Meet Etsy Artist: glasswench

Kelli Graves' love affair with stained glass began several years ago, after a shoulder injury prohibited her from becoming a potter. A simple visit to the cathedrals of Paris sparked her interest - and after an Adult Education class in the craft she was "hooked like a trout on the line." Inspiration can come from anywhere. "I love color," she admits, "in general; intense, saturated, rich or subtle, it doesn't matter, color is a visual feast for me." She has a soft spot for patterns as well - especially tapestries, batiks, and henna art. "I love the play of light (I almost called my blog by that name), the way it filters through clouds, sprinkles through the leaves of a tree. The patterns and shifts of light from a coming storm, or approaching thunderhead. The soft, caressing light of dawn, and the brilliant, aggressive light of sundown." Artistic, even as a child, she remembers drawing "big fancy Jessica McClintock dresses." Eventually she moved on to gardening and picture framing - and even jewelry design. She had an interest in glass arts since high school, but never really pursued her love until the fateful trip to Paris. "I became completely obsessed with it," she explains. "It satisfies all my creative needs, from finding or making the pattern, to color and texture selection, to the detail of cutting and forming the puzzle pieces of the glass, to joining it all together, for that final glorious moment when you can lift the completed piece up to the light and discover the true character of what you have been imagining." While her art is just a hobby at this point (she is a skincare therapist by day), she admits that trying to turn it into a business "sucked the majority of the joy out of it." For that reason alone, she has resisted selling her creative works, even to friends and family. Only now is she allowing herself to get her name out there because she has so many ideas for projects - and nowhere to hang them all. "So I make them, enjoy them for a bit, and then offer them for sale to my friends - and now the world at large via Etsy." Please check out her Etsy shop: http://glasswench.etsy.com/ and blog: http://glasswench.wordpress.com/

-Wendy Baylis

Dharma Designs

http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/

Meet Etsy Artist: tashdesigns

The Sri Lankan American artist behind tashdesigns opened shop a mere week ago, but has already caught my eye with this gorgeous Medicine Buddha painted in the Tibetan thangka style. "I just posted my first painting on Etsy a few days ago and I am in the process of adding more." A graduate of UC Berkeley, tashdesigns was born in the US, but "find(s) that it is necessary to be true to your culture." South Asian iconography has been a huge influence - especially Buddha images. "Follow your heart and love your craft and embrace your culture." Please check out this brand-spanking new Etsy shop: http://tashdesigns.etsy.com/

Wendy Baylis

Dharma Designs

http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/

Meet Etsy Artist: Kozue

Originally from Japan, Kozue moved to the US last summer to get married. "When I was a kid, I used to buy monthly girls comics, which Japanese girls love," she admits. "I liked imitating (the) comic books. I guess that's where my recent style comes from." It all started with a fascination with drawing crying girls. "I see beautiful thing in crying girls," she explains. "They are weak. They are strong. They are beautiful." Pencil is her medium of choice - "simple, yet complicated, which shows your feeling, emotion, and each person’s character." She says that the most beautiful thing about drawing is that "you can’t draw a perfect line or circle like (as) computer." She also fell in love with the art and process of carving rubber stamps - merely a month ago. It's hard to believe it's only been several weeks since she began her new foray since her work is so crisp and polished; simple yet emotional like her drawings.Please check out her shop: http://kozue.etsy.com/ and Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/girlsarecrying/

-Wendy Baylis

Dharma Designs

http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/

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: blueart1999

Adipa discovered art when she visited a gallery and knew that she wanted to create beautiful images like the ones she had seen. She learned her craft by trial and error over the next 10 years - and lots of practice through the years. Her sister, also an artist, has been her inspiration and, at times, a teacher - showing her how to mix colors. She hopes people will love her work. Please check out her shop: http://blueart1999.etsy.com/

-Wendy Baylis

Dharma Designs

http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com

Meet Etsy Artist: temple7e

Ohio artist Muluc began his artistic adventures with "graffiti" and street art before eventually finding his current niche. He, too, has a love of everything Asian, which is often reflected in his urban zen creations. "I get extremely inspired by seeing what others do," he says of his fellow artists. "There is just so much amazing creativity out there and it really turns me on." Although he has been drawing his entire life, he didn't experiment with other mediums until the age of 20. "If I weren't selling on Etsy I would still be making all of this anyway." Spoken like a true artist. He does make a little money, though, although not enough to quit his day job yet, which is his goal. "Be patient and allow your shop time and space to grow," he recommends. "Keep your quality and shop appearance tight and be prompt and clear in your communication." And of course, "Love your customers." Please check out his shop: http://temple7e.etsy.com/ and blog: http://temple7e.blogspot.com/

-Wendy Baylis

Dharma Designs

http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/

Meet Etsy Artist: Yeshela24

Teryl grew up in the oceanfront town of Marblehead, Boston. "I was born in Salem, which had the history of the persecution of women healers," she explains. "I felt the pain of that suffering strongly as a child. My heart wanted to heal it." She also had an early passion for art. "We had tourists that came through the town in droves every summer and my first experience of selling my art was making sculptures from beach stones and then selling them to tourists," she says. By nine she had raised enough money from her work for a trip to France, where she spent time at the Ecole Freinet school, "which was created for the children of Filmmakers and Artists." Her time there was well spent. "We made art in the forest, created fetes(skits), created large sculptures, ate from a garden there at the school, skinny dipped in icy cold water each morning to awaken for the day, bathed in the sun in the afternoon. Quite an awakening from Boston puritanism," she jokes. "I learned that art could be integrated with nature and every moment of life. Art was not a compartmentalized element." At 19 she travelled the world on her own for 18 months: China, Japan, Taiwan, the Philippines, Thailand, Burma, Bangladesh, Nepal, India, Israel, Greece, and Turkey. "I came home turning 21," she says. "I had surrendered my journey, listened to my heart and let it guide my journey." She worked in villages, taught English, and became a part of every community she visited. Upon her return she went to college, which is where she met her Tibetan teacher, "a cave dwelling yogi that had escaped persecution in Tibet and carried his (own) teacher out on his back." She says, "He taught through his presence rather than trying to impress externally. His purpose was to help other refugees and that was the only reason he had left the cave and his meditation." Awed by his dedication and resolve, she quickly started her own efforts to sponsor refugees. After Grad school she returned to Asia for meditation retreats in the sacred places she visited 12 years before. "On this journey I lived in Bali and shot much of the Lotus series seen on my website." Along the way she was diagnosed with breast cancer, but never let it get in the way of leading a full and happy life. She has triumphed over her illness, depending on her spiritual Faith and art to see her through the tough times. She reminds her fellow artists to "encourage each other." Please check out her shop: http://yeshela24.etsy.com/

-Wendy Baylis

Dharma Designs

http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/

Meet Etsy Artist: EasternSunPrintworks

"After a relatively calm life growing up in NJ, graduating from college, and teaching French in junior high school, I moved to Maine and went to graduate school," Nancy says. With an M.A. in French Lit, she set off on a 2 ½ year backpacking trip around the world. "I spent lots of time in the Orient as the quintessential Buddhist tourist, visiting temples and studying meditation. I kept written and painted journals throughout the trip. When I returned, I went to a month-long meditation program at a Buddhist center in Colorado where I met my husband, Tom." They later moved to Florida with their daughter where she started a card and stationary company 25 years ago. "I have a lovely studio in our backyard, surrounded by chirping birds, live oaks, and luscious bromeliads, very near the Fountain of Youth Park, in St. Augustine," she gushes. "I am a very happy, art-making maniac." Her imagination is endless, providing endless inspiration, but she also gleans ideas from "the infinite qualities of color, natural landscapes of many regions, and my love for Tibet." She explains, "The iconography of the Buddhist countries in the Himalayas is rich in imagery and is incredibly inspiring. I find it unbelievably satisfying to make something that I know is going to bring happiness to another being, maybe my neighbor or maybe someone who lives halfway around the world." All of the plates for her silkscreen designs are from hand drawn positives that are printed on 100% recycled papers. "I also use photography to enhance my 'seeing.'" She is also an accomplished illustrator and collage artist. "I’ve gotten a real kick out of being part of Etsy. It’s a supportive forum for artists and has lots of useful tools and guides. There is an inspiring mix of sheer talent, quirkiness, technology, ingenuity, and business savvy." Please check out her shop: http://easternsunprintworks.etsy.com

Blog: www.greetingcardlady.blogspot.com/

Website: http://www.easternsunprintworks.com/

-Wendy Baylis

Dharma Designs

http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/

Meet Etsy Artist: gracebaleymosaics

Brooklyn artist Grace Baley has been creating beautiful mosaics for over 12 years. She first fell in love with the art after seeing the tile designs in the NY subway system. She admits it took a lot of trial and error, but eventually she perfected her craft. "I use sheets of stained glass to create my pieces and cut them down to fit the needs of the design," she explains. Her work includes everything from the beautiful Buddha above to landscapes, floral arrangements, and portraits. Aside from being a mosaic artist, she also professionally installs bathroom and kitchen tile. "I work with interior designers to create custom pieces for their clients matching color and design style," she says, which has turned out to be very therapeutic for her. "I become very attached to my pieces when they are finished because they are usually the result of a long enjoyable journey," she admits. "I hope that Etsy will afford me the opportunity to sell my work to an audience that supports and appreciates the emotional connection an artist has to her work." Please check her out: http://gracebaleymosaics.etsy.com/, http://www.gracebaley.com/

-Wendy Baylis

Dharma Designs

http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/

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/

Meet Etsy Artist: WormwoodHollow

William Bezek has been a professional artist since the age of 17 when he was hired as an illustrator. His paintings - such as the gorgeous Buddha above - are often inspired by his exotic travels. "My favorite holiday is Halloween and I do a lot of crafty items for that," he admits. Sometimes these pieces share a fun Tim Burton-like whimsy. "I am part of the Halloween and Vine group show every year with some very talented artists," he says. He recently took a six month hiatus from his art to move across country, but is now hard at work again. Please check out his shop: http://wormwoodhollow.etsy.com/

-Wendy Baylis

Dharma Designs

http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/

Meet Etsy Artist: jPerlmutterArt

Jennifer says she is open to the "NOW" and "this is the motivation that moves my brush or hand." She is also inspired by Dharma realizations. "Relationships and nature with Dharma woven throughout both – those are parts of my inspiration." The dedicated mother of a 6 year old, she also says her child plays a huge part in her art. "Because of the value I place on the importance of being with my son, I don’t paint everyday," she explains. "I sometimes take long breaks – weeks without painting." She admits that she is always thinking about it, though - and often plans out her next series while on hiatus. Her current abstract Buddha series is both mystical and ethereal, capturing a serene mood. She has been painting for 12 years and began by decorating furniture. Please check out her shop: http://jperlmutterart.etsy.com/

-Wendy Baylis

Dharma Designs

http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/

Meet Etsy Glass Artist: nickpaul

Chicago designer Nick Paul teaches Glassblowing and Glass Fusing in his spare time - and creates unique glasses from upcycled bottles. "The recycled bottle idea came from the need for more drinking glasses for a party," he explains. "The studio I work at throws these massive benefit parties were they give away hand made cups at the door. Each time there's a party we try and make five hundred or more cups...we were running short and somebody asked if it was possible to turn a bottle into a drinking glass." His unusual creations were a hit and sold better than the other glasses, so he ran with it. "I wouldn't really describe the recycled cup thing as my style," he jokes. "I'm a glassblower. I just happen to be able to turn recycled bottles into drinking glasses and vases." He's been at his craft for 8 years, but has only repurposed bottles for 2. He describes glassblowing as "a hobby that just so happens to pay." He started Etsy with the goal of making a little extra money for a car, but got such a positive response that he decided to stick with it. "Now I'm out there promoting myself and Etsy like crazy." He admits it's been a lot of fun, though. He advises his fellow artists also promote the site. "By getting others involved it helps spread the word." Please check out his shop: http://nickpaul.etsy.com/

-Wendy Baylis

Dharma Designs

http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/

Meet Etsy Artist" Sulaluna

UK artist Sue Wright stumbled upon Etsy after her son encouraged her to join. "He has a friend with an Etsy shop, and the more I looked ... I don't think I'll ever go normal shopping again," she excitedly explains. "I'm busy passing on the word." As an artist, it's important to her to support her fellow artisans and crafters. A lifelong artist, she has dabbled in many mediums, including jewelry making, although painting is her passion. "I love to mix media, employ different materials and techniques - and have a fascination with colours, shapes, textures, paint and fabrics that make me feel alive." She especially loves to paint on linen because it has a "special sexy feel to it." Her pieces often reflect her mood and life experiences. As she puts it, "What would the world be without color?" New to Etsy, she decided to start off simple with a few small paintings. Please check out her shop: http://sulaluna.etsy.com/

-Wendy Baylis

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

Meet Etsy Metalsmith & Artist: mollyheltsleydesigns

Molly, now 49, didn't discover her "creative groove" until the age of 45. "Too busy raising a family I guess," she explains. All of her pieces are created with recycled materials and found objects. "The word of Buddha inspire me, it's very empowering to know that all the strength I need to embrace life, comes from within. I hope my pieces send peaceful thoughts and action to every corner of the world I send them," she says. I was lucky enough to find the gorgeous Buddha cuff bracelet pictured above and purchase it from her Etsy shop before anyone else found it. When she started making jewelry a year ago she was advised to "make less peace and Buddha stuff and you will probably do OK." But, always the rebel, she decided to make only what she wanted. "I can't handle any more business, so that tells me people are crying out for unusual organic pieces." she says. It began as a hobby but is quickly turning into a successful business. She's found re-listing to be helpful, but above all else recommends her fellow artists stay true to themselves. "Don't try to design to please others, and most of all focus on PEACE in every aspect of your life." Please check out her shop: http://mollyheltsleydesigns.etsy.com/

-Wendy Baylis

Dharma Designs

http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/

Meet Etsy Photographer & Artist: MKMcKenna

I was lucky enough to discover today's featured artist on her second day at Etsy...

Fellow Libran MKMcKenna is a photo journalist in Washington, DC. "I do mostly weddings, events, and family lifestyle photography," she explains, "but I also get to do a lot of travel photography." It was her stunning travel photos that struck my eye - especially the beautiful Burmese Buddha. Aside from exotic locations, she finds inspiration in friends and family as well as nature and other artists. She's been interested in photography ever since she was 10 years old and has been lucky - and talented - enough to turn her passion into a career and marketable art. "Do what you love, but never under price yourself," she advises. Please check out her shop: http://mkmckenna.etsy.com/

-Wendy Baylis

Dharma Designs

http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/

Meet Etsy Artist: AtchisonArt

Elizabeth Atchison is a practicing Buddhist, who loves the outdoors and is an "avid animal lover with many pets." She acquired two Boxers (Jack and Hunter) from a volunteer stint with the local Boxer Rescue. She also has a rabbit, chinchilla, turtles, and fish. In her other Etsy shop (http://www.hunterandjacksnacks.etsy.com/) she sells homemade natural snacks for pets. Aside from all of her animals, she is also a new Mom again to a 5 month old baby boy. "I am so blessed to have 3 wonderful kids and such a supportive loving husband to call my own," she gushes. Somehow she finds time to paint. "I really enjoy getting lost in a painting. The best part of art is that is is interpretive...which means I don't have to very good at it," she jokes. Her inspiration comes from her family and living life in the present moment. Currently she focuses on watercolors, but hopes to try oil paints soon. "Painting is just a hobby at the present moment, however I would love to be able to provide for my family through the venue of Art," she admits. Like most of us, she hopes Etsy will help get her name out there. "Network...promote your shop. Meet others that share the same interests. And most importantly, never give up. It is not over (until)...you quit. Please check out her shop: http://atchisonart.etsy.com/
-Wendy Baylis

Dharma Designs

http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/

Meet Etsy Metalsmith & Jewelry Artist: julsilver

I found today's artist while searching for Buddha earrings. From the moment I saw these I knew I HAD to have them. Believe it or not they are even more gorgeous "in person." I was stunned to discover I was her first Etsy purchase. I absolutely love these earrings and will treasure them always...

Aside from being an artist, Laura Bellows is an anthropologist "re-inventing." She became interested in Buddhism and Hinduism while doing fieldwork for her PhD in Bali, Indonesia. Much of her work is inspired by the wonderful cultures and people she encountered abroad. "I am still really interested in the meanings and intellectual problems I dealt with as a researcher," she admits. "I seek to bring this into my work as much as possible, even to the point of including words or texts that I find fascinating, or which simply contain things I feel I have to say." While she makes many pieces her self, she actually makes a living by designing pieces that can be made in Bali via a Fair Trade model - and sold wholesale to various shops. "These practical things are part of what I do and reflect my interest in making useful items that are not disposable, are produced ethically and also beautiful." She also teaches the casting process out of her own studio, which enables beginners to learn the basics of wax working. Please check out her shop: http://julsilver.etsy.com/

-Wendy Baylis

Dharma Designs

http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/

Meet Etsy Artist: Viskanstudio

Viskan, a self taught painter, believes that "an artist’s painting becomes rare evidence of his inner unseen world." He explains that "as time progresses that unseen world changes and so does his art." Creating his ethereal art is akin to experiencing the mystical world. "It is the way of discovering true beauty." The process itself brings him fulfillment. "Nothing should stop him until he can taste the nectar of perfect masterpiece. Then, he can fall in love not only with his art, but also the unseen world from where the real art manifest itself." He has always been interested in the creative arts - and can even recall his school days of skipping class to go to art galleries. He actually began his career as a ceramic artist and musician, but is now devoting his time to his main passion: painting. He has even posted a few videos on YouTube (search for "viskan art"). Please check out his shop: http://viskanstudio.etsy.com/

-Wendy Baylis

Dharma Designs

http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/

Meet Etsy Artist: SasColby

Sas Colby is a working teacher and artist, who "loves splashing paint and wielding scissors." She developed her Buddha images after making several trips to Thailand, Burma, Cambodia and Bali and devoted 3 years to recreating his likeness in various mediums. "Then I began combining the Buddha with the Madonna in a series called 'In Our Own Image,'" she explains. "To me, these images represent compassion and wisdom, and calm at the center." Thailand's ancient capital Sukothai touched her deeply as well as the collection of magnificent temples in Bagan in what is now Myanmar (formerly Burma). She may be fascinated with Buddha, but "the BUNNY is (her) personal totem" and she has also dedicated a body of work to it. "Gradually I'll add more bunnies to my Etsy," she laughs. Although she resides in Berkley, California for the school year, she spends summers in Taos where she teaches a yearly artist retreat. "We live and breathe art 24/7 there." Please check out her shop: http://sascolby.esty.com/

-Wendy Baylis

Dharma Designs

http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/