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/

Meets Etsy Artist: Newdaycrochet

Sherryl Day is the prolific knitter behind Newdaycrochet. She began sewing at the tender age of six, using scraps of cloth from her grandmother, and progressed to quilting and embroidery. "I really enjoyed mymother's quilts when I began to sew. In each quilt there was a piece of me and my life." In highschool she moved on to crochet. "It started one morning when a neighbor and myself caught the bus to school. She taught me (to crochet) and I've been at it off and on ever since." When she's not persuing her love of sewing, she's crocheting. "Got to do something to keep the hands and brain active," she jokes. She gives her mother credit for allowing her to persue her creative talents. "Even though she is no longerwith us, she is still alive in the work I do." Although she admits the younger generation may think her craft is somewhat "old school," she brings a modern element to her designs, "doing more than a traditional afghan or doilies."

In fact, Sherryl has her own aversion to doilies. "I remember my Mom had these large doilies all over the house. They were pretty, but I didn't like them. She would wash, starch them - and I had to iron them. I felt likeI was being punished." Needless to say, she doesn't do doilies. Etsy is currently a hobby for Sherryl, and she hopes it never turns into a job. "I love and enjoy what I do. If it ever turns into a job, I'd stop doing (it)." She reccomends fellow artists do what they enjoy, regardless of the outcome. "Don't turn it into a job. Then it becomesa drudgery, a resentment. Keep it FUN, keep it LIGHT, keep it HAPPY." Please visit her Etsy shop: http://newdaycrochet.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 Knitter: TABIHATS

Nikki Means is the prolific knitter behind TABIHATS (Toddler And Baby Inc. Hats). She enjoys "bringing to life something beautiful with my hands that started merely as a thought in my mind." She has been creating her unique toddler knits for two years as a hobby. "I began knitting the hats when (I) became a caregiver for my (96 year old) grandmother. She has dementia and many other physical ailments that require 24 hour care." Being a full time caregiver she became housebound and "as a result...(I) developed cabin fever." She soon realized that indulging her creative side brought her great joy and relieved some of the stress. Etsy has become her "personal paradise." She hopes to sell her whimsical pieces to "people who appreciate handmade items created with love." She'd like to remind her fellow Etsy artists to "never stifle (their) creativity; it is a God-given gift." Please check out her shop: http:TABIHATS.etsy.com

For more information on dementia care please check out http://www.dementia-thoughts.blogspot.com/

-Wendy Baylis
Dharma Designs

http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/

Meet Etsy Artist: ScaryWhiteGirl

The artist Etsians know as ScaryWhiteGirl was born and raised in the Midwest, "and recently made the exodus to Seattle, WA." Her mother was an avid crafter, "and she taught me how to make a lot of the things I do now. I learned to crochet almost four years ago, and became obsessed with that quickly." She aims to make "practical but attractive crocheted items," but admits to making some just for fun. "My theory is that if you need to have cold weather gear, it might as well look nice as well as being practical." She's been selling her unique wares for three years. "This is most definitely a hobby for me. I do most of my crafting while I watch TV or movies, because I have a hard time just watching a movie and doing nothing else--to me, it seems like a waste of perfectly good time." In her first year with Etsy she's made just over 80 sales. "I'm hoping to hit 100 by the end of the year, and I'd love to hit 200 or 250 by the end of next year. In the short term, however, I'm working on a new line of items which will launch in January (hopefully), and I'm always working on improving my photos." She advises her fellow sellers, "Be sure to keep yourself seen, one way or another. List regularly, participate in the forums, talk about your shop in your blog. Just make sure that anyone who stumbles across your online presence will know about your shop and what you sell. But most importantly, do what works for you, and don't let your shop make you miserable. If you need a break for a few days, take it." Check out her shop: http://scarywhitegirl.etsy.com/
-Wendy Baylis
Dharma Designs
http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com

Meet Etsy Beader and Artist: VanillaLotus

This year the young talent behind VanillaLotus finds herself in Texas. She's been on a whirlwind journey across the US (New Hampshire, Maine, and Arizona to name a few) and is happy to finally plant roots, although she still dreams of living abroad in Europe. She recently married - and welcomed an adorable puppy into the family.

VanillaLotus has always been crafty. She started with the basics and quickly advanced to a myriad of arts. In 2005 she began art school, majoring in graphic design. After only a few classes she realized it was not what she wanted to do with her talent. Her passion lies in studio art, something she can craft with her hands.

She has created beautiful beaded jewelry over the years, but most recently taught herself how to knit and crochet, which helped her decide to create stitch markers. "I originally just wanted to make some stitch markers for myself," she confesses. "What was available (in stores were) lobster clasps and I didn't like how they weighed down my work." Thus an idea was born.

Her self-described style is simple and balanced. "I have a hard time being elaborate and outgoing with my crafts. So what you see is what I am."

Since opening her Etsy shop in May of 2007, VanillaLotus has strived to reach 1000 hearts and 1000 sales. "I'll die the day that happens," she jokes. "I never thought I would get to 56 items sold, so I feel like I have accomplished a goal."

She advises her fellow artists to keep their heads up. "Too many Etsians come in thinking people will want what they are selling the second they put it up. It takes everyone some time and money to get established If you don't put the effort don't expect anything to happen. Make a daily goal and a daily promotion list. Everyday I list at least one item and go on the forums. You will have to promote yourself and not rely on Etsy to do that for you. If you don't list and promote no one will see you so no one will buy anything." Please visit her Etsy shop: http://vanillalotus.etsy.com/

-Wendy Baylis

Dharma Designs

http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/