Featured artist

Are you an artist? How would you like to be featured in a blog? Every week, I'll be selecting a featured artist to show off in my blog as the "Star of the Week." If you've got talent and want to show it off, leave a comment and I'll consider featuring you in one of the upcoming weeks.

featured artist

Today's featured artist is lolopetals! Her shop is brand new (opened in June) and needs some love! So head on over and give her a heart.

Tell us a little about yourself. My name is Lora, I come from a big homeschooling family of six kids, and source for inspiration is never far off, or far from my heart. Each and every piece I make is an extension of my view of life,as it is cherished by me.Creating has a strong pull over my daily life and is intensely personal to me as a way to give gifts. For years I have been distantly fascinated by design, but I never thought I could begin to design myself until I listened to the encouragement of friends and family. Thus, with much trepidation, I opened my etsy shop.

How did you become interested in creating? I must have been eight years old when I looked into my mother's sewing basket and decided I would teach myself to hand sew. From then on I was creating little rag dolls and their clothes which I still cherish to this day.
I did not really pick up knitting and crocheting until about three Christmases ago,and as fate would have it, I was bit by the designing bug! I made a specific design for each person and I could not make and hand them out fast enough! With so many ideas crowding my mind I gave in, and decided that the need to design was here to stay.

What is your inspiration? Love of God, love of family. This verse from the Bible in Philippians 4:8 sums it up. There is a strong call to home in my designs, for things that are innocent and lovely, and every aspect and idea in the creating process is a celebration of that. I hope to convey warmth and joy to the person that receives each product.

What is your favorite piece you've made and why? I would have to say, that I love them all. A little piece of myself goes into each one, and it's hard to give them up!

{click here for more}

featured artist

Are you ready for fall? Bundle up in some of this week's featured artist's, SheepishKnitCrochet, pieces.

Tell us a little about yourself. Hi! My name is Meredith and I am a college student in Texas. I am super tall and don't always love it. Besides crafting, I am obsessed with reading magazines (my favorite is Vogue). I also love Hitchcock movies, reading Jane Austen novels, baking, and listening to music by Frank Sinatra, John Mayer, and Michael Bublé.

How did you become interested in creating? I decided to teach myself to knit after I read "The Friday Night Knitting Club". Typical, I know, but I was never expecting to fall so completely in love with a craft. I can't get enough! I've always been creative, but I hadn't found a way to express myself until I found knitting and crochet.


What is your inspiration? I am inspired by classic styles, but I love twisting them up and making something new and unexpected! Anything eclectic or vintage is sure to catch my eye and inspire a new design.

What is your favorite piece you've made and why? My favorite piece I have made is my Sock Monkey Wrist Warmers. They are my original design and perfectly reflect my style. I just love how cozy and cute they are!

{click here for more of SheepishKnitCrochet's work}

Featured Artist

JudeMcconkey

Veins of Autumn Leaf

Memory of Roses

1) How did you become interested in creating? I'm pretty sure I was born that way. From the time I can remember I was into art - painting, drawing, you name it. I dabbled in writing from a young age as well and majored in Creative Writing and Art in high school. After I was married at 21 I stopped creating anything but children - 4 kids in 5 years. I just didn't have time, but when they were old enough I started trying to find a creative outlet again. I painted fairly successfully and also became a writer at a newspaper - seemingly everything I wanted to do - but, although I loved it, it seemed hard to me and I was pretty certain stress shouldn't come with something you love to create.

In 2003 I picked up a camera and realized my art background was meant to be expressed through photography. I loved it from the start and it was probably the only thing I've ever done in my life that I had total confidence in. It was easy for me and that scared me a bit because I was worried. I let go of the worry and just fell head first into my own way of doing things. I know my style isn't for everyone, but it makes me happy and I'm proud of what I create.

2) What is your inspiration? What's my inspiration? That is a very hard question! I think I'm inspired by emotion of any kind. I'm a hugely emotional person (what artist isn't?) and when I take a photo then work on it in photoshop I get excited at what happens. Creating a piece I love, in turn, inspires me to want to do more.

3) What is your favorite piece you've made and why? I honestly can't choose one favorite out of all of them but I will say this is one of my NEW favorites: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=21350859

Why? because when you first look at it it's haunting and full of atmosphere. I love old abandoned houses full of their secrets. But now look closely at the house. It seems to have a face - two eyes and a mouth that seems to be a bit ascew. It reminds me of old Mickey Mouse cartoons when the whistles tooted and danced. (I swear I'm not making that up..lol) It's contradictory to the creepiness of the scene and I like that.

If you're interested in judemcconkey's work, please visit her Etsy shop at www.judemcconkey.etsy.com

Wanna have your shop featured in my blog?
Send me a convo on my Etsy shop.

Featured Artist

Featured Seller:

rainbowrevolution

1) How did you become interested in creating? I have always had some sort of creative pursuit happening...for as long as I can remember. I was surrounded by a very creative family with all sorts of art and craft passions. I studied art for six years and continued for a while with art and life drawing at night school and also studied textiles and design for 2 years.

2) What is your inspiration?These days I am totally inspired by colour and all manner of things to do with colour. I have been particularly interested in the way colour can be used for personal growth and the way we express ourselves through our choices in colour.I am currently having a lot of fun working with some fabrics such as bamboo, hemp and silk. My colours turn out differently on each different fabric I use and this presents inspiration in itself.

3) What is your favorite piece you've made and why? I can't say that any one piece I have made is my favourite. Each item I create holds within it a part of my fascination for and love of colour.

If you're interested in rainbowrevolution's work, you can visit her shop at www.rainbowrevolution.etsy.com

Wanna have your shop featured in my blog?
Send me a convo on my Etsy shop.

Featured Artist

This Week's Featured Seller is...

kigisboutique

Flower Garden Hat

1) Tell us a little about yourself. My name is Jennifer and I am the owner/designer of KiGi's (pronounced Key-Gee's) Boutique. I have been married 10 years in June. My husband & I have 2 handsome boys. After the birth of my 2nd son I decided I wanted to work from home so KiGi's Boutique was born.

Sock Monkey Crochet Hat

2) How did you become interested in creating? I have always been a creative person even in elementary school I loved to paint. Now today I can't paint more than an apple tree or stick man, but have learned I can created other adorable creations. My other passion is photography. So basically I just have a love and desire for all things beautiful.

Red Crochet Headband with Fabric Flower

3) What is your inspiration? My inspiration is definitely my family. They support me always, and it's a great inspiration. But as far as creative inspiration I "LOVE" color and I "LOVE" creating something new and original!

Handstitched Applique Onesie

4) What is your favorite piece you've made and why? I think my favorite piece I have created would have to be my the Bloomers in my Flower Garden Collection. Because I am a photographer I love babies...but sometimes mom just doesn't want those nude shots for her baby girl....so I wanted to create some beautiful and unique for those babies. I scoured the web looking for something similar and when I didn't find anything I knew I was on to something! That is why those bloomers are my favorite!!

Jennifer's work can be found on her Etsy page and on her website.

http://www.etsy.com/shop/kigisboutique

http://www.kigis.webs.com/

Wanna have your shop featured in my blog? Send me a convo on my Etsy shop.

featured artist

Origami Revolt

pink chickie and rice $5.00

Tell us a little about yourself. Origami Revolt My name is Zaneta Tucker but I also go by Origami Revolt. I make cute plush dolls, hair clips, cat toys,and etc. Soon I hope to put out prints, phone charms and sell some vintage items. I'm just your typically art student, hoping to see how people react to my handmade work.

cat toys $5.00

How did you become interested in creating? I have always been interested in creating, art is my strong area. I'm a graphic design major so I hope the things I make transfer into the graphic design field. I like to create because sometimes you can not afford cool things you see, it helps when you can make things yourself. That's way I like to have really low prices on my etsy.

willy the whale $17.00

What is your inspiration? My inspiration is music. I love to listen to indie, old french and crazy electro music. Music helps my mind go wild. I am also inspired by vintage items, japan and numerous graphic designers. My roommate also helps, we're always bouncing ideas around and making up stories.

doi george $5.00

What is your favorite piece you've made and why? My favorite piece I've made so far has to be my Flower Kitty. When I made this doll I realized how my construction developed. I get a lot of compliments on that doll and I'm really attached to it. But to tell the truth I'm attached to all my creations and will be upset when they get sold.

origamirevolt's work can be found at www.origamirevolt.etsy.com

Wanna have your shop featured in my blog? Send me a convo on my Etsy shop or email me at madeline {at} maddyanne {dot} com

Featured Artist

lisaroy

Harry handbag $88.00

1) Tell us a little about yourself. I'm the Lisa behind lisaroy handbags and have been married for 20 years this June (we got married while I was in design school). Gosh, this is making me sound old! I just hit the milestone age of 40 recently which made me reflect on my life and what I really want to do when I grow up. I've been working as an art director for magazines for the past 10 years and just gave that up in the New Year so I can focus on my love of making things by hand full-time.

Jo iPhone/iPod/cell phone case $25.00

2) How did you become interested in creating? I've always been the artistic child in the family - always drawing, playing restaurant and designing the menu and telling myself that one day I want to make chocolate bar wrappers much more fun (this was when I was about 6 or 7 years old). I guess design was always my calling! My mother taught me how to sew when I was about 8 and I started making my own doll clothes by hand and showing my friends how to sew. I eventually learned how to use a sewing machine and in high school made my own party dresses and eventually curtains and pillows for my first apartment. My stint as yearbook editor was the start to publishing design but I always continued to create sewn pieces throughout my life.

Leigh clutch wristlet $68.00

3) What is your inspiration? I've always had a thing for handbags - my closet is overflowing with them and eventually deciding to create one led me down this path. My inspiration comes from everywhere, really - a photograph, the detail on a blouse, home decor, something I might see while out for a walk or just a beautiful fabric. My husband comes up with some really great ideas too.

Jo iPhone/iPod/cell phone case $25.00

4) What is your favorite piece you've made and why? It's difficult to choose just one, since I create each bag as though I were making it for myself so I always love it when it's complete. But the bags from my Vintage Series - using upcycled men's suit jackets may be the most satisfying since it's giving a forgotten jacket an entirely new life and purpose, and I think it's always nice to reuse great pieces.

Lisa's work can be found at lisaroy.etsy.com.

Wanna have your shop featured in my blog? Send me a convo on my Etsy shop.

Featured Artist

ScarfKnitter

Tidepool Heather Scarf $32.00

1) Tell us a little about yourself. I am married. I have one Chihuahua, two daughters, and three grandkids. I knit scarves; it is relaxing and therapeutic.

Clematis Heather Scarf $32.00

2) How did you become interested in creating? As a child, I remember watching a knitter in the waiting room of a doctor’s office. I was amazed at how she was turning yarn into a piece of fabric. So, I taught myself to knit with the help of a book.

Brindle Heather Scarf $32.00

3) What is your inspiration? I use scraps of yarn to try out stitches from a stitch dictionary. Then, when I get a new color of yarn it tells me which stitch to use to make a scarf.

Custom Maze Scarf $42.00

4) What is your favorite piece you've made and why? I like my Avocado Maze Scarf because it is young, fun, and makes an impression.

ScarfKnitter's work can be found at scarfknitter.etsy.com

Wanna have your shop featured in my blog? Send me a convo on my Etsy shop.

Featured Artist

SatinandBirch

New York flower market decorative soap $18.00

1) Tell us a little about yourself. Hi my name is Leslie and I am 55 years old. I live surrounded by the Sierra Nevada Mountains close to Lake Tahoe. I raised in Southern California my parents where two very eclectic and talented Musicians. I didn't much like to practice Piano and wound up in my room creating these monstrously colorful paintings.

Petit Pink and White Bows in Soap $18.00

2) How did you become interested in creating? Color seemed to be my strong point so I went from there to Interior Design and then to Graphic Design. My love for packaging is actually what started me on my way to making soap. I needed something to package! I wanted to create a sort of sweet and unique gift, that was affordable yet, not something that you saw everyday. I did a lot of research into what was not only pretty but was nurturing to our skin.

passion Rose decorative soap $14.00

3) What is your inspiration? Nature is absolutely my inspiration, my parents were avid gardeners and gave me a unique appreciation for the environment and how it needs to be cared for.

Papillon Savon Soap Butterfly's $8.00

4) What is your favorite piece you've made and why? My favorite piece is your favorite piece. It sounds funny but there is a story behind every customer, and those stories give me a new appreciation for each one. I am so grateful people have been so enthusiastic about this product. I keep my thinking cap on all the time on what shapes to introduce next. I have some fun suprises in store.



SatinandBirch's work can be found at www.satinandbirch.etsy.com


Wanna have your shop featured in my blog? Send me a convo on my Etsy shop.

featured artist

41park

Spiral - copper. amethyst $36.95

1) Tell us a little about yourself. I don't know what to tell people when they ask me where I am from, I moved around quite a bit growing up. I think the best answer is - wherever my family is;) I am a mother of two, both kids under the age of four. I am a creative person and direct those energies towards whatever medium is grabbing me. Right now I am designing jewelry and having a really great time with it. I love to travel, eat fantastic food, enjoy the company of close friends and family, and learn whatever I can about whatever catches my interest. I am very interested in mind body health, personal growth and study Reiki (a holistic healing modality of energy medicine).

Gathering - amethyst . baltic amber $46.95

2) How did you become interested in creating? I don't think there was a specific moment, at least not that I remember. My parents were very supportive of my talents and creativity and really supported and pushed me into realizing it for myself.

Simple - baltic amber . sterling $32.95

3) What is your inspiration? My inspiration? Hmmm... That is a tough one, it is everywhere all around me all the time here and there. My kids inspire me the most right now I think, and my husband. He is so clear and present, and knows how to make me laugh;) I am always inspired by natural elements, stacking rocks, mist in the air, the ocean, watching traffic patterns from an airplane at night. I guess I could go on and on about this...

Drop - citrine $26.95

4) What is your favorite piece you've made and why? I can not even begin to answer that, sorry!

41park's work can be found at www.41park.etsy.com

Wanna have your shop featured in my blog? Send me a convo on my Etsy shop or email me at madeline {at} maddyanne {dot} com

Featured Artist

JNpottery

Salt Cellar, Desert Sage Green $20.00

1) Tell us a little about yourself. I'm a leading edge baby boomer, mother of 3 grown children, grandmother to 2. I am an RN working in clinical research part-time. I really enjoy my outside activities, which include ballroom dancing, playing racquetball, travel and making pottery.

Agate Green and Redwood Spoon Rest $10.00

2) How did you become interested in creating? I've been doing creative things for years...sewing clothes for my children and myself, cooking and baking, knitting and other needle craft. I had wanted to get my hands into clay since my children were small, but I didn't get the chance until about 9 years ago.

Redwood Birdhouse $32.00

3) What is your inspiration? I love to cook, so making items that are useful in the kitchen, are good serving or baking pieces or that look great on the table is what I am about.

Teapot, Temmoku with Cane Handle $28.00

4) What is your favorite piece you've made and why? Asking me that is like asking what my favorite food is...the answer is "what am I doing/eating now."

JNpottery's work can be found at www.jnpottery.etsy.com

Wanna have your shop featured in my blog? Send me a convo on my Etsy shop.

Featured artist

OpulentOddities

1) How did you become interested in creating? My mother always had my twin sister and I doing something creative. Clay, papier mache, drawing. Then in my high school art classes I began to blossom as a painter. Painting in the styles of Emil Nolde, Edvard Munch and Egon Scheile. After high school I was looking for something else to do. So I started creating jewelry. I always loved antiques and vintage items, so it just seemed natural to start using them in my work. People seemed to like it, so I became pretty successful. Now I'm keepin' on keepin' on and paying my rent with what I create. Nothing is more satisfying, I don't think.

2) What is your inspiration? Antiques, ephemera, romance, tea, layers and layers, masks, kisses, powdered wigs, bones, medical specimen, Victorian hardware, taxidermy, decadence, hedonism, decay, medical gadgets, dulcet treats, curiosities, old dolls, circuses, old sheds and barns. Everyday, my every interactions inspire me, as well as certain musicians and artists. Other Etsy sellers continue to amaze and inspire as well.

3) What is your favorite piece and why? My favorite piece is this one, entitled Mama's Purse. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=13273335 Its inspired by my momma, and all momma's I guess. Just her strength, her neverending love, her warmth and acceptance, her patience. Its made out of an antique purse frame with several charms dangling from it. Its one of my most innovative pieces, I think, as I've never seen anything like it before. I've made three total with purse frames, all inspired by my momma. One has sold, one is listed, and the other is waiting to be listed.

If you're interested in OpulentOddities' work, you can visit her Etsy shop at www.opulentoddities.etsy.com

featured artist - HeathersHobbies

Tell us a little about yourself. My Name is Heather McCall. I am a 36 year old stay at home Mom of 3 boys. I own a small Etsy shop named Heathershobbies. I crochet baby items such as: shoes, sweaters, blankets and more.

How did you become interested in creating? I started crocheting when I was 9 years old. I have been hooked ever since. I really started creating when I was pregnant with my 2nd Child. That’s when I wanted to really learn patterns. I would make baby sweaters and booties. I made each one of my children baby blankets.

What is your inspiration? My Inspiration is my grandmother. She taught me to crochet and knit. I would have never learned if it was not for her. She passed away a couple of years ago. I have her old crochet hooks which I use as a memory of her.

What is your favorite piece you've made and why? My favorite piece is the little button loafers. I found that pattern through an Etsy seller named Sylver. I thought they were the cutest things ever. They are now my best sellers.

If you're interested in one of HeathersHobbies pieces, take a peek at her etsy shop.

featured artist

oneaviandaemon

isabel's picnic dress $150.00

Tell us a little about yourself. I’m Naomi from One Avian Daemon. I love to sew and to design clothes. I like anything with pockets and a twirly skirt, and I look best in dresses with a fitted waist, so you’ll find a lot of those things in my shop. When I’m not making clothes I work in a neuroscience lab where I have to wear a paper coat and shower caps on my feet, and daydream about beautiful dresses.

twirling halter dress $150.00

How did you become interested in creating? My godmother Neva taught me how to sew. When I was about seven she showed me how to thread a needle and tie a little knot in the end, and we made a small purple pillow. When I got older she showed me how to make curtains, doll clothes, and eventually my own clothes. She bought me my first sewing machine, and found me a summer job working for a costume designer. Neva was always very supportive of my sewing, and of anyone’s attempts to create anything. She died a few months ago and I miss her a lot. Since then I’ve started teaching a seven year old friend how to sew, and I like to think I’m carrying on in Neva’s tradition.

tightrope mini dress $80.00

What is your inspiration? The people who wear my dresses. I love custom orders, because I get to learn a bit about the customer and make the perfect dress for her. I’m inspired by all the beautiful variety of body shapes and personal styles. The clothes in my store have a fairly consistent look because they’re mostly the clothes I’ve made for myself, but I love the alchemy feature on Etsy, because it lets me work with people who have different body types and different styles.

sage green formal dress $210.00

What is your favorite piece you've made and why? I don’t really have a favorite piece, but lately I’ve been wearing my Seaside Seersucker Wrap Dress a lot. It’s nice for summer since it’s so light.

mini feature

Halloween is just around the corner, and how awesome would it be to have a costume this great? I found bangbangcrash on Etsy's featured artist the other day and I've been smiling since. I'm not sure I've ever seen a costume line so bright and fun! It reminds me of the kid in all of us and holding on to that inner child. Love, love, love this! Great designing, bangbangcrash.

{click here for more}

a modern wedding

Earlier I came across this short and lovely in lace wedding dress that had me smiling at its sweet simplicity. I imagine the feel for a ceremony that fits this dress being serene and neutral with a touch of a happy color. In this wedding, modern elegance meets vintage charm in a sophisticated yet still comfortable event.

1. Lace Tiered Wedding Dress by yourfairytalewedding $599.00
2. Antique Cocktail Forks by Hammerman $15.00
3. Touch of Class Kissing Ball by AngelloftCreations $28.00
4. Engraved White Beach Pebbles by sjengraving $120.00

Be sure to visit the featured artist's shops.

featured artist

Tell us a little about yourself. Aloha! I'm Lindsay from Aisle to Aloha Studio. I grew up in a family of seven kids, married my insanely awesome hubby in May of 2009 and the two of us are now blessed to live in the sunny state of Hawaii. I'm a really unhealthy eater sometimes (one of my favorite foods is a PB & Bacon sandwich), I love to surf on my 7' 2" board and I write a little blog called "From the Aisle to Aloha".

How did you become interested in creating? There's not a time in my life I don't remember carrying around a sketchbook and a pencil pouch. I'd draw whatever was in front of me. When I was little, I spent a lot of time drawing while sitting in the bleachers during my brothers' wrestling tournaments. Later, in college, I'd sketch the beautiful buildings during a semester abroad in Sevilla, Spain. Over the years, my favorite subjects and style have evolved but a few things have always stayed the same. I love using bright colors and I love using this passion I've been given to glorify God.

What is your inspiration? Color, color, color. I love finding beautiful color combinations in real life--nature, fashion, home decor--and using them in my paintings. Living in Hawaii is pretty inspirational too.

What is your favorite piece you've made and why? Oh man, that's like asking me to choose my favorite child! I love all my paintings in different ways but one of my favorites is "The Wave". I created the original huge version for our living room and since so many people commented on it, I decided to paint a smaller version for the shop. I love the movement in the wave and the bright colors.

{click here for more}