Coming soon...

Hi there! I'm back on track again, so I'll be posting more interviews later this week (just sent off a few Convos last night). I'll be adding a few more things to my Etsy shop as well (this weekend will be GREAT for outdoor pics). I might even start blogging about myself as well. I've had a few requests to pepper in a few stories about myself - and I'd really like to use it as an opportunity to show that life with Fibromyalgia can be just as full as anyone else's. Sometimes there's a rough patch, like the one I've had the last few weeks, but you just pick yourself up and move on. I'm not really feeling any better, but I'm sick and tired of being sick and tired - and I'm so done with sleeping my weekends away. I just decided that I'm not going to lay down and give up. Instead, I'm going to persist. There's just too much wonderful stuff to do! I'm even working on redecorating the bedroom and bathrooms to match the rest of the house (a project I've put off for quite some time). I have some cool plans to make them into a tropical Asian oasis. I may even post a few before and after pictures. HUGS to everyone!!! And THANKS for all of your support! It means a lot - and has really helped me pick myself back up and get back into the swing of things. :-)
-Wendy Baylis
Dharma Designs
http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com

Fibromyalgia Success

Hi there! It's been awhile, but I'm slowly working on getting back to the blog and Etsy business. I even plan to work on a series of paintings this weekend, depicting the wonders of Bali (time and health permitting, of course). Fibromyalgia is a constant battle for me, and I've been pushing myself to hike 10-12 miles every Sunday for 6 weeks, so I've had a few set backs. I plan to keep the hikes up at least through November, though, in order to be ready for my trip to India and Nepal. I want to trek the Himalayas and enjoy momos and chai at the base of Mt. Everest (I'm being realistic here)! :-) Anyway, I've discovered a great tea from the Jasmine Pearl Tea Merchants that actually helps give me energy (I swear I couldn't do my weekly hikes without it). It's their Yoga blend - and has South African Honeybush and nettles. It tastes a lot like chai, so I'm pretty much hooked. I have a link to their website in my favorite links section (I order it in bulk now). The Power Bars also help. I swear, I'd have one foot in the grave without them. I know they've got a lot of fake sugars, but there's some research out there that says that's actually what Fibromyalgiacs need. All I know is that they work for me! I'd be interested to see if anyone else has any good tips with keeping this bugger of an ailment under control...
-Wendy Baylis
Dharma Designs
http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com

Neglect

Greetings loyal readers! My apologies that I have been neglecting my blog lately. It's been a busy few weeks as my fourth anniversary approaches (hubby surprised me with a FAB getaway to a B&B at the coast), I've started selling in the gift shop at the Portland Classical Chinese Garden, my regular day job has ramped up, and my Fibromyalgia has flared up a bit. Thankfully I'm beginning to get a handle on things (even went for a 12 mile hike Wednesday). I will try to post again this weekend. Thanks for your patience...

-Wendy Baylis

Dharma Designs

http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/

Meet Etsy Artist: printmakerjenn

Jenn is a busy Mom to a 13-year-old daughter and 10 week old baby boy. She earned a degree in Art with a minor in Art History and then "promptly returned to school for a degree in Computer Science." Like me, she's been working in the high-tech industry - as a Software Developer and Linux System Administrator. "This week I officially quit my job," she declared, "(when my maternity leave ended) so that I could stay home full time with little baby Oscar!" Her teenage daughter was also a big part of her decision. "She is thrilled to have more time with me." Her graphic, modern creations are often inspired by Vintage and mid-century images. "As the saying goes, 'everything old is new again,'" she explains. Etsy is now her full time job, and she feels blessed to be able to create her art while being involved in her children's lives. "I'm looking forward to becoming a better participant of the indie community," she says. Please check out her shop: http://printmakerjenn.etsy.com/

-Wendy Baylis

Dharma Designs

http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/

Meet Etsy Jewelry Artist: lindsaykristine

Lindsay is a Detroit artist with an MFA in Sculpture, although for the last few months she has specialized in modern jewelry. "I was trained as a bench jeweler a few years back," she explains, "and really enjoyed the small scale-- so different from sculpture. I also really enjoy making things that people will enjoy wearing- you could say the functional nature of craft delights me." Aside from Etsy she also teaches sculpture and design at a local university and works at a museum. "I feel fortunate to be working in the arts, surrounded by artists and those who appreciate the arts," she says. Her inspiration often comes from her surroundings. "I'm inspired by the texture and color of different materials. I usually respond to the materials first, then create the design." Like me, Asian design is a big influence - as well as art deco and minimalism. "I'm forever inspired by the beautiful and innovative designs of the folks here on Etsy," she admits. Her clean, simple designs often include an element of copper or moving pieces - "and a little wabi-sabi never hurt, so small flaws are expected and honored." Please check out her shop: http://lindsaykristine.etsy.com/

-Wendy Baylis
Dharma Designs

http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/

Meet Etsy Jewelry Artist: BrightCircle

Jess is a multi-faceted artist of varying styles, with a great sense of humor, and I'm glad I had the opportunity to get to know this fellow "Firefly" fan better...

"In between helping raise my younger siblings (I’m the second of ten children) and helping catch their stray bunnies, I study the subtleties of human nature, body language, things that change about society and the things that don’t," she explains. "One of my favourite quotes is ‘Just because you’re good doesn’t mean you’ll be successful, and just because you’re successful doesn’t necessarily mean you’re good.’ It keeps me on my toes to be the best I can be, and keeps me from feeling inferior from others because it’s a slow business month." She also jokes, " I live on the edge--I steal icing from cake-eating zombies!" A large part of he inspiration comes from color. "There are few things more enjoyable than happening to see two enchanting hues next to each other and having inspiration strike, or going through my bead stash, looking for beads that bring out a subtle color hiding in a focal bead." Her craft began, oddly enough, while watching the ‘02 winter Olympic men’s skating programs. "For years before that, though, I would read bead catalogs, over and over, and it turns out you can learn a lot about the design and construction of jewelry simply from the catalogs. I also read every book about stones and jewelry that my library had, before ever starting to make things." Although her craft is a business, it's also her passion. "I do it because there are few things that get me as excited as when I’m designing," she admits. She tries to list at least once a day, hoping to snag a weekly sale. She has an Etsy mentor and recommends her fellow newbies do the same. "If you can, buy from the people who buy from you, or heart your shop," she recommends. "Make what you really, really like. Push to make it the very best and the most interesting it can be, but at the same time don’t put so much pressure on yourself to be innovative, to the point that you aren’t enjoying yourself." Please check out her shop: http://brightcircle.etsy.com/

-Wendy Baylis

Dharma Designs
http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/

My work can now be seen at the Portland Classical Chinese Garden gift shop

As many of you know, the Portland Classical Chinese Garden in my sanctuary. I go there at least once a week to soak up the ambiance while having tea and noodles. It's my way of decompressing after a tough work week. It literally recharges my soul. As of yesterday I am lucky enough to be the newest artist to sell my Asian inspired wares in the gift shop - and I am so excited!!! All proceeds from gift shop sales go back to supporting this wonderful oasis of tranquility, and I am honored to be a part of it.

-Wendy Baylis

Dharma Designs

http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/

http://www.portlandchinesegarden.org/