Meet Etsy Jewelry Artist: lindsaykristine

Lindsay is a Detroit artist with an MFA in Sculpture, although for the last few months she has specialized in modern jewelry. "I was trained as a bench jeweler a few years back," she explains, "and really enjoyed the small scale-- so different from sculpture. I also really enjoy making things that people will enjoy wearing- you could say the functional nature of craft delights me." Aside from Etsy she also teaches sculpture and design at a local university and works at a museum. "I feel fortunate to be working in the arts, surrounded by artists and those who appreciate the arts," she says. Her inspiration often comes from her surroundings. "I'm inspired by the texture and color of different materials. I usually respond to the materials first, then create the design." Like me, Asian design is a big influence - as well as art deco and minimalism. "I'm forever inspired by the beautiful and innovative designs of the folks here on Etsy," she admits. Her clean, simple designs often include an element of copper or moving pieces - "and a little wabi-sabi never hurt, so small flaws are expected and honored." Please check out her shop: http://lindsaykristine.etsy.com/

-Wendy Baylis
Dharma Designs

http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/

Meet Etsy Artist: 22Joanna

Joanna Daneman is an exceptional watercolor artist, who began at the tender age of 5. Travelling abroad and experiencing new cultures has inspired her beyond measure. "India, by far, is the most astounding country I've ever visited. My first visit, a 48 hour trip to Mumbai for business, yielded about 20 paintings from a single tour we took in the car around the city. It was like landing on a new planet, a most profound artistic and personal experience." Like her personality, her artistic style expresses "realism with a bit of sarcasm." Each painting captures not just a scene, but a moment - like a window through time. You can almost smell the cardamom ginger tea hawked by the chai wallahs and hear their shouts as the colorful buses rumble by. Her dream is "to retire to France and paint (but not in Montmartre, too cold and chilly up on that hill)." She describes the art of her fellow Etsians as "a feast for the eyes, and I think Etsy will become the premier site for anything by hand." Please check out her shop: http://22joanna.etsy.com/

-Wendy Baylis

Dharma Designs

http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/

MJulian sent me a fabulous surprise!

Awhile back I wrote a feature on MJulian and her beautiful jewelry after I happened across her Etsy shop. Today I checked the mail and found a GORGEOUS necklace in the mail as a thank you from her. I am truly in awe of her talent and generosity. THANKS MJulian! I will treasure it always!

-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 Jeweler & Rock Hound: JasperPoppies

California resident Mark works as a printer by day and on his unique handcrafted jewelry for JasperPoppies by night. "I like to fiddle and fuss with rocks," he admits, "cutting, grinding, drilling, polishing." He even mines the Jasper for his rustic creations in a small town by the name of Morgan Hill. "My Grandfather turned me on to rock hounding when I was 5 or 6 years old by taking me to Lake Superior to hunt for Agates," he explains. While he's only been making jewelry for a few years, he's created some beautiful pieces. "My process for creating is pretty simple, as far as design is concerned. I will usually size up a piece of rough material and make a couple of preliminary cuts to determine which part of the stone I want to work with. After this I really just try to shape the stone to flow with the naturally occurring movement within the stone itself. I definitely like to keep my silverwork simple to let the stone remain the focus of my pieces." He has found Etsy to be a blessing - and is thankful he accidentally stumbled across it. "Immediately, I was struck by the awesome creativity and presentation of the sellers on Etsy, not to mention the ease of navigation within the site. I figured it would be a great place to set up a little shop and maybe sell a few of my pieces." He acknowledges that great pictures are key - and that he is still learning to improve his. "Good pictures and listing as often as possible seem to be pretty important, as well as getting great feedback and information in the Etsy forums." Please check out his shop: http://jasperpoppies.etsy.com/

-Wendy Baylis

Dharma Designs

http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/

Meet Etsy Artists: awelldressedbullet

I've seen so many unique things on Etsy that it always amazes me when I find another. I stumbled upon this bullet pen totally by accident and - as someone who is writing a novel about a medevac crew in the Vietnam War - fell in love with it right away...

Ontario residents Kathy and Rick have been operating A Well Dressed Bullet since 1983, creating everything from pens to belt buckles out of spent shells. "We have been happily married for 30 years," they gush. "In 2001, we got a little tired of retirement," Kathy explains. "Rick always enjoyed making his Bullet Pens and we thought the Internet would be a great way to sell them." They quickly implemented a website and began selling their creative pens. "We started out with only 6 or 8 styles of bullet pens and look what we have now!" A perfect team, Rick is the creative genius and Kathy is the administrative guru. "We both share the housework and grab meals when we can. We truly enjoy our business and producing such unique items. We are always thankful for our customers and enjoy the wonderful emails they send us." Although their website has always been their main source of income, they realized Etsy was a perfect fit for their endeavors. "I was amazed at the beautiful handcrafted items being sold," Kathy says. "We are happy to be part of the Etsy family!" Please check out their shop: http://awelldressedbullet.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 Potter & Artist: LureArts

Although Pam began her artistic career while studying at a university, she fell in love with clay the first moment she sat in front of a potter's wheel. Now a full-time highschool art teacher, she enjoys creating textured dinnerware, which includes sushi and dinner plates, olive trays, coffee mugs - even stemless wine glasses. She loves the wheel, but handcrafts many pieces as well. "I am addicted to making bowls and have a kitchen full of them to prove it," she jokes. "My pottery is meant to be used, but still be beautiful. I secretly think that my bowls have souls and personalities," she admits. "They want to be useful and share the joy in your life." From her home studio she mixes her own glazes and fires her own pieces, but "when there is 'down time' in my pottery production, I still enjoy picking up my paintbrushes." Spoken like a true artist. She finds inspiration in the ornate designs of the Rococo and Baroque periods - and Japanese pottery, "especially their earthy color schemes and asymmetrical tea bowls." Sometimes she even combines eastern and western sensibilities in her pottery. Most recently she has started a ceramic jewelry line, integrating the colors and textures from her handmade wares. She also plans to expand into ceramic clocks. "I use Etsy to hone my craft. The best thing that I did on Etsy is join the EMT (Etsy Mud Team). I highly recommend other Etsians to find a team that they can connect with." Please check out her shops: Pottery: http://lurearts.etsy.com/ Paintings: http://lure.etsy.com
-Wendy Baylis
Dharma Designs
http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/

Meet Etsy Artist: CreativeEssentials

Piper grew up along the Oregon coast, and although she now resides in Virginia, she is still "recharged" by the ocean. "I love walking along the beach and losing myself in the sand and water," she says. Like me, she is also fascinated by Asian culture and imagery. "I love visiting Japanese gardens, Chinese gardens, Buddhist temples, and Asian themed museums." Her eclectic style is as varied as her talents. Currently she focuses her Etsy shop on paper crafts, jewelry, photography, and painting - although she admits that could all change next week if she decides on a whim to try her hand at something else. "To date I’ve managed not to poison myself or burn down the house, so all is good," she jokes. Selling her art began as a way to fund her creative spirit - something she couldn't do at her day job as a Human Resource Information Systems Manager. She is also a full time graduate student earning her Master’s in Technology Management at George Mason University. Somehow she still has time for her art. She hopes to use Etsy to meet fellow like minded artists and showcase her work. "Don’t hold back," she recommends. "Try something new. If it doesn’t turn out the way you envisioned, it can always be turned into something else." Please check out her shop: http://creativeessentials.etsy.com/

-Wendy Baylis

Dharma Designs

http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/

Meet Etsy Jewelry Artist: StixsandStones

The incredible talent behind StixsandStones is a mere 28 years old. She's a New York City native, but while on vacation to Nantucket Island, Maine she met the man who would become her husband and moved there five years ago. "Nantucket is a very creative place where most people are entrepreneurs," she explains. "I guess I caught the bug and became really interested in making jewelry just after my mom bought me some beads." She was soon working and consigning at a local jewelry store (Victoria Greenhood Jewelry Design). "I have a few clients who come every year to buy a new Stixs and Stones piece and that makes me feel so great." She finds inspiration in warm, bright colors and textures. "I love to mix materials; metal, gemstones, natural elements, the more, the merrier!" She has been designing her earthy natural jewelry for four years. "This is a job that feels like a hobby and I hope it always stays that way." She also substitute teaches at the local High School. She takes Etsy one sale at a time and enjoys the community. She advises fellow Etsians to keep doing what they love. "Stay true to your style and don't get discouraged, the sales will come!" Please check out her shop: http://stixsandstones.etsy.com/

-Wendy Baylis

Dharma Designs

http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/

Meet Etsy Jewelry Artist: natureallwell

The life-long artist behind Natureallwell is a 21 year old newlywed from Alberta, Canada, who - aside from Etsy - is passionate about biology and the ecology. She has successfully combined her love for her craft and the environment in her eco friendly jewelry. "It’s so sad that we’re destroying this vast planet with our human greed and ignorance. Hundreds of species are endangered or extinct every day, we add tons of waste to landfills, burn and chop down forests, pollute the ocean and waterways. In doing so, we’re killing ourselves." She believes a natural lifestyle is the answer. "Handmade itself is better for the environment, helping to stop mass-production and the massive waste (it) causes." She even donates some of her profits to animal charities and buys organic products. Many of her pieces incorporate recycled, natural, and vintage materials - and all of her props and displays are second-hand or natural elements. She has even gone as far as switching to corn-based biodegradable bags for craft shows. Additionally, she offers restringing and jewelry repair so less material ends up in landfills. "I’ll happily take old jewelry and revamp it for new life in this generation." Her hip retro style definitely reflects her eco-centered mission, each beautifully showcasing aspects of earth and life.

"Currently my day job isn’t satisfying at all and I think my jewelry is what keeps my sanity right now," she confesses. Although Etsy is not her current career, she acknowledges that it is more of a business than a hobby. "I spend far too much money on it to justify it otherwise," she jokes. She actually maintains two shops - one for her beautiful jewelry and another for supplies (naturefinds.etsy.com). Eventually she hopes to make Etsy her full time job, but in the mean time is working diligently to get her name out there. "Concentrate more on your store than talking the forums," she advises. "Forums chat is great and helps advertise somewhat, but it’s your product, photos, packaging, prices, customer service, etc. that really get customers coming and coming back for more." Please check out her shop: http://natureallwell.etsy.com/

-Wendy Baylis

Dharma Designs

http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/

Meet Etsy Jewelry Artist: HippieHempstress

The talent behind HippieHempstress is originally from an art community in Tennessee - "one could even call them hippies," she admits. Her environment - and necessity - inspired her to become a crafter. "If there's something I want really bad, I always try to make it before I'll buy it." As her Etsy name would suggest, she is inspired by nature and spirituality. "If I'm feeling cheerful on a sunny day, I might paint a polka dotted flower pot. If I'm angry, sad, or depressed, I draw or paint on canvases. If I'm feeling particularly spiritual, I like to work with the elements (like clay or sea shells)." What ever her medium, she is sure to create something quirky yet practical - and always urbanely classy. Her mother taught her to crochet at five and by the fourth grade she was selling knitted headbands. "I've been at it a while," she jokes. Aside from Etsy she works full time, but hopes to turn her passion and lifestyle into a career someday by opening her own brick and mortar shop. She recently reshot all of her pictures and is amazed at the difference it has made in her exposure. "Within 3 hours of posting my new shots, I received more than twice as many views than I normally make in a WEEK. " She recommends her fellow Etsians "put as much into the photos as you do the piece itself." Please check out her shops: http://hippiehempstress.etsy.com/ and http://craftiefaerie.etsy.com/

-Wendy Baylis

Dharma Designs

http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/

Meet Etsy Seamstress: monsterbugblankets

Jennifer is the hardworking Mom and talent behind MonsterBugBlankets. She has been married for 11 years and has two children —Bug, 3, and Monster, 1. Although she just started sewing in 2000 when her husband bought her a sewing machine, she fell in love with the craft quickly. She started out making skirts for herself and soon progressed into costumes for the kindergarten class she taught. When she learned she was expecting her first child she looked for the perfect bedding. "I searched high and low, and nothing was right for me. So I made (Bug) a quilt," she explains. Then it was onto flannel blankets and what she calls "Tag Blankets." She soon began making blankets for friends' babies and by the time Monster arrived she was hooked. Her ecclectic style has been a Godsend for parents. "I like making blankets that are a bit different than what everyone else has. Not all pink and blue, with teddy bears and bunnies...I figure I can't be the only one who gets tired of all the pastels and primary colors not working with the décor of their home." Thus MonsterBug Blankets was born.
Other creative people inspire Jennifer in her craft. "Their ideas are so amazing. I think about the details of their work, and often new, lovely thoughts come into my head for items I can make," she confesses. "Their creativity fuels my creativity."
Etsy is a hobby for the busy homemaker - she makes her family her priority. "MonsterBug Blankets is a creative outlet for me." She hopes to make enough sales through Etsy and craft shows to afford an embroidery machine. She realizes that in order for Etsy to be lucrative it takes a lot of time, effort, money, and hard work - often more than expected. "Promote on AND OFF Etsy," she advises.

Please check out her Etsy shop: http://monsterbugblankets.etsy.com/

-Wendy Baylis

Dharma Designs

http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/

Meet Etsy Artists: LazyCat

The artists behind LazyCat met at the University of Michigan - two are medical doctors and the third has her PhD. At a young age they learned how to crochet from their grandmothers and began making scarves from unusual yarns. They soon progressed into wire and beads, "because (they) like to push what (they) can do with crochet." Each of their designs is something they would personally wear, which means each piece is inspired by current fashions. They successfully combine crochet with modern styles, which is expertly displayed in their wire and beaded jewelry. Please check out their shop: http://lazycat.etsy.com/

-Wendy Baylis

Dharma Designs

http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/

Meet Etsy Fiber Artist: blondechicken

Tenesee transplant Tara (of BlondeChicken) earned a degree in French Literature in hopes of becoming a professor, but soon realized she needed something more creative. "I managed a small business for 2 years and that gave me the confidence to pursue my dream," she explains. "Right now I work as a web content manager in Human Resources and in turn receive free tuition. I plan on starting an MBA program next fall…all the while running Blonde Chicken Boutique." As busy as she is, she makes a point to find time for her artistic outlet. "I think about colors and fibers constantly, jotting down new ideas." She finds inspiration in nature, dark chocolate, the perfect cup of coffee, and "the pursuit of authenticity." While she admits she is still developing her style, she acknowledges that one defining characteristic of her work is that she only uses eco-friendly fiber and yarn. "Everything is either recycled, mill-ends (reducing and reusing!), organic and cruelty-free." This brings a natural, earthy, lived-in feel to her yarns.

Etsy may be her hobby, but Tara treats it with the professionalism and detail that befits a career. "It's relaxing, fun - and a necessary creative outlet," she admits. "I use colors I love, I spin the type of yarn that feels right, I name the products silly names! I don't EVER think about if something will sell, because I'm creating for the joy of creating. That's imperative to my sanity." She advises artists that care about the environment to get together. "Join forums, groups, whatever, just go get to know (each other) and let them get to know you!" Please check out her shop: http://blondechicken.etsy.com/

-Wendy Baylis

Dharma Designs

http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/

Meet Etsy Jewelry Artist: SleepingCatBeads

Heather, a Philidelphia resident and 37 year old homemaker, is the creative jewelry artist behind SleepingCatBeads. She lives in a "wonderful old steel town that's going through a 'revival'" with her husband, two young sons, and three cats. She is also heavily involved in her Unitarian Universalist congregation as a leader of the youth spirit program.

Heather first found inspiration in nature. "There's something special about wearing a piece of the earth, whether it's a stone or a metal, that's very grounding." Sometimes it's just the beauty of an object that speaks to her. "I no longer only use stones and metals, but will put together anything I think is pretty. I guess the quest for beauty, and sharing that beauty, is what inspires me now," she expalins. Her gorgeous, earthy pices are often reminiscent of her old home of Santa Fe. "The turquoise, coral, and silver always brings me back (to home)." She tends to create her designs simply by rearranging beads until she finds a perfect "fit...sort of like a puzzle." She is a very tactile person and enjoys working with beads of different textures and shapes. The outcome? A unique earthy style that is "a bit eclectic, but always noticeable."

Heather has always been a creative soul, but only began beading a few years ago. "I started really getting obsessed with it last spring," she admits, "and when I could no longer justify buying so many beads to 'play' with I started selling." Her unbelievable talent has helped her turn her addiction into a career. "I have invested too much time and money for it to be just a hobby. But it's hard to see as a job sometimes, because I enjoy it so much." She plans to promote more and create a blog next year. "List often and don't get discouraged," she advises. "If possible, wear your creations and when someone compliments it, hand her your card. Take good pictures (still working on that myself!). And above all, have fun! If you start to feel too negative take a break for a while. The most important thing here is to enjoy what you're doing." Please check out her shop: http://sleepingcatbeads.etsy.com/

-Wendy Baylis

Dharma Designs

http://dharmadesigns.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 Etsy Bath & Body Artist: AJsCountryCottage

The artist behind AJsCountryCottage finds her inspiration in nature. A simple walk in the country could spark the idea for a new scent. "Somehow the combination of fresh air, nature, exercise, and solitude gets my creative juices flowing," she explains. Her earthy products are fun, yet practical - and wonderfully arommatic. "I don't just want functional; I want my fragrant creations to look nice, to be interesting and colorful, and most of all, to help create a comforting ambience -- a haven of rest in our often busy and stressful world." Ever since she can remember she's been experimenting with all sorts of creative mediums. She poured her first candles when she was 13 and has been working to perfect the technique ever since. She makes all of her soaps from scratch and "loves coming up with new ideas for scents, for color combinations, for textures, and for new techniques that make my soaps not only functional, but aesthetically pleasing as well." Being a creator and an entrepreneur, Etsy is both her job and her hobby. "I create so I can sell; I sell so I can create more. But even if I couldn't have this as my job, I'd still be creating. It's in my genes." She hopes to meet new friends through Etsy and to "find some great handcrafted items for myself and my friends & family." She's worked very hard to establish herself as a trustworthy artisan and seller. "Do your homework and research thoroughly," she advises. "Then practice, practice, and practice some more. Most learning comes through experience. Persevere and be patient. It takes time to make great things and to establish yourself in business; there really are no shortcuts. Be friendly, kind, and helpful to others. Network!" Please visit her shop: http://ajscountrycottage.etsy.com/

-Wendy Baylis

Dharma Designs

http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/

My other passion: Portraits

While I focus on jewelry in my Etsy shop I have two other passions: writing on my fictional novel about a medevac helicopter crew in the Vietnam War - and pencil portrats. I have never persued it professionaly, but I wanted to share my work with my friends...These are some of my favorite pieces...

-Wendy Baylis

Meet Etsy Mixed Media & Collage Artist: Vintagesnapsandscrap

Kathy is the dedicated and creative artist behind Vintagesnapsandscrap. "I stay at home right now in an effort to get my business going." She finds her inspiration from vintage photographs and "other artists, many whom (she has) posted on (her) blog." She has been creating her mixed media pieces for two years, feauturing elements of vintage and altered art. It began as a hobby, but she is thankful to have turned it into her job. She strives to offer excellent customer service and "to make people happy with the things (she) creates. " She advises other Etsians to "take it day by day, stay positive, treat others like YOU want to be treated, list often and promote." Please check out her shop: http://vintagesnapsandscrap.etsy.com/

-Wendy Baylis

Dharma Designs

http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com