FEATURED ETSY SHOP- LILYJA

ENCHANTED

by

LILY

WELCOME, Lily and her ETSY shop LILYJA. Lily has some very unique and gorgeous creations in her shop...including a variety of necklaces, earrings, bracelets and more. Be sure to pay LILYJA a visit. First, lets learn a bit about Lily.

What led you to start creating your art/craft?


During my teens, I really loved to wear jewelry and I remember one time buying a pair of earrings and knowing deep inside that one day I'd make jewelry myself.


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


I've painted ever since I can remember, and I take photographs, and also make jewelry. I think it’s the need to feel the material with my hands that led me to put the emphasis on jewelry, plus the joy in doing something and seeing it brings happiness to someone else.


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


I love the moment an idea is showing itself in my mind's eye, I love that exciting moment… inspiration I think its called.


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


I would choose Artichoke! I don't know why, but it’s the first association that came to me.


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


Aside from photography, I think it would be sculpturing, because of the feel of the material.


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


I hope the world will forgive me for not thinking about it. I don't think about my art, I just bring it out.


What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?


I think the best advice is the one I got – DO ! Just keep on doing, and follow your heart. The rest will follow.

Lily, I loved having you here on DZFANTASY as a featured artist. Your work is truly beautiful. Thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts and creativity with everyone.

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FEATURED ETSY JEWELRY ARTIST - COLE DESIGNS

WELCOME, Nicole, and her Etsy shop COLE DESIGNS. When you pay a visit to Nicole's shop, you will find some very exquisite pieces of jewelry....pendants, necklaces, earrings. As I was looking through Nicole's shop, the necklace below caught my eye. I love the colors and texture! Be sure to pay COLE DESIGNS a visit to see for yourself what this talented jewelry artist has to offer.

What led you to start creating your art/craft?

I have been a creative person since I could remember. I started with painting, and as I got older my creativity has kind of taken a life of its own. I still love painting, but I have added sewing and of course jewelry making to my list of things that make me truly happy.

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

When it comes to jewelry, beautiful natural stones that catch my eye are what I am all about. I absolutely love working with drusies, and hand cut faceted stones. These stones are so beautiful in nature; I find them to be the most interesting in a semi natural form.

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

To me it is amazing to take a single, semi precious stone and combine with elements that when finished create a piece of wearable art that demands attention. I love having a pile of items that I have no plan for, I usually throw them all in a pile and the design comes to me on how they will be arranged.

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

The first thing that comes to mind I guess would be an Artichoke, why you ask? Well, an artichoke is a vegetable that not everyone has the taste for, but the people that do like them, absolutely love them! Besides if you were to connect a beautiful copper chain to an artichoke, I could make a necklace out of that.

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

Other than jewelry, my favorite way to express myself is oil painting. You are able to start with a blank white canvas, and by the time you finish you can have an entire story on the canvas in front of you.

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

That natural and unique combined are the most beautiful expression there is.

What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?

If you love doing it then do it. "Destiny is not a matter of chance, it is a matter of choice; it is not a thing to be waited for, it is a thing to be achieved." William Jennings Bryan

Nicole, it was a pleasure to have you and your creative jewelry out here on DZFANTASY as a featured artist. Thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts and creativity!

You can find out more about Nicole and her work by clicking on the links below.

COLE DESIGNS WEBPAGE

FEATURED ETSY SHOP - ABLE MABEL

Sweet Poppies Set of 4 Tile Coasters

Leann and her Etsy shop, ABLE MABEL have such a wide variety of items to offer you....colorful coasters, like the ones above, jewelry, baby items, magnets, signs/frames and lots more!! Right now she has over 100+ items in her shop! Let's read below to see how ABLE MABLE came about.


What led you to start creating your art/craft?

My sister and I were in charge of our Church's Craft Sale in the Fall of 2007. We had so much fun coming up with ideas and exploring our creative side. When the sale was done, it was hard to stop, so I didn't!

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

I mostly work with fabric and paper. I love all the different patterns and colors in them!

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

When it all comes together to make a beautiful piece. Especially one that I like.

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

Hmmm...this one is a toughie. How about a fruit salad. Is that cheating?!? I love color, texture, patterns, variety, all the yummy goodness that is in a fruit salad.

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

Someday I would like to try clay, but it'll be a while before I get to it.

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

Life is short, enjoy it! Surround yourself with beautiful colors and fun patterns.

What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?

Put your heart into it. Live thru your art.

THANKS, Leann, for sharing your thoughts and creations with everyone! I like your choice of a "fruit salad" to describe your work! That's very creative thinking!

Be sure to visit ABLE MABLE to see all the variety that this Etsy shop has to offer.

ABLE MABLE BLOG

FEATURED ETSY SHOP - PEACHES AND KREAM

Chalcedony and Sterling Necklace

by

RUE KREAM

WELCOME, Rue Kream and her Etsy shop PEACHES AND KREAM! Rue, not only has some very lovely jewelry designs in her PEACHES AND KREAM shop, but also, delightful needle-felted dolls and bowls. Be sure to pay Rue's shop a visit after reading her interview below.

What led you to start creating your art/craft?

My kids. I never thought of myself as ‘artistic’. My kids, on the other hand, never questioned their creativity. Watching them charge fearlessly into every craft that came their way led me to wonder if everyone has that artistic spirit somewhere inside of themselves, so I began experimenting alongside them.

Millicent May

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

I haven’t. Right now I like to work with wire and wool. Next week, next month, next year I might find something completely new. There’s a whole lot of stuff in the world.

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

Flow. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flow_(psychology)

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

Funny – my shop name is a fruit and my username is a vegetable. To describe my art/craft, I guess I’d pick those purple green beans. Colorful and different.

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

Writing. I love the idea of making pictures with words.

What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?

Try new things. Don’t think of yourself as ‘a painter’ or ‘a jewelry designer’. You can be lots of things at once.

Rue, is was a real pleasure to have you as a featured artist here on DZFANTASY. Thanks, for taking the time to share your thoughts and delightful creations with all of us.

To see more of Rue's work, click on the links bel0w.

FEATURED ETSY SHOP - Pretty Cheap Jewelry

Simple Sophisticated FlipFlop Wood Pin...by Pretty Cheap Jewelry

Welcome, Nina and her Etsy shop PRETTY CHEAP JEWELRY. Nina not only creates delightful jewelry at reasonable prices, but also cross stitched cards, journals and more, so be sure to pay her shop a visit. First, get to know Nina a bit better by reading her fun interview below.

What led you to start creating your art/craft?

When my full-time artist sister cleaned out a deceased friend's studio several years ago, I was sent a box of beads and supplies. Morbid? True! That was the start of the jewelry making phase. And let me advise everyone out there - don't start cross stitching!! You cannot stop!! Some years ago I stitched a pattern over a 3 or 4 month period during a cross country trip in our camper that says 'Give your children 2 strong things, One is roots, the other wings' with all these monarch butterflies and ivy. What was I thinking???? Of course, a sewing machine wedding gift was sweet too (were they trying to tell me something about saving money?). None of my totes, wallets or pillows are for sale on my website.

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

My husband is a rock hound (travels the earth in search of natural stone and fossils!) and would cringe at purchasing a stone. Since diamonds are still MY best friend, I followed him gathering stone and shells and whatever is shiny and pretty. But honestly, I have no qualms about buying stones. Otherwise, necessity being the mother of invention, says it all with respect to the other mediums I dabble in such as sewing, embroidery and pressing flowers. When my kids were really little I spent years 'making something from nothing' including puppets out of scraps, ships out of cardboard and string, and city streets out of big rolls of paper. Nowadays, I feel connected to the past, drying and pressing flowers for cards like my grandmother might have!! Being an environmentalist since 5th grade, I want to spread the word about California native plants (water-wise!) and use those from my yard to press and gather for the cards.

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

NATURE! RECYCLING! My biggest thrill seems to be finding the perfect use for that lonely something saved in my supplies. Look at the 'frame' on this necklace, it was picked up by my son on the beach. The remainder of the strand is recaptured from a piece I took apart.

Click on this link to see the necklace: NEUTRAL BUDDA NECKLACE

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

I am most certainly a vegetable! And probably a carrot because my things are classic in design, are sensible and affordable, and subtly sweet!

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

Soon, maybe even in 2009, I will venture into the realm of photography! Except I need a decent digital camera. My 1st generation Canon is on its last legs (er, last batteries). Back a mere 15-20 years ago in the 35mm SLR ages, when people developed and printed in a dark room, (!?) I gave my ole Nikon a workout for awhile. I love the technical yet creative aspect of photography. Although the Nikon is now gathering dust, I hear you can use the same lenses on a digital Nikon body! Birthday wishlist anyone?

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

Each item I make contains a blend of texture, material, color, shape. When these come together in harmony, voila! A small masterpiece. I hope people notice the design is atypical of usual commercial stuff. And the underlying clever angles in many of my things! Do you see the message in this (not just the quote)?

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=10895493

What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?

Be true to yourself! Especially in pricing. Keep the critics at arm's length who may advise you to price higher or lower. Make what you love and not what will sell. That's easy for me to advise, being non-dependent on my craft income, absolutely not easy for full-time artists to follow.

Thanks, Nina for an enjoyable interview, and for taking the time to share your creativity with everyone! Click on the links below to find out more about Nina.

PRETTY CHEAP JEWELRY ON SAVING ADVICE

FLICKR

PRETTY CHEAP JEWELRY MAILING LIST

FEATURED ETSY SHOP - ROCCA DESIGNS

ARIZONA NECKLACE

WELCOME, Carolina and her Etsy shop, ROCCA DESIGNS. When you visit Carolina's shop you will find a delightful selection of earrings, bracelets and more...created with semi-precious stones. Be sure to stop by for a visit after learning a bit more about Carolina by reading her interview below.

What led you to start creating your art/craft?

I always loved creating. I come from a family of crafty people and I wanted to create jewelry that I would love to wear and could not find in stores.

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

I enjoy creating in all mediums. I sew, paint, and I learned how to knit. I like creating all sorts of things.

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

When something is complete, I feel very accomplished and I love to think about my items being enjoyed by their new owners.

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

I would choose cauliflower because it looks very rough on the outside, there are many different stems that spring from the one heart and the stems are individual and soft. Also I love its color because to me it symbolizes purity.

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

Sewing. I've always wanted to be a clothing designer and think clothing is one of the best ways to express individuality.

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

That we can all be creative, different. I create mostly for women and all my pieces are feminine, yet easy to wear.

What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?

To have confidence in yourself and your products, and to take risks. You stop acting like an artist when you stick to only to what you know.

CAROLINA, thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts and creations with everyone!

WINNER'S CHOICE GIVEAWAY from DESIGNED by LUCINDA

I am happy to be hosting this fun "WINNER'S CHOICE" giveaway from DESIGNED BY LUCINDA on Etsy. As the prize, the winner will have the fun of picking out ONE item in Lucinda's shop with a value of $20.00 or less.

The two photos in this giveaway are an example of what you may want to choose as a prize! Don't miss out on this great giveaway.

The choices are too numerous to list here, so be sure to visit DESIGNED BY LUCINDA to see all the creations that you will be able to choose from...should you be the lucky winner.


START DATE: January 20, 2009

END DATE: February 20, 2009 - 12 MIDNIGHT - CDT

PRIZE: 1 - Winner's choice of any ONE item in Designed by Lucinda, with a value of $20.00 or less

OPEN: Worldwide

HOW TO ENTER:

1. Leave a comment in this post. It would also be fun to tell what item you would choose if you are the winner.

2. PLEASE BE SURE TO leave your email address in this post, or a link to your email address. WINNER will be contacted via email...so it is very important to leave a means of contacting you!!

3. I will randomly select a WINNER from all the entries received after the end of the giveaway. I will notify WINNER via email, with the request that they send me their complete shipping information.

WINNER will then have 5 days in which to respond to this email. If I do not hear from the WINNER within the given timeframe, I will randomly select another name from the remaining entries.

4. Once a WINNER has been confirmed, they will be contacted by DESIGNED BY LUCINDA so that they may choose their prize.

5. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at: dzfairies@msn.com

A big "thank you" to DESIGNED BY LUCINDA for having this fun giveaway!

GOOD LUCK EVERYONE!

FEATURED ETSY SHOP - COCO'S JEWELRY

LIGHT MY FIRE

by Coco

What a stunning necklace....! Anyone wearing this very creative necklace would be sure to get a lot of compliments!

Let's welcome Coco and her COCO'S JEWELRY shop on Etsy.

Congratulations are also in order for Coco, as she informed me that she has been contacted to be on the Martha Stewart Show!! Now that is a real compliment to her and her creations.

Be sure to visit COCO'S JEWELRY as she has some gorgeous creations in there....necklace and earring sets, bracelets, and my favorites macrame necklaces, and much more!

What led you to start creating your art/craft?

I grew up in a very ‘artistic’ environment. My father was a well known artist and the house always smelled of turpentine and linseed oil! Words like ‘color’, ‘composition’ ‘design’ etc. were part of our everyday vocabulary. But even in this environment, I never considered myself to have any talent for anything. Then, a few years ago I ran into an old college friend of mine and found out that she was working with fiber and macramé. Although she did large commissioned hangings etc, she showed me some of the jewelry she had made with thread. I was hooked. She was kind enough to teach me this technique. Since then I have been enjoying this craft (sometimes I think of it as art). The second part of this creative process is equally important to me. I do work with other materials besides thread and glass beads. This is what I would call ‘mainstream’ jewelry. I love gemstones, wood and resin beads and the colour and textures of all these materials combined. I offer both these styles in my shop. I would love to use different types of beads, other than just glass in the macramé styles. Unfortunately, I am restricted in this area because of the size of drilled holes in most of these beads, especially gemstones. I am fascinated with lamp work (flame worked) beads. I took a course on flame working last year, but I am still not good enough to use my own beads in my work. These would lend themselves extremely well to macramé knotting.

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

I didn’t ‘decide’ on the medium. The medium came to me quite by chance as explained above.

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

It’s the design aspect. You see some beautiful beads, all in different shapes and sizes, and think about what you can do with them, and slowly, a design is born. The rest is just execution. The technique of knotting in macramé is not difficult. There are only a few knots that are involved, so the execution may not be hard, but it is definitely time consuming. It is the design concept that takes me the longest time.

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

It has to be the Alphanso mango, the king of all fruit. The smell and color of a ripened mango in full season can be maddening! The color is so rich and lush and warm. My jewelry is also full of these rich and luscious colors. Visually and tactically beautiful.

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

I would like to work with textiles some day. I love the idea of creating designs, with paint or block printing on fabric.

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

To think outside the box. To bring new life to ‘old’ traditional materials and make them beautiful again.

What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?

Get good at what you love to do. Enjoy the process of learning and creating. I am constantly striving to improve. Having a shop on Etsy brings about the need to excel in other areas too, like photography, marketing etc. I have much to learn in these departments.

GREAT WORK, GREAT INTERVIEW! Thanks, Coco, for taking the time to share your thoughts and creativity with us!

FEATURED ETSY SHOP - GIFTBEARER by Pippit Carlington

Welcome, Pippit and her Etsy shop GIFTBEARER! As I looked through Pippit's shop, all I could say was WOW!! She is one talented lady, and her work is truly exquisite! It has a life all its own!

You really must take the time to visit her shop and all of her other links, which I've listed below the following interview.

What led you to start creating your art/craft?

I have always been into art ever since I was a young child and decided to focus on jewelry when my son was born, as I was deciding what to do for a career.

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

I was considering what type of art would be easiest to sell and I loved working with wood so began cutting cross-sections of pressure-treated pine, attaching hooks and shaping them into earrings; leaving some with natural wood grain, and in others experimenting with different paints and fingernail polishes. I enjoyed making those so much that I started taking various classes in other jewelry-making techniques, including beadweaving, and metalwork.

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

I love working with PMC, although the technique used for my Budding Vine bracelets is very time-consuming (requiring 15-20 coats of metal clay slip applied). I also enjoy stone-setting, and working with copper, forging and forming metal from flat sheet and wire into contoured shapes, and I absolutely love it when people appreciate my work enough to buy it. Compliments are great, but the best compliment is when people are willing to pay for something you've put all your time and heart into. That incentive inspires me to do more and come up with new and exciting pieces.

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

I think a star fruit would best describe my art because it is unique, esthetically pleasing, and not like others. Also, people like to hold my pieces in their hand, and a star fruit is one of those shapes that is comfortable to hold. The edges are rounded although it's very three dimensional. I have always preferred making 3-D shapes instead of flat ones.

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

I also paint and particularly like to do watercolor. Be sure to watch for some of my paintings on Etsy. I plan to open another store for those. My first subject matter will be a series on Carmella (my dog) of which I have taken tons of photos capturing some great perspectives. I may also sell some copies of these photos as well. My Nikon D-40 digital SLR camera has been a great investment! Carmella is a special needs dog adopted from an animal shelter and I need to use my nogin to make all the sales I can in order to pay for her medical expenses.

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

I strive to create each piece as though it had a soul of its own; more like a living thing than an object. My hope is that the character of each one will connect deeply with those who look and resonate on a deep level. Several people have actually told me that a piece of mine has had a healing effect on them and has fulfilled an important emotional need in them. If/when that happens I know I have hit the mark!

What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?

Don't sell yourself short just to make a sale. If you have a product that you can sell inexpensively and still make a reasonable profit that's one thing, but your job as an artist deserves compensation as much as any other job in the work force, and your time, skill, and effort should be respected and appreciated. As Suze Orman says, "Don't put yourself on sale." It takes alot of courage to do what you do not working for somebody else, and you must take care of your bottom line if you're doing your art professionally and not just as a hobby.

Thanks, Pippit for taking the time to not only share your stunning work, but also your thoughts and ideas with everyone! Visit Pippit's links below to get a broader view of her fantastic creations!

SMASHING DARLING

MINTD SHOP

DaWanda

ART LIFE NEWS BLOG

BLOG

MY SPACE

FLICKR

A WONDERFUL ETSY PURCHASE AND STORY!!

I am so delighted with this exquisite beaded "amulet" bag, which I purchased a few days ago from DEBSPARKLES on Etsy. I just loved the look of all her exquisite bead work in her shop, but when I received this in the mail just the other day....I was totally amazed!! Photos definitely do NOT do justice to Debbie's incredible workmanship and design. My sister had also just recently purchased Debbie's "ROMANCE" amulet bag as a gift, and we were both on the phone exclaiming to each other how fantastic they were!!

While I fell in love with her work when I first saw her creations in her shop, DEBSPARKLES, I have learned just how much determination and effort it is for Debbie to continue creating. I always love to learn more about every artist I come in contact with, and so with Debbie's permission, I have added her story below. I think it is a testament to how one can accomplish whatever they set out to do in life, as long as they "believe" in themselves and what they are doing.

Debbie would like to share her story in the hopes that it will make others more aware of this condition, so that others may hopefullly diagnosed more quickly.

DEBBIE'S STORY:

I love making things that glitter and sparkle. As a single parent, I worked very hard my whole life. In my free time I was a passionate crafter, I owned my own small business selling my own beadwork jewelry. I did very intricate beadwork with very small beads, fine needles and threads, and a lot of coordination and dexterity.

A few years ago, my assorted health problems all of sudden started getting out of control and I ended up going from my chiropracter to my MD to a gastroenterologist back to my chiropracter (who is my hero), who said my problems were neurological. I had to demand a referral to a neurologist. I did, and after the usual battery of tests found myself sitting in his office telling me I had several problems to deal with.

First, I had a small tumor at the top of my skull, this was not serious, no big deal, just needed watching. I had a rare condition called “Chiari Malformation” in the back of my head - laymen's terms, "my brain was in the wrong spot, running down the back of my head into my spine” and in my back, as a direct result of The Chiari , I had Syringomelia. (laymens terms: a fluid filled tumor in my spine.)

NOTE: I want to do my share to raise awareness on these problems. Please go look at this site: ASAP

Anyway I had choices, possibly paralysis (which was already happening at that point) possibly dying, or I could have major surgery. Well, strangely enough I chose surgery. During recovery I started a new problem. I had a severe cero-spinal leak. This required a second of the same type of surgery, plus a lumbar drain.. That was three years ago. Now I still have syringomelia and the small tumor at the top of my head. A family joke, we call it Henry, and everytime I do something stupid we blame Henry for it.

I am unable to work, I live with chronic pain, I have problems walking, cannot do the most basic things like vacuuming my floors. The worst part was that my hands did not work any more. This was the absolute worst thing. Take anything else, but don’t take my hands. I could no longer handle my beads and needles. This just did not work for me!

Remembering back from when I was a teenager and did sequin embroidery, I found some felt, larger needles and thicker thread. Sequins are bigger than beads, I started pushing myself. Just being able to hold the needle and thread, then being able to hold the felt and catch a sequin on the needle, then maybe I could get some bigger beads to catch on the bigger needle.

Well this definitely took some time, but I kept pushing myself. One step at a time, just a little more detail. What started as therapy to get my hands working again has turned into a major passion. The nerve damage that I have suffered and the simple deterioration of my spinal column and nervous system is irreversable. I will never work a normal job again and have decided to turn my love of working with beads into a full time visit.

When I look at my lovely, lovely amulet bag, it is truly hard to believe that Debbie has gone through the challenge's which she has. THANKS, Debbie for your creativity and for sharing your story with everyone. I wish you much success in 2009!

FEATURED ETSY SHOP - NEEDFUL THINGS - by KRISHA

Welcome, Krisha and her Etsy shop "NEEDFUL THINGS"! Krisha's shop has a variety of items ranging from art dolls, jewelry, original photography, ACEO's and more. Most important is the fact that any item purchased from NEEDFUL THINGS....will result in a percentage going towards helping our four-legged friends who are in dire need of help. Be sure to visit Krisha's Animal Rescue Blog...I did and found it very informative and heart-warming! A lot of credit goes to anyone who helps out all the needy animals in this world!



What led you to start creating your art/craft?



I'm a journalist and write an animal-rescue blog, http://www.arkansasonline.com/rescue, for the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette. I wanted to find a way to contribute to a very special group of ladies at Out of the Woods Rescue. They go out into the rural parts of Arkansas where there is very little assistance for strays or abused animals. I didn't have a lot of time or money to give, so I decided to use my eclectic tastes and budding skills to relieve stress for me (playing with clay is a great way to blow off steam), and help out the rescue organization. The markup on the items in my shop is 25%, which is the percentage the animal rescue group gets. I just get the cost of the materials. My time is donated, but I don't know if I'd really call it a donation because it's such fun!



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



I was drawn to the magazine Art Doll Quarterly about five years ago. I find doll-making symbolic, primitive, spiritual. Memories come flooding back from when I was a child playing with my dolls, working out their stories as I create my dolls today. Immediately, I was drawn to clay because it's earthy. It somehow fits. If you believe in the Bible, Adam was formed of clay. Why shouldn't we form our own creations out of the same stuff? It's a difficult medium for me though. Drawing is my best artistic asset, but I keep coming back to clay, hoping that one day I will learn to master it.



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



I love creating the stories behind the works. My dolls always have stories. With my photography, it's the hunt for that beautiful photo of the day. With my magnets, I look for the funky, iconic and graphic. With my jewelry, it's picking out the components that go together. I just know which chain works with which pendant; at least it's obvious to me very quickly. I don't know if others would agree with my compositions. With my journals, I love the whole process: choosing the fabric, the book size, the special embellishments - always Swarovski crystals. With my sketches and artist's cards, I like the hunt for just what I want to express. I would imitate art I love - am thinking of doing it - but I'm chicken. So my creations are entirely original.



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



What an interesting question. I suppose I would choose a carrot because I love carrots, and they are a great inspiration for sculpture. Also, they grow deep in the earth but have fluffy lettuce hair. I remember plucking them from the garden as a child, and I loved it.



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



Goodness, I already work with clay, photography, fabric, yarn, beads, crystals, silver, copper, micah powder... I guess glass. Yes, I'd love to learn how to create stained glass like Frank Lloyd Wright's designs.



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



I'd just like everyone to know that they are helping a cat or dog in need when they buy from me. I also want them to know everything I make is very personal and dear to me. I make everything with great care and improve with every piece I make.



What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?



My advice to other Etsians is to promote yourself, not just on Etsy but offline as well. Order some beautiful Moo mini cards - you won't want to give them away - but you can create a collage for your house or office. Believe in yourself, but don't be pushy. Most importantly, make what you love.

Krisha, thanks for a very delightful interview, and for sharing not only your thoughts and work with all of us, but your Animal Rescue site and information. Great job! Be sure to visit Krisha's links below.

ARKANSAS ON-LINE - RESCUE IN THE ROCK Animal Rescue Blog

ALTERS - An Etsy Blog

WINNER OF "CAT ON A WINDOW LEDGE" GIVEAWAY BY ZEBA

ZEBA'S "CAT ON A WINDOW LEDGE" necklace giveaway ended November 30, 2008 at 12 midnight CDT.

The WINNER of this giveaway is: Thomas', Entry - gibson777 dated 10/31/08

Thomas' entry was randomly selected, by my husband, from the 120 entries submitted for this delightful giveaway by Sholeh of ZEBA!

CONGRATULATIONS, THOMAS!

The WINNER will be receiving the necklace directly from ZEBA!

Thank you ALL for entering the giveaway, and for all the great comments! I'm sure the artist appreciated them!

Also, "thanks" ZEBA for letting me host your giveaway!

FEATURED ETSY SHOP - HOUSE OF MOUSE

Let's welcome, Lorraine, of HOUSE OF MOUSE out on Etsy! House of Mouse creations range from Jewelry, Fairie Accessories, Felted Bowls/Vessels and much more, so be sure to pay a visit. First, let's learn a bit more about the creative person behind HOUSE OF MOUSE.

What led you to start creating your art/craft

I don’t think there was anything in particular, but for as long as I can remember I have always leaned heavily to the artistic side of life. My parents were big influences. My Mum because she used to hand sew all the costumes I needed for Tap and Ballet recitals. Money was not abundant in our family, but I always relished the trips we made to the fabric store where Mum would have an eye for picking out a fabric from the sale bin and making it into something wonderful. My Dad turned his photography hobby into a career later in life. This was well before the age of digital cameras, and I remember spending hours in the red glow of the darkroom watching him making photos – I thought it was a truly magical experience.

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

I’m not sure I have decided! I love exploring all mediums and the only thing that limits me is trying to persuade my Husband to give up yet another corner of the house! My favourite mediums are those that have some unpredictability to them, where you can guide the outcome but not dictate it, so there are always some surprises (some good, some not so good, some incredible!). My two current favourites are wet felting and photography (not set-up, digitally manipulated photography, more the spontaneous, street photography variety).

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

That’s tough to say, I enjoy all aspects. However, I would say the most frustrating is having an idea and not being able to translate it into reality. I carry ideas around in my head for years sometimes before I figure out a way to bring them to life.

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

Definitely a pomegranate, it is full of hundreds of little juicy seeds, each one in it’s own unique compartment, but related to each other. It mirrors the many ideas I always have for any one concept!

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

Music. There are so many different genres to explore and each one invokes a different emotion to each individual person.

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

I like to think my pieces draw an emotional reaction, but I don't want to dictate what that might be. I find it really interesting to see the different messages that each individual draws from the same piece.

What advice do you have for other artists/crafters? Listen to your heart.

Nurture ideas to their fullest. Experiment. Don’t go anywhere without a pen and scrap of paper!

Thanks, Lorraine, for taking the time to share your thoughts and creations with us. Be sure to visit HOUSE OF MOUSE by either clicking on the photos below, to go directly to that item, or the HOUSE OF MOUSE link below the photos.

FEATURED ETSY SHOP - LeelaBijou Jewelry

VOLCANO RING

WELCOME, Maria, a jewelry artist from the Canary Islands, Spain. I love the colors and sparkle of the Volcano Ring... (I guess, I'm like Maria....I LOVE Swarovski crystal!)

Below is another photo of this ring, so that you can see the great colors! After reading what Maria has to say about herself and her delightful jewelry, be sure to visit LeelaBijou, as she has a wide selection of very beautiful jewelry in her shop....necklaces, rings, bracelets and more!

What led you to start creating your art/craftI have always loved arts?

When I was younger, I looked for different ways to express myself: painting, music, etc. One day, three years ago, I started making my own jewelry. Simple designs with wood beads, glass beads and silver. Many people showed interest in them and that encouraged me to go further. I learned new techniques, and I improved my old ones. Later, I included new materials in my work (like Swarovski crystals or Italian crystals) and I got a great response from my buyers. Two months ago, I joined Etsy. I have many ideas and projects for the future, and I hope they will become true.

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

People always told me I had an eye for jewels and picking colors. At first, I made very simple designs with very basic materials. I got excited with my first results, so I worked hard to learn new techniques. These techniques allowed me to work with better materials, like Italian crystals or natural gems. My favorite material is the Swarovski crystal.

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

Mixing different pieces and obtaining very surprising combinations. I love creating new shapes with hearts, flowers, butterflies,…A great feeling surrounds me when I create something someone considers special, something “unique” for them. I also love when I can combine my ideas with the ideas of more people. I have made a lot of custom orders through these years and I find them very interesting and funny too.

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

A cherry, because it looks beautiful, but it also tastes very good. It is not just appearance. I want to make beautiful jewelry, but I also want it to be of a high quality.

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

Music. I studied piano and I used to sing. Moreover, my grandmother was a professional singer. It´s a perfect medium to evoke deep feelings.

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

With my jewelry, I try to show creativity and colorful ideas. The world can be dark sometimes, but we can make it a little brighter.

What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?

If you like what you do, keep working on it. Don´t worry about the sales, and make your art with dedication and passion. Sooner or later, people will recognize your efforts.

Maria, beautiful work, great interview.....thanks again for taking the time to share your thoughts and creativity with everyone! Again, do take time visit Maria's shop LeelaBijou. She really does have some delightful jewlery. Christmas is just around the corner! You will also find links to her blog and Twitter below.

BLOG

TWITTER

FEATURED ETSY SHOP - CHANGING WOMAN STUDIO

I love the stunning elegant look of this necklace by CHANGING WOMAN STUDIO! If you'd like to see more of this jewelry artist's beautiful designs be sure to visit her shop CHANGING WOMAN STUDIO! You just might find that perfect gift of jewelry for the "special" someone in your life....or, give a gift to yourself!

First, let's welcome Carol, and hear what she has to say about herself and what motivates her to create her jewelry.

What led you to start creating your art/craft?

I have always loved creating beautiful things and working with my hands, so making jewelry came naturally.

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

While taking a class in another medium, the teacher mentioned this new product called metal clay and I knew right away it was for me, so off I went learning about it and have never turned back.

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

That's a hard question since I really love all of it. I guess finishing a piece and really loving 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?

Now that's easy, I'd have to say a pomegranate because its beautiful, vibrant and juicy.

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

I guess it would be fiber arts since that has always been my other love.

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

I'm not sure that I have a message other than putting a little more beauty out there in the world.

What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?

Most of us never think that what we make is "good enough". Make what you love and it will always be good enough.

THANKS, Carol for sharing your thoughts and work with all of us. Your jewelry is exquisite!

To see more of Carol's work, be sure to click on the links below!

CHANGING WOMAN STUDIO BLOG

TWITTER

FEATURED ETSY SHOP - SCHMUCKLUST - the delight to adorn - artisan jewellery

Let's welcome Britta and her Etsy shop SCHMUCKLUST !! Britta is very new to Etsy, having just opened her shop on September, 2008, so be sure to stop by for a visit! Shown above is one of her charming, romantic necklaces, and I'm sure you will find more delightful jewelry when visitng her shop. Here in Britta's own words, you can find out a bit more about this delightful artist.

What led you to start creating your art/craft?

Aren’t you fascinated how people around the world, across all cultures spend a significant time and effort on their own decorations? So, I have always been interested in jewellery and did take courses in jewellery making at the University of South Carolina.

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

When I discovered Japanese hand painted richly decorated papers, I just loved them. And when you convert them into jewellery you get the best of several worlds. Fine, intricate, high class style – but at affordable prices. Also, the artisan beads are hand treated – lacquered in fact – which has also played a big part in Asian cultures, but keep their light weight aspect. So, the look great, weigh little and can be custom made to reflect colour stories. There are endless possibilities and I am still exploring new ones.

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

Once I have created the beads and look at them, an idea emerges as to how the necklace or earrings etc should look. It is as if the original Japanese print calls for its final stage. Or when I see something else and have an inspiration – in short – the creative side.

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

Does a rose count? It is the always recurring beauty – even that they have become such parts of our daily lives.

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

Photography/Painting - as I am a very visual person.

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

Beauty can be around us daily. Appreciation for the finer things!

What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?

Just go with your heart. You will know where your creative urges are. Get lots of supportive people or a community around you – like Etsy – because there will be dry stretches – and than it is great to get some encouragement.

Schmucklust is German and means "delight to adorn". We have these precise words to describe emotions and feelings – like Wanderlust, Zeitgeist – or not so nice - Schadenfreude. Through my affordable creations I hope to allow women to experience “Schmucklust” more often.

This is my favourite cap – Red Riding hood, which a friend of mine, Claire from PocoLoco made for me. I also call it “putting on my self confidence”, particularly when I approach shops to display my work. And it has been an excellent companion so far. I am sure you have you a lucky piece as well.

Thanks again, Britta, for sharing your thoughts and creations with us!! Let's all make Britta feel welcome on Etsy and be sure to visit her shop SCHMUCKLUST!

FEATURED ETSY SHOP - BEQI CLOTHING

WELCOME, Beqi and her Etsy shop, BEQI CLOTHING. Here you will find a wide range of delightful earrings, rings, necklaces, chokers and more all designed by Beqi. Before you go visit Beqi's shop and her other links, lets hear what this artist has to say about herself and her creations.

What led you to start creating your art/craft?

I've been sewing since I was 9, but I didn't start sewing clothing until my early twenties. What led me directly to starting a business was a half bottle of merlot on my friend's studio rooftop--she explained the basics of small business ownership to me, and it didn't seem so scary.

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

Having a background in clothing (vintage clothing wholesale sale, retail experience, etc.), it was a natural step to take my obsessive love of sewing and make money with it. After a year or so, beading and jewelry work came along.

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

Everything but the paperwork. I love to sew, buy fabric, bead, soft mount found objects to jewelry backings, design, paint, work on my website and my Etsy site, work craft fairs, sell to stores, the whole shebang.

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

Japanese Plum. Sweet on the inside with a touch of black humor around the edges.

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

I actually sing in a band on the side, but I also paint, draw, write, and dance. I'm kind of a jill-of-all-trades when it comes to not getting a 'real' job.

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

With the clothing especially, I want to free women from the idea that sexiness only comes in a too-thin frame, or that their bodies should be altered to fit their clothing. I don't know that the jewelry conveys any deep message, except maybe my disdain of free time.

What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?

If you can work 16 hour days during the slow season and not lose your head, this is the career for you!

Beqi, thanks for sharing your thoughts and work with all of us. It sounds like you really know how to keep busy, and have a great time with it all! Be sure to visit Beqi's Etsy shop and her web page where you will find her line of clothing, and accessories.

BEQI CLOTHING WEB PAGE

FEATURED ETSY SHOP - GO GO KIOKO

WELCOME, Jenny, whose Etsy shop GO GO KIOKO has the slogan....Fun Handmade Jewelry for the Kid in You! It is definitely colorful, and fun, and I DO believe there is the "kid" in all of us, so be sure to visit GO GO KIOKO, and let the "kid in you" come out and have some fun!! Let's here what motivated Jenny to make her fun, colorful, pieces of jewelry.

What led you to start creating your art/craft
I tagged along with my mom as a kid when she sold her lollipops at craft shows. Once I finished college and was in the so called real world, the real world wasn't a good fit for me. I started selling some of the things I made to friends, then eventually hit the show circuit. Everything just snowballed from there, and here I am!

How did you decide what medium you wanted to work with?
When my oldest son was still small, he and my husband came home with one of those scorpions sealed in resin. I had seen them before, living in the Southwest US they are a common thing at tourist attractions. It gave me the heebie jeebies yet I couldn't quit studying it. I decided that something cuter had to go into this medium that had enthralled me so, so I started experimenting and eventually settled on candy and other sweets.

What aspect of creating your art/craft do you find the most enjoyable?
The designing part. I can sit down with a notebook and colored pencils for hours coming up with new ideas. I am also working on a new line of jewelry that requires hand sewing and I am discovering how relaxing that can be.

If you had to choose a fruit OR a vegetable, to describe your art/craft, what would you choose, and why?
A strawberry- very sweet, very brightly colored, and perhaps one of natures cutest fruits.

If you had to choose one other medium in which to display your “creativity”, what would that be, and why?
I am moving into a new medium as I type this. I am working on a line of hand sewn cute jewelry. I love the little hand sewn plushies I see so many talented artists making, so I am trying to make my own little bite size plushies to wear.

What message, if any, do you want to convey with your art/craft?
You don't have to grow up! I really hope my jewelry is feeding the inner children of the women who wear it.

What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?
If you want to make a living selling your art, then you have to treat your art as a business. I spend about 50% of my work day creating, and the other half building my business and attending to other business tasks. On the bright side, running a business takes a lot of creativity so us artists and crafters have a leg up on the other guys.


Thanks, Jenny for sharing your delightful creations with us. Best of luck to you on your new designs. You can visit GO GO KIOKO by clicking on the photos to go directly to that item in Jenny's shop or clicking on the link below the photos.

JENNY'S BLOG

FEATURED ETSY SHOP - MINDY G JEWELRY BOUTIQUE

WELCOME, Mindy of MINDY G JEWELRY BOUTIQUE, and her beautiful jewelry creations! I just love the colors and design of the above necklace. A truly delightful piece!

What led you to start creating your art/craft?

I have always loved arts and crafts as a little girl. If my hands are busy creating and designing things then my mind is at peace. I like the outlet that making something with my hands gives me.

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

Jewelry making started when my youngest son attended preschool and my older son started Kindergarten. I made a bracelet one day and I started getting compliments on it from other moms and girlfriends. Before I knew it I was getting orders from local moms and decided to start a line of jewelry to sell at home parties. That way I could still be home with my kids during the day and sell my jewelry on nights and weekends.

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

I like networking and meeting new customers that share the love of jewelry. It makes them happy and it makes me feel great that what I create can do that.

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

I would pick a watermelon because when you cut it open you see the most beautiful shade of red and the contrast of the white rind and outer green is naturally very pretty. I like bright colors. I love combining bright colors together and different textures in my jewelry designs.

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

If I wasn't making jewelry I'd probably crochet or sew quilts because I love yarn and fabric and working with my hands. I like the colors and textures at the yarn and fabric stores, there are so many to choose from!

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

My jewelry sparks happy conversations and I get to meet so many nice people over the years. I am very detailed in my work and I make sure each piece is crafted with the best quality of gemstones, pearls and findings.

What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?

Keep an inner peace by creating and dreaming up new possibilities!

Thanks for a great interview, Mindy! Be sure to visit Mindy's shop on Etsy to see what other gorgeous pieces she has available. You can also see and learn more about her work by clicking on the various links below.

MINDY'S BLOG

FLICKR

INDIEPUBLIC