Featured Artist: Adornments by BJ

CREATIVITY IN JEWELRY INVOLVES PASSION FOR THE ART

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Featured Artist: Moda Designs

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Featured Artist: Studio Marcy

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thanks so much,
Marcy

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

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

Featured Artist: Little Bundles

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Featured Artist: Fancy Free Me

Fancy free means informal, liberated, natural and spontaneous.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Featured Artist: earthcharms

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

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

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

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

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

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

4. Why should people buy handmade?

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

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

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

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

Featured Artist: Liz Staley

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

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

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

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

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

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

Featured Artist: Blue Baby

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

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

2. Why should people buy handmade?

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

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

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

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

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

5. Who is your dream buyer?

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

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

Featured Artist: Yaslani

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

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

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

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

Featured Artist: Lost Mitten

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

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

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

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

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

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