Meet Etsy Artist & Sculptor: starshinegallery

Aside from being an artist, Patricia Bill owns a small art gallery and antique shop in Southern Ontario, near Niagara Falls. "Of course, being located so near a natural wonder I am inspired by nature," she admits, "particularly animals; they are the center of most of my creations." Her town is surrounded by countryside, so "wildlife is a constant source of amazement and amusement." She also jokes, "I'm inspired by my dog, who is the wildest life around here!" She has always been "absorbed" by one project or another, and continues her craft even while working at her gallery. "Although I have some graphic art training, I am self taught when it comes to acrylic painting, clay sculpture, mixed media sculpture, and occasionally stained glass. My art has a playful and whimsical quality." She is new to Etsy, but enjoys the creative community. "My goal is to find the joy in each day and reflect that in my work," she says. She advises fellow Etsians to "love what you do, do it as well as you possibly can, and enjoy every moment of it." Please check out her shop: http://starshinegallery.etsy.com/

-Wendy Baylis

Dharma Designs

http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/

Meet Etsy Clay Artist: ArtsyClay

Illinois native ArtsyClay relocated to North Carolina in 1979. She earned a degree in journalism and, besides Etsy, works as a professional writer and photographer - and choir director at her church. She is also married with four sons and six grandchildren.

ArtsyClay's polymer creations are eclectic and whimsical. She has a wide range of products available from jewelry to ornaments. "I try to strike a happy balance between making designs that sell well and coming up with new designs to keep life exciting." She grew up crafting with her mother and cousins, which led to persuits in drawing, stained glass, handmade paper, rubber stamping, greeting cards, and candle making. It wasn't until 1997 that she discovered polymer clay. "I love the endless possibilities of color, texture, layers and embellishments, and the constantly evolving techniques that I can learn from books or on the internet."

Although Etsy is a "fairly serious hobby," ArtsyClay has been featured in several galleries and continues to do local craft shows. Her goal is to "brighten the world with (her) imagination and love that goes into each piece (she) creates, and to treat each customer as a friend."

"Love what you do," she advises. "Always do your best. Treat your customers as you would like to be treated. When you’re tired or burned out, take a break and do something nourishing for your soul." Good advice! Please check out her shop: http://artsyclay.etsy.com/

-Wendy Baylis

Dharma Designs

http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/