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.

WINNER OF THE COLORFUL PURSE GIVEAWAY BY SID'S IN STITCHES IS SANDY

The winner of this delightful, colorful purse from SID'S IN STITCHES is

SANDY, whose entry of July 28th was randomly picked (by my husband) from 121 entries!

"I love handmade purses- have been using one I bought off a dealer on Etsy last year- it was one of a kind and feels so good having a one of a kind"

CONGRATULATIONS, SANDY!

Sandy, has replied, and Sid of Sid's In Stitches will be shipping out her purse tomorrow!

A BIG THANK YOU TO SID'S IN STITCHES FOR SPONSORING THIS DELIGHTFUL GIVEAWAY ON DZFANTASY!

FEATURED ETSY SHOP - SID'S IN STITCHES

Sid of Sid's In Stitches makes the most colorful, delightful purses and totes. I'm happy to be featuring her shop out here on DZFANTASY, along with a "Special Giveaway" for one of Sid's purses, which she has so graciously offered. If you haven't already signed up for her giveaway, be sure you do! You will find the link in this post and the actual GIVEAWAY post is below her feature. Enjoy reading what Sid has to say about herself and her work.

What led you to start creating your art/craft?

I’ve done crafts and sewing my whole life. Several years ago I created my first bag and then made over 100 (and sold them) for a school fundraiser. This year I asked myself, “What do you really like to do?” My answer – MAKE PURSES! So now I’m working on making and selling my bags.

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

After practicing various crafts over the years, including embroidery and cross stitch (I designed cross-stitch patterns for years), I began to make quilts. It was a way to relax after I had my first child – I took a break by going to all-night quilt classes. Pretty soon I began designing quilts, and working with the beautiful quilting fabrics fed my soul. I began creating other fun items like bags, organizers, and purses and sold those patterns.

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

The most enjoyable part of creating (for me) is choosing coordinating fabric and watching them come together as a finished bag!

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

My craft is not just one fruit – it’s a salad! Colorful melons, juicy pineapple, crunchy cashews, rich plums, unusual kiwis, and funny bananas make a purse.

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

I would love to be able to sculpt fun and colorful objects. I admire all the wonderful miniatures I’ve seen. Whatever I made would be cute, funny, and colorful.

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

I’d like people to enjoy life a little more by carrying a purse that’s fun! I also would like people to express themselves with a unique bag instead of trying to be like someone else – wanting the latest, overpriced, “designer” tote.

What advice to you have for other artists/craftpersons?

Work hard and be strong! One of the hardest things for an artist is putting yourself out there and holding up when someone says something silly or stupid that cuts you to the core. You really have to keep yourself motivated, believe in what you do, and ENJOY the doing of it!

GREAT THOUGHTS, Sid!! You can see more of Sid's fun, colorful work by visiting her links below. Also, here is the link to Sid's GIVEAWAY PURSE. All you need to do is leave a comment and your name.

SID'S IN STITCHES GIVEAWAY PURSE

SID'S WEB PAGE

VIEW PURSE STYLES

HANDMADE, COLORFUL PURSE GIVEAWAY

SPECIAL GIVEAWAY

of a

HANDMADE, COLORFUL PURSE

by ETSY SHOP - SID'S IN STITCHES

This colorful, handmade, original designed purse is so generously being offered as an extra special "giveaway" on my DZFANTASY blog, by Sid, a creative artist whose Esty shop is called, Sid's IN STITCHES.

This "GIVEAWAY' will be running from now through August 31, 2008 12 midnight CDT.

To enter the "giveaway" please follow these rules, so that everyone who enters has a chance to win this lovely "giveaway":

1. Please leave a comment in this post.

2. Please be sure to leave at least your FIRST name in the post. You can also leave your email and your last name if you wish. The more information to identify the winner, the easier it will be.

3. WINNER'S name will be posted out here the day after this "GIVEAWAY" has ended (AUGUST 31 - 12 Midnight CDT), and will have 5 days in which to respond by sending an email to: dzfairies@msn.com with your full shipping information.

If I don't get a response within the 5 day limit, another name will be randomly drawn. If you have any questions, please feel to contact me.

Sid, herself, will be shipping the purse directly to the winner, and we DO need a way to contact you. Be sure to stop back to see if you are the lucky WINNER!

AGAIN....THIS "SPECIAL GIVEAWAY" will run from NOW - August 31, 2008, 12 midnight CDT. The winner's name will be "randomly" drawn from all those who have entered the "giveaway".

GOOD LUCK TO ALL!

Below is a description of the purse in this drawing.

This original (from my Joey Purse pattern) is made of a cool multi-colored and multi-print cotton fabric. The interior and outside pockets are solid navy. This Joey has a shorter strap, for those of you who like to carry your bag on your shoulder, but right under your arm (or as a handbag)! Magnetic closure.The Joey Purse is an ideal small bag for every day. It has an inside pocket, two pockets under the flap, and two outside pockets on each end (perfect for my cell phone!). The smaller pocket under the flap is my "Sweet and Low" pocket. This is the bag I carry every day.

Be sure to visit Sid's IN STITCHES to see more of Sid's fun, colorful bags!