Meet Etsy Artist: Dhuni

The artist behind Dhuni may be an Engineer, but she has a passion for creativity. "My job takes a lot of my time, but I try to grab some time during the weekend," she explains. Inspired by nature and exotic cultures, her line of bindis and body jewelry range from ethnic to whimsical - and everything in between. Designing her pieces allows her a chance to rejuvenate from the rigors of her day job. While it is still just a hobby, she aims for her creations to make someone's day. She also uses a percentage of her Etsy income to help local charities and hopes to one day start her own organization. Please check out her shop: http://dhuni.etsy.com/

-Wendy Baylis

Dharma Designs

http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/

Mumbai: In ugliness there is beauty...

Having just returned from India a week ago I was saddened to hear of the terrorist attacks in Mumbai. My heart is broken knowing so many innocent Indians and foreign tourists were hurt or killed in the 60 hour siege. In my recent travels I met many wonderful Indian people who were generous and welcoming - and supportive of the US. In the wake of this tragedy I hope the entire world comes together in peace and healing and forges an understanding and acceptance of all cultures and faiths. This Reuters photo brought me to tears in the wake of this tragic event - and I think it is important people remember that not all Muslims are extremists or terrorists. With more people like this beautiful child we WILL persevere in world peace. What ever the religion of the victims, I hope their God/s or Goddess/es bless them and carry their souls to their hearts. Join me in working for world peace - and please put it into effect through tolerance, acceptance, and love. Best wishes...

-Wendy Baylis

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

Meet Etsy Doll Artist: umaiyer

Originally from India, Uma/Rama has been an artist for over 30 years, although she has only been marketing her work for the last three. I was lucky enough to stumble across her beautifully detailed dolls on Etsy the other day while searching for East Indian art. I am fascinated by the culture, food, and art of this wonderful country - and now one of it's Etsy artists. Uma's inspiration comes from "the vibrant colors of flowers, the splash of colors on the sky while the sun is setting, and any art work." She admits that she can admire a landscape for hours on end. "Right now I am in Switzerland, the cows grazing in the field, the mountains, and the beautiful houses with flowers in their windows inspire me," she explains. Although she currently focuses her Etsy shop on the traditional handmade dolls of her homeland, she dabbles in a wide range of arts and crafts - including many forms of painting. She hopes to "carve a niche for (her)self in the art world" via Etsy. Please check out her shop: http://umaiyer.etsy.com/

-Wendy Baylis

Dharma Designs

http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/

Meet Etsy Spice Master: ohmasala

Alex has travelled throughout Asia over the last 10 years "in search of anything good to eat." He definitely found a few treasures and recreated them in a traditional style back home in Montreal, Canada. "Unsatisfied with store bought spices and tired of restaurant food that is loaded with fat, sugar and salt, I had to do something," he explains. "After years of culinary research throughout Asia, and years of creating and testing on friends and family, I am now ready to share with all who dare. My goal is to provide excellent quality spice blends and easy to follow recipes to allow the average person to cook tasty and healthy food at home." In his spare time he treats his friends and co-workers to his exotic home-cooked meals. "I am constantly modifying and improving recipes that I've created over the years, and have very loyal customers who answer 'yes!' when I ask them if they want one of my meals, before I even have a chance to tell them what I'm cooking." His spice blends and original recipes are a "great way for me to share my discoveries with everyone." His recipes can be found at http://ohmasala.com/. Please check out his shop: http://ohmasala.etsy.com/

-Wendy Baylis

Dharma Designs

http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/