Ever have sellers remorse?

This necklace is one of my creations that sold on Etsy awhile back. It was one of my favorites and I find myself missing it terribly, even though I know it went to a good home -- AND I have a ton of turquoise necklaces already that my husband reminds me I never wear. :-) Sellers remorse, I guess. Has anyone else had the same thing happen to them?

For this necklace I used chunky turquoise nuggets, a teardrop shaped turquoise pendant on a bail, and a wooden Kwan Yin netsuke to bring out the brown in the turquoise matrix.

-Wendy Baylis

Dharma Designs

http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/

Meet Etsy Artist: CreativeEssentials

Piper grew up along the Oregon coast, and although she now resides in Virginia, she is still "recharged" by the ocean. "I love walking along the beach and losing myself in the sand and water," she says. Like me, she is also fascinated by Asian culture and imagery. "I love visiting Japanese gardens, Chinese gardens, Buddhist temples, and Asian themed museums." Her eclectic style is as varied as her talents. Currently she focuses her Etsy shop on paper crafts, jewelry, photography, and painting - although she admits that could all change next week if she decides on a whim to try her hand at something else. "To date I’ve managed not to poison myself or burn down the house, so all is good," she jokes. Selling her art began as a way to fund her creative spirit - something she couldn't do at her day job as a Human Resource Information Systems Manager. She is also a full time graduate student earning her Master’s in Technology Management at George Mason University. Somehow she still has time for her art. She hopes to use Etsy to meet fellow like minded artists and showcase her work. "Don’t hold back," she recommends. "Try something new. If it doesn’t turn out the way you envisioned, it can always be turned into something else." Please check out her shop: http://creativeessentials.etsy.com/

-Wendy Baylis

Dharma Designs

http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/

Meet Etsy Jewelry Artist: ANORIGINALJEWELRY

A mere 23, Ashley lives in New York where she attended The Fashion Institute of Technology, studying Jewelry Design. While she has only been selling her cutting edge designs since 2005, she was already commissioned to create a custom piece for Warner Brothers Recording Artist "Mozella." Not surprisingly music is a big inspiration to her. She even has a "Music Inspired" section on her own website (http://www.anoriginaljewelry.com/). "I am also inspired by people in general. Sometimes when I meet someone I can imagine a piece that would go with their personality," she explains. "I like to do things that are eye catching while keeping in mind that eye catching doesn't necessarily mean huge or neon colors," she says of her edgy yet elegant style. She has been fortunate enough to turn her art into her career. "I am really throwing everything I have into this. Hopefully I can forge ahead and make a name for myself." She is committed to being a valuable part of the Etsy community, sharing her knowledge and helping other artists get exposure. "There is nothing wrong with sharing suppliers or tips," she suggests. "I do it all the time. I really believe that the beauty in this community is our access to each other. We are each others greatest resource! I think if you look at everyone as competition you're only hurting yourself. I love to buy jewelry and crafts from other artisans on Etsy, I believe you need to give support to get it back!" Well said. Please check out her Etsy shop: http://anoriginaljewelry.etsy.com/

-Wendy Baylis

Dharma Designs

http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com

Meet Dance Mandal Artist: Prajwal

I regularly visit the Tao of Tea inside the Portland Classical Chinese Garden to recharge my soul - and over the years I have gotten to know the fantastic staff very well (special hello to Yvonne, Daniel, and Martin). Prajwal is one of the tea servers there - but I recently discovered he is also an amazing talent, struggling to keep the sacred Buddhist arts of his native Nepal alive. The youngest of six, he was born into a Buddhist family where his father - as 35 generations before him - is a priest. Prajwal followed in his father's footsteps, becoming the 36th, teaching the sacred dance of his homeland. "I enjoy being Buddhist," he says. "Everything good in my life I owe to Buddhist practice and culture." Prajwal soon realized that his culture was slowly disappearing in Nepal, giving way to modernization. Although some of the sacred arts had never been shared with the outside world, he struggled to introduce it to the world in order to preserve it, which has enabled him to meet wonderful people from all corners of the globe. Some of his former students have even gone on to become teachers of the art in Germany and Japan. While teaching in the US he realized that he was able to reach a large audience who cared about keeping his native traditions alive, and soon immigrated. He still has a center in Nepal, which he visits every year, but has also opened the Dance Mandal Institute here in Portland, OR, where he teaches meditation, dharma talk, yoga, and the sacred Buddhist dance he cares about so deeply. Dance Mandal is a foundation of sacred Buddhist arts of Nepal, "dedicated to the preservation and expansion of Charya Nritya [dance as a spiritual discipline] and the related traditions of vocal music and costume-making. With the survival of this sacred dance form threatened by modernization, Dance Mandal travels throughout the world performing and giving workshops while adhering to its original purpose as a profound spiritual discipline." Aside from his art Prajwal is also working to build the first authentic Nepali Buddhist temple outside his native homeland. "This project is a fulfillment of my father's vision of bringing Newar Buddhism and especially Newar temple dance to the world, so that many may benefit from observing and practicing this beautiful and transformative tradition," he explains. "(It) is a major step forward in the preservation, expansion, and exploration of Newar Buddhist art and dance (that also) welcomes other traditions of sacred art and practice to share the space." It is a big undertaking and donations of any kind - helping hands, finances, resources, etc. will be gratefully accepted to support the building of the temple. If you'd like to give a monetary donation you may mail a check to Dance Mandal, 1405 SE 40th Ave., Portland, OR 97214. - or if you prefer to use a credit card you may pay through Pay Pal via the Dance Mandal website (http://www.dancemandal.com/). If you'd like to donate your time please contact Helen (helen@dancemandal.com 503-233-37039).

-Wendy Baylis

Dharma Designs

http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/

Meet Etsy Artist: MystikArt

Miriam is a self taught mixed media artist, who hails from Puerto Rico. Although she currently resides in Orlando, Florida, she has also spent time in New York and Spain. "I love my USA and Spanish mix of cultures. They are both very rich in the Arts," she explains. Her inspiration comes from other artists and their work. "Nothing makes me happier than painting," she admits - and she's been creating her whimsical folk art since her teens. In 2007 she successfully made her art a full time job. While she hasn't reached her target sales goal yet, she still sees her career focus as becoming a better artist. "Take your best and make it better," she recommends, quoting her high school art teacher. "Strive to be a better artist with each (piece)." Please check out her shop: http://mystikart.etsy.com/

-Wendy Baylis

Dharma Designs

http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/

Meet Etsy Artist: PollyPainting

Polly Jones is a full time artist - and "domestic goddess," whose been painting for 25 years. Luckily her husband shares her creative passions: he teaches art at a university and renders amazing drawings. He also supports Polly in her endeavors. "This summer he turned our sun porch into a studio for me," she explains. Her inspiration could come from anywhere. "Cleaning up the kitchen can lead to an idea for a painting, noticing how a spoon in a glass is refracted." She is also a self-admitted thrift store addict. "Most of my still life items are 'finds.'" She also does larger works, combining elements of collage, drawing, and direct painting, several of which are featured in an art show that opens this Valentine's Day. Her next project is a series of smaller works she plans to post on Etsy. "Take time to appreciate what a blessing it is to have creative impulses," she recommends. "We as artists and artisans have much to be grateful for, a chance to connect in meaningful ways with others." Please check out her shop: http://pollypainting.etsy.com/

-Wendy Baylis

Dharma Designs

http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/

My FAB new business cards from Etsy artist: callista311

Yippee!!! I just ordered 1500 of my new business cards designed by Etsy artist callista311. They are so beautiful I had to share! What do you think? I can't wait to start handing them out! :-) Please check out her shop for all your graphic design and business needs: http://callista311.etsy.com/

-Wendy Baylis

Dharma Designs

http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com

Meet Etsy Photographer & Artist: MaggieDeePhoto

Maggie Dee was born in Scotland, but later immigrated to Canada where she currently resides. Photography started out as a mere hobby for this phenomenal talent. "I used to shoot models for fun (I have an extensive background in fashion)," she explains. "After a couple of years, I realized it was more of a passion than a hobby and I took the plunge and went pro." She's compelled to shoot personal creative projects, expressing her ethereal style - and one titled "A Millennium Prophecy, a return to the Source" was recently exhibited. "It was a project of words and images, projecting there is no religion without science and vice versa, with lots of anti racism thrown in." It received many accolades and some of the pieces are available in her Etsy shop (i.e. the shot of the Angels and Spacemen). "I believe it is important for a photographer to select their own personal projects, something other than their everyday professional work," she says. Her inspiration for her spiritual art comes from within, "from the source." Please check out her shop and website: http://maggiedeephoto.etsy.com/ www.maggiedeephotographer.com

-Wendy Baylis

Dharma Designs

http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/

My FAB new Etsy banner from artist: callista311

Well - I've decided to mix things up a bit and get a new banner, business card template, blog header, and labels. I chose the wonderfully talented Etsian callista311 this time around - and I'm so in love with her work so far I had to share. She completed the business card template and banner already (which is temporarily my blog header, too) - and I am completely impressed. She has shown not only great artistry, but patience, excellent customer service, and quick communication. I highly recommend her for all your Etsy shop and graphic design needs. Please check her out: http://callista311.etsy.com/

-Wendy Baylis

Dharma Designs

http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/

Meet Etsy Artist: RozArt

The prolific painter behind RozArt is a single mother of three, who paints full-time. "I started with the cows and roosters after a year spent on a Texas cattle ranch," she explains. "I was renting the house and the owner's cattle roamed all over - so the kids and I were thrilled to have them around. There were chicken pens there, so we got some (imagine city folks trying to do the country-thing). We loved the ranch-life and the animals, which was a surprise to me. I was able to get a lot of inspiration and observation from life while I was there." Her lose, fast painting style showcases textures and movement reminiscent of Impressionism. Each piece isn't just a snapshot in time, but rather the essence of an entire moment. Wile still fairly new to Etsy she has some sage advice. "Even if it is a part-time hobby - treat it like a business. Make sure your items are of quality and that you ship on time, always keep in good contact with clients and keep them happy!" Please check out her shop: http://rozart.etsy.com/

-Wendy Baylis

Dharma Designs

http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/

My Hand Painted Tibetan Cabinet

As you may know by now, I am infatuated with the cultures, faiths, and arts of Asia. I have always wanted a painted Tibetan cabinet, but am saddened by the occupation and worldwide export of Tibetan culture. I could not bring myself to purchase something that may have been taken from a family - or sold as a last resort to make it in an occupied territory. So - I decided to paint one myself...

-Wendy Baylis

Dharma Designs

http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/

Meet Etsy Artist: canyouhearme

Sami is the astounding talent behind Etsy shop CanYouHearMe. She lives in Salem, Oregon with her husband Brian in what she calls "a magical cottage (a darling guest house on a beautiful piece of land complete with vineyard and orchard)." Both are in grad school - Sami studying Art Therapy Counseling and Brian finishing his PhD in Nuclear Engineering. "Artist + mad scientist = love," she jokes. "Even though we're both crazy busy with school, we're doing what we are passionate about and, to be honest, I can't think of a time in my life when I've ever felt more satisfied and happy." Her inspiration comes from her own experiences and the lives of those around her. "I’m inspired by triumph over hardship, love, and all those little subtle moments of goodness that deserve to be captured." While she mostly works with oils and collaged mix media she has recently "developed an affinity for figurative work and finds (herself) moving more and more in that direction." She enjoys taking risks in her art, which lends itself beautifully to her "fun, inventive, and somewhat precarious" style. While juggling school, Etsy is only a hobby at the moment - one that is only ten days old. "At this point, if I can get to the place where I can happily say that my shop, in my eyes, is a success then I think that will always be enough." She may be brand-spanking new to Etsy, but she has some sage advice. "I have learned that the only person you really need to please is yourself. If others love your work- great! But if they don't- that never will devalue what you do. Please check out her shop: http://canyouhearme.etsy.com/

-Wendy Baylis

Dharma Designs

http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/

Meet Etsy Jewelry Artist: StixsandStones

The incredible talent behind StixsandStones is a mere 28 years old. She's a New York City native, but while on vacation to Nantucket Island, Maine she met the man who would become her husband and moved there five years ago. "Nantucket is a very creative place where most people are entrepreneurs," she explains. "I guess I caught the bug and became really interested in making jewelry just after my mom bought me some beads." She was soon working and consigning at a local jewelry store (Victoria Greenhood Jewelry Design). "I have a few clients who come every year to buy a new Stixs and Stones piece and that makes me feel so great." She finds inspiration in warm, bright colors and textures. "I love to mix materials; metal, gemstones, natural elements, the more, the merrier!" She has been designing her earthy natural jewelry for four years. "This is a job that feels like a hobby and I hope it always stays that way." She also substitute teaches at the local High School. She takes Etsy one sale at a time and enjoys the community. She advises fellow Etsians to keep doing what they love. "Stay true to your style and don't get discouraged, the sales will come!" Please check out her shop: http://stixsandstones.etsy.com/

-Wendy Baylis

Dharma Designs

http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/

Meet Etsy Jewelry Artists: StarOfTheEast

Mother and daughter team Esther and Estella, started making jewelry about 3 and a half years ago. While they both currently reside in Turkey, Esther was born in Spain and Estrella in Holland. Esther has a Civil Engineering degree and her daughter is an Interior Designer, but their true passion is jewelry. Mostly of their designs are co-conspired, but every now and again they create something on their own. Due to their age, culture, and taste differences their pieces display a wide variety of styles. They describe their designs as "Baroque, eclectic, exotic - anything but boring," and I'd have to agree. They believe the real art to jewelry making "is that it should look good and that the person who wears it looks great." Because they buy their supplies in such large amounts they soon had to rent a workplace - and were also able to begin selling supplies. They are especially renowned for their beautiful Sea Urchin Collection and they hope their gaining notoriety enables them to pursue Etsy as a full time career. They know the value of continuous improvement and recommend fellow artists pay close attention to their pictures and descriptions. "Check out what kind of pictures get more attention and what kind of items sell quicker so that you can follow that road," they suggest. "It takes commitment." Please check out her shop: http://staroftheeast.etsy.com/

-Wendy Baylis

Dharma Designs

http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/

Meet Etsy Artist: DharmaDesigns (me)

Wow - I am so honored! NatureAllWell did a lovely feature on me for her blog. Here's a link: http://myartyboudior.blogspot.com/2008/01/jewellery-with-asian-feel.html

-Wendy Baylis

Dharma Designs

http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/

Meet Etsy Jewelry Artist: VillaDesign

The hip talent behind VillaDesign is a full time graphic designer, "but every spare moment revolves around glass, especially flamework glass beads." After a few classes several years back, she was hooked - and has been creating her unique jewelry ever since. She was even featured in Bead Review as is Vice President of the St. Lois Lampworkers Society. Although glass is her passion, she has tried her hand at sliversmithing, photography, drawing, and ceramics. Her inspiration may come from "color, forms in nature, and patterns in everyday objects." Many people have commented that her lampwork beads look like candy. "I don't recommend biting them, though," she jokes. Eventually she'd like her craft to be a full time job, but in the meantime her goals are grounded and realistic: network. She'd like to remind her fellow artists to "never be discouraged and always have fun doing what you love." Please check out her shop: http://villadesign.etsy.com/

-Wendy Baylis

Dharma Designs

http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/

Meet Etsy Jewelry Artist: CSerdan

Charlene, a mother of two, is the amazing talent behind CSerdan. She is passionate about gemstones, colour ,and texture - and finds inspiration for her earthy style in nature. "I love to look at really big things like the sky, the ocean, (and) trees," she admits. She is also an avid traveler and frequently draws upon memories of the exotic places she has visited. Once you see her jewelry you may be surprised to know that she has only been making jewelry for the past four years. She has also tried her hand at painting and photography. Etsy has helped her passion become a part-time job. She plans to create new pieces every week and continuously evolve her craft. "Do something you love," she advises. "(It) will show in your work." Please check out her shop: http://cserdan.etsy.com/

-Wendy Baylis

Dharma Designs

http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/

Meet Etsy Jewelry Artist: PrettyInPeace

The classic talent behind PrettyInPeace is a 34 year old native New Yorker, who home schools her children while managing her Indie electronic label Next Dimensions ( http://nextdimensionmusic.com). She's a self described "Yogi, Hippie, Liberal, Pacifist, Martha Stewart, Friedrich Nietzsche, Dr. Spock, and Lisa Simpson all rolled into one 5'3 curvaceous bod." An introvert like myself, she tends to "see the things that others miss while mingling." Her "Hippie Couture" jewelry designs are what she herself would wear. "I'm totally green, and anti murderous bling, but I'm stylin' and I'm all about it at the same time. I just want people to know that eco-conscious isn't always rubber bracelets and hemp cord." She has been creating her entire life. "Before I started on tangible craft, it was imaginary friends," she jokes. "I worked in fashion for 7 years in NYC's Greenwich Village before moving to AZ, and now-I write (my first and deepest love) and make jewelry." Her design process is "an outlet and a way to keep a balanced mind. When I'm done writing about life's harsh realities, I like to escape to a pretty peaceful place with beads and pliers and epoxy and such." As for Etsy her goals were small in the beginning. "I came into this wanting to feed the right hemisphere of my brain, no more, no less. As it turns out, I've been able to feed my grey matter and myself." She reminds her fellow artists to "focus on *your* work, and stay on *your* path-this is *your* life, goal, dream and no one else's...Anything that isn't contributing to your success is taking away from it." Please check out her shop: http://prettyinpeace.etsy.com/
-Wendy Baylis

Dharma Designs

http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/

Meet Etsy Artist: rtisan and rtisan2

The extraordinary talent behind Rtisan (jewelry) and Rtisan2 (art) is an ethnic folk art painter and illustrator in San Francisco. With a BA in Graphic Design it comes as no surprise that she loves color and texture, which is also reflected in her earthy, nature-inspired designs. "(I) think of jewelry making as sculpture, in a way," she explains. She began making jewelry as a hobby a mere two years ago, but spent so much on supplies she soon realized she should begin selling it. Of course her first love is art, which she does exceptionally well in her second shop, and has become her passion. She advises Etsy artists have a wide range of prices to accommodate all budgets. Please check out her shops:

Jewelry - http://rtisan.etsy.com/

Art - http://rtisan2.etsy.com/

-Wendy Baylis

Dharma Designs

http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/

Meet Etsy Jewelry Artist: lorelei1141

Self-taught jewelry artist Lorelei lives in Upstate New York - and like me is 33 and married without kids. She is a full time registrar at an art museum, which inspired her to find a creative outlet to "make (her) soul happy." She finds inspiration in other artists, many from Etsy: Green Girl Studios, TheLolaCollection, Cindy Hoo, theOrangeBell, Heather Wynn, Andrew Thornton - there are simply too many to name. Her love of nature is reflected in her earthy pieces, which she's only been creating for just over a year. "I started last Christmas (2006) when I decided to hand-make jewelry for gifts...Bought some beads, and some basic supplies and got busy!" She admits her designs have grown since she began. "My style has gone from simple one stranded seed-beaded necklaces, then moved onto big fat chunky beaded bracelets and necklaces, and now back to a more simple look with thin chains and wire-wrapped beads." Etsy is currently just a hobby for her. "I love making it, but I also love wearing it. I am my own advertising human billboard," she jokes. "Selling it wasn't my first intention but as I was making so much of it, my husband suggested I try selling it so that the money I would make, I could put back into the hobby by buying beads and supplies." She never wants her art to feel like work and strives to keep her jewelry affordable. "I never intended to make a living, but only intended on keeping the hobby going." She has some of the best advice I've ever heard for fellow Etsians: "I just do my thing. I make a piece. I list it. If it doesn't sell I take it down, wear it, love it. And when I get sick of it, I take it apart and making something new." Well said! Please check out her shop: http://lorelei1141.etsy.com/

-Wendy Baylis

Dharma Designs

http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/

Meet Etsy Artist: jenlo262

Jenlo262 lives in the scenic Skagit Valley of Northwest Washington where she takes full advantage of the outdoors hiking and camping. Not surprisingly she is inspired by her natural surroundings. "I enjoy the contradictions of nature to the perceptions of people (e.g. trees that aren't green, skies that aren't blue)." She considers herself "a whimsical, painterly, abstract impressionist." Acrylics are her preferred medium "because I find painting fast helps keep me from over-thinking my painting and enables me to easily layer my colors and keep them bold and vivid while I paint." After a 10 year stint in the tech industry she is proud to now call her art her career. Aside from selling on Etsy Jen is also an avid buyer. "Etsy is a great way to support artists, and my biggest goal is to start making enough to BUY more from other Etsy artists!" She advises her fellow Etsians "keep following your dreams and use your talents to their fullest." Please check out her shop: http://jenlo262.etsy.com/

-Wendy Baylis

Dharma Designs

http:dharmadesigns.etsy.com

Meet Etsy Jewelry and Clay Artist: TheArtisticTouch

The talent behind TheArtisticTouch may have a full time job, but her art is her true passion. Her mother claims the first steps she took were for a pencil - and she's been creating ever since. In fact she's afflicted with what she calls "Craft/Art ADD." She thrives on learning new mediums and eagerly delves into what ever strikes her fancy. "I love animals and specialized in pet portraits for years," she says. Recently she got up the "nerve" to try graphite portraits of people and was quite successful just by word of mouth. Her latest endeavor is polymer clay. Ideally she's love to be able to support herself through her art instead of doing it on the side. She'd like to remind her fellow Etsians that "if you have a question, this community is the best place in which to try to find answers. Everyone has taught me so much with their wisdom and nobody knows better than someone who has experienced it already. I really like the 'pay it forward' mentality, and I do hope I am able to help a fellow Etsian in the future with my knowledge I learn over time." Please check out her shop: http://theartistictouch.etsy.com/

-Wendy Baylis

Dharma Designs

http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/

Meet Etsy Metal and Jewelry Artist: BShehu

Bela, the hip young talent behind Etsy shop BShehu, is an up-and-coming jewelry and fashion designer, who had her own retail boutique in Center City Philadelphia for three years. "Being in love is the ultimate inspiration for me," she admits, which is expertly reflected in her elegant and romantic style. It may seem hard to believe, but she has only been selling her beautiful jewelry pieces for two years. At the moment Etsy is both a hobby and a job - and she hopes to get more exposure this year. She knows the importance of promoting on and off Etsy and reccomends her fellow sellers be dilligent in getting their name out there. Please check out her shop: http://bshehu.etsy.com/

-Wendy Baylis

Dharma Designs

http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/

Meet Etsy Jewelry Artist: natureallwell

The life-long artist behind Natureallwell is a 21 year old newlywed from Alberta, Canada, who - aside from Etsy - is passionate about biology and the ecology. She has successfully combined her love for her craft and the environment in her eco friendly jewelry. "It’s so sad that we’re destroying this vast planet with our human greed and ignorance. Hundreds of species are endangered or extinct every day, we add tons of waste to landfills, burn and chop down forests, pollute the ocean and waterways. In doing so, we’re killing ourselves." She believes a natural lifestyle is the answer. "Handmade itself is better for the environment, helping to stop mass-production and the massive waste (it) causes." She even donates some of her profits to animal charities and buys organic products. Many of her pieces incorporate recycled, natural, and vintage materials - and all of her props and displays are second-hand or natural elements. She has even gone as far as switching to corn-based biodegradable bags for craft shows. Additionally, she offers restringing and jewelry repair so less material ends up in landfills. "I’ll happily take old jewelry and revamp it for new life in this generation." Her hip retro style definitely reflects her eco-centered mission, each beautifully showcasing aspects of earth and life.

"Currently my day job isn’t satisfying at all and I think my jewelry is what keeps my sanity right now," she confesses. Although Etsy is not her current career, she acknowledges that it is more of a business than a hobby. "I spend far too much money on it to justify it otherwise," she jokes. She actually maintains two shops - one for her beautiful jewelry and another for supplies (naturefinds.etsy.com). Eventually she hopes to make Etsy her full time job, but in the mean time is working diligently to get her name out there. "Concentrate more on your store than talking the forums," she advises. "Forums chat is great and helps advertise somewhat, but it’s your product, photos, packaging, prices, customer service, etc. that really get customers coming and coming back for more." Please check out her shop: http://natureallwell.etsy.com/

-Wendy Baylis

Dharma Designs

http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/

Meet Etsy Jewelry Artist: HippieHempstress

The talent behind HippieHempstress is originally from an art community in Tennessee - "one could even call them hippies," she admits. Her environment - and necessity - inspired her to become a crafter. "If there's something I want really bad, I always try to make it before I'll buy it." As her Etsy name would suggest, she is inspired by nature and spirituality. "If I'm feeling cheerful on a sunny day, I might paint a polka dotted flower pot. If I'm angry, sad, or depressed, I draw or paint on canvases. If I'm feeling particularly spiritual, I like to work with the elements (like clay or sea shells)." What ever her medium, she is sure to create something quirky yet practical - and always urbanely classy. Her mother taught her to crochet at five and by the fourth grade she was selling knitted headbands. "I've been at it a while," she jokes. Aside from Etsy she works full time, but hopes to turn her passion and lifestyle into a career someday by opening her own brick and mortar shop. She recently reshot all of her pictures and is amazed at the difference it has made in her exposure. "Within 3 hours of posting my new shots, I received more than twice as many views than I normally make in a WEEK. " She recommends her fellow Etsians "put as much into the photos as you do the piece itself." Please check out her shops: http://hippiehempstress.etsy.com/ and http://craftiefaerie.etsy.com/

-Wendy Baylis

Dharma Designs

http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/

Meet Etsy Pottery Artist: TuxedoJunction

The self-taught potter behind TuxedoJunction had her first experience with clay at summer camp. She's been in love with her craft ever since, honing her skills along the way. She draws her inspiration from her surroundings and it could come from a walk outdoors, a museum - or even "a repeating pattern on a brand name tissue box." She's a fan of the the Arts and Crafts Movement, Frank Lloyd Wright's art glass, and prefers the Art Deco and Art Nouveau pottery styles. Adept in stained glass techniques, her pottery style combines her two loves beautifully.
Right now her craft is a hobby, but she hopes to turn it into a career. She acknowledges that shipping pottery is very costly, which makes it hard to keep the prices down. To even the score a bit she offers an affordable line of jewelry that is more easily mailed. She advises her fellow Etsians be patient. "Stick with it, make what you love, the sales will come." Please visit her shop: http://tuxedojunction.etsy.com/
-Wendy Baylis
Dharma Designs
http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/

Meet Etsy Jewelry Artist: CastoCreations

The hip talent behind CastoCreations may be turning 30 this year, but she still feels like 18. "I have a hubby who gets as excited as I do when I get a sale - and three dogs who could care less about my work. They just want attention," she jokes. "We live in the beautiful Pacific Northwest where it rains enough to keep me inside and creating."

While she enjoys working full time for a large global financial company, her art is her true passion. As a child her grandparents created jewelry and she remembers being amazed at their work. Following in their footsteps, she began beading bracelets and necklaces for family members at age 12. During high school and college she switched to making greeting cards with rubber stamps, but soon realized it was as costly as it was fun. That's when she re-discovered jewelry - and sold most of her rubber stamps. She's been creating her classic jewelry ever since. Her clean and simple style reflects a timeless sensibility, showcasing a myriad of lines and shapes.

She recommends patience and good photos to her fellow Etsians. "Selling on Etsy is fabulous, fun, and frustrating...Some sell almost immediately upon opening up their shop. Others take several months to get going. And if you sell jewelry you're in for some competition. But do NOT under price yourself," she warns. "Handmade should not be equated with cheap. Pay yourself even if it is just a hobby. You'll be taken more seriously and your work will be perceived as more valuable." Please check out her shop: http://castocreations.etsy.com/

-Wendy Baylis

Dharma Designs

http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/