Meet Etsy Artist: hilariagalleries

The artist behind hilariagalleries says that she is a "fun, accessible gal in love with vintage fashion, nature-inspired abstracts, the color red, and my sweet little family." She also admits that she loves "saving money - and getting a good deal is of utmost importance when I'm on the shopping path." She has had a "myriad" of occupations in her short life, but enjoys her current one most--"artist, mom, wife." She finds inspiration all around her - "but that's such a cheesy answer,"she admits. "I truly find an abundant variance of items throughout each day that light a fire--a commercial on TV, books from the library, a little birdie on the dogwood outside my front door. Whenever I see something I'd like to replicate or use in a piece, I take a mental note (and sometimes a written one too, if my brain's too full at the moment)." Her ever changing eclectic style reflects images of someone "who might paint an abstract in the morning and then a custom pin-up that same night." She explains that, "Though it may work for others, I don't believe it's necessary to pigeon-hole yourself into a single genre. If I do, the muse gets bored and my work becomes stale. My palette rotates and subject matters range from the most literal to the least figural. It's all in the mood of the day." Although she has been painting since the age of 7, she doesn't believe she has become an artist until the last 4 years. "My hand became more confident and my mind expanded beyond it's perimeter just enough to capture a bit of raw beauty on a canvas," she says. "When I worked in a cubicle for a while, I felt like a little piece of my soul died each morning." Please check out her shop: http://hilariagalleries.etsy.com/
-Wendy Baylis
Dharma Designs
http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com

Meet Etsy Artist: raycious

Rie is a Japanese transplant in Australia with an Aussie fiance, a dog, and birds. "We both enjoy being involved in our own craft," she admits. "My inspiration is coming from my country Japan. We have a lot of traditional craft/art which I love to spread all over the world!" Of course her mother and fiance are also a huge inspiration. Her Saikumono style is a "very delicate way of a hand sewn craft from time gone by in which disappeared during the period of war, but now it is revived anew." Pre WWII Japanese women used the art of Saikumono to express the beauty of nature throughout the four seasons. Please check her out on Etsy: http://saikumono./

-Wendy Baylis

Dharma Designs

http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/

Meet Etsy Artist:HammelmanArt

I don't know about you, but I'm ready for Spring!
Linda Hammelman is a native Missourian, who transplanted to Texas, Iowa, and Virginia - and is now at home again in St. Louis. For the last 12 years she has held the position of Director and Treasurer of the Saint Louis Watercolor Society - and has studied watercolor with over 15 internationally known watercolorists. She has received numerous awards for her eclectic paintings and is a signature member of the Saint Louis Watercolor Society. "The colorful, splashy, energetic quality of watercolor appeals to me," she admits. "My favorite subjects reflect my interest in boating, flowers, people and places. And the very process of brushing watercolor onto the paper is a joy." She explains that "color is the primary thread among my paintings where style and subject vary widely." For the last 13 years she has been painting exclusively in watercolor. Although she says it's a hobby, she "pays many dividends through personal gratification and the privilege of sharing." She is ecstatic that "Etsy is a great venue for sellers and buyers alike." She says, "There is an aura of friendliness and community that is not found everywhere on the Internet." Please check out her Etsy shop: http://hammelmanart.etsy.com/ and Blog: http://hammelmanart.blogspot.com/
-Wendy Baylis
Dharma Designs
http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com

Meet Etsy Artist: lenoirdesigns

The artist behind lenoirdesigns is an "introverted, laid back guy that loves art, shooting pool and a variety of genres of music." His inspiration "comes from everyday life." It can be the "intimacy and passion from (an) interpersonal relationship, the day to day surroundings from politics to spiritual views and finding beauty in small things." He describes his eclectic style as "contemporary urban flair" or "abstract figurative." A lifelong artist, he's been selling his works professionally for 10 years. He appreciates Etsy for allowing him to find an online following. Please check out his shop: http://lenoirdesign.etsy.com/ and website: http://lenoirdesigns.com/

-Wendy Baylis

Dharma Designs

http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/

$556.00 and counting...

Well, I cut 14" of my hair (braided) and donations are still rolling in. I've collected $556.00 so far - and while it's just a drop in the bucket, every bit helps. I'm actually liking my shorter hair. It's easier to take care of and a little cooler for the summer, so I've been wearing it down more, which my husband loves. It's been painful raising awareness and funds at work (LONG story), but I know there is something bigger than a few people's egos, so I persisted, going along with my efforts. I beat my goal by $56.00 and am happy to be able to help someone in need. All I can say is that all the pitfalls have been worth it. I'd rather be fired, living in a cardboard box - than win a popularity contest at work and stand idly by when I know I could help. It's a sad day in history when doing the right thing could get you in trouble (or cast you in a bad light), but I guess that says more about the people I work for than it says about me. At any rate, I'm proud of what I did and the money I raised and would do it again in a heartbeat. God bless you, Ramsey! Get well soon!
-Wendy Baylis
Dharma Designs
http"//dharmadesigns.etsy.com

Would you like to help a child battle Leukemia?

In the spirit of St. Baldrick’s I am running my own fundraiser to help pay for Ramsey Farrar’s medical treatment. I will cut my long hair in WW19 and donate it to Locks of Love, but I need your help. 100% of the proceeds of any donation will go directly to Ramsey (I will pay for the haircut out of my own pocket as well as make a monetary donation). If you are interested please contact me (Wendy Baylis) at mrsbaylis2004@yahoo.com
Thanks,
Wendy :-)

http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/