FEATURED ETSY SHOP - MAHLOW'S MOSAICS

Boats of Vietnam Mosaic Reprint

by David Mahlow

This is a reprint of the original mosaic. The original picture was taken by my girlfriend Tessa in Vietnam. In the original, I took the 8X10 photo, cut it up piece by piece, and repositioned the photo pieces to create a unique mosaic. This is an 8x10 photo.

Welcome, David and his Etsy shop MAHLOW'S MOSAICS.  All I could think of when I saw Davids mosaic creations, was.....WOW!  I've never seen anything like it before, and am happy to have David and his art here on DZFANTASY as a featured Etsy artist!
 
When you pay a visit to David's shop, and read his profile you will see that an original mosaic takes David 30 hours to create!   One can't begin to imagine the patience and skill that goes into creating one of these works of art!
 
Let's find out a little more about David by reading his interview below.
 
What led you to start creating your art/craft?


I created my first mosaic in the 3rd grade. It was definitely made much more meticulously than any of my classmates' mosaics. I made a few pieces in high school and only recently picked up the art again, around age 24.

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

I started with watercolor pad because I liked the texture. But now I use gesso-primed art panel. Its much sturdier and keeps the art from bending.

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

I get the most joy out of starting a new mosaic because the possibilities of what it might look like are endless.

A Sunday Afternoon

by David Mahlow

This is a reprint of the original mosaic. The original picture was taken by me in Japan. In the original, I took the 8X10 photo, cut it up piece by piece, and repositioned the photo pieces to create a unique mosaic. This is an 8x10 inch photo.

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

Tomato. The color is so deep you don't want to touch it.

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


Painting...on miniature canvases.

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

Art is full of opportunity and is the end result of hundreds of choices one makes along the way.

What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?

Don't do it for the money! I haven't made any yet. Do it for the love of the craft.


David, thanks for sharing your thoughts and wonderful creativity with all of us!  Keep on creating and doing what you love!!  Turning all those little pieces into a piece of art just amazes me!

David would be more than happy to take one of your special photos and turn it into a mosaic treasure for you. Be sure to visit David's links below.

FACEBOOK FAN PAGE

Who doesn't like mermaids....!

I don't think I'ver ever come across anyone who isn't enchanted by the idea of mermaids!  I know I love them, and often imagined how wonderful it would be to be one!

I have always had a wonderful imagination, and could see myself being any number of mythical, fantasy creatures...who's to say that they aren't real.

This tiny, little minty green mermaid is my newest addition to my DZFANTASY shop.  To see and learn more about her, just click on the link below:

MERMAID

FEATURED ETSY SHOP - SEA LUBBERS..Nautical Vinyl Decals

Beluga Whale Vinyl Decal removable fish Sticker

by Mandie of SEA LUBBERS

WELCOME, Mandie and her Etsy shop called SEA LUBBERS.  Mandie creates nautical themed vinyl decals which you can use to decorate any room in your home, office or even a vehicle.  What really makes them great is that they are removable!  Pay a visit to SEA LUBBERS to see how you might be able to create a unique, colorful "nautical" look!

First, lets learn a bit more about Mandie, and find out how she came to be creating her nautical, vinyl themed decals.

What led you to start creating your art/craft?

I love creating digital art and clipart designs. I decided to take my desire to design into a new outlet of vinyl designs.

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

I wanted something fun and usable for all types of surfaces.


I chose vinyl decals because they can be used on small items like cell phones to large items like the side of an airplane. Completely customizable for anyone.

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

The designing process.

Angel Fish set Vinyl Decal Wall Stickers Nautical Beach Home Interior Decor

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

well.. LOL. I never put any thought of my craft towards food. I do know I crave pineapple. Will that count?  SURE....any answer here counts!

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

Glass, because business windows, doors, and vehicle windows are great ways to advertise, decorate, and be viewed from both sides.

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

Sea life, pirates plunder, beachy decor.. arrrr.

Beware of Pirates Vinyl Decal pirate ship removable Wall art Sticker

What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?

Enjoy what you do, and take time to smile.

Thanks, Mandie, for a fun interview and for sharing your creativity with everyone!

To see more of Mandie's nautical designs be sure to pay a visit to the links below.  When you visit her shop, you will notice that  Mandie offers a wide choice of colors for the decals.

Fiber and Crystals....make for great fantasy earrings!

Fantasy Earrings -Handknit bead with Swarovski crystals

I just finished this pair of earrings, which took me way longer than I anticipated!!  When knitting the bead or knit accent, such as in this pair of earrings, the trick is getting both earrings to match as close as possible in size and design. I guess I like the challenge! 

Each earring has Swarovski crystals as part of their design, and most of them will have a matching Fairy Face Pin/Handknit Necklace set, which can be purchased.  For a period of time, I will be giving a $5.00 discount on any pair of earrings, when purchased with the matching necklace.

To learn more about the earrings that are currently available in my DZFANTASY shop on Etsy, click on the link below.

FANTASY EARRINGS

Below are several several more of my earring designs.  I'd love to hear some comments as to what people think of these designs...good, bad, ugly!  Would you wear them, and if not, why.  Feel free to leave your comments. 

Handknit Ribbon Yarn Beads and Swarovski Crystals

This is the Italian yarn used in this pair of earrings.

Handknit beads using two different Italian yarns.

They really sparkly and shine!

Fairy Jewels Earrings

Rainbow colored ribbon yarn used for the beads.

These are just a few of the ideas I've had so far!  I'm looking forward to creating more with all the delightful yarns that I have.

THE WINNER OF DZFANTASY'S "Fantasy Flower Necklace" is....

ANA

FROM CORDOBA, SPAIN!!

CONGRATULATIONS, ANA!

My "Fantasy Flower Necklace" giveaway for the above necklace ended February 28, 2010 with 28 entries.

Ana's name was randomly selected from the 28 entries received, and her necklace will be shipped to her tomorrow.

Thanks for those of you entered this giveaway and all my other giveaways.  It was always fun to read the comments, and to see who the lucky winner would be. 

At this time, I have decided not to hold another giveaway here on DZFANTASY for several months. Several reasons are the seemly lack of interest in the giveaways, and also I am very busy creating for my upcoming art shows.

If any of you readers would like to leave a comment as to what type of creation you think most people would be interested in as a giveaway, I'd love to hear from you.

THANKS!