Meet Etsy Artist: Corbaecreative

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: http://corbaecreative.etsy.com/ and website: http://corbaecreative.com/

-Wendy Baylis

Dharma Designs

http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com

Meet Etsy Artist and Stationer: lilribbers

Laura Remes is a professional graphic designer with a BFA in Visual Communications from the University of Kansas. "I've spent the last few years in the corporate world doing print, identity and multimedia work for a downtown St. Louis marketing agency, but have always had a love for hand made paper crafts," she says. "A year and a half ago I got engaged, as did many of my friends, and decided together that most of the wedding invitations out there were bland and uninspired. A wedding is about expressing what makes you and your fiance a unique and loving couple and many pre-made invitations from large print-house vendors did not seem to have much, if any personality. So, I decided to draw upon my own knowledge of printing and my hobby of paper crafting to make my own." Soon, her friends began commissioning her to do the same for them - and her business grew by word of mouth. Her classy, modern designs speak for themselves. "I discovered Etsy about the same time I became engaged and promptly ordered many custom items from talented Etsy vendors," she admits. "EVERYONE took notice of these custom items and complimented me on my attention to detail. Details I couldn't have achieved without those talented vendors. I was so impressed by the kindness, hands-on help, and creativity of other sellers that I decided to start my own shop in order to reach more brides." She plans on creating her own website in the near future, but has been too busy with the wedding and relocating to Chicago for her husband's job. After leaving work she discovered that she could actually make a living doing what she loves, making cards and invitations. "I'm proud to say that I am now self employed," she gushes. "Stay true to your style," she recommends. Please check out her shop: http://lilribbers.etsy.com/

-Wendy Baylis

Dharma Designs

http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/

Meet Etsy Card Artist: steliedesigns

Stephanie Giesen-Kath is the fresh talent behind Stelie Designs and I was lucky enough to stumble upon her recently while perusing Etsy. I saw her Asian engagement card and fell in love with the classy, contemporary design that still captures a fascinating culture. Aside from her art, she is also a busy stay at home mom to three year old fraternal twins (I'm an identical twin, myself). "There is never a dull moment in our home and it’s only quiet when the kids are sleeping," she says. Not surprisingly, she finds a lot of inspiration in them. Currently she specializes in custom invitations and announcements for all occasions, including weddings and baby showers. "It's important to me to bring simple delights to everyone who receives a handmade card or invitation," she explains. She started making her cards 12 years ago for family and friends and turned her hobby into her job. "I left the corporate retail design world a year ago to spend more time with my kids. Now I have the best of both worlds, kids during the day and creating during the night." She recommends her fellow artists "find a product you love making and believe in, then know it takes time and perseverance." Please check out her shop: http://steliedesigns.etsy.com/

-Wendy Baylis

Dharma Designs

http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com

A beautiful surprise from CrankBunny...

Awhile back I did a feature on CrankBunny - and today I found a package from her in my mailbox. When I opened it I found one of her beautiful pop-up cards. It's actually my all-time favorite one, too! Wow! I am in awe. THANKS CrankBunny! You made my day! She also has the coolest business cards I have ever seen. They are cutouts of her whimsical circus fish - with her info on the other side. Truly amazing. I will have to post a picture soon... http://crankbunny.etsy.com/

-Wendy Baylis

Dharma Designs

http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/

Meet Etsy Artist & Cardmaker: crankbunny

Norma V Toraya is the whimsical talent behind Crankbunny, which she named after a mythical creature she describes as a "large magical medicinal fish with rabbit ears." She currently resides in Jersey City, which allows her to periodically work in NYC as an animation director. "I have an office in my apt (one day I will start calling it a 'studio') that's my main creative nest," she explains. "Sometimes my brain likes to take a creative vacation from animation to make paper puppets and pop up cards." Inspiration can strike her at any time, but often comes from her surroundings or Cuban heritage. "Crankbunny has become it's own thing," she says of her 9 year old Etsy shop of illustrated pop up cards and puppets. Sadly she has a full time job that comes first, so her creative designs are only a hobby. "Most of my items are gifts for other people and that's kinda special to me. I never meet those people or see their reaction in person, but sometimes people write back to tell me how it went. It always amazes me," she gushes. "Do what makes you happy, makes you grow creatively, and stop thinking about everything else on Etsy," she advises. "Stop fiddling around with funny numbers and business strategies. Use resources outside this electronic box you are currently staring at (basically what I mean is show people your work in person; friends, neighbors, family, people in your community, church, school, stores when you are shopping, etc)." Please check out her shop: http://crankbunny.etsy.com/

-Wendy Baylis

Dharma Designs

http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/

Meet Etsy Paper Artist & Card maker: PurlBoutique

The artist behind PurlBoutique may be a full-time Financial Analyst, but she spends her free time on a myriad of crafts. I was particularly struck by her stunning card designs, which is her main focus. "Laughter inspires me," she admits. "When people are laughing, they are in a good mood. When others are in a good mood, so am I. When I am in a good mood, I am relaxed and more creative." She's been creating her entire life. "My mom taught me to sew, I taught myself to knit and crochet, but I just recently began card-making," she explains of her latest passion. She hopes to meet like-minded artists through Etsy and "build life-long business relationships with them." She feels that "although we are 'competing' for a sale, we can all learn from each other." One thing she has picked up and would like to pass on is that good photos are a must. "A picture and its presentation speak a thousand words to how much you care about your work." Please check out her shop: http://purlboutique.etsy.com/

-Wendy Baylis

Dharma Designs

http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/

Meet Etsy Artist: Fioretta

Isabel, the young talent behind Fioretta, earned her BFA in Graphic Design and has an "affinity for all things creative." Her husband, who is also a designer, shares her creative passion - and just recently opened his own Etsy shop. "Nature is a major source of inspiration," she explains, whether it's the subject matter or the colors and textures she uses. "Lately I find myself thinking a lot about what other little creatures I could personify and give life to with my work." Her style tends to be just as varied, depending on the project. "Different styles show up with the different types of work that I do. When I'm working with paper or designing, I find that my style gravitates towards clean, sophisticated, and elegant themes; it's a little more subdued. My felt ornaments are a little bit brighter and bolder - they have more of a cutesy, sweet feel to them."

A lifelong artists, she jokes that she's been creating since she "could hold a pencil to paper - or maybe a crayon to a wall, to hear the stories (her) parents have told. It helps that I grew up in an environment that fostered my creativity. My artistic endeavors were always supported." Right now her art is not a full time job, but it still plays an important role in her life. "I put a lot of time, effort, creativity, and energy into - and I love doing it," she admits. Her only goals are for "people to be happy with what they purchase" and to pursue her passions, "especially if other people around me find enjoyment in it too." Please check out her shop: http://fioretta.etsy.com/

-Wendy Baylis

Dharma Designs

http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/

Meet Etsy Artist & Graphic Designer: Krystan

Krystan is a full-time graphic designer and illustrator, who often does freelance work as well. She earned her Bachelors degree in 2005 and has been enjoying her craft ever since. A Rhode Island native, she recently made the move to Providence in a beautiful neighborhood near the water. Inspiration for her bright, cheerful style comes from friends, music, bright colors, simple patterns, and "the general hilarity that is (her) life." Almost everyone she surrounds herself with is incredibly funny - and her day often mimics "The Office;" her favorite show. "I can't wait for the writer's strike to be over," she admits. Although she's been creating since she was a baby (she still has the first drawing she ever did), she's only been working on graphic design for eight years. "(Etsy) is definitely both a job and a hobby for me. I'm not sure what I would do without it!" Like most of us, she hopes to eventually transition to Etsy full time. "Take good, clear photos, have a good banner (of course I would suggest that!), and list often," she reccomends. Please check out her shop: http://krystan.etsy.com/

-Wendy Baylis

Dharma Designs

http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/

Meet Etsy Card Maker: QuirkynBerkeley

QuirkynBerkeley is a freelance writer by day - and an eclectic card maker by night. "Rosie the WonderDog" and "Twink the Monster Kitten" keep her company in her Berkeley, CA studio, which is brimming with colorful paper and supplies. "I am fascinated by the juxtaposition of color and space, and inspired by the human ability to take disparate elements and put them together in wholly unique and original ways." She enjoys experimenting with new techniques and admits the only constants in her designs are the materials. "I love rubber stamps," she confesses. She's also interested in origami and would like to try her hand at kurigami. Then there's the new gocco machine - "I can't wait to use, but I've got a lot of other projects I'm working on first." She began making cards as a little girl in Texas out of pressed mimosa blossoms. In the last three years she has created over 800 unique cards, but jokes "this a hobby according to the IRS." She hopes become a constructive member of the Etsy community and continually learn from her fellow artists, whom she admires. Every day she features a new Etsy shop on her blog. She advises her fellow sellers to "help as many people as you can, give other people the benefit of the doubt, learn as much as you can, work as hard as you can at your own craft and at making this a community that you're proud to be a part of. Treat your customers like gold, give the best customer service you can imagine, and then keep your mind open for new techniques to improve on that." Please check out her shop: http://quirkynberkeley.etsy.com/

-Wendy Baylis

Dharma Designs

http://quirkynberkeley.etsy.com/

Meet Etsy Artists: ThisIsIt

Dan and Jodi are a husband and wife artistic duo, who "dreamed of creating together while working from home." They started their endeavor in 2005 and named it "This Is IT" becuase "it’s how we felt about each other from the moment we met." Dan is currently in the middle of graduate school for creative writing, so Jodi is focussing on the business until he graduates next year. "My mom also helps us with the journals, which we so appreciate!" Their eclectic handmade gifts range from photo albums, journals, greeting cards, and jewelry. "We are both huge animal lovers and vegan, and we donate 5% of our profits to animal-welfare groups. The charities that we currently support are: Best Friends Animal Society, Humane Farming Association, The Jane Goodall Institute, and The Anti-Vivisection Society." They also share a love of the environment. "I really feel that the world consciousness is changing with regard to the environment and sustainable living –and it’s very exciting to be a part of this change. Dan and I use recycled boards for our journals and cardstock. All of our journal paper is handmade and environmentally friendly. We will continue to move more and more in this direction because I feel that it’s so important for our planet.We cherish mindful living, Buddhist philosophies, and contributing creatively to the world, but leaving as small a mark while doing so." Often times inspiration strikes them just before bed or when they first wake up, so they keep an "idea book" close at hand. "I just sketch it out and then the idea gets put into fruition. I love anything that has Asian influences. I love Jackson Pollock and many other abstract artists. I love Buddhist art and statues. I love the colors of India. I feel like there are so many ideas in my mind—and I just need to find the time to sit down and create them all." Their art definitely shows an open-minded, worldly influence. In some form or another they have always been creative. "When I was small I was the one making cards for anyone I could think of for any holiday I could invent," Jodi explains. "A friend of mine made jewelry, which I thought looked like a lot of fun…she taught me and here I am." Dan and Jodi feel blessed that their artistic passion has turned into a full time job. "(We) will never take that for granted." Fairly new to Etsy, they plan to learn more about the site and the community every day - and "keep making products that (we are)proud of." They advise their fellow Etsy sellers to list often. "I notice on days when I am busy with other things and don’t list frequently, the sales go down. I think it’s so important to have good customer service—follow through with what you say you are going to do. Make as many treasuries as you can. Post often in the forums. Network as much as you can. This is such a great community, and I am so proud to be a part of it!" Please check out her shop: http://thisisit.etsy.com/

-Wendy Baylis

Dharma Designs

http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/

Meet Eco Artist: RecycledIdeas

RecycledIdeas is an artist with a mission. "My passion for primates led me to study them and in doing so, I learned of their precarious position on earth. So many are endangered because their habitat is being destroyed everyday. " She is a "newly minted PhD (in psychology) who conducts interdisciplinary research on primate behavior."

Her passions are primates and paper - and RecycledIdeas has successfully combined the two in her eclectic crafts. "I can't just make one type of thing. I've got to draw, paint, mold, sew, bead, alter, and most of all CREATE. If one thing tied my art together, it would have to be my love for the natural habitat and diverse species we are lucky to share the planet with."

She's been crafting her entire life. "I think I came out of the womb creating. I constructed Lego spaceships, melted crayons to form collages, and put together a 3D pilgrim nativity-like scene when I was 6."

Even with a PhD it was difficult to find a job. "I am either over or under qualified." With bills from a student loan soaring to $300 a month, she had to try something - and decided to follow her heart. Etsy won't be her only source of income, but she plans to persue her craft. "I want to finish my 12 Monkeys series (pastel primate portraits). I have 4 down and 8 to go. If I go into work every morning an hour early, I can use the time before my shift starts to work on a pastel. I also want to see my Monkey of the Month OrnaMonkey Club take off. The OrnaMonkeys are felted monkey face ornaments that are dated on the back and collectible."

RecycledIdeas advises fellow Etsians to "take pride in what you make, strive for quality craftsmanship, and market actively. Find your niche and thrive there. And start a blog :-)" Please check out her shop: http://recycledideas.etsy.com/

-Wendy Baylis

Dharma Designs

http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com