FEATURED ETSY ARTIST - Leanna TenEycke -By the Oak Art

Valkyrie 8.5x11 Art Print Unmatted

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by Leanna TenEycke

I'm delighted to feature Leanna TenEycke and her Etsy shop - BY THE OAK ART here on my DZFANTASY blog.  Being a fantasy artist myself, it is always fun to see and learn about other fantasy artists and their creations. 

Leanna not only creates fantastic drawings, but also beautiful jewelry..art pendants, charms, bookmarks and more!  I've tried to incorporate quite a few of her creations in this feature, but be sure to visit her BY THE OAK ART shop on Etsy to see her full line of creations, and to visit her other links listed below. To go directly to any item that is shown in this feature, just click the description link below the photo.

Ophelia Art Pendant and Earring set

 by Leanna TenEycke

1. What led you to start creating your art/craft?

I have always been in love with the fantasy genre and had a strong interest in drawing, and when I was a young girl decided I wanted to be an illustrator or artist in some form. I was very fortunate to have my family give me a lot of support, encouragement, and send me to art classes. I tried out many painting mediums including both traditional and digital, sculpture and doll making, sewing, and jewelry making but my main focus has been on digital painting. It was in April that I decided to try combining my artwork with jewelry to make wearable art.

Angel Egg Wings Bronze Fantasy Necklace

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

Digital is my favourite medium because I can freely create and experiment without being conscious of how much material I am using. I always have complete control and freedom of my canvas, and I don't see it as a crutch or feel shame in using that freedom.

8.5 x 11 Mermaids Nymphs River Sirens in a Pond Digital Print Fantasy Artwork

 by Leanna TenEycke

3. What aspect of creating your art, do you find the most fascinating?

When I have a particularly fun project to work on, or an idea that I really need to bring to life, it is work but sometimes it doesn't feel like it. I can spend hours assembling jewelry pieces or working on a new painting and the time flies by. Though this is definitely not always the case! Sometimes it can be very frustrating, but always worth it in the end because everything is a learning experience.

Ninetailed Goddess Kitsune 5x7 Art print

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

I would like to say tomato, because beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder, but I believe the cherry best represents my work. I love to use reds, and cherries are small but have very feminine flowering trees.

Fox Kitsune Ninetailed Goddess Art Pendant Bronze

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

I would like to paint full sized in oil someday. There's just a different feeling standing in front of a large painting, and I find the medium very fun to work with.

5x7 Fantasy Landscape Art Print by Leanna TenEycke

6. What message, if any, do you want to convey with your art?

I try to tell a story, describe the culture and emotions of a character, or depict a dream-like environment to let the viewer's imagination wander.

Valkyrie Fantasy Art Pendant 

7. What advice do you have for other artists?

Be proud when you create something you think is beautiful, be accepting of helpful criticism, treat your customers or clients kindly, and always strive to improve yourself.

Thanks, Leanna, for sharing your thoughts and wonderful fantasy creations with us.  It was great to get to know a bit more about you and what motivates you to create!  Best wishes for success!!

Be sure to visit Leanna's links below to see more of her fantasy creations.

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FEATURED ETSY SHOP - ART BY SARAH PITTMAN

Pegasus, Original Fantasy Art in Coloured Pencil
by
SARAH PITTMAN

WELCOME, Sarah Pittman and her Etsy shop which she calls ART BY SARA PITTMAN. Being a fantasy artist myself, I'm always fascinated how other fantasy artists make use of their creativity, and what mediums they use to express it. Sarah has some truly fantastic, colorful work, so be sure to pay her shop a visit. First, let's learn a bit more about Sarah.

I’m a fairy, fantasy and animal artist based in the UK, I work for the most part in coloured pencils, Faber Castell Polychromos pencils being my pencils of choice, although you’ll sometimes see other mediums pop up, and occasionally other subject matter too, because although most of my pieces are fantasy or animal related I do go wherever my muse drags me. I’ve been drawing seriously for around six years and started selling my work in 2007 and I always find it a little hard to part with originals (but I think most artists are the same) but on the same note I’m obviously pleased when somebody likes a piece enough to buy it, so I know its going to a good home and will be looked after. Im currently selling my work through Etsy and Artfire.

What led you to start creating your art/craft?

I think I got the art bug from my parents who were both creative, and I grew up watching films like Labyrinth, Dark Crystal, Legend etc., which are still some of my favourite films to this day, and we always had pets around, so really its not much of a surprise that two of the main subjects in my art are animals and fairies. I can't remember a time that I haven’t loved both.

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

About six years ago, after having done nothing creative whatsoever for a year or two (and before that only sketching and doodling really), I started drawing again. It was around this time that I came across ATC’s and joined a few trading groups, which I think really helped me get back into the swing of things. ATC’s were perfect because it meant I could experiment with lots of different mediums on a smaller scale, plus I had other artists to talk to for advice if I needed help with anything in particular. I think I first picked up the coloured pencils because I had some cheap ones laying about the house, and I liked the way you had a lot of control with laying the colour down. Shortly after that, I started looking for tips and advice about how to use them, but found I had a huge problem with layering and certain techniques because of the quality of the pencils - so as soon as I could, I invested in a set of artist quality pencils, and I haven’t touched others since. I could tell the difference as soon as I started playing around with them. The colours went down so much smoother and the colours themselves were much richer. I think I just got hooked, because even though I do use other mediums occasionally, coloured pencils are still my favourite.

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

I’m not sure. I find the whole process equally enjoyable, but I think I probably find it most satisfying when I finish a piece I’m really pleased with and I can look at it and say I wouldn’t change a thing. And of course its always exciting when somebody comes across a piece of your art that they love just as much as you do.

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

I think I’d choose oils. They’re something I would like to practise with and start using sometimes anyway, but I love how oil paintings can be so full of texture sometimes, you just want to run your fingers over the picture.

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

I draw things that make me smile, things I like or enjoy, so I haven’t really got a message behind my art, I just hope people find it fun and enjoy it as much as I do.

What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?

I think its important to make sure that you don’t fall into the trap of trying to create art that you think other people will want rather than what you actually want to do. Also, I think its always good to stretch yourself sometimes, or mix things up a little, it helps keep things fun and fresh, so set by some time to create things that nobody else is going to see and just have fun experimenting with different techniques and styles.

Gorilla, Original ACEO in coloured pencil

by Sarah Pittman

(I had to put this "big guy" out here as I love gorillas)

Sarah, thanks for not only sharing your wonderful art with us, but also your thoughts and ideas. If you want to learn and see more of Sarah's work, be sure to visit the links below.

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ACORN FAIRY GIVEAWAY BY DZFANTASY

DANCING "ACORN FAIRY" GIVEAWAY

Fiber Sculpted Art Doll

by DZFANTASY

PLEASE NOTE: There was an error in the ending date.

THIS GIVEAWAY ENDED JANUARY 31, 2009!

START DATE: JANUARY 9, 2009

END DATE: January 31, 2009 - 12 MIDNIGHT - CDT

VALUE: $65.00

ELIGIBILITY: OPEN WORLD WIDE

PRIZE: 1 - Original designed fiber sculpted ACORN FAIRY

ENTRY RULES:

For this "giveaway", I'm doing something a little bit different. To ENTER this giveaway, please be sure to read and follow the rules below:

1. To obtain a VALID entry into this giveaway, please visit my DZFANTASY shop on Etsy, and then RETURN here to this post to leave a comment... stating which item IN MY SHOP was your favorite. This will help me get a better idea of what sizes/styles people like the best. THANKS FOR YOUR HELP!

To enter my DZFANTASY shop, just click on the PHOTO or DZFANTASY LINK below the photo.

2. Be sure to leave your EMAIL address, and/or another link by which I may contact you, should you be the lucky winner of this delightful fairy!

3. At the end of the giveaway, on February 9, 2009 - 12 MIDNIGHT CDT, I will randomly select a WINNER from all the VALID ENTRIES received. WINNER will then be notified, by me, via email. WINNER must respond to my email within 5 days, sending me their complete shipping information.

4. If WINNER does not reply within the given timeframe, I will have to randomly select another WINNER from the remaining entries. If anyone has any questions, please feel free to contact me at: dzfairies@msn.com

A BIT ABOUT THE FAIRY:

She is one of my 10" wall style fairies. Her body/wing fabric is a fun, colorful fall print of acorns and leaves. Her face is 100% silk, which I individually hand-drew, needle-sculpted and hand-painted.

Her hairdo was designed from a fun textured yarn, which has "wisps and nubs" as its texture. It also glistens for a very fairy like look! She is wearing a real acorn cap, which I hand-painted a sparkly metallic gold. Her other accents are Swarovski crystals, tiny seed beads, and several gold plated leaf charms at her waist. Oh yes, she also has a Swarovski crystal belly button!

GOOD LUCK TO ALL WHO ENTER....!!

WINNER OF LULU DESIGN'S "WINNER'S CHOICE" GIVEAWAY

This "WINNER'S CHOICE" giveaway by LULU DESIGN ended NOVEMBER 30, 2008 at 12 midnight CDT. The listing on Online Sweepstakes site is in ERROR, stating that it ENDS December 1, 2008 at 11:59 p.m. Hopefully they will take it off entirely, as it IS OVER!


The WINNER of this giveaway is DONNA, and her entry of October 30, 2008!!

CONGRATULATIONS...DONNA!

Donna's winning entry was randomly selected, by my husband, from the 37 entries submitted for this great giveaway! Donna will be in touch with Kathy of LULU DESIGN to select prize.

THANK YOU ALL FOR PARTICIPATING, AND FOR YOUR LOVELY COMMENTS.

A special "Thanks", to Kathy for offering this wonderful giveaway! You can visit Kathy's shop on Etsy by clicking on the links below.

A "WHIMSICAL KNITTING" FAIRY!

WHIMSICAL "KNITTING" FAIRY
my newest creation

I've beeen working on this delightful knitting fairy for the last several days before I finally finished her today!! You wouldn't believe how long it took me to knit the start of the teeny, tiny scarf using the pair of needles I made for her. Did you ever try to knit with tiny toothpick needles!! I must say...it was quite a challenge!


I also made her the tiny knitting bag with the Swarovski crystal handle, so she could put her balls of yarn in there for safe keeping as she knits. The bag is fabric, which I then hand-painted a sparkling lavender color, and added the Swarovski crystal handle. A very magical bag, perfect for a fairy knitter!

Her bag can be displayed as show in the above photo, or you can set it up on the box next to the fairy!

The fairy comes sitting on the wooden, hand-painted "keepsake" box, and the box's handle supports the fairy sitting on the box. The fairy is NOT attached to the box, but needs to be displayed sitting on the box.

The box makes a wonderful little "keepsake" box, where you can store your treasures with the fairy as guardian! Below is a photo of the inside of the box. I created a tiny cushion for the inside of the box, using the same fabric as the fairy's body/wings.

She was such fun to design and create, and she is hoping she will find a good home in which to spread her fairy magic.

She is currently available in my DZFANTASY shop on Etsy

DZFANTASY

FEATURED ETSY SHOP - LULU DESIGN - KATHY V. CRABBE

Zodiac Mandela Soul Card Reading

Kathy designs the cards herself

KATHY

WELCOME....Kathy of LuLu Design on Etsy! Kathy not only will give you an "insight" into areas of your life and what your life path might be, but will also delight you with whimsical prints of faeries, mermaids, cat, dogs, and more! Be sure to treat yourself, and visit LuLu Design!

Kathy is also featuring a "winner's choice" giveaway out here on DZFANTASY for the month of November, so be sure to read all about it and enter. This "Giveaway" will be listed in a separate post below Kathy's "feature". Now let's find out a bit more about this delightful, fascinating artist.

What led you to start creating your art/craft?

I started LuLu Design in 1993 after a re-birthing session (in California, where else?!!) during which I regressed to the newborn state, was re-birthed all over again and had an amazing revelation about my entire business plan - it was all spelled out for me in black and white! I was also just approaching my Saturn Return, (astrologically speaking) and was ready to get serious about my life and my career! Silk painting was my main medium, during my time in Laguna Beach, California. I discovered an amazing two month long art show in Laguna Beach called The Sawdust Festival, a true artist’s haven, that began in the 60’s. I found a whole community of artists and a whole new way of life too. I had always been an artist and a dreamer, from a very young age, but it wasn’t until I discovered my partner and a town that was incredibly conducive to making a decent living as an artist, that things really took off for me!

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

I am 43 and have been an artist, creator and dreamer all my life. I grew up in Belleville, Ontario, Canada and received my BA in Art History and a three year Diploma in Graphic Design in Kingston, Ontario. I moved to Southern California when I was twenty-seven years old and got married to my sailor-architect husband when I was twenty-seven and we’re still happily married and living in our modern South-Western style home, designed and built by my husband, single-handedly!
I chose silk painting as my main medium because there is absolutely nothing else like it! The intensity and vibrancy of the colors are amazing - I have created many paintings, kimonos and even earrings from silk!

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

Currently, I am working on copperplate and zinc etchings as well as Soul Readings using three magickal decks that I designed and painted myself. These two mediums may appear to be completely different and you’re right, they are! But what they do have in common, creativity-wise is that they both allow me to explore new mediums, develop new skills, and hone old skills in new ways. With printmaking, I am working in a two dimensional medium, but with new materials: zinc and copper plates, acid baths, scratching (etching tools) and a printing press. With my psychic work I am expanding upon my intuitive powers which I have been working with my entire life (via dreamwork), but now, I am able to widen my horizons, and help, not only myself, but many others – which is an absolute thrill for me; being a Virgo, with many planets also in the Virgo House (the 6th House), I am all about service!

If you had to choose a fruit OR a vegetable in which to display your “creativity,” what would that be, and why?

Since I’ve been eating so many tomatoes recently (grown on my own property!) that’s all I can possibly think about! Tomatoes are lovely and juicy and so abundant, what more can I say?

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

I have wanted to be a jeweler, a glass artist (fused glass jewelry), a weaver, a spinner, a dyer of yarns and wools grown by myself and colored by me, using plants found in the wild and in my garden, as well as a knitter of wonderful Irish sweaters and many, many other things – but it probably won’t be happening, in this lifetime, anyway! These are all mediums I love to buy, to own, to admire and I love the lifestyle that goes with them!

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

Love what you do with a passion – that’s happiness!

What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?

If you really want it then just go for it and don’t ever give up!

KATHY, thanks for sharing your creative abilities with all of us, and for giving us an insight into what makes you the delightful artist that you are!

To learn more about Kathy and her work, you can visit any of the links below. Also don't forget to sign up for Kathy's "Winner's Choice" giveaway in the following post below her feature.

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