Meet Etsy Artist: NamasteSilks

I found this next artist while searching Etsy for a gift for a male friend. I was excited to find someone who hand painted men's neckties - with Buddha, no less...

Susan grew up in a Philadelphia suburb, "loving school, nature, and art." If she wasn't enjoying the great outdoors, she was busy behind her sewing machine making her own school clothes. "I have always been fascinated by the creative process and the handmade results," she admits of her urge to learn a myriad of mediums. "My professional path evolved from college as a Textile/Fashion design major to designing in NYC, to motherhood, to custom wedding gown designing, then to elementary school teacher for 9 years," she explains. "Midlife and the 'empty nest' were my gateway to intensive study in areas of wellness, human development, healing arts and spirituality." She eventually developed a life coaching program with her acupuncturist husband "to empower professionals with mind/body techniques for optimal living." Her own creativity has been empowering - and a true stress reliever. "I wanted to offer a form of this process to clients and now hold silk painting classes for clients." As for her own creativity, fellow Etsy artists are a huge inspiration to her - as well as nature, ancient art, and spirituality. "Midlife has gifted me with a deeper sense of purpose and meaning seeking as a joyful pursuit," she says of her creative approach. "My intention is to not only create something beautiful, but something meaningful for people to connect to in the way I look to connect." Like most Etsians, she values handmade objects - whether for art or functionality. In fact, like me, she originally joined Etsy as a buyer before even dreaming of selling her eclectic silks. While she describes the sewing as a "conscious creation, the artistic design is all heart. "I think to have a quality product good enough to sell it must have this head/heart connection," she explains. Please check out her shop: http://namastesilks.etsy.com/ and website: http://thechristophergroupheals.com/

-Wendy Baylis

Dharma Designs

http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com

Meet Etsy Artist: annyschoo

Anny (shu hua) grew up in Taiwan, "a beautiful island." Not surprisingly, a lot of her pieces display an Asian flair. She studied sewing in high school and worked as a teacher for 10 years before becoming a stay at home Mom. "I started to make fabric toys for my daughter to play with," she explains. Last year she moved to Colorado with her family, which inspired her to bring her creativity into fruition. "I love to make cute things," she admits, "practical items for homes and my daughter. But I really LOVE making Asian inspired things." She is fascinated with ancient history and folk art. Her Etsy shop is still just a hobby for now, as she's chosen to devote her time to raising her daughter. "I am grateful to have Etsy as a place to expose my handmade ideas and see what that will lead to." She says Etsy is a great place to meet like minded artists and believes everyone should try their hand at making something. "(When) we create something the process and value is just amazing. We make the world beautiful with handmade." Please check out her shop: http://annyschoo.etsy.com/

-Wendy Baylis

Dharma Designs

http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/