Meet Etsy Mosaic Artist: domosaics

"No matter what I do in life I always end up back in the art world - and couldn't be happier," says the Kentucky artist. "One of the first things that people ask is where did the name Do Mosaics come from? My nickname is Shaundo or DO, which was given to me from my family. When I signed up for my first show they asked me what my business name was. At that point this was still a hobby. My sister called out my name from across the room and I quickly answered DO Mosaics. It has stuck ever since. This officially became my full time business 3 years ago. I was the poster child for the starving artist! It was an up hill battle at first but it is finally taking shape." She started out making mosaic gazing balls as a hobby, but when her sister asked her to make a mirror something clicked. "I started thinking that if I could put tile on a mirror then I could put it on anything." She moved on to picture frames next, which is still a staple in her shop. "There is nothing more gratifying than to see the look on someones face after you show them the finished piece," she gushes. "Making someone happy goes a long way." Although she's been an Etsy member since August of last year, she didn't really become active until last December. "I consider myself to be computer illiterate, so this has been a whole new experience for me," she admits. "I am truly grateful for everyone at Etsy - from the sellers to Admin - for all of their help." Initially she started her Etsy shop to assist her local customers, but didn't realize the magnitude of the site. "It's not every day that people from all over the world could be viewing your art," she says, still in awe. "I love to do art shows to get out and meet people, but you can only imagine what it's like to be carrying around hundreds of grouted pieces. It's rather back breaking. So now I only do a chosen few and this is where Etsy is quickly filling in." She is a firm believer that "you get out of Etsy what you put into it," and strives hard to make her shop work for her. "How many people can say that truly love their job. I am one of the lucky ones that can say that I am!" Please check out her shops: http://domosaics.etsy.com/ and http://etsymosaics.com
-Wendy Baylis

Dharma Designs

http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/

Meet Etsy Artist: ClaudiasBurningInk

Claudia's new obsessions are wood burning and resin - and she has successfully combined the two in her latest creations: funky purses and frames. Despite having two favorites, she enjoys all mediums. "I'm left handed so I've had trouble finding someone that can teach me pottery, crochet or knitting. I tried glass blowing once, but my glove nearly caught on fire. I don't do art that hurts." She describes her unique style as eclectic. "Its really a combo of differnent styles, depending on the medium and my mood." Right now Etsy is a hobby for Claudia. "I have a M-F 8-5 desk job. I would love to do this full time. I hope when I have kids that I will be able to quit the day job focus on the kids and my art." She strives to get her craft out there and dreams of being discovered by DIY, HGTV, or Martha Stewart some day. "Be sure you read up on Etsy before you set up shop," dshe advises her fellow Etsians. "Be nice and others will be nice to you. Ask questions, there are no stupid questions, or answers."