Make Something Monday: Victoria Personalized Name Sign

A big thank you to Go Graham Go and Jolly Mom for hosting this great Make Something Monday meme. This week I am presenting the Adobe Illustrator file for this personalized name sign. I was really hoping to have it finished by today but I am only about half way there.



To order your own Personalized Name Sign please check out my Etsy shop at CoconutPalmDesigns!

Featured Artist: Kay’s K9s … & Kritters!

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

My name is Kay Stahler and I’m a full time artist from Ontario, Canada. I share my home with 3 dogs and a Quaker Parrot. The eldest dog is Patches, a 12 year old Chihuahua/Jack Russell, Toby, a 4 year old Jack Russell, and Abbie, a 4 year old Chihuahua/Pomeranian. Animals are an extremely important part of my life, and I try to give back by donating a portion of my sales to animal rescue organizations. I sponsor a shelter animal every month, and post the picture and bio of that particular animal on my blog.

2. Which of your animals is your favourite item in your shop and why? And, what is the best thing you have ever created?

My favourite shop item would have to be my Custom Needle Felted Sculptures. I love working with customers to create miniature versions of their fur babies. It’s wonderful to see all the photos and hear the stories about each animal. A lot of customers come to me after the loss of a pet, and I love to think my work can bring them some comfort during their grief.

If I had to choose one item as the best thing I have created, I would have to pick a Rat Terrier sculpture that I made for my mom of our dog Spunky. He was the dog that I grew up with, and was a very loyal companion to my mother. Unfortunately we lost him 4 years ago, so I created a sculpture as a memorial of him and presented it to my mother last year. She was brought to tears at the sight of it – that alone makes me feel it’s one of my best.

3. What is the best thing about your products?

I think the best thing about my work is that it provides customers with a way to memorialize their pets. I know first hand how difficult it can be to say goodbye to our furry companions, and it’s nice to have items to remember them by. My sculptures are great for this purpose, as I can even include some of the animal’s own fur in their Needle Felted replica.

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

I suppose I would have to go with Buckingham Palace, as I know how the Queen is a fan of Corgis! I imagine she would be happy to have a miniature sculpture of one of her dogs. =)

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

That’s a tough one! I would have to go with the Natural Bath & Skin Care products I buy off of Etsy sellers, since I use those every day. Some of the scents are good enough to eat, and I enjoy using these products every day! Some of my favourite sellers include: Sun Kissed Bud, Dress Green, and Crowley Manor.

Etsy Shop: http://www.KaysK9s.etsy.com
Etsy Shop: http://www.KaysK9sPaperBoutique.etsy.com
Etsy Teams: Etsy For Animals (EFA), Needle Felt Etsy Street Team (NFEST), Etsy Fiber Arts Street Team (EtsyFAST), Etsy Minimakers
Blog: http://www.KaysK9s.blogspot.com
Website: http://www.KaysK9s.com

Make Something Monday: Xavier's Mobile

Apparently I should go into the mobile making business.

After my brother saw the mobile I made for my son, Matthew, he decided he needed one for his son, Xavier. This one is a little different though because the monkeys are made using foamy, paint and a sharpy marker. The rest of it is the same as Matthew's with the dowels wrapped with green and blue ribbons and gold cord. The whole thing is strung together with fishing wire.




Thanks to Go Graham Go and Jolly Mom for starting this wonderful meme!

Apologies and Thanks!

I've been so insanely busy lately that all my online activities were put on hold. Thankfully, things have calmed down around here, so it's time for some apologies and catching up.

First, I apologize to all my Entrecard droppers and thank all of you who continued to drop in my absence.

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Next, Piera, at Jolly Mom, gave me the Rock Star Award. Thank you so much, Piera!!!

Here are 8 interesting facts about me...

1. I have 6 brothers and no sisters but my mother only has 3 children.
2. After only visiting Belize once in May 2003 for a week I moved here in August 2003.
3. I have a doll collection that was started for me the week I was born and includes many dolls from all over the world as well as many porcelain dolls.
4. I absolutely love The X-Files.
5. I am an avid reader and my mother has been known to tell me to please put down the book and go and play.
6. I hate cooking.
7. Because of where my land is in Belize, we don't get cable so my TV watching consists of DVDs and videos.
8. My son is a Mayan Indian. (Okay, not a fact about me but I can't think of anything else.)http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif

And here are the 8 rocking bloggers I'm passing this to:

1. The Mom Buzz
2. New York Renovator
3. Glue 4 Families
4. Starting Over
5. Lucky Girl Trading Co.
6. 1 Blog & 2 Sides
7. The Un Mom
8. Altered Events

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And last but definitely not least, Kat, at Candles, Crafts and Whatnot, has awarded me the Butterfly Award. Thanks so much, Kat!!!

The rules for this award are:

1. Put the logo on your blog.
2. Add a link to the person who awarded you.
3. Nominate 10 other blogs.
4. Add links to those blogs on yours.
5. Leave a message for your nominees on their blogs

Here are the 10 blogs I have chosen:

1. The Cajun Blogger
2. Kerrie Slade
3. Red Sox Mommy
4. Fenced in Family Blog
5. My Gypsy Goods
6. My Kids Are My World
7. Kay's K9s ... & Kritters!
8. Kiss My Style
9. MaryLou's Art [Ad]venture
10. Go Graham Go

Make Something Monday: Matthew's Mobile

I can't believe another week has already passed and Monday is almost over again. This week for Make Something Monday, the meme started by Jolly Mom and Go Graham Go, I've made a mobile for my son, Matthew.

I folded five origami cranes and wrapped four various sized dowels all in different colors of paper and ribbon. Also with the thinnest dowel there is a piece of tying wire to add strength. Everything was wrapped in cord and glued and strung together. The birds hang using fishing line.

Here is a picture of the finished mobile:



I apologize for not taking pictures as I worked on it.

Make Something Monday: 1952 Built By Sign

I know that I am running late posting this but it's still Monday here for another 23 minutes. :-D



This sign is a custom design done on Belizean pine using white and black acrylic paints. I distressed the edges and the middle a little to make it seem older than it is. It's been sprayed with a fixative to protect it from the weather.

This is my first custom order for someone I don't know (she contacted me on Etsy) so I am really nervous about it. I painted most of the black with a teeny, tiny, paint brush that has about 10 hairs in it.

I hope my customer likes it!



Etsy Shop: http://CoconutPalmDesigns.etsy.com

I've Been Awarded!

Oh wow! I feel like jumping up and down like a little girl who was just told she could ride the Merry-Go-Round one more time!

Thank you so much to the Jolly Mom, Piera!

Not only did she and Felicia, from Go Graham Go, start the fabulous "Make Something Monday" meme, which I joined, she has now awarded my blog with the I heart your blog award. I've seen the little picture on so many other blogs but never thought it would be given to me.

And to pass on the love, here are my seven picks:

1. http://smadarstreasure.blogspot.com/
2. http://toxander.blogspot.com/
3. http://leet-gallery.blogspot.com/
4. http://alteredevents.blogspot.com/
5. http://www.theartzoo.com/
6. http://www.itisnaptime.com/
7. http://www.themombuzz.com/

I've Been Tagged!!!

I've been tagged by http://kaysk9s.blogspot.com/ and I'm supposed to share 7 facts about myself that are probably not known by many. So here goes...

7 Random Things About Me...

1. I am a single mother, by choice, to a wonderful almost 9 month old son who I adopted the day he was born.
2. I have an insane passion for power tools.
3. On my family's property, where I live, we have a total of 18 dogs, 3 cats, 4 rabbits, many fish, many birds, 2 turtles, 2 horses, 2 cows and 6 people.
4. I've lived in 3 different countries.
5. I firmly believe ice cream is a food and can be eaten for any meal.
6. I hate making phone calls unless I know for a fact who is going to answer at the other end.
7. I collect quotes and other tidbits of information.

Here are the 7 blogs I'm tagging:

http://jkjsblog.blogspot.com/
http://kamunggay.blogspot.com/
http://www.salsaberries.com/
http://wondermom.info/
http://www.modernmommyblog.com/
http://urbanmommy.today.com/
http://sewingmom.com/

Make Something Monday!

I'm really excited to say I've joined my first meme, Make Something Monday!

Many thanks to Felicia at Go Graham Go for inviting me to join and to both Go Graham Go and Jolly Mom for starting it.

Visit me next Monday for my first offering!

- Joanne

Etsy Shop: http://CoconutPalmDesigns.etsy.com

New In My Etsy Shop

It's taken me a while but I've finally gotten this sign listed in my Etsy shop as an example of a Personalized Name Sign I am now offering.

Etsy Shop: http://CoconutPalmDesigns.etsy.com

Fall 2008 TV: dNeero-ites Want To Know

Featured Artist: 1337art

Jewelry, Collage, & More

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

Christina Moore. Gig Harbor, Washington. I've been making jewelry for a couple of years, and I've been making collages in some form or another since high school. Art is a wonderful thing to be apart of, and I hope to one day be able to run (CM Designs dba) 1337art as my main and only job. I have so many notebooks and loose pages full of ideas and designs I want to produce.

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

Colors, shapes, textures, music, and just about anything. Sometimes I sit down with supplies everywhere and pick up a couple things that I like and find a way to incorporate them together.

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

My Gambler's Bracelet. My fiance inspired me to make it for his work's Christmas Party last year. He looked me in the eyes and said he really liked it.

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

I would create anything (to the best of my abilities) that his heart desired. I would definitely make it something both personal and truly one of a kind.

5. Why should people buy handmade?

Because you can't find something at a department store that was handcrafted by someone's own two hands with love and pride.

Etsy Shop: http://1337art.etsy.com
Blog: http://elite-art.blogspot.com

Featured Artist: Allover Art

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

Hello! My name is Ruth Jones and I am the artist and owner of Allover Art in Holly Springs, NC. My husband and I are newlyweds, and we live with our three year old rescue German Shepherd mix Kasey. We adore her and she has been a great inspiration to me. I specialize in original fine art oil paintings on canvas, as well as any other creative medium I can get my hands on. I also dedicate myself to creating custom art that speaks uniquely of you. I possess the ability to render an enormous diversity of subjects through oil paint. My custom work includes pet portraits, wedding portraits, family portraits, and landscapes. My talent for, and delight in, painting first took shape in high school where I was a member of the National Art Honor Society. A graduate of Rutgers University, I received a degree in Art History by studying the various eras, techniques, and great masterpieces that helped shape the art world into what it is today. I interned at a New York City art publication where I received further exposure to the workings of the art community. A few years later, the desire to share the knowledge and experience that I had gathered initiated the creation of Allover Art!

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

I was sitting in my bedroom one day on a weekend, back when I was in high school. I must have been bored because I decided I would realistically draw my hand. Well I drew it and my mom saw it and complimented me on it. That spurred me to enroll in a general visual arts class in high school, and it was there that I fell in love with painting.

3. Why should people buy your product?

I often find that people are looking for a painting to go in their home, or a way to memorialize a pet, and then they come across me. The majority of my work is custom and I take great pleasure in working closely with my clients to create exactly what they want. When it comes to my pet portraits, I have often heard that my paintings look like photos. A fellow Etsyian even said that when they went into my shop they thought I did photography, before they read my descriptions and realized that my works were actually oil paintings. I work to exceed the expectations of my clients.

4. Besides what you feature in your shop, do you plan to turn your creative mind elsewhere or what do you hope to creatively do next?

I am contemplating creating miniature acrylic paintings on wooden tiles. I have several 1 1/4 inch tiles that I am going to create small works of art on, seal in resin, and turn into pendants for necklaces.

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

My work is best displayed in my clients' homes. However, I have found that vet offices and any place that dedicates itself to animals are also great environments for my work. Art galleries are also great environments for viewing my work.

Etsy Shop: http://alloverart.etsy.com
Etsy Teams: NCTriangle Team
Website: http://alloverart.net
Blog: http://alloverart-nc.blogspot.com

The People of Darfur Need YOUR Help!

The people of Darfur are suffering and YOU CAN HELP!

The wonderful portrait artist, Enzie Shahmiri, has painted the above painting of a little Sudanese girl at a feeding center in Darfur, which she auctioning off on Ebay to raise funds. 100% of all proceeds will be donated to the United Nations UNHCR to aid the people of Darfur.

The auction will take place on October 1, 2008 on Ebay through Mission Fish and will run for approximately 10 days.

Painting size 14" x 18"
Oil on canvas

Original Photo taken by Stephanie Zito

Thank you for supporting a worthy cause!

Etsy Shop: http://artenzie.etsy.com
Website: http://www.enzieshahmiri.com/
Blog: http://world-market-portraits.blogspot.com/

Run for the Impressions!

dNeero-ites Want To Know!

Sneak Peak At My Newest Etsy Shop Offering

I have a new line of signs I am about to post in my Etsy shop but I thought I'd give my blog readers a sneak peak first.

Are you looking for the perfect gift for the new baby in your life?
Is your son or daughter getting his or her own room for the first time?

Let me design a personalized name sign for you. Each sign is unique in it's design. No two will be exactly alike.

Most of the design work is done before hand in Adobe Illustrator and/or Photoshop so you can approve it before any wood is cut. My name signs are painted on Belizean pine using latex and/or acrylic paints and the size of the sign will vary depending on your child's name.

All signs are sealed for durability with a clear protective spray.

Coming soon!

Etsy Shop: http://CoconutPalmDesigns.etsy.com

What About dNeero?

Happy Talkie, Talkie ... Visual Talking

Featured Artist: The Candle Gourdess

The Candle Gourdess

Let me help you pass on a smile!

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

My name is Tracy Swartz, (a.k.a. The Domestic Gourdess) and I live in Northwest Ohio. I discovered dried gourds in 2004 when a friend of mine brought a Gourd Woman to sell. I was drawn in and hooked! She came home with me and I started to look up information about gourds on-line. I kept hearing "Gourdesses... make Gourdesses" in my head. I haven't been able to stop playing with gourds ever since. I also love to garden, can, raise chickens and ducks and live a sort of homesteading kind of lifestyle. I also love to write and am working on publishing a children's story.

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

It's hard to pin down because sometimes it's the gourd itself (shape, texture, spots) or an idea will drop into my head when I'm looking at something. I do receive inspiration from my customers who request a customized piece. I have an uncanny knack to "see" or "visualize" what they want. Again, the picture sometimes drops into my head.

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

Right now my favorite item is the Hooey Bird. I had this gourd sitting on my workbench intending to create something totally different with it. I picked it up as a visual aid to show my husband something when I noticed it had a belly button. The rest of the "bird" popped right out at me after that. Most importantly, it made me laugh as I created it.

4. What is the best thing about your products?

They make people smile and feel good. I really believe people deserve to smile and feel good more.

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

Every year I go to a local craft show to purchase stocking stuffers for the kid's at Christmas. It's well made, unique, and something you aren't going to find at the big box stores.

Website: http://www.thecandlegourdess.com
Blog: http://www.thedomesticgourdess.com

Featured Artist: Paint with Barb Oil Paintings

Paint with Barb oil paintings and beaded treasures

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

Barbara Furlong, Hermiston, Oregon, USA. I have been crafting all my life but I only started in oils in the last 4 years or so. I always thought oils was too messy but now that is all I do. I love it. I teach oil painting so I have lots of paintings to sell. To see all my paintings go to www.paintwithbarb.com

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

Photos of the sea, books, my mind. I think my students inspires me the most, they ask for something and then I have to do it.

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

All of them are my favourites. I love each of my paintings.

4. What is the best thing about your products?

They are priced fair, if you buy 3 paintings or more, free shipping.

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

Quilt

Etsy Shop: http://www.paintwithbarb.etsy.com
Etsy Teams: Interiordesignteam, wwao, bbest
Blog: http://paintwithbarb.blogspot.com/
Website: http://www.paintwithbarb.com

Think Again

Featured Artist: Erica Leigh Designs

One-of-a-kind tops, totes & things

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

Hi! I’m Erica Leigh. I just turned 20 and I live in the Los Angeles suburbs. When I’m not making things, I’m a full-time college student at Woodbury University where I’m majoring in fashion marketing. I love fashion, art, shopping, baking cupcakes, and watching way too much television. Oh, and I also created EtsyU: The Street Team for College Students on Etsy!

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

My ideas come from everywhere! They’re really all over the place; history, current trends, indie fashion… a little bit of everything, I think. I’m especially fascinated by the Victorian era, as well as 1960’s mod styles.

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

I hope that I’ll have learned a lot in five years. I’m self-taught, so I’m constantly trying to figure out new sewing techniques by reading sewing books and doing research. I also hope that I’ll have been able to pursue other crafts and possibly a new Etsy shop. I get bored easily, which is why I also enjoy doing a variety of arts & crafts. I eventually want to silkscreen, draw, paint, and even do some photography. I’m currently working on some jewelry designs too. It may seem excessive, but I just have too many interests and creative energy, I guess.

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

Whoa, I really don’t know. Maybe I’d design them a whole new wardrobe, complete with accessories (bags, scarves, jewelry). It’d have to be a girl though, because I don’t know how to make boy clothes yet.

5. What is the best thing about your products?

I make my own patterns and design everything from scratch. All of the items in my shop are handmade and one-of-a-kind, so every customer is guaranteed an exclusive piece that I’ve put a lot of work into.

Etsy Shop: http://ericaleighdesigns.etsy.com
Etsy Teams: EtsyU, Scratch, Artisans of California, Retro Street Team

Featured Artist: Cutiepie Company

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

My name is Milly and I live in Manhattan with my sweet beagle, Hunter. My Etsy shop features screenprinted paper goods, and will soon also feature my photo prints and prints of my collages. I have been doing mixed media and photography for a long time, and am really excited to be able to offer it on Etsy in the near future! My boyfriend also has an Etsy shop, Corporan Glass.

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

I'm not sure I can remember the first thing I made by hand, because I was probably too young to remember! I know that I have been drawing and painting and scribbling since I could hold a crayon. The first thing I remember making that I absolutely loved was in school. It was a construction paper collage of a bird and nest. I have a vague mental image of it that has always stayed with me for some reason. I simply adored it.

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

My favorite thing in my shop right now is the Walking the Dog gocco print. The drawing of the little girl is based on myself as a young girl. And the beagle pictured is based on my beloved beagle. Call me nostalgic...

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

That is an interesting question! I have been thinking about this one for a few days. I'm not sure, to be honest. Maybe Holly Becker of Decor8 blog? She's not really that famous, but I totally admire her and I love her blog!

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

I bought an awesome jellyfish screenprinted t-shirt in Brooklyn recently (at Artists and Fleas) from a sweet and very talented woman, whose website is Heartisans.com.

Etsy Shop: http://www.cutiepiecompany.etsy.com
Etsy Teams: Etsy Beagles, Loco for Gocco

Featured Artist: Doll Closet

Quality Handmade Doll Clothing For 18 Inch Dolls

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

I'm Christine. :) I live in Michigan. I've been sewing for as long as I can remember - my mom taught me to hand-sew at the age of five, and then by machine a few years later. I enjoy many hobbies, such as quilting, cross stitching, knitting, and last but NOT least, horseback riding. Lately though, just about everything has been taking a back seat to sewing. :) I am really addicted to Etsy, I love it here! I joined shortly after my friend Ashley (http://dcstuff.etsy.com) first told me about it way back in February.

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

Wow, that's a hard one. I'm pretty sure this wasn't the first, but I remember making a little Christmas Tree ornament out of fabric for my dad as a gift one year. It was just a rectangle of white cotton with a gold cross stitched on & a loop of gold cord at the top to hang it with. He still has it!

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

Well, it's a matter of opinion if this is the best thing I've ever created, but it's definitely one of the most time-consuming and detailed! It's also one of my most-viewed items. I want to try making it in different fabrics, and then perhaps it will appeal to someone enough to buy it. :) Old-Fashioned Dress, Apron and Bonnet - http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=10455551

The best thing about my products? I'd have to say the quality. I think the time I put into everything shows in the final product. I am a perfectionist when it comes to sewing, and if I make a mistake, I rip it out and re-do it. If I can't fix a mistake, I won't sell the item.

4. Why should people buy handmade?

Well, in my case, the reason I buy handmade is it's just nice knowing that (usually) the things you buy are one-of-a-kind! And lovingly handmade instead of mass-produced by a factory.

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

So far I haven't purchased many handmade items, but among the ones I have bought, I'd have to say this is my favorite!
Blue Topaz Post Stud Earrings in Sterling Silver - http://www.etsy.com/view_transaction.php?transaction_id=8440811
I wear them all the time. :)

Etsy Shop: http://dollcloset.etsy.com
Etsy Teams: Doll Couture, Christian Artisans Street Team (CAST)

Featured Artist: JazziesJunque

JazziesJunque, Your place for unique supplies

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

My name is Linda and my shops name is JazziesJunque. I live in Pueblo, Colorado, where I have lived my whole life. I am happily single with 2 cats (Jazz & Peanut) and two dogs (Coco & Myka). I am always on the lookout for those certain items that someone with an imagination will take and create a beautiful new and unique piece of art. I stay busy running my shop all day promoting and at night when I feel my most creative, I work on my handmade items. I really love what I do here at Etsy.

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

My inspiration comes from the things around me, like from an empty roll of packaging tape that I once used to make a birds nest. Or seeing a domino and adding potpourri to make a keychain charm or pendant. I don't like throwing things away without really looking at them to see if they can be made into something else. So altered art/mixed media is my favorite forms of art.

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

My favorite item in my shop has to be my domino keychain charms, mainly because they are so unique and that is the idea of my shop, to carry and make unique and OOAK (one of a kind) items.

4. What is the best thing about your products?

Best thing about my products are their affordability. This gives everyone the chance to try their hand at art without it costing too much.

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

The best handmade product I've purchased are some game tiles made into beautiful pendants (from Tia's Treasures).

Etsy Shop: http://www.jazziesjunque.etsy.com
Etsy Teams: TEAM ESST - Etsy Supplies Street Team - the best team ever!
Blog: http://jazziesjunque.blogspot.com/

Featured Artist: DoSiDough

Handmade doughs, crayons & chalks for your handmade kid

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

I'm located in Sunny Arizona, and no, scorpions and gila monster are not everywhere in Arizona. Just for the record "Cholla" is pronounced "Choy-ah". Just thought I'd throw that out there. I'm a wife, mom, Mary Kay consultant, and a bunch of other stuff. I do some public speaking from time to time and I'm told I can sing...but I'm not convinced.

2. Why should people buy handmade?

People should buy handmade because I said so. I worked in an independent business and a corporate business within the same field. Hands down: I'd rather work for the underdog. I say buy handmade to support the individual.

3. Besides what you feature in your shop, do you plan to turn your creative mind elsewhere or what do you hope to do, creatively, next?

I have several children's art supplies in the works. Some are very close to production! Other than that, I tend to putter around with all sorts of silly notions, but I don't sell any of that goofiness on Etsy. Only my family falls prey to that.

4. What is the best thing about your products?

I could say the color or texture or selection...but I think the neatest thing is that I leave my fingerprint in it to remind you that a real, live person made and touched this product.

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

I'm really digging my handmade shell necklace. Then again, I just ordered a re-purposed Coca Cola bottle. That's going to be pretty nifty too.

Etsy Shop: http://DoSiDough.etsy.com
Etsy Teams: natural kids team

Featured Artist: Woodshed Designs

WOODSHED Designs by Lindy Varney Wood

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

Hi, my name is Lindy Wood. I live in Turner, ME with my husband of 33 years. I work full time as an LPN clinical assistant to a wonderful doctor in an OB/GYN office. We have no birth children but we claim 5 --'of the heart'-- international kids which are now adults. They live N.Ireland, New Zealand, Dubai and one lives a few hours away in ME. We love to travel and plan to go to N.Ireland to our daughter's wedding.

I started sewing around the 5th grade at 4H. I think my first project was a heart shaped needle cushion. I made my first quilt on New Years Eve in 1973. I didn't sew much for the next 20 years until a friend gave me a log cabin table runner pattern and I promptly told her I could not possibly do that. Here I am 12 years later. I got serious about sewing my runners 3 years ago when my husband got sick and I needed to pay medical bills. He's healthy again and I just do it for me now.

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

I love color and texture. Fabric jumps out at me. I can walk into a store and instantly know what I will be walking out with. I don't like traditional pastel colors. I love the Amish and feel inspired by their bold quilts. If I can't make a decision about what border goes with which fabric, I just ask my husband. He is always by best advisor.

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

My least favorite thing is the first 3 logs on the log cabin squares. The fabric is small and the work is slow but once I put on the first row of the basic fabric then every step is my favourite thing. I love building on the runners (There are 70 steps that go into everyone of these). It is exciting to see something that you thought would be lovely turn into something lovely and functional. I love meeting the people that will buy my products. I always think, "I made this for you".

4. What is the best thing about your products?

The best thing about my product is that every stitch, every piece of fabric and how it matches up is thought about. I don't sit down and just sew. I look and think about where every log is placed upon another. I wonder if the consumer will care or even notice but the bottom line is that I care and notice the quality and placement of my fabric. I can only hope that others will feel the attention that I give to each one of my runners or pillow covers.

My product is used to enhance your home. You can use them as a base under any treasure that you hold dearly. The different sizes allows you to use them all over your house. They are durable and wash well.

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

That would be a quilt. It matches the wallpaper in my guest room so perfectly and it always makes me happy to see it. Of course when I found co-ordinating fabric and could make runners to use on the bureaus I was even happier!

Etsy Shop: http://woodsheddesigns.etsy.com
Etsy Teams: interiordesignteam, maineteam, etsyfast, castteam, quiltsyteam
Blog: http://woodsheddesigns.blogspot.com
Website: http://woodshed-designs.com

Featured Artist: UniqueGarden, uniqueXpression, UniqueTreatDogBones

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

My name is Tammy. I have been crafting and selling for over 35yrs. I love to make so many things, that I have ended up selling an eclectic assortment. In addition to my Etsy shops, I sell in some local shops and at craft shows. I make ornaments, wreaths, floral arrangements, jewelry, soaps, and scrap book pages to mention a few. Visiting my craft show booth is always an interesting prospect!

When I set up my Etsy shops, I felt that I needed to open three that would encompass the bulk of what I make, so that I could sell on line, what I normally take to shows or sell in shops.

I have been making my own bath and body products under the name Unique Garden Essences for the past 10 yrs. I use all natural and nearly natural ingredients. Any herbs or flowers that I use are grown by me or my personal friends. I mainly use cold pressed, food grade essential oils, so that all of my recipes are high in quality and therapeutic properties. (My etsy shop is UniqueGarden).

While I have been selling my jewelry and crafts for about 35 yrs., I have been doing so under the label of UniqueXpression for about 10 yrs. I mainly use gemstones, sterling silver, and Zwarovski crystals, although I have added a value corner to this shop so that I can offer affordable pieces in different medians..

Aside from being a crafter, I am a Mom to two young men and three four-legged boys. Last year I began making my own dog treats, and, as with so many other things, one thing led to another, and I began making and selling those treats to the public. I now have an Etsy shop, UniqueTreatDogBones for all natural treats. Before the end of this month I will be adding an all natural dog soap to this shop and also some aromatherapy items.

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

I am really into nature and just about anything can inspire me! As I indicated before, one thing usually leads to about 10 in my life! It just seems like everything has its own, natural progression and I always seem to follow it.

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

I know that this will sound self-serving, but I don't really have A favorite. I love everything I make and I make what I love. That's how I have ended up with 3 shops and boo coo items that still aren't listed!

4. What is the best thing about your products?

I love the fact that almost everything I make is natural, or as natural as can be. I don't use chemical preservatives in http://www.blogger.com/img/gl.link.gifmy bath & body recipes or my dog treat recipes. To me, this brings my recipes to a higher level than most

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

I'd have to say that it was a gorgeous angel made from a basket and wood. She is unique and something that I have never made or even attempted, which makes her even more special.

Etsy Shops: http://uniquegarden.etsy.com
http://uniquexpression.etsy.com
http://uniquetreatdogbones.etsy.com
Etsy Teams: EFA, Dog Mafia and Great Circle Ohio
Blog: http://uniquegardenessences.blogspot.com

Featured Artist: Castle Art

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

Hi, my name is Lisa and I live in Missouri. I'm trying to make more art, and sell it. Mostly I want to learn as much as I can. I have a daughter who is 18, named Meggan. We're working on making a comic book together...very slowly. I need work on getting organized. I am not organized at all.

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

Cat, mostly. ;) but it seems there is inspiration all around. The hard part is deciding what to use and what to pass over. Whew, just too many things I like to do.

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

I wish I had a favorite. I think mine needs some work but maybe eventually I'll get there.

4. What is the best thing about your products?

They are very pretty. ;)

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

Hmm, I guess I need to buy more.

Etsy Shop: http://CastleArt.etsy.com
Etsy Teams: ACEtsy
Blog: http://cstleart.blogspot.com/

Featured Artist: C & S Embroidery and Gifts

Unique Gifts For Unique People

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

My name is Colleen Mills. I live in south central Kansas and have lived at the same address for about 28 years. I am married to the same man for 30 years this Christmas, and the mother of a 24 year old career woman. She was was married in June 2007.

I love working from home, and some days don't even get dressed, my PJ's are my daily work attire. Well, unless I am seeing clients.

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

My first idea for my clocks was military themed since I was a military brat until I was 13 when my dad retired after 26 years of service. It was also a tribute to the men and women of our current military and a wish to support them. My ideas come from a lot of places. I spend hours brainstorming ideas for what to do next.

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

I guess my favorite thing in my store right now would be the Air Force clock. Since I am close to the local AF base, McConnell, I just have a strong attachment to the Air Force.

My daughter's father-in-law is a computer specialist and a master Sargent. He got a clock for Christmas last year. It sits on a special shelf in his office right now.

4. What is the best thing about your products?

I think the best thing about my clocks is that they are practical art. It actually has a use other than to look good.

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

My favorite handcrafted item is a stoneware goddess that I got several years ago at a craft show. She just spoke to me. I also have several more of that artist's works.

Etsy Shop: http://CSEmbroideryandGifts.etsy.com

Featured Artist: Mystic Silks

Original Silk Art ~ Paintings ~ Scarves ~ Pillows

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

Klaire, is my first name, I live in Warren, Ohio. I am the mother of four children, and eight grandchildren. I am an artist who enjoys the challenge, and creative process of working with silk art. I also enjoy creating visual art with oils, acrylics, and watercolors.

I am proud to be affiliated with: WWAO(WomensWorldWideArtistsOrginization); Bbest Team; VAST Team(Visual Artists Street Team); and with Interior Design Team on etsy.

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

I find that the small unseen things in nature inspire me most. One of my silk paintings "Forest Flower and Friend" was inspired by a photo from National Geographic Magazine. The flower was so small, and the tiny spider that sat on one petal,would not normaly be seen by someone walking along a forest path, perhaps it would even be stepped on. Well, that photo inspired me to enlarge that flower and spider in a silk painting so that its beauty could be viewed more clearly.

Sometimes a song will inspire me: My most recent silk painting "Lonely Looking Sky", is inspired by a song of Neil Diamond, from his Jonathan Livingston Seagull album.

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

My favorite thing in my shop? All of them. Does a mother really have a favorite child? No, not really they are all loved and important to her. When I create, I feel as if that art work were an extension of myself. I care about the creations in my shop. And whoever purchases an item, I always send loving instructions with that item.

4. What is the best thing about your products?

The best feature about my products, is that each one is unique, and can never be duplicated.

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

I have yet to purchase the "best homemade item".

Etsy Shop: http://MysticSilks.etsy.com
Etsy Teams: Bbest; Vast; Interior Design; WWAO; Gallery United Team
Blog: http://mysticsilks.blogspot.com

*** InteriorDesignTeam Sale ***

The following stores are participating in the sale:

Artenzie.etsy.com
Chaanda.etsy.com
citrustree.etsy.com
CoconutPalmDesigns.etsy.com
Dianeclancy.etsy.com
Feeldesign.etsy.com
Floradorainc.etsy.com
Kathannah.etsy.com
Kristinalaw.etsy.com
Lightleak.etsy.com
matechuk.etsy.com
mepottery.etsy.com
nicoleraephotos.etsy.com
patspottery.etsy.com
quiltswithheart.etsy.com
Shadedmemories.etsy.com
Straythreads.etsy.com
Susannahtucker.etsy.com
TiffanyTeske.etsy.com
trpottery.etsy.com

On Etsy search for the tag "IDTsale" to find all items included in the sale.

The terms of sale are determined by each individual shop owner, so make sure to check everyone out.

Featured Artist: Cuddle Baby Boutique

**The Great April Giveaway**
Buy any 2 items in my shop and get 1 item for FREE! (See store for details.)

At CuddleBaby, I specialize in making baby to toddler blankets and other items for your little one. I think it's important for every baby to have at least one blanket that is handmade. That's where I come in! I'm continually coming up with new ideas and finding more fun fabrics, so check back often for different colors and designs.

If you have a specific kind of fabric in mind, let me know and I'd love to do a custom order for you. I'm in the process of adding onesies, bibs, burp cloths and pacifier clips that match many of my blankets. So check back often for these fun gift ideas.

CuddleBaby was created out of a passion for making blankets and other items for my two children. It all started with my first baby. I liked to swaddle her, but couldn't ever find blankets big enough. So, with my 2nd, I started making my own. I began thinking that others might like large blankets also, so I began selling blankets at our local Gardener's Market until I found out about ETSY. I am always looking for new ideas, so keep checking back for new colors, fabrics and designs.

Proud Member of:
Etsybaby, Etsykids, Etsymom, Designing Swanky Moms (DSM)

Etsy Shop: http://cuddlebaby.etsy.com
Blog: http://cuddlebabyblankets.blogspot.com

Featured Artist: Art 2 the Extreme

I am an elementary art teacher from Indianapolis, Indiana. I graduated from college with a Visual Arts Education degree and a Ceramics concentration.

Travel is a HUGE part of my inspiration to create art. I have been to England, Scotland, Mexico, and lived in Italy for a short period of time to study art.

I love working with ceramics, printmaking, and fibers most of all! In my free time, I create art to share and sell, as well as scrapbook.

Art is all around us. It is everywhere and in everything.
My art is my world and I guarantee that my work is 100% original and of the highest quality. Buyer satisfaction is of extreme importance to me.

Please enjoy and feel free to provide feedback or receive further information about myself or my products by contacting me at art2theextreme@yahoo.com.

Etsy Shop: http://art2theextreme.etsy.com
Blog: http://art2theextreme.blogspot.com/
Squidoo: http://www.squidoo.com/art2theextreme
Flickr: http://flickr.com/photos/art2theextreme/

Featured Artist: wpooh87

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

My name is Irisa. I am 21 yrs old. I live in Ohio. I am a stay at home mother of one infant son. I am married as well. I also have a love for photography. I am currently beginning my own studio. I will also be traveling to personal homes to take pictures for people. Professional portraits and such.

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

I was about 9 yrs old. I made a granny square blanket for my Barbie doll. It was a mess to say the least but it worked for me while I was playing...lol

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

My mom was my inspiration to begin crocheting. Most of my ideas sprout from within. I take ideas from around my house, things that can be used in this new day and age. I make up my own stitches sometimes. Sometimes they work out sometimes not, but I have fun in the process.

4. Why should people buy handmade?

Handmade is best made. Most of the time handmade is more durable. Handmade items can usually never be found again so you basically get a custom item. No one can say they have the exact same thing as you do.

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

Well, creatively speaking I believe my stitches and my patterns will evolve and improve to the max. As time presses on I will change into the business woman and photographer that I want to be.

Etsy Shop: http://wpooh87.etsy.com
Etsy Shop: http://irisasphotography.etsy.com
Blog: http://irisasbusinessjournal.blogspot.com

Featured Artist: A Pretty Rock

"Oh Shiny!" should definitely be Yazmin Wickham's mantra and says a lot about her.

Yazmin of A Pretty Rock creates one of a kind or limited edition pieces of jewelry. Brought to life with carefully selected gemstones, mineral stones and freshwater pearls, the collection is meant to lend affordable, quality elegance to all.

Yazmin, a jewelry designer, has always been an artsy-crafty person, but it seems like she just moved into jewelry unintentionally. In 2004, she went to the Yellow Daisy Festival for the umpteenth time and found a pair of beautiful hair chopsticks with beaded ends. She wore them for about a month straight! They were a true obsession.

She spent a lot of time thinking about the chopsticks and how to make her own. This led her to local stores like Michael's and Joann's, but it also led her to several boutique bead shops... Many gemstones and wire later and here she is!

There is no reason why every woman shouldn't have A Pretty Rock in their life!

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

Featured Artist: Bella Dio

Bella Dio {bel-uh dio} is Italian for "Beautiful God". My love for my Lord and Savior, is always in the forefront of what I do and I wanted that to be conveyed in my name.

I am a stay at home mom with 3 boys living in Indianapolis. Six years ago I began playing around with beading during a play date with friends. I started out just making jewelry for myself and then giving them as gifts. As more people took interest in my work I started taking it more seriously. A few years into crafting, buying beads and stringing them no longer thrilled me, so I decided to go to the next step and make my own beads. Thus began my work with polymer clay. Polymer Clay opened up different avenues for me as I was able to sell my designs in the antiques/tea room where I worked. I am never content for long and felt the need to branch out even more and added wirework to my designs. In between all of these ventures, a friend turned me on to Cafepress. I started to design t-shirts from drawings that I had done. Looking around, I wanted to express my faith to any generation so I made designs that had scriptures in them, but could be worn by anyone. Thank you so much for stopping by and looking through my shop.

I am a very proud member of the INcrowd Etsy Street Team.
The INcrowd is having a scavenger hunt! It is the yearly Wearin' o' the Green Basket o' Fun and will run from March 1 through March 15, 2008.

The prize will be a gift basket full of items generously donated by INcrowd members.

Please feel free to ask any questions. I do take custom orders. So, if you see a design that you like, but wished it came in a different color, just ask. Happy shopping.

Etsy Shop: http://BellaDio.etsy.com
Blog: http://belladio.blogspot.com
Cafepress: http://www.cafepress.com/belladio

Featured Artist: Mooretaste

Hi, I'm Toni Moore (also known as Toni Geary), I have always loved jewellery so making it really satisfies a passion that I've had for many years.

I am a work at home mum of 2 small children so my days are very full.

My aim is to create unique and beautiful jewellery items that you will love for many years.

I love learning new techniques and I constantly strive to create something that's just that little bit different. My items combine silver, copper, crystals, semi precious gemstones and my own handmade Dichroic pendants.

Anyway, enough from me. Suffice it to say that if you enjoy wearing my jewellery half as much as I enjoyed making it, you'll be one satisfied customer.

If you find that something isn't quite what you're after, please contact me as I love creating custom items.

Etsy Shop: http://Mooretaste.etsy.com
Blog: http://Mooretaste.blogspot.com
Website: http://mooretaste.com

Featured Artist: GilBea

I used to be a watercolors painter, but a few years ago I discovered silk painting, and now I'm hooked to it!!!

For a few years I have been seriously working on silk fabrics, making all kind of different stuff, from silk paintings that hang from the walls to silk scarves or brooches and t-shirts.

Right now I'm experimenting with new things for this next season: Spring/Summer 2008. Silk bags, shirts, headbands, and a big etcetera. Come back again in a few months to see my new creations!

For more information visit my website:
www.gilbea.com

Etsy Shop:http://gilbea.etsy.com
Blog: http://gilbea.blogspot.com
Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/gilbea

Featured Artist: little brown bird

My name is Mary Ryan. I am an Interior Design Consultant by day and a Jewelry Artist every other waking moment.

My art is not limited to any one medium. I love photography, writing, painting, singing, acting...I could go on and on. Still, my love for all things shiny keeps me happily engrossed in jewelry design. Every piece created is a product of a restless imagination.

I prefer to use semiprecious stones or interesting glass beads in my work and love to pair them with sterling and .999 Fine Silver, yet I will not overlook the aesthetic value of a beautiful bead or found object simply because it is a base metal. My style is ever changing and evolving. As a result, you will find a little bit of everything in my work. I don't believe in stifling my creative energy and will try my hand at just about anything.

I am an adventure seeker and traveler and always hungry to discover new things. I have been greatly influenced by my travels and the amazing people I have met along the way. Having zip-lined through the cloud forest canopies of Costa Rica, jumped off of a bridge into the Urubamba River in Peru, hiked the Andes to Machu Picchu, traveled Death Road in Bolivia, and driven the Kennedy Expressway in Chicago...I have learned that life is something to be embraced with all senses. I believe life and art hold the same truths...that it must not only be viewed, but heard, touched, smelled, and tasted with an open heart, an open mind, and always with an open-mouthed hearty guffaw.

I have a variety of collections to complement any style and price point for young girls to women. I will happily accept orders for custom sizing or a change in clasp or ear post/wire on any of my pieces.

My work has been featured on-line and at local boutiques. I welcome inquiries for wholesale opportunities at boutiques and galleries. Please contact me for details.

Etsy Shop: http://littlebrownbird.etsy.com
Etsy Shop: http://intheraw.etsy.com
Blog: http://thelittlebrownbird.blogspot.com

Featured Artist: Thumbelina Creations

Jonquil Thiessen is a stay-at-home mom of three boys who loves to be creative in many different ways. She loves to sing, knit, crochet, draw, scrapbook, write music, and make jewelry. She would feel lost if she wasn't able to be creative.

She started young, singing in church and at weddings at three years old. Music and art have always been her passion.

She has tried to pass on that passion to her boys, but as you may know, little boys do not have a long attention span. Some of the boys are off to school now, so she has a little more time to focus on her art.

Her main priority is her family. Etsy has become a valuable method of continuing with her art and still being able to love and take care of her family.

Member of: etsyBEAD, ETSYMOM, and ETSYAlberta

Etsy Shop: http://thumbelinacreations.etsy.com/
Blog: http://thumbelinacreations.spaces.live.com/

Featured Artist: Lucky Girl Trading Company

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

In the spring of 2001 I was overwhelmed by sadness and huge piles of clutter. My marriage was in the midst of a very ugly ending, and he had left tons of his stuff behind. I suddenly realized that I was a very lucky girl to be rid of him, and Lucky Girl Trading Company was born. I began listing his stuff for sale on eBay, clearing away both the clutter and the sadness. A few years later I met my lucky guy--who was selling a bit of jewelry--and married him in a hot air balloon ceremony in 2006. We've worked together to build Lucky Girl Trading into a fun and fulfilling enterprise. I've also discovered working with glass--one of my all-time favorite creative outlets. I've also discovered two ancient arts: Kumihimo and Temari. Both are centuries-old crafts, and both give me a zen-like tranquility while working.

I truly am a Lucky Girl! Every day I gather pretty, sparkly things and send them to people. I imagine a person opening their mail and taking out their new pendant or chain or Temari ball. It's perfect--they have a huge smile on their face--and so do I.

Be my friend on MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/luckygirltrading

Make Every Day Your Lucky Day (my blog): http://luckygirltrading.blogspot.com/

Visit me on eBay: http://stores.ebay.com/Lucky-Girl-Trading-Company

Visit me on Etsy: http://luckygirltrading.etsy.com

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

I never know what's going to inspire me until it happens. It could be something one of my children does, a "science project" I discover in the fridge, or a beautiful piece of art I see. Often my ideas come from picking up bits of glass and rearranging them--glass fascinates me and I could play with it for hours without ever doing anything productive.

3. What is the best thing about your products?

Every piece of glass, Temari ball, and Kumihimo braid is unique, so you're guaranteed to have a one-of-a-kind item. I can try to duplicate them, but it's never an exact match.

4. Why should people buy your product?

I want my customers to be completely happy with their purchase. It's difficult to shop when you can't actually pick an item up and feel it, turn it around, hold it up to the light. I'm happy to take returns and/or exchanges--it's more important to me that the customer is pleased with their purchase. I have a large number of repeat customers, and I think this policy plays a big part.

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

I can't pick just one! I think anything that inspires my family--whether it's one of my grown children or younger stepchildren--to be creative. I bought a chainmaille keychain that intrigued them so much that my 12-year-old asked where she can find a list of all possible arts and crafts so that she could try each one. I don't think it gets any better than that!

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

Featured Artist: made by Railyuh

While I like to experiment with a variety of crafts, photography has always been one of my first artistic loves (the other is writing). I especially enjoy landscape photography and I think the beauty I see in the natural world inspires me to fill my home with natural handmade items. I hope sharing my images will bring a little beauty into the lives of each person that views them.

Some people have asked where the name "railyuh" comes from so I thought I'd share. My first name is Aurelia (pronounced uh-rail-yuh), but I grew up going by my middle name because Aurelia was hard to spell and pronounce. By the time I was in high school a shortened version, "railyuh," became my nickname with a few close friends. It soon became my online screen name, hence my shop with items "made by Railyuh"!

Feel free to visit my blog to learn more about me and to see sneak previews and updates for my shop. I'll also be featuring some of my favorite Etsy shops, artists, and items there: http://etsyfind.blogspot.com/

If you are interested in a custom order, I would love to arrange a series of prints or cards in sizes and images chosen by you.

If you are looking for something different, perhaps a series of magnets or a gallery wrapped canvas featuring my photos, please convo me. If you have an idea in mind, we can figure out a way to make it happen.

*Proud Member of the Etsymom and Etsy Bloggers street teams*

Etsy Shop: http://railyuh.etsy.com
Blog: http://etsyfind.blogspot.com

Featured Artist: Purrfectlydevine

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

Donna....York, PA.....etsyBEAD, BBEST (Boomers and Beyond Etsy Street Team)....Married with a 27 year old daughter. I am a special education teacher and alsso work part-time in a deli and make jewelry and am thinking about expanding by adding small crochet items like ponytail holders.

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

The first thing I made was a crocheted granny square large enough to be a baby blanket. I'd graduated from college and had only a part-time job and time on my hands. My late grandmother had crocheted, so I bought a hook, yarn, and a 35 cent book and taught myself how to crochet.

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

Everywhere and anywhere. Bead books, bead magazines, and the beads themselves. Often I will take an element from one piece and an element from another piece and yet add something not in either piece to come up with a unique piece. My Crystals and Swirls Necklace http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=7441288 is one such piece. Purple and Teal Sensation http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=6566661 is a piece where the focal bead seemed to speak to me.

4. Why should people buy handmade?

Uniqueness is one reason. You can purchase inexpensive jewelry from a company that sells make-up etc. nationwide. In the course of a week you might see 15 women wearing the exact same piece. Even if handmade items are not OOAK [one of a kind], it is unlikely that you will see too many people wearing the same piece. Most people who make items to sell care about their reputation and take care to make a quality item.

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

I hope that I'll have increased to number of skills that I will be proficient in, therefore my creativity will take off because I won't be as limited by my skill set.

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

Featured Artist: A Passion For Fashion

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

Jennifer Meyers..Phoenix Arizona..Jewish

I am a stay at home Mom and I take care of my 2 kids..Both Under 6 years old. I started making jewelry about 7 years ago after my Dad bought me some books on the subject. I have always been creative and and I started calling myself an artist at age 5. I got my degree in Art from ASU where I did more painting and photography. My career includes more than 15 years as a professional artist, designer and consultant.

I have been on two local television morning shows, channel 3 and 12. My work has also been featured in the Arizona Republic Newspaper (in Arizona, USA). I have also been in many juried art shows, and high end retail shops. And now I am addicted to Etsy.

My Husband wrote two great stories for me in the Storque..one of those on Etsy addiction... http://www.etsy.com/storque/author/aPassionForFashion/

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

I am inspired by everything... I look at everything and try and think how I could use that. I tease my kids that I will turn their toys into jewelry and sell it on Etsy if they don't clean their rooms. Most of my idea come to me when I am working on a project... or hunting for something different on the Internet... I am always looking for that next big thing.

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

This is my favorite right now [Field of Flowers...Glass and Japanese Chiyogami Paper Pendant Necklace]... It is my newest design and very classy with my unique stamp on it. Plus I had a great time shopping for the supplies for this... It took 5 different venues to put this piece together... 2 brick and mortar stores and 3 online stores.
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=8838095

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

The best thing I ever created first I'd have to say the relationship with my Mom... My Marriage... and My children... but I had help in those...

My best creation with my hand was when I built a 30 ft redwood trellis across our pool area in our former house. I had more time on my hands before kids and I love to construct things. I even designed and planned it all myself... Jewelry wise I am really tickled by a wholesale order I had... 33 pieces that went to Saudi Arabia.

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

I love my Cheetos Change Purse... I love Cheetos... I always have... so when I saw it I had to own it! Made by MoJo on Etsy. I also love aBreathofFrenchair shop on Etsy... I bought some grape-seed lotion with the smell of carnations... I bought some for my Mom as well... I just love it! I won't buy store lotion again...

Etsy Shop: http://apassionforfashion.etsy.com
Blog: http://jewelsbyjennifer.blogspot.com

Featured Artist: Citrus Tree Designs

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

Name: Stacy Beck
Location: Delray Beach, FL

My Black & White Abstract print is currently on exhibit during the winter show at:

D'Art Gallery
116 Pleasant Street
East Hampton, MA

My cards have been blogged here:

http://Kiddlins.com
http://Kopahetsy.blogspot.com
http://hauteinnovations.com/?p=47.

I have also exhibited at All Florida Fine Arts Show -

Cornell Museum of Art and History,
Delray Beach Florida

My Flickr Account: http://www.flickr.com/photos/citrustreedesigns/

My Blog: http://citrustreedesigns.blogspot.com/

My sister & I have an infant and toddler line of clothing: MakristaBaby.com This is where we earn our living.

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

My favorite item in the CitrusTree.etsy.com shop will have to be the Photomontage's I am currently playing around with. They allow me to express my creativity more fully than my photography alone. And...they are just plain fun to create!

3. Why should people buy your product?

I would like to have people purchase my items because they are unique and of course HANDMADE.

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

Any gallery would do as far as showing my work...I would be thrilled to exhibit in New York, as that is a city close to my heart.

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

The best handmade item I have ever purchased, it a Spiritual Bracelet from BlueMango.etsy.com The bracelet has one of my favorite Emerson quotes: "Stand in the sunshine, swim the sea, drink the wild air"

Etsy Shop: http://citrustree.etsy.com
Blog: http://citrustreedesigns.blogspot.com

Featured Artist: Katrin Lerman Jewelry

I come from a family of makers and have been doing jewelry since I was a little girl (if making friendship bracelets is considered jewelry ; ) Originally from Germany, I settled in Massachusetts, US almost ten years ago. I can’t believe it has been such a long time already! Nonetheless, I draw inspiration from my German childhood as well as from the time spent here and from every little moment I can remember happening in between. Sometimes, photographs of finished jewelry pop into my mind and I have to quickly run to jot them down before they are gone. Other times, I have an idea in mind and it takes a lot of drawings until I have figured out how to best do what I was thinking about. Of course, those sketches are not written in stone and I often change a design while I am making the piece to arrive at the best end result possible.

All of my pieces are entirely hand made by me using sterling silver wire and high quality genuine gemstones. First, I create the desired shape/shell for a piece out of thick sterling silver wire. Then I string on the gemstones and wrap the entire piece with feet upon feet of thin sterling silver wire to give it a finished look. I add tiny sterling silver beads to the frame during wrapping to give it more dimension.

Every piece is different so if you see something and you like it you better grab it fast!

I also LOVE to work on custom designs. So if you have a certain gemstone or color in mind, please contact me. I can also incorporate keepsakes, such as beads, shells or charms into a beautiful pendant.

I graduated from the New England School of Art and Design at Suffolk University in Boston with a Degree of Fine Arts in Interior Design. Interior Design is all about color, form, and texture – and that’s what I’m integrating in my jewelry designs.

Now that I have a beautiful baby girl, I try to spend every free minute (and those of you who have a baby know that there are few) creating jewelry. Naturally, I have lots more time thinking than creating and so my sketch book is filling up with ideas for years to come. I can’t wait to get working on all those ideas and designs!!!

Etsy Shop: http://KatrinLermanJewelry.etsy.com
Blog: http://katrinlermanjewelry.blogspot.com/

Featured Artist: Autumn Leah Designs

I absolutely love making jewelry and come up with new ideas every day so my pieces are always fresh and unique!

I am a stay-home mom and I love being able to see my daughter grow everyday... with that said I also need something to keep me sane. So I make stuff! I just recently started making jewelry so it is my habit right now but I also love making anything on my computer. I do all of my scrapbooking digitally. I create Christmas cards, birth announcements, birthday invitations etc. I have a degree in graphic design so that is my passion. I would never actually work in the advertising world (too much pressure) but I love using those skills for personal use or for friends, etc. I love to look at a craft and figure out how to make it myself. That is why my shop is kind of eclectic.

I am also willing to do custom pieces if you need something specific for an outfit and I also customize my prints.

Etsy Shop: http://autumnleah.etsy.com
Blog: http://autumnleahdesigns.blogspot.com

Featured Artist: Glory2727

Let me share my joy of painting with you

What inspires me as an artist? I would have to say everything! I am always amazed at cloud formations. I look at this all the time. The flowers with delicate petals of color are considered God’s Art- work. The beautiful birds and butterflies could give anyone a color theory lesson. My slogan for my business and my work is “Let me share my Joy of painting with you”.

I work each year on a technique of painting. So far I have done oils, acrylics water color, pen and ink with watercolor wash, colored pencil, and one stroke painting. I am having such a good time with my pursuit of colored pencils that I shall work with them for now.

I got started late in life on an art career. I am a widow and have battled with cancer and a handicapping accident. Art has given me a new purpose to get up each morning and being glad to be alive. What more does anyone need in life?

I have my own hours, eat when I want, watch TV programs I like, sleep when I want, get on the Etsy forums anytime I like , and travel and share with my daughter and friends. And I will have to say the mother and daughter roll has switched. My daughter is my roll model now and she inspires me and encourage me in all that I do.

Etsy Shop: http://glory2727.etsy.com
Blog: http:/www.frommybrush.blogspot.com

Featured Artist: Berry Beads

My name is Rosi Berry and I'm a 50-something divorcee from Long Island, NY. By day I am a supervisor for a defense electronics firm and by night I craft, whether it's making jewelry, sewing, embroidering, drawing. I also play flute and love celtic music. Many different things interest me. I suppose I inherited the crafty gene from my parents. Both of them valued things made by hand and they encouraged me and my sisters from an early age to create with our hands. The earliest thing I remember making was a wooden dish that I painted and drew designs on for mother's day in kindergarten. I was supposed to put my mother's initial U (for Ursula) but I put an A instead because that is what the teacher put. My mother never got rid of that dish.

Many things inspire me. I love animals so I am always looking to incorporate them into my designs. Color also, especially natural, earthy tones and celtic designs. I've only been making jewelry for a few years so I am still experimenting and trying to find my own style but I especially like working with wire. It's hard to say what my most favorite thing is in my shop. I love all my things that I put there, otherwise I wouldn't want to sell it to others. But thinking about it, I guess my absolute favorite item are the fishy earrings right now because it incorporates both an animal design and wirework.

The best homemade item that I bought is a hard question to answer. I have so many handmade things from family that were given as gifts. For example my sister is a deocrative painter and she makes amazing nutcrackers. I have quite a collection of her work. Hopefully soon she will open up an Etsy store herself. Anyway, a few years ago I bought a hand-painted fruit bowl at a craft fair of a strawberry man. It is my favorite bowl since I love strawberries and Berry is my last name. At that same craft fair I bought a beaded badge lanyard and that person's design inspired me to start making lanyards myself since all my coworkers wanted to know where I had gotten mine. That is how I got started making lanyards and jewelry.

Etsy Shop: http://berrybeads.etsy.com
Blog: http://blog.berrybeady.com