Meet Etsy Card Artist: steliedesigns

Stephanie Giesen-Kath is the fresh talent behind Stelie Designs and I was lucky enough to stumble upon her recently while perusing Etsy. I saw her Asian engagement card and fell in love with the classy, contemporary design that still captures a fascinating culture. Aside from her art, she is also a busy stay at home mom to three year old fraternal twins (I'm an identical twin, myself). "There is never a dull moment in our home and it’s only quiet when the kids are sleeping," she says. Not surprisingly, she finds a lot of inspiration in them. Currently she specializes in custom invitations and announcements for all occasions, including weddings and baby showers. "It's important to me to bring simple delights to everyone who receives a handmade card or invitation," she explains. She started making her cards 12 years ago for family and friends and turned her hobby into her job. "I left the corporate retail design world a year ago to spend more time with my kids. Now I have the best of both worlds, kids during the day and creating during the night." She recommends her fellow artists "find a product you love making and believe in, then know it takes time and perseverance." Please check out her shop: http://steliedesigns.etsy.com/

-Wendy Baylis

Dharma Designs

http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com

Meet Etsy Jewelry Artist: ImpressionsByMona

Even before I'd heard of Etsy I was into buying handmade. While I rarely sold any of my own handcrafted items on Ebay, I bought items from other artists. One of my favorite sellers was MonaDesigns786. She is the epitome of great customer service - and went the extra mile for me on many a purchase over the years. On top of all of that - she's a fantastic artist and a really neat lady. Last year after I discovered Etsy I wrote to her to try to convince her to make the move. Thankfully she has finally joined our fabulous Etsy community...

Due to health problems Mona was forced to retire early and become a stay at home Mom. "Just 'being' a housewife/mom was not my cup of tea, so decided to convert my hobby into a trade," she explains. She has been selling her earthy spiritual jewelry on Ebay for awhile, but her Etsy shop is brand new. "It's been 2 years since i started making jewelry pieces and now (I) am surrounded with beads all the time," she jokes. "Mostly colors, textures, and shapes inspire me to play with the beads and make (them) into jewelry pieces," she says. Like me, she hopes to promote acceptance of all cultures and faiths through her art. As for Etsy she says, "I like what I see and the way all Etsians are connected. I feel friendship already." She hopes the circle of friendship will grow bigger each day. Please check out her shop: http:// ImpressionsByMona.etsy.com

-Wendy Baylis

Dharma Designs

http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/

Meet Etsy Needle Felter: woolbywillow

Willow admits that, like me, she has "always been a craft geek." She began knitting in elementary school and it has been an all-consuming passion ever since. "Blame it on my hippie parents, but I'm a snob when it comes to fibers," she jokes. No synthetics - only all natural organic materials. She picked up needle felting while attending a class with her son at the Nelson Waldorf School. "Together we made our funny little dragon and I was immediately hooked." Ever since that day she has been obsessively felting, creating her fun sushi pieces. Please check out her shop: http://woolbywillow.etsy.com/

-Wendy Baylis

Dharma Designs

http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/

Meet Etsy Mosaic Artist: domosaics

"No matter what I do in life I always end up back in the art world - and couldn't be happier," says the Kentucky artist. "One of the first things that people ask is where did the name Do Mosaics come from? My nickname is Shaundo or DO, which was given to me from my family. When I signed up for my first show they asked me what my business name was. At that point this was still a hobby. My sister called out my name from across the room and I quickly answered DO Mosaics. It has stuck ever since. This officially became my full time business 3 years ago. I was the poster child for the starving artist! It was an up hill battle at first but it is finally taking shape." She started out making mosaic gazing balls as a hobby, but when her sister asked her to make a mirror something clicked. "I started thinking that if I could put tile on a mirror then I could put it on anything." She moved on to picture frames next, which is still a staple in her shop. "There is nothing more gratifying than to see the look on someones face after you show them the finished piece," she gushes. "Making someone happy goes a long way." Although she's been an Etsy member since August of last year, she didn't really become active until last December. "I consider myself to be computer illiterate, so this has been a whole new experience for me," she admits. "I am truly grateful for everyone at Etsy - from the sellers to Admin - for all of their help." Initially she started her Etsy shop to assist her local customers, but didn't realize the magnitude of the site. "It's not every day that people from all over the world could be viewing your art," she says, still in awe. "I love to do art shows to get out and meet people, but you can only imagine what it's like to be carrying around hundreds of grouted pieces. It's rather back breaking. So now I only do a chosen few and this is where Etsy is quickly filling in." She is a firm believer that "you get out of Etsy what you put into it," and strives hard to make her shop work for her. "How many people can say that truly love their job. I am one of the lucky ones that can say that I am!" Please check out her shops: http://domosaics.etsy.com/ and http://etsymosaics.com
-Wendy Baylis

Dharma Designs

http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/

Meet Etsy Artist: artsygemini

Sandy Sappington-Broschat lives in northern California with her husband of 23 years. "I have 4 grown beautiful kids, three live close by and one is overseas in the Army." She has been "trading art cards all over the world for about 3 years." Although she enjoys all mediums, her favorites are drawing, collage, and altered art. "I enjoy looking at and collecting other peoples art work," she admits. "I am one of those people who sees art all around, whether it is how someone decorates their house or on a canvas." In fact, her surroundings are often her inspiration. "I have an art room and the walls and ceiling are covered in art work of others, my kids as they grew up, my hubby who is a hobby photographer and art I have done over the years." She tends not to plan her work ahead of time. "I just let my imagination go wild and work on an item 'til it is finished. If I am not happy with a piece I set it aside and leave it alone and often when I come back to it I either like it or I have new inspiration to finish it. I love vintage and distressed looking things when I collage or do altered art. Most of my items have a real warm patina and look to them. When I draw or paint I tend to use bold colors and strong lines. I love using either charcoal or my prisma color pens and pencils." To Sandy, creating has always been "therapy and comfort." One of her biggest joys is hearing from people who enjoy her art. Please check out her shop: http://artsygemini.etsy.com/

-Wendy Baylis

Dharma Designs

http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/

Meet Etsy Artist & Cardmaker: crankbunny

Norma V Toraya is the whimsical talent behind Crankbunny, which she named after a mythical creature she describes as a "large magical medicinal fish with rabbit ears." She currently resides in Jersey City, which allows her to periodically work in NYC as an animation director. "I have an office in my apt (one day I will start calling it a 'studio') that's my main creative nest," she explains. "Sometimes my brain likes to take a creative vacation from animation to make paper puppets and pop up cards." Inspiration can strike her at any time, but often comes from her surroundings or Cuban heritage. "Crankbunny has become it's own thing," she says of her 9 year old Etsy shop of illustrated pop up cards and puppets. Sadly she has a full time job that comes first, so her creative designs are only a hobby. "Most of my items are gifts for other people and that's kinda special to me. I never meet those people or see their reaction in person, but sometimes people write back to tell me how it went. It always amazes me," she gushes. "Do what makes you happy, makes you grow creatively, and stop thinking about everything else on Etsy," she advises. "Stop fiddling around with funny numbers and business strategies. Use resources outside this electronic box you are currently staring at (basically what I mean is show people your work in person; friends, neighbors, family, people in your community, church, school, stores when you are shopping, etc)." Please check out her shop: http://crankbunny.etsy.com/

-Wendy Baylis

Dharma Designs

http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/

Meet Etsy Jewelry Artist: mygypsywagon

Laura jokes that she lives in a "teeny tiny town in rural Idaho with my 3 lovely (yes, really) teenagers and my marvelous husband." She also states that she has "chosen to be their full time wife and mother for the past 21+ years. The PERFECT job--but they are getting pretty self sufficient and my job way less demanding." Thankfully this gives her more time to focus on her art. "We live at the base of a beautiful mountain range and in between two majestic rivers that provide me with more than enough inspiration for my earthy, quirky jewelry," she explains. She admits that her daughters clue her in on current trends. Although Etsy is currently only a hobby, she has been designing her classic pieces for friends and family for twenty-some years and has even sold at a fewfarmers markets. "Create from your heart and be patient," she advises. Please check out her shop: http://mygypsywagon.etsy.com/

-Wendy Baylis

Dharma Designs

http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/

Meet Etsy Jewelry Artist: LesChic

Leslie's fascination with jewelry began at an early age. "I think I got my diverse taste in jewelry from the women who influenced my life. One of my grandma's was my 'city grandma. She loved flashy and bold jewelry. The other was my 'country grandma.' I never saw her in anything but a simple and classic strand of pearls. My mom loved very dainty jewelry, so that is why I can't make just one style of jewelry," she explains. "I love it all!" Aside from making her eclectic pieces she was also a hairstylist and owned a salon for 23 years. "I turned 40 last year and have found the phrase '40 and Fabulous' to be oh so true! Things in my life just started to fall in place. After a lifetime of trying..not trying..to just being happy with my life, I surprisingly found myself pregnant last August," she gushed. "It is such a miracle and my husband (who is the best in the world) and I feel so lucky and blessed." She soon found herself selling the salon in order to be with her new precious gift. "Ironically I started making jewelry as a stress reliever about 2 years ago and found it a perfect creative outlet for me," she admits. She'd love to turn her art into a full time career and vows to improve every day - especially her pictures (which I think are perfect already). "It shows more than the piece if its a good picture...it sets a mood..it tells a story and makes you fall in love with it instantly." Please check out her shop: http://leschic.etsy.com/

-Wendy Baylis

Dharma Designs

http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/

MJulian sent me a fabulous surprise!

Awhile back I wrote a feature on MJulian and her beautiful jewelry after I happened across her Etsy shop. Today I checked the mail and found a GORGEOUS necklace in the mail as a thank you from her. I am truly in awe of her talent and generosity. THANKS MJulian! I will treasure it always!

-Wendy Baylis

Dharma Designs

http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/

Meet Etsy Photographer: JaredKS

Aside from being an excellent photographer - something he's enjoyed since he was eight - Jared is a math teacher from northeast Kansas. His inspiration comes from natural beauty - which he often finds in his own surroundings. "I love to explore the natural world and look to find the unending number of beautiful things that are all around us, all the time." He also finds beauty in music, books, films, and people. "It's everywhere." He describes his style as "endless experimentation and occasional success," but I think he's a little too hard on himself. His photos take on an ethereal beauty that speaks volumes while lending a peaceful solitude at the same time. Dynamic, just like Jared. "I have a lot of creative outlets that I tend to bounce back and forth from," he explains. "For a number of years, I would only shoot two or three rolls of film per year. Digital photography has opened the door for me to take thousands of photographs, whenever I feel inclined to do so. It's been a real blessing." So has his insightful photos. "Whenever I notice myself thinking of (my art) like a job, I try to take a step back," he admits. "I personally find my photographs less interesting when financial thoughts start to creep in while I'm shooting. I have a lot more success when I'm just creating for creation's sake." He'd like to remind his fellow Etsy artists to always "have fun and do what you love. Set your prices where you're comfortable, even though some will say they're too high and others will say they're too low. Try to post on the forums at least a little bit each week - the community aspect of Etsy is one of its greatest features." Please check out his shop: http://jaredks.etsy.com/

-Wendy Baylis

Dharma Designs

http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/

Meet Etsy Soapmaker: dennisanderson

Dennis Anderson was born and raised in Massachusetts by his Dad and Grandmother. "I think they had a big part in teaching me the importance of being responsible and helped give me a realistic look at life," he says. He relocated to the Northwest where he met Brandy, who introduced him to the Indie lifestyle. He credits her for getting him hooked on soap making. "I can be walking down the street and smell a scent, see a strange texture in nature, and all I can think of is how am I going to make this into soap." Although he's only been at it for a year, he's found ways to make his craft fun. "I love the beer soaps in my shop," he admits. "I really want to release more playful soaps and products that reflect my personality." While Etsy is currently a "second job" for Dennis, he plans to turn it into a full time career someday. In the meantime, he makes sure to be a "productive part of the (Etsy) community" while building his client base. "I feel like I was truly blessed to have found this site," he says. Please check out his shop: http://dennisanderson.etsy.com/

-Wendy Baylis

Dharma Designs

http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/

Meet Etsy Jewelry Designer & Artist: Luxedesignworkshop

Peg grew up in Jacksonville, Florida where she spent summers at the art museum taking jewelry making and painting classes. "I think that my mother was worried that I would get into trouble if I had too much time on my hands," she jokes. In high school she fell in love with pottery and started selling her early jewelry designs in local consignment shops. "Life was good and I stayed busy," she explains. While in college she worked in the pottery department and focused her efforts on sculptural work, wheel throwing, and glaze techniques. In 1986 she moved to Atlanta, Georgia as a food stylist and later met her husband. "Wow, I never knew that people could earn a living doing what they loved!" She's been making her beautiful jewelry on the side for a few years. "I think that being a creative person makes me rethink the little things around me and I am always recreating something to make it mine. I started out just playing around with jewelry that I already had and made necklaces and bracelets out of materials on hand. I like for jewelry to be more versatile than just one thing so I tie it in a knot, make it a length that can be doubled or tripled to increase its fun. I make necklaces that are all the same length so that I can braid them together and make one fat happy necklace! To me so much of the fun is just playing with the materials and letting them speak of what they want to be." Please check out her shop: http://luxedesignworkshop.etsy.com/
-Wendy Baylis
Dharma Designs
http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/

Meet Etsy Potter & Artist: GretchenKramp

Gretchen Kramp "consistently work(s) in the grey area between two and three dimensional work," whether it's painting on wood sculpture or creating her expertly textured tiles. "After college I cobbled together a living of odd jobs such as coffee barista, babysitter, and, opportunely, assistant to a ceramicist. Working with her introduced me to a bevy of artists making a living off of their craft. I am also fortunate to live near Pewabic Pottery of Detroit, a historic Arts & Crafts era pottery and tileworks still thriving today. Amidst all these influences, the clay bug bit me hard in 1995 when I made a few tiles as Christmas presents and was irrevocably smitten!" She has been a proffessional clay artist since 1997, pushing the boundaries of her craft. "I'm inspired by most anything from the natural to the whimsical to the downright weird," she admits. Her body of work includes tile murals for the National Amphibian Conservation Center and the Arctic Ring of Life inside the Detroit Zoo. She also sells her tiles at local art fairs, boutiques, galleries - and most recently Etsy. "My biggest challenge these days is trying to achieve balance between work and home life as I currently moonlight as wife and mother to two little girls. I'm hoping that Etsy will allow me to expand my audience without straying too far away from my priorities." She advises her fellow Etsy artists "spend as much time possible pursuing what you love to do...then whatever happens, you will have no regrets!" Please check out her shop: http://gretchenkramp.etsy.com/
-Wendy Baylis
Dharma Designs
http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/

Meet Etsy Artist: CreativeEssentials

Piper grew up along the Oregon coast, and although she now resides in Virginia, she is still "recharged" by the ocean. "I love walking along the beach and losing myself in the sand and water," she says. Like me, she is also fascinated by Asian culture and imagery. "I love visiting Japanese gardens, Chinese gardens, Buddhist temples, and Asian themed museums." Her eclectic style is as varied as her talents. Currently she focuses her Etsy shop on paper crafts, jewelry, photography, and painting - although she admits that could all change next week if she decides on a whim to try her hand at something else. "To date I’ve managed not to poison myself or burn down the house, so all is good," she jokes. Selling her art began as a way to fund her creative spirit - something she couldn't do at her day job as a Human Resource Information Systems Manager. She is also a full time graduate student earning her Master’s in Technology Management at George Mason University. Somehow she still has time for her art. She hopes to use Etsy to meet fellow like minded artists and showcase her work. "Don’t hold back," she recommends. "Try something new. If it doesn’t turn out the way you envisioned, it can always be turned into something else." Please check out her shop: http://creativeessentials.etsy.com/

-Wendy Baylis

Dharma Designs

http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/

Meet Etsy Seamstress: monsterbugblankets

Jennifer is the hardworking Mom and talent behind MonsterBugBlankets. She has been married for 11 years and has two children —Bug, 3, and Monster, 1. Although she just started sewing in 2000 when her husband bought her a sewing machine, she fell in love with the craft quickly. She started out making skirts for herself and soon progressed into costumes for the kindergarten class she taught. When she learned she was expecting her first child she looked for the perfect bedding. "I searched high and low, and nothing was right for me. So I made (Bug) a quilt," she explains. Then it was onto flannel blankets and what she calls "Tag Blankets." She soon began making blankets for friends' babies and by the time Monster arrived she was hooked. Her ecclectic style has been a Godsend for parents. "I like making blankets that are a bit different than what everyone else has. Not all pink and blue, with teddy bears and bunnies...I figure I can't be the only one who gets tired of all the pastels and primary colors not working with the décor of their home." Thus MonsterBug Blankets was born.
Other creative people inspire Jennifer in her craft. "Their ideas are so amazing. I think about the details of their work, and often new, lovely thoughts come into my head for items I can make," she confesses. "Their creativity fuels my creativity."
Etsy is a hobby for the busy homemaker - she makes her family her priority. "MonsterBug Blankets is a creative outlet for me." She hopes to make enough sales through Etsy and craft shows to afford an embroidery machine. She realizes that in order for Etsy to be lucrative it takes a lot of time, effort, money, and hard work - often more than expected. "Promote on AND OFF Etsy," she advises.

Please check out her Etsy shop: http://monsterbugblankets.etsy.com/

-Wendy Baylis

Dharma Designs

http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/

Meet Etsy Artists: LazyCat

The artists behind LazyCat met at the University of Michigan - two are medical doctors and the third has her PhD. At a young age they learned how to crochet from their grandmothers and began making scarves from unusual yarns. They soon progressed into wire and beads, "because (they) like to push what (they) can do with crochet." Each of their designs is something they would personally wear, which means each piece is inspired by current fashions. They successfully combine crochet with modern styles, which is expertly displayed in their wire and beaded jewelry. Please check out their shop: http://lazycat.etsy.com/

-Wendy Baylis

Dharma Designs

http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/

Meet Etsy Fiber Artist: blondechicken

Tenesee transplant Tara (of BlondeChicken) earned a degree in French Literature in hopes of becoming a professor, but soon realized she needed something more creative. "I managed a small business for 2 years and that gave me the confidence to pursue my dream," she explains. "Right now I work as a web content manager in Human Resources and in turn receive free tuition. I plan on starting an MBA program next fall…all the while running Blonde Chicken Boutique." As busy as she is, she makes a point to find time for her artistic outlet. "I think about colors and fibers constantly, jotting down new ideas." She finds inspiration in nature, dark chocolate, the perfect cup of coffee, and "the pursuit of authenticity." While she admits she is still developing her style, she acknowledges that one defining characteristic of her work is that she only uses eco-friendly fiber and yarn. "Everything is either recycled, mill-ends (reducing and reusing!), organic and cruelty-free." This brings a natural, earthy, lived-in feel to her yarns.

Etsy may be her hobby, but Tara treats it with the professionalism and detail that befits a career. "It's relaxing, fun - and a necessary creative outlet," she admits. "I use colors I love, I spin the type of yarn that feels right, I name the products silly names! I don't EVER think about if something will sell, because I'm creating for the joy of creating. That's imperative to my sanity." She advises artists that care about the environment to get together. "Join forums, groups, whatever, just go get to know (each other) and let them get to know you!" Please check out her shop: http://blondechicken.etsy.com/

-Wendy Baylis

Dharma Designs

http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/

Meet Etsy Jewelry Artist: SleepingCatBeads

Heather, a Philidelphia resident and 37 year old homemaker, is the creative jewelry artist behind SleepingCatBeads. She lives in a "wonderful old steel town that's going through a 'revival'" with her husband, two young sons, and three cats. She is also heavily involved in her Unitarian Universalist congregation as a leader of the youth spirit program.

Heather first found inspiration in nature. "There's something special about wearing a piece of the earth, whether it's a stone or a metal, that's very grounding." Sometimes it's just the beauty of an object that speaks to her. "I no longer only use stones and metals, but will put together anything I think is pretty. I guess the quest for beauty, and sharing that beauty, is what inspires me now," she expalins. Her gorgeous, earthy pices are often reminiscent of her old home of Santa Fe. "The turquoise, coral, and silver always brings me back (to home)." She tends to create her designs simply by rearranging beads until she finds a perfect "fit...sort of like a puzzle." She is a very tactile person and enjoys working with beads of different textures and shapes. The outcome? A unique earthy style that is "a bit eclectic, but always noticeable."

Heather has always been a creative soul, but only began beading a few years ago. "I started really getting obsessed with it last spring," she admits, "and when I could no longer justify buying so many beads to 'play' with I started selling." Her unbelievable talent has helped her turn her addiction into a career. "I have invested too much time and money for it to be just a hobby. But it's hard to see as a job sometimes, because I enjoy it so much." She plans to promote more and create a blog next year. "List often and don't get discouraged," she advises. "If possible, wear your creations and when someone compliments it, hand her your card. Take good pictures (still working on that myself!). And above all, have fun! If you start to feel too negative take a break for a while. The most important thing here is to enjoy what you're doing." Please check out her shop: http://sleepingcatbeads.etsy.com/

-Wendy Baylis

Dharma Designs

http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com

Meet Etsy Artists: ThisIsIt

Dan and Jodi are a husband and wife artistic duo, who "dreamed of creating together while working from home." They started their endeavor in 2005 and named it "This Is IT" becuase "it’s how we felt about each other from the moment we met." Dan is currently in the middle of graduate school for creative writing, so Jodi is focussing on the business until he graduates next year. "My mom also helps us with the journals, which we so appreciate!" Their eclectic handmade gifts range from photo albums, journals, greeting cards, and jewelry. "We are both huge animal lovers and vegan, and we donate 5% of our profits to animal-welfare groups. The charities that we currently support are: Best Friends Animal Society, Humane Farming Association, The Jane Goodall Institute, and The Anti-Vivisection Society." They also share a love of the environment. "I really feel that the world consciousness is changing with regard to the environment and sustainable living –and it’s very exciting to be a part of this change. Dan and I use recycled boards for our journals and cardstock. All of our journal paper is handmade and environmentally friendly. We will continue to move more and more in this direction because I feel that it’s so important for our planet.We cherish mindful living, Buddhist philosophies, and contributing creatively to the world, but leaving as small a mark while doing so." Often times inspiration strikes them just before bed or when they first wake up, so they keep an "idea book" close at hand. "I just sketch it out and then the idea gets put into fruition. I love anything that has Asian influences. I love Jackson Pollock and many other abstract artists. I love Buddhist art and statues. I love the colors of India. I feel like there are so many ideas in my mind—and I just need to find the time to sit down and create them all." Their art definitely shows an open-minded, worldly influence. In some form or another they have always been creative. "When I was small I was the one making cards for anyone I could think of for any holiday I could invent," Jodi explains. "A friend of mine made jewelry, which I thought looked like a lot of fun…she taught me and here I am." Dan and Jodi feel blessed that their artistic passion has turned into a full time job. "(We) will never take that for granted." Fairly new to Etsy, they plan to learn more about the site and the community every day - and "keep making products that (we are)proud of." They advise their fellow Etsy sellers to list often. "I notice on days when I am busy with other things and don’t list frequently, the sales go down. I think it’s so important to have good customer service—follow through with what you say you are going to do. Make as many treasuries as you can. Post often in the forums. Network as much as you can. This is such a great community, and I am so proud to be a part of it!" Please check out her shop: http://thisisit.etsy.com/

-Wendy Baylis

Dharma Designs

http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/

Meet Etsy Bath & Body Artist: AJsCountryCottage

The artist behind AJsCountryCottage finds her inspiration in nature. A simple walk in the country could spark the idea for a new scent. "Somehow the combination of fresh air, nature, exercise, and solitude gets my creative juices flowing," she explains. Her earthy products are fun, yet practical - and wonderfully arommatic. "I don't just want functional; I want my fragrant creations to look nice, to be interesting and colorful, and most of all, to help create a comforting ambience -- a haven of rest in our often busy and stressful world." Ever since she can remember she's been experimenting with all sorts of creative mediums. She poured her first candles when she was 13 and has been working to perfect the technique ever since. She makes all of her soaps from scratch and "loves coming up with new ideas for scents, for color combinations, for textures, and for new techniques that make my soaps not only functional, but aesthetically pleasing as well." Being a creator and an entrepreneur, Etsy is both her job and her hobby. "I create so I can sell; I sell so I can create more. But even if I couldn't have this as my job, I'd still be creating. It's in my genes." She hopes to meet new friends through Etsy and to "find some great handcrafted items for myself and my friends & family." She's worked very hard to establish herself as a trustworthy artisan and seller. "Do your homework and research thoroughly," she advises. "Then practice, practice, and practice some more. Most learning comes through experience. Persevere and be patient. It takes time to make great things and to establish yourself in business; there really are no shortcuts. Be friendly, kind, and helpful to others. Network!" Please visit her shop: http://ajscountrycottage.etsy.com/

-Wendy Baylis

Dharma Designs

http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/