Happy Earth Day!

rose zipper pull,
originally uploaded by copperspringsleather.

Today I am featuring my Zipper Pulls/Key Chains.

My zipper pulls may seem like an odd choice for a blog about earth day, but please give me a chance to explain. One day I was sitting in my studio looking at my bin of leather scraps. Most of these scraps were too small to make a wallet front or a change purse, but it seemed wasteful to add these pieces of leather to the landfill. I realized that they could become something beautiful.

I took out my leather punches and started making circles of different sizes. I tooled a small design on the circle. I carefully painted them with leather dye. Once they were dry I used a very small punch to make a hole for the beaded key chain. I added the beaded key chain and a beautiful zipper pull/ key chain was born.

Now I make these zipper pull / key chains when I have a bin full of scraps. I get requests for them all the time. They always sell out at the craft shows I attend.

Kari J of Lily W Designs is our featured artist today

Who are you?

Kari J. Lily W is a figment of my imagination.

Where are you located?

Iowa

What do you create?

Glass objects. I love making beads, but also enjoy fusing and slumping with different mold or found objects.

Are you able to support yourself with your creations?

Not yet!

Where do you sell your creations?

http://lilywdesigns.etsy.com/ . I also sell to friends and family through word of mouth. I'm looking to get into my first art show this summer.

Where do you create?

In my cave! My studio is in my basement.

What inspires you?

Anything and everything. I love looking at others' work and deconstructing it to see if I can replicate techniques. My ten year-old son gives me lots of suggestions and we experiment together.

What are your goals?

To sell enough to buy another, bigger kiln!

What do you friends and family think of your creations?

My husband was frightened at first. I'm not a graceful person by nature, so he panicked when I lit the torch in the house for the first time. Then when I told him I wanted a really hot oven, he cringed. He's since become my second biggest supporter (my 10 year-old being the first!). He was the one who offered to give up half of his basement for my studio and patiently looks at everything I show him. I have friends who are glass artists and they have been incredibly supportive. There's nothing like being able to call a glass artist friend in the middle of a glass crisis for advice.

What do you do when you are not creating?

I'm an Information Technology manager for a major insurance company. Quite a different world than my glass work.


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

I got into glass because I needed a hobby and it was something that wasn't a complete and utter disaster. What I've found is that it is an amazing stress relief. When I have a bad day at work or life just becomes too much, firing the torch and melting glass or cutting and cracking it takes so much concentration you can't worry about the other things going on. If anyone is scared to try it, don't! It's not nearly as frightening as it seems.

Jessica of Bruiserbeans is our featured artist

Who are you?

A stay at home mother of two named Jessica


Where are you located?

Boise Idaho


What do you create?

I create beadwoving purses and beaded jewelry, some magnets, and collage sheets. My passion is my beadwoving purses.


Are you able to support yourself with your creations?

Not yet, Haven't sold any of my big ticket items. I have sold locally though.


Where do you sell your creations?

http://bruizerbeans.etsy.com Locally it is only word of mouth. No store locally


Where do you create?

My living room


What inspires you?

Nostalgic costume jewelry and purses, my kids too


What are your goals?

To finally sell one of my beaded purses. And to have my jewelry and purses worn on the red carpet. Finish college.


What do you friends and family think of your creations?

My friends and family are my biggest supporters.



What do you do when you are not creating?


Thinking about creating. My mind is always buzzing with new ideas.


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

I would love to do custom work. custom work is my favorite creative outlet.

Jennifer from Knit1Paper2 is our featured artist of the day

Who are you?

My name is Jennifer.

Where are you located?

I am located in the North part of Georgia.

What do you create?

I create hand knit items (Washcloths,hats and scarfs right now. Other items coming soon.) and paper goods (mini envelopes and A1 envelopes.More paper items coming soon also.) I will also have some destash here and there.

Are you able to support yourself with your creations?

I do hope to be-able to do this.

Where do you sell your creations?

http://Knit1Paper2@etsy.com

Where do you create?

I create most of my paper items at my coffee table in my livingroom. But for my knitted items I tend to make those while sitting on my front porch while watching the birds.

What inspires you?

Colors and crazy patterns. They catch my eye and wont let go till I do something with them.

What are your goals?

My goal is to bring top quality items to the every day person like myself.

What do you friends and family think of your creations?

My grandmother and my 12 year old cousin is always asking for nice envelopes and my mother-in-law cant get enough of my washcloths! If it wasnt for them I might not of discovered Etsy!

What do you do when you are not creating?

I chill on my couch and watch crafting shows and Food Network.

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

My goal is to donate 25% off my earnings every month to The Humane Society of The United States. They do a great cause! https://secure.hsus.org/01/membership?qp_source=gabacj&gclid=CPWEyvWT%5fpECFQHhPAodqGh7%2dA

Dawn Metz of Dawn Boutique is our new Etsy Seller of the day

Who are you?

Dawn Metz

Where are you located?

Meridian, Idaho

What do you create?

I create whatever strikes my fancy but jewelry is my passion. I try to include something repurposed in everything I can.

Are you able to support yourself with your creations?

I would love to be able to support myself this way but right now most of my energy goes to my family. I have always been creative but I am just getting my feet wet with selling my creations.

Where do you sell your creations?

http://dawnboutique.etsy.com/

Where do you create?

I am in the midst of revamping the way I use my house so I can have a room where works in progress will can be left out and safe.

What inspires you?

Color and shape- most of all I look around and see a million ways to use things that would otherwise sit idle. It's so exciting to put old things together in a new way!

What are your goals?

Some day I want to expand my skill set by becoming a metal smith. When my youngest is in first grade, I want to spend lots more time crafting. Right now, I am very on and off with bursts of creativity and then no time to work. I want that to change, I want to get out and about to meet other crafters and do a little something every day. I have no formal training, so I have to play to learn new techniques.

What do you friends and family think of your creations?

The comment I hear most often about my work is "I NEVER would have thought of that!".

What do you do when you are not creating?

I spend a lot of time with friends and family. I volunteer in my children's classes. I work for a 3-D fetal ultrasound service when time allows. Being there is a pleasure. The families who come for ultrasounds are so tuned in to the joy life has to offer. The best thing about my life is that right now I don't have to obligate my extra time to anything I don't care about.

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

I think the time I spent as a teacher had a huge impact on my ability to break my mind from thinking in a box. I value people who turn my train of thought in a direction I wouldn't have gone on my own. A child is the best person to look to if you want to broaden your view of the world. I never would have blossomed into myself without having children in my life.

For more pictures of Dawn's great work please visit her etsy shop http://dawnboutique.etsy.com/ . For some reason this morning I was only one of the pictures I included showed on my blog. Sorry for the inconvience.

Today we are featuring Stacey Reed of JS Glass Art. Her glasswork is just amazing!

Who are you?

Stacey Reed

Where are you located?

Bay Area, California

What do you create?

Glass art. Functional and decorative.

Are you able to support yourself with your creations?

No. It’s a very expensive hobby right now.

Where do you sell your creations?

Mostly word of mouth, but I do have an etsy shop http://jsglasswork.etsy.com/

Where do you create?

I’ve turned a small portion of my garage into a glass studio. It’s small, but workable.

What inspires you?

Nature, colors, all sorts of things.

What are your goals?

I would love to have a large studio with a store front and be able to support myself with my art.

What do you friends and family think of your creations?

They all love it, but they’re my friends and family, they’re supposed to, aren’t they LOL

What do you do when you are not creating?

Read, garden, hang out in Napa Valley .

Vicki Cockcroft is our featured artist of the day

Who are you?

I am Vicki Cockcroft

Where are you located?

I live in Wales, UK.

What do you create?

I create handcrafted polymer clay beads which I set in silver plated or sterling silver findings to produce a unique range of jewellery.

Are you able to support yourself with your creations?

Yes and no. I earn half of what I was earning when I was working in an executive position, but I do not have all the oncosts of 'going out to work', so it's probably more 'yes' than 'no'.

Where do you sell your creations?

I sell through galleries, shops, craft fairs and on the Internet. My Etsy shop is at http://vickicockcroft.etsy.com/ and I blog at http://www.vickicockcroft.blogspot.com/

Where do you create?

I am lucky enough to live in the wonderful Welsh countryside and to have a workshop at home. I can look out of the window and watch my sheep and chickens as I work.What inspires you?Colour. Most definitely. And there are changing colours outside my window as the seasons go by.

What are your goals?

To expand my business and to get to a point where I have enough time to look after a horse!

What do your friends and family think of your creations?

They are very supportive and are constantly encouraging me to do new things and develop old ones. I should use this space to say 'thank you' to them!

What do you do when you are not creating?

I cut logs, feed sheep, collect eggs, mend fences and, occasionally, clean the house.

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

I have only recently opened my Etsy shop and got drawn into the world of blogging. I didn't think I would enjoy the blogging as much as I do. I love to share pictures of my sheep and chickens (and the occasional log) and am always delighted when someone visits, enjoys my blog and leaves a comment. I am old enough still to find the Internet, and the access it gives you to people all over the world, a miraculous invention!

Featured Artist of the day is Stephanie Estin of Curly Q Cuties

Who are you?

Stephanie Estrin

Where are you located?

Austin, TX

What do you create?

Unique Handcrafted Plush Monsters

Are you able to support yourself with your creations?

No, but my dream it to be able to!

Where do you sell your creations?

I sell my plush monsters on etsy. http://curlyqcuties.etsy.com/

Where do you create?

I use the spare bedroom in my house as my studio. I love having this space to myself. It's become my little creative haven.

What inspires you?

I get a lot of inspiration from my children. They are young and silly. I also get inspiration from the people I meet. Sometimes a characteristic of someone inspires me to create a monster with that characteristic in mind.

What are your goals?

My goal is to try to get more exposure so people can find me and my shop. Ultimately, I'd like my monsters to be the new "it" collectible ...a girl can dream big, can't she?!

What do you friends and family think of your creations?

My family and friends love my monster creations. Everyone has been very supportive of my new adventure. I get a lot of encouragement from them.

What do you do when you are not creating?

When I'm not creating, I'm taking care of my two little boys. I'm a stay at home mom and they keep me very busy during the day!

Nicole Underwood, creator of C'est Tout is our featured artist of the day

Who are you?

Nicole Underwood, creator of C'est Tout . . . Paper Goods. I have a degree in fine art and enjoy making cards and accessories for book lovers.

Where are you located?

Las Cruces, New Mexico

What do you create?

Note cards, postcards, paperweights, and bookmarks so far.

Are you able to support yourself with your creations?

I have just started to show my creations to the outside world.

Where do you sell your creations?

I am a seller on Etsy:http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5108835

Where do you create?

I create in my home even though I am short on space. The good thing about working with paper and photographs is that it doesn't require huge amounts of storage. So far the arrangement is working well.

What inspires you?

I am inspired by nature and vintage items. I enjoy reading and anything related to books is wonderful to me. I am currently studying biology and find it fascinating. At some point it will probably show up in my work.

What are your goals?

I would like to grow my business,expand my product lines, and start some new ones.

What do you friends and family think of your creations?

My friends and family encourage me to put my work out into the public.

What do you do when you are not creating?

I am a college student and spend a great deal of my time studying. It can be hard juggling both when I would like to spend more of my time on my shop. My other interests are horseback riding and hiking. In New Mexico you can enjoy your outdoor activities all year round which is great.

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

I am adding new things to my shop frequently and open to custom orders. I would love for everyone to stop by!

Marnie from Hair Flair is our featured artist today

Who are you?

My name is Marnie and I am a Mom and a funny four year old and the wife of an even funnier husband.

Where are you located?

I am located in Western Canada on central Vancouver Island, in a cute little city called, Courtenay. There's always a lot to do here and it's a great place to raise a family.

What do you create?

I create fun and funky, very high quality hair clips for babies, toddlers, tweens, teens - actually just girls or women of any age. I have two kinds of clips for my Hair Flair: 1 3/4" alligator clips (with a magnet inserted for even more staying power) and 1 1/4" snap clips. Both kinds of clips are nickel plated and I also use velvet ribbon that originates from Switzerland. Bar none, the Swiss have gone above and beyond with the quality! When I started, I used ribbon that came from the Orient, it just doesn't measure up and is not as easy to work with. Currently, I have 37 colours of velvet ribbon - and it feels like I need more!

Are you able to support yourself with your creations?

No, not yet! I keep telling my husband that the craft supplies are a good thing and not clutter - he just has to be patient while the first million rolls in. LOL!

Where do you sell your creations?

Currently, I sell my Hair Flair at

http://hairflair.etsy.com/

http://www.hairflair.ca/

I also sell them at three local boutiques; Retroactive Kids, A Whales Tale and Bubba Loo's- I sell at lots of craft fairs and the Pier Street Market in Campbell River, when in season - it starts back up in early May.

Where do you create?

My coffee table in my living room is my workbench. I like it because it's central and I don't miss what else is going on.What inspires you?- If it makes me smile, then I think it will make someone else smile - that's good enough for me :D

What are your goals?

To eventually drop my hours at my regular job and to make & sell Hair Flair nearly full-time.

What do you friends and family think of your creations?

They love them! I have to provide samples all the time, because word of mouth is very important. It's not just good enough to describe them, to feel and play with them works best!

What do you do when you are not creating?

I am a Mom and a Wife and I work at a local financial institution as their Receptionist. My daughter and husband keep me laughing all the time; their silliness feeds off each other and I love it! My job is very fitting because I'm social and get paid to talk!

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

I find that I don't just make Hair Flair, I create it. I have so many different combinations of colour, appliqués and bling that there's barely any two that are alike and someone should find something that they fall in love with - at the very least, put a smile on their face, too.

Laura Van Horne of LVH Designs is today's featured artist

Who are you?

Laura Van Horne, Canadian, Female, Mother, Wife, Speech Therapist, and most importantly: ARTIST

Where are you located?

Seattle, Washington

What do you create?

I create so many things. Everything I see that I like, I have to go and try to create it (paintings, jewelry, sewing, soap making, pottery, etc.). Right now my number one passion is painting. Both encaustic and acrylic paintings are what I do.

Are you able to support yourself with your creations?

Unfortunately not. I am also a Speech Therapist and mother of two (age 1 and 3).

Where do you sell your creations?

I just started selling my art (along with baby clothes and hair clips) on etsy- www.lvhdesigns.etsy.com - I also have an art show at my house once a year.

Where do you create?

Well I used to create in my art studio, which turned into my son's bedroom a few years ago. Now, unfortunately it is my dining room. My poor family is very tolerable of my messes.

What inspires you?

That is hard to answer because I feel inspired to paint or create all the time- it is just a constant. I think when I am in nature I feel 'extra' inspired. I put alot of pictures of trees/flowers in my paintings. My trip to France and Italy 4 years ago also inspired me to do a series of paintings of houses/hills/landscapes.

What are your goals?

I want to continue creating beautiful things everyday.

What do you friends and family think of your creations?

Everybody seems to like what I paint. Who knows, maybe they are just being nice.

What do you do when you are not creating?

When I am not actually creating with my hands, I am creating in my head, and storing ideas. As I mentioned previously, I have a one and three year old so that keeps me pretty busy as well. I also work part time as a speech therapist.

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

I have a big, hairy, obnoxious dog named 'go to bed'.