Phase I (Paint) Complete...

Yippeeeee! I finally finished painting the bathroom, but now I'm so tired I'm afraid I'll have to wait until this weekend to decorate. OMG - I forgot how much I HATE painting, unless it's artistically, of course. I absolutely refused to tape this time, since it usually bleeds anyway. Instead I painted as close to the moulding and ceiling as I possibly could and then took an artists brush to the edges. Sadly, it took about the same time as taping. Oh well. At least it was a tad less abhorrent than taping. Anyway, check out the cool celadon green. It's leftover paint from my downstairs. I can't wait to add the bamboo to the cabinets. Stay tuned...

-Wendy Baylis

Dharma Designs

http://dharmadesigns.blogspot.com/

My Bathroom Makeover Project Begins...

OK - I've been saying this forever now, but this time I'm really doing it...I'm redecorating my bathroom and master bedroom. As many of you know, I love all things Asian and the bottom half of my house if fabulously decorated with my prize possessions, including gorgeous Japanese dinnerware, brass flatware with Thai Buddhas on every piece, and countless carved Buddha busts from Thailand and Tibet. However, the upstairs is a different story, no pun intended. I decided to finally redecorate the bathroom and master bedroom to look like an Asian spa/B&B suite, so here are the BEFORE pictures of the bathroom (I'll tackle the bedroom next week). I'll post pictures of the finished project soon, which will include bamboo matting on the cabinets, a new coat of paint, and lots of little details. I'm doing it all on a budget, too. Wish me luck...

Wendy Baylis

Dharma Designs

http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/

Meet Etsy Artist: GreenGoddessGoods

Jaimee Smith is "your typical (or maybe not so typical) artist, who enjoys living and creating." She describes herself as "an observer and a documentor of everyday occurrences of the world around us." She feels that with modern day technology and every day stress, many people are deprived of nature and tries to incorporate the simple joys of living green into her art. She is "fearless when it comes time to working with new materials and mediums," and her varied subjects always "come as a whim." Currently she specializes in whimsical pet art, Buddhist paintings, belly dance hair adornments, and gardening. "As long as I am creating something with my hands, I am free," she says. "I have been considering giving up a day job and devote more time to Etsy and selling my wares, but will have to plug along the semi-nine to five for a little longer. A wedding is coming my way in October and these things are so darn expensive!" She advises her fellow Etsians to "be true to (yourself) and your craft and buy handmade items." Please check out her shop: http://greengoddessgoods.etsy.com/

-Wendy Baylis

Dharma Designs

http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/

Coming soon...

Hi there! I'm back on track again, so I'll be posting more interviews later this week (just sent off a few Convos last night). I'll be adding a few more things to my Etsy shop as well (this weekend will be GREAT for outdoor pics). I might even start blogging about myself as well. I've had a few requests to pepper in a few stories about myself - and I'd really like to use it as an opportunity to show that life with Fibromyalgia can be just as full as anyone else's. Sometimes there's a rough patch, like the one I've had the last few weeks, but you just pick yourself up and move on. I'm not really feeling any better, but I'm sick and tired of being sick and tired - and I'm so done with sleeping my weekends away. I just decided that I'm not going to lay down and give up. Instead, I'm going to persist. There's just too much wonderful stuff to do! I'm even working on redecorating the bedroom and bathrooms to match the rest of the house (a project I've put off for quite some time). I have some cool plans to make them into a tropical Asian oasis. I may even post a few before and after pictures. HUGS to everyone!!! And THANKS for all of your support! It means a lot - and has really helped me pick myself back up and get back into the swing of things. :-)
-Wendy Baylis
Dharma Designs
http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com

Neglect

Greetings loyal readers! My apologies that I have been neglecting my blog lately. It's been a busy few weeks as my fourth anniversary approaches (hubby surprised me with a FAB getaway to a B&B at the coast), I've started selling in the gift shop at the Portland Classical Chinese Garden, my regular day job has ramped up, and my Fibromyalgia has flared up a bit. Thankfully I'm beginning to get a handle on things (even went for a 12 mile hike Wednesday). I will try to post again this weekend. Thanks for your patience...

-Wendy Baylis

Dharma Designs

http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/

Meet Etsy Artist: printmakerjenn

Jenn is a busy Mom to a 13-year-old daughter and 10 week old baby boy. She earned a degree in Art with a minor in Art History and then "promptly returned to school for a degree in Computer Science." Like me, she's been working in the high-tech industry - as a Software Developer and Linux System Administrator. "This week I officially quit my job," she declared, "(when my maternity leave ended) so that I could stay home full time with little baby Oscar!" Her teenage daughter was also a big part of her decision. "She is thrilled to have more time with me." Her graphic, modern creations are often inspired by Vintage and mid-century images. "As the saying goes, 'everything old is new again,'" she explains. Etsy is now her full time job, and she feels blessed to be able to create her art while being involved in her children's lives. "I'm looking forward to becoming a better participant of the indie community," she says. Please check out her shop: http://printmakerjenn.etsy.com/

-Wendy Baylis

Dharma Designs

http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/

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 Jewelry Artist: BrightCircle

Jess is a multi-faceted artist of varying styles, with a great sense of humor, and I'm glad I had the opportunity to get to know this fellow "Firefly" fan better...

"In between helping raise my younger siblings (I’m the second of ten children) and helping catch their stray bunnies, I study the subtleties of human nature, body language, things that change about society and the things that don’t," she explains. "One of my favourite quotes is ‘Just because you’re good doesn’t mean you’ll be successful, and just because you’re successful doesn’t necessarily mean you’re good.’ It keeps me on my toes to be the best I can be, and keeps me from feeling inferior from others because it’s a slow business month." She also jokes, " I live on the edge--I steal icing from cake-eating zombies!" A large part of he inspiration comes from color. "There are few things more enjoyable than happening to see two enchanting hues next to each other and having inspiration strike, or going through my bead stash, looking for beads that bring out a subtle color hiding in a focal bead." Her craft began, oddly enough, while watching the ‘02 winter Olympic men’s skating programs. "For years before that, though, I would read bead catalogs, over and over, and it turns out you can learn a lot about the design and construction of jewelry simply from the catalogs. I also read every book about stones and jewelry that my library had, before ever starting to make things." Although her craft is a business, it's also her passion. "I do it because there are few things that get me as excited as when I’m designing," she admits. She tries to list at least once a day, hoping to snag a weekly sale. She has an Etsy mentor and recommends her fellow newbies do the same. "If you can, buy from the people who buy from you, or heart your shop," she recommends. "Make what you really, really like. Push to make it the very best and the most interesting it can be, but at the same time don’t put so much pressure on yourself to be innovative, to the point that you aren’t enjoying yourself." Please check out her shop: http://brightcircle.etsy.com/

-Wendy Baylis

Dharma Designs
http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/

My work can now be seen at the Portland Classical Chinese Garden gift shop

As many of you know, the Portland Classical Chinese Garden in my sanctuary. I go there at least once a week to soak up the ambiance while having tea and noodles. It's my way of decompressing after a tough work week. It literally recharges my soul. As of yesterday I am lucky enough to be the newest artist to sell my Asian inspired wares in the gift shop - and I am so excited!!! All proceeds from gift shop sales go back to supporting this wonderful oasis of tranquility, and I am honored to be a part of it.

-Wendy Baylis

Dharma Designs

http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/

http://www.portlandchinesegarden.org/

Meet Etsy Digital Collage Artist: synchronicity313

Ken Rougeau is a 32 year old fellow Portlander (Oregon). He and his girlfriend and her 8 year old son are not only artists, but a "family of Etsy enthusiasts & each of (them) has at least one store." He finds inspiration everywhere. "Life, fairy tales, science fiction, whimsical expressions, other artists, standup comics, music... You name it," he says. "I've got little notes written everywhere (many in the margins of other notes) in an attempt to keep track of the crazy notions that float across my mind during the course of the day. It's a mess, but it's great fun too!" His digital collages tend to take on a Victorian noir - sophisticated and classy, with a ting of darkness and mystique. Although he has only been working with digital media since 2007, he has managed to create some brilliant montages. "I'm pretty happy with how my portfolio is coming along," he admits. It may have been a hobby to start with, but his art is now his job. In fact, he strives for a sale a day. "I'm not currently meeting it, but I do have some nice runs here and there." He aims to "maintain a high level of customer satisfaction, continue networking with other Etsy users, and...to keep bringing fresh traffic into Etsy (both buyers and sellers)." He advises his fellow artists to be patient. "If you build it, they will come (and yes, eventually they will buy too). Secondly, get out there and let people know you're there! Network with other Etsy users through the forums and chat rooms. Follow the golden rule (do unto others) - promote them & they'll promote you. Blog! Not just about yourself, but about the other fantastic crafters & artisans you encounter." Please check out his shop: http://synchronicity313.etsy.com/

-Wendy Baylis

Dharma Designs

http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/

Meet Etsy Artist: DancingGirlArt

English artist Francesca Burras is "more or less a full-time artisan these days, working from (her) studio - aka the spare bedroom." Nature is her biggest inspiration. "I’m always amazed at the variety and beauty of what I see around me and I take lots of reference photos when I’m out walking my dog. They prove very useful for sparking ideas and often end up as elements in my mixed media pieces." She also has a fascination with myths and folklore from all cultures – "not Victorian, sanitized versions, but the older, darker stories which tap into something primal in our collective psyche and are a hugely rich source of imagery." Like her personality, her style has many facets. "I’ve always admired artists who have a consistent style or theme to their work. They work in one or two media and that’s it. They become instantly recognizable and have a really cohesive look to what they do. However I can’t work like that and after trying to fit myself into that particular mould for some time I finally decided to just acknowledge that I like doing too many different things to be able to settle on one permanently. So I paint, make collages, handmade books, quilts, linotypes, and lately I’ve rediscovered the joy of knitting!" Her mother may have played a part in her awakening her artistic soul. "I was fortunate to have a mother who, although we had very little money, had an infinite imagination," she explains. "We would create things out of the bits and pieces we had around the house and in the garden and that was a wonderful experience for me. It made me interested in all sorts of stuff, from sewing and knitting, which she taught me at an early age, to painting, which she loved." Thankfully she has turned her passion for creating into a full time job, although she admits, "I tend to think of a job as something I have to do even if I don’t want to. So although this is a job in the sense of earning a living I do often feel like I’m truly blessed because every day is a new adventure full of new things I haven’t done yet." She advises her fellow artists "do what you love, what makes your heart sing. And take good photos along the way." Please check out her shop: http://dancinggirlart.etsy.com/

-Wendy Baylis

Dharma Designs

http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/

Meet Etsy Potter & Artist: thebuddhabuilder

Seattle artist Anita Feng is 55, and has been "a working potter/ceramic artist for 35 of those years." She is also a published writer and teaches creative writing at Cornish College of the Arts. "I've recently completed a novel about a young woman's coming of age through her passion for clay (loosely based on my own story)," she explains. Her love of clay began in 1974 when she saw a friend's finished piece. "I admired it so much that I signed up for a six-week intro to pottery class, then promptly spent all of my savings to set up a studio." A year later she was doing the craft show circuit, selling her wares. She eventually moved to the Internet - and just found Etsy a few months ago, where she also has a second shop (http://anitasocarinas.etsy.com/). She has been a "practitioner of Zen" for thirty years, which is beautifully showcased in her work. As for the creative process, she describes it as "a kind of conversation that I'm having with clay. I listen carefully to what kind of mood the clay's in and I respond. I do have a plan in mind, but I'm always open to the fluid suggestions of the moment at hand! The word, Buddha, means 'to wake up' and therefore I try to find an alert and spontaneous presence in each of my sculptures." She hopes her pieces help "open our consciousness to a modern western sensibility to Buddhist art." Please check out her shop: http://thebuddhabuilder.etsy.com/

-Wendy Baylis

Dharma Designs

http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/

Meet Etsy Artist: EmilyBalivet

Emily Balivet is a full time artist, who works from home while taking care of her two daughters. "I'm inspired by the pre-Raphaelites, art Nouveau, mythology, folklore, and the magical Earth," she admits. Her greatest inspiration, though, is music. "Many of my paintings begun while listening to a particular song incessantly," she explains. Her art noveau/gothic style is hard to put into words - especially for Emily. "Maybe earthen psychedelic dream time classic nouveau witchy," she says. "I feel like it goes all over the place and long may it be so." She'd like to remind her fellow artists that "there is someone out there who will connect with everything an artist/crafter can make- no matter WHAT the creator's opinion. If it's listed, someone somewhere will have to have it. So list away!" Please check out her shop: http://emilybalivet.etsy.com/

-Wendy Baylis

Dharma Designs

http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/

Meet Etsy Collage Artist: liliandjojo

I was searching Etsy one day and found this lovely collage that reminded me of my sister and I when we were younger. We grew up in a sterile "white-bread" family and yearned for something more exotic...

Julie is a full-time collage artist and mother of a 14 month old daughter she adopted from Vietnam 6 months ago. "I have always loved making things and I try to make as much of the things I use on a daily basis, as I can." That's why Etsy is the perfect place for Julie. "It is a great place to not only sell all the things I enjoy making, but I feel that I have found a real community of like-minded people!" Her inspiration comes from "books, other artists, films, and seeing other cultures around the world while traveling." She is a "collector at heart and am constantly going to flea markets and thrift stores to find unusual pieces to use in (her) work." She's fascinated with Victorian photos and finds that "the overly serious expressions on their faces lend themselves well to humorous, tongue-in-cheek artworks." She uses old photos, found objects, Japanese papers, vintage fabric, and a myriad of other items in her eclectic pieces. "Now that I have joined Etsy, I have started using the same style of imagery in more 2-dimensional work to make cards and other printed pieces," she says. Like many of us, her goal right now is to sell enough to keep up with her Etsy purchases. Please check out her shop: http://liliandjojo.etsy.com/

-Wendy Baylis

Dharma Designs

http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/

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/

-Wendy Baylis

Dharma Designs

http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/

Meet Etsy Photographer: jennifersquires

Canadian photographer Jennifer Squires was born in Toronto, but now lives and works in London, Ontario. She is inspired by her surroundings and uses photography to "search for simplicity and meaning in the everyday." She finds beauty in everything - and elegantly captures it in her work. "I’m a very creative person and I tend to think outside of the box in almost everything I do," she says. "I grew up in a very small hamlet so I was always looking for ways to make things more interesting." Since she always had a camera in hand, she decided to study photography in high school and college - and has turned her hobby into a full time job. "I’d like to be the person people come to when their walls need to be refreshed," she admits. She recommends her fellow artists "spend at least as much time advertising off Etsy as you do on Etsy." Please check out her shop: http://jennifersquires.etsy.com/

-Wendy Baylis

Dharma Designs

http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/

Meet Etsy Jewelry Artist: ImpressionsByMona

Even before I'd heard of Etsy I was into buying handmade. While I rarely sold any of my own handcrafted items on Ebay, I bought items from other artists. One of my favorite sellers was MonaDesigns786. She is the epitome of great customer service - and went the extra mile for me on many a purchase over the years. On top of all of that - she's a fantastic artist and a really neat lady. Last year after I discovered Etsy I wrote to her to try to convince her to make the move. Thankfully she has finally joined our fabulous Etsy community...

Due to health problems Mona was forced to retire early and become a stay at home Mom. "Just 'being' a housewife/mom was not my cup of tea, so decided to convert my hobby into a trade," she explains. She has been selling her earthy spiritual jewelry on Ebay for awhile, but her Etsy shop is brand new. "It's been 2 years since i started making jewelry pieces and now (I) am surrounded with beads all the time," she jokes. "Mostly colors, textures, and shapes inspire me to play with the beads and make (them) into jewelry pieces," she says. Like me, she hopes to promote acceptance of all cultures and faiths through her art. As for Etsy she says, "I like what I see and the way all Etsians are connected. I feel friendship already." She hopes the circle of friendship will grow bigger each day. Please check out her shop: http:// ImpressionsByMona.etsy.com

-Wendy Baylis

Dharma Designs

http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/

Meet Etsy Collage Artist: IslandSong

Canadian artist Kate Iredale lives on an island with her husband and "a very hairy (but beautiful) Sheltland Sheepdog named Molly." She was fortunate enough to retire early seven years ago and is finally able to take time for herself and "explore (her) long dormant creative yearnings." As her gorgeous collages show, she is definitely making up for lost time. "My creative thirst took a back seat for too many years while my three children were young and growing up," she explains. "Around the time they were leaving home to follow their own dreams, I began working at an Art and Design Institute in Vancouver, Canada. This experience opened my eyes to the excitement of the creative process and the passion with which the students embraced their love of art. When the opportunity came for me to leave work, I began delving into photography and that drifted very naturally and easily into a love of digital art." Her inspiration often comes from words. "My work usually evolves out of something I've read or heard. Words from a conversation, a quote or a song will catch my attention and I write them down in my journal as soon as possible," she explains. "Often I'll see an image in my mind of how the words could be visually expressed and then I start searching for photographs to alter and manipulate until they begin to morph into my mental vision." Her intricate designs are very spiritual, "but not in a religious or dogmatic way, but rather through nature, beauty and through my own personal search for joy and peace." She believes that creating art comes from the heart and reccomends we nurture our inner artist. "That little child who eagerly held up her drawing to the class, only to be told that grass was never, never orange but always green, needs you to believe in her. Encourage rather than critique this inspired creator insider of you. And have fun with the process!" Please check out her shop: http://islandsong.etsy.com/

-Wendy Baylis

Dharma Designs

http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/

Meet Etsy Lampwork Bead Artist: kerribeads

I stumbled upon the most amazing lampwork beads the other day and am still completely floored by the talent and creativity. These beads are so drool-worthy I just had to share...

Kerri Fuhr is a full time glass bead artist from British Columbia. To my surprise, this talented artist has only been making her intricate beads since September of 2000. "I have been pursuing this as a full time career for the past four years and it's amazing to wake up every day and get to do what I love for a living," she admits. "I am mesmerized by the transformation of raw glass that happens when you introduce it to the flame.....add a little creativity and a lot of patience and the most amazing things happen! Before you know it, you have a little treasure in your hand that will last (and hopefully be enjoyed) for many lifetimes." She finds inspiration everywhere. "The world is an amazing place and if you open your eyes you can see beauty in everything," she explains. "I am fortunate to live in a beautiful part of the world and so there is an abundance of natural beauty right on my doorstep." She enjoys nature and botanical themes, which she beautifully showcases in her "tapestry" series. Another favorite subject of hers are dragonflies. "They are a symbol of strength and transformation and just so darn beautiful," she says. Each bead is handcrafted in minute detail, producing intricately patterned and formed beads. "I believe in keeping a high standard of quality in my craft and am proud of each bead I create." Please check out her shop: http://kerribeads.etsy.com/

-Wendy Baylis

Dharma Designs

http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/

Meet Etsy Artist: SankyBlue

I stumbled across this beautiful print of an original oil painting the other day while searching for "sushi." It's absolutely stunning, so I checked out the shop - SankyBlue. To my surprise Nancy Hyer just joined Etsy a few days ago on April first. Her inspiration comes from nature, which is beautifully showcased in her floral works. "William James says it best for me," she explains, "'I am done with great things and big plans, great institutions and big success. I am for those tiny, invisible, loving, human forces that work from individual to individual, creeping through the crannies of the world like so many rootlets, or like the capillary oozing of water, which, if given time, will rend the hardest monuments of pride.'" Eloquent, just like her art. "This quote speaks well to wonderfully inspiring networks such as Etsy, which offer opportunities to share the basic human experience of creativity and possibility." Please check out her shop: http://sankyblue.etsy.com/

-Wendy Baylis

Dharma Designs

http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/