Today's featured artist is Dilara Casey

Who are you?

My name is Dilara Casey

Where are you located?

I live in Columbus, Ohio

What do you create?

I create a little bit of everything. I knit and crochet, I make jewelry, I have started experimenting with resin, I like to make papercrafts. I also dabble in sewing and needlework. I have a sister-shop called BuckeyeBling http://buckeyebling.etsy.com/ where I make things targeted directly to fans of the Ohio State Buckeyes.

Are you able to support yourself with your creations?

I have a full time job in addition to selling my goods. My husband is currently in law school so the supplemental income I make from selling my crafts definitely turns a profit and helps pay the bills.

Where do you sell your creations?

I have two etsy shops http://locura.etsy.com/ and http://buckeyebling.etsy.com/ and I sell some of my Buckeye rosaries at a local jeweler here in Columbus called Worthington Jewelers http://www.worthingtonjewelers.com/

Where do you create?

This is an easy one. I create EVERYWHERE. I think it might drive my husband crazy but he is a good sport about it. I mostly make jewelry on the dining room table. I crochet and knit on the couch. I alter clothes in the living room. I cast resin on the patio...I kind of just go wherever there's space. When my husband and I were in a rock band, I would often crochet blankets and scarves in the van while we drove to shows. We live in a small condo and once we get a house it has already been decided that I get a crafting room!

What inspires you?

Retro things mostly. My friend said that my stuff is cool with a 70's vibe. I never intend on that but I guess since I like things that are fun and funky; things you won't see everywhere, it inspires me. I love wearing vintage stuff so I try to make things that are cool and timeless and will transcend trends and fads and last a long time. I think it would be awesome if somebody kept a piece I made and their kids dug it out of their closet one day and decided to start wearing it. Another thing that inspires me is cost; I like to make these things awesome but I also want them to be affordable for people.

What are your goals?

My goals are in three years to quit my full time job and make a living off my creations. By then my husband will be done with law school and I can focus more on taking myself to the next level.

What do you friends and family think of your creations?

Every friend and family member I can think of has at least one thing I made and they love it. My husband is especially encouraging and supportive but I have to say that all of my friends and family are great. They come to shows and seem to be just as enthusiastic about my crafts as I am. It is very flattering and such a blessing, it really fuels me.

What do you do when you are not creating?

Sleeping. Seriously. I usually work at my day job from 7:30am-4:30pm and I go to the gym, get home and start creating. I usually don't stop until I literally fall asleep. I can't tell you how many times my husband has pried a crochet hook out of my hands while I am sleeping. But in all honesty, I really love working out, cooking and baking, spending time with my man, going to concerts and traveling. I also collect Pez dispensers. It doesn't take much time except when I do my annual inventory count. That is another story though...

Is there anything else you would like to share with us?

I have always been involved with crafting in one form or another. My aunt started a craft business in the 1980's and ran it for about 25 years before retiring. She taught me most everything I know about crafting and how to find that balance between business and a hobby. I also saw her get really stressed and burnt out by certain aspects of it so I've been really good with time and project management.

I try to live by one of my favorite quotes from songwriter Jewel,

"My whole goal is to keep my spirit intact. If that doesn't happen, none of this is worth it."

Thanks having this awesome feature on your blog!

Thank you for allowing me to feature you.

Today's featured artist is Caitlyn Wandling

Who are you?

My name is Caitlin Wandling. I am a wife and momma to my two favorite guys!

Where are you located?

I live in Iowa.

What do you create?

I screen print tees. I love how limitless it is. There are so many different directions you can go with it! I also dabble in some sewing and jewelry making.

Are you able to support yourself with your creations?

Not yet! I would love to one day, but for now I have a desk job along with my creative job

Where do you sell your creations?

I sell to friends and family, as well as at http://carmelturtle.com/, http://carmelturtle.etsy.com/, and soon (I know, I know...) http://doubleyou.etsy.com/. Doubleyou will be filled with my non-clothing items.

Where do you create?

I create out of my home in an office I share with my hubby.

What inspires you?

Pregnant bellies, my little man, God & His Word, nature...

What are your goals?

To grow my business up enough for it to be a steady source of support for my family.

What do you friends and family think of your creations?

They think it's pretty rad. Who wouldn't??

What do you do when you are not creating?

Work and hang out with my hubby and 1-year-old. I also hang out with friends and family and go to church schtuff.

Is there anything else you would like to share with us?

Uhh...check out my husband's shop @ http://mikethinks.etsy.com/. He's new and awesome and needs some sales. Hehe. Sneaking in a little promo there. Thanks so much for this opportunity!

Thank you for allowing me to feature you.

Today's featured artist is Amy Carter

Who are you?

Amy Carter (not that one)

Where are you located?

Idaho, USA

What do you create?

Lots of things, my passion is drawing and painting, but I also enjoy polymer clay, beads, stained glass, photography and I crochet too.

Are you able to support yourself with your creations?

I hope to, one day.

Where do you sell your creations?

http://starvnrtist.etsy.com/ http://theunknownstore.com/ and by word of mouth.

Where do you create?

My dining room doubles at my art studio - I have a art station that I just love...the top part is an antique Hoosier top (has the pull out flour bin) and the bottom was marked as a bar, but I am not sure.

What inspires you?

Everything.

What are your goals?

Goals??? I just enjoy being creative, but would love to make a living at it.

What do you friends and family think of your creations?

That is the reason I am on etsy...every time I make something I am told 'you could sell that'.What do you do when you are not creating? I enjoy hanging out with friends, helping my husband raise our kids, traveling, junking and ghost hunting.

Is there anything else you would like to share with us?You can see more of my work here: http://flickr.com/photos/fatcatcreationsbystarvnrtist/ http://fatcatcreationsbystarvnrtist.blogspot.com/

Support local artists.

Thank you for allowing me to feature you, Amy.

Today's featured Artist is Cassie Ogle

Who are you?

Cassie Ogle

Where are you located?

Southwestern Virginia, the heart of the Appalachian Mountains.

What do you create?

Hand bound books and knit items

Are you able to support yourself with your creations?

At the moment, no. I do hope to be able to in the future.

Where do you sell your creations?

In my Etsy Shop: http://thecraftykitten.etsy.com/ I also have my work at the Appalachian Arts Center in Richlands, Virginia.

Where do you create?

I have a small studio at my home that functions nicely during the warm months. During the colder months, I work in my den because my studio gets very cold.

What inspires you?

Color. Color and color combinations amaze me. My current favorite color combination is chocolate brown and light teal or light blue. I love the colors that I find in the world around me. I should not be allowed to drive a sunset because I am staring at the beautiful colors of the sky instead of watching the road.

What are your goals?

My goal is to be able to support myself either strictly with my work or to be able to at least work only part-time.

What do you friends and family think of your creations?

My friends and family love what I create and give me the best honest opinions anyone could ask for. Every time I tell them about something new, I am trying or learning they usually say something like "Is there anything crafty that you haven't done?” I love to try new things! I am currently taking a quilting class with my mom.

What do you do when you are not creating?

Non-creating time for me is not often. Sometimes I veg out in front of the TV watching CSI reruns. My husband and I like to go for long drives down old country roads during the summer. I am an assistant Girl Scout leader and spend a couple nights a month with "The Girls". Other than that, I am pretty much either at work or creating something.


Is there anything else you would like to share with us? I have a blog where I post about my crafting adventures at http://paperkitty.wordpress.com/ Feel free to stop in and say hello!

Thank you for allowing me to feature you, Cassie.

Today's featured artist is Rebecca Bogan of Adobe Sol

Who are you?

My name is Rebecca Bogan. I am a wife and mother of two daughters, one of which has recently been diagnosed with Type-1 Diabetes. I am the artist and owner of Adobe Sol Designs.





Where are you located?
I live in Corrales, New Mexico, USA.


What do you create?
I design and create artisan jewelry. I hand-pick the finest quality materials available and particularly enjoy using sterling silver and copper metals, gemstones, and vintage glass beads. Many of my designs feature magnificent lampwork beads handmade by talented glass artisans. All of the materials are brought together in each unique piece with meticulous attention to detail and craftsmanship.


Are you able to support yourself with your creations?
I support my creative-habit by selling my jewelry. I am a firm believer in investing for cash flow (your money working for you)... That is a whole different interview.


Where do you sell your creations?
I have a personal website and an etsy shop.
Adobe Sol designs:
http://www.adobesol.com/
http://adobesol.etsy.com/


Where do you create?
I do all of my "magic" in my home studio. I am planning to build a little outdoor studio in my backyard this spring. I like the fresh air and sunlight.


What inspires you?
I would love to give you a beautiful story about what inspires me... but... The fact is I am inspired by anything when the mood strikes me. I think of designs when trying to sleep, taking a walk, watching TV,... you name it (not very glamorous).




What are your goals?
For one thing I want to use my jewelry to educate people about Type-1 (juvenile) Diabetes. As I mentioned above, I have a daughter inflicted with that disease. I am very active with the local JDRF (Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation) chapter. I also have a section on my website where the sale prices are donated to JDRF.

I want to continue and build my business to allow for creative outletting. It is my therapy! It definately gives me a rush that people are all over the world wearing my creations... OK there is the ego talking!




What do your friends and family think of your creations?
The people in my life LOVE what I do. My friends buy a lot from me and my family looks forward to Christmas and birthdays. LOL... I have a lot of support from the people in my life.


What do you do when you are not creating?
Being a mother is my most important job. I also ride horses, mountain bike... those are the fun things!


Is there anything else you would like to share with us?
I was raised in Southern California and have been fortunate enough to have lived in many US cities and Madrid, Spain. I now live in Corrales, New Mexico. I have been creating artistic "things" since I was a child. In recent years I decided to apply my artistic talents to creating my own beautiful handcrafted jewelry. And so... Adobe Sol Designs began.

On a very personal note... I am a mother of a 14 year old child with Type-1-Diabetes. She is insulin dependent for the rest of her life. I have a Charity section set up on my website. 100% of the sale price of those items will be donated directly to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. JDRF does great work in finding a cure and I am thrilled to be able to contribute.




Thank you for allowing me to feature you, Rebecca.

Today's featured artist is Hannah Nielson

Who are you?

Hannah Nielsen

Where are you located?

Northwest Arkansas, USA

What do you create?

I create scarves and other accessories.

Are you able to support yourself with your creations?

Nope, not yet.

Where do you sell your creations?

Locally and at http://elegantscarf.etsy.com/

Where do you create?

I create in my home, I recently transformed a spare bedroom into a fiber studio. :)

What inspires you?

I'm draw inspiration from many places — nature, life, books, the materials' color and texture.

What are your goals?

I would love to support myself with my creations; I'm planning to diversify my shop's offerings more in the next year, as well as focus more on using recycled materials. I also hope to learn how to spin this year.

What do your friends and family think of your creations?

They help promote my items. I guess that means they like them, huh?

What do you do when you are not creating?

I read, cook, blog — http://skarph.com/blog http://wordlily.wordpress.com/ and http://fikafood.wordpress.com/ — and spend time with friends and family.

Thank you for allowing me to feature you.

Today's Featured artist is Julie Diers

Who are you?

julie diers

Where are you located?

pennsylvania, USA

What do you create?

handcrafted windowsill herb gardens

Are you able to support yourself with your creations?

not yet....

Where do you sell your creations?

etsy... http://etsybunnie.etsy.com/

Where do you create?

my bedroom is my work space...my sanctuary

What inspires you?

all things green and growing

What are your goals?

to make my little herb business a success!!maybe a world wide phenomena!!! (:

What do you friends and family think of your creations?

they are very encouraging and supportive!!

What do you do when you are not creating?

think about creating

Is there anything else you would like to share with us?

i love to create these little herb gardens and i hope they will bring a smile to others the way they do mine by creating them!!!thanks so much for letting me be part of your blog!!

Thank you for allowing me to feature you.