FEATURED ETSY SHOP - MegnificentCo

Cowl Neckwarmer Scarf, Pink and Brown, The Betty Muff

by MegnificentCo

I'm happy to have Meghan and her Etsy shop, MegnificentCo here on DZFANTASY as a featured Etsy shop.  Pay a visit to Meghan's shop and you will find a beautiful variety of handknit or crocheted scarves, neck warmers and more!

First, take a moment to learn a bit more about Meghan and her creations by reading her interview below.

What led you to start creating your art/craft?

I have a long list of things I want to learn how to do, and knitting and crocheting were high on that list. So, I enrolled in a continuing education class at a local college with my mom, and we sort of learned the basics. The rest I had to teach myself. But, my grandmother is my ultimate inspiration. She could knit and crochet effortlessly, and that really led me to purse this craft.

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

I like all different types of yarn, but I particularly enjoy working with colorful, super-bulky yarn. I think it’s fun to look at, adds a pop of color to any outfit, and is just so soft and lush.

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

I love purchasing the material (read: I love shopping) and figuring out what I want to make next. My mind is always racing ahead of me to the finished project, figuring out what I can do next. I also like the methodical rhythm of certain stitches, when I’m in a knitting/crocheting groove. It is therapeutic and soothing. I love watching a skein of yarn become a delicious piece of eye candy!

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

I would have to say a fruit. The colors involved are vibrant and eye-catching, the material involves a wide-range of textures, the process has both sweet and sour moments, and the end result is satisfying and healthy (it’s good to keep warm, right?).

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

I would choose to make soap. I love cooking and all kitchen-related aspects. From what I’ve read, there are a lot of aspects to soap-making that involve standard cooking techniques. I love how a scent can affect your mood. I also am very attracted to the packaging process of soap making.

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

To use your accessories as a chance to be playful, take risks, or add a pop of color. I tend to have a standard “uniform” of clothing and colors I always gravitate towards, and I think a lot of people are like that. Incorporating a unique accessory does not require a huge commitment or investment, and it adds a lot to an outfit without changing your overall look or identity.

What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?

If you feel discouraged, start making a new item. I find that as long as I keep busy, I feel proactive. Always look for ways to improve your craft/art.

Meghan, thanks for giving us a peek into your thoughts and creativity! 

To learn more about Megan, click on her links below.

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FEATURED ETSY SHOP - StellasKnits

Hand Knit Crochet Combination Christmas Red and Green Wide Scarf Wrap or Shawl
CLICK on photo to learn more about this beautiful scarf!

What a gorgeous scarf!! Those of us who live in areas where there is winter, won't have to wait that long for the cold wings to blow. What a lovely item to keep warm with.

Vicki of StellasKnits on Etsy has a beautiful selection of handknit items to choose from. Great prices too! Each one is prettier than the next .......shawls, capes, scarves, mittens and gauntlets, baby items and much more. Be sure to pay StellasKnits a visit! First, let's learn a bit more about Vicki and her creations.

What led you to start creating your art/craft?

I've been knitting for over 40 years when my grandma taught me how to knit. My shop name is a tribute to her - Stella - and I appreciate the lessons every day when I pick up my knitting needles to work on my latest creation!

Hand Knit Scarf - Tootie Fruity - Bright Hot Pink Yellow Orange Green

CLICK on photo to learn more about this fun scarf!

LOVE THE COLORS!

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

I think the medium picked me! I continue to learn new things all the time and love the challenge of creating a new item.

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

The fact that no matter how hard life can get at times, knitting is a constant. I can be troubled about something, pick up my needles and get lost in the work.

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

Hm, I think I would pick an orange because it starts as a seed and then begins a transformation into the perfect fruit! It's sort of like knitting. I start with a seed of an idea, begin the process of knitting each stitch into the next and transform it into a finished piece.

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

Painting with acrylics. That's something else my grandma Stella enjoyed. Sadly, the talent necessary for that art skipped me, but I take heart in the fact that her talent for painting went straight to my daughter's hands!

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

A return to the basics. Knitting has become more popular again as actors and actresses take it up and I think that's great! I think we as a society had begun to forget that you can actually make very useful things crafted in beautiful ways by our own hands.

What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?

Find something that is a passion for you. Your craft must be something you enjoy just for the sake of doing it. Rarely do you get rich from selling the items you make, but it feels so good to know that others appreciate your work.

Vicki, thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts and beautiful knit creations with everyone!

Don't forget now....stop in to see what StellasKnits has to offer. It is always delightful to have something warm and colorful to keep warm with when the cold winds start to blow!

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FEATURED ETSY SHOP - EFFULGENT CRAFTS by Elise

Heathered Pink Panta (knitted headband)

Let's welcome Elise and her Etsy shop EFFULGENT CRAFTS! With all the cold, snowy weather we've been having here in Wisconsin...I could use one of Elise's hand-knit headbands. EFFULGENT CRAFTS has a variety of handmade knitted scarves, hats, mittens, felted purses and more, so be sure to pay a visit!!

What led you to start creating your art/craft?

I have always liked "making things". Arts and crafts were always my favorite part of camp! However, a period of unemployment gave me the time and energy to really get back into creating, and helped me to learn that crafting is the perfect creative outlet for me.

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

For me, knitting is like meditating. I really enjoy the simple act of doing it. I also love the change to work with different colors and fibers. This keeps me from getting bored and gives me more freedom to experiment.

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

With knitting, I love the fact that at its base level, you start with some sticks and some string....and all of a sudden, you have a hat, or mittens!

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

A carrot. Bright and classic, but also versatile....with a bit of a crunch.

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

I wish I was musically inclined, but I'm really not. Although I do love living out my Rock and Roll fantasy playing "Rock Band" with my friends.

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

Hand knits are made with much more love than stuff you buy at the store.

What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?

Do it because it's fun...not to make money.

THANKS, Elise for taking the time to share your thoughts and creations with everyone.

FEATURED ETSY SHOP - VALREA HARRY

Welcome, Valrea and her delightful hand-made items on VALEREA HARRY on Etsy. The charming crocheted hat above is just one of many of Valrea's creations. Be sure to visit her shop to see what else she has to offer.

What led you to start creating your art/craft?

A way to utilize my idle time and make some extra money doing what I love.

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

Crochet and Knitting is something I do that is relaxing, and I can do it while I sit and watch TV during the day, while I'm not busy doing housework and cooking.

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

It is all relaxing to me, except when I "over do it" and feel like I'm getting carpal tunnel in my thumb!

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

I would choose a pomegranate since the inside of it is so intricate, like my crochet!

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

Either sewing or oil painting because I enjoy creating in both of those mediums.

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

I don't really try to convey a message as such.

What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?

Just to GO FOR IT! You won't know until you try.

THANKS, Valrea, for taking the time to share your creativity and thoughts with everyone! I love your crocheted flower sets! Be sure to visit Valrea by clicking on the links below.

FEATURED ETSY SHOP - THAT IS SO CUTE

WELCOME, Harriet and her THAT IS SO CUTE shop out on Etsy! Here is an explanation of how Harriet chose her name for her shop.

I came up with my store name because I knew I wanted to incorporate that phrase my sisters and I always use when we shop together: "That's so cute!" But in my store C.U.T.E. is an acronym that stands for: .....C = Creative..........U = Unique..........T = Trendy..........E = Enticing.....

Read below to learn more about Harriet, and find out what she has to say about how she got started in making her delightful creations! Don't forget to visit "THAT IS SO CUTE", when you have finished. You can click on any photo to go directly to that item in her shop, or click on the THATSSOCUTE link below the photos!

What led you to start creating your art/craft?

I learned knitting as a young girl through the 4-H program. I think what really peaked my interest at that young age was knitting a complicated sweater with lots of cables, and fancy stitches, including popcorn stitches. We entered that sweater at a local fair and I won a special ribbon for it! I was hooked! Mom tried to teach me sewing, but I was terrible. I'm not sure if that's because I'm left handed and we didn't have any lefty scissors, but I couldn't even cut a straight line! So, I stuck with knitting. Learned crochet later but I prefer knitting.

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

I haven't really decided yet! I love trying new things. About 7 years ago, one of my friends started taking "paint class" from a previous teacher of hers. I loved the work she was doing so I joined as well. We meet once a week from September through May. Our teacher is so creative, we never know what she'll be trying next: acrylics...glass paint...pastels...watercolors...fabric paint....etc. Plus, you never know what she'll be painting on next! It might be old cupboard doors, a vinyle purse, dollar store mugs, or anything that is paintable. It's so inspiring to see what she tries! It has made me look at ordinary items in a whole new way...as in "what could this become?". I love looking through magazines and finding inspiration. I've recently started beading. I'm almost ready to start playing around with polymer clay...that sounds so fun!

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

I enjoy just thinking about trying new things. I see something in a magazine or online and immediately think...how can I change this up? Everything can be new and different. While I may make a dozen of something, each is unique.

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

I actually think I would describe my art/craft as an onion. The onion (while not something one usually eats by itself) is something a chef will use in combination with many other things to create a feast. Just as I hope I use my talents to create a feast for my customers.

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

I think that if I could no longer create with my knitting needles, paint brushes, and other craft tools, I would love to use the written medium to display my creativity...I've always wanted to be a writer!

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

Allow yourself to try new things...even if this means you may fail. Tis better to have tried and failed than to never have tried at all!

What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?

Keep learning new things! Read that article...take a class...take a chance...

Harriet, thanks so much for taking the time to share your thoughts and your work. I have a feeling you will never run out of new mediums to try and new creative ideas!! You can also find out more about THATS SO CUTE by visiting Harriet's blog and Flickr.

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FEATURED ETSY SHOP - SILLY LITTLE LADY

WELCOME, Holly and her Etsy shop SILLY LITTLE LADY! I really love the colors and unique textures that Holly used in the scarf above! I find all the different yarns available today, so fun and colorful. Hear what Holly has to say about how she got started with her creations. Be sure to visit SILLY LITTLE LADY, to see what else she has to offer.

What led you to start creating your art/craft?
My momma taught me how to knit when I was knee high to a grasshopper, and for whatever reason it just came naturally to me. Now I teach her things!

How did you decide what medium you wanted to work with?
I work with any and all yarns from whatever background, ethnicity, sexual preference, religion, level of education, etc, I don't discriminate. I love them all.

What aspect of creating your art/craft do you find the most enjoyable?
I really enjoy being able to pass my free time, and business time, doing something I love that is also productive and allows me to expend my creative juices. And it's even more worthwhile if someone else enjoys it as well!

If you had to choose a fruit OR a vegetable, to describe your art/craft, what would you choose, and why?
Grapes, there is such a variety in size, color, shape, texture and uses. I, for instance, find mohair to be the white zinfandel of the yarn world.

If you had to choose one other medium in which to display your “creativity”, what would that be, and why?
Photography, I enjoy being able to take life's little moments, good or bad, and being able to form them into something thought provoking and engaging.

What message, if any, do you want to convey with your art/craft?
Yarn comes in many shapes, colors, textures and most importantly price ranges. I want people to know that you don't have to spend loads and loads on yarn just to feel like you've made something beautiful. Any type of yarn can be, and often is, made beautiful.

What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?
Keep your chin up even when life seems down.

HOLLY, thanks so much for sharing your work and your "up beat" thoughts on life! You can see Holly's work by visiting her SILLY LITTLE LADY shop, and by clicking on the other links below.

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FEATURED ARTIST - GREEN FINGERS

I love the unique items created by this artist, and also her thoughts and ideas behind her creative energy! I believe you will find her work quite delightful, so be sure to visit, Michelle's GREEN FINGERS shop out on Etsy. Read below to learn more about Michelle and her GREEN FINGERS shop.

I'm a 30-something, country-dwelling, herb-loving, tree-hugging dirt-worshipper, artist, reiki practitioner, wife and stepmother. Although I do use commercial yarns for my goddesses, I also try to buy yarn from individual artisans, and hope eventually to use yarn exclusively from real people rather than corporations. I grow most of the herbs used in my creations on my small homestead in the Willamette Valley of Oregon. While I am not certified organic, my husband and I are committed to growing everything without the use of pesticides or chemical fertilizers. Furthermore, we work the land with the intention of creating better soil and a healthier local ecosystem, hoping to leave the land better than we found it. We see it as a spiritual practice as well as a factor in our health and well being. Every purchase you make helps my family move closer to the sustainable, close to the land life we long to lead.

What led you to start creating your art?
I've always loved creating, since I can remember. I liked to draw and paint of course, but I was always trying crazy new things that I would dream up. I was really small when my paternal grandmother taught me how to embroider and my maternal grandmother taught me to crochet (although I never got on with crochet). But things really started picking up steam after college, when I was living in New Orleans and having a hard time. I took up embroidery and beading, and it was really comforting. Then a few years ago a coworker loaned me her "Learn to Knit" book and an addiction was born.

How did you decide what medium you wanted to work with?
I don't think I have chosen a medium. I just do what is enjoyable at any given time--right now I'm obsessed with embroidery, and with making things out of plants. I have some willow figures that aren't in my Etsy shop yet, but some of them might be there soon.There's really only one criteria for what I work with--I definitely prefer natural materials. I don't like working with synthetics--I just don't sense as much energy in them. I like to work with things that feel alive. I'm not sure that makes sense to anyone but me . . .

What aspect of creating your art do you find the most enjoyable?
I'm a very tactile person, I love the way it FEELS to handle wool or silk, cotton thread, gemstone or glass beads, plant material. It helps me feel grounded and connected to the earth. Sometimes when I'm working, I just sit with my materials and hold them and move them around, just enjoying the sense of touch.

If you had to choose a fruit OR a vegetable, to describe your art, what would you choose, and why?
I suppose I would choose a rose hip, which is technically a fruit. Partially because roses are my primary "plant ally" right now, but also because to me they're an amazing symbol of tranformation, which is the soul of art (in my opinion). People mostly notice the flowers of the roses, but after the flowers fall off, after the cold comes, you have this amazing, brilliant red fruit that is FULL of vitamin C, to enrich your health throughout the winter, and it feeds people and animals, and if it falls to the ground it gestates over the winter and becomes new plants in the spring. If you think about it, the journey from seed to plant to flower to fruit back to seed in the womb of earth is about the most miraculous transformation possible. For me, creation is like that, a long slow process of transformation, it begins in those "underground" times, the times we turn inward, and then a thought forms, and then you create from that thought, but the process so often takes you elsewhere and becomes something entirely different. And then you send your creation in to the world and other people see it, take it in to themselves, and it can start the process in THEM somehow. Does that make any sense? I can see it in my head but I don't feel I'm explaining it very well!

What message, if any, do you want to convey with your art?
For me, art is an opportunity to create more of what I want in the world. Not just images, but energy patterns. I'm also a Reiki practitioner, so I work with energy a lot, and I can feel when I make a piece of art, that I'm creating something more than just an image in fiber or beads or willow. I'm shifting the energy of the world just slightly, by transforming one thing in to another. So I feel art comes with this responsibility--be careful what you create, you know? You can create anything, so make it good! I try to create more beauty, more magic, and more trees! You will notice that I depict trees and leaves with alarming frequency. I'm rambling here, I think, because my understanding of the creative process is still evolving. I guess what I want people to get out of my art is first of all pleasure, and then a greater awareness of the mystery in the natural world, and a deeper connection with spirit and earth. That's a tall order and who knows if I succeed.

What advice do you have for other artists?
I feel like such a novice, as far as being an artist in the world goes. I would just say, give your best from your HEART. Do what brings you joy or what's the point?

Michelle, thank you for your wonderful thoughts, ideas, and creations! I really loved what you had to say, may your hopes and dreams for a better world for your family come true. Click on the links below to visit GREEN FINGERS, and Michelle's other links.

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