Mizuhiki is our featured artist of the day

Who are you?

Hello! I'm Mizuhiki. I'm an artist of a sort. But I love to create almost anything. I basically live in the middle of the ocean with 3 dogs.

Where are you located?

I currently live in Hawaii.

What do you create?

I create earrings (mostly) and some bracelets.

Are you able to support yourself with your creations?

No, not yet. I hope I can do so in the future.

Where do you sell your creations?

Right now, I only sell at Etsy. http://Mizuhiki.etsy.com

Where do you create?

I create in a little cramped space called: a little cramped space below my desk. A portable, under-the-bed container is my desk and a box filled with junk supports it. I have to watch my head haf the time because I could either hit the desk, the piano, or the chair. It works out though.

What inspires you?

I am inspired by nature, some phrases my friends say, junk beads found around my house, music, and what I read.

What are your goals?

My current goal is to get noticed. After that, maybe some donations to various organizations. They are there to help us so we should help them in return.

What do you friends and family think of your creations?

I have 5 main supporters: My mom and four of my friends. They are simply amazing.

What do you do when you are not creating?

Usually, I read, finish my homework, cook(simple, easy foods), or just sit in front of the T.v. or Computer.

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

I love to draw. I'm not very good at it but I just love to draw anyways.

Tobey from The Dark Cottage is today's featured artist

Who are you? My name is Tobey and I have a new etsy shop called The Dark Cottage.

Where are you located? Chicago, Illinois area.

What do you create? I create and sell 3D art made from wood and painted with acrylic and magnets made from vintage jewelry.

Are you able to support yourself with your creations? No....my wonderful husband works 2 jobs, 7 days a week so that I am able to stay home with the kids and create.

Where do you sell your creations? Just my etsy shop.http://thedarkcottage.etsy.com

Where do you create? I have a little craft/computer room and I also use the garage for sawing and other messy tasks.

What inspires you? Magazines (fashion, design, any really), advertising, blogs, movies/TV....anything with color really.

What are your goals? I'd like to be known....you know....like people will say, "That lady that makes the 3D bubble art....". :)Seriously though, I'd like to get into a routine (I'm a new seller, so still working on this) where I'd get several new listings up every day.

What do you friends and family think of your creations? Everybody has been very supportive! My mom has given me great color combo ideas and my husband pops his head in with a "that's cool!" comment all the time. My kids all really love my stuff too.....we know what they'll be getting for birthday gifts....heehee.....

What do you do when you are not creating? Well, I have three kids, so I mostly clean and grocery shop! What I'd rather be doing though, is reading, taking a printmaking class, thrift shopping, watching some good film, and just hanging out with my family.

Is there anything else you would like to share with us? I also blog about my shop, other etsy shops, and some randomness at http://thedarkcottage.blogspot.com

Ryan Greer is today's featured artist

Who are you? I'm Ryan Greer. I'm a designer and artist running a hand-printed apparel company called Flux. I studied painting and design at Pratt Art Institute and the Cooper Union.

Where are you located? I'm in the Fort Greene neighborhood of Brooklyn.What do you create? I print men's and women's clothing from ties to tshirts to hoodies and dresses.

Are you able to support yourself with your creations?Yes. I've been supporting myself doing this for three years now (though sometimes just barely)

Where do you sell your creations? I sell in an outdoor market in Soho for most of the year. I also do street fairs around Manhattan and Brooklyn as well as trade shows to sell to retailers. In December sell at a holiday Market in midtown.

Online I use Etsy to sell my work. http://www.fluxproductions.etsy.com/

Where do you create? I live in a carriage house in Brooklyn and everything is printed in that space.

What inspires you? I tend to be inspired by natural forms and subtle colors. I grew up in the woods and its stuck with me even though I live in New York now. I take a lot of my imagery from the parks within New York City. I'm also inspired by found textiles and patterns from other eras or cultures.

What are your goals? My main goal is to live and work creatively. I think supporting myself while doing work that I love is really a blessing. Eventually I'd like to open a shop in NYC and expand to a cut and sewn line of clothing.

What do you friends and family think of your creations? My parents have always been really supportive of me in everything from going to art school to starting my own business. My friends were at first a little skeptical about whether my business would take off but by now I'm lucky enough to have a very supportive group of friends around me.

What do you do when you are not creating? I read a lot. I read fiction, poetry, theory, and almost anything i can get my hands on. I also watch a lot of movies and try to spend some time out in nature. I think anything you can use to feed your imagination will ultimately enhance your creative process. With that in mind I try to keep myself looking for new ideas and images.

Sorry, I took time off for illness and spring break with my kids

It's been my turn to catch the late winter early spring sickies so I haven't been blogging. Come back tomorrow when I feature another wonderful Etsian.

FELLOW ETSIAN IN REAL NEED CAN You HELP?

Many of us know and love Bitty Moose. We all know she has been there for other Etsians in their hour of need, but now it's our turn to help.

Bitty Moose's husband is having surgery on his leg Thursday morning as a result of a horrible tractor accident he incurred. She is a stay at home mom to 3 little kids, and they will have NO income. He will likely be out of work for at least 3 months. Yikes!

I am blogging today to promote Bitty Moose's shops.

Shop on Etsy http://bittymoose.etsy.com/

Her own website http://www.bittymoose.com/store/

Check out the great work she does and consider purchasing one of her works of art. Your purchase will help this great family in their hour of need.

Racheal Miles of frenchconnect is our featured artist today

Who are you?

My name is Racheal Miles

Where are you located?

I am located in France but originally from England.

What do you create?

Anything made from recycled or new fabric, at the moment I am making ragdolls and cushion covers but I am always changing and coming up with new ideas. I have dabbled with card making, beadwork and various others but I much prefer sewing.

Are you able to support yourself with your creations?

No, not at the moment but it's something that I dream of happening in the future.

Where do you sell your creations?

I sell my creations in my etsy store http://frenchconnect.etsy.com/ , you can find me at http://www.frenchconnect.co.uk/

Where do you create?

I am lucky enough to have my very own sewing room, it doubles as a guest room when we have people to stay.

What inspires you?

Anything and everything, it just comes to me.

What are your goals?

To be able to carry on creating for as long as I have the desire to do so and to bring in a reasonable income from it.

What do your friends and family think of your creations?

When I first opened my shop they were all very surprised at what I produced, they didn't realise that I was creative but they don't really mention it anymore.

What do you do when you are not creating?

Think about my next project or improvements for current ones.

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

I have a blog about my life in France at http://www.milesawayinfrance.co.uk/

Today's featured artist is Brenda Phillips of Jewelsrule

Who are you?

I am Brenda Phillips. I have done crafts all my life from candle making, cake making, fly-tieing, knit, crochet, cross stitch, and now jewelry which gives me the biggest kick of all. I have sold by consignment and on the Internet most of the things I make.

Where are you located?

Salt Lake City, Utah

What do you create?

Earrings, doilies, knitted items, crochet items.

Are you able to support yourself with your creations?

Not yet. It’s a goal of mine though. Jewelry is very competitive and thankfully, I’m not dependent on my sales. This gives me the security and serenity to just create and create to my hearts content. I’m proud of what I dream up.

Where do you sell your creations?

http:// jewelsrule.etsy.com - best place so far

ksl.comcraigslist.com

going to get some consignments

going check into retail stores, too

Where do you create?

I have a kit that I take with me to my part-time job that is stocked with everything I need for that day to start producing earrings.I have a room set up where I do my thing. Also in my living room I make my jewelry there, too.

What inspires you?

Dark colors, dark wires (copper, gun metal), sterling, antique jewelry. What I see people wearing, pictures in books, jewelry making books and magazines. When I see something that really “gets” to me it makes me want to run home and get started creating. I don’t copy, I just get inspired by what I see. Metal inspires me the most rather than the stones I use. A pretty crystal will get the juices flowing.

What are your goals?

To sell my inventory so that I can fill up the space again. I like to have an outlet for my crafts because I love making things and don’t have lots of space for storage. Plus I get a kick out of selling something I have made; it’s a major compliment to have someone buy my designs.I want to branch out into metal working and making beads. Also interested in making buttons and badges with “kicky” or inspirational (not religeous) sayings on them.

What do you friends and family think of your creations?

I have had 100% encouragement to make more. My family and friends love to wear my jewelry. I have a few “billboards” walking around, i.e., friends that just wear my stuff and if someone notices, they tell them where to see my collection.

What do you do when you are not creating?

I am not one to just do one thing, i.e. watch TV. I knit or crochet when watching TV. When relaxing outside, I like to be busy with my crafts. Gardening is another big enjoyment in my life. I grow plants from seeds and starts, and plant them outside in my garden. There is a lot of satisfaction in doing that, too. I love to thrift shop for antique chains and necklaces to rework into something really nifty.

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

I have consigned my candles, knitted and crochet items and that was what I was planning on doing with my jewelry, but I found etsy and a few other on-line sites where I can sell my loot and stay home. So consignment is on the back burner till I get the nerve to go out and demo my stuff.

Today's featured artist is Andrea N from Custom Adornments

Who are you?

That's a difficult question for someone as existential and eclectic... but the short, standard answer is Name: Andrea N. otherwise known as Custom Adornments on Etsy.

Where are you located?

I'm currently living in the Mid Hudson Valley region of NY; nestled in Harriman State Park off route 17.

What do you create?

One of a kind jewelry and accessories with loads of old vintage beads and parts incorporated into most of it and semi-precious (sometimes precious) stones in everything.

Are you able to support yourself with your creations?

Not yet. Or maybe I should say, not right now. I've actually been making jewelry for a shop I run for the last 5 years - so I WAS making a living from it. We moved the location from Manhattan to Beacon and now I'm struggling a little. Which is why I decided to open the Etsy store. That and what I make for the retail store is all with pearls. I wanted to sell my one of a kind, non pearl creations as well.

Where do you sell your creations?

I sell them from pearldaddy http://pearldaddy.net/ and my Etsy storefront http://customadornments.etsy.com/ and plan to try out a craft show or two in the near future as well. Plus, I have my first jewelry party planned for April - well, actually, first two http://customadornments.com/ for information on throwing one of those.

Where do you create?

I work at home a lot, but I also have a work space at the shop where I make a lot of things when it's slow.

What inspires you?

Everything. An amazing sunset on rusty metal buildings. The stark winter landscape. The materials themselves. Music. Artwork. Sometimes ideas come to me in my sleep...

What are your goals?

I never really think of myself as having goals outside of immediate subsistence and my innate need to create. That said, I would really like to get to a point where I'm mostly traveling around the country making custom jewelry and digging in the dirt finding my own materials to make it with... among other things.

What do you friends and family think of your creations?

They're the reason I'm trying to eek out a living doing it! I just made a birthday necklace for my sister. My sister almost didn't get her necklace because I had to send it to my mom so she could give it to my sister. My mother wound up showing it around and, EVERYONE wanted it for themselves. Not an unreasonable thought, since my sister is NOTORIOUS for returning presents. Too bad for my family and their friends, my sister LOVED it! I've been making jewelry since I was a little girl and was giving everyone jewelry as presents since I was at least 19 or so. It's only in the last 5 years, mostly by accident and their encouragement that I'm making jewelry to sell publicly. In fact, one of the jewelry parties I'm doing next month my mother is throwing - when I go out to visit in April - and she's already making requests for what she wants.

What do you do when you are not creating?

When I''m not glued to Etsy you mean? Well, I'm awfully busy with the shop - which is also now an art gallery - so i do a lot of the promotional and whatsit for that from home as well as at work. I used to dance and I occasionally still make musical overtures - which is to say, I make musical noise. I like to hike and travel and explore in general. Right now though, I'm mostly just working and trying to get my Etsy shop off the ground, as it were.

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

Some cookies, but...

Thanks so much for featuring me on your blog.

I just started a blog myself, but I'm still getting the hang of it and figuring out what I want it to be. At the moment, it's mostly a stream of consciousness how do you do with my jewelry included in the mix: http://itsartdamnit.blogspot.com/

Today's featured artist is Deon of Delighfully Simple

Who are you?

My name is Deon, my shop name is Delightfully Simple

Where are you located?

Ontario, Canada

What do you create?

I crochet many different things that are well, Delightfully Simple!

Are you able to support yourself with your creations?

Not at the present time, but hopefully some day soon.

Where do you sell your creations?

http://delightfullysimple.etsy.com/ I'm hoping to get into a B&M or two though. ;)

Where do you create?

In my living room.

What inspires you?

Yarn. I love yarn. As soon as I see a new colour I just have to have it and create something from it.

What are your goals?

I would love to be able to support myself with my creations. Right now though, to start small, I would like to make just one sale a week. ;)

What do you friends and family think of your creations?

Honestly, they don't believe anyone would want to pay for them. ;)

What do you do when you are not creating?

I'm a SAHM. I take care of my kids, clean house and work on my next design in my head.

Today's featured artist is Ally of AMSX05

Who are you?

My name is Ally.



Where are you located?


I am located in Pennsylvania



What do you create?


I am addicted to creating handmade greeting cards. I just cant stop!




Are you able to support yourself with your creations?




No, and that is why I am currently still in school studying Elementary and Special Education.




Where do you sell your creations?


On Etsy.com the best website EVER. http://amsx05.etsy.com/




Where do you create?




I create in what used to be my dining room, I turned it into my own little studio!




What inspires you?


Looking in different magazines and seeing the different colors on all the pages really gives me a vision. I can then go home and know exactly where I want to go with my next card. Also all the colors outside really can inspire anyone.




What are your goals?


My goes for etsy, would be to continue selling and making other people happy! I love doing custom orders and have been doing alot lately, and I know people really appreciate it, it makes me feel good!



My goals for my life in general would be to graduate and become a great teacher!~



What do you friends and family think of your creations?


They think they are wonderful, they totally support me doing this. My dad calls me the next "Hallmark." lol.



What do you do when you are not creating?



Study. I am constantly trying to juggle school work and creating more cards. But somehow I manage to do both just fine.




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


I love being on Etsy and meeting so many wonderful people, it truly has been such an awesome experience so far!

Today's featured artist is Dawn Rhodes of SHADES Jewelry Designs

Who are you?

Dawn Rhodes - SHADES Jewelry Designs

Where are you located?

Shade, Ohio (southeast corner of the state, 10 minutes outside of Athens)

What do you create?

beaded jewelry

Are you able to support yourself with your creations?

No, not yet...doubt that I ever will. Afraid that if it becomes a "job" it won't be as fun!! ;-)

Where do you sell your creations?

I sell to friends, family, and a great customer base. My Etsy site is http://shadesjewelry.etsy.com/

Where do you create?

I create at home...although I have been known to be on the baseball field watching my nephews play and beading at the same time! Makes people interested in your work! Ha!

What inspires you?

I get inspiration from a lot of sources. Clothing, fabrics, nature, there is inspiration all around if you just take the time to look!

What are your goals?

To keep learning and creating beautiful jewelry for years to come. So many different styles and techniques and I want to always keep learning and incorporating new mediums in my work!

What do you friends and family think of your creations?

They love my work. They are some of my best customers and advertisers!

What do you do when you are not creating?

I like to read, love to travel and enjoy sports!

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

I donate a large portion of my sales to Relay for Life for the American Cancer Society. I have had several family members affected by this terrible disease and I like being able to do my part to help out.

Today's featured artist is Nicole Catroppo

Who are you?


My name is Nicole Catroppo. I am an independent, determined, creative woman who would like to contradict the term, "starving artist." Nicole Lee Artistry is the name of my business. I opened an online store at Etsy.com to sell my hand crafted artistan fine jewelry in January of 2008.



Where are you located?


I live near Baltimore, Maryland, in a town called Middle River, which is about an hour and a half north of Washington D.C..



What do you create?


On Etsy, I sell handmade artisan jewelry that is made mainly of gold, silver, precious and semi-precious stones, but you will also find jewelry made of other materials. In addition, I make other crafts, not on Etsy, including pre-made scrapbook pages, hand-painted glassware and painted wood crafts. Right now, I'm focusing on jewelry, but if Etsy does well enough for me, I hope to open shops for my other crafts in the future.



Are you able to support yourself with your creations?


Well, I only started doing my crafts full-time on Etsy in January of this year, so I'm working very hard to make a respectable income with it! I provide excellent customer service and I try to get exposure everywhere I can. I want to live this dream more than anything! I'm appreciative to everyone who helps me to make it happen!




Where do you sell your creations?


I currently sell my jewelry on Etsy at http://nicoleleeartistry.etsy.com/, but I recently started seeking stores to carry my pieces. I also always welcome custom orders generated by word of mouth.



Where do you create?


I create in my home. My husband and I have two rooms that I have dedicated as my studio space/our office space.



What inspires you?


I am inspired by everything and anything! I like to think of myself as hypersensitive to my environment and I pay attention to details. I appreciate the littlest of what surrounds me. I could be inspired by music or colors one day and another day I might be inspired by architecture, a conversation or nature. I'm consistently inconsistent, so I like that...it adds variety to my work and keeps things exciting, but I am very inspired by details.



What are your goals?


First and foremost, I want to bring something to this world with with I do. I want to be able to give back to others, so I want to make a respectable income at doing what I love to return what God has given to me. I am a helping and giving person and I want this business to enable me not only to pay bills, but to be able to GIVE.



What do you friends and family think of your creations?


They are SO supportive and are very excited about what the future holds. My friends are always willing to help me market or sell and are always willing to contribute whatever they can to help me to be successful. My family cares, provides encouragement, share in my joys and divides my sorrows. They have always encouraged me to pursue my artistic talents and above all else, they want me to be happy. I know that they are happy to see my dreams beginning to happen for me.



What do you do when you are not creating?


I spend time marketing my business by posting in the Etsy forums, chatting in the chat rooms, passing out business cards, going door to door to local businesses and work on staying organized. When I'm not doing any of that, I spend time with my husband and our three dogs, our friends and our family. We enjoy visiting our local Starbucks or Five Guys Burgers and Fries, talking, watching movies, working on our home improvement projects or joining our family and friends for church and gatherings.



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


I'd like to share a prayer that I received from a friend, that I like very much. God is a strength in my life and I would not be a happy, healthy person pursuing my dreams without His many blessings, so... (Paraphrased, Author unknown) "I pray for God to bless anyone who took the time to read this. I pray that they will know how much I appreciate the time, effort, thoughtfullness and consideration that was invested into creating this "featured artist" entry and that I appreciate and thank God for all business that may come my way as a result of it. I pray for God to show those reading this a new revelation of His love and power and that He will minister to their spirit at this very moment. I pray for God to bless their homes, families, finances, their comings and their goings. In Jesus' precious name, I pray this. Amen.

Today's featured artist is Laura of Chicken Pox Designs

Who are you?


My name's Laura, and I'm a 20-year-old student. I have a little craft shop on Etsy, Chicken Pox Designs.



Where are you located?


I live in Finland, Northern Europe.



What do you create?

I got a sewing machine as a graduation present a few years ago, and I've been sewing little things since then. I don't seem to have patience to make clothes, so I generally stick to pouches and bags, which are more fun to make! I'm also periodically into many other kinds of arts and crafts. I recently opened another shop to sell craft supplies.




Are you able to support yourself with your creations?
My craft business is more like a part time job and a great way to relax. Being a full time student doesn't leave me that much time to work but thanks to my Etsy shop, I don't have to clean hotel rooms any more!



Where do you sell your creations?


Mostly through my Etsy shop: http://chickenpox.etsy.com/. I also have a small shop on DaWanda: http://en.dawanda.com/ChickenPox. My shop for supplies is Mitten Crab Supplies: http://mittencrab.etsy.com/



Where do you create?


At home, in our one-bedroom apartment. On some days, my fabric boxes take over the whole living room.



What inspires you?


My grandmother passed away a year ago and I inherited some of her fabric stacks and sewing notions. Working with vintage materials with a history is really inspiring. I also enjoy any colourful and original fabrics I find in fabric shops and online. It's all about prettying up the everyday life.



What are your goals?


I wish I could one day use up all those stashes of fabrics that seem to accumulate constantly... I'm hoping to get stable sales and introduce Chicken Pox Designs to more people.



What do you friends and family think of your creations?


I think I got my love for crafts from my mum, so she's been really supportive. We had all kinds of crafts projects together when I was younger, from miniature moss forests to Christmas cards. Everyone's been really supportive of my business.



What do you do when you are not creating?


I study Fine Art, so I spend most of my time with artistic activities. I'm mostly into contemporary photography, and I've been reading a lot art theory lately. I also enjoy movies, music and of course crafts!

Co owners are co featured artists today.

Who are you?

Lynn Frauenholz and Brandy T Shaw, co-owners and fashion designers for 2 Girls & Plastic.

Where are you located?

We are in the Seattle area.

What do you create?

We alter vintage clothing and modernize it to be fashionable in today's market, as well as make accessories for women and men.

Are you able to support yourself with your creations?

Not just yet, we both still have our full time jobs but are gearing up for a big site release this spring. As well as two collections to be released, one in the spring with the site and one in fall. If all works out in a year we will be doing this full time.

Where do you sell your creations?

Currently we are solely on etsy, though we will have a shop on our site. We are looking into what boutiques and stores we would like to sell through in the Seattle area, as well as in LA and other locations. http://2girlsplastic.etsy.com/ http://www.2girlsplastic.com/

Where do you create?

We have a very small room in Brandy's house that is out creative space. it's a bit cramped but it's 100% ours, so we are happy in it. there is enough room for a sewing machine, surger and storage so we are making the best of it. Oh, and Brandy's giant painting that she's almost done with has it's own corner.

What inspires you?

We are inspired by so many different things as we bring our personalities into our designs. The important ones are: retro fashion, dressing up, vintage millinery, Betty Page, tattoo art, John Galliano, Japan, Paris, romance, and things that exist beyond trends.

What are your goals?

To try and take over the world, oh wait.. no thats not it. Haha! Our goals are to open our shop in April, get a real photo shoot under our belts, and to create fabulous clothing that all people regardless of size can wear and feel confident in. we really want to bring back dressing to look good, not just to be clothed. there is no fun in that.

What do you friends and family think of your creations?

Everyone in our lives is really supportive. When we let people know what we are working on they get really excited and want to help us in some way. It's a great feeling to know that we have so many people rooting for us to succeed.

What do you do when you are not creating?

Lynn crafts, reads fashion magazines from cover to cover, studies Japanese, games, and drinks copious amounts of tea. Brandy paints, sews, knits, crochets, plays with her dogs and spends time with her husband.

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

We have nutty humor with each other and have never made it through a drive-thru without fits of giggles. In addition, we both blog about life in general and most importantly what we are working on for the business. we want to share what we do and get people excited about art and fashion. we encourage people to visit our blogs and ask us questions if you ever want to know how we have done something. Our blogs: http://brandy.2girlsplastic.com/ and http://lynn.2girlsplastic.com/

Today's featured artist is Mel Roska

Who are you?

My name is Mel Roska. I live in San Francisco with my boyfriend and my two cats, Ava and Nick Nolte.

What do you create?

Mostly I make notebooks out of paper that would have otherwise been thrown away, using the album covers from old scratched records. I also have been known to make buttons, postcards, collages and even paintings.

Are you able to support yourself with your creations?

Not yet. I like to dream that that will happen someday. Right now I have to work at a 9-5 desk job.

Where do you sell your creations?

At this point I am only selling at etsy.com. Which is fine because etsy is awesome! http://roska.etsy.com/

Where do you create?

We have a really nice one bedroom apartment, but it is tiny. I have a tendency to take over our living room making books. Most of the time there is paper everywhere!

What inspires you?

I am inspired by old books that I pick up at thrift stores and estate sales, especially wildlife guides. I'm inspired by San Francisco, there is so much to see everytime I walk out my door; the street art, the architecture, the fashion. Not to mention the amazing artists who are working here. There are also a couple of blogs I look at that are always inspiring me, http://myloveforyou.typepad.com/, written by an awesome gal featuring up and coming artists, and http://acejet170.typepad.com/, which is a blog about typography and graphic design.

What are your goals?

I would love to be able to sell on etsy full time, but I think for me that's not a realistic goal. So, I hope to find a job that allows me to be use my creativity everyday, and for roska handmade to grow and grow.

What do you friends and family think of your creations?

My friends and family have been so supportive. I think most of them have a roska handmade notebook. My mom and my friend jessica actually have their own etsy shops, http://jillroska.etsy.com/ and http://sweetfortreats.etsy.com/, respectively, so we have been helping each other out.

What do you do when you are not creating?

Unfortunately, I mostly work. But if I'm not at work you can probably find me at the movies, I love movies and have a yearly goal to watch 200 movies I've never seen before, or you may find me at the thrift stores, I am a shopaholic! Every tuesday night I'm at the Edinburgh Castle, a bar with where my friends and I participate (and dominate) a weekly pub trivia quiz. I also have three blogs that I write for; my personal craft blog, http://melroska.com/, my movie blog, http://oneandoneisfourhundred.blogspot.com/, and my friend's blog, which I've just started writing for, http://8bitlouie.blogspot.com/. I've got to keep busy!

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

I am so glad I found etsy! It's really changed my life. When I started making books I really had no inkling that I would be able to be even semisuccessful selling them to anyone. Etsy has introduced me to a whole new world of awesome crafts and a global community of really great people.

Today's featured artist is Rebecca Dixon

Who are you?

Rebecca Dixon, co-owner of Up from the Ashes

Where are you located?

Folsom, Pennsylvania

What do you create?

A little of everything! I make all sorts of wearable wings, leather masks, jewelry, I just taught myself to crochet. Really anything with three dimensions is fair game for me.

Are you able to support yourself with your creations?

I wish!!! Working really hard so someday I can be a full-time artist!

Where do you sell your creations?

On etsy at http://upfromtheashes.etsy.com/

My website http://www.upfromtheashespa.com/

And in the world's most charming store, Earth&State in Media, Pennsylvania http://earthandstate.com/

Where do you create?

I have a work room in my apartment that is jam-packed with fabric, wire, and every other kind of art supply you can imagine. I also took over the dining room table with my leather work, and the front porch houses my airbrush booth.

What inspires you?

Everything! Just open your eyes-inspiration is everywhere, you just have to be open to it.

What are your goals?

To one day be able to be a self-supporting artist. (World famous would be nice too!)

What do you friends and family think of your creations?

They don't understand, but try to be supportive. Which is nice than just telling me they all think I'm crazy.

What do you do when you are not creating?

Um, yeah...sleep? I am always working on something. I fall asleep watching movies unless my hands are busy.

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

I have a BFA in painting/drawing and Sculpture and I make it a point to learn a new technique or skill every year, if not sooner. Last year was leather mask making, this year was crochet. I think I will try knitting next.

C. E.. Gooch is my featured artist today

Who are you?

I'm c.e.gooch., scatterbrained entrepreneur and expert mess maker.

Where are you located?

Merritt Island, FLAH-rida

What do you create?

One of a kind hand-decorated frames "for the beasts in our lives" (It's part of my tag line. Dig it.)

Are you able to support yourself with your creations?

Heck no. Haven't quit the day job yet.

Where do you sell your creations?

I sell on Etsy: http://sobdog.etsy.com And I have given quite a few away as gifts.

Where do you create?

Usually on the dining room floor, although my mess has been known to creep into the kitchen once in a while.

What inspires you?

Things from my childhood: colors, patterns, etc.

What are your goals?

To make people laugh.

What do you friends and family think of your creations?

*shrug* I get the obligatory laugh.

What do you do when you are not creating?

Check email. Seriously. It's ridiculous. Oh, and I also daydream about becoming a successful artist or writer who never has to work a real job again.

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

I'd like to ask a favor of everyone out there: PLEASE don't take life too seriously. Don't be afraid to laugh at what's really funny. Especially if it's yourself.

Today's featured artists are Gavin and Erin of Dinner Time Charms

Who are you?

We’re Dinner Time Chimes (a.k.a. Gavin & Erin)

Where are you located?

We’re located in eastern North Carolina.

What do you create?

We create windchimes from discarded silverplate silverware, hence the shop name, in addition to other silverware creations. We’ve recently added other recycled items for your home as well (birdhouses and bird feeders).

Are you able to support yourself with your creations?

The Etsy shop is just a way to sell the things that we enjoy making, I don’t see it becoming a full-time job any time soon.

Where do you sell your creations?

In addition to local stores and craft shows, our creations are sold online at DinnerTimeChimes http://dinnertimechimes.etsy.com/

Where do you create?

Most of the work is done outside or in the workshop, but the silver polishing is done while watching TV to make it seem like less of a chore!

What inspires you?

The smiles when people take a good look at the windchime or birdhouse and realize what it’s actually made from.

What are your goals?

Our current goal revolves around bird houses. We’ve started deconstruction of an old barn, and we are using that wood to create blue bird houses. Keep your eyes open for new and exciting additions to our Etsy shop & displays at the craft shows this summer.

What do you friends and family think of your creations?

Our families enjoy seeing the new creations. They’re also a huge help when it comes to finding more silverware for the windchimes. On the other hand, friends find our creations unusual. They will admit that it’s neat how we’ve transformed one person’s trash into something even they would like to receive as a gift!

What do you do when you are not creating?

If we’re not creating something for the Etsy store, we’re probably working in our garden.

Today's featured artist is Alisha Vernon

Who are you?

My name is Alisha Vernon. I'm a 24 year old girl who loves to paint. I'm a sister, daughter, wife, and dog owner. I'm also comically proud of the fact that I'm 1/4 Armenian.

Where are you located?

I'm currently living in Klamath Falls, OR. I was raised in Tillamook, OR, and I was born in Fresno, CA.

What do you create?

Paintings. Lately I've really been into abstract paintings and dramatic female faces. I use a high quality acrylic paint sealed with a protective varnish. In my opinion, the end product is just as rich as oils and less harmful to breath. I like a 24" x 36" canvas but I'm running out of room for storage in my small house, so I've started creating smaller pieces on Yupo paper.

Are you able to support yourself with your creations?

Not for now. I'm really just starting with the whole aspect of selling, but I would love for that to be true in the future.

Where do you sell your creations?

Currently on the wonderful Etsy.com. Here's a direct link to my store: http://alishavernon.etsy.com/ I'm frequently adding new work to my Etsy store, so check back often.

Where do you create?

Right now, in my kitchen or living room. I can't wait for the day when I'll have a whole room to dedicate to my art making. (and supplies)

What inspires you?

God's beautiful creation. I mean if I really stop to look at the beauty and colors of a flower, the sunset, or even a piece of fruit it can take my breath away. Also, my late father was, and is a big inspiration. He was always enthusiastic and supportive about my art. He was a painter himself and created excellent work. One of his goals was to "make it" as an artist, but life and money often got in the way. I guess I feel like my accomplishments as an artist are for both of us.

What are your goals?

One of my goals is use my art help others in need. Currently I'm donating 50% of my profits to an organization called Project Rescue, which is an organization working against forced prostitution among women and children, throughout India and Nepal. My hope is that I raise awareness for this group, and the issue in general. I also hope to inspire others to do what they can to be involved in a cause greater than themselves.

What do you friends and family think of your creations?

They're all very supportive and quick to give lovely compliments.

What do you do when you are not creating?

I cook dinner for my husband and I, almost every night. Last night was an eggplant green curry. I even cook homemade dog food for my dog. I like to work on my blogs http://alishavernon.com/ and http://meetmyawesomedog.com/. I browse the library. I've been known to get really interested in a certain topic and leave the library only when I've got a stack of books up to my chin, that I can barely carry out to my car. I like going out to coffee, talking with friends and family, being a goof, and watching a couple of my favorite TV shows like The Office, Friday Night Lights, Chuck, and Oprah. I just signed up to be a SMART volunteer again, so hopefully I'll be starting that soon.

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

I would really love for anyone reading this to be a part of my art journey. To stay updated on new listings and to see all the behind the scenes fun, please consider yourself invited to subscribe to my art blog! I especially love comments and feedback! http://www.alishavernon.com/