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

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