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.

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!

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'.

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.

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!