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/

My FAB new Etsy banner from artist: callista311

Well - I've decided to mix things up a bit and get a new banner, business card template, blog header, and labels. I chose the wonderfully talented Etsian callista311 this time around - and I'm so in love with her work so far I had to share. She completed the business card template and banner already (which is temporarily my blog header, too) - and I am completely impressed. She has shown not only great artistry, but patience, excellent customer service, and quick communication. I highly recommend her for all your Etsy shop and graphic design needs. Please check her out: http://callista311.etsy.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/

Meet Etsy Artist: canyouhearme

Sami is the astounding talent behind Etsy shop CanYouHearMe. She lives in Salem, Oregon with her husband Brian in what she calls "a magical cottage (a darling guest house on a beautiful piece of land complete with vineyard and orchard)." Both are in grad school - Sami studying Art Therapy Counseling and Brian finishing his PhD in Nuclear Engineering. "Artist + mad scientist = love," she jokes. "Even though we're both crazy busy with school, we're doing what we are passionate about and, to be honest, I can't think of a time in my life when I've ever felt more satisfied and happy." Her inspiration comes from her own experiences and the lives of those around her. "I’m inspired by triumph over hardship, love, and all those little subtle moments of goodness that deserve to be captured." While she mostly works with oils and collaged mix media she has recently "developed an affinity for figurative work and finds (herself) moving more and more in that direction." She enjoys taking risks in her art, which lends itself beautifully to her "fun, inventive, and somewhat precarious" style. While juggling school, Etsy is only a hobby at the moment - one that is only ten days old. "At this point, if I can get to the place where I can happily say that my shop, in my eyes, is a success then I think that will always be enough." She may be brand-spanking new to Etsy, but she has some sage advice. "I have learned that the only person you really need to please is yourself. If others love your work- great! But if they don't- that never will devalue what you do. Please check out her shop: http://canyouhearme.etsy.com/

-Wendy Baylis

Dharma Designs

http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/

Meet Etsy Jewelry Artist: StixsandStones

The incredible talent behind StixsandStones is a mere 28 years old. She's a New York City native, but while on vacation to Nantucket Island, Maine she met the man who would become her husband and moved there five years ago. "Nantucket is a very creative place where most people are entrepreneurs," she explains. "I guess I caught the bug and became really interested in making jewelry just after my mom bought me some beads." She was soon working and consigning at a local jewelry store (Victoria Greenhood Jewelry Design). "I have a few clients who come every year to buy a new Stixs and Stones piece and that makes me feel so great." She finds inspiration in warm, bright colors and textures. "I love to mix materials; metal, gemstones, natural elements, the more, the merrier!" She has been designing her earthy natural jewelry for four years. "This is a job that feels like a hobby and I hope it always stays that way." She also substitute teaches at the local High School. She takes Etsy one sale at a time and enjoys the community. She advises fellow Etsians to keep doing what they love. "Stay true to your style and don't get discouraged, the sales will come!" Please check out her shop: http://stixsandstones.etsy.com/

-Wendy Baylis

Dharma Designs

http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/

Meet Etsy Jewelry Artists: StarOfTheEast

Mother and daughter team Esther and Estella, started making jewelry about 3 and a half years ago. While they both currently reside in Turkey, Esther was born in Spain and Estrella in Holland. Esther has a Civil Engineering degree and her daughter is an Interior Designer, but their true passion is jewelry. Mostly of their designs are co-conspired, but every now and again they create something on their own. Due to their age, culture, and taste differences their pieces display a wide variety of styles. They describe their designs as "Baroque, eclectic, exotic - anything but boring," and I'd have to agree. They believe the real art to jewelry making "is that it should look good and that the person who wears it looks great." Because they buy their supplies in such large amounts they soon had to rent a workplace - and were also able to begin selling supplies. They are especially renowned for their beautiful Sea Urchin Collection and they hope their gaining notoriety enables them to pursue Etsy as a full time career. They know the value of continuous improvement and recommend fellow artists pay close attention to their pictures and descriptions. "Check out what kind of pictures get more attention and what kind of items sell quicker so that you can follow that road," they suggest. "It takes commitment." Please check out her shop: http://staroftheeast.etsy.com/

-Wendy Baylis

Dharma Designs

http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/

Meet Etsy Artist: DharmaDesigns (me)

Wow - I am so honored! NatureAllWell did a lovely feature on me for her blog. Here's a link: http://myartyboudior.blogspot.com/2008/01/jewellery-with-asian-feel.html

-Wendy Baylis

Dharma Designs

http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/

Meet Etsy Jewelry Artist: VillaDesign

The hip talent behind VillaDesign is a full time graphic designer, "but every spare moment revolves around glass, especially flamework glass beads." After a few classes several years back, she was hooked - and has been creating her unique jewelry ever since. She was even featured in Bead Review as is Vice President of the St. Lois Lampworkers Society. Although glass is her passion, she has tried her hand at sliversmithing, photography, drawing, and ceramics. Her inspiration may come from "color, forms in nature, and patterns in everyday objects." Many people have commented that her lampwork beads look like candy. "I don't recommend biting them, though," she jokes. Eventually she'd like her craft to be a full time job, but in the meantime her goals are grounded and realistic: network. She'd like to remind her fellow artists to "never be discouraged and always have fun doing what you love." Please check out her shop: http://villadesign.etsy.com/

-Wendy Baylis

Dharma Designs

http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/

Meet Etsy Jewelry Artist: CSerdan

Charlene, a mother of two, is the amazing talent behind CSerdan. She is passionate about gemstones, colour ,and texture - and finds inspiration for her earthy style in nature. "I love to look at really big things like the sky, the ocean, (and) trees," she admits. She is also an avid traveler and frequently draws upon memories of the exotic places she has visited. Once you see her jewelry you may be surprised to know that she has only been making jewelry for the past four years. She has also tried her hand at painting and photography. Etsy has helped her passion become a part-time job. She plans to create new pieces every week and continuously evolve her craft. "Do something you love," she advises. "(It) will show in your work." Please check out her shop: http://cserdan.etsy.com/

-Wendy Baylis

Dharma Designs

http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/