Meet Etsy Artist: raycious

Rie is a Japanese transplant in Australia with an Aussie fiance, a dog, and birds. "We both enjoy being involved in our own craft," she admits. "My inspiration is coming from my country Japan. We have a lot of traditional craft/art which I love to spread all over the world!" Of course her mother and fiance are also a huge inspiration. Her Saikumono style is a "very delicate way of a hand sewn craft from time gone by in which disappeared during the period of war, but now it is revived anew." Pre WWII Japanese women used the art of Saikumono to express the beauty of nature throughout the four seasons. Please check her out on Etsy: http://saikumono./

-Wendy Baylis

Dharma Designs

http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/

Meet Etsy Artist: tamrasart

Tamra has been an artist all her life, but "was never encouraged in that area." She tries hard to encourage her own kids' abilities and talents - and anyone else who needs a little encouragement. "I have a degree in art therapy, so I have a bit of a bent toward that philosophy," she jokes. Her inspiration comes from the people in her life. "I'm a Jesus follower and I know that no one walks through my front door by accident, be it adult, kid or animal. I look for ways to serve the people God has put in my path, especially through my art." Her style runs the gamet, from realism to impressionism, but she strives to make her commisioned portraits "spot on." Although she mostly focussed on drawing and oil painting in the past, she picked up pastels about three years ago and now has "no desire to use anything else at the moment." She says "they do what colored pencils couldn't do for me." She has some of the best advice I've heard so far for her fellow Etsians: "Have a sign over (your) work table that says 'Make stuff!'" Please check out her shop: http://tamrasart.etsy.com/
-Wendy Baylis
Dharma Designs
http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/

Meet Etsy Artist: toenailgallery

OK - I must admit that most of us don't think of pretty thoughts when we hear the words toe nail, but this next artist will definitely change your mind...

Jason runs toenailgallery on Etsy and calls himself a "living artist, meaning that I make about half of my income from my art." He focuses his talents on making function things - like furniture, appliances, and bicycles - look better. "I feel I do well at that," he says, and after seeing his Geisha dresser I'd have to agree. "I'm happy with every piece I've done," he admits, but goes on to say that "I'm pretty anal when it comes to my stuff. It has to be the very best I can do." If he isn't happy with it, he'll primer over the entire thing and start again. He describes his inspiration as a "beautiful dance between me and the person I'm creating for. It could be a color preference, theme, favorite animal or just an intuitive feeling I have at the moment." He appreciates that his clients tend to trust him and let him work his magic. "Almost all of them blindly let loose with their things without a clue exactly what I had in mind. It's a awesome feeling to share the finished piece with them. I really love that part!" Etsy has helped his unique work get seen by over 1000 people all over the world. "That number at times has been humbling in the fact that I've had 3 sales," he says. "The people I've had the pleasure of connecting with have been very friendly. You guys rock!" Please check out his shop: http://toenailgallery.etsy.com/
-Wendy Baylis
Dharma Designs
http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/

Meet Etsy Artist: faeryspellcreations

The unique artist and sculptor behind faeryspellcreations is "a native San Franciscan, mom of two amazing little boys, and wife to the most wonderful husband...who makes (her) living sculpting and sewing dolls based on fairy, mythology, history, and folklore." Her favorite mediums are clay, paper, and fabric. She is inspired by the natural beauty in the world. "I also love reading history, fairy tales, and myths," she admits. "And I always create to music." Although she currently focuses on sculpting her magical dolls, her first love was fabric and "for a long time (she) did custom period and fantasy clothing." While she still works on costumes from time to time, most are for her dolls. "You will find handbags, hats, gloves, masks and fairy wings in my store regularly." She describes her Etsy endeavor as "a job, a hobby, and an absolute pleasure," and hopes to transition into selling there solely within the next year. "Keep creating," she recommends. "When you first start here, it takes a while for people to find you--for those first sales to come in. But don't be discouraged! Instead, use your time productively, create a beautiful store, introduce yourself in the forums and have fun! Please check out her shop: http://faeryspellcreations.etsy.com/
-Wendy Baylis
Dharma Designs

http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/

Meet New Etsy Artist: Katuno

I found another brand-spanking-new Etsy artist by accident. WOW! There are so many talented people here! I'm going to be busy profiling everyone...

Kat is a Hawaiian resident, whose ethnic background is Japanese. Both aspects have an impact on her whimsical art. "I started drawing at a young age and have always been fascinated by crafts," she explains. "My mother was a full time mom, but she also did many types of crafts, which I found amazing and inspirational." She was lucky enough to have parents who supported her interest in art and went on to earn an Art degree in Illustration. She began experimenting with digital mediums 5 years ago and is currently back in school, studying web design. Some of her works are inspired by her love of Japanese anime. "I love the bright colors, large eyes, and cuteness." She admits, "Anything visual can spark an idea in me...but I'm a chameleon when it comes to style, I change when it fits my purpose." She also loves to crochet, "particularly amigurumi." Etsy has provided her with an opportunity to share her work. "I love having people find joy in my art. It really makes me feel as if I am doing something special and that inspires me," she says. "Don't be afraid to showcase your own style." Please check out her shop: http://katuno.com/
-Wendy Baylis
Dharma Designs
http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/