Chicago designer Nick Paul teaches Glassblowing and Glass Fusing in his spare time - and creates unique glasses from upcycled bottles. "The recycled bottle idea came from the need for more drinking glasses for a party," he explains. "The studio I work at throws these massive benefit parties were they give away hand made cups at the door. Each time there's a party we try and make five hundred or more cups...we were running short and somebody asked if it was possible to turn a bottle into a drinking glass." His unusual creations were a hit and sold better than the other glasses, so he ran with it. "I wouldn't really describe the recycled cup thing as my style," he jokes. "I'm a glassblower. I just happen to be able to turn recycled bottles into drinking glasses and vases." He's been at his craft for 8 years, but has only repurposed bottles for 2. He describes glassblowing as "a hobby that just so happens to pay." He started Etsy with the goal of making a little extra money for a car, but got such a positive response that he decided to stick with it. "Now I'm out there promoting myself and Etsy like crazy." He admits it's been a lot of fun, though. He advises his fellow artists also promote the site. "By getting others involved it helps spread the word." Please check out his shop: http://nickpaul.etsy.com/
Friday, February 13, 2009
Meet Etsy Glass Artist: nickpaul
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Meet Etsy Metalsmith & Artist: mollyheltsleydesigns
Molly, now 49, didn't discover her "creative groove" until the age of 45. "Too busy raising a family I guess," she explains. All of her pieces are created with recycled materials and found objects. "The word of Buddha inspire me, it's very empowering to know that all the strength I need to embrace life, comes from within. I hope my pieces send peaceful thoughts and action to every corner of the world I send them," she says. I was lucky enough to find the gorgeous Buddha cuff bracelet pictured above and purchase it from her Etsy shop before anyone else found it. When she started making jewelry a year ago she was advised to "make less peace and Buddha stuff and you will probably do OK." But, always the rebel, she decided to make only what she wanted. "I can't handle any more business, so that tells me people are crying out for unusual organic pieces." she says. It began as a hobby but is quickly turning into a successful business. She's found re-listing to be helpful, but above all else recommends her fellow artists stay true to themselves. "Don't try to design to please others, and most of all focus on PEACE in every aspect of your life." Please check out her shop: http://mollyheltsleydesigns.etsy.com/
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Recycled Ecofriendly birth announcements with a twist from RecycledIdeas...
RecycledIdeas is a fellow Etsian I respect and admire very much. She is dedicated to preserving animals and their habitats and - of course - recycling. She has found ways to reuse every day objects that many people throw away. They are not only functional, but beautiful as well. This next find is so cool and so ingenious on so many levels I don't even know where to begin. It's a birth announcement made of recycled paper and embedded with seeds, so the recipient can cultivate a variety of seedlings. It's symbolic of the whole birth and growth process and while it announces a new footprint onto this planet, it helps reduce our current carbon footprint. I am just astounded by her depth of creativity that I am truly at a loss for words. Please check out her shop: http://recycledideas.etsy.com/
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Meet Etsy Artists: rockwell23
Rockwell23 is a husband and wife team who run their unique buckle business together - and I had the pleasure to meet the "better half," Rachael. :-) "I'm the designer and he's the marketing genius," she admits. They currently reside in Fairfax, CA and are about to send their 18 year old daughter off to college. "I was raised by artists and I submerged myself in the art world, working for 10 years in the entertainment industry, mainly at Pixar. It's impossible not to get inspired working at such a place and after almost 10 years of finding talent for film studios, I decided to focus solely on my own work," she explains. "I just joined Esty in hopes of getting more exposure to what we feel are pieces of art that can liven up people's outfits and spirits." As her work reflects, she is inspired by Eastern cultures, travel, nature, and "anything else that catches the spirit." She makes each buckle by hand in her studio, "using a variety of mediums that ultimately culminate in the mini-canvas you see on our buckles." She knows she couldn't do it without her her husband. "(He) is an artist's dream. He's been marketing for over 20 years and with him marketing, it allows me to focus on my art." They also take pride in being "gentle on the earth -- using only 100% lead-free pewter and all non-toxic materials produced in the USA." Please check out their shop: http://rockwell23.etsy.com/
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