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

This is a tough one, I guess a potato for the sewing and a kohlrabi for the photos. The potatoes, much like the bags and scarves, can have so many different things done with them. The kohlrabi with the photographs is something that you can't enjoy as many ways, but even so you can still enjoy it.

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

I think pin striping. It's something else I enjoy doing and I can still go around and say "see that there? I did that."

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

There really isn't much of a message with what I do. I'm sure I could come up with one, but there isn't anything underlying.

What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?

The biggest thing I can tell other artists and crafters is to not be afraid to try. You never know how far you'll get if you don't take a risk and give it a shot.

Thanks, Sam, for sharing your thoughts and creativity with everyone. Best of luck to you and your shop, EXCESS BAGGAGE SOLUTIONS!

To see more of Sam's creations, click on her shop links below.

TWITTER

FEATURED ETSY SHOP - FLIRT BAGS

OOAK Flirty Skirt Purse in Bronze Taffeta

by Trudel

of FLIRT BAGS

(Click on the above photo to learn more about this charming purse.)

It is a real pleasure to have Trudel of FLIRT BAGS on DZFANTASY as a featured Etsy shop. Trudel just moved her fun, colorful and definitely "flirty bags" to her new shop on Etsy, which she is now calling FLIRT BAGS. If you are looking for a fun bag, purse, tote, wristlet.... just pop into FLIRT BAGS for a real treat. Trudel has a wide variety of styles and colors to choose from, but I know my favorite is the "flirt bag"! How fun and unique!

What led you to start creating your art/craft?

Well, I have always loved working with my hands, especially sewing, since I was around 6 years old. I was never the painting-drawing type, for me it had to be more tangible. Needle & thread, scissors, that sort of thing was right up my alley. I guess it runs in the family too, because my aunt was a fashion designer in Germany and another aunt is a consummate knitter. As a teen, I made pretty much most of my own clothing, including jeans and jean jackets (and it was hard to get the right jean fabric off the roll back in the 80's). I even started making a lot of my own patterns from my own ideas. Now, I've always had a major attraction to purses, handbags, totes, wallets, you name it. So one day I bought a pattern to learn some basic techniques and there's been no stopping since!

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

That was a moot point. I'm a sewer, my medium is fabric, fabric, fabric! A fabric store (even the on line ones) is like setting a sugar-deprived child loose in a candy store. I like to touch and feel; the fabric inspires me and dictates what I make from it.

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

Hmmm. That's a hard one because I really, truly enjoy all apects pretty much equally. I love dreaming about what I'm going to make, I love retreating into my sewing room, where it's quiet and organized, and begin laying out my fabrics, I love the sound and feel of the scissors cutting the fabric, I love putting all the pieces together sitting hunched over my sewing machine, and of course I love the end product. But after I've admired it for a few moments, shown my husband (he's quite a big fan!) I'm itching to start the whole thing over again!

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

Mango Mango Mango!! I'm actually not quite sure why, that was the first thing that popped into my head so there must be some deep philosophical reason behind it! Perhaps because mangos are fun and sweet, exotic but not too uncommon, they come in a variety of shapes, colors, textures and tastes. When I eat a mango I feel really good, just like my purses make me feel really good!

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

Photography. Definitely. I've loved taking pictures since I was a teen. I took some courses years ago and just really love seeing things from different perspectives. I especially love doing macro photography of flowers and plants (another passion), and am trying to work on my landscape photography skills. I do a ton of backpacking in remote areas and find myself faced with supreme mountainous landscapes that go on forever but have yet to effectively record what I see.

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

Have fun, live a little, you deserve to spoil yourself a bit! Step outside of the box, do somthing a litte different; don't take yourself too seriously!

What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?

Just to be true to yourself. Find what you love to do most of all, and do that. You'll be the best at it, and people will see it in your work. Don't try to be someone else; what works for them won't necessarily work for you.

Maxine Turquoise and Olive Jungle Print Purse

by Trudel

(Click on the photo of the above purse to learn more about it)

THANKS, Trudel for sharing your delightful creations and thoughts with all of us.

Don't forget.....if you are looking for some great styles and colors in purses....visit FLIRT BAGS by clicking on the links below.

SPRING FLING PART III - Visit Spring on ETSY

Welcome to the last of my SPRING FLING features. Here you will see a group of delightful shops on Etsy who are all ready to welcome spring with their colorful, fun creations.

Cherry Blossom Notecards

SHOP: SCARLETT DESIGN

Photography, Stationery,Gifts

WildFlower

Antique Bronze Necklace with Butterfly Pendant and brightly coloured accents

SHOP: STELLAR LIGHT DESIGNS

Jewelry - Necklaces, earrings in a variety of styles

PRETTY IN PINK

SHOP: MIMI ROB

Doll Clothes, Girls Clothing, Aprons

BABY HEDGEHOG

SHOP: THERESA'S CERAMICS

Fun, Funky Whimsical Ceramics

Eco Chic Everyday Housewife Apron

SHOP: MOMOMADEIT

COOL APRONS...RETRO INSPIRED...SEXY, FEMININE FIT!!

JUST FOR FUN A fun glass bead bracelet and earring set for you

SHOP: BEAD VOYAGER

Travel Inspired Bead Designs...Earrings, necklaces, pendants, bracelets

Yellow with Cherries Dog Collar

SHOP: DESIGNS BY JINX

Fabric Dog collars

Spring Tropical Recyled Journal

SHOP: BURGANDY DISTRICT

Eco friendly journals and books

Bonsai and little kitten sculpture

SHOP: LADA WORKS

Interior design creations for every room in your home

FORGET ME NOT

SHOP: OHANA GLASS DESIGNS

Unique fused and beaded glass jewelry

ACEO OOAK Original Art Card Teapot Tea Cup Teatime

OSWOA Dragon Jinx Purple Flower Painting

SHOP: MAREZY DOATS77

ACEO'S

Princess Buttercup - 8x10 Metallic Pearlescent Fine Art Photographic Print

SHOP: IF I HAD WORDS

Photography by Nikki Trexel

Spring Fling earrings

handmade peridot briolette iolite apatite citrine tourmaline swarovski crystal sterling silver

SHOP: KALLIOPE JEWELRY

Handmade contemporary gemstone jewelry

Goldfinches and Thistle a digital print by Sarah Knight 8X10

SHOP: SARA K DESIGNS

Archival prints and artwork by Sarah Knight

Farmer's market theme fabric grocery shopping market tote bag

SHOP: KELLY'S SEWING BASKET

Unique handmade gift items from Kelly's Sewing Basket

SPRING CHARMER BRACELET

SHOP: JACQUELINE V. DESIGNS

Handcrafted Artisan Jewelry - Necklaces, bracelets, earrings

Benny the vegan Easter Bunny

SHOP: A-KNIT-THING

Adorable knit animals

Pink Stripes SPRING baby/toddler BIB

SHOP: BARNYARD BABY

Handmade bibs and burb cloths

Think Outside the Box

SHOOP: ADROIT JEWELERS

Pendants, earrings, anklets, necklaces and more

BLUEBIRD glass round pendant 1 inch circle.....BEAUTIFUL

SHOP: IM JEWELEE

Scrabble Tile Necklaces and Wholesale Jewelry Supplies

FEATURED ETSY SHOP - DeAnne DeSigns

The Cityscape Tote

Amy, from DeAnne's DeSigns shop on Etsy offers handmade totes, handbags, purses, and even handmade baby blankets. Be sure to visit her shop to see what else she has to offer, but first let's hear a little bit of what Amy has to say about herself and her work.

What led you to start creating your art/craft?

I have been interested in art and fashion design for many years. I studied fashion design, and recently started making handbags and totes.

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

I have sewn for many years, and fabrics of all types are fun to work with. I really like cottons the best, and novelty prints are great to coordinate with the solid duck cloths that I have been using.

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

I really think that all aspects are enjoyable. I like to shop for fabrics. When I enter a fabric store for one item, I usually spend a couple of hours in the store because the fabrics spark ideas. Sketching an idea is great, too. When I start making the patterns and sewing the design, it is exciting because it is no longer only an idea on paper.

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 kiwi to describe my work. I say this because I am actually working on some canvas bags that will look simple and classic on the outside, but the lining and pockets will be made from bold and/or bright cotton prints.

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

I would choose beaded jewelry because I like color and texture. I have made jewelry in the past and I really enjoyed it.

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

I want people to see my handbags and totes as tasteful, creative and fun.

What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?

I believe hard work pays off.

Thanks, Amy, for taking the time to share your ideas and work with us. You may visit Amy's shop on Etsy by clicking on any of the pictures below to go directly to that item in her shop, or click on the link below the pictures.

FEATIRED ETSY SHOP - czukART

WELCOME, czukART as a featured Etsy shop out here on DZFANTASY. I really like the simple uniqueness and texture of this item. What a wonderful book to use for all one's special thoughts and ideas. Let's hear what this artist has to say about herself and her work.

What led you to start creating your art/craft?

I’ve always been interested in the arts. I’m currently a student at the Columbus College of Art and Design. When school let out for the summer I was shocked at how much I missed the busyness and enjoyment of creating. I began to sew and draw and fiddle around with new ideas. A friend of my recommended Etsy. I signed up and fell in love with the online community. Now I think it might be a full blown obsession, haha.

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

I really like three dimensional art. I try to incorporate a lot of texture in my work. I’ve also always liked acrylic paints, handmade papers and fabrics.

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

The whole process is always rewarding. To develop a concept and actually watch it come to life still amazes me.

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

A cucumber. It’s cool, refreshing.

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

I love to work with wire. I did some wire sculpture in high school and learned to solder my first year of college. I love how you have to struggle with the medium, you have to tame it.

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

Simplicity, functionality and beauty.

What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?

Some people get frustrated. They feel as though they have wasted their time. John Lennon shares my view on this. “Time you enjoy wasting, was not wasted.” In short, love what you do no matter what it is!

THANKS, czukART, for taking the time to share your thoughts and creativity with us! If you'd like to learn a little bit more about this artist, be sure to visit her links below.

MY SPACE

BLOG

FEATURED ETSY SHOP - FANTASY CREATIONS 1

I can certainly understand why Becky of FANTASY CREATIONS 1 said it was very hard to choose a favorite piece to have out here on her feature!! FANTASY CREATIONS 1 has absolutely gorgeous jewelry creations in her shop, so be sure to pay it a visit! I thought this necklace was particularly "striking", so I have also included a photo showing the entire necklace. Welcome, Becky, as she shares a bit of her thoughts and ideas about herself and her creations.

What led you to start creating your art/craft?

I NEED to create things, so my mind never stops thinking of interesting new ideas. I actually do several crafts, but I'll only talk about two here. I design stuffed animals based on photographs of real animals or fantasy animals I visualize in my mind. I began designing them when a friend of my mother gave me some scraps of fake fur. My first designs were little toy mice and bunnies. Next I designed a tiny horse. I also create unusual bead embroidered jewelry. I have always loved to sew and I bought a video tape that taught me basic bead embroidery and peyote stitch. I learned more advanced techniques by experimenting and reading craft books and magazines.

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

Pretty shiny things attract me, and I'm addicted to collecting and designing with beautiful beads. I work with a polymer clay or stone cabachon. I really like creating a unique piece with symbolic power.

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

I enjoy all aspects of creating bead embroidered jewelry. My favorite part is letting the design evolve and feeling like I am "in the zone" creatively. Selecting the right beads and the right look for the piece is done intuitively. I read a Psychology Today magazine article around 1980 that said non-creative people could achieve alpha brain waves through meditation, but when trying to be creative their brainwaves were in Beta. Creative people were just the opposite. Their brains went into alpha waves when they were creating and they experienced meditation as stressful. I support their findings. The more creative I am the more time seems to stop and the more deeply relaxed I become.

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

If I had to choose one more art form?... I would like to design picture/landscape art quilts based on photographs I've taken or images in my mind. I have several books about them and I bought interesting scraps of fabric. I'm actually working on a fabric book (not to sell) that honors the TV show (1988) Beauty and the Beast. It was the most amazing show full of longing, romance, poetry, and incredibly beautiful classical music.

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

My message would be "Love." Love others, love yourself, love God, love life, love living things, love this beautiful world.

What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?

Advice? Find the thing that you enjoy doing so much that you can forget to eat and sleep. Follow your bliss. Become really good at it. Price your work with respect for your time and skills. Treat your customers really well. Ship quickly. Don't expect to make much money from it.

Becky, thanks again for taking the time to share your wonderful jewelry and your thoughts with us! Treat yourself to some really "eye catching" jewelry by visiting FANTASY CREATIONS 1. If you have any questions, I am sure Becky would be more than happy to answer them for you.

Becky must be one busy lady, as she also has two other shops on Etsy, and also a store on Ebay, so you just might want to pay a visit to those links below. One shop sells: Commercial Craft Supplies: Fabric Books DVDs & Patterns, and the other shop sells patterns for very delightful stuffed animals.

FANTASY CREATIONS

STARFIREHAWK

FANTASY EBAY STORE