Behind The Art Monday

Today's interview is with Leeya Engel from Modi'in, Israel. Her shop is called Leeya and features fimo clay jewelry and singed organza blossom accessories. Leeya tells us, "I have always and will always love experimenting with crafts and new materials."

What inspires your work? Describe your creative process and tell us about your favorite materials to work with.

I love the way that the organza changes shape during the singeing process. I love making tiny precious details and setting crystals into my fimo creations. I love when something turns out evem more beautiful than I had planned. I love when things turn out beautiful without my having planned.
What are your goals for your Etsy shop?

My goal for my shop besides for having it cover the expenses of he materials I am always inevitably buying from various craft shops is to have an outlet for my designs. If I have a whole bunch of stuff I have made at home then I have no reason to make more. If the stuff starts selling then I have a reason to continue crafting and a justification for what I love to do.

What do you do when you're not crafting? Any favorite hobbies?

When I am not crafting I am probably doing homework or preparing for a lab or hanging with my hubby. I am pursuing a masters in Materials Science and Engineering. In addition to crafting, I like to paint while listening to soft music and to write poetry.

How did you come to Etsy? Do you sell anywhere else?

A friend of mine turned me on to etsy one day and since then I've been hooked (serious spend-too-much-time-on-etsy-anonymous). I also sell my fimo earrings and rings in a local store.

Where can we find you online?

I twitter (LeeyaEngel) I facebook (Leeya Engel) and I have a craft blog where I talk about my work: http://LeeyaEngel.blogspot.com
What is your favorite item in your shop?

It's tough to pick a favorite item...I'd have to say these days its my Cherry Lover Earrings
What is the most valuable thing you have learned from your art and being an Etsy seller?

Great question. I have learned so many things. First of all I believe that by selling in a community like etsy I have been able to compare my items to those of others which helps with pricing and uniqueness. I find it so inspiring to admire the work of other crafters. My photography and photoshop skills have improved dramatically. I have also learned that creating an online presence and personality is an important thing and that it is something that you really need to build over time.

I hope that you enjoy etsy as much as I do! Happy crafting, shopping, and wearing :)
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See more from Leeya at her Etsy shop

Behind The Art Monday

Today's Behind The Art Monday Interview is with DES from Etsy shop Whiteserenade.

Tell us about your art. What do you make?

I enjoy photography, graphic design, stained glass, mixed media paintings, paper mache and jewelry.


What inspires your work? Describe your creative process and tell us about your favorite materials to work with.

I really can't sit still. I'd rather be junking or in my workshop. I've always been driven to create, and I have a passion for graphic design and reclaiming and repurposing materials. I love transforming something that might otherwise end up in a landfill into something beautiful, functional, and one-of-a-kind. I also love the art of the 20's and 30's and I've recently started painting vintage girl faces. My favorite material is recycling vintage French paper.

What are your goals for your shop?

Just do what I love to do. Create share and give. I donate some of my profits to www.bloodwatermission.com



What do you do when you are not creating?

I'm a wife, mommy and house keeper. I am very blessed to work at home and be available for my kids.

What is your favorite hobby other than crafting?

Working out exercising. If I don't workout I can't sleep.

What brought you to Etsy? Do you sell anywhere else?
I sell in two shops in my area.

Where can we find you online?

Currently, only on etsy. I'm afraid of those places. Honestly I don't like being on the computer too long. It grabs you and I get nothing done.




What is your favorite item in your shop?

My recycled milk glass candle holders.

What is the most valuable thing you have learned from your art and being an Etsy seller?

Don't give up on your art. It's easy to get discouraged as you see other sellers. I do what I do because I enjoy it.

See more work from whiteserenade on Etsy.com

Behind The Art Monday

Today's featured Etsy shop is Capow. Crystal currently lives in Albany, NY and her shop is filled with fabulous photography as well as tote bags, wallets, clutches and a few vintage items.


Tell us about your art. What do you make? How did you come to your craft?

There are two main things that I focus on with my etsy shop: photography and sewing. I've been interested in photography ever since taking a class in high school and learning how to shoot and develop my own film and prints. I have been shooting for over 10 years, and was VERY against switching over to a digital camera at first, but now I don't know how I EVER lived without one!
As for the sewing, my mother grew up on a farm where my grandmother taught her how to sew, knit, and crochet. My mother would work on her crafts at night while watching TV, and I was curious and wanted to learn. She first taught me to crochet. Then she enrolled me in the local 4-H club, where I learned to sew from a pattern. She later taught me to knit...but for some reason I didn't take to it. After learning how to sew, I mostly quilted until about a year ago when I decided to try my hand at making a wallet. For the past year I've been sewing and making patterns for my own handmade accessories.

What inspires your work? Describe your creative process and tell us about your favorite materials to work with.

I think what inspires my sewing the most is great fabrics. When I see a bolt of REALLY awesome fabric I can't wait to cut it up and make it into something that's not only beautiful, but also useful.


What are your goals for your shop?

I would LOVE to be one of etsy's "Quit Your Day Job" stories some day, but I don't know if that will happen. For one, I'd need much more time to complete many more items. So my "realistic" goal for the shop is to have moderate sales so that the shop can sustain itself and maybe turn a little profit.

What do you do when you are not creating?

If I ever have a spare minute I try to use it to work on creating something, but between that and my full time job I usually squeeze in a hour a day at the gym. I really like going out for dinner with friends, going to see my boyfriend's band, Severe Severe, play, and hanging out with my cats.




What is your favorite hobby other than crafting?

I guess, technically, photography isn't crafting. That's the other big hobby that takes up most of my time. I just bought my first DSLR a few months ago with the slot machine winnings I made at the casino, so photography has become much more fun for me with a new camera to play with!

What brought you to Etsy? Do you sell anywhere else?
I was turned on to Etsy by my friend, and fellow seller, RainbowWrangler. I thought it was a really great idea, and made my own shop right away. I also sell at a local brick and mortar called Silver Birch Trading Company. I have some stuff consigned at www.feyhandmade.com. And I'm working on setting up a 1000markets shop as well.

Where can we find you online?

twitter: http://twitter.com/capowcapow
blog: http://capow1981.blogspot.com
facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/CAPow-Art-Design/49935081706


What is your favorite item in your shop?

My favorite item right now is the tote bag with the black bird on it. It was a new pattern I was trying out, and I REALLY love the way it came out. I'm in the process of making a lot more!

What is the most valuable thing you have learned from your art and being an Etsy seller?

I've learned that you have to love what you're doing or no one else will. You can't make things because they are "in" and you just want a sale. If you don't absolutely love what you're making, it will be reflected in the end product.

Anything else you would like us to know about you?

I'm very grateful for every sale I've made through Etsy, but I'm even more grateful for the world of sellers and bloggers that I have been introduced to! Everyone I've found through Etsy has been totally amazing. You all rock!

See more from Capow by visiting her Etsy shop.
*********************************************************************************** Check out my blog giveaways while your here and win:
A $15 dollar gift certificate to Oceanside Creations and A knitted sweater bag from Bags of Blessings

Behind The Art Monday

Today's Behind The Art Monday interview features Julie from Juleseveland who makes fun and creative cards. They are beautifully designed so I hope you take a minute to get to know Julie and take a peek around her shop. Enjoy!

Introduce yourself.

My name is Julie Eveland, and I live in Lincoln, Nebraska. I make cards, and am in the process of making upcycled magazine bowls. I have been making and selling cards for about 5 years now, and love every minute of it!

Tell us about your art. What do you make? How did you come to your craft?

I started making cards after I started getting into scrapbooking with my sisters. I use stamps, stickers, mosaic scraps, my own handwriting, charms, paper piecings, you name it! It's so much fun to come up with ideas and create! I actually use to be a Graphic Designer so some of that creation revolves around my cards.



What inspires your work? Describe your creative process and tell us about your favorite materials to work with.

I get inspiration from a variety of things- magazines, graphic design books, computer galleries, even clothes. Once I get an idea in my head, I write it down and draw. I also keep a 3 ring binder full of ideas and occasionally look off the images. I love working with stamps (my obsession)...and watercolor pencils. I also can't get enough of cardstock!

What are your goals for your shop?

To try to sell at least one item! To get my name out there, and network with other creative artists.

What do you do when you are not creating?

Work, watch movies with my husband, spend time with my two cats, go for walks.



What are your favorite hobbies other than crafting?

Horseback riding and reading

What brought you to Etsy? Do you sell anywhere else?

My friend that likes to glance through the images on the home page everyday brought me to Etsy. She got me and my sister hooked ever since. My sister also sells her work on Etsy. I have sold my cards at one Craft Fair & individual friends and family.

Where can we find you online?

I'm on Twitter and Facebook- Julie Eveland or juleseveland.


What is your favorite item in your shop?

My mosaic card. I put a lot of time and care into the mosaic cards and would hopefully find a home for them!

What is the most valuable thing you have learned from your art and being an Etsy seller?

That it takes a lot of work to get your name out there, and you have to put time and money into something to sell something.

Anything else you would like us to know about you?

My sister also sells cards on Etsy- handmadecardsbyjen, and we kind of started selling on Etsy around the same time. We love making our cards and are our own worst critic! I would love to start friendships on Etsy, and meet lots of new people. Thank you!

~See more of Julie's work by visiting Juleseveland on Etsy.

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Behind The Art Monday

Happy Monday! Today's Behind The Art Monday interview features Etsy shop joyuna. Her shop is filled with beautiful hand dyed yarns and knitted creations. She is also offering readers a 15% discount so head on over to her shop if you see something you like. Include the code "oceanside" in the notes to seller upon checkout.

Introduce yourself.

Hello, I'm Joyuna, and I make yarn. I'm a college student in Ohio, studying Linguistics, and selling on Etsy in my spare time to support my fiber habit.

Tell us about your art. What do you make? How did you come to your craft?

I spin, dye, and knit. I love knitting, and I've loved knitting ever since I learned. There's hardly a minute you can find me without needles. My addiction started with knitting, and then gradually grew to yarn and fiber in general. Now I spin handspun yarn on a drop spindle and a wheel, as well as dye yarn in my own kitchen in small batches. Most recently, I've been designing my own knitting patterns, which is a new and interesting challenge.

What inspires your work? Describe your creative process and tell us about your favorite materials to work with.

My head is always full of patterns and colors. Give me a spare minute and I'll quickly begin filling the margins of a page with designs and ideas. Dyeing is so much fun because it's like I'm in elementary school art class all over again, mixing colors and seeing what turns out. My knitting is like that too - I improvise a lot of my designs, such as the knitted fruits.

Those fruits actually started as an accident... I was trying to knit a sphere, and it turned into a lime! And then I started knitting other fruits, because people loved them.



What are your goals for your shop?

My shop is really just an excuse for me to create more things. I never would have started writing knitting patterns if I didn't have the shop. The shop gives me an opportunity to branch out and try things I never would have tried otherwise, because usually I'm knitting for myself. Now, I'm knitting and spinning for other people.

What do you do when you are not creating?

Study... ha! I'm a full-time student, part-time crafter, though I wish it were the reverse. I also write articles for my blog, http://joyarna.blogspot.com . I love reading, writing, and learning languages.



What is your favorite hobby other than crafting?

I've recently gotten into baking a lot. There really is nothing like fresh-baked bread! And it's a lot easier than you'd think. Up until now, I thought I was hopeless at cooking. But I'm having a lot of fun learning and improving.

What brought you to Etsy? Do you sell anywhere else?

Just Etsy at the moment. I've been a buyer on Etsy for a lot longer than I've been a seller, so setting up shop there was the natural choice.

Where can we find you online?

I'm in a lot of places, under the username Joyuna. I'm an avid Twitterer http://twitter.com/Joyuna , I post photos on Flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/11560411@N07/ , and I made yarn is on Facebook here http://tinyurl.com/c3sghu . Like I said, I blog at the Joyarna Knitblog http://joyarna.blogspot.com . I'm also on Ravelry, where my username is Joyuna.


What is your favorite item in your shop?

I have a special connection with my handspun yarns, since I've worked so hard at them. It's a little like magic to take a ball of fluff and transform it into something you can use. My favorite skein of handspun is the beaded alpaca. It was an experiment, but one that I think turned out very well.

What is the most valuable thing you have learned from your art and being an Etsy seller?

Patience! I've always been a very impatient person, but since learning to knit I know that patience is rewarded with great results. I'm learning that with my Etsy shop too, because I'm starting to gain some success.

You can see more of Joyuna's work in her Etsy shop. She would like to offer readers a 15% discount when you include the code "oceanside" in notes to seller upon checkout.

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Behind The Art Monday

Today's featured Etsy artist is Stephanie from Stoopher and Boots. Enjoy the interview and I hope you will check out her super cute shop.

Introduce yourself.

My name is Stephanie, proud owner of Stoopher & Boots. I live in NYC and am blessed with a loving family that is supportive of my artistic pursuits. So much so that I named my company after my Father's nickname for me (Stephanie/Stoopher) and my sister (Betsy/Boots).

Tell us about your art. What do you make? How did you come to your craft?

I design and decorate clothing and accessories. I started by looking for a creative gift idea for my sister's second set of twins (yes, second). I decided to try out designing shirts and got such wonderful feedback I thought I would continue. I took pictures of what I'd made, posted them to etsy and things took off from there. Now I've expanded into adult and dog tees too.

What inspires your work? Describe your creative process and tell us about your favorite materials to work with.

I'm inspired by color. I love mixing colors and creating images that highlight those combinations.

What are your goals for your shop?

Eventually I would like to have a shop of my own and expand into more retail space. My products are being carried by a boutique in NYC, but I hope to grow that reach.

What do you do when you are not creating?
I have a corporate job that takes up quite a few hours of my day (and night). This business has really allowed me to have a creative outlet which utilizing the business skills I've gained in the corporate world.



What is your favorite hobby other than crafting?

I am a new owner of a puppy and kitten and I adore spending time with them. They are a wonderful addition to my life.
What brought you to Etsy? Do you sell anywhere else?

I've always heard great things about Etsy and I felt it was a good place to get started. Through word of mouth I was able to secure a relationship with a retail boutique in NYC. I've also started selling at craft fairs.

Where can we find you online?

Other than etsy (http://stoopher.etsy.com), please follow me on Twitter and join my facebook group



What is your favorite item in your shop?

Hard to pick a favorite, but here are two I'm very proud of:
Rockabilly Onesie
It's A Small World T-Shirt

What is the most valuable thing you have learned from your art and being an Etsy seller?
Mostly, this has been an amazing creative outlet for me. I've also met people from all over the world through Etsy and am amazed by all of the talent that is out there.

Anything else you would like us to know about you?

I love what I do, and hope you do too.

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Win a Going To The Beach Scrapbooking Inspiration Kit from Ocean Dreams Studio.
Enter here.

Behind The Art Mondays

This week's Behind The Art Monday Interview is with Kieu from tealightshoppe. She is 20 years old, originally from Texas and is currently living in San Francisco. Kieu is offering readers 25% off their purchase when they leave the code "mail02" in the notes to seller upon checkout. Hope you enjoy meeting another great Etsy artist!

Tell us about your art. What do you make? How did you come to your craft?

I make cute limited edition accessories ranging from necklaces and bracelets to cell phone charms. It all started when I was at the art store and came across some polymer clay. I was playing around with it and had the idea to make some cell phone charms. It then expanded into other mediums like jewelry making.

What inspires your work? Describe your creative process and tell us about your favorite materials to work with.

I take most of my inspiration from the beach. I like using beachy colors like blue, mint and sand. I usually choose the colors I like first and then I go about making my items from the beautiful colors I've chosen. It's kind of spontaneous, but it's been working for me thus far. My favorite materials to work with are Swarovski beads and polymer clay.

What are your goals for your shop?

I want to expand to different kinds of accessories and I want to turn this shop into much more then a hobby. I'm actually unveiling a new set of accessories soon so be on the lookout for them.


What are you doing when you aren't creating?

I'm still in college so when I'm not crafting, I can be found at school.

What is your favorite hobby?

My other favorite hobby is web designing. I've been doing it for over six years. I just like being able to make artwork into something functional, like a website.

What brought you to Etsy? Do you sell anywhere else?

Etsy seemed like the perfect community for me, since most of the shops there sell handmade items. Currently, I don't sell anywhere else, but eventually I hope to have enough customers to make my own website and sell it through there.

Where can we find you online?

Twitter: http://twitter.com/tealightshoppe
Blog: http://tea-light.net



What is your favorite item in your shop?

My favorite item is the Swarovski Dangle Bracelet. It took me a very long time to make it.

What is the most valuable lesson you have learned from your art and being an Etsy seller?

I've learned to not sell my art for less than it's worth. From being an Etsy seller, I've learned to take good pictures, because your customer won't be able to see the product in real life so the pictures must convey the product as best as possible.

Anything else you would like us to know?

I do make custom items so if you ever need something for a special occasion, you can always let me know.

You can see more from tealightshoppe here.

All photos are courtesy of tealightshoppe.

Behind The Art Monday

TODAY'S BEHIND THE ART INTERVIEW IS WITH LAUREN COOPER FROM ETSY SHOP LOLOGARDEN. SHE HAS BEEN MAKING JEWELRY FOR 6 YEARS FROM HER HOME STUDIO IN GRAND HAVEN, MICHIGAN. SHE ALSO MAKES BEADED WINE STOPPERS AND UTENSIL SETS. THIS MONTH LOLOGARDEN IS HAVING A 50% OFF SALE WITH FREE SHIPPING.



TELL US ABOUT YOUR ART. WHAT DO YOU MAKE AND HOW DID YOU COME TO YOUR CRAFT?

I MAKE STERLING SILVER JEWELRY WITH GLASS BEADS AND GEMSTONES. I'M SELF TAUGHT AND MY WORK HAS BECOME MORE AND MORE SKILLED AS MY BUSINESS HAS GROWN. I STARTED MY CRAFT AFTER A LIFETIME OF CREATIVITY. I CHANNELED ALL MY ENERGY INTO THIS ONE MEDIUM AND HAVE HAD SO MUCH FUN WITH IT.

WHAT INSPIRES YOUR WORK? DESCRIBE YOUR CREATIVE PROCESS AND TELL US ABOUT YOUR FAVORITE MATERIALS TO WORK WITH.

I HAVE ALWAYS HAD A NEED TO BE WORKING ON A CREATIVE PROJECT. IT IS MY FOCUS. I'M INSPIRED BY THE BEAUTIFUL NATURE THAT SURROUNDS ME IN LAKESIDE WEST MICHIGAN. SOME OF MY ITEMS FEATURE RECYCLED LOCAL BEACH GLASS. I'M CURRENTLY CRAZY ABOUT WORKING WITH METALS AND HANDSTAMPING PENDANTS.


WHAT ARE YOUR COALS FOR YOUR SHOP?

I WOULD LOVE FOR MY SHOP TO GROW AND TO BE ABLE TO SHOWCASE MY ART TO AS MANY PEOPLE AS POSSIBLE. MY LOVE GOES INTO EVERYONE OF MY PIECES AND I WANT THE PEOPLE WHO PURCHASE THE ITEMS TO LOVE THEM JUST AS MUCH AS I DO.



WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN YOU'RE NOT CREATING?

I'M A MOTHER OF ONE WITH ANOTHER ON THE WAY SO WE ARE ALWAYS PLAYING OUTSIDE, COLORING, ETC. I'M ALSO PASSIONATE ABOUT COOKING, HOME DECOR, FRIENDS, FAMILY AND CELEBRATING LIFE. I HAVE PRACTICED YOGA FOR 9 YEARS AND ENJOYING HIKING AND RUNNING.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE HOBBY OTHER THAN CRAFTING?
COOKING FOR SURE.

WHAT BROUGHT YOU TO ETSY? DO YOU SELL ANYWHERE ELSE?
A FRIEND TURNED ME ON TO ETSY AND I LOVE IT. I LOVE THE COMMUNITY. I ALSO SELL AT ART SHOWS AND THE MUSKEGON MUSEUM OF ART GIFT SHOP.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ITEM IN YOUR SHOP?
MY FAVORITE SHOP ITEM WOULD BE MY GEMSTONE BRACELETS WITH HANDSTAMPED PENDANTS. SO SIMPLE YET THEY MAKE A GREAT STATEMENT.

WHAT IS THE MOST VALUABLE LESSON YOU HAVE LEARNED FROM YOUR ART AND BEING AN ETSY SELLER?

TO ALWAYS IMPROVE YOUR ART AND YOURSELF.

ANYTHING ELSE YOU WOULD LIKE US TO KNOW ABOUT YOU?
I'M AN HONEST AND WELL-ROUNDED PERSON WHO IS IN LOVE WITH ART AND ETSY. I WANT MY SHOP AND MY ITEMS TO REFLECT MYSELF.

HOPE YOU ENJOYED GETTING TO KNOW ANOTHER GREAT ETSY ARTIST. YOU CAN SEE MORE WORK FROM LOLOGARDEN IN HER ETSY SHOP.