Meet Etsy Artist: tHeENDpeace

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: http://tHeENDpeace.etsy.com
-Wendy Baylis
Dharma Designs
http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/

Meet Etsy Jewelry Artist: anajune

Ana June possesses a myriad of talents: metalsmith, jewelry artist, and photographer just to name a few. Aside from Etsy she also manages to juggles several jobs: Art Director for a newspaper in her hometown of Santa Fe, NM, and graphic design teacher at a private middle school, freelance photographer, designer, writer, and editor. Even more astounding, she also has four kids that "alternately light up (her) life and get on (her) every nerve." As for her style she says, "I'm rather fickle at times, but I particularly love simplicity in any design. I'm into Asian-influenced art (must be my East Indian background) as well as edgy vintage/retro." She particularly enjoys creating personalized pendants. "I think every mom should have a fine silver pendant stamped with her child's name. I wanted one, but couldn't find anything that really fit who I am...so Skye & Soleil was born. Thank goodness for PMC, as I know that metalsmithing involves quite a learning curve." Although she's been creative all her life she didn't pursue anything seriously until 2000. "Crafting hit me when I was pregnant with my second daughter," she explains. "To alleviate my horrendous discomfort as my pregnancy dragged on 11 days past my due date, my midwife and I decoupaged glass bottles and made plaster casts of my belly to paint. I was hooked. I was seized by photography a year later when I went through a painful divorce, and started using PMC last summer thanks to a windfall from a settlement over a photo of mine that was stolen by the State of New Mexico. Thank goodness for copyright infringement...or, at least, discovering that my copyright was infringed upon!" She'd like to remind fellow artists to be patient. "Etsy is a big pool and we're all little fish. Some people are uber successful with it by either kismet or very good marketing...but some, like me, thrill at a sale here and there. Basically, like any business it involves a lot of time, effort, and great product. Good pictures are also a must, and this is a tough one! Even as a professional photographer I have the darnedest time photographing my silver. It takes time, research, a great camera, and good light (full spectrum bulbs!). And most importantly, have fun, be creative...it's a great community!" Please check out her shop: http://anajune.etsy.com/

-Wendy Baylis

Dharma Designs

http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/

Meet Etsy Metalsmith & Jewelry Artist: MangoTango

Bev proudly declares that "a chance visit to a dollhouse shop in the Cotswolds many years ago turned out to be a collision with destiny for me. I was instantly and completely besotted with the tiny world I saw." She quickly began creating 1/12th scale plants and flowers, honing her skills over the next 17 years. "Decades later I discovered the joy of creating my own jewelry and a much larger, though no less detailed, world opened up for me -- to my enormous delight," she jokes. She displays the same attention to detail and love of nature in her ecclectic jewelry as she does in her scale miniatures. She is a Certified PMC Artisan, member of the International Guild of Miniature Artisans; and proud member of Etsylux, the Art Jewelry Collective (AJC), and SRAJD. Six months ago she began experimenting with glass fusing and often incorporates her new talent into her jewelry designs. "I also love 'message' jewelry," she admits, "pieces that contain text involving emotions and things we all hold near and dear." She rarely designs her pieces ahead of time. "I let my hands do what they want to do on any given day." While her pieces are too labor intensive to create and sell on a mass scale, knowing her work is appreciated enough for someone to own one is enough. "To me, the pieces I create are my legacy, my immortality," she explains. She reccomends fellow Etsians "make sure your photos are top-notch. It's difficult to sell to people who can't hold your pieces and examine them from every angle, so you have to let your photos do the selling for you." Please check out her shop: http://mangotango.etsy.com/

-Wendy Baylis

Dharma Designs

http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/

Meet Etsy Stained Glass & Jewelry Artist: Word4WordDesign

Behind the scenes Etsy artist Word4WordDesign is a busy mother of three small children with a full time job, who also finds time to volunteer in her community. She takes a free spirit approach to her one-of-a-kind jewelry designs. Each piece is "made by hand, designed by heart." She enjoys personalizing her art for each customer by using quotes to fit their style. Although she has only been designing jewelry for two years, she has been creating her entire life. Etsy is currently both a job and a hobby for this working Mom. She hopes to promote Etsy not just for herself, but for "all of those who have joined trying to find a place for their unique handmade items." For Etsy success she advises, "Take part in the forums. A lot can be learned from those who have been here the longest and who want to share. Follow the rules. And above all have fun and work constantly on improving your craft and promoting it!" Please check out her Etsy shop: http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/

-Wendy Baylis

Dharma Designs

http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/