Meet Etsy Artist & Potter: gracesheese

I discovered this next artist on her opening day at Etsy...

Grace was born in Taipei, Taiwan, but later moved to the US when she was 8. "My parents worked really hard to help my younger sister and I retain our heritage," she says. "We spoke only Chinese in the home, ate Chinese food, and my mom and sister and I use to religiously watch Chinese soap operas on the weekends." As a teenager she admits that she fought with her dual identities. "I attributed my social awkwardness with being Chinese and found myself rejecting that part of me," she explains. "As I began making pots in college - and painful high school experiences became a memory - I found that I was just naturally drawn to the Asian aesthetic." She realizes now that being a teenager is hard on everyone, no matter their background or heritage, and now fully embraces her Chinese roots. In fact, Asian and Islamic architecture are a huge inspiration in her pottery designs. "I don't seek out making work that looks Asian. It's just something that I naturally gravitate towards. I'll experiment with a new bowl shape and my husband will comment on how it looks just like a rice bowl. To my eyes, it just looks like how bowls should look." Asian fabrics are also an interest of hers, especially the intricate and colorful patterns of the Middle East and India, and the delicate carvings of her yunomi (Japanese footed tea cup without a handle) often reflect the detailed designs of a sari. She's been making her beautiful works of art - and function - for over fifteen years; the last 5 as a full time studio potter. Please check out her shop: http://gracesheese.etsy.com/

-Wendy Baylis

Dharma Designs

http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/

Meet Etsy Artist: jmoffett

Etsy is the sole website for painter Jennifer Moffett."I am a professional artist (you get to call yourself that if you sell your work, right)?" she jokes. A busy Mom to a young son - and wife to" a wonderful, supportive, great looking husband," she still manages to find time for her art. She's been at it ever since she can remember, "even since elementary school in the mid-80's when a teacher exclaimed, 'I hope this isn't all you do with your time!'" Oddly enough she was actually encouraged by the statement. "It helped me to see myself the way I should: as an artist," she explains. She attended the Columbus College of Art and Design for 2.5 years before finishing her degree at the Herron School of Art and Design. She graduated in 2006 with a BA in Fine Arts and focused her efforts on illustration work. "I (still) do logo designs, graphic design, illustration work, and crafts as well as painting." While her husband and many other family members are also artists that inspire her, she admits that her sister "is always making something new that I am jealous I didn't come up with myself." Gustav Klimt's style has influenced her work as well. "He's just a huge favorite of mine," she gushes. "The job of being an artist is more fun than I deserve. It feels like a luxury to 'work' on things that other people find pleasing because I would create no matter what." Please check out her shop: http://jmoffett.etsy.com/

-Wendy Baylis

Dharma Designs

http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com

Meet Etsy Artist: sandyklotter

Pensacola artist Sandy Klotter has been painting for over twenty years. "First, as a hobby to learn new avenues for my creativity," she admits, "and later to start a business, which would include my design background and sales instincts." With experience in Interior Decorating, she always "think(s) in terms of what I would like in (her) own home." She often finds inspiration in her beautiful coastal town - and often uses the setting as a theme in her work. "My mood usually dictates whether I paint completely abstract, or with more details," she says of her unique painting process that also combines acrylics and watercolors. While she has been selling her work to shops and galleries for some time, she is fairly new to Etsy. Please check out her shop: htpp://sandyklotter.etsy.com

-Wendy Baylis

Dharma Designs

http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/

Meet Etsy Artist: kself

Keena has been interested in art her whole life. "My mother used to be a landscape artist, so I suppose that is where my talent comes from," she explains. An avid animal lover, she often finds inspiration in them. "I like to watch wild life, especially birds," she gushes. Until recently she considered her art just a hobby. "I am going through a transition in life where earning money from home is my best option right now," she says. "I'm recently single again (this is a good thing), I'm caring for my disabled mother, raising a ten-year-old son and an eight-year-old daughter, so I'm needed at home a lot." In her young adult days she travelled to the coats and tropic regions - and even did a little modeling in the 80's. "I always seemed to have more satisfaction drawing the other models rather than being one of them," she says. Etsy has been a fantastic opportunity for her. "I love this place," she says of the community of buyers and sellers. "There are so many nice people here." She, too, likes handmade products and spends a lot of time on Etsy browsing and shopping. "My biggest flaw is being lazy about doing things on the computer, so I haven't updated (anything) in quite a while," she admits. She'd like to pass on some sage advice she received from another Etsian: "'Be true to yourself, do what you do best, and the rest will follow.' I can't remember that those were her exact words, but at the time, I was not being true to myself. When I took that advice, life began to be good again," she says. Please check out her shop: http://kself.etsy.com/

-Wendy Baylis

Dharma Designs

http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/

Meet Etsy Artist: AtchisonArt

Elizabeth Atchison is a practicing Buddhist, who loves the outdoors and is an "avid animal lover with many pets." She acquired two Boxers (Jack and Hunter) from a volunteer stint with the local Boxer Rescue. She also has a rabbit, chinchilla, turtles, and fish. In her other Etsy shop (http://www.hunterandjacksnacks.etsy.com/) she sells homemade natural snacks for pets. Aside from all of her animals, she is also a new Mom again to a 5 month old baby boy. "I am so blessed to have 3 wonderful kids and such a supportive loving husband to call my own," she gushes. Somehow she finds time to paint. "I really enjoy getting lost in a painting. The best part of art is that is is interpretive...which means I don't have to very good at it," she jokes. Her inspiration comes from her family and living life in the present moment. Currently she focuses on watercolors, but hopes to try oil paints soon. "Painting is just a hobby at the present moment, however I would love to be able to provide for my family through the venue of Art," she admits. Like most of us, she hopes Etsy will help get her name out there. "Network...promote your shop. Meet others that share the same interests. And most importantly, never give up. It is not over (until)...you quit. Please check out her shop: http://atchisonart.etsy.com/
-Wendy Baylis

Dharma Designs

http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/

Meet Etsy Jewelry Artist: NicolaYoonDesign

"By day I'm a database programmer," Nicola Yoon explains, "but at night I transform into an obsessive compulsive Super Jeweler, with cape and all." Her inspiration often comes from estate finds or the simplicity of modern design. She describes her eclectic style as "a contradictory blend of restraint and over-the-top ornament." So many of today's items are cheap and mass produced, and she strives to regain the "traditional intimacy between an artisan and her customers." Etsy has been great for her. "I think of it as a global farmer's market for handmade goods," she explains. "Start small,: she recommends, "and do what feels right. I really believe that when making a living gets in the way of making you happy, you've lost your way." Please check out her shop: http://nicolayoondesign.etsy.com/

-Wendy Baylis

Dharma Designs

http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/

Meet Etsy Jewelry Artist: KathrynHomanDesigns

Although Kathryn is now an accomplished jewelry artist she started out with a love for drawing. "When my kids were little I did cross stitch and crewel, and later got really busy with the Embroiderers Guild of America when I lived in Dallas," she says. "I made beautiful things with silk and gold thread and French wools." Her path towards jewelry actually came out of the embroidery work. "Once, when I had finished a really outstanding evening purse that took me at least 6 months, someone said, 'That is gorgeous, you should make more and sell them.' Right then I decided to find something that would satisfy my love of color and move along a little quicker," she explains. It started with learning lampwork beads. "(I) wondered how to string them, so I took a few classes in Pasadena in the early 1990’s." Now a Michigan resident, she has retired from teaching elementary school - and has "discovered Etsy." The challenge with Etsy, though, is the capturing the true beauty of her classic pieces in photographs. "It took me awhile to get a camera that...would take clear pictures and now I’m trying to figure out how best to light the jewelry so that the details really show up and the color shows true. It’s fun!" She admits she's found some good tutorials on YouTube. As for her designs, she hasn't given into the temptations to make things that are quick and cheap. "I like to challenge myself with the best semi-precious stones I can find and only use the highest quality silver and gold." Her love of elegant pieces shows up in her beautiful work, which can be worn every day as well as special occasions. "I have lots more to put online and way too many ideas than there is time for me right now," she jokes. "I have made some PMC items, but they’re not in finished jewelry yet. Keep checking back. Some surprising things are on the way," she promises. Please check out her shop: http://kathrynhomandesigns.etsy.com/
-Wendy Baylis

Dharma Designs

http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/

Meet Etsy Artist & Potter: almapottery

Born in Eastern Europe, Alma emigrated to the US after college. Recently she even lived in Japan for a year, where she fell in love with tea and sushi ware, which is expertly suited to her passion for pottery. She absorbs inspiration from her surroundings as well as from her German/Russian heritage, so folk art and primitivism are as interesting to her as Japanese architecture and minimalism. "Too much cruising on Etsy left me creating some happy gnomes with antlers," she jokes. "I still have a hard time deciding what I want to do each day. I have a ceramic setup and a traditional darkroom, a room where I paint, and a closet filled with fabric and a dusty sewing machine. One day I will combine all in one big crazy piece of art." She wishes she could spend less time on the Etsy forums and more time in her studio, but admits it's tough to stay away. "I love the community I get in touch with everyday," she says. "Many of my customers have become my friends and I love that." Please check out her shop: http://almapottery.etsy.com/

-Wendy Baylis

Dharma Designs

http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/

Meet Etsy Artist: tamrasart

Tamra has been an artist all her life, but "was never encouraged in that area." She tries hard to encourage her own kids' abilities and talents - and anyone else who needs a little encouragement. "I have a degree in art therapy, so I have a bit of a bent toward that philosophy," she jokes. Her inspiration comes from the people in her life. "I'm a Jesus follower and I know that no one walks through my front door by accident, be it adult, kid or animal. I look for ways to serve the people God has put in my path, especially through my art." Her style runs the gamet, from realism to impressionism, but she strives to make her commisioned portraits "spot on." Although she mostly focussed on drawing and oil painting in the past, she picked up pastels about three years ago and now has "no desire to use anything else at the moment." She says "they do what colored pencils couldn't do for me." She has some of the best advice I've heard so far for her fellow Etsians: "Have a sign over (your) work table that says 'Make stuff!'" Please check out her shop: http://tamrasart.etsy.com/
-Wendy Baylis
Dharma Designs
http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/

Meet Etsy Metalsmith & Jewelry Artist: julsilver

I found today's artist while searching for Buddha earrings. From the moment I saw these I knew I HAD to have them. Believe it or not they are even more gorgeous "in person." I was stunned to discover I was her first Etsy purchase. I absolutely love these earrings and will treasure them always...

Aside from being an artist, Laura Bellows is an anthropologist "re-inventing." She became interested in Buddhism and Hinduism while doing fieldwork for her PhD in Bali, Indonesia. Much of her work is inspired by the wonderful cultures and people she encountered abroad. "I am still really interested in the meanings and intellectual problems I dealt with as a researcher," she admits. "I seek to bring this into my work as much as possible, even to the point of including words or texts that I find fascinating, or which simply contain things I feel I have to say." While she makes many pieces her self, she actually makes a living by designing pieces that can be made in Bali via a Fair Trade model - and sold wholesale to various shops. "These practical things are part of what I do and reflect my interest in making useful items that are not disposable, are produced ethically and also beautiful." She also teaches the casting process out of her own studio, which enables beginners to learn the basics of wax working. Please check out her shop: http://julsilver.etsy.com/

-Wendy Baylis

Dharma Designs

http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/

Living the Good Life On A Budget: Montinore Wines

Everyone needs a little drink now and then. Or two. :-) I think Jimmy Buffet may have said it best: "It's 5:00 somewhere." The economy is failing, my hours and pay have been cut, but I still enjoy a good bottle of wine - especially a refreshing Riesling. My recent favorite is Montinore's Riesling Sweet Reserve. Usually it's only $12 a bottle (a virtual steal for such a quality wine), but through the end of January they are having a 30% off sale on white wines purchased through their website or at their winery. Life doesn't get any better than this! It's crisp and refreshing - without being cloyingly sweet. In fact, it has just the right hint of sweetness without being dry. I don't know how they manage it, but it's darn near the best wine I've ever had (and I've had a few). LOL It pairs well with brie, blue cheese, and cambazola - all of which can be found at Trader Joe's for a good price. Please check out their website (http://montinore.com/) or visit them if you're ever in the Forest Grove/Mcminnville area of Oregon.

-Wendy Baylis

Dharma Designs

http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/

Meet Etsy Artist: schmooks

Artist Claire describes herself as "an illustrator and graphic designer." She has always wanted to be an artist and studied creative subjects throughout school including finishing her degree in Graphic Design at the University of Canberra. She has a 19 month old son and another on the way, but still manages to work part time and find a way to pursue her art. She recently finished illustrating a children's book and plans to do a few more. Like many artists, her inspiration comes from the world around her. "I do a lot of collecting of magazines, photographs, images etc. - anything I like the look of, or gives me an idea," she admits. "I never really plan what I am going to illustrate." Usually she prefers to just play with an idea and see where it takes her. So far her fun and quirky designs have been a success. "I get tingles knowing that my work is sitting in someone else’s home on the other side of the world," she says. Etsy has been a great way to connect with other artists and she recommends, "design for yourself and everything will fall into place – and if it doesn’t who cares, as long as you’re having a great time." Please check out her shop: http://schmooks.etsy.com/

-Wendy Baylis

Dharma Designs

http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/

Meet Etsy Artist: wireknot

Kathy may be an accomplished wire jewelry artist, but she is also a fabulous painter. An art instructor and mother of three, ages 14 to 21, she manages to make time for both of her passions. "My students often inspire me and I them," she admits. "I am always working on something while my students work." Being an art teacher has it's advantages, allowing her to dabble in a myriad of mediums. "Put yourself out there," she recommends - and never give up. Please check out her shop: http://wireknot.etsy.com/

-Wendy Baylis

Dharma Designs

http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/

Meet Etsy Artist: Viskanstudio

Viskan, a self taught painter, believes that "an artist’s painting becomes rare evidence of his inner unseen world." He explains that "as time progresses that unseen world changes and so does his art." Creating his ethereal art is akin to experiencing the mystical world. "It is the way of discovering true beauty." The process itself brings him fulfillment. "Nothing should stop him until he can taste the nectar of perfect masterpiece. Then, he can fall in love not only with his art, but also the unseen world from where the real art manifest itself." He has always been interested in the creative arts - and can even recall his school days of skipping class to go to art galleries. He actually began his career as a ceramic artist and musician, but is now devoting his time to his main passion: painting. He has even posted a few videos on YouTube (search for "viskan art"). Please check out his shop: http://viskanstudio.etsy.com/

-Wendy Baylis

Dharma Designs

http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/

Meet Etsy Artist: JaneDaviesStudios

Jane Davies "is about using color with passion and panache." Talented artist and published craft book author, she has been creating ever since she can remember. "I've been doing it as a full-time job since 1991. I used to be a potter, doing craft shows for a living; then in the early 2000's I transitioned to licensing my artwork to manufacturers," she explains. Her professional career started with ceramic tableware designs, garden decor, and greeting cards - and took off from there. "Now I am focusing more on writing and teaching," she says. "My newest book, Collage Journeys, is doing well and I am excited to teach more in-depth workshops on collage." Etsy has helped her get her art "out into the world" quickly, something licensing her artwork to other companies did not provide. "I miss(ed) the direct to consumer relationship I had as a potter selling at craft shows," she admits. "It is refreshing to have a direct connection with the person who is buying my work." Please check out her shop: http://janedaviesstudios.etsy.com/

-Wendy Baylis

Dharma Designs

http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/

Meet Etsy Artist: Peggitha

Las Vegas artist Peg Lozier has had over 12 years of experience in watercolor portraits and has, not surprisingly, won many accolades and awards. Her work can be seen in commercial works such as greeting cards as well as original paintings and prints in her Etsy shop. A member of the Nevada Watercolor Society, she was awarded "Best of Show" honors. She also enjoys painting old furniture, often expressing her whimsical side. "Of all the wonderful things in the world to paint, I love painting faces the best," she says, "people and pets. Capturing the subtle differences that make each face unique provides an irresistible challenge to me." As expert as she is with the details of her subjects, she admits that the backgrounds are often difficult. "I love to paint the everyday moments in life that are simple yet joyful." A lot of her work is on commission and she says "there is no greater reward than seeing the pleasure on their faces when a finished portrait is delivered." A lifelong doodler, she turned her passion into a hobby when she discovered watercolors. "My bread winning career has been as a corporate controller, but a year ago I realized that I was no longer living a life I was proud of," she explains. "Tons of overtime and stress and a dwindling down of creative pursuits to pretty much nothing. So, I took a huge plunge and quit the big job." Now she only does consulting part time and instead focuses on her art as a business. Her next step is learning to use oils - and to expand her horizons from her mainstay portraits. Please check out her shop: http://peggitha.etsy.com/
-Wendy Baylis

Dharma Designs

http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/

Meet Etsy Artist & Seamstress: robinseggpink

Aside from being an Etsy artist, Angela is a busy Mom to daughter Maya. Although they live in Toronto, Canada, they travelled to the ends of the earth - Jiangxi, China - adopt Maya in 2007. "It was the best thing I've ever done in my life," she gushes. "Sleep... is a thing of the past... but then, that's what coffee is for." The exotic journey had a profound effect on her and she is now drawn to images that reflect serenity such as lotus and cherry blossoms ("even the word 'sakura' is beautiful"). Her home is her "sanctuary," a sea of watery blues and calming neutrals. Before Etsy she worked in the health care industry for 12 years until she finally decided to change her career path to follow her dreams. "I loved the people I worked with and I loved my patients, but each day of those twelve years was 'work' for me," she explains. Her heart may have been in it, but her soul yearned for something. "My 'aha moment' was more like a 'slow nudge,'" she jokes. "It took 10 years for me to take the necessary steps to turn my 'dreams' into my reality. Not a fast process, but for me it was a necessary one, and I have never looked back with regret" She believes we are each born with talents - gifts - that make us unique, although it may take the majority of us awhile to discover what they are. As a child she used to cut up her mother's embroidered pillow-cases (wedding gifts) and make them into camisoles. "I was 7 years old at the time," she says. "Now, at 44 I'm still 'cutting things up' and loving every minute of it." She admits that the idea for her gorgeous lotus pillow came to her as she was nodding off to sleep. "Keeping paper and pen on the nightstand works wonders for me." Please check out her shop: http://robinseggpink.etsy.com/. A portion of the net proceeds from her sales on Etsy and her own site (http://robinseggpink.com/) will be given to two wonderful organizations : The Hospital for Sick Children, and the Ontario Humane Society.
-Wendy Baylis

Dharma Designs

http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/

Meet Etsy Artist: SasColby

Sas Colby is a working teacher and artist, who "loves splashing paint and wielding scissors." She developed her Buddha images after making several trips to Thailand, Burma, Cambodia and Bali and devoted 3 years to recreating his likeness in various mediums. "Then I began combining the Buddha with the Madonna in a series called 'In Our Own Image,'" she explains. "To me, these images represent compassion and wisdom, and calm at the center." Thailand's ancient capital Sukothai touched her deeply as well as the collection of magnificent temples in Bagan in what is now Myanmar (formerly Burma). She may be fascinated with Buddha, but "the BUNNY is (her) personal totem" and she has also dedicated a body of work to it. "Gradually I'll add more bunnies to my Etsy," she laughs. Although she resides in Berkley, California for the school year, she spends summers in Taos where she teaches a yearly artist retreat. "We live and breathe art 24/7 there." Please check out her shop: http://sascolby.esty.com/

-Wendy Baylis

Dharma Designs

http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/

Meet Etsy Potter & Artist: PlumHome

Bronwyn Simons describes herself as an "artist, entrepreneur, dancer, teacher, mother, partner, homemaker, spiritual seeker, and all around creative woman." Inspiration for her art comes from natural colors and ethnic design (especially Japanese and Italian). In life she finds inspiration in her family and friends - and by "hearing the stories of other artsy, entrepreneurial women." Currently focused on ceramics, she has dabbled in many mediums over the years. "The connecting thread between them all has been my love of line, colour, the decorative, and the inspiration of history." she explains. "I'm passionate about the revival of craft, and the importance of bringing the hand-made back into our daily lives." Happily self employed as a full time crafter for 16 years, she feels blessed to be making a living doing something she loves. "My Etsy shop is a wonderful place for me to showcase new designs, one of a kind pieces, and prototypes - it gives me a chance to play and experiment." She enjoys the sense of community with Etsy and has made some wonderful connections in her endeavors. She recommends her fellow artists "be authentic, post often, communicate clearly, enjoy the community." Please check out her shop: http://plumhome.etsy.com/

-Wendy Baylis

Dharma Designs

http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/

Meet Etsy Artist: jangeisen

Jan Geisen has a BA degree in Art "from a long time ago and originally worked as a photographer and printmaker." 18 years ago she discovered polymer clay and fell in love. "I consider myself an 'improv' artist," she jokes. "I let the item tell me what it wants to become." She enjoys making "wearable abstract works of art" and polymer clay is the perfect medium. In her skilled hands it can look like like metal, turquoise, or anything else she sets her mind to. She has even made a pieces that look like water color paintings by creatively controlling the way she blends and rolls the clay. "My favorite raw material is the scraps of clay that other polymer clay artists don’t know what to do with." She never plans her unique designs ahead of time. "I think of myself as just the hands that allow the jewelry piece to become what it wants to be. I need to lock myself away for days at a time and many hours each day to create properly. That is the only way I can get into the creative, right brained, mode needed to make successful pieces." While her art is not just a hobby, she will "never consider my creative endeavors a 'job.'" She explains, "For many years it wasn’t what I did to support myself. It is what I did to fulfill myself, and keep myself sane." Now retired, she supplements her income with her art. "Marketing is key," she advises. "I have had Etsy sales because people have seen images of my work elsewhere – Flickr, website, blog, and photos posted in online subscriber galleries of jewelry magazines that I subscribe too." Please check out her shop: http://jangeisen.etsy.com/

-Wendy Baylis

Dharma Designs

http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/

Meet Etsy Artist: Antonella72

Antonella was born and raised in Italy, but has been living in Dublin, Ireland, for the last 11 years. "My husband is Irish and now when I think of home, it comes naturally to think of Ireland as my homeland," she says. "I have a beautiful 8 months old baby girl called Zoe, who's 100% Irish," she jokes. Her inspiration comes from her surroundings: "I love nature's way of mixing colours and shapes." She's also in tune with the latest fashion and jewelry trends, but is often inspired by the beads and pendants she uses. "I like to work with beautiful stones in unusual shapes or colours," she admits. Her jewelry is a reflection of her own style: classy and chic. "I like to create unique pieces that really stands out. If there is something I truly hate is cheap mass produced jewelry." She views handmade pieces as "wearable art." Her love of jewelry started as a child when she used to take her mother's old pieces apart to create new ones. Later on friends and family requested her designs and it grew from there. "Five years ago I decided to finally take a proper jewelry making course and started to create too many pieces for me to keep," she laughs. Many of them ended up in the Chester Beatty Library in Dublin Castle (http://www.cbl.ie/), where she's been selling them successfully four four years. Recently she opened her Etsy shop and hopes her hobby becomes a career one day. Right now she is a full time Information Security Officer. It keeps her busy and she enjoys it immensely, but it's not the creative outlet she needs. She may be new to Etsy, but she has sage advice: invest in a good digital camera. "It really shows how proud you are of your creations." Please check out her shop: http://antonella72.etsy.com/

-Wendy Baylis

Dharma Designs

http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/

Meet Etsy Artist: ejstoll

Midwest artist Jenna is a busy new mom, but somehow finds time to run two great Etsy shops: one for handmade baby gear and another for classy and contemporary adoption announcements (I happened to discover the latter shop on opening day). At 29 she has been married for 6 years. "My husband and I became parents for the first time this past June, when we adopted our (now 14 month old) daughter Ella from Vietnam." Her beautiful daughter is featured on some of the examples in her shop that can be customized with any photo. Her work is so professional and classy that I was amazed to find out she was a mere digital novice just a few years ago. "A year or so prior to completing our adoption, I got a copy of Photoshop Elements and started playing," she explains. "I started by designing blogs/blog headers for my own blog and then for other adoptive families. It then stemmed into this little shop." She created all of her own announcements and receiving excellent feedback she decided to lend her hand at helping others. "I consider it a true honor to help other families announce the biggest joy in their lives," she gushes. Aside from her Etsy shops and motherhood, she also works as a full time speech therapist. "I realized my true love for being a stay at home mom while I was on maternity leave and someday would love to be home at least part-time." She hopes her Etsy shops eventually help her realize that goal. While doing her best to save for her dream, she also realizes that others are in need and she can help. A portion of all sales from her Etsy shop Ella Bella Designs (http://ejstoll.etsy.com/) is donated to Operation Smile (www.operationsmile.org) and Smile Train (www.smiletrain.org). "Both are amazing non-profit organizations that travel the globe performing free cleft/craniofacial surgeries for those in need. My daughter was born with a cleft lip and although we were fortunate enough to be able to have her surgery done here in the states upon our return, many are not that lucky and we've been truly touched by the teams who take time to provide such a gift." Please check out her shop: http://ejstoll.etsy.com/

-Wendy Baylis

Dharma Designs

http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/

Meet Etsy Artist: redladyarts

I'm a sucker for all things Asian - especially Buddha heads, chopsticks, and bamboo. I stumbled across these fantastic chopsticks on Etsy totally by accident and just had to meet the artist...

Sharon K. Shubert was about three years old when "the first urges to create stirred within (her)." Drawn to bright colors and intricate details early on, she taught herself how to work in many mediums including wood burning (aka pyrography), collaging, and sculpting. "If an artistic medium draws my attention I invest some time in learning more about it and trying my hand at it," she says. Her current interests are digital photography and watercolor/ink painting, but she is also an accomplished published author of poetry and short stories. "Silly kid's poetry is a favorite to write," she admits. Inspired by the "natural wonders created by God," she often uses these elements in her work. "The world is sometimes a place of chaos, struggles, and stress. My art is the opposite and I want it to convey the good feelings in life; the simple, spiritual, and the beautiful." Her art is an expression of her soul - "an extension of (her)self." She considers art a "need (like breathing)" rather than a job or a hobby. "It's a big part of my life. I create even when nothing is selling." She advises her fellow artists create what they love, regardless of fads and trends. "The art you create that is truly YOU is what will stand the test of time and be remembered. Do what makes you happy and fulfilled." Please check out her shop and websites: http://redladyarts.etsy.com/

http://redladyart.com/

http://sharonkshubert.blogspot.com/

-Wendy Baylis

Dharma Designs

http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/