This week's featured Etsier (December 8th, 09)

Set of 2 First Noel Bird Christmas Cards

This week's featured Etsy artist is Ashli from factorygirlashli. I had an absolute blast looking through her store as she has such a wide range of different items. She sells beautiful hair fascinators, gift boxes, greeting cards and other accessories so you'd be sure to find something you love. The holiday season is oh so close!!! Get your shopping on and check out her beautiful store!!!

Here's a little bit more about her...

Where are you from?

Shelbyville, IL (aka the middle of nowhere)

When did you start to craft?

As soon as I developed motor skills. I love crafting. My mom got me hooked when I was teensy and I never stopped.

How did you hear about Etsy and when did you join?

My boyfriend at the time was searching for skeleton key gifts and found it through google search. He told me about it, and I fell in love. Now we're married and he claims to be my manager because he told me about it in the first place

Blue Eyed Beauty Hair Fascinator

What kind of market is your work geared towards?

I haven't really put a lot of thought into the market. The purchases I've had have been from all different age ranges and locations. I suppose I market towards anyone who loves handmade pieces with a vintage feel.

What types of crafts/artwork do you do?

I make handmade jewelry, hair blossoms, and greeting cards. I occassionally venture my stamping abilities on other mediums (such as kitchen towels and other housewares).

What kinds of materials do you like to work with?

Cardstock, vintage papers, rubber stamps, vintage buttons, ribbon, chiffon, pearly glass beads, czech flower beads, antiqued brass

What are your inspirations?

My philosophy has been shaped by Andy Warhol (hence the shop name). I believe that there is beauty in anything and everything. I like to showcase the beauty in ordinary things (bicycles, sewing machines, nests). However, my style is a little less "pop" than Warhol's and a little more rustic and vintage.

Words of wisdom from factorygirlashli...

Be yourself. Don't let anyone tell you that what you're trying to do isn't wonderful. Find out what you love and do it to the best of your ability.

Remember When Gift Boxes (set of 4)

We love your store, where else can we find you?

Facebook: www.facebook.com/factorygirlashli

Twitter: www.twitter.com/factorygrlashli

This week's featured Etsier (November 26th, 09)

Post Earrings -- Sterling Silver Wire Wrapped Bead -- Orange Sherbet

This week's featured Etsy artist is Heather from mistyridge. Check out a wide selection of beautiful jewelry designs for every taste. The holidays are just around the corner so get your shopping on!! Here's a little bit more about Heather...

Where are you from?

I live in a small town called Weaverville, NC. It is in the mountains of Western North Carolina about 20 miles or so north of Asheville, NC. I have lived in the mountains all of my life. My hometown is actually smaller than the town I live in now.

When did you start to craft?

I have done some sort of art/craft for as long as I can remember. I really enjoyed drawing and painting in middle and high school. I have been able to do embroidery and cross stitch since I was a child. My grandmother use to draw small pictures of animals and plants onto old pillowcases to teach me how to embroider. I taught myself how to knit and crochet a couple of years ago. As for my jewelry I just started learning to make wire jewelry about a year and a half ago.

How did you hear about Etsy and when did you join?

My best friend told me about Etsy when one of her coworkers mentioned it to her. I joined about 6 months later in October of 2008.

Ring-Copper Wire Wrapped -- Blue Lagoon

What kind of market is your work geared towards?

I'm not sure if I have really figured that out yet. If think it is mostly geared toward women ages 25+, who are professionals, probably middle to higher income, and who enjoy classic, elegant, versatile jewelry that doesn't go out of fashion/style very quickly.

What types of crafts/artwork do you do?

See question #2.

What kinds of materials do you like to work with?

I love working with sterling silver wire and sheet metal, copper, and natural stones. I also like some glass beads particularly czech glass.

What are your inspirations?

I draw inspiration from all kinds of things. A lot of my inspiration comes from my family, my mom, aunts, and eldest niece especially. I am also inspired by my favorite books, tv shows, movies I watch, music, trees, flowers, weather, other artists, colors, fabrics, basically anything and everything I suppose.

Words of wisdom from mistyridge?

Don't be afraid. Fear limits you in so many ways. Very few things (other than family and loved ones of course) in this world are irreplaceable. So if you have an idea to use widget x in a way that it has never been done before but you are afraid it might not work and maybe you will ruin widget x and then what will you do? Well I say go for it. If it does work then look at what you've accomplished and if it doesn't then just go get another widget x when you are able to. Also, find something you really love to do and then just go crazy with it. Do what others would think is absurd or never going to work. I mean what do you think they said to Alexander Graham Bell or the Wright Brothers? What if they had been afraid; can you imagine if we didn't have phones or airplanes etc.? Most of all have fun. If it isn't fun then its too much like work. LOL

Dark Side of the Moon - Purple Sugilite Pendant and Sterling Silver Chain Necklace

Where else can we find you?

Blog: www.mistyridgedesigns.blogspot.com

Twitter: http://twitter.com/mistyridgedesigns

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Misty-Ridge-Designs

Snorple: http://snorple.com/showstore.php?id=239

This week's featured Etsier (November 17th, 09)

Secondary Impressions Scarf

This week's featured Etsy artist is Anne from TenukiHandcrafts! She has a beautiful eclectic store and her products range from hand spun yarns to jewelry to cards! She has a perfect collection of quality items that would be great for this holiday season, it's just around the corner!!! Here's a little bit more about Anne....

Where are you from?

Seattle WA. I wasn't born here, but have lived here since 1977, so it feels like home. When did you start to craft?

According to my mom, as a very young kid, drawing on the walls and making designs with those little colored plastic shapes in the tub. My first real memory of sitting down and making stuff began with 7th grade sewing class, which led to photography in high school, theater design in college.

How did you hear about Etsy and when did you join?

I heard about Etsy from a friend who encouraged me to open my shop, which I finally did in August 2007.

Turquoise and Silver Bracelet

What kind of market is your work geared towards?

My products are geared for people who like hand made accessories from quality materials that allow the wearer to stand out just a little from the crowd.

What types of crafts/artwork do you do?

I'm a serial crafter: sew, photography, spin yarn, knit, crochet, cards, wire jewelry, collage.

What kinds of materials do you like to work with?

Fiber of all kinds: wool, paper, glass, wire. I'm very tactile. For spinning yarns and needlework, I like the way wool, silk, alpaca, and cashmere feel as I work the yarn. For jewelry and paper crafts, I love the texture and the way like light reflects off the materials.

What are your inspirations?

Inspiration comes from many sources, primarily Nature and the arts. I am always looking for ways to combine our huge music collection into playlists suited to the task at hand. I create play lists for each of my crafts. A few of my favorite musicians: The Clash, Carbon Silicon, Queen, Thievery Corporation, Massive Attack, Tom Waits, Ute Lemper. For reading, I enjoy Robert Heinlein, Margaret Atwood and Wonder Woman comics (really!). As for movies,I love the Marx Brothers, Chaplin, Kurosawa and the Coen Brothers. I will also admit to my guilty pleasure to Vogue magazine, which I've read since junior high school. While the fashions are just a bit too wild for my taste, I appreciate the creativity of the fashion and photos

Words of wisdom from TenukiHandcrafts?

Try new things and not necessarily new crafts, but try new materials, listen to different music, shake up your routine to keep your perspective on the world and your crafts fresh. Some of my favorite projects have been created out of recycled materials and thrift shop gems.

Kimono Greeting Cards

We love your store where else can we find you?

On Facebook (both a fan page and an account, 'cuz I'm having issues); the mother ship for Tenuki Handcrafts, with all my other links:http://tenukihandcrafts.com/; and local craft fairs. I also work a full-time job, so really, I spend the majority of my time at work ;-)

This week's featured Etsier (November 10th, 09)

Wasabi Flower (Necklace)

My featured Etsy artist this week is Marilyn from pulpsushi. You will notice her pictures are absolutely stunning and work unique. Please check out her store for some beautiful gift ideas! Here's a little bit more about Marilyn...

Where are you from?

I was born and raised in the Bronx, NY. I moved to the suburbs in 2003 and currently reside in Fishkill, NY located in Dutchess County.

When did you start to craft?

I started in 2002 with marble magnets and poorly attempted to make soaps and candles, that didn't work out so well. Before that, I have spent years seeking a creative outlet. The marbles started to appear on rings and earrings and from there I wanted to focus on jewelry.

How did you hear about Etsy and when did you join?

I opened my shop in June 2006 but I previously had a separate account as a buyer. I only purchased 1 item beforehand and it was from a friend who put out a photography zine and the only way I could get a copy is if I could purchase it from her Etsy shop.

Gumball Ring (Pink)

What kind of market is your work geared towards?

It can vary. I know younger people like my items but older folks have praised my work too. My demographic are people who have a quirky personality and who like to express themselves through wearing fun accessories. That can be any age range, it's all about how you feel inside. :)

What types of crafts/artwork do you do?

I enjoy photography a lot. I enjoy taking photos and looking at others work. I wish I could learn how to knit but I fear having a bunch of unfinished hats and scarves taking up space in my apartment.

What kinds of materials do you like to work with? I enjoy working with big beads, pendants, charms. I like items that are eye catching and fun. Big and obnoxious! :) I like working with brass and gunmetal, more darker/rustic looking metals. I am not a fan of gold, never have been. I've been looking for more alternative items to use and not your standard jewelry pieces. I have been getting back into using glass marbles for rings, earrings, and hair pins.

What are your inspirations?

I really let inspiration find me. I don't seek it out. I can come up with an idea at the most weirdest time. Thankfully I have my Blackberry with me always to key in random ideas. It can happen when I'm watching television, walking down the street, or seeing an advertisement. I am very big on colors, if I see an interesting color mix, I make a mental note and figure out how to work with that.

Words of wisdom from pulpsushi?

I think it is important to take your business seriously. It is ok to get frustrated and ask "Why isn't my stuff selling?" BUT don't be public about it. That is a turn off for me when I see other sellers on messageboards complaining about their lack of sales. Sure I get discouraged too but I don't want to be seen as a whiner. I just use that emotion and enegry to hammer out new pieces to be excited about. You MUST be confident about what you make. Don't downplay yourself and what you do.

Blue Sea Queen (Necklace)

We love your store where else can we find you?

I can also be found on DaWanda

http://en.dawanda.com/shop/pulpsushi and 1000 Markets

http://www.1000markets.com/users/pulpsushi

This week's featured Etsier (November 5th, 09)

Pirate Girl Digital Clip Art

My next featured artist from Etsy is Teresa from digicute. Teresa is a computer programmer with a love for art. She also shares something in common with myself...she loves wrapping gifts!! Teresa designs all sorts digital art that can be used for many different p

rojects. She also takes custom orders!!! Her Christmas stuff is SO adorable and remember that the holiday season is just around the corner! Take a gander at her beautiful store!Here's a little bit more about Teresa...

Where are you from?

I'm from Buford, GA, USA.

When did you start to craft? Wow, this is a tough question. I seriously can't remember! I enjoyed crafts even when I was just a little kid! Art classes were always my favorite :D!

How did you hear about Etsy and when did you join?

I found Etsy when I was searching for some online jobs to make a little extra money. I joined Etsy about a year ago and loved it ever since :)!

Under the Sea Printable Scrapbook Paper

What kind of market is your work geared towards?

My target buyers are Etsy sellers who look for graphics to create items for sale, and also people who like to purchase digital design to make unique gifts, like magnets or pendants.

What types of crafts/artwork do you do?

I majorly use Illustrator and Photoshop to create clip arts, digital collage sheets, and anything that's printable.

What kinds of materials do you like to work with?

I love paper crafts and polymer clay :D!!!

What are your inspirations?

I got my inspirations from everywhere. Every time I see a wonderful work, I always ask myself how I would create it differently. And when I have an idea in my mind, I can't wait to make it a reality!

Words of wisdom from digicute?

The most important thing is to be happy with what you do and love what you have created; be polite to your fellow artists and try to do a nice thing for a person everyday. If you follow these principles, sales will eventually come!

I Love Sushi Printable 1 Inch Circle Digital Collage Sheet

We love your store where else can we find you?

I have an old shop but I'm actually closing it because I want to combine the two!

Here is the url: http://teresa770718.etsy.com

Halloween 2009

No this is not what my son Caelan ended up wearing for Halloween but it was close enough to Halloween. We were all sick so none of us got to enjoy the holiday, and I thought he looked so cute!

This week's featured Etsier (November 1st, 09)

Colorful Train Painting

This week's featured Etsy artist is Dana from studiodanale. She works out of her home designing decorations for children's rooms. She also accepts custom orders! Have a look at her store's beautiful products!! Here's a little bit more about her.

Where are you from?

I'm from Israel

When did you start to craft?

I have been crafting since I can remember

How did you hear about Etsy and when did you join?

Joined Etsy December 10th 2008

Baby girl's pink blessing Hamsa for nursery

What kind of market is your work geared towards?

I love crafting for children! it gives me a lot of satisfaction.

What types of crafts/artwork do you do?

I create nursery decorations!

What kinds of materials do you like to work with?

The materials i use is air dried clay, polymer clay and wood

What are your inspirations?

My tween girls are my inspiration!

Children and baby's nursery decor - Ladybug wall hanging hamsa

We love your store where else can we find you?

My web site (for Hebrew readers) www.studiodanale.com