Featured Artist: Scorpienna

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

I'm Emily and I live in Rolla, Missouri. I'm currently a student at the Missouri University of Science and Technology (formerly UM-Rolla). I received my bachelor's degree in biological engineering from the University of Missouri. I like to use tools to fix things and to make things, so I find that making jewelry is a fun way to relax when I'm not in classes. I now sell on Etsy at http://scorpienna.etsy.com and I'm a member of EtsyLou, the St. Louis Etsy street team.

When I'm not in school or playing on Etsy, I enjoy going to the Missouri wineries, playing with my beloved green cheeked conure (parrot) Charlie, and dancing. I'm currently taking ballet and modern dance classes for adult beginners, and the classes are a fun challenge for me.

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

I'm inspired by a mix of current trends and classical beauty. I'm attracted to rich, vibrant colors and patterns, symmetry, motion, and sparkle. I developed an obsession with Swarovski crystals after I became enamored with the glitz and glamour of beauty pageants, so I look for ways to take evening glamour down to a level that's appropriate for everyday wear with jeans and a favorite shirt. I'm also on a quest to make fun-and-funky things that have never been created before, so I have some unique creations to show from those endeavors.

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

I imagine that I'll still be creating jewelry with an eclectic mix of bright colors, sparkle, beauty, and uniqueness.

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

Chandelier earrings. I certainly didn't invent chandelier earrings, but I love to make them. I've created them in just about every size, color, and pattern under the sun, yet I still come up with new ideas on what to make.

5. Why should people buy handmade?

People should buy handmade for the heart and soul that is put into their purchases. It's a good feeling to have something that a real person has made as opposed to buying things that were produced on an anonymous assembly line. When I'm complimented on something I bought, I love the feeling I get when I say that I bought it from a friendly man or woman who makes things and sells them on Etsy, which is a feeling that I don't get when I say I bought something at the mall. Buying handmade is buying something made with love.

Etsy Shop: http://scorpienna.etsy.com
Blog: http://myspace.com/scorpienna
Blog: http://scorpienna.livejournal.com

Featured Artist: Regal Beads

I have loved doing crafts for most of my life (in fact, my dad loves to tell an embarrassing childhood story on me about this passion ;))

Both of my parents are quite creative, and passed this down to me!

I started beading over five years ago and took to it like a fish to water.

I love the feel of the beads in my hands, the challenge of a new pattern, and the joy of a completed piece!

For years this has been one of my hobbies, with my personal collection growing quite large, and with many family members and friends also benefiting.

I have now decided to share these treasures with the world.

I am a proud member of the Etsy Beadweaver Street Team.
Check our the blog for the latest in beadweaving adventures on Etsy - http://etsy-beadweavers.blogspot.com

Etsy Shop: http://RegalBeads.etsy.com
Blog: http://regalbeads.blogspot.com/

Featured Artist: ShannonSaylor

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

My name is Shannon Saylor, I live actually in Wise, VA a college town an hour from Bristol TN where they hold the Nascar races where people would affiliate my location better. I am part of We Love Etsy blog, Jewelry Galore, Etsy Friends, All things Handmade, Blogger, and Myspace. That's all I can think of at the moment.

I'm also part of several chat groups where there are groups of ladies that are my wonderful support group and cheer section. Sometimes I wouldn't be able to make it without them as I am on SSI Partial Disability. I have several debilitating illnesses that prevent me from working a job outside the home, but I got into beading for relaxation, and it just took off and one of the girlfriends from the boards has a link to Etsy so I figured that I would give it a shot.

It's been a long road for me, but I am soon to go back to school, I have to keep learning from being bipolar, I'm a workaholic within my mind. I can't sit still for very long moments unless I'm in front of the computer doing several things at once. I network, create videos, blog, and pet one of my 5 cats and talk with my hubby at once.

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

One of the first things I made by hand was a necklace from a kit that I had gotten. I had bought from Etsy several necklaces and bracelets for the holiday gift season, and I was so interested in how they were made that I had to try it. My husband was kind enough to allow me to get a few sample kits from the local stores just to try it out and test my learning ability... I took it right up. The next thing I knew, I was buying beads like crazy and making something new every day if not several things new every day.

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

I take from the seasons, the weather, the rooms, my cats and dog, an image in my mind from something that I've seen before. I just try to make my pieces fun but beautiful at the same time. Something that I would want to wear, but someone else would want to as well. If I don't like it, then no one else would too.

4. Why should people buy handmade?

There is more heart in handmade jewelry. For Example, When I bought a piece for Christmas from the girlfriend on the chatboard I'm on, she also sent me a set of freshwater pearl earrings with a note stating that every bride should have a set of pearls. My hubby and I had just gotten married.

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

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=7661881 I absolutely love this one as it is chocolate and black with magnets in the beading. I've heard of the healing powers of magnets, so I beaded some in it. I love the wild side look of the necklace. I made two similar to it for both my aunt and my mother. They love them.

Etsy Shop: http://ShannonSaylor.etsy.com
Blog: http://shannonsaylor-etsyshop.blogspot.com/

Featured Artist: Aromatic Body Oils

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

My name is Zaidat Bombata. I am a senior premed student majoring in Biology with a Chemistry minor. I am a mother of 2, my 4 year old daughter Bella and my 2 year old son Jamin. I am 29 years old, and owner of ZAJA Natural Handmade Confections since 2004. I live in Cleveland Ohio, grew up here but we just recently moved back after living in Fort Lauderdale Florida for the past 3 years.

2. Why should people buy handmade?

I think that people should buy handmade because I feel that people who make handmade products really put in a lot of their heart and soul into the items they create, whether it be a painting, or jewelry, or a simple bar of soap. You just can't get that from commercial products that come off a robot operated machine.

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

My favorite things in my store are my soaps. Each and every batch is carefully thought out, down to the color, scent, and the cut of the bar. I really really enjoy making soap with a passion.

4. What is the best thing about your products?

I put a lot of thought into my products. Whenever I create anything, I think about it from a consumer's standpoint. I think to myself "Is this product feasible? Would the average person find it useful and beneficial?" A lot of things do not make the cut but the ones that do were very thought out and I am glad to be able to offer them.

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

There is a seller on Etsy that makes great promotional items. The best things I ever bought were these cards that let my customers scratch off and actually receive free items or discounts. I loved those cards!

Etsy Shop: http://aromaticbodyoils.etsy.com
Blog: http://www.zaidat.com/blog

Featured Artist: Allyon67

"By cultivating the beautiful we scatter the seeds of heavenly flowers, as by doing good we cultivate those that belong to humanity"€: Robert Heinlein

"To Change One'€™s Life: Start Immediately. Do it flamboyantly. No exceptions": William James

These are just a few words that I like to live by. I feel that creating art is a way of sharing your soul with others. As you will see in my artwork: sometimes I am very flamboyant and always colorful, sometimes confidant and peaceful, other times angry or chaotic. I think all of my emotions; passions come out in my works. Sometimes I layer it on thick (paint and words) and other times I flirt with the canvas with light feathery strokes. My art reflects my beliefs in love, warmth, generosity, loyalty, and honesty. I'm inspired by science, fantasy, martial arts, architecture, and nature (especially water).

Education:
Maryland Institute of Art-Summer School
Howard Community College-Liberal Arts
Capital College-Computer Engineering

Gallery Shows:
Chesapeake Gallery- Prince Fredrick, MD
DMG Artwork- Annapolis, MD

Awards:
Artist of the Year (Arts and Entertainment)- H.H.S. 1985
2nd Place: African Americans in Science and Technology Poster Contest 1985
Honorable Mention- H.H.S. 1984

Etsy Shop: http://allyon67.etsy.com
Blog: http://pmillerabstractart.blogspot.com

Featured Artist: DAMdesigns

I have grown up living on art. I have always been a crafty person and my mom always tells this story from back when I was 3 -- I used to get up in the morning and watch the art programs that used to play on T.V. One day I was watching and I brought to my sleeping mom a basket I made all by myself. She said it was cut, there was glue, and it was woven together...and I was only 3. She always tells me that she wishes she had kept it. Well the passion for art and crafty things has been with me my entire life, and I finally decided that it was time to sell my art. I put a lot of time and heart into the pieces of art I create, and I love doing it.

Etsy Shop: http://www.damdesigns.etsy.com
Blog: http://www.damdesigns.blogspot.com/
Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/damdesigns
Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/damdesigns/

Featured Artist: Purple Snowpeas

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

Kathryn Short, live in Baltimore, grew up outside NYC, degrees in Photography and Art Education; enjoy hiking, camping, and traveling; art teacher; cat lover.
http://purple-snowpeas-shop.blogspot.com/

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

Photography: I like to capture my observations of the world around me. I am inspired mostly by my adventures out in nature.
Knitting: I like creating my own patterns as I knit. I'm driven by my love of pattern and texture.

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

My favorite items in my shop right now are the note cards I just added and my loopy hats. The loopy hats are my favorite to make. I especially enjoy when friends request a hat and give me a main color that they like and come up with the secondary colors and the stitches based on what I think would be good for that person.

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

In 5 years I will still be creating. Photography and knitting have been a big part of my life for a while now so I'm sure I will continue with both of them. I hope my shop will be busy and people will continue to enjoy my work.

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

My favorite handmade item is a gift from a friend. She created a purse for me that she designed and sewed. It is brown on the outside and has a silky blue flower material on the inside. I love it and people always ask about it.

Etsy Shop: http://purplesnowpeas.etsy.com
Blog: http://purple-snowpeas-shop.blogspot.com/

Featured Artist: Deabusamor

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

Hallo! I'm one of those inconspicuous people who serve you coffee at Starbucks for breakfast and hand you dinner with a smile at KFC. Who knew that apart from my "day job" I also dabble in polymer clay and jewelry! (I hate calling myself 'clay artist' or 'jewelry designer' -- it sounds way too professional!)

Now you do! I'm Sheika Lugtu and I love making jewelry though I think I shine most when I dream up polymer clay pendants, beads and charms (leave all the design work to others, I always say.)

I only got into clay 5 months ago and feel I've really found my medium. I'm hoping to eventually be able to support myself through my claywork and paintings.

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

Growing up I had very strict parents who didn't believe in buying toys, so I spent my time "playing" with books. The very first doll I ever got was a Barbie during my 4th grade church 'Christmas gift-away'. Since I couldn't buy alternate clothes for her, I took two triangles of cloth (cut from old cotton pjs,) stapled them together and called it a skirt! Since then I've built her a cardboard doll house complete with clay miniatures.

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

Though I was born in the Philippines, I've lived and traveled to very many countries including most of the Middle East, India, Bahrain, Hong Kong etc. I currently reside in the US but I feel like I've seen so many cultures that I don't draw from any just one. In all my works I try to draw the various works of art, religions, customs and cultures I've seen.

4. Where would be the best location for showing off your product (the Louvre, Buckingham Palace)

On people. It's my dream come true when customers wear my work because they love it and it goes with their style and fashion.

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

This may sound weird but years ago, I had a friend whose family was very poor. She wanted to buy her little brother a GI Joe he'd been wanting but didn't have the money for. I saved up my weekly allowance for 2 months (it came up to about 17 dollars) and bought a painting of hers (it was a sunset with two stick figures sitting on the beach, and v-shaped birds flying in the sky.) I wish I could find it now, but I think my 12 year old self lost it in my many travels.

Etsy Shop: http://Deabusamor.etsy.com
Blog: http://omgcow.blogspot.com

Featured Artist: Quirky'n'Berkeley

Love paper. Love color. Love Berkeley. Love Etsy.

Beyond that, my style is eclectic and I love to experiment. I get completely absorbed in engineering my varied creations for hours. Each one is a new and unique production, made of treasures from my collection of paper and ephemera, transfigured into a single piece held together by a little glue, a lot of ideas, practice and work, and most of all, a great amount of joy. Some of my custom work can be viewed at http://www.picturetrail.com/photos/quirkynberkeley. Everything is made in a smoke free environment.

Etsy Shop: http://QuirkynBerkeley.etsy.com
Blog: http://quirkynberkeley.blogspot.com

Featured Artist: Witty Workshop

Valérie Parizeault is a Canadian Illustrator & designer from Montreal. She is the owner of Rose Flash, Playfully spirited Jewelry (www.roseflash.ca) and the creative mind behind the Witty workshop (www.wittyworkshop.etsy.com), a place to buy and enjoy her Illustrations and prints. Inspired by whimsical moments, children’s universe and storytelling, she is living her dream life as an artist with her husband by her side and her black cat Tokyo. Tree hugger and business connoisseur, she blogs both in French and English about Eco-friendly causes, Indie designers and her daily life trough her creative blog Pot aux Roses (www.pot-aux-roses.blogspot.com) and about the ups and downs of entrepreneurship through her business tip blog Bite (www.bitethebusiness.blogspot.com).

Etsy Shop: http://wittyworkshop.etsy.com
Blog: http://pot-aux-roses.blogspot.com

Featured Artist: cserpent Designs

Hi my name is Susan and I'm the creator of cserpentDesigns! My husband nicknamed me Sea Serpent during our scuba diving days (picture a tall person in a purple and black drysuit with a pink flotation vest coming out of the water with big black fins on her feet ... yep sea serpent fits!). He even got me a sea serpent stamp to use for my "signature" on my hand made cards.

I got started in jewelry making when one of my soccer teammates got me to go to a wirewrapping class with her. I made my first bracelet in that class (and as I look at it now I want to take it apart and redo it to look a lot nicer!). I then saw a beaded watch band in a magazine and figured I could expand on that idea and make myself a cool beaded watch band in PURPLE! (my favorite color). I started the watch band using gold plated findings, finished it up at another wire wrapping class and got interest from many of my friends and family in having jewelry made for them. I still was just dabbling and got really mad when the gold plated findings started to tarnish in a very short amount of time. From that I learned my lesson about making things that last - don't make them with gold or silver plated parts if you want them to last a long time and remain beautiful!

That 2nd wire wrapping class really drove my interest in making jewelry with beads. I took more classes in basic jewelry making (stringing, knotting, ...) and have been making jewelry for family and friends and other customers for 4 years now. My jewelry designs are also for sale at a gallery in La Jolla, CA - Art in 18K - so I'm starting to expand my sales base.

I have a great time buying the parts needed to make my jewelry. I REALLY like the gorgeous artisan lampwork beads that are available through etsy as well as other online sites. My "inventory" is quite large so I really have to get designing more so I can share these beautiful beads with others. Sometimes I'll find one interesting bead or gemstone and that will be the kick start for a piece of jewelry. I really enjoy the creation process and get excited when I finish a piece and can share it with folks I know and with Etsy I can now share my creations with a much larger family.

I'm a member of several Etsy street teams. I'm a member of CCCOE (California Crafters Club on Etsy), JET (Jewelry on Etsy), etsyBEAD (bead lovers of all sorts), BeadHive (started on Ebay and has now joined Etsy a group of jewelry artisans who all use high quality components to create artisan quality jewelry) and TBO (Tranquil Beading Oasis). In these groups we share ideas, provide support to one other, teach and learn all in the name of continuing are respective handmade crafts.

Etsy Shop: http://cserpent.etsy.com
Blog: http://cserpentDesigns.blogspot.com

Featured Artist: George McKim

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

My name is George McKim. I was born in Wilmington, NC and I have been living in Raleigh, NC for the past 15 years. I'm married, my wife's name is Betty and she is a Jeweler and we have 2 adult children, age 23 (twin boys) who both recently graduated from college. My "day job" is working for a printing company as a graphic artist and I try to make my artwork in my "spare time" which as most artists know is a challenge, but not impossible. I have a Masters degree in Painting and Drawing from East Carolina University. I'm a serious person but I have a good sense of humor and I love comedy. I take my artwork seriously but I try not to take myself too seriously.

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

My inspiration comes from other artwork and from nature. Vincent Van Gogh is probably my favorite artist and I am truly inspired by his paintings and drawings because of the directness of both his technique and his expression. Nature also inspires me and is a great source of colors, patterns, marks, spatial relationships and pictorial imagery. I'm not sure where my ideas come from, but most of good ideas come to me as a kind of vague idea and when I start making art from the idea it changes and morphs and gets even better.

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

The best thing I have ever created is my children, but that was really a collaborative project :-) But seriously, the best thing I ever created is a large abstract mixed media painting, about 6' x 8', about 20 years ago. It's fun and exciting to make large paintings, but it's also impractical.

4. What is the best thing about your products?

The best thing about my products is the fact that they are something that can be enjoyed for many years, or even generations, and they allow the viewer to participate by using their imagination to complete the picture, so to speak.

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

The best homemade item I ever bought was a lamp made with steel rods and a big river rock, very cool.

Etsy Shop: http://GeorgeMcKim.etsy.com
Blog: http://georgemckim.blogspot.com/

Featured Artist: Vanessa Kimball

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

Vanessa Kimball, from Minnesota. I am a graphic designer working in St. Paul.

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

I'm inspired by fellow designers and magazines. I love graphic design books for inspiration and ideas.

3. What is the best thing about your products?

The best thing about my products is that it is an actual tangible object, that is in my head. I love it when my creations come alive. I also love paper a lot.

4. Why should people buy your product?

They should buy it if it's their taste and style and if they appreciate paper goods.

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

A purse. I wish I could sew.

Etsy Shop: http://Vanessakimball.etsy.com
Blog: http://vanessakimball.blogspot.com

Featured Artist: Celtic Goddess Jewelry

Celtic Goddess Jewelry was started in early 2001. My name is Andee Harston. Art has always been prevalent in my life. I love to draw, paint, sculpt, make jewelry, and most recently, photography. I am influenced by spiritual learning, nature and goddess and Celtic imagery. I identify very strongly with my Celtic heritage. I am a Buddhist pagan living in the Orlando area. Please feel free to contact me for further information or custom inquiries.

*Goddess jewelry, Pagan, Gothic, Chakra, dragonfly, butterfly
*Buddhist and Zen Jewelry
*Artwork and photography
*Sculpture
*Custom and Unique Pendulums and Divination (all pendulums come with free instructions!)
*Headpieces and tiara's
*and more!
~~~Member of Earth Path Artisans street team~~~
~~~Member of FAE : Fantasy Art of Etsy~~~

Etsy Shop: http://celticgoddessjewelry.etsy.com
Etsy Shop: http://sacredwaters.etsy.com
Blog: http://buyindie.blogspot.com/
Website: http://celticgoddessjewelry.com (Gallery)

Featured Artist: SignatureSterling

SignatureSterling specializes in designing sterling silver beaded jewelry - bracelets, earrings, and necklaces. I use primarily sterling silver - not silverplated unless noted - for all silver beads, spacers, charms, findings, toggles, etc. I also use color and texture with genuine Swarovski crystals/pearls, lampwork beads, Czech glass, and semiprecious stones. My line of Buckeye (Ohio State) jewelry also features life-like lampwork buckeye beads.

Committed to high quality in supplies and design, I am a SRAJD (#1111), Self-Representing Artist Jewelry Designer.

Member of The BeadHive, etsyBEAD, EtsyMom, JET (Jewelry on Etsy), and TBO (Tranquil Beading Oasis). Search with “BHV, etsyBEAD, EtsyMOM, JETT, and TBO” in tags to see all our wonderful creations! Member of the SRAJD #1111

Featured at WickedlyChic.com

Etsy Shop: http://signaturesterling.etsy.com
Blog: http://signature-sterling.blogspot.com

Featured Artist: Simply Said By Sarah

Sarah Orton is a graphic design student in North Carolina. Her flair for design stems from a lifelong interest in crafts and her pieces demonstrate a fun spin on a contemporary sense of style. Encouraged by the requests she’d begun to receive from fellow employees and friends, Sarah decided to combine her creativity with her business sense, and Simply Said by Sarah was born. Each piece is handcrafted and unique, and is sure to add a tasteful touch of originality to your home!
-JDO

Visit http://www.SimplySaidBySarah.com for lots of other goodies! Bags, purses, bath & body, jewelry, embroidery, paper goods & lots more!!

**** ALL PROFITS FROM THIS SITE WILL BE DONATED TO THE NEDA ****
NEDA is dedicated to expanding public understanding and prevention of eating disorders and promoting access to quality treatment for those affected along with support for their families through education, advocacy and research.

Millions of women, men, girls and boys suffer from eating disorders. Eating disorders are illnesses with a biological basis. They are very serious, life-threatening illnesses and currently there is no cure. Help is available and recovery is possible for these sufferers. Every donation counts.

Etsy Shop: http://simplysaidbysarah.etsy.com
Blog: http://simplysaidbysarah.blogspot.com
Website: http://SimplySaidBySarah.com
Myspace: http://myspace.com/SimplySaidBySarah

Featured Artist: Knuckle Toes

Hi there, I'm Katie, thanks for stopping by.

I'm a smalltime, jewelry, clothing and purse maker who wants to share her style with the world!

I'm from Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada, and every year I try to make it out to the surrounding Folk Festivals to sell my product. I've gone the last two years and really hope to make it out again in 2008!

I try to make my clothing and purses out of recycled materials. Anything from tablecloths, to pillowcases, to reused LP record covers. This not only gives my items a vintage feel, but it helps the environment, and what more do you need?

If you see anything you like, don't hesitate to contact me and ask me any questions you like about it. If you're in the area, I may be able to cut down on your shipping, so let me know!

Etsy Shop: http://knuckletoes.etsy.com
Etsy Shop: http:/revinylized.etsy.com
Blog: http://knuckletoes.blogspot.com
Blog: http://revinylized.blogger.com
Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/knuckletoes
IndiePublic: http://www.indiepublic.com/profile/knuckletoes

Featured Artist: Craftymoose

I have been crafting for as long as I can remember. I am self-taught and have enjoyed painting, needlework, quilting, polymer clay and jewelry making. Most recently, I have found myself drawn to beads and have returned to the art of French beaded flowers. I enjoy making original, one-of-a-kind butterflies & dragonflies. I am also introducing a new line of one-of-a-kind beaded art dolls and suncatchers. Custom requests are welcome.

All my items are lovingly created in a smoke-free, pet-free environment.

The name Craftymoose came about because of my love of crafts and my husband's love of moose. My avatar, in my shop, is the head of a 4'+ tall moose I made him one Christmas!

Keep checking back because I am always adding new things, and you never know what you'll find in this forest!

Etsy Shop: http://craftymoose.etsy.com
Blog: http://craftymoosecrafts.blogspot.com

Featured Artist: Darjeeling Paper

My name is Michael Gresh, and I am a man of many trades. Designer of hotels by day, craft inventor and schemer by night. I am a self-proclaimed "paper nut", and my work hopefully shows just that.

I am co-owner of DemiGod Studio, an eclectic duo of craft & art show afficionados. When I'm not working on plans to open our very own shop, I bide my time coming up with new and inventive ways to use up the stockpile of paper I've accumulated over the years.

I started Darjeeling Paper, Ltd. as a way to showcase my paper goods, and to distinguish my works as a new product division of DemiGod.

Viva La Independante!

Etsy Shop: http://darjeelingpaper.etsy.com
Etsy Shop: http://demigodstudio.etsy.com
Blog: http://www.darjeelingpaper.com/blog
Website: http://www.darjeelingpaper.com

Featured Artist: Alternate Bliss

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

My first name is Tanya... Born in England, raised in Utah! Let's see I'm a social worker/kindergarten teacher by day, artisan jeweler by night literally! lol I have degrees in English & Social work as well as a minor in philosophy. I'm currently teaching a kindergarten class and finishing up my masters in education.

Let's see what else can I tell you... Oh my sculpting and watercolor painting abilities only recently came about. I am completely self taught and honestly believed until I was 30 that I had zero creative abilities. I was tormented because I felt so creative but never dared to explore it! So my advise is... go for it... what have you got to lose! I laugh when I look at my path... I just go wherever my heart leads me. For now my passion is directed towards my family (husband of 10 years and two daughters ages 1 and 3, always and forever my passion), teaching, fine silver and just creating stuff in general!...lol.

Affiliations: Member of Altrusa International (community service oriented group).

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

1st thing I remember making by hand was a kindergarten craft project that involved dipping my hands into this mint green pasty paint and pressing my hand onto a sheet of construction paper that featured a typed out poem about little hands. I'm assuming it was a Mother's Day project of some kind.

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

Inspiration: Comes from all things, music, art, literature, family, walks, drives, quiet moments, film, fellow artisans.

4. Why should people buy handmade?

Buying handmade means more than buying something you like, it means you're buying from a fellow artisan, from a name not a conglomerate. It means you truly value the artist and the final creation. It supports a community that lives and breaths creativity.

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

Creatively, in five years I hope to have discovered more of my talents that have been dormant. I didn't know I could paint or sculpt until I was 30. I honestly believed that I had zero creative ability. I have never taken an art class in my life up until my 30's. Scratch that I actually had an art appreciation/history course in high school which I loved, but sincerely believed I could never paint or sculpt. I can't wait to see what things I'll be making.

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

Featured Artist: BerryPatchDesigns

I love to combine the varying colors and textures of the natural world. There are so many feelings and places to love about our world!

The materials I use in my jewelry are those that remind me of those places and feelings: turquoise, jasper and agate in their infinite varieties, other semiprecious gems, like amazonite's soft greens, garnet's rich wine colors, bronzite's gold-flecked chocolate depths. High quality man-made glass and metal beads join in the visual symphony; they have their own brightness and feelings to contribute.

Hearing and seeing that people enjoy wearing my jewelry is one of the best things about designing jewelry.

New designs are always in the works. I love designing jewelry and work constantly to develop new skills and improve existing ones.

I do make custom pieces on spec. You don't have to buy them if you don't like the final piece. If you would like a custom piece made, please convo me.

Etsy Shop: http://berrypatchdesigns.etsy.com
Blog: http://strainsasylum.blogspot.com
Also check my other two Etsy Shops:
http://SilverShadow.etsy.com
http://UnderCurrent.etsy.com (Alternate "reality" shop)

Featured Artist: Cats Paw Artifacts

Judy Richards resides in Portland, Oregon where it rains this time of year. A well kept secret is that it doesn't rain all year around.

Judy is a member of the Portland Bead Society, the ORBS (Oregon Regional Beadmakers Society) and the ISGB (International Society of Glass Beadmakers).

Judy makes lampwork beads and designs jewelry - unique and hopefully artful jewelry. She is always striving for new ideas, new shapes in glass.

Judy is inspired by nature (flowers, birds) depicted in glass. She loves abstract lampwork most of all with layers of glass and complexity. She is always striving to that goal.

She has done the work of reasonably exact glass beads - but yearns to break out of that toward something more complex and deep in an artistic sense. She also has a sense of humor and doesn't take herself too seriously - she is the owner of 2 cats, hence the cat beads. Judy likes to laugh and make others smile with her work.

Judy's dream buyer is the Sundance catalog.

Probably the best things she has made are jewelry with her own lampwork beads and semi precious stones that have sold that are really pushing the envelope of what we think of as jewelry and adornment.

Etsy Shop: http://catldy99.etsy.com
Blog: http://www.catldy99.wordpress.com