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 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

Bags of Blessings Giveaway

Here's another fabulous featured artist with a giveaway to share with readers. Meet Amy from Bags of Blessings on Etsy and enter for your chance to win her Blue Recycled Sweater Bag.

Tell us about yourself

My name is Amy Gibbons. I am a stay at home mom in Westfield, IN, just north of Indianapolis. I have two wonderful sons aged 10 and 12, one fabulous husband and two slightly neurotic dogs. Even the dogs are male, so the testosterone runs high in our house. I think that is partly why I chose a girly hobby like knitting purses :)

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

I started knitting seriously about 5 years ago when our church started a prayer shawl ministry. It was amazing to see the looks on the people's faces that would receive these shawls when they were going through a crisis time in their lives. I still do charity knitting with my church group, but my shop on etsy, www.bagsofblessing.etsy.com, features mainly handknitted and felted bags, purses and totes. As well as scarves, shawls and my newest items, my "Blessings" keychains.


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

All the blessings in my own life inspired my shop name as well as my work. I am fortunate enough to be a stay at home mom and I needed something to give me some meaning, definition and sense of self back in my own life. I believe my bags, scarves and shawls are wearable art. I hope they make the wearer feel a little bit brighter and special in having a one of a kind item like mine. My goal is that this increased sense of well-being that comes from wearing my art is passed forward to the people they encounter.

What are your goals for your business?

I haven't really set goals for my business. Right now, I am totally enjoying doing what I am truly passionate about, and getting paid to do it. If I come out making more money than I spent to make it -- great!


What are your favorite hobbies?

I love reading, playing volleyball, going to my sons' sporting activities, going to the beach, spending time with my husband and family, singing and hanging out with my girlfriends.

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

I was directed to Etsy through an acquaintance of a friend. Kind of a weird beginning, but it has blossomed into a great business partnership and friendship. I also do a lot of custom work by referral, and am slowly getting my merchandise out into boutiques and shops throughout the Indianapolis area.

Where can we find you online?

You can find me on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/group.php?gid=132171290455 or http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/pages/Bags-of-Blessing/72282814249

I am on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/bagsofblessing

I also have a website at www.bagsofblessing.net



What is your favorite item in your shop?

My favorite item has to be any of my "Blessings" keychains. The whole idea behind them inspires me. I hand make them out of recycled, felted wool sweaters. I add beaded handles and inside each tiny purse a "blessing", in the form of an inspirational quote, scripture verse or customized message, is tucked. I think they make great gifts or party favors. I just love the idea behind an actual "Bag of Blessing".

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

It's all about bringing joy to other people. It's not so much about how much you sell, but the friends you make along the way, and the way you feel about yourself and your work at the end of the day.

Anything else you would like us to know about you?

I believe in kindness, generosity and the power of the human spirit. We all need each other to thrive. The more we can help each other out, the better off the world becomes.

And now for the giveaway!

Bags of Blessings is giving readers the chance to win this Blue Recycled Sweater Bag:


Here's how to enter:

First you MUST visit Bags of Blessings on Etsy and leave a comment with your favorite item.

For additional entries you can do any or all of the following, leaving ONE comment for EACH:

~Become a follower of this blog or let me know if you already do- 1 additional entry leave one comment

~Follow Oceanside Creations on Twitter AND tweet about this giveaway. Leave your Twitter username in your comment - 1 additional entry

~Blog about this giveaway with a link to your post- 2 additional entries (leave 2 comments)

~Enter any of the current giveaways on this blog -See left sidebar for a list- 1 additional entry per giveaway entered ( leave 1 comment per giveaway)

~Make a purchase from Bags of Blessings between now and midnight July 3 -5 additional entries ~ Leave 5 comments with your transaction #

~Add your review of this giveaway to StumbleUpon using the Share Button on the bottom right of this post- 1 additional entry (leave 1 comment)

~Post this giveaway to any other social networking site (Facebook, Myspace, etc.) - 1 additional entry ( Leave 1 comment with the link to where you posted)

That's a lot of chances to enter this fabulous giveaway!
Good Luck!

Giveaway runs through Friday, July 3 at midnight EST. Our winner will be chosen on Saturday morning, July4 via the random.org widget in the right sidebar and will be announced right here on this blog. Winner will be e-mailed and have 48 hours to claim their prize. If winner does not claim their prize a new winner will be chosen. When leaving comments please be sure your e-mail address is available for me to contact you. All photos are courtesy of Bags of Blessings.
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See more from Bags of Blessings on Etsy.
Enter to win your choice of jewelry from Oceanside Creations- Ends June 30

Stranded Treasures Daffodil Earrings Giveaway

Today I have another fantastic Etsy artist to share with you and another giveaway as well. (That's 3 giveaways going on at the moment! See left sidebar.) Today's interview is with Sharlene from Stranded Treasures, who makes the most gorgeous clay flower jewelry. I was amazed by how lifelike her flowers are. Check out the interview to learn more about Sharlene and enter the giveaway to win her beautiful jewelry for yourself!

Tell us about yourself .

My name is Sharlene and I live in a small condo in the center of town in a coastal city in Florida with my husband, a cat and a rescue turtle. I work from home and so my place is very inspirational for my creative side. Lot of flowers on the balcony, vintage and handmade items and very colorful accents yet calming. I’ve always felt it is so important that your home is your sanctuary.

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

My jewelry line consists of my hand sculpted clay flowers which I started creating about 6 years ago. I was trying lots of crafts and was doing macramé jewelry. I wanted to make my own large holed flower beads. When I stopped macramé, I just kept making the flowers. I’ve been creating jewelry on and off for over 15 years and eventually just blended the two crafts in one.



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

I love flowers and vintage style things so I’m always looking to reflect that in my work. I like the challenge of trying to re-create a style of flower. I always look through flower books and supply catalogs to spark different designs to apply to components. One of my favorite parts of making my flowers is color mixing and creating color schemes. I have books on that too that I often refer to.

What are your goals for your business? Is Etsy a full or part time job?

I am constantly working on my jewelry but I also freelance as a marketing assistant. I would love for my jewelry business to keep growing. I feel like I’ve been lucky enough to have it pay for itself but of course if that could expand it would be wonderful!




What are your favorite hobbies?

I enjoy container gardening on my balcony, sewing, playing the piano, bike riding, and going for walks around the neighborhood.

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

I was looking into online sites outside of ebay and came across it. I also am on Trunkt for wholesale hoping to reach some retailers.

Where can we find you online?

I can be found at www.StrandedTreasures.com, etsy (which is linked from my website) and Trunkt.org.




What is your favorite item in your shop?

Right now I like my blue and brown daisies necklace. I really like that color scheme.

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

To be very focused when developing a product line. I used to create so many various items and it made it hard to evolve at one so I just started focusing on making flowers. And also photos! So important when selling online.



And now for the giveaway!
Stranded Treasures is giving readers the chance to win this beautiful pair of Daffodil Post Earrings:


Here's how to enter:

First you MUST visit Stranded Treasures on Etsy and leave a comment with your favorite item.

For additional entries you can do any or all of the following, leaving ONE comment for EACH:

~Become a follower of this blog or let me know if you already do- 1 additional entry leave one comment

~Follow Oceanside Creations on Twitter AND tweet about this giveaway. Leave your Twitter username in your comment - 1 additional entry

~Blog about this giveaway with a link to your post- 2 additional entries (leave 2 comments)

~Enter any of the current giveaways on this blog -See left sidebar for a list- 1 additional entry per giveaway entered ( leave 1 comment per giveaway)

~Make a purchase from Stranded Treasures between now and midnight June 24-5 additional entries ~ Leave 5 comments with your transaction #

~Add your review of this giveaway to StumbleUpon using the Share Button on the bottom right of this post- 1 additional entry (leave 1 comment)

~Post this giveaway to any other social networking site (Facebook, Myspace, etc.) - 1 additional entry ( Leave 1 comment with the link to where you posted)

That's a lot of chances to enter this fabulous giveaway!
Good Luck!

Giveaway runs through Wednesday, June 24 at midnight EST. Our winner will be chosen on Thursday morning, June 25 via the random.org widget in the right sidebar and will be announced right here on this blog. Winner will be e-mailed and have 48 hours to claim your prize. If winner does not claim their prize a new winner will be chosen. When leaving comments please be sure your e-mail address is available for me to contact you. All photos are courtesy of StrandedTreasures.
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See more of Stranded Treasures jewelry on Etsy.

Giveaway from Ocean Dreams Studio

Happy Friday everyone! Here is a great giveaway for anyone who loves to scrapbook. Sierra from Ocean Dreams Studio is giving one lucky reader a Going To The Beach Inspiration Kit (pictured below). Her kit features some really fun and summery decorative papers, handmade tags, ribbons and everything you need to capture the memories from your summer vacation fun. I hope you enjoy meeting Sierra and enjoy her wonderfully whimsical shop!



Tell us a little about yourself.

A little known fact about me is that I am originally from Utah and I am a small town girl, even though I now live in a high paced life. I decided to stay in Southern California after I graduated from college and now I work with a creative magazine company! In my spare time I am always trying to think of new items to create for Etsy. I love to give gifts to people and lately I am enthralled and have enjoyed learning more about interior design and yoga!

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

I make a little bit of everything. I make domino and scrabble necklaces, head bands, inspiration kits, digital art, photography, watercolor painting, and whatever else I can think of for the future. My mom inspired me with her Etsy shop to create to my heart's content. I have been making art and crafts since I was a little girl and it has always been a part of me. On my 23rd birthday she gave me a domino necklace made with a stamp, glitter, and beads, and ever since then I decided to create new necklaces and whatever else inspires me at the moment for Etsy.


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

I am inspired by current fashions, anything vintage, lovely, sparkly, bright, cheerful, and has a story behind it. I always love tying in a good story with my work of art.


What are your goals for your business?

My goals are to keep on creating, believing, and not settling for anything less than who I am. There is always going to be bigger and better ideas than my own, but that is when I need to believe in myself and reach for the stars. I also would like to continue watercolor painting and branching out more in the mixed media direction too. I would also love to learn how to sew really well so I can create altered clothing.


What are your favorite hobbies?

My favorite hobbies besides creating art, of course, are reading, writing in my journal, training for 1/2 marathons by jogging and going to the gym, recently learning yoga, watching movies, going to the beach, traveling, watercolor painting, and learning more about interior design, to name a few.

What brought you to Etsy?

My mom brought me to Etsy. She inspires me every day with her creative living and beautiful creations. You can check her out at vintage1955.etsy.com if you love all things vintage!

Where can we find you online?

You can find me on Twitter (oceandreams4u), Facebook, and my blog oceandreams4sierra.blogspot.com


What is your favorite item in your shop?

Hmm, favorite item. There are too many to choose from, but I love Dreaming of My Prince in Paris vintage tag...I had fun making it because I seriously adore Paris ever since I went there when I was 16!

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

Art comes in so many forms, and each is individually made with love and care. I think every artist has something wonderful to offer. Fear should never stop someone from creating, coming up with new ideas, and striving to be the best artist they can be! Oh, and art is a journey. Whenever I am creating I learn something new about myself and it helps me relax as well in the chaotic moments of my life.

Is there anything else you would like us to know about you?

I am an ocean dreamer and hence my Etsy name and blog name! I have loved the ocean ever since I was little, so it was my dream to move to California and live here by the sea. Now that I live near the ocean I will continue to dream my dreams into reality and I hope you do the same!

And now for the giveaway!
Sierra is giving readers the chance to win a Going To The Beach Inspiration Kit!
Here's how to enter:

First you MUST visit Ocean Dreams Studio and leave a comment with your favorite item.

For additional entries you can do any or all of the following, leaving ONE comment for EACH:

Become a follower of this blog or let me know if you already do- 1 additional entry

Follow Oceanside Creations on Twitter AND tweet about this giveaway. Leave your Twitter username in your comment - 1 additional entry

Blog about this giveaway with a link to this post- 2 additional entries (leave 2 comments)

Make a purchase from Sierra's shop Ocean Dreams Studio -5 additional entries
Leave a comment with your transaction #

That's 10 chances to enter this fabulous giveaway!
Good Luck!

Giveaway runs through Friday, June 12 at midnight EST. Our winner will be chosen on Saturday morning, June 13 at 9 a.m. via the random.org widget in the right sidebar and will be announced right here on this blog. Winner will be e-mailed and have 48 hours to claim your prize. If winner does not claim their prize a new winner will be chosen. When leaving comments please be sure your e-mail address is available for me to contact you. All photos are courtesy of Ocean Dreams Studios.
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Don't forget to enter the giveaway from Tile Me Beautiful as well. Scroll on down! Ends at midnight EST Friday, June 5 so hurry!

Giveaway Time!

I have a very special shop to share with you today...plus an awesome giveaway! Michelle from TileMeBeautiful is offering readers the chance to win a $20 gift certificate from her Etsy shop. Read the interview below to find out more about Michelle and her work and for your chance to enter the giveaway. This is one not to miss!


Tell us about yourself.

My name is Michelle Gunnell (yeah, it rhymes). I live in Spring, TX. It's a little bit north-west of Houston. I have a spoiled rotten dog. Her name is Jersey. She's a 4-year-old Lab/Pointer mix. I have a BS in psychology, but I'm not sure what I'll ever really use it for. I don't really want to get a Master's at the moment.

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

I tile just about anything I can get my hands on. I use mostly flooring tiles. They're thicker and more substantial than your usual mosaic tiles. They just have a look that I like better. Glass is my favorite, but I enjoy using ceramic, slate, and stone tiles as well. Most of the things I have right now are housewares, but I have so many ideas and I'd love to expand into different areas.

I actually discovered my craft in the middle of my divorce. I was hurting and needed something that I could do for myself. Something that I could throw myself into and really love. I needed to create something, if that makes any sense. I was never, ever good at art growing up, so I went for something kind of untraditional. During the really dark parts of the divorce, I was holed up in bed watching HGTV all day. I've always loved tile, but seeing it used so much in so many ways was what really got me thinking.

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

My personal style inspires a lot of it. I have to be careful to branch out to things that I normally wouldn't choose for myself though. I forget that someone out there likes different stuff than me. I just make things I would love to own. Standing in the flooring section of the store always inspires me! There's so much to look at. I usually don't create in wholes. I'll see a color tile mix I like or a beautiful 4"x4" tile and then my piece comes together around that one element.

The actual creating process can be kind of long and tedious. When you work with individual tiles, it’s hard to get them lined up. The type of mosaics I do require a sense of symmetry and evenness. I nudge, push, and pull each tile probably at least 20 times. If the piece is wooden, there’s two coats of stain or paint and two coats of sealer/polyurethane. Depending on the type you use, that could take up to four days. Then you stick the tiles down. The next day you can usually grout. I do two coats of grout, so that takes two days so that I can be sure the last coat is dry. I can’t seal the grout for another 24-48 hours, and I use two coats of that as well. That takes another day. There isn’t a whole lot of instant gratification involved. It’s usually almost a week before you get to see your finished product. You also have to be willing to get messy. I get grout all over myself - my elbows, my ears. I don’t use gloves when I grout (oops!). They get in my way and I feel like I have more control over the tile without them. Everything about it is sticky, smelly, or messy. I love it though!




What are your goals for your business?

I would love to be able to support myself doing this. Baby steps though! I'd just like to start out with some steady sales. Maybe get into some local shops. I have plans to do craft shows with my best friend, who also sells on Etsy. I'm mainly in the stage where I'm trying to get my name out there an network. I truly believe that good connections make for a good business, so I'm trying to support the handmade community and get involved in any way possible.

What are your favorite hobbies?

Running and biking with my dog. We do a lot of that. I also LOVE to read! I've pulled many all-nighters to finish a great book. Tiling takes up a lot of my time right now. I love to spend time with my best friend Stacy and her daughter Kaitlin. And does shopping count as a hobby??

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

After I decided I wanted to make my tiled stuff, I decided it might be nice to make some money at it! I had purchased something from a friend of a friend about a year ago on Etsy, and it came to mind. I didn't know much about the whole handmade movement until I started selling, but I've found it incredibly interesting and easy to immerse myself in. I also sell on Artfire, Zibbet, and Made It Myself.

Where can we find you online?

http://tilemebeautiful.etsy.com
http://www.artfire.com/users/tilemebeautiful
http://www.zibbet.com/TileMeBeautiful
http://www.madeitmyself.com/user/tilemebeautiful.aspx
http://tilemebeautiful.blogspot.com
http://twitter.com/tilemebeautiful
http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/profile.php?id=1696249263&ref=profile




What is your favorite item in your shop?

Can I pick a section? My trays are always my favorite! A serving tray was the first thing I made, so that's special. Plus, I just love them. I also invest the most time in them.

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

That you get what you give. I love to buy from handmade sellers and promote people on my sites. I love to chat in the forums and just make friends with other sellers. You get great advice, critiques, promotion and support.

And now for the giveaway!
Michelle is giving readers the chance to win a $20 gift certificate to her shop!
Here's how to enter:

First you MUST visit TileMeBeautiful and leave a comment with your favorite item.

For additional entries you can do any or all of the following, leaving ONE comment for EACH:

Become a follower of this blog or let me know if you already do- 1 additional entry

Follow Oceanside Creations on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway. Leave a link or your Twitter username in your comment - 1 additional entry

Blog about this giveaway with a link to this post- 2 additional entries (leave 2 comments)

Make a purchase from Michelle's shop TileMeBeautiful -5 additional entries
Leave a comment with your transaction #

That's 10 chances to enter this fabulous giveaway!
Good Luck!

Giveaway runs through Friday, June 5 at midnight EST. Our winner will be chosen on Saturday morning, June 6 via the random.org widget in the right sidebar and will be announced right here on this blog. Winner will be e-mailed and have 48 hours to claim your prize. If winner does not claim their prize a new winner will be chosen. When leaving comments please be sure your e-mail address is available for me to contact you. All photos are courtesy of TileMeBeautiful.

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.

Behind The Art Mondays

Today is the first in a weekly series of Behind the Art Monday interviews featuring Etsy artists and their handmade work. This week's featured shop is Mod3rnart from Corfu, Greece. Hope you enjoy getting to know these talented artists!




Tell us about your art. What do you make? How did you come to your craft?
We make handmade silver jewelry from original ideas and techniques. Design and modernism has always been a passion of ours and from there we decided to apply it to jewelry.

What inspires your work? Describe your creative process and tell us about your favorite materials to work with.
Ideas come from life-from what surrounds us. The island provides tons of natural inspiration but we tend to mix that with very modern ideas as well. It is almost like we try to bridge the modern with the natural. We love sterling silver, titanium, copper, ebony and brass.

What are your goals for your shop?
To one day live off the sales ;)

What do you do when you are not creating?
Working 9 hours a day-7days a week to make a living.



What is your favorite hobby other than crafting?
Writing, web design, yoga, bike riding, music,

What brought you to Etsy? Do you sell anywhere else?
A friend exposed me to etsy and fell in love. I also sell on dawanda.

Where else can we find you online?
twitter, flickr, www.mod3rnart.com, http://mod3rnart.com/Blog/Blog-Mod3rnart.html




What is your favorite item in your shop?
The Girl with the Pearl Earring Ring

What is the most valuable thing you have learned from your art and being an Etsy seller?
Everything takes time and some things take lots of time ;)

Anything else you would like us to know about you?
We hope life smiles on you all

You can check out more of Mod3rnart's work on Etsy.

I'm being featured!

Today I am being featured by my fellow Etsy artist Capow on her great blog. Check it out to learn more about me and my jewelry.

I am also being featured on MysticWynd's blog. If you are a jewelry maker or just someone who loves to wear it you should check out this very informative article with great tips on choosing the perfect necklace or bracelet for you.

Behind The Art Mondays

Beginning on Monday May, 11 I will be featuring some great Etsy artists and their shops. Each week I will have an interview with a talented artist, your chance to meet the person behind the art. If you are an Etsy artist interested in being featured on my blog please contact me through my shop and I will send you a short list of interview questions.

Never heard of Etsy? Check out your place for all things handmade here: http://etsy.com