Meet Ramsey Joseph Farrar

A friend of mine from work recently found out his young son has Leukemia. Ramsey Joseph Farrar is only 2 and a half years old, but has already gone through more than any child should ever have to. Just thought I'd spread the word about his condition and recovery process. Please check out his story: http://caringbridge.org/visit/ramseyfarrar I am selling 10 inches of my long hair on HairTrader.com (Ebay-like site for wig makers) and will donate the proceeds to his recovery: http://thehairtrader.com/viewlisting.asp?lid=253257
-Wendy Baylis

Dharma Designs

http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/

Meet Etsy Artist: tHeENDpeace

Jennifer has many hobbies - from jewelry making, crocheting, cooking, baking, and even heirloom & organic gardening. "Tying in with my love to grow things, I also save seeds (for conservation purposes) and either sell them, keep them for the next year, or trade them with other gardeners," she explains. Her Sushi Dragon bracelet is not only gorgeous and fun, but captures all of her passions in one soulful piece. Another passion of hers is collecting. "I collect from yard sales, thrift stores, and antique stores," she admits. "I love to 're-create,' such as altered art charms." Like me, she also enjoys experiencing other cultures and has a deep appreciation for nature, as is evident in her gardening and repurposing of items. "I dislike waste and always try to think of a way to get another use out of an item." Aside from her art, she is also working on becoming a Special Education teacher. "Personally, I want to see the look of pride and accomplishment on a student's face when they learn something by thinking outside the box and being creative." Inspiration can come from anywhere - and usually pops up at inopportune moments. "Most of the time I get my best ideas when I should be paying attention in class or when I am trying to go to sleep," she jokes. Please check out her shop: http://tHeENDpeace.etsy.com
-Wendy Baylis
Dharma Designs
http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/

Meet Etsy Artist: SteppingStones

Tracy Prince creates beautiful jewelry and natural cabinet pulls out of gorgeous beach stones and glass she finds with her husband and children along the Rhode Island coast. She describes herself as a "Jane of all trades" and admits that if she is not constantly creating she falls into a deep depression. "It doesn't have to be jewelry. It just has to be something I'm creating," she explains. Recently she tore out the entire downstairs bathroom - and although she doesn't have a plan for it yet, she has the drive and "constant need to make." Much of her inspiration comes from nature and she counts herself lucky to live in "such an amazing part of the country." Although her craft and passion is also her full time job - along with motherhood - she keeps a once a month position at a local emergency room as a Medical Assistant "just to talk to big people and not go out of my mind." Please check out their shop: http://steppingstones.etsy.com/

-Wendy Baylis

Dharma Designs

http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/

Meet Etsy Artist: gracebaleymosaics

Brooklyn artist Grace Baley has been creating beautiful mosaics for over 12 years. She first fell in love with the art after seeing the tile designs in the NY subway system. She admits it took a lot of trial and error, but eventually she perfected her craft. "I use sheets of stained glass to create my pieces and cut them down to fit the needs of the design," she explains. Her work includes everything from the beautiful Buddha above to landscapes, floral arrangements, and portraits. Aside from being a mosaic artist, she also professionally installs bathroom and kitchen tile. "I work with interior designers to create custom pieces for their clients matching color and design style," she says, which has turned out to be very therapeutic for her. "I become very attached to my pieces when they are finished because they are usually the result of a long enjoyable journey," she admits. "I hope that Etsy will afford me the opportunity to sell my work to an audience that supports and appreciates the emotional connection an artist has to her work." Please check her out: http://gracebaleymosaics.etsy.com/, http://www.gracebaley.com/

-Wendy Baylis

Dharma Designs

http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/

Meet Etsy Artist: Dhuni

The artist behind Dhuni may be an Engineer, but she has a passion for creativity. "My job takes a lot of my time, but I try to grab some time during the weekend," she explains. Inspired by nature and exotic cultures, her line of bindis and body jewelry range from ethnic to whimsical - and everything in between. Designing her pieces allows her a chance to rejuvenate from the rigors of her day job. While it is still just a hobby, she aims for her creations to make someone's day. She also uses a percentage of her Etsy income to help local charities and hopes to one day start her own organization. Please check out her shop: http://dhuni.etsy.com/

-Wendy Baylis

Dharma Designs

http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/

Meet Etsy Artist: WormwoodHollow

William Bezek has been a professional artist since the age of 17 when he was hired as an illustrator. His paintings - such as the gorgeous Buddha above - are often inspired by his exotic travels. "My favorite holiday is Halloween and I do a lot of crafty items for that," he admits. Sometimes these pieces share a fun Tim Burton-like whimsy. "I am part of the Halloween and Vine group show every year with some very talented artists," he says. He recently took a six month hiatus from his art to move across country, but is now hard at work again. Please check out his shop: http://wormwoodhollow.etsy.com/

-Wendy Baylis

Dharma Designs

http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/

Meet Etsy Artist: Raku4u

"Beauty, whether found in a glorious sunrise, a galloping horse with mane & tail flying, the glittering Milky Way in a midnight sky or the intricate icy geometry of a snowflake, has always captivated me for as long as I can remember," Lynne says of her fascination with nature. She majored in Art Education "as a way of surrounding (her)self with some of the world’s greatest art/artists and spent (her) family rearing years working as a public school art teacher & sharing that passion with hundreds (if not thousands) of students." When her kids were old enough she returned to school as a student, earning a Master’s Degree in Art Education from the University of Northern Colorado. Although she only took ceramics as an elective, she was hooked immediately. "When my hands first touched a lump of clay on the potter’s wheel, I had the most profound sense of 'coming home,' artistically speaking…..I knew this medium was going to change my life," she explains. She immediately changed her degree to focus on ceramics and the rest is, as they say, history. Her love affair with clay began as a hobby, but she eventually turned it into a successful business. She appreciates Etsy for being a "consistent venue for past & present customers to have full access to (her) work." Please check her out: http://raku4u.etsy.com/, http://raku4ubyshekinahclay.blogspot.com/, http://www.shekinahclay.com/

-Wendy Baylis

Dharma Designs

http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/

Meet Etsy Artist: BashiSquashi

Although Barbara has been an Etsy member for over a year, she has only recently opened up shop. "I wasn't ready for the commitment back then," she jokes. "Life just got a bit crazy all of a sudden, but I've been working on my quilts and other things over this time and decided now is the time. A crisis will happen now and then, but life doesn't stop." Her husband has an excellent job that allows her to quilt - and she counts herself very lucky to devote her time to something she enjoys. "Unless I make it work, though, I will have to find a paying job," she says. For the time being, she's giving it all she's got, entering shows, contests, and stitching up a storm. She finds inspiration everywhere - from a crease in the fabric to a recurring dream. "(It's) everywhere if I'm paying attention," she explains. She fell in love with Tim Burton's style while watching "The Nightmare Before Christmas" and hopes her own designs approach his ingenuity. "I was so surprised that so few came (to see it) and so few got it," she laments. Instead of her generation, it was the one before that was enthralled by the spectacle. Always good for a laugh, she says, "I've been making myself an artist since I was 4 years old. That's when I exclaimed to the world 'I will be an artist' and my elderly great aunt told me I should look for a wealthy husband." Even then she knew she had to follow her heart, what ever the outcome. Please check out her shop: http://bashisquashi.etsy.com/

-Wendy Baylis

Dharma Designs

http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/

Meet Etsy Artist: CherryLime

I'm a sucker for all things Asian - and found this next artist's idea for tub teas right up my alley...
"At present I live in Dallas with my husband, my Singer 503a Rocketeer, my serger, my grandmother's machine, and my dress form Elanor. It's a rather cramped life but I enjoy it," Alicia jokes. She first learned how to sew through watching her mother. "Honestly, I learned more what not to do than anything else," she says. "My mom is a wonderful person, but not so mechanically inclined." She also took lessons in junior high and found a mentor. "A friend's mom really gave me the foundation I needed and so, when I found myself doodling designs in college, I was able to take my first steps into turning those sketches into reality," she explains. "I'm currently a graduate student and sewing for my shop gives me a chance to get outside the books and spend some time just creating; an outlet I desperately need in such a cerebral environment." She enjoys creating her designs and pattern drafting so much that she jokes she has to be careful to make sure she follows her projects through. "I have a bad habit of drafting, doing a trial version, liking it, and then moving on to another idea," she admits. Her background in architectural drafting has helped her immensely. "If nothing else, (it) taught me to add measurements correctly," she quips. Her inspiration often comes from the fabric itself. "Fabric tends to speak - no, shout - at me when I pass it in the fabric store," she says. "I love the feel and smell of it all. Colors inspire me and I love seeing how different colors mix and meld when put together in a robe." She is also inspired by every day fashion, which she describes as "what people are really wearing in my less fashionable world." A lot of her pieces have an Oriental feel, which accentuates the spa aspect of her plush robes and calming tub teas. Right now Etsy is a hobby and she uses the supplemental income for an occasional night on the town - or even to purchase fabric for her students from low-income families. "Be nice," she advises her fellow Etsians. "That's never a bad idea." Well said! Please check out her shop: http://cherrylime.etsy.com/
-Wendy Baylis
Dharma Designs
http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/

Meet Etsy Artists: RavenstoneTiles

RavenstoneTiles is a collaborative effort between artist Laura Reutter and web designer/glaze maker Tim Taylor. They've been working professionally as a tile team since 1999, using their personal website as their major source of income. They have also sold on Ebay, are are just now dabbling with Etsy. I was lucky enough to stumble across this gorgeous bamboo set recently. Many of their pieces reflect a zen like tranquility, but they are also inspired by the Arts and Crafts movement and the Art Nouveau period. "Nature, trees, and landscapes are also sources of ideas," they explain. Laura has had a lifelong love affair with clay (35+ years), but only began making tiles 10 years ago. "This is a job, or was, until the recent economic crisis hit," she manages to joke. "Sales are really slow right now and we're looking for other work to tide us over," she admits. They are excited about the opportunities on Etsy and are enjoying the community it offers. Please check out their shop: http://ravenstonetiles.etsy.com/

-Wendy Baylis

Dharma Designs

http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/

Meet Etsy Jewelry Artist & Painter: BellissimaDesigns

Sherri is the second daughter in a family of five girls, who grew up in Alberta, Canada. "I would never have said that I was crafty growing up, but looking back we made our own barbie clothes, beds, houses, etc.," she says. "In later years I drew a bit, but mostly I was consumed by reading and spending time with friends." Now married to someone she describes as "the most wonderful man" and the mother of two, she manages to find time for her art. "My daughter would want me to also mention the other members of our family - our dog and our three fish," she adds. With a need to try it all, she jokes she may be 'craft ADD.' "I have never been formally diagnosed ,but I know my husband would gladly write the letter stating that I am," she explains. Much of her inspiration comes from nature and her love of gardening. "I am also very obsessed by oriental art and sculpture, especially Buddha images," she confesses. I completely understand. :-) "If I am ever in need of inspiration I just go onto Etsy and I am blown away by everything that these amazing people create...Have you seen the soap that looks like cake? So amazing," she gushes. While she dabbles in many mediums, her true passions are painting and drawing. "My daughters room is covered, on every wall and ceiling. She is in love with Tinker Bell so I made it her little magical wonderland. However since that time we had to move her into another room to make room for her brother so he is also currently enjoying a little fairy magic." Not always an artist, she can't imagine how she ever survived without crafts. "They seem to be consuming so much of my thoughts I don't go a day without thinking about, planning for, buying for (my husband swears it is every day), or creating something crafty," she says. "Get on the (Etsy) forums and learn all you can - there is a wealth of information that Etsians are willing to share," she suggests. Please check out her shop: http://bellissimadesigns.etsy.com/

-Wendy Baylis

Dharma Designs

http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/

Meet Etsy Artist: jPerlmutterArt

Jennifer says she is open to the "NOW" and "this is the motivation that moves my brush or hand." She is also inspired by Dharma realizations. "Relationships and nature with Dharma woven throughout both – those are parts of my inspiration." The dedicated mother of a 6 year old, she also says her child plays a huge part in her art. "Because of the value I place on the importance of being with my son, I don’t paint everyday," she explains. "I sometimes take long breaks – weeks without painting." She admits that she is always thinking about it, though - and often plans out her next series while on hiatus. Her current abstract Buddha series is both mystical and ethereal, capturing a serene mood. She has been painting for 12 years and began by decorating furniture. Please check out her shop: http://jperlmutterart.etsy.com/

-Wendy Baylis

Dharma Designs

http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/

Meet Etsy Glass Artist: nickpaul

Chicago designer Nick Paul teaches Glassblowing and Glass Fusing in his spare time - and creates unique glasses from upcycled bottles. "The recycled bottle idea came from the need for more drinking glasses for a party," he explains. "The studio I work at throws these massive benefit parties were they give away hand made cups at the door. Each time there's a party we try and make five hundred or more cups...we were running short and somebody asked if it was possible to turn a bottle into a drinking glass." His unusual creations were a hit and sold better than the other glasses, so he ran with it. "I wouldn't really describe the recycled cup thing as my style," he jokes. "I'm a glassblower. I just happen to be able to turn recycled bottles into drinking glasses and vases." He's been at his craft for 8 years, but has only repurposed bottles for 2. He describes glassblowing as "a hobby that just so happens to pay." He started Etsy with the goal of making a little extra money for a car, but got such a positive response that he decided to stick with it. "Now I'm out there promoting myself and Etsy like crazy." He admits it's been a lot of fun, though. He advises his fellow artists also promote the site. "By getting others involved it helps spread the word." Please check out his shop: http://nickpaul.etsy.com/

-Wendy Baylis

Dharma Designs

http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/

Meet Etsy Artist: sirikul

A native of Thailand, Kay Pattachote is currently living in the US (New York). English is not her first language, of course, but I was lucky enough to interview this talented artist. She started out as an Interior Designer, but painting is her true passion - she makes time for it every day. Watercolors are her favorite medium and she works magic with every stroke of her brush, capturing not just an image, but a window in time. She;s has been painting all her life, but has concentrated on watercolors the last 10 years after graduating from college. Much of her inspiration comes from the beauty and culture of her homeland and is expertly showcased in her work. A Buddhist, she says painting is good for her meditation. She was recently forced to quit her job due to serious health problems, but is enjoying all the time she has for her art. I wish you a speedy recovery and much happiness. Please check out her shop: http://sirikul.etsy.com/ and the blog detailing her recovery through art: http://www.pseudohaiku.com/

-Wendy Baylis

Dharma Designs

http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/

Meet Etsy Artist: joanschaumburg49

Joan may have started as a painter 30 years ago, but her latest endeavors into fused glass caught my eye. Working with fellow Etsian HendersonWoodCraft, she has created a beautiful zen furniture line including an end table and matching shoji screen. Each piece showcases her gorgeous hand painted bamboo glass panels - and would make a perfect addition to any home. In fact, she sells many of her creations at a local Asian import store. She also makes glass jewelry and is an exceptional painter and muralist. Please check out her shop: http://joanschaumburg49.etsy.com/
-Wendy Baylis
Dharma Designs
http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/

Meet Etsy Artist: Igziabeher

Michelle Rachels describes her home as "out here in the woods, 3 miles to the closest stop sign down a gravel road; wildlife abounds, and my only contact with the world is dial up." She jokes, "I can't even get DSL." After 25 years in the manufacturing business - 7 of which were 80 hour weeks -

she "(came) to a point in life of realizing your mortality and ask yourself what have I done with it?" A bit melancholy she explains that "back in the mid '70's I could have marketed my paintings." Although her art is now a successful business, it is also her life. Some of her work can be seen in galleries in Coeur d Alene, ID and she has also been selling on Ebay for several years under the user name artistforwildlife - although Etsy is her preference. Her favorite medium is a large scale canvas - 3'x4' or more. "It's too bad shipping is so costly," she jokes. "Music is my carrier," she says of her inspiration, "especially reggae music. I have been a rasta at heart since the mid 70's." She has traveled far and wide to exotic locales - and even lived in Iran for a year during the reign of the Shah. "I truly embrace the motto 'the world is my country, all mankind is my brethren, and to do good is my religion,' by Thomas Paine." Please check out her shop: http://igziabeher.etsy.com/

-Wendy Baylis

Dharma Designs

http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/

Meet Etsy Artist" Sulaluna

UK artist Sue Wright stumbled upon Etsy after her son encouraged her to join. "He has a friend with an Etsy shop, and the more I looked ... I don't think I'll ever go normal shopping again," she excitedly explains. "I'm busy passing on the word." As an artist, it's important to her to support her fellow artisans and crafters. A lifelong artist, she has dabbled in many mediums, including jewelry making, although painting is her passion. "I love to mix media, employ different materials and techniques - and have a fascination with colours, shapes, textures, paint and fabrics that make me feel alive." She especially loves to paint on linen because it has a "special sexy feel to it." Her pieces often reflect her mood and life experiences. As she puts it, "What would the world be without color?" New to Etsy, she decided to start off simple with a few small paintings. Please check out her shop: http://sulaluna.etsy.com/

-Wendy Baylis

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

Meet Etsy Artist: adallasgallery

The talent behind Etsy shop adallasgallery is a fellow Libran (born October 2) - and has also recently moved out of my neck of the woods - the Pacific Northwest - after living here for 26 years. He jokes that he doesn't like to talk about himself because "(his) past hasn't been particularly fascinating." He's been a lifelong artist, but after his daughter started college at the University of Washington, he has focused more on his art. Not long after he did his first show and his new career has taken off. "Since then I've done commission pieces and have sold over half the work I've produced so far," he explains. Believe it or not his works are all done using colored pencils, but have the look of watercolors. Each piece depicts his love of world cultures. Please check out his shop: http://adallasgallery.etsy.com/

-Wendy Baylis

Dharma Designs

http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/

Meet Etsy Metalsmith & Artist: mollyheltsleydesigns

Molly, now 49, didn't discover her "creative groove" until the age of 45. "Too busy raising a family I guess," she explains. All of her pieces are created with recycled materials and found objects. "The word of Buddha inspire me, it's very empowering to know that all the strength I need to embrace life, comes from within. I hope my pieces send peaceful thoughts and action to every corner of the world I send them," she says. I was lucky enough to find the gorgeous Buddha cuff bracelet pictured above and purchase it from her Etsy shop before anyone else found it. When she started making jewelry a year ago she was advised to "make less peace and Buddha stuff and you will probably do OK." But, always the rebel, she decided to make only what she wanted. "I can't handle any more business, so that tells me people are crying out for unusual organic pieces." she says. It began as a hobby but is quickly turning into a successful business. She's found re-listing to be helpful, but above all else recommends her fellow artists stay true to themselves. "Don't try to design to please others, and most of all focus on PEACE in every aspect of your life." Please check out her shop: http://mollyheltsleydesigns.etsy.com/

-Wendy Baylis

Dharma Designs

http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/

Meet Etsy Photographer & Artist: MKMcKenna

I was lucky enough to discover today's featured artist on her second day at Etsy...

Fellow Libran MKMcKenna is a photo journalist in Washington, DC. "I do mostly weddings, events, and family lifestyle photography," she explains, "but I also get to do a lot of travel photography." It was her stunning travel photos that struck my eye - especially the beautiful Burmese Buddha. Aside from exotic locations, she finds inspiration in friends and family as well as nature and other artists. She's been interested in photography ever since she was 10 years old and has been lucky - and talented - enough to turn her passion into a career and marketable art. "Do what you love, but never under price yourself," she advises. Please check out her shop: http://mkmckenna.etsy.com/

-Wendy Baylis

Dharma Designs

http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/

Meet Etsy Artist: SheilaTS

I discovered the following artist in her very first week on Etsy...

Sheila Tajima was born in the US, but spent her childhood in Japan. At 18 she moved back to California to attend college and put down roots. She worked through the ranks as a police officer and forensic artist - and has recently retired as a Sergeant after 26 years of public service. Now she devotes her time to art. "After seeing all that darkness, I always look for the light in people and situations," she explains. Her inspiration comes from life and "the people who choose to live it to the fullest." Believe it or not, she only leaned how to paint with oils two years ago, but has fallen in love. "I still dabble in watercolor, pastel, pen and ink, graphite and an occasional Bic pen on paper napkin," she jokes. Art has been her passion since she was four years old and watched her father draw Mickey Mouse. "I thought what he did was magical." Although her art is truly a passion, she has been forced to approach it like a job recently after a divorce left her paying her ex husband from her pension. "Do what you love and it will show in your work," she recommends. "Don't be discouraged by bids that are rejected. For every 10 people who turn you down there is going to be someone who absolutely thinks you are the best thing since sliced bread." Please check out her shop: http://sheilats.etsy.com/

-Wendy Baylis

Dharma Designs

http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/

Desperate Times Call For Desperate Measures...

OK - I admit this is a weird one, but I just read an article on Yahoo about people selling their hair to wig makers and decided to give it a try. My hair is way too long anyway (my husband calls me his cave woman because he can grab me by the ponytail like a neanderthal) - and I was going to cut it anyway, so I figured - why not? I usually donate my clippings to the Locks of Love, but this year has been tough with my hours and wages cut almost 30% - and my husband being forced to take unpaid time off. TheHairTrader.com offers FREE listings - and you can set your minimum acceptance price. It's kind of like Ebay for hair. I'll keep you posted on what happens, here's my listing: http://thehairtrader.com/viewlisting.asp?lid=253257 If you want to create one of your own visit: http://thehairtrader.com/

-Wendy Baylis

Dharma Designs

http:///dharmadesigns.etsy.com