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/

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 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 Photographer & Artist: Eddyizm

Eddy prefers to remain mysterious, but realizes "that gets old fast," so he reluctantly granted me an interview. "I'm terribly anti social and favor activities that can be done alone, be it hiking, reading, or photographing," he admits. "As a photographer, I like to let my photos do the talking. Some speak volumes, others are as striking and pointed as a 4 letter word." This is what drew me to his work. Oddly enough, though - I found him to be eloquent and moving, and wonder what he'd be like as a writer. Hopefully he'll indulge me some day. He finds inspiration in life and his surroundings, "seeing, smelling, so much in the world gets passed by." Even death inspires him. "I think, what will I leave behind when i am gone? A record of my sights, a history, a look into the window that was my life?" He describes his style as a "skewed perception and an art of interpretation" and his art often reflects his personal interests, "from the dirty grimy textures of a 100 year old building to the burning red sunset that has been seen since the beginning of time." Right now photography is a hobby - one that "soothes my soul. As soon as it becomes a job, a real job, I'll quit," he jokes. "It takes time to get your shop in order and have sales come in. The more sellers there are, the more desperate and hopeless it may seem," he says, "but more sellers...bring more buyers! In the end, you gotta do it because you love it - that's what handmade is all about." Please check out his shop: http://eddyizm.etsy.com/

-Wendy Baylis

Dharma Designs

http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/

Meet Etsy Potter: StarksPots

It seems women artists far outnumber men on Etsy, but I have found a few more to feature here on my blog...

Ben Stark recently graduated college where he majored in history, but "spent far more time and effort in (his) elective ceramics classes." While he has been creating pottery since high school, he didn't create his own unique style until his later years of college. He hopes to one day turn his passion into a career, but for now has to work a regular 9:00-5:00 job like most struggling artists. "I am inspired by classic forms of functional wares, and am drawn to Asian pottery, as well as many contemporary American potters," he explains. "I want my work to be functional while at the same time a piece of art. To me, my pieces need to be used to be fully appreciated." His goal is "not to have Etsy support me, but I would like it to support my operating costs for making my wares." He offers sage advice he learned from fellow Etsians: "stick with it, and don't let sales determine self-worth. Become a part of a group or team, the camaraderie is invaluable." Please check out his shop: http://starkspots.etsy.com/

-Wendy Baylis

Dharma Designs

http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/

Meet Etsy Jewelry Artist: SeasideStudio

Jane lives in an old seaside town north of Boston with her family. "I love the ocean and nature. That is what inspires me most," she admits. While she has tried her hand at all sorts of artistic mediums her entire life, she has only started making jewelry in the last two years. She incorporates her love of collecting sea glass into many of her pieces, beautifully wrapping her finds in wire alongside semi-precious stones. "Living by a very old harbor makes it easier for me to find it. Each piece I spy makes me feel like I’ve found a precious little jewel. I love the history in sea glass and find looking for it to be very relaxing." One of her favorite parts of jewelry making is never really knowing how a piece will turn out until it's finished. "The piece takes on its own life," she explains. "I hope that my jewelry will make the wearer feel connected to the beauty in nature." She may have started making her natural pieces as a hobby, but it is now a full time career and she is striving to "become more visible in the market place." She recommends her fellow Etsians "believe in yourself, go for it, and make use of and be thankful for all of the very intelligent and creative people on Etsy who will so generously share their knowledge with you." Please check out her shop: http://seasidestudio.etsy.com/

-Wendy Baylis

Dharma Designs

http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/

Star Wars Party

OK - I admit it - I'm a dork! I really liked Star Wars when I was younger, so I thought it would be fun to have a party last year, complete with steaming drinks. I even made an R2-D2 beer cooler out of a garbage can, aluminum foil, and posterboard. It was a blast! That's me as Princess Leia and my wonderful husband as Han Solo.

-Wendy Baylis

Dharma Designs

http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/

My latest creation

I've been so busy it's been weeks since I've created anything, but my best friend asked me to make a necklace for her - something simple yet elegant that she could wear every day. I used beads of apatite and kyanite in her favorite shades of blue and silver spacers and chain, so she can wear it with a ring she's having made from a silver pearl she handpicked at an oyster farm in Hawaii. I used three beads in three sets to symbolize their budding family (they just had their first baby last October). What do you think?
-Wendy Baylis
Dharma Designs
http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/

Meet Etsy Jewelry Artist: Pavoreal

25 year old AngelaHurtado is the amazing talent behind Pavoreal. Born in Peru, she now lives in Costa Rica where she creates her beautiful wirework designs. "I teach fashion and jewelry history at college, so I love to incorporate ideas and color combinations that I find through my research. I also love the colors I can find living in a tropical environment here in Costa Rica," she explains. Originally trained as a graphic designer, she gravitates toward modern, stylized shapes and designs that evoke a simple elegance, which she expertly displays in her bridal pieces on Etsy and her personal website (AzaharTiaras.com). "I'm trying to turn it into my job, but I also like to complement it with some intellectual work, such as teaching and writing, usually on the subjects of fashion, jewelry and their relationship with women through history." Being on the other side of the world than the majority of Etsians, she finds it harder to get her name out there, but I feel her work speaks for itself. Please check out her shop: http://pavoreal.etsy.com/

-Wendy Baylis

Dharma Designs

http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com

African safari, anyone?

I love experiencing other cultures and faiths - and when I saw the beautiful copper pendant I knew I had to make a necklace out of it. This one is inspired by tribal Africa and is part of my personal collection. It includes beads of bone, coconut, wood, brass, copper, shell, and various natural elements.
-Wendy Baylis
Dharma Designs
http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/

My first Oil Portraits

Painter's Log, Star Date 2/6/08. It's been 12 years (gasp) since I've painted with my oils, so I thought I'd list my first and only portraits to kick start me into boldly going where I've never gone before: a second project. I'm a huge original Star Trek fan, so it was only natural I chose Captain Kirk and Mr. Spock as my fist subjects. What do you think? I bought a bunch of blank canvases of all sizes and hope to get my butt in gear this weekend...

-Wendy Baylis

Dharma Designs

http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/

Yikes - I finally did it...

After a lot of prodding from friends I have finally decided to list custom portraits on Etsy. This marks the first time I've ever tried to do it professionally (OK, I admit it - I'm SCARED). Heck, I've hardly let anyone even see my art over the years. It is one of my true passions, though. I start with the eyes. They're a window to your soul - and if I can't capture someone's personality in their eyes I start over. Simple as that. Anyway, here's a few of my faves...

-Wendy Baylis

Dharma Designs

http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/

Etsy portrait listing: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=9313040

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/

Ever have sellers remorse?

This necklace is one of my creations that sold on Etsy awhile back. It was one of my favorites and I find myself missing it terribly, even though I know it went to a good home -- AND I have a ton of turquoise necklaces already that my husband reminds me I never wear. :-) Sellers remorse, I guess. Has anyone else had the same thing happen to them?

For this necklace I used chunky turquoise nuggets, a teardrop shaped turquoise pendant on a bail, and a wooden Kwan Yin netsuke to bring out the brown in the turquoise matrix.

-Wendy Baylis

Dharma Designs

http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/

Meet Etsy Jewelry Artist: ANORIGINALJEWELRY

A mere 23, Ashley lives in New York where she attended The Fashion Institute of Technology, studying Jewelry Design. While she has only been selling her cutting edge designs since 2005, she was already commissioned to create a custom piece for Warner Brothers Recording Artist "Mozella." Not surprisingly music is a big inspiration to her. She even has a "Music Inspired" section on her own website (http://www.anoriginaljewelry.com/). "I am also inspired by people in general. Sometimes when I meet someone I can imagine a piece that would go with their personality," she explains. "I like to do things that are eye catching while keeping in mind that eye catching doesn't necessarily mean huge or neon colors," she says of her edgy yet elegant style. She has been fortunate enough to turn her art into her career. "I am really throwing everything I have into this. Hopefully I can forge ahead and make a name for myself." She is committed to being a valuable part of the Etsy community, sharing her knowledge and helping other artists get exposure. "There is nothing wrong with sharing suppliers or tips," she suggests. "I do it all the time. I really believe that the beauty in this community is our access to each other. We are each others greatest resource! I think if you look at everyone as competition you're only hurting yourself. I love to buy jewelry and crafts from other artisans on Etsy, I believe you need to give support to get it back!" Well said. Please check out her Etsy shop: http://anoriginaljewelry.etsy.com/

-Wendy Baylis

Dharma Designs

http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com

Meet Etsy Artist: PollyPainting

Polly Jones is a full time artist - and "domestic goddess," whose been painting for 25 years. Luckily her husband shares her creative passions: he teaches art at a university and renders amazing drawings. He also supports Polly in her endeavors. "This summer he turned our sun porch into a studio for me," she explains. Her inspiration could come from anywhere. "Cleaning up the kitchen can lead to an idea for a painting, noticing how a spoon in a glass is refracted." She is also a self-admitted thrift store addict. "Most of my still life items are 'finds.'" She also does larger works, combining elements of collage, drawing, and direct painting, several of which are featured in an art show that opens this Valentine's Day. Her next project is a series of smaller works she plans to post on Etsy. "Take time to appreciate what a blessing it is to have creative impulses," she recommends. "We as artists and artisans have much to be grateful for, a chance to connect in meaningful ways with others." Please check out her shop: http://pollypainting.etsy.com/

-Wendy Baylis

Dharma Designs

http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/

My FAB new business cards from Etsy artist: callista311

Yippee!!! I just ordered 1500 of my new business cards designed by Etsy artist callista311. They are so beautiful I had to share! What do you think? I can't wait to start handing them out! :-) Please check out her shop for all your graphic design and business needs: http://callista311.etsy.com/

-Wendy Baylis

Dharma Designs

http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com

Meet Etsy Photographer & Artist: MaggieDeePhoto

Maggie Dee was born in Scotland, but later immigrated to Canada where she currently resides. Photography started out as a mere hobby for this phenomenal talent. "I used to shoot models for fun (I have an extensive background in fashion)," she explains. "After a couple of years, I realized it was more of a passion than a hobby and I took the plunge and went pro." She's compelled to shoot personal creative projects, expressing her ethereal style - and one titled "A Millennium Prophecy, a return to the Source" was recently exhibited. "It was a project of words and images, projecting there is no religion without science and vice versa, with lots of anti racism thrown in." It received many accolades and some of the pieces are available in her Etsy shop (i.e. the shot of the Angels and Spacemen). "I believe it is important for a photographer to select their own personal projects, something other than their everyday professional work," she says. Her inspiration for her spiritual art comes from within, "from the source." Please check out her shop and website: http://maggiedeephoto.etsy.com/ www.maggiedeephotographer.com

-Wendy Baylis

Dharma Designs

http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/

Meet Etsy Artist: RozArt

The prolific painter behind RozArt is a single mother of three, who paints full-time. "I started with the cows and roosters after a year spent on a Texas cattle ranch," she explains. "I was renting the house and the owner's cattle roamed all over - so the kids and I were thrilled to have them around. There were chicken pens there, so we got some (imagine city folks trying to do the country-thing). We loved the ranch-life and the animals, which was a surprise to me. I was able to get a lot of inspiration and observation from life while I was there." Her lose, fast painting style showcases textures and movement reminiscent of Impressionism. Each piece isn't just a snapshot in time, but rather the essence of an entire moment. Wile still fairly new to Etsy she has some sage advice. "Even if it is a part-time hobby - treat it like a business. Make sure your items are of quality and that you ship on time, always keep in good contact with clients and keep them happy!" Please check out her shop: http://rozart.etsy.com/

-Wendy Baylis

Dharma Designs

http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/

My Hand Painted Tibetan Cabinet

As you may know by now, I am infatuated with the cultures, faiths, and arts of Asia. I have always wanted a painted Tibetan cabinet, but am saddened by the occupation and worldwide export of Tibetan culture. I could not bring myself to purchase something that may have been taken from a family - or sold as a last resort to make it in an occupied territory. So - I decided to paint one myself...

-Wendy Baylis

Dharma Designs

http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/