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.

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.

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 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 Rebecca Dixon

Who are you?

Rebecca Dixon, co-owner of Up from the Ashes

Where are you located?

Folsom, Pennsylvania

What do you create?

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

Are you able to support yourself with your creations?

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

Where do you sell your creations?

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

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

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

Where do you create?

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

What inspires you?

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

What are your goals?

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

What do you friends and family think of your creations?

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

What do you do when you are not creating?

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

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

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

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!

Today's featured artist is Heather of Kinichi River Designs

Who are you?

My name is Heather, I am the owner of Kinichi River Designs.

Where are you located?

Northeastern Pennsylvania, USA

What do you create?

For my business: Sock Friends (funny little stuffed critters made from socks), Chainmaille jewelry, and Wire-wrapped jewelry. Not for my business: just about anything I can! I enjoy making paper, carving candles, cross-stitching, sewing, scrapbooking, bookbinding, making ATCs, collages... and tons more that I want to try but have not had the opportunity.

Are you able to support yourself with your creations? No, it is a part-time business. I'd like to keep it part-time, though and am not aiming to support myself this way.

Where do you sell your creations?

At the moment, my creations are only available at my Etsy shop: http://kinichiriver.etsy.com/

Where do you create?

I have an excellent craft room in my new home... but I still usually create on the couch in front of the television. Sometimes I'll put in a movie, but quite often I like to watch episodes of Buffy the Vampire Slayer!

What inspires you?

This is always a tough question for me. I don't usually go into my projects with a design or outcome in mind. This is especially true of my sock friends. I start picking a few socks out, then just cut and sew and let them take shape. I never know quite how they will turn out in the end and I absolutely love that about creating them! Seeing the final moments as I create the mouth and sew on the eyes is so much fun - a new little critter in front of my eyes! I suppose it is the surprise that inspires me.

What are your goals?

I want to continue to grow my business and share my creations with others. I would like my business to be a viable part-time income, but for now, I don't think I would like this to become my full-time job.

What do you friends and family think of your creations?

They are endlessly supportive and very excited for me! My husband, especially, has been an amazing source of encouragement and support. He even writes the bios for my sock friends! He's got such a talent with words and really brings those critters to life!

What do you do when you are not creating?

I spend time with my husband when I can. I love to read, do jigsaw puzzles. I have a bit of an obsession with playing Tetris right now. I'm also learning how to ventilate wigs (hand-tied), which has been a fun challenge.

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

You can also see more pics on my flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/kinichiriver/

Thanks so much for this opportunity!

Thank you for allowing me to feature you.

Today's featured artist is Rebecca Bogan of Adobe Sol

Who are you?

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





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


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


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


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


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


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




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

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




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


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


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

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




Thank you for allowing me to feature you, Rebecca.