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!

Today's featured artist is Susan See

Who are you?

Susan See. A single female currently living in NM but who has lived in NJ, NY, Indiana, Colorado, Italy and traveled thru dozens of other states and who plans to move to Europe in 3-4 years.


Where are you located?

Albuquerque, New Mexico USA


What do you create?

I'm a photographer specializing in documentary/street photography, portraits and lately landscapes. I didn't use to be that much of a landscape photog but over the past 3 years I've been shooting more of this subject.


Are you able to support yourself with your creations?

No afraid not at this time but I will eventually. I currently have a M-F office job at the local daily newspaper.

Where do you sell your creations?

Pretty much just here on Etsy for the time being. http://susansee.etsy.com/ Last summer I began selling at various art/farmers markets for the first time and plan on continuing that this summer.


Where do you create?

hmmm....well if I'm understanding the question, I shoot wherever. I like to take road trips to give me new inspiration and it also teaches me a lot about the world.


What inspires you?

Oh gosh....lots of things really. My cat Curio, peeling paint on an old wooden door, crinkled dry leaves, the big eyes of a child, the pained look in a homeless person. I have been shooting since I was a kid (12 or 13) and for me the world is a rectangle thru which I compose. My family inspires me to work on my patience and compassion *lol* My friends inspire me to be a better person.


What are your goals?

To get away from the confines of an office job where I'm stuck indoors for 8+ hours 5 days a week and away from the stagnant energy that lives in such environments. I want to move to Europe and travel all the while shooting and getting paid to do so.


What do you friends and family think of your creations?

Well....my friends are very supportive, always have been. My mom and middle-brother are of the "supportive with the 'why don't you get a real job'" kind of mentality. My oldest brother is also an artist but lucked out in that he's also good with computers *lol* and so he and I are fairly close.


What do you do when you are not creating?

*shiver* gad I try not to think in those terms! *silly smile* Basically if I'm not shooting or editing images or marketing my photos I'm either at work M-F 8am-5pm or I'm asleep!


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

hmmm...*scratching head*...well not to sound all high and mighty but just to remind people to please go out and vote this year.

Thank you for allowing me to feature you.

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 Dilara Casey

Who are you?

My name is Dilara Casey

Where are you located?

I live in Columbus, Ohio

What do you create?

I create a little bit of everything. I knit and crochet, I make jewelry, I have started experimenting with resin, I like to make papercrafts. I also dabble in sewing and needlework. I have a sister-shop called BuckeyeBling http://buckeyebling.etsy.com/ where I make things targeted directly to fans of the Ohio State Buckeyes.

Are you able to support yourself with your creations?

I have a full time job in addition to selling my goods. My husband is currently in law school so the supplemental income I make from selling my crafts definitely turns a profit and helps pay the bills.

Where do you sell your creations?

I have two etsy shops http://locura.etsy.com/ and http://buckeyebling.etsy.com/ and I sell some of my Buckeye rosaries at a local jeweler here in Columbus called Worthington Jewelers http://www.worthingtonjewelers.com/

Where do you create?

This is an easy one. I create EVERYWHERE. I think it might drive my husband crazy but he is a good sport about it. I mostly make jewelry on the dining room table. I crochet and knit on the couch. I alter clothes in the living room. I cast resin on the patio...I kind of just go wherever there's space. When my husband and I were in a rock band, I would often crochet blankets and scarves in the van while we drove to shows. We live in a small condo and once we get a house it has already been decided that I get a crafting room!

What inspires you?

Retro things mostly. My friend said that my stuff is cool with a 70's vibe. I never intend on that but I guess since I like things that are fun and funky; things you won't see everywhere, it inspires me. I love wearing vintage stuff so I try to make things that are cool and timeless and will transcend trends and fads and last a long time. I think it would be awesome if somebody kept a piece I made and their kids dug it out of their closet one day and decided to start wearing it. Another thing that inspires me is cost; I like to make these things awesome but I also want them to be affordable for people.

What are your goals?

My goals are in three years to quit my full time job and make a living off my creations. By then my husband will be done with law school and I can focus more on taking myself to the next level.

What do you friends and family think of your creations?

Every friend and family member I can think of has at least one thing I made and they love it. My husband is especially encouraging and supportive but I have to say that all of my friends and family are great. They come to shows and seem to be just as enthusiastic about my crafts as I am. It is very flattering and such a blessing, it really fuels me.

What do you do when you are not creating?

Sleeping. Seriously. I usually work at my day job from 7:30am-4:30pm and I go to the gym, get home and start creating. I usually don't stop until I literally fall asleep. I can't tell you how many times my husband has pried a crochet hook out of my hands while I am sleeping. But in all honesty, I really love working out, cooking and baking, spending time with my man, going to concerts and traveling. I also collect Pez dispensers. It doesn't take much time except when I do my annual inventory count. That is another story though...

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

I have always been involved with crafting in one form or another. My aunt started a craft business in the 1980's and ran it for about 25 years before retiring. She taught me most everything I know about crafting and how to find that balance between business and a hobby. I also saw her get really stressed and burnt out by certain aspects of it so I've been really good with time and project management.

I try to live by one of my favorite quotes from songwriter Jewel,

"My whole goal is to keep my spirit intact. If that doesn't happen, none of this is worth it."

Thanks having this awesome feature on your blog!

Thank you for allowing me to feature you.

Today's featured artist is Caitlyn Wandling

Who are you?

My name is Caitlin Wandling. I am a wife and momma to my two favorite guys!

Where are you located?

I live in Iowa.

What do you create?

I screen print tees. I love how limitless it is. There are so many different directions you can go with it! I also dabble in some sewing and jewelry making.

Are you able to support yourself with your creations?

Not yet! I would love to one day, but for now I have a desk job along with my creative job

Where do you sell your creations?

I sell to friends and family, as well as at http://carmelturtle.com/, http://carmelturtle.etsy.com/, and soon (I know, I know...) http://doubleyou.etsy.com/. Doubleyou will be filled with my non-clothing items.

Where do you create?

I create out of my home in an office I share with my hubby.

What inspires you?

Pregnant bellies, my little man, God & His Word, nature...

What are your goals?

To grow my business up enough for it to be a steady source of support for my family.

What do you friends and family think of your creations?

They think it's pretty rad. Who wouldn't??

What do you do when you are not creating?

Work and hang out with my hubby and 1-year-old. I also hang out with friends and family and go to church schtuff.

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

Uhh...check out my husband's shop @ http://mikethinks.etsy.com/. He's new and awesome and needs some sales. Hehe. Sneaking in a little promo there. Thanks so much for this opportunity!

Thank you for allowing me to feature you.

Today's featured artist is Amy Carter

Who are you?

Amy Carter (not that one)

Where are you located?

Idaho, USA

What do you create?

Lots of things, my passion is drawing and painting, but I also enjoy polymer clay, beads, stained glass, photography and I crochet too.

Are you able to support yourself with your creations?

I hope to, one day.

Where do you sell your creations?

http://starvnrtist.etsy.com/ http://theunknownstore.com/ and by word of mouth.

Where do you create?

My dining room doubles at my art studio - I have a art station that I just love...the top part is an antique Hoosier top (has the pull out flour bin) and the bottom was marked as a bar, but I am not sure.

What inspires you?

Everything.

What are your goals?

Goals??? I just enjoy being creative, but would love to make a living at it.

What do you friends and family think of your creations?

That is the reason I am on etsy...every time I make something I am told 'you could sell that'.What do you do when you are not creating? I enjoy hanging out with friends, helping my husband raise our kids, traveling, junking and ghost hunting.

Is there anything else you would like to share with us?You can see more of my work here: http://flickr.com/photos/fatcatcreationsbystarvnrtist/ http://fatcatcreationsbystarvnrtist.blogspot.com/

Support local artists.

Thank you for allowing me to feature you, Amy.

Today's featured Artist is Cassie Ogle

Who are you?

Cassie Ogle

Where are you located?

Southwestern Virginia, the heart of the Appalachian Mountains.

What do you create?

Hand bound books and knit items

Are you able to support yourself with your creations?

At the moment, no. I do hope to be able to in the future.

Where do you sell your creations?

In my Etsy Shop: http://thecraftykitten.etsy.com/ I also have my work at the Appalachian Arts Center in Richlands, Virginia.

Where do you create?

I have a small studio at my home that functions nicely during the warm months. During the colder months, I work in my den because my studio gets very cold.

What inspires you?

Color. Color and color combinations amaze me. My current favorite color combination is chocolate brown and light teal or light blue. I love the colors that I find in the world around me. I should not be allowed to drive a sunset because I am staring at the beautiful colors of the sky instead of watching the road.

What are your goals?

My goal is to be able to support myself either strictly with my work or to be able to at least work only part-time.

What do you friends and family think of your creations?

My friends and family love what I create and give me the best honest opinions anyone could ask for. Every time I tell them about something new, I am trying or learning they usually say something like "Is there anything crafty that you haven't done?” I love to try new things! I am currently taking a quilting class with my mom.

What do you do when you are not creating?

Non-creating time for me is not often. Sometimes I veg out in front of the TV watching CSI reruns. My husband and I like to go for long drives down old country roads during the summer. I am an assistant Girl Scout leader and spend a couple nights a month with "The Girls". Other than that, I am pretty much either at work or creating something.


Is there anything else you would like to share with us? I have a blog where I post about my crafting adventures at http://paperkitty.wordpress.com/ Feel free to stop in and say hello!

Thank you for allowing me to feature you, Cassie.

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.

Today's featured artist is Hannah Nielson

Who are you?

Hannah Nielsen

Where are you located?

Northwest Arkansas, USA

What do you create?

I create scarves and other accessories.

Are you able to support yourself with your creations?

Nope, not yet.

Where do you sell your creations?

Locally and at http://elegantscarf.etsy.com/

Where do you create?

I create in my home, I recently transformed a spare bedroom into a fiber studio. :)

What inspires you?

I'm draw inspiration from many places — nature, life, books, the materials' color and texture.

What are your goals?

I would love to support myself with my creations; I'm planning to diversify my shop's offerings more in the next year, as well as focus more on using recycled materials. I also hope to learn how to spin this year.

What do your friends and family think of your creations?

They help promote my items. I guess that means they like them, huh?

What do you do when you are not creating?

I read, cook, blog — http://skarph.com/blog http://wordlily.wordpress.com/ and http://fikafood.wordpress.com/ — and spend time with friends and family.

Thank you for allowing me to feature you.

Today's Featured artist is Julie Diers

Who are you?

julie diers

Where are you located?

pennsylvania, USA

What do you create?

handcrafted windowsill herb gardens

Are you able to support yourself with your creations?

not yet....

Where do you sell your creations?

etsy... http://etsybunnie.etsy.com/

Where do you create?

my bedroom is my work space...my sanctuary

What inspires you?

all things green and growing

What are your goals?

to make my little herb business a success!!maybe a world wide phenomena!!! (:

What do you friends and family think of your creations?

they are very encouraging and supportive!!

What do you do when you are not creating?

think about creating

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

i love to create these little herb gardens and i hope they will bring a smile to others the way they do mine by creating them!!!thanks so much for letting me be part of your blog!!

Thank you for allowing me to feature you.