"Friday Features"

It's Friday so that means "Features Time!"

I am very excited to bring you another talented member of our Etsy community. This week it is a lovely Jewelry maker, Sandy, from; http://www.thatsandygirl.etsy.com/


She has kindly answered some questions for us :)


1). Tell us a little about how you got to where you are creatively.

I never considered myself a creative person at all until recently. I've always been a do-it-yourself type - gardening, canning, sewing the occasional throw pillow, but I've never been able to draw, and my formal art education stopped at 9th grade art class. Then one day early this year I miraculously had no children in tow and decided to go into the local bead store downtown here in Mt. Vernon. I saw the amazing selection and variety of semiprecious beads, and I was hooked. Initially I just made a few earrings - stacks on headpins - but then I bought a book on basic wire-wrapping techniques, and I fell in love with wire. I love the clean brightness of silver and the warm gleam of copper, and the way it just goes where you put it and stays there!

2). Tell us a little about your creative process.

I find a lot of inspiration in the town where I live. Mount Vernon is a very small historic city in central Ohio, with lots of beautiful old homes on brick streets with beautiful formal and informal gardens. The town is surrounded by farmland, and has a wonderful bike trail running more than twenty miles through the countryside alongside the Kokosing river to the next three towns. I love it here, and I think the atmosphere is reflected in a lot of what I make. Some items are directly inspired by what I see around me. Other things are inspired by the beads or wire themselves.


Warm Hearts Bracelet.

3). What do you love about creating?

The wonderful sense of accomplishment I get when I've made something I know is an interesting and high-quality item.

4). What is your favourite item in your Etsy store right now?

I actually have a couple of favorites. I love the green and copper in my Moorish Jade Bracelet. Copper with green stones or crystals is one of my favorite combinations - I adore the contrast. I also love the Northern Lights Crystal Wrap Earrings - they're so much fun, and they'll go with anything.

5). Why Etsy?

It just offers so much! You can create such an amazing, professional-looking shop with such a reasonable amount of effort. And it gets way more traffic than any website I could create setting up as an unknown.


Black Widow Earrings.

6). What do you love about Etsy?

One thing that I've found to be really amazing and wonderful on Etsy is the wealth of information that people (who are competitors!) are willing to share on the forums. Marketing and self-promotion are really foreign-feeling concepts for me, and the advice I've found in the forums has been invaluable.

7). What do you do in your spare time?

I have three kids and a day-job! What spare time? ...I do find time to read occasionally. I was always an avid reader, and I don't have as much time as I used to, but I still try to get something in once in a while. I still really enjoy jewelry - I turn to that when I have a spare moment, as something that I look forward to, not as a 'job'. And I enjoy playing strategy pc games. Civilization is my all-time favorite game series.


Winter Blues Butterfly Necklace.

8). Tell us 4 things about yourself that would let us peek into your world or that you think define you.

1). I work in a locally owned game store. I don't actually play any console games (I'm a pc girl), but I enjoy the customers and LOVE the people I work with and for.

2). My husband and I watch Spongebob sometimes even when the kids aren't around (I have Spongebob on right now, in fact).

3). I love to bike, and before life got too hectic I used to go down and back the Kokosing Gap Trail a couple of times a week.

4). I live in a house that's 170 years old - sometimes it gets ahead of us with the maintenance, but I wouldn't trade it for anything! It has so much character. (But no closets downstairs - WHERE did they keep their stuff in the 1830s?)

9). If you could, what would be your dream life?

I think I'm actually pretty close! More money, as I'm sure everyone would like. But I have a wonderful, supportive husband and three amazing kids - really all I need.

Here are some of the places you can check out Sandy's work :)

Etsy shop: http://www.thatSandygirl.etsy.com

Blog: http://thatsandygirl.blogspot.com/

I hope you enjoyed meeting Sandy! I certainly did. Go check out her shop on Etsy :)


Have a Wonderful Weekend! :)

Happy Painting/Creating! :) T.

"Friday Features"

It's Friday, and after a little break, I am back with another "Friday Features". I am really happy to bring you another wonderfully talented member of our Etsy community and a great blogger too! This week I would like to introduced you to a lovely Jewelry maker, Victoria, from;

http://themossgarden.etsy.com/


She has kindly answered some questions for us :)


Tell us a little about how you got to where you are creatively.


I've been making earrings and necklaces for myself out of random objects since I was a kid - using my mom's eyebrow tweezers to swap pendants or hang things from ear hooks. Last summer I decided I needed a creative outlet, and frustration trying to find the perfect necklace led me to realize I could just make it myself!


Tell us a little about your creative process.

Sometimes I have a specific image in mind for a piece of jewelry, and I will seek out the pieces for it. Mostly though I just buy parts that I love and dump them all out on my desk and wait for them to sort of assemble themselves - trying out different combinations until something clicks. When I get stuck, I often go to my mom to try and help me - she's helped me design some of my favourite pieces!

What do you love about creating?


I like starting out with all the random charms, jewels, chain and findings and eventually making something I'm proud of, and being all, "I could have bought that in a store but hey! I made it! And it's just as good!"

Plasma-Purple glass bracelet.

What is your favourite item in your Etsy store right now?

Ooh, that's a hard one. I love the blown glass spheres in some of my earrings, but I'm also having fun with all the cool brass creature stampings I've been playing with. Okay, if I have to pick, I will say my Asteroidea starfish earrings: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=29043630

Asteroidea - antique copper, rhinestone, and honey blown glass starfish earrings

Why Etsy?

I had heard about Etsy from a girl at school (weirdbuglady) and used it at first as a buyer. When I started creating, it was the perfect place to start selling my trinkets.

What do you love about Etsy?

For the most part, my impression has been that the items sold on Etsy are great quality, and the artists really put a lot of heart into their pieces. There is also a great network between sellers and buyers - there are so many great opportunities to interact with people on the chats, forums, Facebook, and blogs like this one!


Hirundo - blue crystal and antique silver bird earrings

What do you do in your spare time?

My what? Spare time is something I don't have a lot of at the moment... being in school full time, taking 6 classes, working, volunteering, being on the student society council, making jewelry, trying to have a social life, working on vet school applications and, oh yeah, sleeping don't make for a lot of downtime. I do make sure I get in my TV time though - I love Glee, Dollhouse, and Lost!!

Tell us 4 things about yourself that would let us peek into your world or that you think define you.

I'm pretty much defined by school at the moment. My major is wildlife biology, so I'm learning a lot about the ecology and physiology of animals. I really love school, which is a good thing, because if all goes well I will be doing up to 9 more years of it between vet school, specializations, and a master's degree! However, in a past life (aka the two years between high school and university) I tried really hard to break into film and theatre as an actor. So next year, if things calm down a little, I kind of want to audition for a chorus role in our community theatre.

My hobbies include photography, scuba diving, birdwatching, and cooking.

My favourite place in the whole world (so far) is Tofino, British Columbia. But I really want to travel to Scotland. Unfortunately, I have a fear of airplanes.

If you could, what would be your dream life?

Working as a veterinary reproductive biologist in wildlife and conservation medicine!

Here are some of the places you can check out Victoria's work :)

Etsy shop: http://TheMossGarden.etsy.com

Blog: http://the-moss-garden.blogspot.com

I hope you enjoyed meeting Victoria! I certainly did. Go check out her shop on Etsy :)

Have a Wonderful Weekend! :)

Happy Painting/Creating! :) T.

"Friday Features"

It's Friday so that means "Features Time!"

I am happy to bring you another talented member of our Etsy community. This week it is a lovely Jewelry maker, Kelsi, from; http://www.ikedesigns.etsy.com/

She has kindly answered some questions for us :)


Tell us a little about how you got to where you are creatively.

I have always been a person who likes to get my hands dirty. When I was young it was finger painting and play-doh. I never considered myself capable of creating artwork until I was at university where I had a professor for an art and religion course who gave each of her students
the gift of self-confidence in their creativity. My eyes were opened to a new world of self-expression, something I have tried to hold on to as best as I can since then. My main medium has been photography until April of this year. I was in Sydney, Australia feeling creatively
drained. I stumbled upon a jewelry supply website and the scale tipped from drained to full of inspiration. It was wonderful to find a new tool of self-expression, one that I can so easily share with others.

Tell us a little about your creative process.

Creating for me is all about the process. If I like the end result - bonus, if I don't like the end result but had a good time getting there, that's good too. With jewelry-making I shop for things that I like. I am incredibly picky so I spend quite a bit of time searching for the "perfect" collection of supplies. Currently I am working on my lounge room table, so I pull out all of the boxes and bags of beads, findings, pendants, etc. and lay them out in front of me and I start
experimenting. Very infrequently is there an end product in mind when I start - I enjoy the mystery of what might evolve from a work session.

What do you love about creating?

I love the inspiration that comes from finding something that I love - how do I incorporate it into my jewelry, how do I photograph it, etc. The inspiration is the addiction. Their is nothing like that feeling in the world. It keeps me going and keeps me creating.

What is your favourite item in your Etsy store right now?

I have fallen in love with the verdigris patina items. The earrings are relatively simple in design but I find them to be so complex. I love the patterns made on the copper by the patina treatment - not one piece reacts in the same way as another.

Domed Circle Verdigris Patina Pendant Earrings.

Why Etsy?

I had never heard of Etsy until I was home in the States visiting with a friend in May of this year. I started making plans that afternoon to get my things together and open up a shop. Etsy is a stroke of genius - I am amazed everyday by how well the site works to promote community and the sharing of ideas, techniques and the unique personalities of its sellers. I am very excited to be part of such a well-designed site with such a talented collection of artisans and crafters.

What do you love about Etsy?

I have never found so many items that I truly connect with in one place! I go to art fairs, markets, co-ops, etc. and I find maybe one or two sellers who have something I really am drawn too. The thing I love most about Etsy is that there are so many people out there creating beautiful work and sharing it with the world. It is wonderful to be able to find their work, pop it in my favorites section for the day when I have the money to pay for them - and it will happen!

Ocean Jasper Bird Earrings - made with recycled glass and sterling silver.

What do you do in your spare time?

I live in one of the most beautiful countries in the world – New Zealand -(I'm not bias or anything... :)) so in my free time I just like to wander around looking at things. Wellington is a great city for creative people. There are always gallery openings to go to, art stores to visit, people to talk passionately about the world with and friends to catch up with. My partner works quite a lot so when he has free time I am more than happy to drop everything and spend time with him. I also enjoy experimenting with my little plastic Holga camera, running and swimming.

Embossed Cobblestone Brass Earrings with Orange Czech Glass Beads.

Tell us 4 things about yourself that would let us peek into your world
or that you think define you.

1). I left the United States in 2005 for New Zealand on a solo journey of self-discovery (sounds cliche but it was exactly what it was:) ).

2). I feel fortunate everyday for the family that I have and my partner - he is my support, my love, and he who keeps the world light and happy when I get a bit too serious.

3). I love learning new things - usually through trial and error.

4). I have an intense desire to help make the world a better place in small and big ways.

If you could, what would be your dream life?

I would travel with my partner 6 months out of every year, living in different communities; experiencing their reality, their passions and their inspiration. The other 6 months I would work to help improve the lives of others who are less fortunate and struggling to make ends meet.
I would have several cameras, lots of film, a good pen and a moleskin journal with me the whole time - photographing, writing and living.

Here are some of the places you can check out Kelsi's work :)

Etsy shop: http://www.ikedesigns.etsy.com/
Photography website: http://www.kelsidoscher.com/

Other Etsy shop: http://www.kjdphotography.etsy.com/

I hope you enjoyed meeting Kelsi! I certainly did. Go check out her shops on Etsy :)

Have a Wonderful Weekend! :)

Happy Painting/Creating! :) T.

"Friday Features"

It's Friday so that means "Features Time!" I am very excited to bring you another talented member of our Etsy community. This week it is a wonderful Jewelry maker, Jenni from; http://www.dutchtouchbeads.etsy.com/

She has kindly answered some questions for us :)

Tell us a little about how you got to where you are creatively.


I fell in love with beads during childhood. I was introduced to elegant seed-beaders and artisan jewelry designers through an interesting choice of recreation on my parent’s part (if you dig in my blog, you'll find the story about that). I was mesmerized by the color and texture of beads. I would save up my allowance and purchase a few beads at gem shows to make necklaces for myself. As I grew older and life revolved around boys, work, college, work then more work. For a long time I did not bead. Then, after my children were born, I began to feel a creative surge and began to bead again. I gave jewelry away for gifts as many in my extended family cherished handmade gifts. Then, after I was laid off from the school district where I was employed this past winter, I had too much time on my hands and found a way to combine my love for creating jewelry with a need to have a purpose, to 'own' something, as I searched for employment and tended my little ones. And so began my journey on Etsy.


Tell us a little about your creative process.

I find inspiration primarily in our natural surroundings. A beautiful sunrise, dragonflies resting on a leaf, or a tree changing color as fall approaches. But, I also try to capture moods. A thoughtful walk on an empty beach, or the feeling of pride when you walk out of an interview knowing you nailed it. These are the images and feelings I take with me into my studio. I then search for just the right elements to capture it.


What do you love about creating?


The escape from all the 'noise' of our modern lives. The ability to drill down and focus on that image or mood and hold it long enough for an expression of art to appear.


Byzantine Bazaar Necklace Set.

Silver Leaf with Amethyst Crystal Earrings.

What is your favorite item in your Etsy store right now?

My necklace & earring set called 'Harvest Moon'

I adore early fall and the transition from the brightness and bold energy of summer, to the softer, yet electric feelings of fall. The full moons of August and September often put on a spectacular show of color, especially early in the moon-rise. I do enjoy a colorful full moon. I used pearls as the spacers because to me, pearls and the moon are uniquely connected.

Why Etsy?

I choose Etsy because it was the largest, most robust market place for handmade goods that I could find on the web. I felt their fee's were fair, I liked the way they help sellers promote and also educate their members about the handmade lifestyle.

What do you love about Etsy?

Undoubtedly the community of Sellers.

What do you do in your spare time?

Spare time? What is that? JK. Etsy is my spare time. I do work nearly full time and I have 2 children under the age of four, so home life is very busy. I work in my shop in the evenings and weekends when the little ones are all tucked in.

Tell us 4 things about yourself that would let us peek into your world or that you think define you.

1). I am an avid soccer enthusiast. (player, coach, spectator)

2). I consider myself to be a naturalist and a humanist.

3). I am considered a bit geeky by some (that love of sci-fi just throws people off)

4). My husband tells me that I have an 'A' type personality; I just can't imagine what he means ;)

If you could, what would be your dream life?

I think I am living parts of it now. I never dreamed I would have children and they are by far my greatest joy. Of course I would love for more financial freedom to enable me to solely pursue my passions, but I suppose the flip side of having exactly what you want is that you lose appreciation for the sweeter things in life, the things that require time and sacrifice. So, all in all, I will just take the life I have now and maybe just one trip to Australia ;)

Cheers ~ Jenni

Here are the fun places you can find Jenni;

Etsy Shop ♥ http://www.DutchTouchBeads.etsy.com/

Blog ♥ http://dutchtouchbeads.blogspot.com/

Facebook http://www.facebook.com/dutchtouchbeads

Twitter http://twitter.com/dutchtouchbeads

I hope you enjoyed meeting Jenni! I certainly did. Go check out her shop on Etsy or maybe leave a comment on her blog. :)

Have a wonderful weekend! :)

Happy Painting/Creating! :) T.

"Friday Features"

It's Friday so that means "Features Time!" I am very happy to bring you another talented member of our Etsy community.


This week it is a wonderful Artist,Vanessa from; http://www.designsbyvanessa.etsy.com/


She has kindly answered some questions for us :)


Tell us a little about how you got to where you are creatively.

I come from a long line of creative people and I just think it is in my genes. My talented tin artist dad encouraged me to express myself and I was never forced to color inside of the lines. I spent many summers with my grandmother, who taught me how to make something fabulous and new out of something ordinary and old.



http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=29456437


Tell us a little about your creative process.

For me, my creativity comes in waves. Once an idea pops in my head I feel like I have to create it at that moment and I have been known to pull all nighters in order to finish a project.


What do you love about creating?

Creating is definitely therapeutic for me and I appreciate having an outlet after a stressful day.


What is your favourite item in your Etsy store right now?

Right now, I love my felt little birdie cards. I just think they are so cute and perfect for any occasion.

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=27983031


Why Etsy?

Before I was a seller I was a shopper on Etsy and I just loved it!


What do you love about Etsy?

I love the people! The handmade community is absolutely amazing and I have met some fabulous artisans who have been so helpful to me.

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=28114011


What do you do in your spare time?

I love hanging with my husband and our 2 furbabies in my spare time. Other than that, I enjoy photography, writing, reading, traveling and working out.


Tell us 4 things about yourself that would let us peek into your world or that you think define you.

I don’t think I could quickly list 4 things that define me so I will give you 4 random facts instead:
1. I’m a family counselor by day and crafter by night.
2. I love pickles, like looooove them lol!
3. I hope to publish a book someday.
4. My favorite ice cream flavor is coffee.


If you could, what would be your dream life?

I think it would be so much fun to be a boutique owner!

Here are the fun places you can find Vanessa;

Etsy Shop ♥ http://www.designsbyvanessa.etsy.com/

Blog ♥ http://designsbyvanessa.blogspot.com/

I hope you enjoyed meeting Vanessa! I certainly did. Go check out her shop on Etsy or maybe leave a comment on her blog. :)

Have a wonderful weekend! :)

Happy Painting/Creating! :) T.

"Friday Features"

It's Friday so that means "Features Time!" I am very excited to bring you another talented member of our Etsy community. This week it is a wonderful Artist from Florida. Stacey from http://www.artsnark.etsy.com/

Not only did Stacey answer questions for us this week but she also kindly offered a Giveaway as well. Here is the Giveaway first! "Waiting for Spring?" This one of a kind piece is a mix of painting & drawing on scrapbook paper. It measures approx 5.5" x 7.5". There is an extra 1/2 border on top (not shown) to make matting easier. You can use a standard 5"x 7" mat. It was inspired by an Emerson quote: "Adopt the pace of nature: her secret is patience." and the idea of Waiting.

Just leave a comment on this posting by Friday 30th October and you will be entered to win this amazing piece of original artwork.

And now the fun interview with Stacey from http://www.artsnark.etsy.com/

Tell us a little about how you got to where you are creatively.


I have always enjoyed working with my hands. My mom had a craft/sewing room where I spent a lot of time. I didn’t study art until high school. My friend told me it would be “an easy A”. Boy was she wrong! But it peaked my interest. I tried Art School for a year but it didn’t take.Over the next 10+ years I didn’t do much art. I did get a job in antiques restoration which kept my hands happy for a while. Around 2001 I started drawing again & began painting (I’d always been afraid of color). Joined some local arts groups, had some shows & sales, won a few local awards. In 2003 I stopped again when my son was born. I used to work very big & very slowly – not easy with a new baby. In 2008 discovering ACEOs on ebay was a big turning point for me. That led me to Etsy. Seeking to feed my new ACEO addiction, I started making them to swap. I found the online art group, Variazione (ZNE). There I met the most supportive group of talented artists who gave me the confidence to start creating again.If you are curious, I’ve posted about ZNE here: http://artsnark.blogspot.com/2008/11/toot-toot-toot.html


Tell us a little about your creative process.


There’s about a dozen unfinished projects going on at any time. Plus several more outlined in my head, clambering to get out. All day while I’m at work & running errands, a part of me is thinking about designs. As soon as I can, I rush to my studio & jump into an unfinished piece or start something new. Other times, I’ll be cleaning my room & pick something up (say a scrap of printed paper or a broken pocket watch) & am overwhelmed by the desire to turn it into something else. I let random chance dictate things & see what happens.The last few months I have been really into online art challenges, like IllustrationFriday.com or Mix it Up with Melange.


What do you love about creating?


I love working with my hands. Everything else falls away & I’m able to focus.


What is your favourite item in your Etsy store right now?


Probably my watercolor, A Sinister Gentleman. He was so much fun to make & practically drew himself. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=14342282


Why Etsy?


I started on Etsy as a buyer. I liked the feel; It is very window-shopper friendly. I also like the idea of buying directly from the artist. I had a lot of my artwork lying around so I figured I might as well open shop.


What do you love about Etsy?


#1 People I’ve met there. There are so many creative, wonderful artisans discussing all sorts of fascinating topics. The forums & teams are a great resource and many people are just so darn nice.
#2 I love browsing on etsy. There is literally something for everyone.
#3 It is so easy to set up and maintain a shop that even a neo-luddite like myself can do it.
#4 The fee structure is simple & fair.
#5 Each day I tune in, I learn something new.


What do you do in your spare time?


I’ve been struggling with time management this year. Most spare time is spent playing with my son. I also love baking bread, reading, blogging, and of course making stuff.


Tell us 4 things about yourself that would let us peek into your world or that you think define you.


1). I love to travel.
2). I am an art-addict. If I had the $ I’d be buying art constantly. Since I can’t do that I’ve been having fun posting artist interviews & behind the scenes studio tours on my blog.
3). Don’t drive. Never have. I love to walk.
4).I try to learn something new everyday.


If you could, what would be your dream life?


In my dream life, I’d have the freedom to spend all day in my studio until school lets out. Then hang out with family & friends. My house would always be clean & I’d have a sales/marketing/PR crew to deal with getting my art into the world. I’d also be able to go globetrotting on a whim.

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=19462767 "Icarus who?" mixed media collage ooak.

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=32636069 "Red’s walk" mixed media collage ooak.

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=32196758 "worn out" original drawing ooak.

Here are the fun places you can find Stacey ;

On Etsy- http://www.ArtSnark.etsy.com/

Blog - http://ArtSnark.blogspot.com/

Other Shop on Etsy - http://www.SteamDreams.etsy.com/

Hope you enjoyed meeting Stacey! I certainly did. Go check out her Shops on Etsy or leave a comment on her blog!

Have a wonderful weekend :)

Happy Painting/Creating! :) T.

Lovely Blog Award!

Look at this! Oh I am really excited. (Do I seem to start most blog posts like that?) Well, I am what can I say. Jenni, from http://dutchtouchbeads.blogspot.com/ has awarded the "One Lovely Blog Award" to me (and a few others) and I wanted to say a big "THANK YOU." She is such a sweetheart to do this. I love blogging! :) And I love that others love my blog! :)

Happy Painting/Creating! :) T.


Don't forget to enter the October Art giveaway on my blog! ENTER HERE!

"Friday Features"

It's Friday so that means "Features Time!"

I am very excited to bring you another talented member of our Etsy community. This week it is an amazing girl from Chicago.

Here is Rachel from http://www.raspberrykidz.etsy.com/

She kindly answered some questions for us :)

"The piggy bank was based on the drawing" (below),

Before;

After Rachel's magic :)

Tell us a little about how you got to where you are creatively.

Trial and error. I've dabbled in airbrushing, silkscreening and computers. For me, computer art worked the best in my limited space. I'm also a big fan of James Rizzi's work. He uses bright colors in such a free style. His pictures remind me of children's drawings. I think it's very difficult to draw like a kid. Luckily I have two of my own that supply me will all the subject matter I could need!

Tell us a little about your creative process.

I love every step of my process:
1. First I take a digital picture of the artwork and upload it onto my computer.
2. I import it into Illustrator where I create the outline.
3. In Photoshop I color it in, mostly with the airbrush tool.
4. Next I print it out, printing certain areas twice.
5. I then cut out those areas with a nail scissors or x-acto knife and reapply them to the piece, using poster tape to give it a 3-D "pop."

What do you love about creating?

Like I mentioned, I love every step of the process, but in general I love getting lost in the work—not thinking about the time or anything else. I especially love how happy kids are to see their original drawings transformed. They inspire me, and hopefully I inspire them in return.

What is your favorite item in your Etsy store right now?

Right now, I'm liking the "Ballerina Pig." My daughter drew it of her piggy bank, and I just added some color and moved some flowers around. As I said, I think it's very hard to draw like a kid. If I had drawn her bank, it would have never turned out as cute!

Why Etsy?

My sister told me about Etsy. She's at http://maybeads.etsy.com/ and does very well there. I haven't been as successful as her, but it's a different way to be seen, so I tried it.

What do you love about Etsy?

That's easy—the community! I love meeting other artists. When I finished college, I found I really missed being around other artists as much as I was used to. Etsy is a great way to stay connected to the art community. Everyone I've met is very supportive.

What do you do in your spare time?

I am involved at my kids' school in many ways. I lay out the monthly newsletter. I started a magazine there, and this year I'm starting another one that will reach multiple schools. I'm teaching an art class. And I'm working on a community cookbook.

I've started my own blog (http://raspberrykidz.blogspot.com/), and one of my goals is to cook more meals for my family this year. (I'm posting my progress on the blog.)

I'm also an exercise junkie—can't really go a day without it. And I enjoy a good book.

Tell us 4 things about yourself that would let us peek into your world or that you think define you.

1. I have 2 turtles, named Sushi and Tofu
2. I love to bake (usually using substitutes to make things healthier—did you know you could replace butter with avocado in some recipes? I learned that in Shape magazine. It's been great for my kids. My husband still doesn't want to know about the substitutes I use because he just wants to enjoy the goodies)
3. I sometimes log onto my kids' Webkinz accounts to play 'Cash Cow' or 'Goober's Lab.'
4. I love living in the city.

If you could, what would be your dream life?

I really love my life right now. I just wish I could make more sales and continue to do what I love. I don't need to be in a gallery; I'd be happy to hang my work in a coffee shop. To have my art life help support my family would be ideal, but for now I will settle with paying for a dinner out every now and then!

Here are the fun places you can find Rachel;
On Etsy- http://www.raspberrykids.etsy.com/

Blog - http://raspberrykidz.blogspot.com/

web site - http://www.raspberrykidz.com/

Hope you enjoyed meeting Rachel! I certainly did. Go check out her Shop on Etsy or leave a comment on her blog!

Have a wonderful weekend :)

Happy Painting/Creating! :) T.

"Friday Features"

It's Friday so that means "Features Time!"

I am so excited to bring you another talented member of our Etsy community. This week it is a wonderful girl from Seattle, Wa.

Here is Theresa from http://www/Prayers4Theresa.etsy.com She kindly answered some questions for us :)


http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=24124692

Tell us a little about how you got to where you are creatively.

I started making rosaries in 2001. I was visiting a crafty friend who had recently gotten into beaded jewelry making in addition to her already successful stained glass business. She had made rosaries before and had all the parts available to show me. After she showed me how to use the wire tools to string the beads I was hooked! And the funniest part about it all...I wasn't even Catholic! I've long collected religious kitsch including vintage rosaries, prayer cards, statues, and such. I always loved reading about Saints, especially those who had documented their memoirs and autobiographies. Catholicism was calling to me for many years and learning to make the rosaries was just another step in the right direction. I went through RCIA in 2003 and was Baptized at Easter in 2004. I made rosaries as gifts for the other 24 people who were being Baptized with me that year. I also make about 100 rosaries a year which I donate to my church to give to those in need of a little Grace. I started my Etsy shop in December 2007.

Tell us a little about your creative process.

While traditional rosaries are my main focus I have branched out to offer other fun items which also have that Catholic flavor. Holy medals play a large part in my store. I want my items to be useful in a practical way and allow others to show their Faith and their individual Flair. I'm especially fond of the bookmarks, purse fobs/zipper pulls, and little kilt pin/brooches with colorful medals. Rather than focus on prayer like the rosaries do, these little pieces are silent and beautiful reminders that we are always surrounded by the love of God and we can call upon his Angels and Saints to help us through our day when we need them.

What is your favourite item in your Etsy store right now?

Right now my "Shepherd's Hook" bookmarks are my favorites. I love making them and I love using them. I have many I use at home. I really enjoy that I can still see them when I put books back on the bookshelf because they hook right over the spine and let the charms and beads dangle down. Adds an adorable sparkle to an otherwise cluttered and dusty bookshelf!

What do you love about Etsy?

I love the Etsy community as a whole. The support from the other sellers in the forums and chats is amazing. The teams are delightful for getting to know local crafters in your area and other people who share your passions. I find it absolutely amazing that belonging to a team of rosary makers we see each other as friends and peers instead of competitors and share promotions and sales with each other. The handmade community is so special. Like with cooking, the first ingredient/supply is always Love.

What do you do in your spare time?

I really love to just lay on my couch with a blanket, my cat and watch TV. I'm a sucker for bad reality shows, nutty comedies, and the occasional suspenseful drama. Sometimes I'll craft while I'm lounging around and sometimes I'll just fall asleep. Sleep is another one of my favorite things. I love a good nap!

Tell us 4 things about yourself that would let us peek into your world.

1. I was born and raised in WA state and I live right in the heart of downtown Seattle. My apartment is just a couple blocks from the famous Pike Place Market where they throw the fish. I can see the Space Needle outside my living room window. I love living in the middle of a busy city with all the hustle and bustle. I get way too bored out in the suburbs.

2. I'm not what most would consider a typical Catholic good-girl by looks alone. I have 12 tattoos, a couple fun piercings, and usually have bright-red hair, sometimes with funky streaks. Most of my tattoos are of a religious nature (angels, crosses, Virgin Marys). I get some interesting looks by some of the folks at church, but I don't mind. I love showing my Faith and my personal Flair.

3. My boyfriend of 8 years is a self-proclaimed Athiest who still stuck with me through my conversion to Catholicism. We have some really fun debates. I really appreciate his love and support even though he doesn't believe in my faith - he still believes in me.

4. I have a full-time "day job" in a call center. My boss lets me craft at my desk between phone calls so I do most of my crafting at work! I keep a stash of beads and supplies under my desk.

If you could, what would be your dream life?

My dream life would be that of a housecat so I could sleep all the time. LOL! I swear my cat wakes me up on the weekends just so I'll get up and she can have the whole bed to herself.


http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=26222234

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=26222234

Here are the fun places you can find Theresa ;

On Etsy- http://prayers4theresa.etsy.com/

Twitter - http://twitter.com/prayers4theresa

Blog - http://prayers4theresa.blogspot.com/

Hope you enjoyed meeting Theresa! I certainly did. Go check out her Shop on Etsy or leave a comment on her blog!

Have a wonderful weekend :)

Happy Painting/Creating! :) T

"Friday Features"

Here is the start of a new feature on my blog; "Friday Features" will highlight some of the amazing people who we come across everyday on Etsy thru their creativity now we can get to know them on a more personal basis! Enjoy! :)

Here is Laura from http://www.mabjewelry.etsy.com/ She kindly answered some questions for us! :)

Tell us a little about how you got to where you are creatively.

I started making jewelry about six years ago, with my mom. We made stuff for ourselves, and then stuff for our friends. And then more stuff. Eventually, we figured out that we should sell some of it! My early pieces are a little scary to look at now, but, the more you make, the better you get, I think. I started using different materials and different styles and designs as I got more comfortable making different pieces. Now, I'll work with anything that's small enough to turn into a piece of jewelry, and that's so much fun.

Tell us a little about your creative process.

I sit down almost every night with a movie and my pile of supplies. Sometimes, I have an idea about what I might make. Sometimes, I just start poking in my beads and see what happens. Once in awhile, I'll get an idea and sketch something, but I usually just wing it! I tend to be a very structured person who has to have some kind of plan, and this is the one place where I rarely work like that. I usually don't know what I'm going to end up with when I start, and that's so wonderful.

What do you love about creating?

Making jewelry is the calmest, most peaceful activity for me. The combination of all the tiny, shiny, pretty supplies and the creating something new from them, there's nothing better. And then when a stranger loves something I have made, that's the best feeling ever.

What is your favourite item in your Etsy store right now?


Probably the Mina necklace. The tulips are gorgeous, and I've thought about keeping it.http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=28798603 (Above)

Why Etsy?


It's fairly easy and cheap to set up shop. It's a simple way to begin having an online presence. It's also a great place to buy. I'm buying most of my supplies on etsy now, and plan on doing a major part of my Christmas shopping there.

What do you love about Etsy?


The community. I've met some wonderful people, and, whenever I've had a question, there has always been someone to help me out. I've learned so much about running a business, plus an online business, and most of that has come from other etsians.

What do you do in your spare time?


I'm a movie freak. I have two very demanding cats who need constant attention. I have less demanding friends who I love to spend time with. And I love that Fishdom game!

Tell us 4 things about yourself that would let us peek into your world or that you think define you.


I love to clean.
I'm generous, almost to a fault.
I have a very sarcastic sense of humor, and it sometimes gets me in trouble.
I have an M.A. in Creative Writing and English Lit, and my home is packed full of books.

If you could, what would be your dream life?


For all of us who create, I think the dream life is to earn enough money selling your creations so you don't have to do anything else. But, then, to also have creating remain something that you love to do and not turn into "work." I think that's a tricky balance, but I would certainly love the opportunity to give it a go!

Hope you enjoyed this new segment to my blog and meeting Laura! I certainly did. Go check out her Shop on Etsy! http://www.mabjewelry.etsy.com/

Have a wonderful weekend :)

Happy Painting/Creating! :) T

Giveaway Day is Here Again!!!!!

We have a Winner!!!

I am so excited to announce the winner in my 4th Giveaway on PoppyPlacePdx!!!!!

..........................................(silent drum roll) .................................................

The winner is ****Jenni **** from Etsy Store http://www.dutchtouchbeads.etsy.com/ and her blog http://www.dutchtouchbeads.blogspot.com/

Congrats to Jenni. :)

I would like to thank everyone who participated, commented on my blog, went to my Etsy shops, hearted them and everyone who is now following my blogs :)

It is such a great way to make connections with fellow Etsians and I love reading other people's blogs!

There is so much great talent out there.

Watch out for next month's giveaway!

Happy Painting/Creating! :) T.

Giveaway Day is Here Again!!!!!

We have a Winner!!!

I am so excited to announce the winner in my 3rd Giveaway on PoppyPlacePdx!!!!!

..........................................(silent drum roll) .................................................

The winner is ****Alicia Istanbul **** from Etsy Store http://www.istanbuldesigns.etsy.com/ and her blog http://www.istanbuldesigns.com/blog/

Congrats to Alicia.

I would like to thank everyone who participated, commented on my blog, went to my Etsy shops, hearted them and everyone who is now following my blogs :) It is such a great way to make connections with fellow Etsians and I love reading other people blogs! There is so much great talent out there.


Watch out for next month's giveaway!

Happy Painting/Creating! :) T.

I WON!!!!!

I WON!!!!!!!

I am soooo excited and I wanted to share this with everyone. :)

Look what I won.

I came back from Ohio (you remember I took my youngest off to college :(

to find out that I had won a giveaway on a very talented girl's blog. She is Holly from PeaceFrogDesigns and I love the necklace so much I decided that I would interview her as the first in my blog series on fellow Etsians. So stay tuned because coming soon there will be a fun interview with Holly. You can check out her work at: http://www.peacefrogdesigns.etsy.com/

and her blog at: http://peacefrogdesigns.blogspot.com/

Have a wonderful Weekend!

Don't forget to enter my blog Giveaway it ends on Monday 31st.

Happy Painting/Creating! :) T.