Featured Artist: BackWoods Creations

I have been doing the arts and crafts thing since I was a wee child. Mom always said idle hands can make trouble. I love keeping the creativity flowing and still find time to get into trouble. My creative endeavors are somewhat eclectic.

Creating fabric animal sculptures and mixed media pieces is where its at for me. All items are made in a smoke free environment. I will take suggestions for new critters so just let me know what you have in mind. Items are not toys for kids. I do custom work as well! So if you have a special cat or dog or whatever drop me a convo.

All of my items are made in a smoke free environment but we do have pets (2 corgis - Rudy and Cleo and 2 cats- Stella and Minnie). If you are interested in learning more about me and my artistic leanings check out my blog at www. backwoodscreations.blogspot.com.

Also, check out my second shop, SecondLife (http://SecondLife.etsy.com), for tons of sheet music from Victorian Times on up to the late 60's.

Etsy Shop: http://backwoodscreations.etsy.com
Blog: http://backwoodscreations.blogspot.com

Featured Artist: DreamON

I always loved to cut, paste, paint and draw from my earliest memories. Creating art is what I do, it's built-in by my creator, He enables me, and I love it.

My college degree is in art. In addition I have received training from some fine national and regionally-known artists. Some of my most important lessons came from not so well-known, but wonderful artists who now paint in the sky, and local artists who teach the basics, as well as the artists I paint with.

I value the presence of a recognizable subject in my paintings. I love it when the center of interest appears in the midst of background objects that aren’t so well-defined. I want watercolor to look like watercolor, and I want my paintings to have a painterly look, not a photographic copy. Therefore I am an impressionist, because I don’t want to over-control the media.


Etsy Shop: http://DreamON.etsy.com
Blog: http://DreamsAboutArt.blogspot.com

Featured Artist: Lazy Cat

Lazy Cat Gifts was created by three friends in Ann Arbor, MI. Two of them were in medical school at the University of Michigan and the third worked in a laboratory there. All of us had grandmothers who crocheted, however Kelly had the most experience.

After honing our skills for several years making many gifts for many family members and friends, we decided to try to sell some of our creations! We had a good start at a local craft show and found Etsy.com while searching for a gentle way to beginning selling online. (Plus, Etsy comes with the bonus of a great community of artists!) Etsy is also great for us, because Kelly has moved to Philadelphia, while Allison and Stasia still live in Ann Arbor. However, we keep in touch every day! And, we are all so excited Kelly is moving back to Ann Arbor in June!

We enjoy using the skills from our grandmothers to create wonderfully hip and modern pieces. We crochet in both yarn and wire, creating artisan bead crochet jewelry, scarves, hats, etc. We are constantly looking for ways to expand crochet, and we love making custom items!

We are updating our store all the time, so please check back often to see what new goodies have appeared!

Additionally, our Boutique line of jewelry is currently available at Suwanee Springs at 306 S. Main St. in Ann Arbor, MI. Please stop in to see these exclusive pieces!

In the past, we have featured Kelly's mom's items in "Ruth Ellen's Creations" as she is unable to make her own website. Hopefully her beautiful quilts and tasty dog treats will return soon.

Read more about our store and the cats who inspire it on our blog: http://lazycatgifts.blogspot.com

Etsy Shop: http://lazycat.etsy.com
Blog: http://lazycatgifts.blogspot.com

Featured Artist: Ulixis Crafts

My name is Amanda, I'm 21 years old and I grew up in the middle of nowhere - Northern Ontario. I'm currently a fifth year Honours Biology and Pharmacology co-op student at McMaster University and I'm working in the Janssen lab on my thesis. I do real-time videomicroscopy of smooth muscle cell migration.

I've been crafty my whole life, and enjoy making a variety of things. When I was younger, it was drawing, then wreathes, dolls and beading. Now, my focus has switched to notebooks and jewelry. I also enjoy cooking, reading, writing and problem solving.

Please check out my blog, where I'll be posting regularly on personal tid-bits, inspirations and featuring other Canadian / Etsy sellers!!

Etsy Shop: http://ulixis.etsy.com
Blog: http://ulixis.blogspot.com

Featured Artist: Indigo Luna

My name is Rachel Kitterman and I am an art addict. My primary passion is fabric and I have been making art quilts and dolls for over a decade now. I also love paper, altered art, mixed-media, knitting, crocheting, jewelry, artist books, photography... pretty much, if it will hold still, I'll make art out of it. Here you will find an ecclectic sampling of all the creative things I love to make.

I have always been an artist. I have always drawn, cut, pasted, painted, collected, sewn, written and dreamed. I have been driven by the question, “What if?” (and fighting against its archenemy, “That won’t work!”)

I also wear many other hats. Among other things, I am a sign language interpreter, an energy worker, a minister, a blogger, a wife to a wonderful and creative man, and a mother to two wild and amazing little girls. All of these roles shape and change and inform my art.

I am a 5th generation Oregonian. This lush and verdant environment is in my blood. I grew up in a valley surrounded by tree-covered hills and blessed with a great deal of rain. I memorized the names of flowers as a child. I picked basketsful of mushrooms in the damp woods and studied moss and built forts inside of blackberry thickets. After traveling the United States, I can’t imagine living anywhere else.

My work has appeared on the cover of the 2005 Quilting Arts Calender, in Artella Magazine, Art/Quilt Magazine, Fiberarts Design Book 6, as well as many juried shows.

I also write and I'd love it if you'd come by to check out my blog at http://indigoluna.typepad.com

Proud member of EarthPath Artisans Street Team E.A.S.T. Search for "east" to see other amazing goodies made by this talented team.

Etsy Shop: http://Indigoluna.etsy.com
Blog: http://indigoluna.typepad.com/indigo_luna/

Featured Artist: Contas Brasil

1. Tell me a bit about yourself (name, location, affiliations, personal stuff).

I am the third daughter from a family with 7 children!! My father is an Opthamologist and my mother has a Ballet school.

2. What is the first thing you can remember making by hand? How and why did you make it?

Knitting! When I was about 9, I saw my mother was knitting something and I became curious, so she taught me how to do it.

3. What inspires you? Where do your ideas come from?

The beads and what is inside my mind!!

4. Why should people buy handmade?

Not everything handmade should be bought ONLY because its handmade. When it is a good piece, you recognize that personal touch from the artist and lots of love and energy that she put on it.

5. Creatively where do you think you'll be in five years?

If it depend on my effort, I hope I'll be creating a lot and selling to shops all over the world!!

Etsy Shop: http://contasbrasil.etsy.com
Etsy Shop: http://contascoeln.etsy.com
Blog: http://contaskoeln.blogspot.com/

Featured Artist: Entyqua (Becki's Designs)

I am Becki I am a SAHM to one gorgeous little girl!

About the creations
I make both costume and genuine stone/metal jewelry as well as finish Jewelry boxes, card making and other paper crafts and coming soon I will be doing clothing as well! I have a lot of creative outlets

For my Jewelry: I use a lot of natural stones and beads for my creations, my favorite being wood and gemstones. I also love to use pearls weather they are freshwater or faux pearls have a very elegant feel to them and always and a touch of class to every piece they are used in! All my jewelry designs are Hand made with care a love. Also you will always find each piece is very unique and will never be recreated. If you need a necklace or bracelet made to a certain size please specify during checkout, if I have the extra materials I can make the changes! I also LOVE to do custom work! I love to share ideas with others to come to a creation that might not be with out two great minds working together!

For the Finished Jewelry Boxes
I LOVE to paint I love to decorate I love to take something ordinary Like a plain unfinished wooden box and make it dazzle. These are one of my favorites of my hobbies. They come to me from a craft store plain dull and wood colored and ends up with color and flair and style I love the transformation!

For the paper crafts
I am a scrapper I will always be a scrapper I have so much scrap I don’t know what to do with it! SO I make cards and other paper related crafts! I wish I had enough time to do this more than I do!

For the clothing
COMING SOON!! Can’t wait!

For more information on my Hobbies (yes all of them and yes there are MORE ACK!!) Please visit my blog! http://beckisdesigns.blogspot.com/

Etsy Store: http://entyqua.etsy.com
Blog: http://beckisdesigns.blogspot.com/

Featured Artist: Sweet Irie

Established in 2005, the Sweet Irie name came about from the newest addition to my family; my kitten, Irie. Her name means, supreme joy; quite fitting! She is the light of my life and the inspiration for my jewelry, as she likes to help me work! Although I have to admit, she isn't much help! She loved to play with the jewelry and balls of hemp I once used; stringing it all over the house. Needless to say, she now has her own stash of 'toys' lying around. Just as well, I have since moved on from making hemp jewelry and create the beautiful handmade beaded designs you will see throughout this store. I do hope you enjoy!

I am a proud member Etsy FEST (Florida Etsy Street Team)and Etsy Bead Street Team! Please check out our blogs for awesome group information and events:

Special Orders
Don't see what you are looking for within my store? Or do you simply have a special request!?! I would love to create a special design just for you! Call on me for your unique jewelry project and watch it come to life! Sweet Irie Originals can make any custom accessory to fit your color, style, and budget! Just pick a color, two, or three, size, and a bead and style preference and let me do the work! Send me your thoughts and let me draw something up for your approval...see your vision come to life; and all before you buy! I guarantee you will love it!

To request more information convo me or contact me via email at info@sweetirie.com.

Etsy Shop: http://sweetirie.etsy.com
Blog: http://www.sweetirieoriginals.blogspot.com
Blog: http://etsyfest.blogspot.com/
Blog: http://www.etsybeadstreet.blogspot.com/
Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/shellmonster

Featured Artist: lchandler

My passion is creating unique pieces of jewelry. I eat, sleep, drink, shop and dream of making jewelry.

Linda Chandler began making jewelry even as a child and grew up designing and handcrafting one of a kind pieces. She is inspired from designs of nature to basic functional pieces and combines the two into literal works of art. Linda is a master craftsman in many facets of jewelry making. Whether it be silversmithing intricate filigree designs, weaving wire into almost impossible patterns or stone setting, her foremost enjoyment comes from the design to finish of her amazing pieces.

Linda has been a vendor on Etsy for well over a year and finds it a welcome change from The traditional Art Show scene that she spent many years taking part in. She feels that Etsy is a wonderful and lucrative avenue in which to share your designs, meet fellow artisans, and share tips and techniques.

Author of "Woven Wire Jewelry" & "Getting Started Making Jewelry".
Scheduled 2/08 "Wire Wrapping".

Etsy Shop: http://lchandler.etsy.com
Blog: http://lchandler.blogspot.com/
Website: http://jewelrybylinda.com
Flickr Account: http://www.flickr.com/photos/jewelrybylinda/

Featured Artist: Eva Felicity Designs

Hello there, My name is Eva and I am so very happy to be here on Etsy showcasing all of my happy little creations. I make them all in the cute little studio that my amazing boyfriend built for me, so I must give him some credit here. I am quite new to Etsy but know that I will take any order as top priority. All items are Handcrafted by Myself.

MATERIALS USED
Jewelry
All items are glass, stone, crystal, pearl or metal beads unless otherwise stated. The metals I use are: .925 Sterling Silver, Silver plated, silver-tone basemetal, gold-toned basemetal and surgical steel.

Sewn Crafts
All items are hand/machine sewn using quality fabrics and materials.

Bath Products
All products are made by hand in small batches. Only the finest natural ingredients and essential oils are used. Flavored items such as lipbalms will occasionally contain popular scents and flavors not achievable by all-natural methods, and so I will use natural-derived, food grade, man-made ingredients. I will ALWAYS state in an items description whether these are used.

Photography and Art
All photography is taken with either my wonderful digital or SLR camera in and around my hometown of Hanson, surrounding cities of south shore Massachusetts and while vacationing. Special shipping for photographs! Due to the lengthy process of printing high quality Glossy photos, at this time it may take me up to 1 week to ship a photo or poster.

Etsy Shop: http://EvaFelicityDesigns.etsy.com
Blog: http://evafelicity.blogspot.com/

Featured Artist: Mineral Magic

I take great pride in my makeup line and guarantee 100% satisfaction. Mineral makeup is pure, crushed minerals from the earth, that improves your skin condition. It provides an SPF (sun protection factor) of up to 20, depending on how much you apply. It is an anti-inflamatory for your skin, as well. My makeup does NOT contain bismuth oxychloride, which is kin to arsenic, and is most likely the reason for skin discomfort and bad skin reaction.

Since these minerals are 100% pure, bacteria cannot be supported and there is no expiration date. There is also virtually no allergy risk. It won't clog your pores and is used as a mineral supplement for your skin.

I am married with one child and live in Pennsylvania.

I went to Rutgers University for purchasing and finance, and Manatee College for radiography. I am also a licensed cosmetologist.

I have recently added my son, Timmy to my store. He's nine, has autism (is high-functioning), and has made smelly jellies, aroma ice beads and more.

I am teaching him about business and how to manage his money. He's worked very hard on his products. Please see his work in the Made By Timmy/Awareness Section of my store.

We are Christians, and we believe in Israel's right to exist. We support the Jewish people worldwide. Please contact www.jhm.org , www.cufi.org (John Hagee Ministries) and www.ifcj.com (International Fellowship of Christians And Jews) for more information on how you can bless the Jewish People. Genesis 12:3

Etsy Shop: http://MINERALMAGIC.etsy.com
Blog: http://mineralmagic.blogspot.com/
Website: http://kelliesmineralmagic.ning.com/

Featured Artist: Personal Treasures

Hi, I’m Phyllis Mufson, a jewelry artisan and a creative career and small business coach. I started making jewelry while directing the Locks Career Center at Moore College of Art & Design, an inspiring environment where I worked with wonderfully creative people.

Now I work in my sunny living room where I talk with clients and have all of my jewelry equipment close at hand. My design inspiration is my 23-story “bead condo” – clear, stacking sectioned boxes brimming with color-coordinated gold and silver, gemstones and pearls.

Earlier in my life I was a textile artist and that sensibility influences my designs. I'm concerned with how the jewelry drapes and moves with the body. I'm also inspired by my customers. In addition to my ETSY stores I sell through private jewelry shows so I gethttp://www.blogger.com/img/gl.link.gif to see how women respond to the jewelry. I talk with them about what interests them, and fhttp://www.blogger.com/img/gl.link.gifind out which designs are particularly flattering to wear.

If you like Personal Treasures but are loohttp://www.blogger.com/img/gl.link.gifking for something more simple or casual please visit my Mufi Jewels store at http://mufi.etsy.com.

You can learn more about my coaching practice at http://phyllismufson.interfaceias.com.
I also have a blog where I write about creativity and creative people – http://personaltreasures.blogspot.com.

I sell wholesale. If you are interested in carrying my work or hosting a jewelry party please email me.

Etsy Shop: http://PersonalTreasures.etsy.com
Blog: http://personaltreasures.blogspot.com/

Featured Artist: Kuddle Bugz Threadz

*** Holiday Promotion ***

The EtsyBaby Street Team is having a Holiday Promotion Starting Saturday, November 16th through Wednesday, December 12th.

There's a mouse in the house... that's right Santa's helper Kris-mouse is making his way through the EtsyBABY shops! Kris wants to help you find special gifts and great deals for those sweet babies! If you buy an item where Kris's picture shows up, you'll receive a free gift with your purchase.


My name is Toni and I am the mother of two wonderful little twin girls!

Yes, I live way up North where it gets VERY cold in the winter... -50 degrees F! (And yes, there really is a place called North Pole! It is about 10 miles from Fairbanks, AK.) The winters do get long, but it is absolutely breath taking up here in Alaska! The summer days are amazing with such long days!

I am most famous for being "Mommy" to my 16 month old twin daughters! I never knew I had so much love in me until I became a mother! They are so precious!

And they are the inspiration for KuddleBugz Threadz! With the need in Fairbanks for warm baby items, I felt a tug at my heart to use my talents to help other moms! Tori and Trista inspired the name "KuddleBugz", they are truly my little kuddlebugz!

Keep your little ones warm and cozy this winter with a beautiful Infant Car Seat Cover! For those tiny toes, pick up a pair of warm and cozy booties! Don't have a NEW Baby? How about new hat or pair of mittens for that Toddler in your life?

Looking for something special? I can do custom orders! Please convo. me to let me know what colors you are looking for!

Not sure what to get?? I offer Gift Certificates!

Refer a Friend and get 25% off! See store profile for details!

Proud Member of EtsyBaby and EtsyKids

Etsy Shop: http://KuddleBugzThreadz.etsy.com
Blog: http://kuddlebugzthreadz.blogspot.com

Featured Artist: Kala

1. Tell me a bit about yourself (name, location, affiliations, personal stuff).

My name is Karen, I'm mum to two beautiful children and a professional artist and illustrator from the UK. I love to create and have trouble deciding what to do so I usually end up trying to a bit of everything from painting to jewellery making and crochet, which is why I opened an esty shop.

Here you will find my artwork, prints and cards,
my crafts and jewellery can be found in my new shop opening soon http://upwiththelark.etsy.com/

My main website is www.chalkhillstudio.co.uk which is where I sell my stationery and gifts for those special moments in our lives! To see what goes on in my life visit my blog http://karenjinks.blogspot.com/

2. What is your favourite thing in your shop and why?

My favourite item is usually the last thing I've made. I have a lot of interests and skills so find it difficult to keep making the same thing over again, so one day I will be making books or cards, the next I will be painting, the next making jewellery or lightcatchers. In fact my favourite thing is the actual process of making, there is nothing more satisfying.

3. What is the best thing about your products?

I suppose it's the fact that a lot of my items can be personalised, and I offer a full bespoke design service so customers can get something they wouldn't be able to get anywhere else.

4. Who is your dream buyer? Brad Pitt, Queen Elizabeth.

Believe it or not that has already happened and no, I'm not telling!

5. What is the best homemade item you have ever bought?

Gosh that's a tricky one, there are so many talented artists out there but my latest purchase that I am completely besotted with is a handmade top made from vintage scarves from the wonderful Kate Fletcher at greygoat.etsy.com. Simply stunning!

Etsy Shop: http://kala.etsy.com
Blog: http://chalkhillstudio.blogspot.com/

Featured Artist: Elektra Jewelry Design

1. Tell me a bit about yourself (name, location, affiliations, personal stuff).

Dina Cuomo-Goldens Bridge, New York -school teacher, mother of two sons.

2. What inspires you? Where do your ideas come from?

Gorgeous jewelry of Greece, Italy and many jewelry artisans. My ideas come from many sources.

3. What is the best thing you have ever created?

I have many pieces that I say are the best at the time, but then I'll make a new piece and love that one more than the last. One that stands out in my mind was a long pearl lariat piece with gorgeous silver connectors. I wanted to keep it for myself, but I sold it.

4. What is the best thing about your products?

The best thing about my pieces are the materials I use. I use sterling silver, semi-precious stones, gold vermeil, 14k gold filled findings and chain, Murano beads, swarovski, and lampwork beads. All my pieces are one of a kind. I do not duplicate designs.

5. Why should people buy handmade?

There is nothing like handmade for unique design and quality.

Etsy Shop: http://Elektrajewelry.etsy.com
Blog: http://elektrajewelry.blogspot.com/

Featured Artist: Mommy and Me Boutique

1. Tell me a bit about yourself (name, location, affiliations, personal stuff).

Corline
California
Weloveetsy
Indipublic
PoshMoms

2. What is the first thing you can remember making by hand? How and why did you make it?

Paper dolls as a little girls, loved to draw the doll and make her little dresses;

3. What inspires you? Where do your ideas come from?

I love color and fabric. I also try to keep up on the latest in fashion, what colors are showing, how style is used. I incorporate these ideas into my aprons and children's items.

4. Why should people buy handmade?

Each items is unique. You get the passion behind the artist and you know that each item is made with love, care, personal inspiration.

5. What is your favourite thing in your shop and why?

I think I enjoy making the aprons. There seems to be a trend among the younger women to wear them - for some practical purposes but mostly for the fun of it.

Etsy Shop: http://mommyandmeboutique.etsy.com
Blog: http://themommyandmeboutique.blogspot.com

Featured Artist: Silver Dragon

I have always been an artist and one of my earliest art memories is also one of the influences that has stayed with me from the very start. I was four years old and my nursery class had a field trip to a local museum in Rochester, NY. I was completely mesmerized by the textiles and beadwork of the native Americans. I don't know how long I stood there just gazing at the work and absorbing all that the creator had to say.

My path as an artist, however, was a duet of both fine and performing arts. I am a (retired) ballerina as well as a published artist, having done illustrations for a CD picture book, "Papa CArdinal Finds Breakfast" by Sandra Wellborn. One of my paintings accompanied an essay I wrote for an Astronomy textbook. (I also hold a Masters Degree in Astrophysics from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, NY and have worked as an astronomer and still teach astronomy as an adjunct professor for University of Maryland University College.)

My work has continued to grow and expand and I now also count myself as a mistress of the art of beadweaving. My paintings and drawings are as important to me as ever, though, and I don't find enough time to do all that I want!

All of my work is one of a kind (with occasional limited editions -- I have a hard time doing things more than once!). I like to play with color and texture, experiment with shape and drape and form.

Human beings, I think, are happiest when they are allowed to create. I know this is true for me.

Etsy Shop: http://SilverDragon.etsy.com
Blog: http://vener-art.com/beadblog/

Featured Artist: Wyred on Wire

ARE YOU READY TO GET NOTICED?

Sit back and enjoy browsing all the eye candy and pretties that will get you noticed...

I was born and partially raised in NB Canada, I fell in love at the tender age of eight when as a Christmas gift my grandparents gave me a large beading kit from then on I was always making some form of jewelry or another. I still very much love making jewelry the only thing thats changed is my range of materials from plastic stretch cord and plastic pony beads to sterling silver and precious stones. Recently I have realized as an artist you cant completely limit your materials and be happy for to long and I have many ideas for fresh and unique designs using a variety of materials. Each piece of Jewelry I make is an extension of myself to you, there's no mass produced here just pieces that are as unique and special as you are.

I am a proud member of Etsy moms street team
and
Etsy Bags

Etsy Shop: http://wyredonwire.etsy.com
Blog: http://wyredonwire.blogspot.com
Website: http://www.freewebs.com/wyredonwire

Featured Artist: Banana Showcase

1. Tell me a bit about yourself (name, location, affiliations, personal stuff).

I am Kelly Van Voltenburg. I have been sewing since I received a refurbished sewing machine for my 14th birthday. I live in the Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas suburbs and have lived in Texas most of my life. I live with my husband, my 20 year old daughter and her 3 month old daughter. I babysit my granddaughter during the day while her mom works so that means that a good portion of my sewing gets done after everyone else is in bed. Oh and I am a VERY young grandmother! LOL

2. What is the first thing you can remember making by hand? How and why did you make it?

When I was about 4 or 5 my mom would make homemade dough for me. I would create little dolls and pets for them out of the dough. After that my mom would bake the dough so the dolls, cats, dogs, and bunnies would get hard. I would play with all of them until they broke into pieces and then the cycle would start all over again.

3. What is the best thing about your products?

I feel like I make a quality product that is both stylish and durable.

4. Why should people buy your product?

I design all of my own patterns so you will not see anything just like it anywhere else. Also I don't purchase a ton of each fabric that I get and I don't usually purchase the same fabric again. So there will be a limited amount of each item I make. And let's face it, buying handmade just rocks!

5. Who is your dream buyer?

I know lots of people dream of seeing their products being used by celebrities. I would rather tons of just everyday folks buy my products so that they become something recognizeable at a glance. I would love for someone to see me walking down the street and say "Oh I love that Banana Showcase purse that you are carrying."

Etsy Shop: http://BananaShowcase.etsy.com
Blog: http://kellyvanvoltenburg.typepad.com/bananashowcase/

Featured Artist: Creative Sundries

1. Tell me a bit about yourself (name, location, affiliations, personal stuff).

We are Sarah and Carol from Minnesota--daughter/mother and also friends. We have been part of Etsy since June, and it originally started as a destash effort. Since then we've become braver and have listed more and more of our handmade items. Our items include Loteria pendants; earrings made from fuses; fun charm jewelry; repurposed American Airlines trays, and handmade cards, along with some vintage treasures and ephemera (cool and unique papers and sundries).

2. What inspires you? Where do your ideas come from?
Many things! We are inspired by artist/crafting friends and colleagues; children; people who make space for art in their lives; kindness; nature; and more down-to-earth things like fun antique games, vintage children's books, Loteria cards, plastic charms, and pretty papers.

3. What is your favourite thing in your shop and why?
Oh, don't make me choose! Lol... I really had fun making this Dia de los Muertos Ofrenda/Assemblage,
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=7485870. I enjoyed gathering the materials--vintage deer playing card; kitschy plastic flowers (intended as a cake decoration); vintage plastic flowers; a cupcake liner; and fake flowers.

4. What is the best thing you have ever created?
It's hard to say "best," but I'm excited about a Brady Bunch in Hawaii necklace I just finished. :-) I'll be posting it soon!

Etsy Shop: http://creativesundries.etsy.com
Blog: http://creativesundries.blogspot.com
Blog: http://www.indiepublic.com/profiles/blog/list?user=creativesundries

Featured Artist: Adornments by BJ

CREATIVITY IN JEWELRY INVOLVES PASSION FOR THE ART

When an artist puts passion into their creativity, it often leads to striking results! Come browse and see for yourself!

My shop, Adornments by BJ (www.adornmentsbybj.etsy.com) contains a diverse collection of handcrafted, unique, quality jewelry sets to adorn even those with the most discriminating tastes. Consider visiting my shop and browsing through the 130+ photos and descriptions of my creative style. I will custom make a design and create a one-of-a-kind piece just for you.

My collection contains jewelry, all quality made with the finest of materials, to fit any budget, style, or special occasion whether it be casual or formal or somewhere in-between. Adornments to reflect your persona. It’s interesting to discover the metaphysical attributes of different stones and how they interact with our mood, physical being and personality.

My materials of choice include semi-precious Gemstones, Pearls, Swarovski crystals, Wood, Shells, Sterling Silver, and a recent addition: silk and braided cord for Chinese knotting. I also love discovering vintage jewelry to use in my creations.

My memberships include S.R.A.J.D. (Self-Representing Artist Jewelry Designer #0517), AJC (Art Jewelry Collective) and JET (Jewelry on Etsy Team). Photos of my jewelry are listed on Tribe.net, MySpace.com, Flickr.com, TalentDatabase.com, and many other sites as well.

On a more personal note, I am married and a mother of three daughters, ages 42, 34, and 32. I also have 6 grandchildren, ages between 7 months and 14 years of age (three girls and three boys) The youngest grandchild is a recent addition to our family, in fact she was adopted just recently from Viet Nam and she and her new parents are still there ~ finishing the process of 'red tape!

Another member of our family is our Jack Russell Terrier (or Terror, as we call him!). His name is Eddie and he keeps us hopping! I think he is finally calming down from his 'puppy stage' a bit. He is slightly over 2 years old.

My other interests are the Red Hat Society and playing the piano (when I get the chance!)

Etsy Shop: http://Adornmentsbybj.etsy.com
Blog: http://bjadornments.blogspot.com

Featured Artist: Moda Designs

Name: Gina
Shop: ModaDesigns, CheapBoutique, JourneyInJewellery
Web Address: all of the above with .etsy.com added on :D

What inspires you?
I get a great deal of inspiration by seeing the amazing designs put up on Etsy. One just recently solved my quandry for making rings! I see how others make ear wires so I don't have to purchase them, I see how people have soldered something so it encourages me to learn to solder!

How long have you had your shop?
Almost two years on Etsy

Is this a job for you or a hobby?
It is my only source of income as I am disabled

How did you get into your craft?
It was the only craft that interrested me after my disabling accident. All other craft items I'm selling off in my CheapBoutique shop!

Do you have any advice for fellow Esty Shop owners?
Promote, promote, promote! Put your shop addy in your email's Signature file so it follows every email you send. Join interest groups and drop your shop name frequently. I found Etsy through just such an interest group-the woman had her shop name in her signature which followed her posting! Wear your own designs and tell people who compliment you on them that they are for sale! Stay active in the Forums and Chats! Many of my customers come to me from reading my posts in the forums!

Anything you would like to add?
Research every potential market. If it looks good, try it for a while. If it doesn't produce, drop it. Selling jewellery on Etsy has slowed to a non-existant crawl for me, so I spend my time looking for local outlets! I also sell supplies to support my jewellery shops!

Etsy Shop: http://modadesigns.etsy.com
Blog: http://modadesigns.blogspot.com/

Featured Artist: Studio Marcy

Studio Marcy will be one year old on Friday! One lampwork glass cupcake bead free with each order!!!*

Hi, I'm Marcy Lamberson, a glass artist who loves making people smile through my whimsical beads and sculptures.

I use a 2000 degree torch and most of my glass comes from Murano, Italy. Every piece is kiln annealed for durability.

I teach private and group lessons and enjoy taking on custom commissions. While working out of my sunroom studio overlooking my garden and birds, squirrels, chipmunks and occasional wandering possums, sometimes I just made them into beads too! . I make them wear clothes and jewelry when turning them into little fun glass pieces.

Check out my bio on www.etsyglass.com ( http://etsyglass.com/featuredartists.php?featured=4 ) and my blog at http://www.studiomarcy.blogspot.com.

New beads are added almost daily, so stop by often.

Thanks so much,
Marcy

Etsy Shop: http://StudioMarcy.etsy.com
Blog: http://studiomarcy.blogspot.com/

* See Marcy's Etsy Shop (http://StudioMarcy.etsy.com) for details.

Featured Artist: Little Bundles

Well hello there! Thank you for stopping by! I guess you are looking to learn a little about us. Ok, well here it goes...

The Company
Little Bundles is a baby clothing and accessories company located in New Brunswick, Canada that offers high quality goodies for style conscious parents. This handmade enterprise is run by two sisters, and it all began when an exhausting search for a special and unique gift came up empty. Frustrated by the lack of children’s items that did not have a cartoon character plastered all over them, these sisters sat down to create something different. Rest assured, while every product may look cool and hip, it is still practical.

Who Are They?
What a great question! One is a spunky, curly topped girl with a big smile and bright blue eyes, who loves to create and design. She can be found most days in the Little Bundles’ studios surrounded by fabric, ribbon and thread (oh and the essential cup of coffee) bringing some new creation or design to life.

The other is the complete opposite, a quiet, dark haired girl, whose hair is as straight as a pin. The grounded one of the two, she makes sure that each piece includes all the practicality and functionality that everyday life needs.

Both are passionate about combining modern colors and patterns with fresh designs to create fashionable alternatives for Moms and tots. They love to take boring baby basics and give them their unique twist to make them as functional as they are fancy. Their personal goal is to give everyone (no matter how small) the opportunity to let their individuality shine!

Who you’re talking to
Ever wonder who answers all those questions, convos, requests and emails? Well here at Little Bundles you’re always talking to a person. Sometimes it’s Jill, herself or it could be one of the fantastic supporters that stop by to help when things get busy. Either way we always try to get back to you as quickly as possible.

Wholesale Orders
We love them! If you are a boutique or website owner and are interested in offering our products to your customers, just drop us a line including your email address and a little about your business.

Etsy Shop: http://littlebundles.etsy.com
Blog: http://shopdragonflydesigns.com/blog/blogger.html

Featured Artist: Fancy Free Me

Fancy free means informal, liberated, natural and spontaneous.

Fancy Free Jewelry Design is handmade unique jewelry using sterling silver, natural gemstones, seashells, leather and glass. Designs are organic in nature with vintage, Asian and oceanic elements.

DEANNA ROUX
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I can't help it! Creative juice runs through me. I love to create! Among my original works of art are: written works (poetry, short stories, children's stories), glass murals, wall murals, acrylic paintings, watercolor paintings, collage art, tile paintings, storybooks and jewelry (my favorite wearable art).

My most treasured original pieces of art are my two children (okay, my husband had something to do with that) who are pretty creative people as well -- in drawing, painting, dancing, music, writing and in humor.

MY WORK
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I make what I love. I only use the best materials I can get my hands on. I use sterling silver, glass, seashells, natural stones and leather. I go crazy when it's time to replenish my stock because it's so fun to mentally design new pieces as I shop.

Perfectionist, passionate, picky -- choose your descriptor. I make sure everything I create is something I love and something I would be happy with if I were the buyer. I have a pile of pricey "duds" that did not pass muster. But I have decided being particular is not such a bad thing after all! Because once you hold your new piece in your hands, you will feel the workmanship, the passion and the patience that each piece exudes.

UPCOMING SHOWS
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Saturday, November 17
9am – 3pm
Apple Pie Festival
William E. Norris School
Southampton, MA
http://www.town.southampton.ma.us/dbcc/norriselementary.php#

Friday, November 30, 10am – 5 pm
Saturday, December 1, 10am – 5pm
Sunday, December 2, noon – 4pm
Winter Festival
Marketplace@Eastworks
Easthampton, MA
http://www.eastworks.com/

Sunday, December 9
11am – 6pm
Holiday Arts Happening
DCU Center
Worcester, MA
http://www.startonthestreet.org/holiday-arts-happening

GALLERY PRESENCE
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ARTSTREAM STUDIOS: Some of my work is available at the stunning Rochester, New Hampshire gallery "artstream studios." If you find yourself streaming in that direction and want to check out some art, pop in on Susan and Mary Jo or visit their gallery online (www.artstreamstudios.com).

SKERA GALLERY: In beautiful, funky, hip downtown Northampton, Massachusetts you will find a special artisan gallery that hosts many beautiful, funky and hip artists. Stop by Skera and see for yourself or visit them online (www.skera.com).

Etsy Shop: http://FancyFreeMe.etsy.com
Blog: http://www.fancyfreeme.blogspot.com

Featured Artist: earthcharms

1. Tell me a bit about yourself (name, location, affiliations, personal stuff).

Kirsten
Santa Rosa, CA and I love it here!
I love playing Scrabble with my friends and taking pictures of things people usually ignore.

2. What is the first thing you can remember making by hand? How and why did you make it?

I've always made things. My mother is very crafty and taught my sister and I how to use our imaginations and cultivate our creative eyes.

3. What inspires you? Where do your ideas come from?

I have a muse that smacks me upside the head with ideas. They will come in a flash, then not leave my head until I make them. Sometimes they'll drive me crazy, like a song's chorus repeating in your head all day long!

4. Why should people buy handmade?

Every handmade piece has a soul. It was made with hope, and hope is something everyone needs more of!

5. What is your favourite thing in your shop and why?

Kyanite and tourmalated quartz are two of my huge weaknesses, so part of me really wants to keep this choker: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=7498379

Etsy Shop: http://earthcharms.etsy.com
Blog: http://www.earth-charms.blogspot.com

Featured Artist: Liz Staley

I grew up in Baltimore, but am now living in Greenville, NC. My mom got me into arts and crafts when I was really little (I wanted to help her paint ceramics when I was a baby, so she'd give me a paintbrush, a cup of water, and a rubber ducky. Took me awhile to figure out that it's supposed to change colors when you paint it though!). Ever since then I've loved to draw and create things.

Now, I love doing art, crocheting, and am getting into making ACEO cards and sewing. I've been crocheting and drawing for years. I also love to make button pins. I tend to go on what I like to call "craft binges", where I'll make a whole bunch of a certain thing, so if you see long stretches of buttons or crocheted items in my listings, you'll know I've been on one!

My hobbies when I'm not creating things are watching anime, playing tabletop role-playing games (Dungeons and Dragons; Big Eyes, Small Mouth; D20 Modern, West End Games' D6 System, etc), building web-pages, and playing on GaiaOnline[dot]com. I also have a gallery on DeviantArt and Flickr, both of which you can find with the user name lizstaley as well.

I find that I really enjoy blogging about my crafts as well! You can visit my blog at http://livewirechick.blogspot.com

In addition, I also write and illustrate a story that I publish to the web, and have been working on since I was a senior in high school. It's gone through many, many versions and updates, and I'm eventually thinking about having it published. You can check that out at http://www.oap-studios.com/akaryuu

Etsy Shop: http://lizstaley.etsy.com
Blog: http://livewirechick.blogspot.com/

Featured Artist: Blue Baby

1. Tell me a bit about yourself (name, location, affiliations, personal stuff).

My name is Amanda and I live in southern Michigan. I am a Christian who has been married for almost three years to the most wonderful man in the world, my husband Brien. We plan on starting a family soon, but for now it is just us and our dog Tazzie.

2. Why should people buy handmade?

I think with handmade items, there is so much more love and personal touches than with something that is just manufactured. I love the old-fashioned-ness of homemade items; its something you will never find in the aisle of a big retail store.

3. What is your favourite thing in your shop and why?

I absolutely love all of my hats. They are each comfortable, beautiful, and unique in their own special way. I plan on adding many more in the future.

4. If you had a client who had unlimited money, what would you create for him and why?

I would create anything within the range of my talents, the same as I would for any customer.

5. Who is your dream buyer?

I don't really have a dream buyer. I find pleasure in any buyer who finds pleasure in the gifts I have created for my shop.

Etsy Shop: http://bluebaby.etsy.com
Blog: http://bluebabyhomemadegifts.blogspot.com

Featured Artist: Yaslani

I was born and raised on the Jersey Shore and then moved to Los Angeles where I studied Fine Art -Painting at Otis Art Institute. Before long I found myself back in New Jersey where I detoured from art for a while and settled into a normal life fully stocked with a corporate job. Turns out normal isn’t for me. Making things is an addiction. A packrat by nature, I believe all items have a second life and I love using recycled items and supplies that are gentle to the environment.

My work consists of bamboo pendants and mixed media paintings. I use found objects, bamboo, ephemera, old paper, acrylic, goauche, pencils, pens, ink, glitter… and anything else within my grasp. I’m influenced by pop culture, color, music, animals, fashion, movies, magazines and too many artists to mention. There are no heavy messages in my work. I consider my art to be an aesthetic conversation. A lovely chat between friends sometimes relaying a story or an inside joke. The only judgement I make with my art is “am I feeling this or not.” The “not” pile gets recycled for another day.

Yaslani is the brainchild for all my creative outlets. There is so much more I plan to do. There are so many more beautiful conversations I plan to have and I’m still planning my escape from normal. Stay tuned.

Etsy Shop: http://Yaslani.etsy.com
Blog: http://yaslanisgroovespot.blogspot.com/

Featured Artist: Lost Mitten

Hello! My name is Lauren, I'm 25 years old, and I create all of the crafts for sale in the Lost Mitten Etsy Shop. I'm currently living in Brantford, Ontario, Canada with my fiance, Paul. My personal website is: lostmitten.org.

I have been creating handcrafted items for my Etsy shop, Lost Mitten, since September 2006. Paul and I are both huge video game addicts, ranging from the early days of the NES and SNES up to the latest games (especially for the Wii and DS!). I am continually inspired by my love for video games in creating many of my original crafts.

The items in my shop are all highly unique and original - I came up with all of the ideas on my own. I continually try to be creative by crafting new and interesting items for my shop.

In addition to video games, I love to knit and crochet! I also love to create journals and other paper goods, as well as needlepoint, acrylic felt creations, pinback buttons, and jewelry.

I hope that you enjoy the items in my shop, and that they make a wonderful gift for yourself or someone that you love!

Etsy Shop: http://lostmitten.etsy.com
Blog: http://blog.lostmitten.org