tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31130911523938917402012-01-30T23:30:37.748-08:00Dharma DesignsDharma Designs, hand crafted Asian and Buddhist inspired jewelry and art by Wendy Baylis. I hope to promote global peace, acceptance, and understanding of all cultures and faiths through art. This blog is meant to showcase fellow Etsy artists and their crafts, as well as my random musings on Buddhism, spirituality, peace, cultures, faiths, and art.Dharma Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11850623390400993689noreply@blogger.comBlogger3191100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3113091152393891740.post-24818641577167224752009-09-23T14:13:00.000-07:002009-09-23T14:17:52.126-07:00I'm back! :-)Well - I finally got the latest bout of Fibromyalgia under control and am feeling better than ever! I plan to get back into writing my Etsy artist features beginning next week. THANKS and many hugs to all my readers! Your continued support has helped me through a difficult time...<br />-Wendy Baylis<br />Dharma Designs<br /><a href="http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/">http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3113091152393891740-2481864157716722475?l=dharmadesigns.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Dharma Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11850623390400993689noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3113091152393891740.post-3360213941047354242009-05-22T08:00:00.000-07:002009-05-22T08:00:00.284-07:00Meet Etsy Artist: hilariagalleries<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mVLMvhfYE1I/ShLcrh2NLII/AAAAAAAABC8/ve8ODstUF8o/s1600-h/Hillary+Doggart-Greer.png"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337571148765670530" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 226px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mVLMvhfYE1I/ShLcrh2NLII/AAAAAAAABC8/ve8ODstUF8o/s320/Hillary+Doggart-Greer.png" border="0" /></a>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: <a href="http://hilariagalleries.etsy.com/">http://hilariagalleries.etsy.com/</a><br />-Wendy Baylis<br />Dharma Designs<br /><a href="http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/">http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3113091152393891740-336021394104735424?l=dharmadesigns.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Dharma Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11850623390400993689noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3113091152393891740.post-10706059712584799392009-05-21T08:00:00.000-07:002009-05-21T08:00:01.179-07:00Meet Etsy Artist: raycious<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mVLMvhfYE1I/ShLevi12L1I/AAAAAAAABDM/GjBygMENS0c/s1600-h/Saikumono.png"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337573416775331666" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 318px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mVLMvhfYE1I/ShLevi12L1I/AAAAAAAABDM/GjBygMENS0c/s320/Saikumono.png" border="0" /></a>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: <a href="http://saikumono./">http://saikumono./</a> <div><div>-Wendy Baylis</div><div>Dharma Designs</div><div><a href="http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/">http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/</a></div><br /><br /><div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3113091152393891740-1070605971258479939?l=dharmadesigns.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Dharma Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11850623390400993689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3113091152393891740.post-89601926333615934652009-05-20T08:00:00.000-07:002009-05-20T08:00:00.839-07:00Meet Etsy Artist:HammelmanArt<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mVLMvhfYE1I/ShLfcqHXiUI/AAAAAAAABDU/WuKsteGMnNY/s1600-h/HammelmanArt.png"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337574191821982018" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 226px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mVLMvhfYE1I/ShLfcqHXiUI/AAAAAAAABDU/WuKsteGMnNY/s320/HammelmanArt.png" border="0" /></a>I don't know about you, but I'm ready for Spring!<br />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: <a href="http://hammelmanart.etsy.com/">http://hammelmanart.etsy.com/</a> and Blog: <a href="http://hammelmanart.blogspot.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">http://hammelmanart.blogspot.com/</a><br />-Wendy Baylis<br />Dharma Designs<br />http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3113091152393891740-8960192633361593465?l=dharmadesigns.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Dharma Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11850623390400993689noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3113091152393891740.post-17867978167649737812009-05-19T08:00:00.000-07:002009-05-19T09:26:21.947-07:00Meet Etsy Artist: lenoirdesigns<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mVLMvhfYE1I/ShLdeSZ6tbI/AAAAAAAABDE/kK5D0qIIWBk/s1600-h/lenoirdesigns.png"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337572020793816498" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 188px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mVLMvhfYE1I/ShLdeSZ6tbI/AAAAAAAABDE/kK5D0qIIWBk/s320/lenoirdesigns.png" border="0" /></a>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: <a href="http://lenoirdesign.etsy.com/">http://lenoirdesign.etsy.com/</a> and website: <a href="http://lenoirdesigns.com/">http://lenoirdesigns.com/</a> <div><div>-Wendy Baylis</div><div>Dharma Designs</div><div><a href="http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/">http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/</a></div><br /><br /><div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3113091152393891740-1786797816764973781?l=dharmadesigns.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Dharma Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11850623390400993689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3113091152393891740.post-90393847357367323202009-05-18T17:02:00.000-07:002009-05-18T17:11:27.407-07:00$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!<br />-Wendy Baylis<br />Dharma Designs<br />http"//dharmadesigns.etsy.com<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3113091152393891740-9039384735736732320?l=dharmadesigns.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Dharma Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11850623390400993689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3113091152393891740.post-46248410285917960272009-05-01T08:29:00.000-07:002009-05-01T08:35:05.249-07:00Would you like to help a child battle Leukemia?<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mVLMvhfYE1I/SfsWMd1ZrGI/AAAAAAAABCU/Q8tW_8ZtGHc/s1600-h/Me+for+poster.bmp"></a><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mVLMvhfYE1I/SfsWBFY5oAI/AAAAAAAABCM/7f4iysRs3Dk/s1600-h/Ramsey+for+poster.bmp"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330878791805411330" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 289px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 235px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mVLMvhfYE1I/SfsWBFY5oAI/AAAAAAAABCM/7f4iysRs3Dk/s320/Ramsey+for+poster.bmp" border="0" /></a>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 <a href="mailto:mrsbaylis2004@yahoo.com">mrsbaylis2004@yahoo.com</a><br />Thanks,<br />Wendy :-)<br /><div><a href="http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/">http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/</a></div><div> </div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3113091152393891740-4624841028591796027?l=dharmadesigns.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Dharma Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11850623390400993689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3113091152393891740.post-79729189524668902642009-04-28T13:53:00.001-07:002009-04-28T13:53:49.595-07:00PetitionSpot<img style="visibility:hidden;width:0px;height:0px;" border=0 width=0 height=0 src="http://counters.gigya.com/wildfire/IMP/CXNID=2000002.0NXC/bHQ9MTI*MDk1MTg*NjAxNSZwdD*xMjQwOTUxOTkzODEyJnA9MzQ*NTMxJmQ9UFNTaGFyZWQmbj1ibG9nZ2VyJmc9MiZ*PSZvPWM*MWUyYjU1YzZhMDRlN2FhMGZmNmVjM2Q4YjdjYzdlJm9mPTA=.gif" /><OBJECT classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://macromedia.com/cabs/swflash.cab#version=9,0,0,0" ID=flaMovie WIDTH=400 HEIGHT=300><PARAM NAME=movie VALUE="http://widgets.petitionspot.com/widget.swf?f=gw&w=75969392&p=bHQ9MTI*MDk1MTMwNTY*MCZwdD*xMjQwOTUxMzIxNzY1JnA9MzQ*NTMxJmQ9UFNJUCZuPWZhY2Vib29rJmc9MSZ*PSZvPWM*MWUyYjU1YzZhMDRlN2FhMGZmNmVjM2Q4YjdjYzdl&datafile=http://www.petitionspot.com/rss.xml?id=54464&cid=PSShared&facebook=true"><PARAM name="wmode" value="transparent"><PARAM NAME=FlashVars VALUE="datafile=http://www.petitionspot.com/rss.xml?id=54464&cid=PSShared"><PARAM NAME=quality VALUE=high><PARAM NAME=bgcolor VALUE=#FFFFFF><EMBED src="http://widgets.petitionspot.com/widget.swf?f=gw&w=75969392&p=bHQ9MTI*MDk1MTMwNTY*MCZwdD*xMjQwOTUxMzIxNzY1JnA9MzQ*NTMxJmQ9UFNJUCZuPWZhY2Vib29rJmc9MSZ*PSZvPWM*MWUyYjU1YzZhMDRlN2FhMGZmNmVjM2Q4YjdjYzdl&datafile=http://www.petitionspot.com/rss.xml?id=54464&cid=PSShared&facebook=true" wmode="transparent" FlashVars="datafile=http://www.petitionspot.com/rss.xml?id=54464&cid=PSShared" bgcolor=#FFFFFF WIDTH=400 HEIGHT=300 TYPE="application/x-shockwave-flash"></EMBED></OBJECT><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3113091152393891740-7972918952466890264?l=dharmadesigns.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Dharma Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11850623390400993689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3113091152393891740.post-28019011616664745672009-04-23T08:00:00.000-07:002009-04-23T08:00:01.087-07:00Meet Etsy Artist: schin<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mVLMvhfYE1I/Se_KsCYr6zI/AAAAAAAABCE/7wEA_7PITN4/s1600-h/schin.png"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327699742106053426" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 246px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mVLMvhfYE1I/Se_KsCYr6zI/AAAAAAAABCE/7wEA_7PITN4/s320/schin.png" border="0" /></a>Schin Hern Loong admits that she loves bad puns. "The worse, the better," she jokes. "My guilty pleasure is listening to bad pop music." She also enjoys milk tea and "go(es) out of (her) way to step on crunchy, dry leaves." Nature and Life in general are a huge inspiration to her. "Yesterday I found myself wanting to paint something based on the golden colors of a cute puppy," she explains. "The subject is important to me as I always try to incorporate a story or idea in it. It's my mission that when someone sees a painting of mine, they will form their own story for it." She has been drawing and painting ever since she can remember - and considers Etsy a hobby. "It's not a job when one enjoys it," she says. "Keep the passion in your work." Please check out Etsy her shop: <a href="http://schin.etsy.com/">http://schin.etsy.com/</a>, website: <a href="http://schin-art.com/">http://schin-art.com/</a>, and blog: <a href="http://schin-art.blogspot.com/">http://schin-art.blogspot.com/</a><br /><div>-Wendy Baylis</div><div>Dharma Designs</div><div><a href="http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/">http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/</a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3113091152393891740-2801901161666474567?l=dharmadesigns.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Dharma Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11850623390400993689noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3113091152393891740.post-91085919647400376572009-04-22T12:46:00.000-07:002009-04-22T12:58:45.213-07:00Meet Etsy Artist: DeepCreekStudios<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mVLMvhfYE1I/Se92e-7uw_I/AAAAAAAABB8/Cnh91aKkJnc/s1600-h/DeepCreekStudios.bmp"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327607158864266226" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 223px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mVLMvhfYE1I/Se92e-7uw_I/AAAAAAAABB8/Cnh91aKkJnc/s320/DeepCreekStudios.bmp" border="0" /></a>John is a full-time photographer and has been exhibiting fine art prints of his work for over 20 years. He started out as a writer for a newspaper, but was captivated by photography while in college. "When I saw that first B&W print come up in the developer tray I was hooked," he admits. Like many artists, nature's beauty is a huge inspiration to him. He is also interested in architecture - especially rural churches. "I like to imagine the people of a small town coming together to build their church and I find that many of these churches are simple and beautiful, made of wood and made with love," he explains. "I try to show the world as I see it," he says of his craft. Etsy has been a great opportunity for him to reach a wider audience and he is "excited to be a part of that creative community." He advises his fellow artists to "keep to your vision and create work that excites YOU, because that excitement always shows in the work." Please check out his shop: <a href="http://deepcreekstudios.etsy.com/">http://deepcreekstudios.etsy.com/</a><br /><div>-Wendy Baylis</div><div>Dharma Designs</div><div><a href="http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/">http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/</a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3113091152393891740-9108591964740037657?l=dharmadesigns.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Dharma Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11850623390400993689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3113091152393891740.post-5290756445643648842009-04-16T08:15:00.000-07:002009-04-16T08:34:02.872-07:00Meet Etsy Artist: Corbaecreative<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mVLMvhfYE1I/SedP3SaL2DI/AAAAAAAABB0/vOlxspCSFXE/s1600-h/Corbaecreative.bmp"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325312895641966642" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 182px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mVLMvhfYE1I/SedP3SaL2DI/AAAAAAAABB0/vOlxspCSFXE/s320/Corbaecreative.bmp" border="0" /></a>By day Aimee Tuck is a freelance graphic designer working for companies that focus on renewable energy and senior housing. "I’m a gigantic geek at night," she admits, "speaking with earnest about the last Battlestar Galactica episode, but have no idea who played in the last Superbowl." She lives and works out of an old 1917 fixer-upper that she seems to be working on constantly. A large part of her inspiration comes from her "incredibly artistic, talented, and funny husband" as well as the beautiful Pacific Northwest. "Although I primarily work with paper, I’m not limited by it," she says of her craft, "often using beads, yarn, string, metal, and other objects in my creations." She enjoys making things, but the Capricorn in her mandates they be useful. "I love the idea of someone using what I created to communicate – sending a card, writing in their journal, etc." After a 2002 trip to Japan she also began making keepsake boxes. "Even their most mundane store wrappings around a book are just beautiful. I wanted to combine that pleasure of receiving and opening something beautiful with an item that doesn’t get thrown in the trash – that can be reused." A lifelong creative soul, she jokes, "I have vivid memories of learning to sew absolutely horrid doll clothes, of painting a clay dinosaur bright red for a grade school diorama, and an eighth-grade science fair in which I was much more interested in making the display than in the actual experiment." Etsy has been a great opportunity for her to connect with other artists - and customers aside from friends and family. "I love being a part of a world-wide community of so many artisans and crafters, and bore people to tears telling them of the amazing things I’ve found on the Etsy site." Please check out her shop: <a href="http://corbaecreative.etsy.com/">http://corbaecreative.etsy.com/</a> and website: <a href="http://corbaecreative.com/">http://corbaecreative.com/</a><br /><div>-Wendy Baylis</div><div>Dharma Designs</div><div>http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3113091152393891740-529075644564364884?l=dharmadesigns.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Dharma Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11850623390400993689noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3113091152393891740.post-41963634332791585782009-04-15T08:00:00.000-07:002009-04-15T08:00:00.667-07:00Meet Etsy Artist: TheArtisticNewts<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mVLMvhfYE1I/SePbdM7SdyI/AAAAAAAABBs/xJm2Ddbsvxg/s1600-h/TheArtisticNewts.png"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324340479214647074" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 250px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mVLMvhfYE1I/SePbdM7SdyI/AAAAAAAABBs/xJm2Ddbsvxg/s320/TheArtisticNewts.png" border="0" /></a>North Carolina mosaic artist Elizabeth Newton originally hailed from Augusta, Georgia. Much of her inspiration comes from fairy tales ("especially the lesser know ones with really oddball morals at the end") and her travels to "odd" places. She also has a fascination with renaissance fashion. "No, I don't hang out at Renaissance fairs," she jokingly adds. However she does dabble in many other art forms, including painting and jewelry making. "I love making really large stained glass mosaics just for the wow factor because they are quite impressive in person," she says. Although she's been honing her craft for 5 years, she's been a lifelong artist. "I guess if I can count crayoning on the walls and making my mother insane." While her art is just a hobby right now, she hopes to turn it into her career - if she can get over her shyness and start promoting herself. "I just signed up for my first (craft show) in Thomasville, NC on May 2 and I think I'm already having mini panic attacks about it," she admits. "I actually kind of miss things when they sell and I have to send them off. Please check out her shop: http://TheArtisticNewts.etsy.com and Blog: <a href="http://theartisticnewts.blogspot.com/">http://theartisticnewts.blogspot.com/</a><br /><div>-Wendy Baylis</div><div>Dharma Designs</div><div>http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3113091152393891740-4196363433279158578?l=dharmadesigns.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Dharma Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11850623390400993689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3113091152393891740.post-91181658592372330502009-04-14T08:00:00.000-07:002009-04-14T08:00:00.242-07:00Meet Etsy Artist: ambaarts<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mVLMvhfYE1I/SePXxyXJxQI/AAAAAAAABBk/zJcRR05Gc_c/s1600-h/ambaarts.png"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324336434814502146" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 227px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mVLMvhfYE1I/SePXxyXJxQI/AAAAAAAABBk/zJcRR05Gc_c/s320/ambaarts.png" border="0" /></a>Tarini has been a devotee of the Goddess since high school. "I love Her in Her many forms, but have worshiped Ma Kali for the last 15 years," she explains. "I love to worship Her through painting, puja (traditional Hindu ritualistic worship), and meditation." A 1994 graduate of Laguna college of Art and Design, she admits that watercolors are her favorite medium, although she also enjoys working with clay. Her inspiration comes from the Goddess in her many forms, including nature. "My dreams and spiritual practice inform my art and my art informs my dreams and practice," she says. "I try to immerse myself in the atmosphere/influence of the deity I am painting. " She is also inspired by others who "strive to inspire and uplift through their art and service." Through Etsy she hopes to "bring my (her) and love of the Goddess to people who wouldn’t otherwise see it." Please check out her shop: <a href="http://ambaarts.etsy.com/">http://ambaarts.etsy.com/</a> and blog: <a href="http://ambaarts.blogspot.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">http://ambaarts.blogspot.com/</a><br /><div>-Wendy Baylis</div><div>Dharma Designs</div><div><a href="http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/">http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/</a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3113091152393891740-9118165859237233050?l=dharmadesigns.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Dharma Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11850623390400993689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3113091152393891740.post-51622695365136744922009-04-08T16:01:00.000-07:002009-04-08T16:21:49.897-07:00Meet Etsy Artist: glasswench<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mVLMvhfYE1I/Sd0xcoQOqmI/AAAAAAAABBc/39TuvXTBhEE/s1600-h/glasswench.png"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322464702533380706" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 227px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mVLMvhfYE1I/Sd0xcoQOqmI/AAAAAAAABBc/39TuvXTBhEE/s320/glasswench.png" border="0" /></a>Kelli Graves' love affair with stained glass began several years ago, after a shoulder injury prohibited her from becoming a potter. A simple visit to the cathedrals of Paris sparked her interest - and after an Adult Education class in the craft she was "hooked like a trout on the line." Inspiration can come from anywhere. "I love color," she admits, "in general; intense, saturated, rich or subtle, it doesn't matter, color is a visual feast for me." She has a soft spot for patterns as well - especially tapestries, batiks, and henna art. "I love the play of light (I almost called my blog by that name), the way it filters through clouds, sprinkles through the leaves of a tree. The patterns and shifts of light from a coming storm, or approaching thunderhead. The soft, caressing light of dawn, and the brilliant, aggressive light of sundown." Artistic, even as a child, she remembers drawing "big fancy Jessica McClintock dresses." Eventually she moved on to gardening and picture framing - and even jewelry design. She had an interest in glass arts since high school, but never really pursued her love until the fateful trip to Paris. "I became completely obsessed with it," she explains. "It satisfies all my creative needs, from finding or making the pattern, to color and texture selection, to the detail of cutting and forming the puzzle pieces of the glass, to joining it all together, for that final glorious moment when you can lift the completed piece up to the light and discover the true character of what you have been imagining." While her art is just a hobby at this point (she is a skincare therapist by day), she admits that trying to turn it into a business "sucked the majority of the joy out of it." For that reason alone, she has resisted selling her creative works, even to friends and family. Only now is she allowing herself to get her name out there because she has so many ideas for projects - and nowhere to hang them all. "So I make them, enjoy them for a bit, and then offer them for sale to my friends - and now the world at large via Etsy." Please check out her Etsy shop: <a href="http://glasswench.etsy.com/">http://glasswench.etsy.com/</a> and blog: <a href="http://glasswench.wordpress.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">http://glasswench.wordpress.com/</a><br /><div>-Wendy Baylis</div><div>Dharma Designs</div><div><a href="http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/">http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/</a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3113091152393891740-5162269536513674492?l=dharmadesigns.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Dharma Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11850623390400993689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3113091152393891740.post-33126406350345405512009-04-06T08:00:00.000-07:002009-04-06T08:00:01.269-07:00Meet Etsy Artist: MrBenWu<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mVLMvhfYE1I/SdfT_U6PJpI/AAAAAAAABBU/-Uiv7ZPpR4g/s1600-h/MrBenWu.bmp"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320954569659721362" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 234px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mVLMvhfYE1I/SdfT_U6PJpI/AAAAAAAABBU/-Uiv7ZPpR4g/s320/MrBenWu.bmp" border="0" /></a>Ben Wu may just be a pen name, but it suits the artist perfectly: a fusion of East Meets West. "I'm a 31 year old white guy in love with all things Asian," he jokes, "and I live in the rural depths of Tennessee, dangling somewhere just southeast of the Bible Belt." He already has three "traditionally" printed books (The Macabre Alphabet, An Ivory Chopstick, and Very Naughty Figs) as well as "some privately printed and bound volumes that I sell exclusively on Etsy or just to friends/fans." He has also done illustration work for several websites, including goreydetails.net and logospilgrim.com. "My first art-love was medieval art," he admits. "Strangely enough that lead me to Aubrey Beardsley. Which lead me to Edward Gorey. That is where the bones of my art technique came from." Around the age of 20 he "fell head over hills in love with China (and Japan to a lesser extent), not just the art, but the culture." He explains, "Chinese art, calligraphy, Peking opera, Chinese classical novels and philosophy all play a part in my life and my art." His love of Asian cultures in showcased beautifully in his intricate drawings. "I rely heavily on cross-hatching," he says of the process, "and I love to fill every inch of the page with something: weird details, hidden names, and faces." He started his artistic pursuits at the tender age of 4 while in the hospital with cancer. "I'd draw dinosaurs on my father's Styrofoam coffee cups," he admits. "From then on, I never stopped doodling on any scrap of paper that I can find." While his art has been a good source of income he is eager to find something outside his own creations. "I have spent the last ten years working on my books and my art in seclusion. Now, I want to get out and reintroduce myself to the world. I've sort of missed it." Etsy has been a great place for him to meet fellow artists - and buy handmade. When asked if he had any advice to share, he joked, "No matter what group of people I'm addressing (be it prostitutes or preachers) my advice is always the same: be persistent. If you don't get any nibbles on your hook, change your bait." Please check him out on Etsy: <a href="http://mrbenwu.etsy.com/">http://mrbenwu.etsy.com/</a> and on his website: <a href="http://ben-wu.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">http://ben-wu.com/</a>. He also has a LiveJournal for his Studio of Little Consequence, which he maintains mostly for friends, but adds, :However if anyone wants to add me (and bear the horrors of my personal ramblings), I will usually add them back." <a href="http://jade-teacup.livejournal.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">http://jade-teacup.livejournal.com/</a> <div>-Wendy Baylis</div><div>Dharma Designs</div><div><a href="http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/">http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com</a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3113091152393891740-3312640635034540551?l=dharmadesigns.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Dharma Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11850623390400993689noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3113091152393891740.post-10962196754259686382009-04-02T09:27:00.000-07:002009-04-02T10:18:59.661-07:00Meet Etsy Artist: CanesGalactica<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mVLMvhfYE1I/SdTyyFBQfQI/AAAAAAAABBM/qLuX6igJ1_U/s1600-h/CanesGalactica.bmp"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320144001986231554" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 208px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mVLMvhfYE1I/SdTyyFBQfQI/AAAAAAAABBM/qLuX6igJ1_U/s320/CanesGalactica.bmp" border="0" /></a>Christine is a 24 year old illustrator, artist, and lover of cosplay. Originally from the Midwest, she moved to Virginia Beach with her 2 cats and 9 tarantulas to be with her husband, who is in the US Navy. She graduated UCM with a degree in illustration, but admits she's more into watercolors and fiber art lately. "Books are very inspirational to me - as are fashion, cosplay (people dressing up as their favorite characters from television, movies, etc.), and sushi," she says. "I LOVE sushi." A lot of her work is also reminiscent of her passion for history, mythology, and whimsical fairy tales. "Nearly anything and everything can inspire me," she explains, "even found objects on the side of the road." She describes her style as "chaotic neutral," a Dungeons and Dragons reference. "That essentially means that most of the time I do art and crafts that make me happy, but I do not enjoy the suffering of others, so if my art or hobbies could help someone in some way, I would help, but I don't specifically go out of my way to make anything and everyone happy," she explains. Strongly bonded to her art, she feels that it is a "projection of a tiny piece of my soul." Etsy has been a great way for her to connect with other artists and "goof off." She recommends everyone "hav(e) fun with your business, not treating it like some giant burden where you have to churn out 'x amount' of a certain product by 'x date.' It's good to set deadlines, but you don't want them to feel like they are overtaking your life or causing you to not enjoy your creative side." Please check her out on Etsy: <a href="http://canesgalactica.etsy.com/">http://canesgalactica.etsy.com/</a> and Deviant Art: <a href="http://canesgalactica.deviantart.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">http://canesgalactica.deviantart.com/</a><br /><div>-Wendy Baylis</div><br /><div>Dharma Designs</div><br /><div><a href="http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/">http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/</a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3113091152393891740-1096219675425968638?l=dharmadesigns.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Dharma Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11850623390400993689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3113091152393891740.post-40459793410260638202009-04-01T08:00:00.000-07:002009-04-01T08:00:00.672-07:00Meet Etsy Artist: tashdesigns<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mVLMvhfYE1I/SdLZIQoIflI/AAAAAAAABBE/lThLNHh2uhM/s1600-h/tashdesigns.png"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319552845803454034" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 298px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mVLMvhfYE1I/SdLZIQoIflI/AAAAAAAABBE/lThLNHh2uhM/s320/tashdesigns.png" border="0" /></a>The Sri Lankan American artist behind tashdesigns opened shop a mere week ago, but has already caught my eye with this gorgeous Medicine Buddha painted in the Tibetan thangka style. "I just posted my first painting on Etsy a few days ago and I am in the process of adding more." A graduate of UC Berkeley, tashdesigns was born in the US, but "find(s) that it is necessary to be true to your culture." South Asian iconography has been a huge influence - especially Buddha images. "Follow your heart and love your craft and embrace your culture." Please check out this brand-spanking new Etsy shop: <a href="http://tashdesigns.etsy.com/">http://tashdesigns.etsy.com/</a><br /><div>Wendy Baylis</div><div>Dharma Designs</div><div><a href="http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/">http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/</a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3113091152393891740-4045979341026063820?l=dharmadesigns.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Dharma Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11850623390400993689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3113091152393891740.post-31334749641763729532009-03-31T08:00:00.000-07:002009-03-31T08:00:00.261-07:00Meet Etsy Artist: Kozue<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mVLMvhfYE1I/Sc1miiUU-NI/AAAAAAAABA8/gOzYQClmako/s1600-h/Kozue.bmp"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318019478508075218" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 239px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mVLMvhfYE1I/Sc1miiUU-NI/AAAAAAAABA8/gOzYQClmako/s320/Kozue.bmp" border="0" /></a>Originally from Japan, Kozue moved to the US last summer to get married. "When I was a kid, I used to buy monthly girls comics, which Japanese girls love," she admits. "I liked imitating (the) comic books. I guess that's where my recent style comes from." It all started with a fascination with drawing crying girls. "I see beautiful thing in crying girls," she explains. "They are weak. They are strong. They are beautiful." Pencil is her medium of choice - "simple, yet complicated, which shows your feeling, emotion, and each person’s character." She says that the most beautiful thing about drawing is that "you can’t draw a perfect line or circle like (as) computer." She also fell in love with the art and process of carving rubber stamps - merely a month ago. It's hard to believe it's only been several weeks since she began her new foray since her work is so crisp and polished; simple yet emotional like her drawings.Please check out her shop: <a href="http://kozue.etsy.com/">http://kozue.etsy.com/</a> and Flickr: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/girlsarecrying/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">http://www.flickr.com/photos/girlsarecrying/</a><br /><div>-Wendy Baylis</div><br /><div>Dharma Designs</div><br /><div><a href="http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/">http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/</a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3113091152393891740-3133474964176372953?l=dharmadesigns.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Dharma Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11850623390400993689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3113091152393891740.post-42784358091521690462009-03-30T11:09:00.000-07:002009-03-30T11:09:00.564-07:00Meet Etsy Artist: paisleybleu<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mVLMvhfYE1I/SckkfjQZJ9I/AAAAAAAABA0/KsqEjrATOPA/s1600-h/paisleybleu.png"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316820959546124242" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mVLMvhfYE1I/SckkfjQZJ9I/AAAAAAAABA0/KsqEjrATOPA/s320/paisleybleu.png" border="0" /></a>Shelley is the mother of 4 year old fraternal twins, who works nights full time as an RN2. Her children have been an excellent test market for her baby inspired creations, which evolved from wanting something hipper than the typical pink, yellow, and blue designs. "I work all night, come home, play with the kids, throw on pj's and sew," she says of her hobby turned second job. Eventually she'd love to turn her Etsy endeavor into her sole income and work at home, so she could spend more time with her kids. She recommends her fellow artists never give up. "Even when it seems like there are new laws and regulations staring us in the face, together we can make a difference." Please check out her shop: <a href="http://paisleybleu.etsy.com/">http://paisleybleu.etsy.com/</a> and website: <a href="http://paisleybleu.com/">http://paisleybleu.com/</a><br /><div>-Wendy Baylis</div><div>Dharma Designs</div><div><a href="http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/">http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/</a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3113091152393891740-4278435809152169046?l=dharmadesigns.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Dharma Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11850623390400993689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3113091152393891740.post-86463305912493665902009-03-27T08:00:00.000-07:002009-03-27T08:00:01.187-07:00Meet Etsy Artist: HarryBoardman<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mVLMvhfYE1I/SckhgUxgIvI/AAAAAAAABAs/DothpcdDrlk/s1600-h/HarryBoardman.png"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316817674303447794" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 289px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mVLMvhfYE1I/SckhgUxgIvI/AAAAAAAABAs/DothpcdDrlk/s320/HarryBoardman.png" border="0" /></a>As a fellow portrait artist, this next Etsian caught my eye awhile back...<br /><div></div><br /><div>Harry is often inspired by nature and his "fairly immediate surroundings," which includes the rolling hills of Pennsylvania. "I think half of the paintings hanging for sale right now are based on the street we live on," he jokes. With an ever changing variety of styles that runs the gamut of classic to abstract, he admits, "I have the attention span of a child or tiny insect." He says people often mistake his myriad of styles for those of several artists. "To that end, I try to keep specific series going so that there is enough of each style to create a cohesive look," the life long artist explains. "Some of my earliest memories are of making fantastic colorful messes." Eventually, in 2004, he started a business for his fine art and portraits. "Etsy is an interesting creature," he says. "I try to use Etsy as a way to get my work out and be available to a wide audience for an affordable price." When asked if he had advice for his fellow artists, he joked, "I hate to influence and warp people's minds if I can avoid it." He later offered, "I would say to go with your gut and do what you think is right. This community (and it is that) is just as understanding and as weird and awesome as you are." Please check out his shop: <a href="http://harryboardman.etsy.com/">http://harryboardman.etsy.com/</a></div><div>-Wendy Baylis</div><div>Dharma Designs</div><div><a href="http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/">http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/</a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3113091152393891740-8646330591249366590?l=dharmadesigns.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Dharma Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11850623390400993689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3113091152393891740.post-12841769135561402372009-03-26T08:00:00.000-07:002009-03-26T08:00:00.200-07:00Meet Etsy Artist: NamasteSilks<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mVLMvhfYE1I/SckcXzLRl6I/AAAAAAAABAk/x24IXUaqd4A/s1600-h/NamasteSilks.png"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316812030287648674" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 231px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mVLMvhfYE1I/SckcXzLRl6I/AAAAAAAABAk/x24IXUaqd4A/s320/NamasteSilks.png" border="0" /></a>I found this next artist while searching Etsy for a gift for a male friend. I was excited to find someone who hand painted men's neckties - with Buddha, no less...<br /><div></div><br /><div>Susan grew up in a Philadelphia suburb, "loving school, nature, and art." If she wasn't enjoying the great outdoors, she was busy behind her sewing machine making her own school clothes. "I have always been fascinated by the creative process and the handmade results," she admits of her urge to learn a myriad of mediums. "My professional path evolved from college as a Textile/Fashion design major to designing in NYC, to motherhood, to custom wedding gown designing, then to elementary school teacher for 9 years," she explains. "Midlife and the 'empty nest' were my gateway to intensive study in areas of wellness, human development, healing arts and spirituality." She eventually developed a life coaching program with her acupuncturist husband "to empower professionals with mind/body techniques for optimal living." Her own creativity has been empowering - and a true stress reliever. "I wanted to offer a form of this process to clients and now hold silk painting classes for clients." As for her own creativity, fellow Etsy artists are a huge inspiration to her - as well as nature, ancient art, and spirituality. "Midlife has gifted me with a deeper sense of purpose and meaning seeking as a joyful pursuit," she says of her creative approach. "My intention is to not only create something beautiful, but something meaningful for people to connect to in the way I look to connect." Like most Etsians, she values handmade objects - whether for art or functionality. In fact, like me, she originally joined Etsy as a buyer before even dreaming of selling her eclectic silks. While she describes the sewing as a "conscious creation, the artistic design is all heart. "I think to have a quality product good enough to sell it must have this head/heart connection," she explains. Please check out her shop: <a href="http://namastesilks.etsy.com/">http://namastesilks.etsy.com/</a> and website: <a href="http://thechristophergroupheals.com/">http://thechristophergroupheals.com/</a></div><div>-Wendy Baylis</div><div>Dharma Designs</div><div>http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3113091152393891740-1284176913556140237?l=dharmadesigns.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Dharma Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11850623390400993689noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3113091152393891740.post-2979057537500480152009-03-25T08:00:00.000-07:002009-03-25T08:00:00.448-07:00Meet Etsy Artist: reflectionsoflight<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mVLMvhfYE1I/SckWKii8R8I/AAAAAAAABAc/MLdnueDg2Vk/s1600-h/reflectionsoflight.png"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316805205415446466" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 205px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mVLMvhfYE1I/SckWKii8R8I/AAAAAAAABAc/MLdnueDg2Vk/s320/reflectionsoflight.png" border="0" /></a>"I've been creating as long as I can remember," Sharilyn admits. "I've always got my fingers into something." Creativity has always been a "need" for her, not just a passion. "Photography is one of my first loves," she explains. "In planning an upcoming trip I am very excited about the photo opportunities I am going to encounter." Although she has worked for years in education, she recently shifted focus to her art, which she aims to make functional as well as aesthetic. Painting ceramics has been the perfect combination for her. An avid hiker and lover of the outdoors, nature often inspires her - as with the beautiful bamboo sushi set. "A country girl at heart, anything in nature is beautiful and appealing and I love to represent a small part of that in what I create." In fact - that is why she named her shop Reflections of Light. "Perhaps I can take a small piece of the beauty of nature and reflect it in something I make." Please check out her shop: <a href="http://reflectionsoflight.etsy.com/">http://reflectionsoflight.etsy.com/</a><br /><div>-Wendy Baylis</div><div>Dharma Designs</div><div><a href="http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/">http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/</a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3113091152393891740-297905753750048015?l=dharmadesigns.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Dharma Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11850623390400993689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3113091152393891740.post-13567986808867857612009-03-24T09:44:00.000-07:002009-03-24T10:00:32.882-07:00Meet Etsy Artist: KeepsakesByKristie<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mVLMvhfYE1I/SckRnLC2g4I/AAAAAAAABAU/RaJDKwvgwzQ/s1600-h/KeepsakesByKristie.png"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316800199764902786" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 134px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mVLMvhfYE1I/SckRnLC2g4I/AAAAAAAABAU/RaJDKwvgwzQ/s320/KeepsakesByKristie.png" border="0" /></a>Aside from being a jewelry artist, Kristie Jones is a 38 year old stay at home mom to "three terrific children" and a few cats, dog, and birds. "I’m a lover of the Victorian era and collect period clothing," she admits. "My interest have a wide range - I am not above panning for gold in Alaska or digging for emeralds in North Carolina." Thankfully she also hunts the beach for treasures to use in her beautiful jewelry designs. "I was fortunate to grow up in a very artsy crafty family," she says. With talented quilt makers for a mother and grandmother, she followed in their footsteps. Eventually her grandmother taught her the Victorian art of redwork. "I have done some very intricate Victorian portraits; you know the big hats and bustles." Jewelry came came later. "It was actually my daughters who inspired me to make the jewelry when they saw it at some sort of festival and had mentioned to me how much they loved the sea glass jewelry," she explains. "So after years of ignoring the glass on the beach I started to pick it up and make a few things for the girls and the rest of my family." Her earthy designs show off the natural beauty of the found pieces, letting the glass take center stage. "I am not fond of overshadowing the natural beauty of the sea glass, I am often afraid that if I use too many extras I’ll lose what first attracted me to it." She lets the treasures "speak" to her and inspire her to create something special. "I am often overwhelmed with ideas and not enough time to try them out," she jokes. "There are so many talented people out here that I am just proud to be selling my creations along side them," she says of her fellow Etsians. Please check out her shop: <a href="http://keepsakesbykristie.etsy.com/">http://keepsakesbykristie.etsy.com/</a><br /><div>-Wendy Baylis</div><div>Dharma Designs</div><div><a href="http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/">http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/</a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3113091152393891740-1356798680886785761?l=dharmadesigns.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Dharma Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11850623390400993689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3113091152393891740.post-59722154392941894212009-03-19T08:00:00.000-07:002009-03-19T08:00:00.556-07:00Meet Etsy Artist: blueart1999<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mVLMvhfYE1I/ScGRw7Riw4I/AAAAAAAABAM/xdUzbQ6ax28/s1600-h/blueart1999.png"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5314689305004917634" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 161px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mVLMvhfYE1I/ScGRw7Riw4I/AAAAAAAABAM/xdUzbQ6ax28/s320/blueart1999.png" border="0" /></a>Adipa discovered art when she visited a gallery and knew that she wanted to create beautiful images like the ones she had seen. She learned her craft by trial and error over the next 10 years - and lots of practice through the years. Her sister, also an artist, has been her inspiration and, at times, a teacher - showing her how to mix colors. She hopes people will love her work. Please check out her shop: <a href="http://blueart1999.etsy.com/">http://blueart1999.etsy.com/</a><br /><div>-Wendy Baylis</div><div>Dharma Designs</div><div><a href="http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/">http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com</a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3113091152393891740-5972215439294189421?l=dharmadesigns.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Dharma Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11850623390400993689noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3113091152393891740.post-84746560848714212202009-03-18T07:48:00.000-07:002009-03-18T08:21:33.248-07:00Meet Etsy Artist HBeliveaux<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mVLMvhfYE1I/ScERPLMv8MI/AAAAAAAABAE/48g86pl5FoE/s1600-h/HBeliveaux.png"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5314547987675869378" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 258px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mVLMvhfYE1I/ScERPLMv8MI/AAAAAAAABAE/48g86pl5FoE/s320/HBeliveaux.png" border="0" /></a>Heather was born into art. Her father was an architect and both of her parents owned a graphics shop. Close family friends were in the theatre, which led to her brief obsession with ballet and Indian dance. "Art is like oxygen for me," she explains. Growing up she became interested in world cultures, even living in Russia during the early '90s. "That translated into majoring in Russian and Eastern European Studies in college," she says. "The deeper I delved into the ways of the world the more interested I became in human rights issues." Inspired to help, she went to law school and began practicing law, but admits to feeling "out of balance." It wasn't long before she found herself submerged in the world of art again, making cards and invitations in her free time. She and her husband soon started a web based business (<a href="http://circleearth.com/">http://circleearth.com/</a>) to carry her stationary and crafts from other artists who share their view that "earth is one country, mankind its citizens." Unfortunately she felt as if she was spending more time on business rather than art and ended up starting her own venture - Lucky Bug, which was inspired by her daughter's nickname Ladybug. "Sophia is a surviving twin and my miracle baby," she explains. "After extreme complications during my pregnancy, Sophia and her sister, Lily Grace, were born four months early. My Lily lived two months. Sophia, weighing only 10 ounces at birth, is one of the smallest babies in the world to survive." Her daughter spent 6 months in intensive care, which was a life changing experience. "It was a self-study in the meaning of life and the purpose of our existence. Going through hell and back with her care and struggles, my purpose began crystallizing." As her daughter's health improved she found herself drawn to Yoga and art "as a way to process (her) experience and emotions as a new mother to two children in completely different planes of existence." Many of her creations are influenced by her experience and "curiosities." Inspiration often comes from her world travels and friends of other cultures - as well as her favorite poets: Tagore and Hafiz. Although she still practices law part time, she stays at home to care for her daughter, who requires weekly physical therapy and doctors visits, "bask(ing) in the moments many said would never be possible with her." Please check out her shop: <a href="http://hbeliveaux.etsy.com/">http://hbeliveaux.etsy.com/</a><br /><div>-Wendy Baylis</div><div>Dharma Designs</div><div><a href="http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/">http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/</a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3113091152393891740-8474656084871421220?l=dharmadesigns.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Dharma Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11850623390400993689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3113091152393891740.post-6171024949067145492009-03-17T08:00:00.000-07:002009-03-17T08:00:00.855-07:00Meet Etsy Artist: temple7e<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mVLMvhfYE1I/Sbv4oBdUKAI/AAAAAAAAA_8/vL8wBRIydJY/s1600-h/temple7e.bmp"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313113551883479042" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 242px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mVLMvhfYE1I/Sbv4oBdUKAI/AAAAAAAAA_8/vL8wBRIydJY/s320/temple7e.bmp" border="0" /></a>Ohio artist Muluc began his artistic adventures with "graffiti" and street art before eventually finding his current niche. He, too, has a love of everything Asian, which is often reflected in his urban zen creations. "I get extremely inspired by seeing what others do," he says of his fellow artists. "There is just so much amazing creativity out there and it really turns me on." Although he has been drawing his entire life, he didn't experiment with other mediums until the age of 20. "If I weren't selling on Etsy I would still be making all of this anyway." Spoken like a true artist. He does make a little money, though, although not enough to quit his day job yet, which is his goal. "Be patient and allow your shop time and space to grow," he recommends. "Keep your quality and shop appearance tight and be prompt and clear in your communication." And of course, "Love your customers." Please check out his shop: <a href="http://temple7e.etsy.com/">http://temple7e.etsy.com/</a> and blog: <a href="http://temple7e.blogspot.com/">http://temple7e.blogspot.com/</a><br /><div>-Wendy Baylis</div><div>Dharma Designs</div><div><a href="http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/">http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/</a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3113091152393891740-617102494906714549?l=dharmadesigns.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Dharma Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11850623390400993689noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3113091152393891740.post-25946575959222756642009-03-16T08:00:00.000-07:002009-03-16T08:00:01.150-07:00Meet Etsy Artist: sweptfromthesea<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mVLMvhfYE1I/Sbvwq6EdwbI/AAAAAAAAA_0/EzvJW7AmXvE/s1600-h/sweptfromthesea.bmp"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313104805346787762" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 284px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mVLMvhfYE1I/Sbvwq6EdwbI/AAAAAAAAA_0/EzvJW7AmXvE/s320/sweptfromthesea.bmp" border="0" /></a>Like me, Canadian jewelry artist Cheri Bourque, has Fibromyalgia. "It has been my best friend and worst enemy for 12 years," she says. "It is my best friend (when) it makes me get things done ASAP because I never know what tomorrow will bring. It is my worst enemy (when) my tomorrows are filled with pain and fatigue," she explains. Instead of giving up or giving in, she pushes through and manages to follow her heart, creating simple modern jewelry from beach glass. Much of her inspiration comes from the West Coast. "I haven't always lived in Victoria. I grew up in Northern Ontario next to Lake Superior (also very beautiful), but I always wished that I lived near the ocean." Now only half a block away from the beach, she doesn't take it for granted. "I design what I want to wear," she admits. Although she has been a crafter for quite some time, she started Swept From The Sea Designs professionally 3 years ago. "I owe my crafting addiction to my mother who introduced me to crocheting 15 years ago," she jokes. "Running an online business takes time and requires tons of patience. I find that advertising outside of Etsy the key to making progress." Please check out her shop: <a href="http://sweptfromthesea.etsy.com/">http://sweptfromthesea.etsy.com/</a> and website: <a href="http://sweptfromtheseadesigns.com/">http://sweptfromtheseadesigns.com/</a><br /><div>-Wendy Baylis</div><div>Dharma Designs</div><div><a href="http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/">http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/</a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3113091152393891740-2594657595922275664?l=dharmadesigns.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Dharma Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11850623390400993689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3113091152393891740.post-8497759085045566682009-03-14T11:04:00.000-07:002009-03-14T11:13:18.530-07:00My Latest Finds From The Grocery Outlet...Like everybody else out there I prefer to eat well - even on a budget. Many of you know one of my favorite stores is the Grocery Outlet. Here are just a few of my recent finds there...<br />POM iced coffee - just .99! They normally go for $3.49<br />Paul Newman's spaghetti sauce for $1.99 (my favorite to use as a pizza sauce) - usually $2.99<br />Seeds of Change orrganic chocolate bars for .99!<br />Hagen Daazs Butter Toffee Pudding icecream for .99<br />You just can't beat that. If you haven't checked it out, I highly reccomend that you do. GO, I LOVE you! :-)<br />-Wendy Baylis<br />Dharma Designs<br /><a href="http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/">http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3113091152393891740-849775908504556668?l=dharmadesigns.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Dharma Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11850623390400993689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3113091152393891740.post-16658799874806409762009-03-13T09:50:00.000-07:002009-03-13T14:17:18.940-07:00Meet Etsy Artist: DanaLaymon<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mVLMvhfYE1I/SbqRPk2Z9RI/AAAAAAAAA_s/XlPmcwdUzhQ/s1600-h/DanaLaymon.png"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5312718407212856594" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 257px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mVLMvhfYE1I/SbqRPk2Z9RI/AAAAAAAAA_s/XlPmcwdUzhQ/s320/DanaLaymon.png" border="0" /></a>North Carolina native Dana Laymon has a full time job, but hopes to eventually make her art her career. Like many artists, she finds inspiration in nature. "Cute married couples in love" are also a source, she admits. Her laid back, ethereal style creates windows in time - immortalized in photographs - although her favorite pictures are candid glimpses of people. "I've been doing photography ever since I was young, but really became serious about it about 6 years ago," she explains. "I realized I wanted to do it for a living." By day, she's a wedding photographer - and by night, an artist. "I take my camera with me everywhere I go." Please check out her shop: <a href="http://danalaymon.etsy.com/">http://danalaymon.etsy.com/</a>, Blog: <a href="http://danalaymon.blogspot.com/">http://danalaymon.blogspot.com/</a>, and Website: <a href="http://danalaymon.com/">http://danalaymon.com/</a><br /><div>Wendy Baylis</div><div>Dharma Designs</div><div><a href="http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/">http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/</a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3113091152393891740-1665879987480640976?l=dharmadesigns.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Dharma Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11850623390400993689noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3113091152393891740.post-42180003991945235822009-03-12T10:53:00.000-07:002009-03-12T11:19:30.356-07:00Meet Etsy Soap Maker & Artist: DirtyAssSoaps<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mVLMvhfYE1I/SblR_9ggO3I/AAAAAAAAA_k/EO6R09f2QJY/s1600-h/DirtyAssSoaps.png"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5312367394744712050" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 274px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mVLMvhfYE1I/SblR_9ggO3I/AAAAAAAAA_k/EO6R09f2QJY/s320/DirtyAssSoaps.png" border="0" /></a>This sushi looks good enough to eat, but it's actually soap...<br />Hip 29 year old artist Alison Kowalsky is a New York native, who recently transplanted to Boston. She fell in love with soap making at 18 when her friend Amber got her a kit as a gift. "It included some glycerin melt & pour soap, soap fragrances, colors, and molds," she explains. "She invited me to make some soaps with her and I was immediately hooked!" Soon, she was making soap with her Mom and her passion grew from there as she experimented and learned the ropes of her craft. She no longer purchases the supplies from a craft store. Instead, she focuses on organic handmade materials - and an amazing sense of humor and fun - to create her whimsical designs, which often look like junk food or toys. "When I want to make soap, I usually start out in a restaurant or grocery store," she says of her creative process. "I look at food and how it's displayed. Even if it's someone else's food, I will probably stare at it and make some mental notes." She brainstorms with her boyfriend, too. "The best thing we've done for the business is to cover the dining room table with trace paper. We draw, doodle, sketch and write notes, jot numbers and math equations. After trying different ways to solve the problem of making the soap at hand, we pick the best one. We make it, photograph it, and put it online." She started with prefab molds, but progressed to making a lot of her own. "Trial and error is my friend," she jokes, "and if I didn't make the mistakes, I don't think I would have gotten as far as I have." All of her soaps are vegan - free of animal fats, milks, honeys, and insect dyes - even the fried bacon design. She started her Etsy shop two years, unsure whether they would be a big hit on-line since a big draw to her soaps is the scent. Eventually she listed her Cupcake and Cheeseburger soaps - and the rest is history. "There's a lot of Etsy love going on, and I love doing trades with people for awesome stuff," she admits. Please check out her shop: <a href="http://dirtyasssoaps.etsy.com/">http://dirtyasssoaps.etsy.com/</a> and website: <a href="http://dirtyasssoaps.com/">http://dirtyasssoaps.com/</a><br /><div>-Wendy Baylis</div><div>Dharma Designs</div><div>http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3113091152393891740-4218000399194523582?l=dharmadesigns.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Dharma Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11850623390400993689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3113091152393891740.post-14144845688521026252009-03-11T08:29:00.000-07:002009-03-11T08:54:10.093-07:00Meet Etsy Artist: Yeshela24<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mVLMvhfYE1I/SbfekHZ5lqI/AAAAAAAAA_c/XAbk1u_ltj0/s1600-h/Yeshela24.png"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5311958997551126178" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 208px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mVLMvhfYE1I/SbfekHZ5lqI/AAAAAAAAA_c/XAbk1u_ltj0/s320/Yeshela24.png" border="0" /></a>Teryl grew up in the oceanfront town of Marblehead, Boston. "I was born in Salem, which had the history of the persecution of women healers," she explains. "I felt the pain of that suffering strongly as a child. My heart wanted to heal it." She also had an early passion for art. "We had tourists that came through the town in droves every summer and my first experience of selling my art was making sculptures from beach stones and then selling them to tourists," she says. By nine she had raised enough money from her work for a trip to France, where she spent time at the Ecole Freinet school, "which was created for the children of Filmmakers and Artists." Her time there was well spent. "We made art in the forest, created fetes(skits), created large sculptures, ate from a garden there at the school, skinny dipped in icy cold water each morning to awaken for the day, bathed in the sun in the afternoon. Quite an awakening from Boston puritanism," she jokes. "I learned that art could be integrated with nature and every moment of life. Art was not a compartmentalized element." At 19 she travelled the world on her own for 18 months: China, Japan, Taiwan, the Philippines, Thailand, Burma, Bangladesh, Nepal, India, Israel, Greece, and Turkey. "I came home turning 21," she says. "I had surrendered my journey, listened to my heart and let it guide my journey." She worked in villages, taught English, and became a part of every community she visited. Upon her return she went to college, which is where she met her Tibetan teacher, "a cave dwelling yogi that had escaped persecution in Tibet and carried his (own) teacher out on his back." She says, "He taught through his presence rather than trying to impress externally. His purpose was to help other refugees and that was the only reason he had left the cave and his meditation." Awed by his dedication and resolve, she quickly started her own efforts to sponsor refugees. After Grad school she returned to Asia for meditation retreats in the sacred places she visited 12 years before. "On this journey I lived in Bali and shot much of the Lotus series seen on my website." Along the way she was diagnosed with breast cancer, but never let it get in the way of leading a full and happy life. She has triumphed over her illness, depending on her spiritual Faith and art to see her through the tough times. She reminds her fellow artists to "encourage each other." Please check out her shop: <a href="http://yeshela24.etsy.com/">http://yeshela24.etsy.com/</a><br /><div>-Wendy Baylis</div><div>Dharma Designs</div><div><a href="http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/">http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/</a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3113091152393891740-1414484568852102625?l=dharmadesigns.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Dharma Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11850623390400993689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3113091152393891740.post-29582650003384749682009-03-10T10:00:00.000-07:002009-03-10T10:15:02.816-07:00Meet Etsy Artist: innerlightarts<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mVLMvhfYE1I/Sbaf8kZ4LdI/AAAAAAAAA_U/ECWuyRURGiM/s1600-h/innerlightarts.png"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5311608673443261906" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 266px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mVLMvhfYE1I/Sbaf8kZ4LdI/AAAAAAAAA_U/ECWuyRURGiM/s320/innerlightarts.png" border="0" /></a>While Kristena sells her beautiful jewelry and art on Etsy, it was not always her primary site. She has also been very successful on Ebay, but with the site's downfall - and Etsy's uptick - she is focusing more on Etsy these days. "I am...rebuilding my Etsy (shop) and my <a href="http://www.innerlightarts.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">http://www.innerlightarts.com/</a> site," she explains. A professional artist, she has also been a teacher for over 30 years. "I studied with shamans for years and taught basic & advanced shamanism and had a private practice for years," she says. With two degrees - one in fine art and the other in psych/communications - and a love of drawing, she has created many spiritual pieces, such as the one pictured above. In her work "you will see lots of images of powerful women." She uses humor and fantasy in her works to create joy and promote inner clarity. "I love supporting women making art," she admits. "A life long dream of mine was to design women's clothing, so I started <a href="http://www.sunheartclothing.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">http://www.sunheartclothing.com/</a> and am now designing and sewing small collections - which I am going to sell on Etsy." Please check out her shop: <a href="http://innerlightarts.etsy.com/">http://innerlightarts.etsy.com/</a><br /><div>-Wendy Baylis</div><div>Dharma Designs</div><div>http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3113091152393891740-2958265000338474968?l=dharmadesigns.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Dharma Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11850623390400993689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3113091152393891740.post-34692906977137907642009-03-09T08:03:00.000-07:002009-03-09T08:16:39.988-07:00Meet Etsy Artist: NotJustaVase<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mVLMvhfYE1I/SbUypGuefnI/AAAAAAAAA_M/1rEv1uLQDU0/s1600-h/NotJustaVase.png"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5311207017314942578" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 141px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mVLMvhfYE1I/SbUypGuefnI/AAAAAAAAA_M/1rEv1uLQDU0/s320/NotJustaVase.png" border="0" /></a>Four years ago Brian remodeled the bathroom and decided to paint art for the walls. "I ended up painting three canvases that I was really excited about," he says. That planted the seed for his foray into painting and digital art - and few weeks ago he opened his Etsy shop after a friend recommended the site. "I have always been interested in using my creativity," he admits. "I have spent the bulk of my adult life working in retail as a visual merchandiser." He has also been an avid photographer and began playing with Photoshop a few years ago. "All of this is like evolution and it leads me into this phase of my life." He finds a lot of inspiration in mid-century design. "There is so much from that era that I absolutely love: architecture, graphic design, interior design, fashion, and the advances in technology also shaped so much of the design aspects," he explains. "I like the clean and simple lines represented with this era of design. I also think that Asian influenced art is a great compliment to this. Especially the bold rich colors." Still working full time as a merchandiser, he follows his artistic passions on his time off. "It is a hobby now, but eventually I hope to make it more...I am getting my feet wet with Etsy and long term I hope to open a little boutique to sell my art along with vintage items, small home accessories, and tabletop items." He reminds us all to "believe in (ourselves) and (our) art." Please check out his shop: <a href="http://notjustavase.etsy.com/">http://notjustavase.etsy.com/</a><br /><div>-Wendy Baylis</div><div>Dharma Designs</div><div><a href="http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/">http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/</a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3113091152393891740-3469290697713790764?l=dharmadesigns.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Dharma Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11850623390400993689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3113091152393891740.post-17423794658970996712009-03-06T08:00:00.000-08:002009-03-06T08:00:00.479-08:00Meet Etsy Artist: metalwork<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mVLMvhfYE1I/Sa3K3KKQW1I/AAAAAAAAA_E/xOFtatFpcK8/s1600-h/metalwork.png"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309122584708668242" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 272px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mVLMvhfYE1I/Sa3K3KKQW1I/AAAAAAAAA_E/xOFtatFpcK8/s320/metalwork.png" border="0" /></a>Aside from creating beautiful zen inspired home decor and furniture from copper, Tom Petrilli is also a roofing contractor. Most of his art displayed on Etsy was created in the slow winter months when work as a roofer slows to a screeching halt. "On most projects we have scrap metal left over, it always bothered me to see these shiny beautiful pieces of copper crushed and sent off the scrap yard, so I started making little things out of the remnants," he explains of his artistic beginning. "It started with really simple stuff like ashtrays (event though almost everyone I know has quit), birdhouses (they are all vacant and I can’t figure out why), and useless but lovely little boxes," he jokes. "I would give some of the stuff to clients if they paid their bill in a timely manner, some people really liked it, but I think most of the time my gifts would wind up in the back of their garage." Thankfully he kept at it. In fact, a large part of his inspiration came from a classified ad for a lot of old tools. "I love old tools," he admits. "When I saw what the man had to sell I bought everything he had. They were all sheet metal forming machines, cranked by hand, they make curves, beads and edges and they are all at least 150 years old. I wanted to put the machines back to work, despite their age they perform flawlessly." Although it took some time to learn how to use them with the aid of 90 year old books, he has developed quite a knack. Oddly enough, being a roofer has helped him as an artist - and vice versa. "I've been roofing for 17 years, almost every house has a weird little corner or oddly placed chimney that requires a creative solution to keep the building dry. The copper smithing work has made me a better roofer and roofing has made me a better coppersmith." His copper tables are generating interest, so although this is just a secondary job, he hopes to transition over to it one day. "For now this is my job <a href="http://www.lyonscontracting.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">http://www.lyonscontracting.com/</a> and I’m very happy to do it," he says. As for Etsy, he says the "real payoff is when someone writes to tell me how much they love something I’ve made." He admits that "when I’ve finished a roofing project and the client just gushes about how much they love the work we’ve done, about how beautiful it came out; that is a thousand times more satisfying then getting their final payment." He half-jokingly added, "I still need the check though; I can’t pay my mortgage with compliments." Please check out his shop: <a href="http://metalwork.etsy.com/">http://metalwork.etsy.com/</a> <div>-Wendy Baylis</div><div>Dharma Designs</div><div><a href="http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/">http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/</a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3113091152393891740-1742379465897099671?l=dharmadesigns.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Dharma Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11850623390400993689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3113091152393891740.post-36076215946952088822009-03-05T08:00:00.000-08:002009-03-05T08:00:00.157-08:00Meet Etsy Artist & Potter: SynapseArtworks<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mVLMvhfYE1I/Sa3HFKfW_yI/AAAAAAAAA-8/coGR3BH-zEo/s1600-h/SynapseArtworks.png"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309118427268841250" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mVLMvhfYE1I/Sa3HFKfW_yI/AAAAAAAAA-8/coGR3BH-zEo/s320/SynapseArtworks.png" border="0" /></a>The artist behind the hip Etsy shop SynapseArtworks is a 28 year old Salt Lake City potter and illustrator. Brian graduated in 2003 from the University of Wisconsin - Madison with a BFA, majoring in Philosophy. "I haven't been able to produce much art in the last two years since I recently took a job working and studying in the field of ocularistry," he explains of his time consuming job making prosthetic eyes. "It's a crazy, wonderful job I never anticipated falling into, which only about 120 other people in the country do." His shop may not be filled to the brim yet, but his modern take on a sake set struck my fancy right away. He hopes to have a studio up and running soon, where he'll focus on designing functional ceramics. "My more conceptual work, which is very time consuming and fussy, I show at Artisan Gallery in Paoli, WI," he says. "This is mostly inspired by art history and aesthetic theory. On Etsy, I tend to showcase my more functional ceramics work like teapots and sake sets, as well as t-shirts which I do just for entertainment and the fun of graphic design." He hopes to blend the screen printing he uses in his T-shirts with the ceramics in the near future. He describes his style as "tight, tidy, and often geometrical." Influenced by minimalism, his designs often showcase clean modern lines and geometric shapes. "I love all kinds of beverages, and hope to create vessels that elevate their consumption to a more conscious aesthetic experience; one in which there is an interplay between the subtleties of the drink and the art, each complimenting the other." Although his art is not his main source of income he does take it seriously and treats it as a second job. "You can check out <a href="http://synapseartworks.blogspot.com/," target="_blank" rel="nofollow">http://synapseartworks.blogspot.com/,</a> my horrendously un-updated blog for additional info," he jokes. Please check out his shop: <a href="http://synapseartworks.etsy.com/">http://synapseartworks.etsy.com/</a><br /><div>-Wendy Baylis</div><div>Dharma Designs</div><div><a href="http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/">http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/</a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3113091152393891740-3607621594695208882?l=dharmadesigns.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Dharma Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11850623390400993689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3113091152393891740.post-3209771135276330042009-03-04T08:00:00.000-08:002009-03-05T06:46:04.866-08:00Meet Etsy Artist: EasternSunPrintworks<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mVLMvhfYE1I/Sa3CnJOoyeI/AAAAAAAAA-0/rdeVbcB23Bw/s1600-h/EasternSunPrintworks.png"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309113513487682018" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 258px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mVLMvhfYE1I/Sa3CnJOoyeI/AAAAAAAAA-0/rdeVbcB23Bw/s320/EasternSunPrintworks.png" border="0" /></a>"After a relatively calm life growing up in NJ, graduating from college, and teaching French in junior high school, I moved to Maine and went to graduate school," Nancy says. With an M.A. in French Lit, she set off on a 2 ½ year backpacking trip around the world. "I spent lots of time in the Orient as the quintessential Buddhist tourist, visiting temples and studying meditation. I kept written and painted journals throughout the trip. When I returned, I went to a month-long meditation program at a Buddhist center in Colorado where I met my husband, Tom." They later moved to Florida with their daughter where she started a card and stationary company 25 years ago. "I have a lovely studio in our backyard, surrounded by chirping birds, live oaks, and luscious bromeliads, very near the Fountain of Youth Park, in St. Augustine," she gushes. "I am a very happy, art-making maniac." Her imagination is endless, providing endless inspiration, but she also gleans ideas from "the infinite qualities of color, natural landscapes of many regions, and my love for Tibet." She explains, "The iconography of the Buddhist countries in the Himalayas is rich in imagery and is incredibly inspiring. I find it unbelievably satisfying to make something that I know is going to bring happiness to another being, maybe my neighbor or maybe someone who lives halfway around the world." All of the plates for her silkscreen designs are from hand drawn positives that are printed on 100% recycled papers. "I also use photography to enhance my 'seeing.'" She is also an accomplished illustrator and collage artist. "I’ve gotten a real kick out of being part of Etsy. It’s a supportive forum for artists and has lots of useful tools and guides. There is an inspiring mix of sheer talent, quirkiness, technology, ingenuity, and business savvy." Please check out her shop: <a href="http://easternsunprintworks.etsy.com/">http://easternsunprintworks.etsy.com</a><br /><div>Blog: <a href="http://www.greetingcardlady.blogspot.com/">www.greetingcardlady.blogspot.com/</a></div><div>Website: <a href="http://www.easternsunprintworks.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">http://www.easternsunprintworks.com/</a></div><div>-Wendy Baylis</div><div>Dharma Designs</div><div><a href="http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/">http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/</a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3113091152393891740-320977113527633004?l=dharmadesigns.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Dharma Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11850623390400993689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3113091152393891740.post-6005413222160675742009-02-28T13:03:00.000-08:002009-02-28T14:43:38.401-08:00Meet Ramsey Joseph Farrar<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mVLMvhfYE1I/Sam181aUFFI/AAAAAAAAA-s/EwLvR2HoiEA/s1600-h/caring+bridge.bmp"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5307973692567065682" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 277px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 223px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mVLMvhfYE1I/Sam181aUFFI/AAAAAAAAA-s/EwLvR2HoiEA/s320/caring+bridge.bmp" border="0" /></a>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: <a href="http://thehairtrader.com/viewlisting.asp?lid=253257">http://thehairtrader.com/viewlisting.asp?lid=253257</a><br />-Wendy Baylis<br /><div>Dharma Designs</div><div><a href="http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/">http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/</a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3113091152393891740-600541322216067574?l=dharmadesigns.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Dharma Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11850623390400993689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3113091152393891740.post-132390925855276512009-02-27T08:00:00.000-08:002009-02-27T08:00:00.377-08:00Meet Etsy Artist: tHeENDpeace<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mVLMvhfYE1I/SaQ4d1eXyxI/AAAAAAAAA-k/QdcTG5t59GQ/s1600-h/tHeENDpeace.png"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306428346171116306" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mVLMvhfYE1I/SaQ4d1eXyxI/AAAAAAAAA-k/QdcTG5t59GQ/s320/tHeENDpeace.png" border="0" /></a>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: <a href="http://theendpeace.etsy.com/">http://tHeENDpeace.etsy.com</a><br />-Wendy Baylis<br />Dharma Designs<br /><a href="http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/">http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3113091152393891740-13239092585527651?l=dharmadesigns.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Dharma Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11850623390400993689noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3113091152393891740.post-25367261196430838682009-02-26T08:00:00.000-08:002009-02-26T08:00:00.341-08:00Meet Etsy Artist: SteppingStones<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mVLMvhfYE1I/SaQ0WYr8zuI/AAAAAAAAA-c/ktNmrBQ2wXk/s1600-h/SteppingStones.png"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306423820137844450" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 217px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mVLMvhfYE1I/SaQ0WYr8zuI/AAAAAAAAA-c/ktNmrBQ2wXk/s320/SteppingStones.png" border="0" /></a>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: <a href="http://steppingstones.etsy.com/">http://steppingstones.etsy.com/</a><br /><div>-Wendy Baylis</div><div>Dharma Designs</div><div><a href="http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/">http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/</a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3113091152393891740-2536726119643083868?l=dharmadesigns.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Dharma Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11850623390400993689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3113091152393891740.post-8354284479609647802009-02-25T08:00:00.000-08:002009-02-25T08:00:00.439-08:00Meet Etsy Artist: gracebaleymosaics<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mVLMvhfYE1I/SZczK5uz6aI/AAAAAAAAA-U/H-CnZ6RkIzo/s1600-h/gracebaleymosaics.bmp"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5302763348640917922" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 188px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mVLMvhfYE1I/SZczK5uz6aI/AAAAAAAAA-U/H-CnZ6RkIzo/s320/gracebaleymosaics.bmp" border="0" /></a>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: <a href="http://gracebaleymosaics.etsy.com/">http://gracebaleymosaics.etsy.com/</a>, <a href="http://www.gracebaley.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">http://www.gracebaley.com/</a><br /><div>-Wendy Baylis</div><div>Dharma Designs</div><div><a href="http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/">http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/</a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3113091152393891740-835428447960964780?l=dharmadesigns.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Dharma Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11850623390400993689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3113091152393891740.post-7292431640825655852009-02-24T08:00:00.000-08:002009-02-24T08:00:00.934-08:00Meet Etsy Artist: Dhuni<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mVLMvhfYE1I/SZcu-aJL8KI/AAAAAAAAA-M/FemJ3vcnSZ0/s1600-h/Dhuni.bmp"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5302758735956668578" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 238px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mVLMvhfYE1I/SZcu-aJL8KI/AAAAAAAAA-M/FemJ3vcnSZ0/s320/Dhuni.bmp" border="0" /></a>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: <a href="http://dhuni.etsy.com/">http://dhuni.etsy.com/</a><br /><div>-Wendy Baylis</div><div>Dharma Designs</div><div><a href="http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/">http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/</a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3113091152393891740-729243164082565585?l=dharmadesigns.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Dharma Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11850623390400993689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3113091152393891740.post-22012951844652567542009-02-23T08:00:00.000-08:002009-02-23T08:00:00.193-08:00Meet Etsy Artist: WormwoodHollow<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mVLMvhfYE1I/SZcpaf9EM7I/AAAAAAAAA-E/pMvjrZQI-UU/s1600-h/WormwoodHollow.bmp"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5302752621483013042" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 244px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mVLMvhfYE1I/SZcpaf9EM7I/AAAAAAAAA-E/pMvjrZQI-UU/s320/WormwoodHollow.bmp" border="0" /></a>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: <a href="http://wormwoodhollow.etsy.com/">http://wormwoodhollow.etsy.com/</a><br /><div>-Wendy Baylis</div><div>Dharma Designs</div><div><a href="http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/">http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/</a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3113091152393891740-2201295184465256754?l=dharmadesigns.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Dharma Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11850623390400993689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3113091152393891740.post-83788939457622367342009-02-20T08:00:00.000-08:002009-02-20T08:00:01.133-08:00Meet Etsy Artist: Raku4u<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mVLMvhfYE1I/SZcmtjVxP4I/AAAAAAAAA98/eoxgMUM15ac/s1600-h/Raku4u.bmp"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5302749650274566018" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 217px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mVLMvhfYE1I/SZcmtjVxP4I/AAAAAAAAA98/eoxgMUM15ac/s320/Raku4u.bmp" border="0" /></a>"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: <a href="http://raku4u.etsy.com/">http://raku4u.etsy.com/</a>, <a href="http://raku4ubyshekinahclay.blogspot.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">http://raku4ubyshekinahclay.blogspot.com/</a>, <a href="http://www.shekinahclay.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">http://www.shekinahclay.com/</a><br /><div>-Wendy Baylis</div><div>Dharma Designs</div><div><a href="http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/">http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/</a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3113091152393891740-8378893945762236734?l=dharmadesigns.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Dharma Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11850623390400993689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3113091152393891740.post-84926608794655047742009-02-19T08:00:00.000-08:002009-02-19T08:00:00.252-08:00Meet Etsy Artist: BashiSquashi<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mVLMvhfYE1I/SZX8dSzQm6I/AAAAAAAAA90/aq2Qk4xvb4A/s1600-h/BashiSquashi.bmp"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5302421716491869090" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 196px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mVLMvhfYE1I/SZX8dSzQm6I/AAAAAAAAA90/aq2Qk4xvb4A/s320/BashiSquashi.bmp" border="0" /></a>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: <a href="http://bashisquashi.etsy.com/">http://bashisquashi.etsy.com/</a><br /><div>-Wendy Baylis</div><div>Dharma Designs</div><div><a href="http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/">http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/</a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3113091152393891740-8492660879465504774?l=dharmadesigns.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Dharma Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11850623390400993689noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3113091152393891740.post-70385167989962140062009-02-18T08:00:00.000-08:002009-02-18T08:00:00.752-08:00Meet Etsy Artist: CherryLime<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mVLMvhfYE1I/SZX4WQzcbpI/AAAAAAAAA9s/tcd36rLXzZA/s1600-h/CherryLime.bmp"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5302417197650177682" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 319px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mVLMvhfYE1I/SZX4WQzcbpI/AAAAAAAAA9s/tcd36rLXzZA/s320/CherryLime.bmp" border="0" /></a>I'm a sucker for all things Asian - and found this next artist's idea for tub teas right up my alley...<br />"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: <a href="http://cherrylime.etsy.com/">http://cherrylime.etsy.com/</a><br />-Wendy Baylis<br />Dharma Designs<br /><a href="http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/">http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3113091152393891740-7038516798996214006?l=dharmadesigns.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Dharma Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11850623390400993689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3113091152393891740.post-46736231402142486352009-02-17T08:00:00.000-08:002009-02-17T08:00:00.534-08:00Meet Etsy Artists: RavenstoneTiles<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mVLMvhfYE1I/SZXyeXCoqnI/AAAAAAAAA9k/SzK7aJhtqBQ/s1600-h/RavenstoneTiles.bmp"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5302410739693693554" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 106px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mVLMvhfYE1I/SZXyeXCoqnI/AAAAAAAAA9k/SzK7aJhtqBQ/s320/RavenstoneTiles.bmp" border="0" /></a>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: <a href="http://ravenstonetiles.etsy.com/">http://ravenstonetiles.etsy.com/</a><br /><div>-Wendy Baylis</div><br /><div>Dharma Designs</div><br /><div><a href="http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/">http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/</a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3113091152393891740-4673623140214248635?l=dharmadesigns.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Dharma Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11850623390400993689noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3113091152393891740.post-19013793286812616922009-02-16T08:00:00.000-08:002009-02-16T08:00:00.452-08:00Meet Etsy Jewelry Artist & Painter: BellissimaDesigns<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mVLMvhfYE1I/SY3nRO1Mi2I/AAAAAAAAA9c/-57rdPj8B1U/s1600-h/BellissimaDesigns.bmp"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5300146619709950818" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 259px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mVLMvhfYE1I/SY3nRO1Mi2I/AAAAAAAAA9c/-57rdPj8B1U/s320/BellissimaDesigns.bmp" border="0" /></a>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 b<img class="gl_photo" alt="Add Image" src="http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif" border="0" />ack 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: <a href="http://bellissimadesigns.etsy.com/">http://bellissimadesigns.etsy.com/</a><br /><div>-Wendy Baylis</div><div>Dharma Designs</div><div><a href="http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/">http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/</a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3113091152393891740-1901379328681261692?l=dharmadesigns.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Dharma Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11850623390400993689noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3113091152393891740.post-55559314963773359552009-02-14T08:00:00.000-08:002009-02-14T08:00:01.662-08:00Meet Etsy Artist: jPerlmutterArt<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mVLMvhfYE1I/SY3chzq-JmI/AAAAAAAAA9U/KDtHtxR7Acs/s1600-h/jPerlmutterArt.bmp"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5300134809849177698" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 217px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mVLMvhfYE1I/SY3chzq-JmI/AAAAAAAAA9U/KDtHtxR7Acs/s320/jPerlmutterArt.bmp" border="0" /></a>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: <a href="http://jperlmutterart.etsy.com/">http://jperlmutterart.etsy.com/</a><br /><div>-Wendy Baylis</div><div>Dharma Designs</div><div><a href="http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/">http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/</a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3113091152393891740-5555931496377335955?l=dharmadesigns.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Dharma Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11850623390400993689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3113091152393891740.post-54165550781604282222009-02-13T08:00:00.000-08:002009-02-13T08:00:00.906-08:00Meet Etsy Glass Artist: nickpaul<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mVLMvhfYE1I/SY3VhERPH1I/AAAAAAAAA9M/qT7MAD0dDRg/s1600-h/nickpaul.bmp"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5300127100543377234" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 285px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mVLMvhfYE1I/SY3VhERPH1I/AAAAAAAAA9M/qT7MAD0dDRg/s320/nickpaul.bmp" border="0" /></a>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: <a href="http://nickpaul.etsy.com/">http://nickpaul.etsy.com/</a><br /><div>-Wendy Baylis</div><div>Dharma Designs</div><div><a href="http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/">http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/</a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3113091152393891740-5416555078160428222?l=dharmadesigns.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Dharma Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11850623390400993689noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3113091152393891740.post-26651698855343102602009-02-12T08:00:00.000-08:002009-02-12T08:00:01.239-08:00Meet Etsy Artist: sirikul<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mVLMvhfYE1I/SY3PicrH15I/AAAAAAAAA9E/e8C8yr5SUNo/s1600-h/sirikul.bmp"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5300120527204505490" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 224px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mVLMvhfYE1I/SY3PicrH15I/AAAAAAAAA9E/e8C8yr5SUNo/s320/sirikul.bmp" border="0" /></a>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: <a href="http://sirikul.etsy.com/">http://sirikul.etsy.com/</a> and the blog detailing her recovery through art: <a href="http://www.pseudohaiku.com/">http://www.pseudohaiku.com/</a><br /><div>-Wendy Baylis</div><div>Dharma Designs</div><div><a href="http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/">http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/</a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3113091152393891740-2665169885534310260?l=dharmadesigns.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Dharma Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11850623390400993689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3113091152393891740.post-25192113936031290152009-02-11T09:39:00.000-08:002009-02-11T09:39:01.586-08:00Meet Etsy Artist: joanschaumburg49<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mVLMvhfYE1I/SY3K6a1dOqI/AAAAAAAAA88/xk1WbAmHB3I/s1600-h/Zen+Table.bmp"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5300115441469700770" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 259px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mVLMvhfYE1I/SY3K6a1dOqI/AAAAAAAAA88/xk1WbAmHB3I/s320/Zen+Table.bmp" border="0" /></a>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: <a href="http://joanschaumburg49.etsy.com/">http://joanschaumburg49.etsy.com/</a><br />-Wendy Baylis<br />Dharma Designs<br /><a href="http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/">http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3113091152393891740-2519211393603129015?l=dharmadesigns.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Dharma Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11850623390400993689noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3113091152393891740.post-49566561515254086682009-02-10T08:00:00.000-08:002009-02-10T08:00:00.575-08:00Meet Etsy Artist: Igziabeher<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mVLMvhfYE1I/SYzwq1fRBrI/AAAAAAAAA80/2GuAVzb4SCE/s1600-h/Igziabeher.png"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5299875480211621554" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 241px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mVLMvhfYE1I/SYzwq1fRBrI/AAAAAAAAA80/2GuAVzb4SCE/s320/Igziabeher.png" border="0" /></a>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 -<br /><div>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: <a href="http://igziabeher.etsy.com/">http://igziabeher.etsy.com/</a></div><div>-Wendy Baylis</div><div>Dharma Designs</div><div><a href="http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/">http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/</a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3113091152393891740-4956656151525408668?l=dharmadesigns.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Dharma Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11850623390400993689noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3113091152393891740.post-2188529907744152242009-02-09T08:00:00.000-08:002009-02-09T08:00:02.401-08:00Meet Etsy Artist" Sulaluna<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mVLMvhfYE1I/SYzsmKv3X3I/AAAAAAAAA8s/2q9GwABDaoc/s1600-h/Sulaluna.png"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5299871001972531058" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 316px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mVLMvhfYE1I/SYzsmKv3X3I/AAAAAAAAA8s/2q9GwABDaoc/s320/Sulaluna.png" border="0" /></a>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: <a href="http://sulaluna.etsy.com/">http://sulaluna.etsy.com/</a><br /><div>-Wendy Baylis</div><div>Dharma Designs<br /><a href="http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/">http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/</a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3113091152393891740-218852990774415224?l=dharmadesigns.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Dharma Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11850623390400993689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3113091152393891740.post-27982876027611968412009-02-06T08:00:00.000-08:002009-02-06T08:00:01.218-08:00Meet Etsy Artist: adallasgallery<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mVLMvhfYE1I/SYjFjp3J38I/AAAAAAAAA8k/tFHNM0C66W0/s1600-h/adallasgallery.png"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5298702177924669378" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 186px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mVLMvhfYE1I/SYjFjp3J38I/AAAAAAAAA8k/tFHNM0C66W0/s320/adallasgallery.png" border="0" /></a>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: <a href="http://adallasgallery.etsy.com/">http://adallasgallery.etsy.com/</a><br /><div>-Wendy Baylis</div><div>Dharma Designs</div><div><a href="http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/">http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/</a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3113091152393891740-2798287602761196841?l=dharmadesigns.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Dharma Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11850623390400993689noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3113091152393891740.post-71934109169926720012009-02-05T08:00:00.000-08:002009-02-05T08:00:00.496-08:00Meet Etsy Metalsmith & Artist: mollyheltsleydesigns<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mVLMvhfYE1I/SYeBUhET_iI/AAAAAAAAA8c/SB6nd0YSbcQ/s1600-h/mollyheltsleydesigns.png"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5298345676098502178" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 319px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mVLMvhfYE1I/SYeBUhET_iI/AAAAAAAAA8c/SB6nd0YSbcQ/s320/mollyheltsleydesigns.png" border="0" /></a>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: <a href="http://mollyheltsleydesigns.etsy.com/">http://mollyheltsleydesigns.etsy.com/</a><br /><div>-Wendy Baylis</div><div>Dharma Designs</div><div><a href="http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/">http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/</a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3113091152393891740-7193410916992672001?l=dharmadesigns.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Dharma Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11850623390400993689noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3113091152393891740.post-31537002541698177222009-02-04T08:00:00.000-08:002009-02-04T08:00:00.678-08:00Meet Etsy Photographer & Artist: MKMcKenna<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mVLMvhfYE1I/SYd9yg51udI/AAAAAAAAA8U/SOoMdduKYXo/s1600-h/MKMcKenna.png"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5298341793404139986" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 234px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mVLMvhfYE1I/SYd9yg51udI/AAAAAAAAA8U/SOoMdduKYXo/s320/MKMcKenna.png" border="0" /></a><br /><div>I was lucky enough to discover today's featured artist on her second day at Etsy...</div><br /><div>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: <a href="http://mkmckenna.etsy.com/">http://mkmckenna.etsy.com/</a></div><div>-Wendy Baylis</div><div>Dharma Designs</div><div><a href="http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/">http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/</a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3113091152393891740-3153700254169817722?l=dharmadesigns.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Dharma Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11850623390400993689noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3113091152393891740.post-25564636407488784122009-02-03T08:00:00.000-08:002009-02-03T08:00:00.722-08:00Meet Etsy Artist: SheilaTS<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mVLMvhfYE1I/SYd4cEkBMeI/AAAAAAAAA8M/7BsH-iHfRjk/s1600-h/SheilaTS.png"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5298335910281163234" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 316px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mVLMvhfYE1I/SYd4cEkBMeI/AAAAAAAAA8M/7BsH-iHfRjk/s320/SheilaTS.png" border="0" /></a><br /><div>I discovered the following artist in her very first week on Etsy...</div><br /><div>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: <a href="http://sheilats.etsy.com/">http://sheilats.etsy.com/</a></div><div>-Wendy Baylis</div><div>Dharma Designs</div><div><a href="http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/">http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/</a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3113091152393891740-2556463640748878412?l=dharmadesigns.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Dharma Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11850623390400993689noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3113091152393891740.post-23323570967662871612009-02-02T08:00:00.000-08:002009-02-02T08:00:01.145-08:00Desperate Times Call For Desperate Measures...<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mVLMvhfYE1I/SX9uvEBPh4I/AAAAAAAAA78/wz7_H1TYz3k/s1600-h/Me.png"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5296073441622853506" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 235px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mVLMvhfYE1I/SX9uvEBPh4I/AAAAAAAAA78/wz7_H1TYz3k/s320/Me.png" border="0" /></a>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: <a href="http://thehairtrader.com/viewlisting.asp?lid=253257">http://thehairtrader.com/viewlisting.asp?lid=253257</a> If you want to create one of your own visit: <a href="http://thehairtrader.com/">http://thehairtrader.com/</a><br /><div>-Wendy Baylis</div><div>Dharma Designs</div><div><a href="http:///dharmadesigns.etsy.com">http:///dharmadesigns.etsy.com</a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3113091152393891740-2332357096766287161?l=dharmadesigns.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Dharma Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11850623390400993689noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3113091152393891740.post-5641266477456942272009-01-30T10:00:00.000-08:002009-01-30T10:00:01.305-08:00Meet Etsy Artist & Potter: gracesheese<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mVLMvhfYE1I/SXzCYg6EhDI/AAAAAAAAA70/QUDUWHzR85U/s1600-h/gracesheese.png"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5295320988287009842" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 294px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mVLMvhfYE1I/SXzCYg6EhDI/AAAAAAAAA70/QUDUWHzR85U/s320/gracesheese.png" border="0" /></a>I discovered this next artist on her opening day at Etsy...<br /><div>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: <a href="http://gracesheese.etsy.com/">http://gracesheese.etsy.com/</a></div><div>-Wendy Baylis</div><div>Dharma Designs</div><div><a href="http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/">http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/</a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3113091152393891740-564126647745694227?l=dharmadesigns.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Dharma Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11850623390400993689noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3113091152393891740.post-40184891394736500852009-01-29T10:00:00.000-08:002009-01-29T10:00:00.224-08:00Meet Etsy Artist: jmoffett<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mVLMvhfYE1I/SXpsbHCVhRI/AAAAAAAAA7s/8UQQMNCcUu0/s1600-h/jmoffett.png"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5294663524928554258" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 254px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mVLMvhfYE1I/SXpsbHCVhRI/AAAAAAAAA7s/8UQQMNCcUu0/s320/jmoffett.png" border="0" /></a>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: <a href="http://jmoffett.etsy.com/">http://jmoffett.etsy.com/</a><br /><div>-Wendy Baylis</div><div>Dharma Designs</div><div><a href="http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/">http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com</a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3113091152393891740-4018489139473650085?l=dharmadesigns.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Dharma Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11850623390400993689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3113091152393891740.post-25654575710692344782009-01-28T10:00:00.000-08:002009-01-28T10:00:01.096-08:00Meet Etsy Artist: sandyklotter<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mVLMvhfYE1I/SXpn7nfYuzI/AAAAAAAAA7c/O9xY5d2mLaM/s1600-h/sandyklotter.png"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5294658585838009138" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 231px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mVLMvhfYE1I/SXpn7nfYuzI/AAAAAAAAA7c/O9xY5d2mLaM/s320/sandyklotter.png" border="0" /></a>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<br /><div>-Wendy Baylis</div><div>Dharma Designs</div><div><a href="http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/">http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/</a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3113091152393891740-2565457571069234478?l=dharmadesigns.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Dharma Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11850623390400993689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3113091152393891740.post-33510913345440204502009-01-27T10:00:00.000-08:002009-01-27T10:00:00.583-08:00Meet Etsy Artist: kself<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mVLMvhfYE1I/SXeUUTwNMrI/AAAAAAAAA5w/aRHvfj162_E/s1600-h/kself.png"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5293862963618067122" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 255px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mVLMvhfYE1I/SXeUUTwNMrI/AAAAAAAAA5w/aRHvfj162_E/s320/kself.png" border="0" /></a>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: <a href="http://kself.etsy.com/">http://kself.etsy.com/</a><br /><div>-Wendy Baylis</div><div>Dharma Designs</div><div><a href="http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/">http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/</a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3113091152393891740-3351091334544020450?l=dharmadesigns.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Dharma Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11850623390400993689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3113091152393891740.post-40269706781862859962009-01-26T08:05:00.000-08:002009-01-26T08:05:00.487-08:00Meet Etsy Artist: AtchisonArt<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mVLMvhfYE1I/SXFbPlcItJI/AAAAAAAAA4o/0OOO_PEZQCY/s1600-h/AtchisonArt.png"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5292111360443331730" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 253px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mVLMvhfYE1I/SXFbPlcItJI/AAAAAAAAA4o/0OOO_PEZQCY/s320/AtchisonArt.png" border="0" /></a>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 (<a href="http://www.hunterandjacksnacks.etsy.com/" target="_blank">http://www.hunterandjacksnacks.etsy.com/</a>) 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: <a href="http://atchisonart.etsy.com/">http://atchisonart.etsy.com/</a><br />-Wendy Baylis<br /><div>Dharma Designs</div><div><a href="http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/">http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/</a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3113091152393891740-4026970678186285996?l=dharmadesigns.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Dharma Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11850623390400993689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3113091152393891740.post-47380145809098796282009-01-23T10:00:00.000-08:002009-01-23T10:00:00.362-08:00Meet Etsy Jewelry Artist: NicolaYoonDesign<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mVLMvhfYE1I/SXeQrm5R0ZI/AAAAAAAAA5o/9XFhJjbgStY/s1600-h/NicolaYoonDesign.png"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5293858965846872466" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 280px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mVLMvhfYE1I/SXeQrm5R0ZI/AAAAAAAAA5o/9XFhJjbgStY/s320/NicolaYoonDesign.png" border="0" /></a>"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: <a href="http://nicolayoondesign.etsy.com/">http://nicolayoondesign.etsy.com/</a><br /><div>-Wendy Baylis</div><div>Dharma Designs</div><div><a href="http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/">http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/</a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3113091152393891740-4738014580909879628?l=dharmadesigns.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Dharma Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11850623390400993689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3113091152393891740.post-30821338548190107952009-01-22T08:24:00.000-08:002009-01-22T08:24:01.206-08:00Meet Etsy Jewelry Artist: KathrynHomanDesigns<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mVLMvhfYE1I/SXFeRQuYLeI/AAAAAAAAA44/n-7lkizqwhM/s1600-h/KathrynHomanDesigns.png"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5292114687777320418" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 180px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mVLMvhfYE1I/SXFeRQuYLeI/AAAAAAAAA44/n-7lkizqwhM/s320/KathrynHomanDesigns.png" border="0" /></a>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: <a href="http://kathrynhomandesigns.etsy.com/">http://kathrynhomandesigns.etsy.com/</a><br />-Wendy Baylis<br /><div>Dharma Designs</div><div><a href="http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/">http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/</a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3113091152393891740-3082133854819010795?l=dharmadesigns.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Dharma Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11850623390400993689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3113091152393891740.post-15393864152252786282009-01-21T10:00:00.000-08:002009-01-21T10:00:00.890-08:00Meet Etsy Artist & Potter: almapottery<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mVLMvhfYE1I/SXZ26V8KUQI/AAAAAAAAA5Q/yMXzgKR0XKE/s1600-h/almapottery.png"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5293549156714565890" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mVLMvhfYE1I/SXZ26V8KUQI/AAAAAAAAA5Q/yMXzgKR0XKE/s320/almapottery.png" border="0" /></a>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: <a href="http://almapottery.etsy.com/">http://almapottery.etsy.com/</a><br /><div>-Wendy Baylis</div><div>Dharma Designs</div><div><a href="http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/">http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/</a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3113091152393891740-1539386415225278628?l=dharmadesigns.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Dharma Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11850623390400993689noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3113091152393891740.post-38712142118531901532009-01-20T08:18:00.000-08:002009-01-20T08:18:00.218-08:00Meet Etsy Artist: tamrasart<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mVLMvhfYE1I/SXFc2aGozwI/AAAAAAAAA4w/JU4RhX2Uskg/s1600-h/tamrasart.png"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5292113126926896898" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 254px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mVLMvhfYE1I/SXFc2aGozwI/AAAAAAAAA4w/JU4RhX2Uskg/s320/tamrasart.png" border="0" /></a>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: <a href="http://tamrasart.etsy.com/">http://tamrasart.etsy.com/</a><br />-Wendy Baylis<br />Dharma Designs<br /><a href="http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/">http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3113091152393891740-3871214211853190153?l=dharmadesigns.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Dharma Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11850623390400993689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3113091152393891740.post-41230783594282609812009-01-19T10:00:00.000-08:002009-01-19T10:00:00.707-08:00Meet Etsy Metalsmith & Jewelry Artist: julsilver<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mVLMvhfYE1I/SW6LRzBu_hI/AAAAAAAAA4I/hdSEO6bEBzM/s1600-h/julsilver.png"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5291319750078430738" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 264px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mVLMvhfYE1I/SW6LRzBu_hI/AAAAAAAAA4I/hdSEO6bEBzM/s320/julsilver.png" border="0" /></a>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...<br /><br /><div>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: <a href="http://julsilver.etsy.com/">http://julsilver.etsy.com/</a></div><div>-Wendy Baylis</div><div>Dharma Designs</div><div><a href="http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/">http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/</a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3113091152393891740-4123078359428260981?l=dharmadesigns.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Dharma Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11850623390400993689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3113091152393891740.post-73290438973723628402009-01-18T08:00:00.000-08:002009-01-18T08:00:01.011-08:00Living the Good Life On A Budget: Montinore Wines<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mVLMvhfYE1I/SXFXsWv5XkI/AAAAAAAAA4Q/2Cug63zEJ1Y/s1600-h/montinore.png"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5292107456669376066" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 124px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mVLMvhfYE1I/SXFXsWv5XkI/AAAAAAAAA4Q/2Cug63zEJ1Y/s320/montinore.png" border="0" /></a><br /><div>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 (<a href="http://montinore.com/">http://montinore.com/</a>) or visit them if you're ever in the Forest Grove/Mcminnville area of Oregon.</div><div>-Wendy Baylis</div><div>Dharma Designs</div><div><a href="http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/">http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/</a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3113091152393891740-7329043897372362840?l=dharmadesigns.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Dharma Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11850623390400993689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3113091152393891740.post-7373025847564989612009-01-17T10:00:00.000-08:002009-01-17T10:00:00.299-08:00Meet Etsy Artist: schmooks<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mVLMvhfYE1I/SW5TDetSWQI/AAAAAAAAA34/2Vjtok1uLhc/s1600-h/schmooks.png"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5291257931454634242" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 315px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mVLMvhfYE1I/SW5TDetSWQI/AAAAAAAAA34/2Vjtok1uLhc/s320/schmooks.png" border="0" /></a>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: <a href="http://schmooks.etsy.com/">http://schmooks.etsy.com/</a><br /><p>-Wendy Baylis</p><p>Dharma Designs</p><p><a href="http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/">http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/</a></p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3113091152393891740-737302584756498961?l=dharmadesigns.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Dharma Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11850623390400993689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3113091152393891740.post-70929096206428556742009-01-16T10:00:00.000-08:002009-01-14T12:50:31.854-08:00Meet Etsy Artist: wireknot<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mVLMvhfYE1I/SW5P3zizwsI/AAAAAAAAA3w/8Q8o-fgs8G8/s1600-h/wireknot.png"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5291254432354517698" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 259px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mVLMvhfYE1I/SW5P3zizwsI/AAAAAAAAA3w/8Q8o-fgs8G8/s320/wireknot.png" border="0" /></a>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: <a href="http://wireknot.etsy.com/">http://wireknot.etsy.com/</a><br /><div>-Wendy Baylis</div><div>Dharma Designs</div><div><a href="http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/">http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/</a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3113091152393891740-7092909620642855674?l=dharmadesigns.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Dharma Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11850623390400993689noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3113091152393891740.post-42991556056280924572009-01-15T10:00:00.000-08:002009-01-15T10:00:00.300-08:00Meet Etsy Artist: Viskanstudio<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mVLMvhfYE1I/SW5NMgwbdRI/AAAAAAAAA3o/B6cZQViJfiI/s1600-h/Viskanstudio.png"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5291251489553741074" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mVLMvhfYE1I/SW5NMgwbdRI/AAAAAAAAA3o/B6cZQViJfiI/s320/Viskanstudio.png" border="0" /></a>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: <a href="http://viskanstudio.etsy.com/">http://viskanstudio.etsy.com/</a><br /><div>-Wendy Baylis</div><div>Dharma Designs</div><div><a href="http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/">http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/</a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3113091152393891740-4299155605628092457?l=dharmadesigns.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Dharma Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11850623390400993689noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3113091152393891740.post-79228519424814638252009-01-14T12:07:00.000-08:002009-01-14T12:21:46.164-08:00Meet Etsy Artist: JaneDaviesStudios<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mVLMvhfYE1I/SW5JSBp7tII/AAAAAAAAA3g/qn9jJjbgKFs/s1600-h/JaneDaviesStudios.png"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5291247186237699202" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 250px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mVLMvhfYE1I/SW5JSBp7tII/AAAAAAAAA3g/qn9jJjbgKFs/s320/JaneDaviesStudios.png" border="0" /></a>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: <a href="http://janedaviesstudios.etsy.com/">http://janedaviesstudios.etsy.com/</a><br /><div>-Wendy Baylis</div><div>Dharma Designs</div><div><a href="http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/">http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/</a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3113091152393891740-7922851942481463825?l=dharmadesigns.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Dharma Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11850623390400993689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3113091152393891740.post-54030841257490451702009-01-10T11:00:00.000-08:002009-01-10T11:00:00.253-08:00Meet Etsy Artist: Peggitha<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mVLMvhfYE1I/SWfNzGbhiGI/AAAAAAAAA3Y/k140BSfEsXE/s1600-h/peggitha.png"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5289422565153015906" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 270px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mVLMvhfYE1I/SWfNzGbhiGI/AAAAAAAAA3Y/k140BSfEsXE/s320/peggitha.png" border="0" /></a>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: <a href="http://peggitha.etsy.com/">http://peggitha.etsy.com/</a><br />-Wendy Baylis <p>Dharma Designs</p><p><a href="http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/">http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/</a></p><br /><div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3113091152393891740-5403084125749045170?l=dharmadesigns.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Dharma Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11850623390400993689noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3113091152393891740.post-41463634530873809382009-01-09T13:30:00.000-08:002009-01-09T14:02:50.294-08:00Meet Etsy Artist & Seamstress: robinseggpink<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mVLMvhfYE1I/SWfJebN6i-I/AAAAAAAAA3Q/DYkcpcLf1pc/s1600-h/robinseggpink.png"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5289417811909315554" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 253px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mVLMvhfYE1I/SWfJebN6i-I/AAAAAAAAA3Q/DYkcpcLf1pc/s320/robinseggpink.png" border="0" /></a>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: <a href="http://robinseggpink.etsy.com/">http://robinseggpink.etsy.com/</a>. A portion of the net proceeds from her sales on Etsy and her own site (<a href="http://robinseggpink.com/">http://robinseggpink.com/</a>) will be given to two wonderful organizations : The Hospital for Sick Children, and the Ontario Humane Society.<br />-Wendy Baylis<br /><div>Dharma Designs</div><div><a href="http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/">http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/</a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3113091152393891740-4146363453087380938?l=dharmadesigns.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Dharma Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11850623390400993689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3113091152393891740.post-16883835373351825062009-01-08T08:00:00.000-08:002009-01-08T08:00:00.257-08:00Meet Etsy Artist: SasColby<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mVLMvhfYE1I/SWVAaPU0ZTI/AAAAAAAAA3A/_h9HGGkPGg4/s1600-h/SasColby.png"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5288704156951143730" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 258px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mVLMvhfYE1I/SWVAaPU0ZTI/AAAAAAAAA3A/_h9HGGkPGg4/s320/SasColby.png" border="0" /></a>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: <a href="http://sascolby.esty.com/">http://sascolby.esty.com/</a><br /><div>-Wendy Baylis</div><div>Dharma Designs</div><div><a href="http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/">http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/</a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3113091152393891740-1688383537335182506?l=dharmadesigns.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Dharma Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11850623390400993689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3113091152393891740.post-17731424457199050462009-01-07T10:00:00.000-08:002009-01-07T10:00:07.406-08:00Meet Etsy Potter & Artist: PlumHome<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mVLMvhfYE1I/SWPvPoprV_I/AAAAAAAAA24/0j_giAB1p-Q/s1600-h/PlumHome.png"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5288333439352395762" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 292px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mVLMvhfYE1I/SWPvPoprV_I/AAAAAAAAA24/0j_giAB1p-Q/s320/PlumHome.png" border="0" /></a>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: <a href="http://plumhome.etsy.com/">http://plumhome.etsy.com/</a><br /><div>-Wendy Baylis</div><div>Dharma Designs</div><div><a href="http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/">http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/</a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3113091152393891740-1773142445719905046?l=dharmadesigns.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Dharma Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11850623390400993689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3113091152393891740.post-23794070481463317632009-01-06T10:00:00.000-08:002009-01-06T10:00:00.593-08:00Meet Etsy Artist: jangeisen<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mVLMvhfYE1I/SWFuUxkvHXI/AAAAAAAAA2o/oZUr1YO_7zk/s1600-h/jangeisen.png"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5287628740693532018" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 226px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mVLMvhfYE1I/SWFuUxkvHXI/AAAAAAAAA2o/oZUr1YO_7zk/s320/jangeisen.png" border="0" /></a>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: <a href="http://jangeisen.etsy.com/">http://jangeisen.etsy.com/</a><br /><div>-Wendy Baylis</div><div>Dharma Designs</div><div><a href="http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/">http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/</a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3113091152393891740-2379407048146331763?l=dharmadesigns.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Dharma Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11850623390400993689noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3113091152393891740.post-46987223095964864992009-01-05T10:00:00.000-08:002009-01-05T10:00:00.765-08:00Meet Etsy Artist: Antonella72<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mVLMvhfYE1I/SWFpFbGr5SI/AAAAAAAAA2g/pIDxpJ749U8/s1600-h/Antonella72.png"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5287622979405735202" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 297px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mVLMvhfYE1I/SWFpFbGr5SI/AAAAAAAAA2g/pIDxpJ749U8/s320/Antonella72.png" border="0" /></a>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 (<a href="http://www.cbl.ie/">http://www.cbl.ie/</a>), 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: <a href="http://antonella72.etsy.com/">http://antonella72.etsy.com/</a><br /><div>-Wendy Baylis</div><div>Dharma Designs</div><div><a href="http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/">http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/</a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3113091152393891740-4698722309596486499?l=dharmadesigns.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Dharma Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11850623390400993689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3113091152393891740.post-31449083047079578672009-01-04T16:57:00.000-08:002009-01-04T17:34:50.726-08:00Meet Etsy Artist: ejstoll<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mVLMvhfYE1I/SWFjn2oAjrI/AAAAAAAAA2Y/IoELJRB7slY/s1600-h/ejstoll.png"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5287616973839044274" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 252px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mVLMvhfYE1I/SWFjn2oAjrI/AAAAAAAAA2Y/IoELJRB7slY/s320/ejstoll.png" border="0" /></a>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 (<a href="http://ejstoll.etsy.com/">http://ejstoll.etsy.com/</a>) 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: <a href="http://ejstoll.etsy.com/">http://ejstoll.etsy.com/</a><br /><div>-Wendy Baylis</div><div>Dharma Designs</div><div><a href="http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/">http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/</a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3113091152393891740-3144908304707957867?l=dharmadesigns.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Dharma Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11850623390400993689noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3113091152393891740.post-63362885243239543652009-01-01T08:00:00.000-08:002009-01-01T08:00:00.481-08:00Meet Etsy Artist: redladyarts<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mVLMvhfYE1I/SVvUoUqSVJI/AAAAAAAAA2A/frh-hkhjTm8/s1600-h/redladyarts.png"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286052376855336082" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 131px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mVLMvhfYE1I/SVvUoUqSVJI/AAAAAAAAA2A/frh-hkhjTm8/s320/redladyarts.png" border="0" /></a>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...<br /><div>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: <a href="http://redladyarts.etsy.com/">http://redladyarts.etsy.com/</a></div><div><a href="http://redladyart.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">http://redladyart.com/</a></div><div><a href="http://sharonkshubert.blogspot.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">http://sharonkshubert.blogspot.com/</a></div><div>-Wendy Baylis</div><div>Dharma Designs</div><div><a href="http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/">http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/</a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3113091152393891740-6336288524323954365?l=dharmadesigns.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Dharma Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11850623390400993689noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3113091152393891740.post-233866049303259892008-12-31T08:00:00.000-08:002008-12-31T08:00:00.581-08:00Meet Etsy Jewelry Artist: carrieWdesigns<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mVLMvhfYE1I/SVkvnjryndI/AAAAAAAAA14/72_RrG5eRA0/s1600-h/carrieWdesigns.png"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285307994336304594" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 318px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mVLMvhfYE1I/SVkvnjryndI/AAAAAAAAA14/72_RrG5eRA0/s320/carrieWdesigns.png" border="0" /></a>"'Having patience along this journey' is the line I would use to describe myself these days," Carrie jokes. By day she is a teacher - and by night, a creative jewelry artist. At 30, she has a wonderful husband who is supportive of both her career and her art. Her jewelry making began two years ago when she had custom pieces created for her bridesmaids. "The artist who did the work, now a friend, led me to the right resources to begin," she explains. "I work with sterling silver, copper, pearls (my favorite) and semi-precious stones for the most part." Like many of us, she has a "serious addiction to beads." She has even gotten her mother into the craft. "When we shop for stones and findings, it is a marathon event." Her mother has always been an inspiration. "She is a true artist, teaching me everything I know about color and texture." One day she hopes to turn her passion into a full time career, but in the meantime she's enjoying the creative Etsy community. "I get great tips from the forums and always work on my photos. I relist items almost everyday, sometimes several times during the course of the day. I think relisting is one inexpensive way to get noticed and make sales." Please check out her shop: <a href="http://carriewdesigns.etsy.com/">http://carriewdesigns.etsy.com/</a><br /><div>-Wendy Baylis</div><div>Dharma Designs</div><div><a href="http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/">http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/</a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3113091152393891740-23386604930325989?l=dharmadesigns.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Dharma Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11850623390400993689noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3113091152393891740.post-28737457959384253182008-12-30T08:00:00.000-08:002008-12-30T08:00:00.651-08:00Meet Etsy Artist: rivermoonblossom<span style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ffff00"></span><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mVLMvhfYE1I/SVkslgf9plI/AAAAAAAAA1w/UtNlWy7QHJk/s1600-h/rivermoonblossom.png"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285304660586767954" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 251px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mVLMvhfYE1I/SVkslgf9plI/AAAAAAAAA1w/UtNlWy7QHJk/s320/rivermoonblossom.png" border="0" /></a>The talent behind Etsy shop rivermoonblossom is artist Strawberry Curls. She grew up in a bohemian artist household, "moving all over the place like traveling gypsies." They finally settled in Santa Fe, New Mexico where they found a thriving community of artists. "Because my parents are artists, I have been creating and making art as far back as I remember," she explains. "One of My earliest memories is drawing and collaging in my play area, which was under my mama's sewing machine. We used to sing folk songs together as she sewed her soft sculpture dolls." At the tender age of 10 that she made her first ceramic tile, but it was not love at first sight. "I was taking a children's artist workshop from a famous New Mexican artist, but the class was in an old, drafty warehouse and had no heat, so my hands were like ice on the clay..it was no fun...it took me another 16 years to find my way back to ceramics, but once I did, I was hooked." She draws and paints mystical designs with glazes on her handmade red clay tiles, firing them at a low heat, which brings out the vibrant colors she is known for. Much of her inspiration comes from her passion for world goddess traditions and women empowerment stories, although they are usually tempered with southwest culture and color. While Etsy is currently her hobby, she is working to make it a full time job, although she admits that she would feel compelled to create even if she made no money at all. She hopes to begin 2009 with the addition of prints of her fantastic tiles, paintings, and collages. "Treat Etsy like the friendly community that it is," she reminds. "Look at other shops, not just related to your medium. Mark favorites, chat in the forums and chat rooms, make treasuries, look at the most 'successful' Etsy shops to see what they are selling...make yourself visible and accessible." Please check out her shop: <a href="http://rivermoonblossom.etsy.com/">http://rivermoonblossom.etsy.com/</a><br />-Wendy Baylis<br />Dharma Designs<br /><a href="http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/">http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3113091152393891740-2873745795938425318?l=dharmadesigns.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Dharma Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11850623390400993689noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3113091152393891740.post-70906704910233535242008-12-19T17:04:00.001-08:002008-12-29T11:42:49.792-08:00Meet Etsy Artist: Starbourne<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mVLMvhfYE1I/SVkoGqyacYI/AAAAAAAAA1o/gZME-5R_lh0/s1600-h/Starbourne.png"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285299732726051202" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 256px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mVLMvhfYE1I/SVkoGqyacYI/AAAAAAAAA1o/gZME-5R_lh0/s320/Starbourne.png" border="0" /></a>Starbourne describes herself as "a retired Grandma (Bubbe to those that love me) living bliss in sunny south FL, visiting my children and grandchildren all over the country, and creating through my crafting passions (which, thankfully, I can take with me when and wherever I travel)." After many years in executive management, she made a life change in her "senior wisdom years" and became a licensed esthetician. "This gave me great joy, not only in working in the healing field (which I had done many years doing aura photography), but working with other healers. It gave me the opportunity to use so many healing modalities; color energy, infra red energy, Reiki, aroma therapy, and so much more." Although she is now following her artistic passions, she still keeps in touch with the holistic community. Her fist love is cross-stitch, although she is also interested in (and may I say an expert at) 3 dimensional art, which she learned from her daughter who is a Graphic Designer and fellow Etsian as well (you may see her work at <a href="http://ashrajudaica.etsy.com/" target="_blank">AshraJudaica.etsy.com</a>). She also works on what she calls "'Mindful Bracelets' - A Tool for Change." She admits that she is "always in learning mode, so am open to learning anything new that piques my interest." Her inspiration comes from "all things beautiful, mystical, magical and spiritual." Etsy has been an excellent gateway for her to connect with people and she looks forward to networking with like-minded artists. Please check out her shop: <a href="http://starbourne.etsy.com/">http://starbourne.etsy.com/</a><br /><div>-Wendy Baylis</div><div>Dharma Designs</div><div><a href="http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/">http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com</a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3113091152393891740-7090670491023353524?l=dharmadesigns.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Dharma Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11850623390400993689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3113091152393891740.post-71991500720410675442008-12-15T10:03:00.000-08:002008-12-15T10:19:51.045-08:00Living the Good Life On A Budget: Trader Joe'sI've always loved Trader Joe's, but as prices rise even at bargain places like <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Winco</span>, I'm appreciating <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">TJ's</span> even more. All of their products are organic, healthy, fair trade - and d<span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">elicious</span>. They have a new product called a "Take Home <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Thali</span> For Two," which is basically an Indian dinner for $3.99! It includes rice, yellow lentils, and a potato & pea curry. Pair it with their classic or <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">masala style</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">naan</span> (flat bread) and tomato chutney and you'd swear it came from a restaurant. I never have high hopes from Indian food in a box, but I was totally impressed! It cooked up so well in the microwave it seemed like it came off the stove top. Their <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">multi grain</span> vegetable <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">lasagna</span> is absolutely fabulous, as are their fish tacos with cilantro sauce (both found in the freezer section). Their breaded eggplant cutlets are perfect for making your own Eggplant <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Parmesan</span> (just bake the cutlets as directed, add cheese and marinara <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">sauce</span> - I love Paul Newman's, but I'm willing to bet <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">TJ's</span> makes a good one, too). Their artisan cheeses are top notch and nearly half what you'd pay elsewhere. My three favorites are their blue cheese, brie, and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">cambrazola</span> - which is like brie and blue cheese in one. They also happen to make the best tortillas and salsa <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">verde</span>. This salsa is so good it's hard to believe it's fat free, low calorie, and good for you. I use it for salad dressing, too - and it would be great with eggs (<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">juevos</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">rancheros</span>). They <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">also</span> carry a huge selection of reasonably priced beer and wine, so you can really make dinner in feel like dinner out. If you haven't checked out Trader Joe's yet, put it on your To Do list. I guarantee you'll love it...<br />-Wendy <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">Baylis</span><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">Dharma</span> Designs<br /><a href="http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/">http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3113091152393891740-7199150072041067544?l=dharmadesigns.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Dharma Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11850623390400993689noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3113091152393891740.post-83140587914523853812008-12-09T16:45:00.000-08:002008-12-09T16:59:52.391-08:00Living the Good Life On A Budget: The Grocery Outlet; My New Favorite Store...OK - I admit it - I'm a bit of a wine snob and "gourmand," but my pay and hours have been cut by almost 1/3 due to the struggling economy. I have to have my wine and brie. What to do, what to do??? Fret no more - Grocery Outlet to the rescue! First of all, they carry wine and beer. How cool is that? I just had a glass of Glory Days Voignier that I picked up there for a mere $3.99 a bottle. I bought a few other brands for $2.99! Some of my other recent finds have been an Oreo cheesecake for $1.99 with real name-brand Oreos, not the cheap knock-off stuff, frozen Indian food microwave dinners for $1.99 (the same brand others carry for a whopping $5), and the most Delicious Greek yogurt with honey for .50! I even got a HUGE bag of fresh red and yellow bell peppers for $1.99 that I cut up in slices and threw in the freezer for fajitas later in the week. This place is freaking AWESOME!!! You simply have to check it out - especially as prices are even rising at bargain grocers such as Winco. And remember - the items are always changing, giving you a great variety. Hopefully there's one near you. If so - what are your favorite finds?<br />-Wendy Baylis<br />Dharma Designs<br /><a href="http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/">http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3113091152393891740-8314058791452385381?l=dharmadesigns.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Dharma Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11850623390400993689noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3113091152393891740.post-68986524052797726882008-12-06T07:29:00.001-08:002008-12-06T07:40:42.461-08:00Living the good life - on a budget: series coming soon...Let's face it - most of us have been hit by the struggling economy. Stocks are down, work hours are being cut - and worse yet - lay-offs and unemployment abound. As if that isn't bad enough, there doesn't seem to be any light at the end of the tunnel. So - how can we cut costs but still enjoy the good life? I have come up with a few ideas, tips, and tricks - and will post them soon in a series of features. I may even have a contest for the best submitted suggestion with a yet-to-be-determined prize. See you soon...<br />-Wendy Baylis<br />Dharma Designs<br /><a href="http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/">http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3113091152393891740-6898652405279772688?l=dharmadesigns.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Dharma Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11850623390400993689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3113091152393891740.post-6433595678089459892008-12-02T16:29:00.000-08:002008-12-02T16:46:56.761-08:00Meet Etsy Artist: gerebdesign<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mVLMvhfYE1I/STXW6V7gckI/AAAAAAAAA1I/OHXlgnkqyr4/s1600-h/gerebdesign.png"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5275358836341895746" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 250px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mVLMvhfYE1I/STXW6V7gckI/AAAAAAAAA1I/OHXlgnkqyr4/s320/gerebdesign.png" border="0" /></a>Izabela Gereb studied furniture design and graduated with a Master's Degree in Art Nouveau furniture from a University in Brasov in Romania. "I never had a chance to actually use my knowledge of Art Nouveau, but 'C’est la vie,'" she jokes. She spent much of her adolescence in museums and galleries - and considers this the most important part of her education. She later studied drawing and painting techniques in galleries in Montreal, Canada. Truly a unique artist, she even made her own clothing. "When I lived in Paris many times women actually wanted to buy whatever I was wearing on the spot." Her real joy comes from "making fun staff out of useless objects." She explains, "Basically most of my home accessories and furniture I developed primary from discarded materials. For example the series of portraits on MDF blocks was born because my neighbours furniture makers had lots of MDF pieces going straight to the garbage. I sold tons of these prints on canvas on unwanted MDF frames." She has designed and built thousands of "unique and crazy" furniture pieces and painted literally hundreds of paintings, selling every single one. "I am a product of split heritage and background," she says, "Polish and Canadian, artist and designer rolled into one." A part of many cultures, she speaks eight languages and "feel(s) at home in many places on this planet." Currently she lives on Vancouver Island where she continues her interested and exploration of human nature. You can view more of her work at <a href="http://www.gerebdesign.com./">http://www.gerebdesign.com./</a> check out her shop: <a href="http://gerebdesign.etsy.com/">http://gerebdesign.etsy.com/</a><br /><div>-Wendy Baylis</div><div>Dharma Designs</div><div><a href="http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/">http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/</a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3113091152393891740-643359567808945989?l=dharmadesigns.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Dharma Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11850623390400993689noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3113091152393891740.post-22266798974924557562008-11-29T18:18:00.000-08:002008-11-29T18:35:28.316-08:00Mumbai: In ugliness there is beauty...<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mVLMvhfYE1I/STH7ueknRfI/AAAAAAAAA04/yjAK5lakuzI/s1600-h/Muslims+for+peace.png"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5274273414526748146" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 190px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mVLMvhfYE1I/STH7ueknRfI/AAAAAAAAA04/yjAK5lakuzI/s320/Muslims+for+peace.png" border="0" /></a>Having just returned from India a week ago I was saddened to hear of the terrorist attacks in Mumbai. My heart is broken knowing so many innocent Indians and foreign tourists were hurt or killed in the 60 hour siege. In my recent travels I met many wonderful Indian people who were generous and welcoming - and supportive of the US. In the wake of this tragedy I hope the entire world comes together in peace and healing and forges an understanding and acceptance of all cultures and faiths. This Reuters photo brought me to tears in the wake of this tragic event - and I think it is important people remember that not all Muslims are extremists or terrorists. With more people like this beautiful child we WILL persevere in world peace. What ever the religion of the victims, I hope their God/s or Goddess/es bless them and carry their souls to their hearts. Join me in working for world peace - and please put it into effect through tolerance, acceptance, and love. Best wishes...<br /><div>-Wendy Baylis</div><div>Dharma Designs<br /><a href="http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/">http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/</a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3113091152393891740-2226679897492455756?l=dharmadesigns.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Dharma Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11850623390400993689noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3113091152393891740.post-52630870379266729942008-11-29T16:26:00.000-08:002008-11-29T16:46:43.680-08:00Meet Etsy Artist: elsiee<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mVLMvhfYE1I/STHiWs8SJXI/AAAAAAAAA0o/uvuz3RSTnZo/s1600-h/elsiee.png"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5274245518276568434" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mVLMvhfYE1I/STHiWs8SJXI/AAAAAAAAA0o/uvuz3RSTnZo/s320/elsiee.png" border="0" /></a>Elsie Echevarria is the talent behind Etsy shop "Namaste Designs" via her user ID elsiee. "My daughter is an amazing artist and beautiful soul, who has been my biggest source of joy and inspiration for the past 20 years," she gushes. And her mother is "a super independent, strong, fashionable, jewelry collecting, travel crazy woman." When her daughter left for art school in Vancouver her mother asked her to join her on yearly trips and "two big amazing changes in my life came together – I started attending jewelry making classes to fill my achingly empty nest and my mom and I started traveling to exotic places together." In the last two years they've been to exotic locales such as Egypt, South Africa, India, and Nepal. It was the latter that captured her heart. "My Etsy shop Namaste Designs opened when we returned from Nepal in June 08," she explains. "It was the trip of a lifetime (happily my daughter and husband joined Mom and I on this trip)." With her long time love of Buddha and goddess imagery - and "never )having) met a chunky stone or bead (she) didn’t love – Nepalese and Tibetan crafts struck a chord and inspired her to share her jewelry via Etsy. "I’ve never thought of myself as crafty or much less artistic, I’m the stereotypical 'can’t draw a straight line' girl, but sometimes, when I look at beads and stones, they become images of fantastical jewelry pieces in my mind," she admits. "Sometimes the entire design comes together in my head while they’re still on their original strands...sometimes the beads put up a valiant fight, but making bold beautiful pieces brings me so much joy, it keeps me up late many, many nights." As dedicated as she is to her new joy, by day she is a Marriage & Family Therapist with her own private practice. While she doesn't have any immediate plans for her Etsy shop, she hopes to "continue to befriend and be inspired by all of the crazy amazing local Etsy women that I’m so blessed to be surrounded by." Please check out her shop: <a href="http://elsiee.etsy.com/">http://elsiee.etsy.com/</a><br /><div>-Wendy Baylis</div><div>Dharma Designs</div><div>http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3113091152393891740-5263087037926672994?l=dharmadesigns.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Dharma Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11850623390400993689noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3113091152393891740.post-13063957352745330692008-11-24T08:55:00.000-08:002008-11-25T15:56:51.933-08:00Meet Etsy Photographer: Photopia<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mVLMvhfYE1I/SSyQuIC-zJI/AAAAAAAAA0g/HBVCsMSm9gE/s1600-h/photopia.png"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5272748385852378258" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 252px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mVLMvhfYE1I/SSyQuIC-zJI/AAAAAAAAA0g/HBVCsMSm9gE/s320/photopia.png" border="0" /></a>Vanessa grew up in Hong Kong, but later moved to Vancouver, BC for high school. She moved yet again t0 Berkeley, California for college and has been there ever since. "My full time job is in a field that is completely unrelated to creativity," she explains. "I am a health care finance consultant working for corporate America. Despite my career choice, I feel that deep down inside I am a creative soul." Aside from photography, she is an avid knitter (<a href="http://knitopia.etsy.com/" target="_blank">knitopia.etsy.com</a>), but it is her ethereal photos that caught my eye. "I think because I have lived in different places and have been exposed to different cultures and the fact that I love traveling really open(ed) up my mind to new ideas and new perspectives. When I travel to new places is when my creative juices start flowing - unstoppable," she jokes. "There is so much beauty in this world. In the traditional sense, we have sunsets, natural landscapes, amazing architecture, all of which I love to photograph. But I also find beauty in the mundane, be it (the) flicker of a candle, a single rose, or even a cup. A good photographer can also turn something ugly in the traditional sense into a meaningful beautiful image capture." Photography has always fascinated her. "As a kid, without proper guidance and exposure, there were more disappointments than success," she remembers. "A big part of it was also that in the old days good quality photographic equipment was much less accessible to the general public because of price and technology; nowadays with the advent of digital photography and falling prices, it is relatively easy to get hold of reasonably good equipment, which in turns enables me to improve at a really fast pace." Surprisingly she took a break from her first love - and has only rekindled it fairly recently. "I have had my Etsy store since February of this year," she is proud to say. "Since it has not been that long, I honestly am still trying to find my own style and niche." While she experiments with a wide range f subjects, she admits she tends to gravitate toward "minimalism and simple geometry and lines within each frame." The peace and serenity of zen-like natural motifs also show up in her work. "Have confidence in your art and don't ever give up," she reminds her fellow Etsians. Please check out her shop: <a href="http://photopia.etsy.com/">http://photopia.etsy.com/</a><br /><div>-Wendy Baylis</div><br /><div>Dharma Designs</div><br /><div><a href="http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/">http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/</a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3113091152393891740-1306395735274533069?l=dharmadesigns.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Dharma Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11850623390400993689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3113091152393891740.post-37743967194441855542008-11-20T09:15:00.000-08:002008-11-20T09:15:00.778-08:00Meet Etsy Artist: margotbianca<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mVLMvhfYE1I/SQk1lbD6XKI/AAAAAAAAA0I/kxwE5zVRhyQ/s1600-h/margotbianca.png"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5262796556594732194" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 302px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mVLMvhfYE1I/SQk1lbD6XKI/AAAAAAAAA0I/kxwE5zVRhyQ/s320/margotbianca.png" border="0" /></a>While finishing up her printmaking studies Margot created a functional line of batik "to take my mind off of my thesis on the weekends." After graduating she discovered selling her beautiful wares was a great addition to her income. "Making pieces that are small, inexpensive, useful and appeal to a wide audience is key to a production line," she explains of her creations. She definitely focuses on her eccentric artist side, too; "I like to keep my schedule flexible, to avoid having to take a job that gets in the way of me making new work, traveling for shows and residencies, and the other schedule-disrupting activities that are inherent to life as an artist." She enjoys the fact that making functional art is a nice break from fine art. "I can learn a lot about color interaction and the nature of different fibers when I'm not being uptight about creating work with content. The repetitive nature of creating a functional line frees my mind up to consider solutions to dead ends or visual problems in my drawings, prints, project proposals or plans for installations. It also helps me practice not getting offended and frozen by negative responses to my work. If someone doesn't like a batik dishtowel, who cares?" She finds inspiration everywhere - from ambient light, color, lines, and good food." Even a few of her dreams and a cup of coffee or two has influenced her colorful work. Each batik is made with antique Indonesian stamps "that were themselves created by hand." She explains, "the stamps were made to help crafters create less expensive textiles for the European market at the turn of the century. So the designs have this strange mix of Asian aesthetic, made for a European audience. I've collected these beautiful objects from auctions, estate sales, junk stores and collectors." She has painstakingly cleaned and repaired them, learned how to use them, and now creates her earthy, functional art with them. "Figuring out how to use each one is like a little puzzle: some of them were designed to interlock, others are smaller parts of a larger intricate design, and some are still mysteries. It's a great challenge for me to find out how to to give them a new life." Please check out her shop: <a href="http://margotbianca.etsy.com/">http://margotbianca.etsy.com</a><br />-Wendy Baylis<br />Dharma Designs<br /><a href="http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/">http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3113091152393891740-3774396719444185554?l=dharmadesigns.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Dharma Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11850623390400993689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3113091152393891740.post-38275612373145471632008-11-17T08:53:00.000-08:002008-11-17T08:53:00.759-08:00Meet Etsy Jewelry Artist: SkylarkStudio<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mVLMvhfYE1I/SQk0f7zBz7I/AAAAAAAAA0A/-eu8wTQat1k/s1600-h/SkylarkStudio.png"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5262795362791444402" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 229px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mVLMvhfYE1I/SQk0f7zBz7I/AAAAAAAAA0A/-eu8wTQat1k/s320/SkylarkStudio.png" border="0" /></a>Karen lives in the "heart of Pennsylvania Dutch country...It's pretty wild (seriously!)." She's been a textbook example of a librarian for an Art History department at her local college for the last several years. "I spent my days looking at thousands of pictures of art. It was inspiring if not overwhelming at times," she explains. In contrast, she has also commuted to New York to work with several design firms. "(I'd) wake up with the cows, then (be) on the subway by 9:00 am. It was too much." She finds inspiration in "classic timeless patterns, motifs, subjects - things that don't go out of style...I love looking at design magazines from years past to see what was a fad and what was a classic." Living in a rural area, she is also inspired by a group of fellow artists. "We're determined to be successful even though we live on the outskirts of where it's all 'happening.'" she jokes. "We all really believe in trying to stay true to yourself and your talents without being part of the elite style machine." Working <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">primarily</span> with sterling silver, she creates chic contemporary designs that often have an ethnic feel. "I really want my pieces to last and be worn for years...I like things that look stark and tough but a little fancy at the same time." She started metalwork in <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">high school</span>, but didn't really focus on her craft until last year. "I'm giving this a go as my job right now, we'll see if it takes off," she laughs. "I really love <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Etsy</span>, the whole concept of it is really amazing. I'd like to get more involved in the forums, talking to other <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">crafters</span> and getting advice and moral support. I love doing location searches for my area, there are so many <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">crafters</span> hiding out in the country!" Currently she's working on a cohesive theme for her shop, which includes complementary packaging, banners, business cards, etc. "I think (B&M) stores might be more willing to sell your product if they see you've really thought it through," she advises. Please check out her shop: <a href="http://skylarkstudio.etsy.com/">http://skylarkstudio.etsy.com/</a> <div>-Wendy <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Baylis</span></div><div><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Dharma</span> Designs</div><div><a href="http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/">http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/</a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3113091152393891740-3827561237314547163?l=dharmadesigns.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Dharma Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11850623390400993689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3113091152393891740.post-69000180477510332222008-11-10T08:33:00.000-08:002008-11-10T08:33:00.648-08:00Meet Etsy Jewelry Artist: chendric<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mVLMvhfYE1I/SQkvJ_jvnJI/AAAAAAAAAz4/5hRni-FzlMk/s1600-h/chendric.png"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5262789488285818002" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 283px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mVLMvhfYE1I/SQkvJ_jvnJI/AAAAAAAAAz4/5hRni-FzlMk/s320/chendric.png" border="0" /></a>Cheryl Hendric is a "chronic wanderer, settled for the meantime in Boston with my boyfriend and two cats." She's originally from the Midwest, but studied abroad in Denmark and has even worked and volunteered in Thailand and Nepal. Her current work will lead her to Africa later this year. "These places I’ve been and the people met along the way continue to inspire me and my designs," she explains of her fascination with exotic landscapes and cultures. Her interest in science and nature can also be seen in some of her metalwork. "I love the versatility of silver, but I also need color in my life - bright color." She aims to keep her designs simple enough for every day wear, but still unique, "whether that be through the use of an unusual stone, intriguing texture, or bold color." A lifelong crafter and artist, she recalls the unfortunate incidents where she played a role in her second grade teacher having her lamination privileges revoked. "I had her laminate so much of my artwork," she jokingly admits. She has "experimented with pottery, pastels, candle making, soap making, and bookbinding, but my love for silver and gemstones has kept drawing me back to jewelry." In regards to her photographs, she has always admired her fellow Etsy artists, but "it wasn’t until my trip to Nepal that I decided to share my photographs with others; the country and the culture were so amazing that I felt guilty not sharing some of the images that I had captured during my time there." Etsy started out as a hobby, but she soon realized how satisfying it was to create for others. "Although I consider this a business, I do have a day-job working on malnutrition research and interventions in Africa as part of a large international development project," she says. She hopes to share her work with the world through Etsy - "and it would be nice to sell more than I buy on Etsy." Please check out her shop: <a href="http://chendric.etsy.com/">http://chendric.etsy.com/</a><br /><div>-Wendy Baylis</div><div>Dharma Designs</div><div><a href="http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/">http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/</a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3113091152393891740-6900018047751033222?l=dharmadesigns.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Dharma Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11850623390400993689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3113091152393891740.post-81028987124462491292008-11-02T08:20:00.000-08:002008-11-02T08:20:00.524-08:00Meet Etsy Jewelry Artist: Hint<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mVLMvhfYE1I/SQkqoouOhuI/AAAAAAAAAzw/9GyY18U1ub0/s1600-h/Hint.png"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5262784517173577442" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 313px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 260px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mVLMvhfYE1I/SQkqoouOhuI/AAAAAAAAAzw/9GyY18U1ub0/s320/Hint.png" border="0" /></a>Beth is "drawn to images of the natural world and universal myths." She studied Art History and has worked as a curator of ancient art, and admits most of her "imagery comes from looking at Mesopotamian, Egyptian, Greek, Roman, and Asian art." She is also interested in patterns found in nature that are artistically integrated into textiles. She describes her craft as "creating universal stories in metal." She doesn't just make jewelry, but keepsakes she hopes are cherished like precious mementos. "People have described my artistic style as the Wild West meets the Far East," she laughs. "I try to infuse my jewelry with the rustic atmosphere of the American West and the simplicity of Asian design." She's been a sculptor for over 20 years and only recently began creating jewelry. "I had been looking for a media that would allow me to work in miniature and create objects that were intimately connected to the body and sensuality. I wanted people to be able to touch and hold my sculptures." Etsy provides her with a way "to connect with kindred spirits and celebrate creativity." She recommends fellow artists "create what you love not what you think people will like, and allow others an opportunity to gravitate towards that beauty. Continue to define and refine your vision based on your internal voice." Please check out her shop: <a href="http://hint.etsy.com/">http://hint.etsy.com/</a><br /><div>-Wendy Baylis</div><div>Dharma Designs</div><div><a href="http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/">http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/</a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3113091152393891740-8102898712446249129?l=dharmadesigns.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Dharma Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11850623390400993689noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3113091152393891740.post-7170245454946950632008-10-31T08:02:00.000-07:002008-10-31T08:02:00.991-07:00Meet Etsy Artist: annyschoo<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mVLMvhfYE1I/SQkm8Ng7_NI/AAAAAAAAAzo/AbE3la0BXXQ/s1600-h/annyschoo.png"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5262780455420951762" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 156px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mVLMvhfYE1I/SQkm8Ng7_NI/AAAAAAAAAzo/AbE3la0BXXQ/s320/annyschoo.png" border="0" /></a>Anny (shu hua) grew up in Taiwan, "a beautiful island." Not surprisingly, a lot of her pieces display an Asian flair. She studied sewing in high school and worked as a teacher for 10 years before becoming a stay at home Mom. "I started to make fabric toys for my daughter to play with," she explains. Last year she moved to Colorado with her family, which inspired her to bring her creativity into fruition. "I love to make cute things," she admits, "practical items for homes and my daughter. But I really LOVE making Asian inspired things." She is fascinated with ancient history and folk art. Her Etsy shop is still just a hobby for now, as she's chosen to devote her time to raising her daughter. "I am grateful to have Etsy as a place to expose my handmade ideas and see what that will lead to." She says Etsy is a great place to meet like minded artists and believes everyone should try their hand at making something. "(When) we create something the process and value is just amazing. We make the world beautiful with handmade." Please check out her shop: <a href="http://annyschoo.etsy.com/">http://annyschoo.etsy.com/</a><br /><div>-Wendy Baylis</div><br /><div>Dharma Designs</div><br /><div><a href="http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/">http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/</a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3113091152393891740-717024545494695063?l=dharmadesigns.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Dharma Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11850623390400993689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3113091152393891740.post-18087394374349963012008-10-23T14:56:00.000-07:002008-10-23T15:01:33.071-07:00Casting Call: Need new artists to profile...Namaste! As I get ready for my trip to India and Nepal I want to prewrite artist features to cover the days I'm away. If you make something by hand - be it art, jewelry, or even every day items - let me know. I just may feature you and your art. Please note that due to the number of submissions I may not be able to feature everyone...Please send submissions to <a href="mailto:dharmadesigns@yahoo.com">dharmadesigns@yahoo.com</a>.<br />Thanks,<br />Wendy Baylis<br />Dharma Designs<br /><a href="http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/">http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3113091152393891740-1808739437434996301?l=dharmadesigns.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Dharma Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11850623390400993689noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3113091152393891740.post-38135346300827492172008-10-20T09:43:00.000-07:002008-10-20T10:10:08.247-07:00Meet Etsy Artist: RayofCreation<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mVLMvhfYE1I/SPy7WRuSSmI/AAAAAAAAAzg/OpQF3-iKgIY/s1600-h/RayofCreation.png"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259284456250952290" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mVLMvhfYE1I/SPy7WRuSSmI/AAAAAAAAAzg/OpQF3-iKgIY/s320/RayofCreation.png" border="0" /></a>Tandi is part of the nonprofit art collective known as RayofCreation. This talented group of artists from New Mexico make a wide range of crafts in hopes of spreading peace and love. "I've always been involved in arts and crafts, starting at home with a 'crafty' Mom and an 'always-building-something' Dad," Tandi admits, "then in college I found myself drawn to design and majored in architecture." Like many of us, she wasn't particularly interested in the "9-5 business life." Instead, she travelled around the world, visiting India, Thailand, Nepal, and Europe. She found herself drawn to spirituality. "I found that meditation and a Buddhist perspective seemed to fit me the best, and spent some time practicing Vipassana." Originally from the Northwest, after years of travelling she eventually found herself in the Southwest. "I came here for the sunshine and found a really great community quite unexpectedly." She finds inspiration in "textures and colors, how the material feels in my hand, it's qualities in light. With papers, I love to spend time just laying different pieces next to each other to see how they interact and blend. With gemstones, there is the vibe of each stone, plus how the light passes through...Each piece I work on is really about creating a feel that will give the intended impression...often I find myself going for qualities like being harmonious, beautiful, calming, balanced, and subtle." All of these aspects are beautifully showcased in her earthy, natural style - from her cards to her jewelry. "For me crafting is a way to take a break from everything, enjoy the moment, and just practice seeing and creating without any pressure. It's a pleasure." Please check out her shop: <a href="http://rayofcreation.etsy.com/">http://rayofcreation.etsy.com/</a><br /><div>-Wendy Baylis</div><div>Dharma Designs</div><div><a href="http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/">http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/</a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3113091152393891740-3813534630082749217?l=dharmadesigns.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Dharma Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11850623390400993689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3113091152393891740.post-26665122033493447392008-10-13T17:08:00.000-07:002008-10-13T17:20:46.505-07:00Meet Etsy Artist: Nguyen Van Gio courtessy of his niece Alicia<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mVLMvhfYE1I/SPPlwU6YBTI/AAAAAAAAAzQ/gAUYfNisbfg/s1600-h/alicianguyen.png"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5256797808481535282" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mVLMvhfYE1I/SPPlwU6YBTI/AAAAAAAAAzQ/gAUYfNisbfg/s320/alicianguyen.png" border="0" /></a>The other day I stumbled across some amazingly heartfelt renditions and portraits of real life in Vietnam. Each piece is not just a portrait or still life, but a window to another world, another time. "My uncle is the real artist," Alicia says of the Etsy shop she created to showcase her uncle's work. "I am just posting his art on Etsy because I admire his art." Nguyen Van Gio lives in Vietnam and often creates his beautiful works on rice paper. He graduated from the Ecole National Superior des Beaux Arts (Superior National School of Fine Arts) in 1968 and his work can be seen in many galleries in homeland as well as the Etsy shop his niece created for him. Please check out his work: <a href="http://alicianguyen.etsy.com/">http://alicianguyen.etsy.com/</a><br /><div>-Wendy Baylis</div><div>Dharma Designs</div><div><a href="http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/">http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/</a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3113091152393891740-2666512203349344739?l=dharmadesigns.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Dharma Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11850623390400993689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3113091152393891740.post-46911497882461215472008-09-17T09:15:00.000-07:002008-09-17T09:24:14.660-07:00Meet Etsy Artist: Inor<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mVLMvhfYE1I/SNEvFvCN4EI/AAAAAAAAAzA/XWMp-mZkL_0/s1600-h/Inor.png"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5247026816434954306" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mVLMvhfYE1I/SNEvFvCN4EI/AAAAAAAAAzA/XWMp-mZkL_0/s320/Inor.png" border="0" /></a><br /><div>I was lucky enough to stumble upon another fantastic artist on her first day on Etsy. She has been creating in one form or another her entire life, but has recently been inspired by Buddha's teachings and "felt inspired to express (her) gratitude through drawing." She "look(s) forward to sharing more images and (has) hopes for some prosperity." Please check out her shop: <a href="http://inor.etsy.com/">http://inor.etsy.com/</a></div><div>-Wendy Baylis</div><div>Dharma Designs</div><div><a href="http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/">http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/</a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3113091152393891740-4691149788246121547?l=dharmadesigns.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Dharma Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11850623390400993689noreply@blogger.com3