My Art Studio Tour on Artsnark's blog!

Check out my Art Studio tour and my sewing/computer room on Artsnark's Blog.

http://artsnark.blogspot.com/2009/10/saturday-studio-tour-8-artist-teresa.html

And also, check out the interview and giveaway on Artsnark's blog I gave on Thursday, there is still time to pop over there and enter the giveaway for a beautiful print of one of my pieces of artwork which isn't on my website yet! :)

http://artsnark.blogspot.com/2009/10/new-giveaway-art-print-by-teresa.html

Hope you are having a great 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

Pink All The Way Baby!

I have been asked so often by people "Why don't you sell prints of your art work?" I guess I have been holding out in a purist fashion in the hope that some wealthy person will buy my art work and make me famous (jk). I guess part of me thinks it is selling out but part of me is a realist and if I want more people to see and appreciate my work then prints it is. :)

So, on that note, what better way to start then to offer prints of "Pretty In Pink" as the first. I am so excited. These prints will be offered this month as a fundraiser for the Susan G. Komen foundation, 20% of each print sold will be donated. So here are the links to my Esty shop and the prints available :)

Prints at $25.00 on Cardstock.

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=32212655

Prints at $15.00 on Laser 24lb paper.
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=32214628

Original Painting "Pretty in Pink".
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=16627092

Happy Painting/Creating. :) T.

First Friday in Portland.

I thought it would be fun to show you some photos of the "First Friday" at the Launch Pad Gallery in Portland, Oregon.

Portland has a very active art scene, we have "First Thursday", "First Friday", "Last Thursday", "Last Friday", "Middle Tuesday", (jk) but you get my point. Lots of places open there doors and make art accessible to everyone who wants to stroll on in. It definitely makes art more available and less intimidating than in the old days. :)

With so many areas around Portland becoming destinations in themselves on these nights there is a broad range of art to choose from. Last night, as I had entered an art piece in this particular gallery's "Family Show" I dragged my Hubby to see what it was all about. Well, it was certainly a happening place, very much a hang out place, a very young crowd, mostly art students, I am guessing, loud music, dancing, well it was a party in a gallery. It had a very positive vibe, lots of people seemed to know each other and if I hadn't been old enough to be the mother to pretty much everyone there I would have joined in the dancing, well maybe not.

So, here are a few photos from last night, the piece below was my favourite! "Departure"'09 by Matt Di Leo. Hope you enjoy!

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

October Pink!

Wow! I can't believe we are already into October! This is a very significant month; I have done a lot of fundraising in my time but October and Breast Cancer Awareness is very close to my heart.

So, all month long I will be offering various different ways to fund raise, from donating part or all of the sale price of particular items in my 3 shops on Etsy to the Susan G. Komen Foundation http://ww5.komen.org/ Also, giveaways of pink items with purchases and giveaways on my blog, keep coming back to see what is being offered each week.

Here is the first piece, I know it is expensive but a lot of work and love went into this piece. Check it out at my etsy shop and read the story behind the painting :)



http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=16627092

Also, this caught my eye while browsing a Women's magazine in the Doc's office a couple of weeks ago. I was fascinated I hadn't heard about it before; so just in case you haven't either I am sharing this info. Who knew we could all do our bit for Breast Cancer research! Check it out today, it isn't as scary as it sounds :)

http://www.armyofwomen.org/

Go have your Mammogram, no procrastinating! Off to schedule mine right now!

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.