FEATUARED ETSY SHOP - AMANDA'S ANGELS by Amanda Mae Calta

Peace Angel

by Amanda Mae Calta

("This is my favorite angel, mainly because of who and why I made this one for. She was designed for a couple whose two year old daughter died. I'm hoping that this angel will be a gentle reminder of their daughter and give them comfort to know they will see her again.")

WELCOME, Amanda and her Etsy shop AMANDA'S ANGELS.  When you pay a visit to Amanda's shop you will find delightful little angels that will make you smile!  Angels are everywhere.....some we can see and know as family and friends, while others are "unseen" watching over us.  Amanda's little angels make a beautiful, thoughtful gift idea, and as she states in her shop's title...."everyone needs an angel"!

Read Amanda's interview below to see how she got started in creating her angels.

What led you to start creating your art/craft.

I've always enjoyed creating things. These angels started because I needed an angel for the top of my Christmas tree. I couldn't find anything in the stores and decided to make one for myself, that was about 8 years ago. Sometime last year, I was looking for something to keep me busy (I'm a stay at home mom) and thought I could recreate my angels for other purposes. I wanted to make them for decor for a little girl's bedroom.

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

I thought wood would be the best medium to stand the test of time. I remember growing up and always having the same angel on the top of our Christmas tree. I wanted the same tradition for my children. I also love to build things.

PEACOCK ANGEL

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

I find it most enjoyable to see how my children react to the angels that I make. I like the lessons that I am teaching them by what I do. I also love the time to myself to just be creative. I love to wander through the craft stores and look at products to see if I can incorporate them into my products.

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

I’m not good at this game. I’ll say an apple. My designs are simple, they are classic just like an apple. A simple beauty!

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

I have been wanting to learn to crochet. Someday it will work out to take the class to learn.

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

I just want to convey peace and reassurance through my angels. When my first husband passed away, I felt drawn to angels. I had pictures taken of my oldest son in an angel costume and found peace and happiness through those pictures. We will always go through tough times. I hope to give reassurance and peace to those who look at my angels.


What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?

Find a product that you love to create and keep making them. There are going to be moments of frustration, but keep moving forward.

Thanks, Amanda, for a lovely interview and for sharing your little angels with everyone. Keep on making your angels!


Visit AMANDA'S ANGELS by clicking on the photos or shop link below. I'm sure you know someone who would love to have a little keepsake angel.

MARCH'S CHILD....Aquamarine BIRTHSTONE Fairy!

AQUAMARINE - March's Birthstone Fairy!

She is exquisite!

To find out more about her, click on the name below:

AQUAMARINE

I've used Aquamarine Swarovski crystals in March's birthstone fairy....in her hair, necklace, belly button, waist accent, on her toes and the center back of her wings.

Some interesting information on "aquamarine":

Birthstone Properties: Bestows courage, insight, and victory

Aquamarine is the traditional birth stone for March. It is also the accepted anniversary gem for the 19th year of marriage. Aquamarine is mined primarily in Brazil, Nigeria and Zambia.

Ancient Romans believed the magnificent gemstone was sacred to Neptune, the god of the sea. Some legends say that it was gift from mermaids, while others suggest that Neptune retrieved it after it fell from the jewel boxes of sirens and washed onto shore.
 

Below is a photo of February's AMETHYST Birthstone Fairy, along with her sister, March's AQUAMARINE birthstone fairy. 

Next, will be APRIL.....the Diamond Birthstone Fairy!

Stop back for a visit!

NEW.....FANTASY FLOWER NECKLACE WITH MATCHING EARRINGS

Fantasy Flower Necklace

with matching knit earrings accented with Swarovski crystals

I just finished a pair of knit earrings to go with the "fantasy flower" necklace, which is my newest idea.  The whole set is very "light and airy" looking.  Great little accent for any top.

The WINNER of DZFANTASY's January's, 2010 "WINNER'S CHOICE" GIVEAWAY is..........!

MARCIA

of DERBY, KANSAS

CONGRATULATIONS, MARCIA!!

Marcia's entry was randomly selected out of the 88 entries received for this giveaway.  Marcia told me she has entered many of my giveaways in the past, and was so happy to have finally won!

The winner of this "WINNER"S CHOICE" giveaway had the option of choosing from either the tiny, fiber sculpted mermaid above, a tiny yellow fairy, or their choice of any one of my "fairy face" pins available in my DZFANTASY shop.  Marcia's choice was the tiny mermaid above.

I will be sending the llittle mermaid to her new home today!

Thanks again, to all of you who entered this giveaway and for your comments.  It is always such fun to read them, and to see what creations people like the best.

I haven't, as yet, decided what my next giveaway will be, so be sure to stop back for a visit.

FEATURED ETSY SHOP - CITY OF KARIS

Mystery Jewelry Subscription by CITY OF KARIS

Here is a fun, unique idea offered by Etsy artist, Karis, and her shop CITY OF KARIS

A gift that keeps on giving-for a whole year!

DESCRIPTION:
With this purchase, you will receive a surprise gift in the mail once a month for one full year.


This is a great gift for yourself or someone else. Imagine coming home from a hard day of work and finding a beautiful surprise at your door. If you are buying for someone else, they will be receiving free jewelry for a full 12 months.


This is also an incredible value-much cheaper than if you were to purchase these things separately. And trust me, this is awesome stuff!


Everything from necklaces, art pendants, earrings, bracelets, hair pieces, and more!


The image above is a sample of what you could receive, but may not be the actual items you receive.

Welcome, Karis and her Etsy shop CITY OF KARIS.  One of the items that Karis offers in her shop, is the "Mystery Jewelry" subscription which is described above.  I think it is a fun idea, and something that would make a great gift idea. 
 
When you pay a visit to CITY OF KARIS, you will also find "art collages", paintings, necklaces and more. First, lets learn a bit more about Karis and her creativity by reading her interview below.
 
What led you to start creating your art/craft?
 
I started creating jewelry because my family would go garage/estate sale hunting for fun when I was little. I would mix and match the pieces, eventually making my own creation.

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


I wanted to combine art with jewelry, so this is shown in my pieces. Also, all of my work is weiner dog approved.


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


I find it enjoyable when someone else loves something I have made!

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 banana. Much of my inspiration comes from Carmen Miranda.

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


I would choose mixed media painting. It is exciting to see a blank canvas transform. I have some pieces in my shop now, and am hoping to add more.

11" x 14"

Bohemian Green Button Vase Mixed Media Painting

by Karis

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


My message is that it is okay to buy a handmade, original piece, rather buying from retail blobs.


What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?


Do what makes you happy!

Thanks, Karis, for taking the time to share your creativity and thoughts with all of us.  your "Mystery Jewelry" subscription is a great idea!  It is always fun to look forward to getting something in the mail!


Be sure to visit the links below to see more of Karis' creations.

BLOG