Audrey Country Crafts is our featured artist today

Who are you?
Audrey Friesen

Where are you located?
Manitoba, Canada

What do you create?
I do Decorative/Tole painting on anything that will sit still long enough. Everythng from wood (which I cut out myself), tin, jean blankets, jean tote bags, sleighs, stools, you name it. I've also started making raggedy tote bags.

Where do you sell your creations?
On Etsy mostly, I do have one other shoppe, and for Oct - Christmas my friends and I have a "Christmas Craft Store" in the local mall. http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=6272600

Where do you create?
I have a wood shop attached to my hubby's shop, and also have a room in the house where I can paint and sew. It's nice being able to close the door on the mess sometimes.

What inspires you?
Oh my - well, I would have to say nature, other crafters, things I see at the store, on T.V. or anywhere really.

What are your goals?
Well, it would be nice to make enough money selling crafts to make my hubby happy (LOL). I would like to be able to support my crafting addiction with what I sell.

Are you able to support yourself with your creations?
Not even close! It would be nice though.

What do you friends and family think of your creations?
They are quite impressed. Most of my friends also are crafters/artists but we all create different product. It's still great to get together and compare experiences and ideas.

What do you do when you are not creating?
Laundry, dishes, cooking, cleaning - the everyday duties of a mom/wife. I drive a school bus to help support the family and my crafting.

Is there anything else you would like to share with us?
I've been crafting for about 15 years now. Started when the youngest was 2 years old. I saw an ad in the local paper for a beginner folkart painting class and hubby suggested that I go as a way to get out of the house for awhile. At the time I was a stay-at-home mom. Obviously he didn't realize it would become an addiction and take over a room in the house and part of his shop!! He might be sorry now. (LOL)

Please list your blog, twitter, Facebook or other address you would like to promote.
Three blogs: http://audreyscountrycrafts.blogspot.com
http://audreyscountrycraftsgiveaway.blogspot.com
http://audreysrecipes.blogspot.com

Thank you for answering my questions and sharing with us.

Featured Artist CaffeinatedFrenzy

Who are you?

Kelsey, also known as CaffeinatedFrenzy

Where are you located?

I live in a suburb just outside of Cleveland.

What do you create?

I create hand knit accessories, gloves, scarves, hats, pillows, coffee sleeves, steering wheel covers, and more. I like to create knits that people wouldn't have thought of before.

Where do you sell your creations?

I started by selling at a local boutique, then moved on to Etsy. Now I sell on Etsy, Artfire and 1000Markets.

Where do you create?

My bedroom is my studio. More than often it has more yarn than anything else. :)

What inspires you?

The yarn itself inspires me. The color, the texture, I think the yarn sort of figures out what it wants to become itself.

What are your goals?

I would like to continue CaffeinatedFrenzy as a side job. I think keeping the business small will keep the personal, handmade charm of my shop.

Are you able to support yourself with your creations?

It certainly helps! But right now I have two part time jobs as well. What do you friends and family think of your creations? They're very supportive. One of my friends just bought a scarf from me!

What do you do when you are not creating?

I cook, I dance, and I drink too much coffee.

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

My favorite orders are custom ones. I encourage buyers to not shy away from special requests! I love to create one of a kind things that reflect the people my customers are.

Please list your blog, twitter, Facebook or other address you would like to promote.

Here is my facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/pages/Cleveland-OH/CaffeinatedFrenzy/124801195234 My blog: http://caffeinatedfrenzy.blogspot.com/

Thank you for taking the time to answer my questions.

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'.

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

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 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 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!

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/

I'm a featured artist today on another blog!

I woke up this morning to a conversation from DecMeadow telling me I have been featured the their blog. What an honor!

Please take a moment and check out their blog http://decmeadow.blogspot.com

Today's featured Artist is Heather of Quid

Please welcome this newer Etsy seller.

Who are you?

I'm Heather of QUiD!

Where are you located?

I'm a Texan by birth but Good Old Oklahoma is where I currently lay my claim.

What do you create?

Whatever pops into my head at 2am usually! I love working with vintage items and creating things from clay.

Are you able to support yourself with your creations?

I've only been at it seriously for a few weeks, so I'll have to keep my day job for now. I do support my inner artist, though!

Where do you sell your creations?

On etsy! http://quid.etsy.com/

Where do you create?

Anywhere I can be out of reach of the kitties! One day I WILL have a studio...

What inspires you?

I'm hugely inspired my mid-century design. But anything can spark a thought, you know?

What are your goals?

To take over the world! Hehe...I'd really like to be able to create things that people love and that I love making for them.

What do you friends and family think of your creations?

I'm in the process of working on a *custom* piece for my mom...she's very particular!

What do you do when you are not creating?

I hang out at my marketing job and come up with fancy headlines for emails! And I'm practicing to become the world's coolest superhero...

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

Everyone was designed to have a little "creative" in you. Whether you express that through a painting or by uncovering innovative tax deductions, don't forget to use your inner artist!