The World Is My Studio

Emelia's Extraordinary Beauty

Enjoy a visit to Emelia's beautiful etsy shop http://www.etsy.com/shop/EmeliaJane to be inspired by Emelia's amazing talent to find the unusual and extraordinary beauty hiding within ordinary objects.

by Emilia Jane

My name is Emelia and I have been completely enthralled with photography for as long as I can remember. I am inspired by the unusual and extraordinary beauty hiding within ordinary objects. It brings me so much pleasure to know that when I capture an image in my lens, that flash in time will never recur, however it will live on forever in my photograph. I love looking at an image and being transported to the feeling of that particular moment in time...the smell of a garden in the early morning, the electricity before a summer storm, the warmth of a loved possession. I was inspired by my Baba (grandmother), who was a book illustrator and water color painter to pursue my passion and after working as a glass blower for ten years I finally did! Other than being a photographer I am an avid illustrator (I have a second shop http://www.belliuccelli.etsy.com/ ), old cemetery enthusiast, treasure hunter and lover of chocolate!

I am an extremely organized person (when I was little I cleaned my room for fun and fantasied about winning an award for the cleanest room in the world...dork!) I have a studio where I mostly illustrate, sew, do book keeping and pack and ship; the outside world is the studio for my camera! I chart all of my profits and expenses on my computer (I am big on charts and graphs) and I file everything! Everything in my studio has a home and when I am done with the item it goes back to its home, no excuses!

My best advice is to do what you love!!! Make sure to fit your passion into your schedule at least once a day...draw a line, string a bead, take a photograph!

 

I LOVE to Sew

Fabric Greetings is a great Etsy shop that features specialty handmade fabric cards. She shares..." for me, sewing is the greatest form of relaxation. I have done other crafts, but I always come back to the sewing machine. I just need to sew! I also teach for local quilt shops and fabric store. Fortunately, I have a loving and supportive husband who understands this. And he knows exactly where to put the sewing machine when we pack the car for vacation.I love sending cards - all kinds of cards for no special reason. So I started making these fabric postcards as a way of letting someone know they are special. No two cards are exactly alike, just as no two people are exactly alike. I have sort of made it my mission to convince people to send a card that fits the person receiving it."  Enjoy a visit to her wonderful Etsy shop 

http://www.fabricgreetings.etsy.com/ .

by Fabric Greetings                                                                                                                                 
I am a retired teacher who thinks she was born with a sewing machine at her finger tips. I LOVE to sew and I love to send cards to family and friends. So when I discovered these fabric postcards, I knew I had found something that I would enjoy doing. It is my mission to convince people to send special one of a kind cards to special people. We aren't mass produced, so why settle for a mass produced greeting card.

I am lucky enough to have a huge sewing studio that could easily get out of hand. So I have cubbies for the colors of fabrics I work with, many hanging spool racks to keep threads organized and off table tops, and a drawer unit devoted entirely to the embellishments and cording for my cards. My counter height cutting surface is always a disaster, but I have learned to work with that. The best thing about all this is that it is on the second floor of our home and nobody ever needs to go up there except us.

My only advice to those starting out is to find something that you are passionate about and go for it.
Life is too short to not enjoy yourself.

“Life’s A Stage! Make Sure Your Act Counts.”

Have fun visiting The Paper Theatre...lots of yummy products in this etsy shop to look at and choose from!

               (some adult content).

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

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥Now Showing at The Paper Theater♥ ♥ ♥ ♥
♥ Valentine Chocolate Candy Bars in Boxes with a Love Coupon,
♥ Valentine Fun Gum,
♥ Valentine Cards & Bookmarks too!

My other etsy Peepshow is ThePinkPoni, filled with Vintage Treasures. http://www.etsy.com/shop/thepinkponi



by The Paper Theatre
"Having a love of all things funny, naughty, vintage and yummy, I merged them all in my Paper Theatre
Boutique. Featuring boxes of scrumptious chocolate candy for Valentine’s Day with love coupons inside,

Valentine cards, bookmarks and tasty Gum in adorable resealable boxes.

My Paper Theatre products are covered with funny vintage vignette labels that I designed using antique photographs/illustrations that I colorized, color-corrected, and added my cute quotes! I create all of my products from my home office which I designed. I just took black paint and started painting. No drawing out first. Being surrounded by a pretend stage, a desk full of toys on top, and my Silly puppy Poni, I am constantly inspired. My husband’s handsomeness and the fact that he makes me a full breakfast every morning is very inspiring as well. My home and office are just different extensions of my artwork. I take great pride in decorating them as well as taking care of them. I think the more you love your home, and office/craft room, the more you are apt to take care of them.

Simple steps in staying organized, don’t overdo, don’t over commit, cuff your hands if you have to but don’t start a new project if your work space and home are a wreck. Keep all things in balance and you’ll be a better artist as well as business person. Make your office a place of love that is one of your creations as well. A showroom. My products (not on etsy) have been featured in over 30 national magazines and several times the editors wanted to see my showroom. Have a showroom for when its your turn. After all you are an artist, and your office is really your show place for your art. As I say in my Paper Theatre Boutique, “Life’s A Stage! Make sure your act counts.”

Puppy Love

Kelly is the owner of Gone Doggie http://www.etsy.com/shop/GoneDoggie and is an avid dog lover and owner. Gunner is one of the dogs she has rescued and plays a very important role as he is a certified therapy dog. Kelly and Gunner volunteer at one of Kelly's local schools as a reading buddy. Children who have difficulty reading will bring a book and sit and read to Gunner. Kelly and Gunner work with grades K-2. Gunner is bigger than most of the kids that come to see him each week but, they are not afraid of him. Enjoy reading about Kelly and her wonderful shop.



by Gone Doggie

My name is Kelly. I am an avid dog lover and owner. As a little girl I would help my mom at her craft shows and I would always find little things to make to sell at the shows. As I got older I kept dabbling with different things. It was when I got my dogs that I took my love for creating and dogs and married the two and created GONE DOGGIE. I got my first dog and just fell in love. I adopted a second dog and it was after her adoption that I became involved in animal rescue. I began volunteering at the local animal shelter then began doing foster work. I then adopted one of my foster pups which made the third dog for my husband and I. I recently adopted my fourth dog.

I began creating my dog collars after trying to find fun but durable collars for my dogs. I needed something that would stand up to the rough housing of three large dogs. I played around with different materials and did lots of research on different hardware manufacturers. I finally came up with a collar a like and one that could be fun and durable but, still be made a reasonable cost. I donated many collars to my local advocate group then friends began asking me to make collars for their dogs. Next thing I knew I was signing up for craft shows and setting up my online shop www.gonedoggie.etsy.com.

In between my sewing I have my own pet sitting business. I do volunteer work with two of my dogs that have become certified therapy dogs. I also do work for our local animal advocate group, so needless to say I keep myself pretty busy.

I have a room in my home dedicated as my craft room. However I still spill out onto the dining room table and have even begun taking over another bedroom in our home. I keep telling my husband I just need an addition built onto the house for all my craft stuff. I have two different kinds of sewing machines and recently added an embroidery machine to my collection. I am always trying to come up with new things that are pet friendly and owner friendly. My next project is dogs beds.

The one piece of advice that I can give is to LOVE WHAT YOU DO and DO WHAT YOU LOVE! I know it's not easy but if you can figure out that balance you will be a much happier and satisfied person. I have been blessed to be able to do what I love fulltime but, it also took me a long time to know what it was that I really wanted to do.

You can read more about me and my dogs and see a list of craft festivals that I will be doing at http://www.gonedoggie.com/. Check out my online shop http://www.gonedoggie.etsy.com/ to see collars and other handcrafted items available for sale.

Release Your Creativity

Release Your Creativity

Do you want a signature look – bohemian, romantic and wrapped up in laidback glamour? Enjoy a visit to Boho Luxe Accessories http://www.boholuxeaccessories.etsy.com/. The twist is a line of an updated edgy BOHO design intended to make you feel & look fantastic without breaking the bank! All items are specially hand crafted.

by boholuxeaccessories
Ever since I was a child I've always felt this deep need to create or design. The times I've ignored this deep need, I was left unfulfilled. It's almost like this moment has been building for years and years. I've explored many forms of art and design to find my "nitch". It wasn't until last fall (2009)- after previous months of pushing aside my artistic personality- that I was once again approached by family and friends to launch some sort of line- something I could build upon. TADDAAAH......Boho Luxe was born.

I'm a very visual person and don't have a magic formual on how each piece is designed. I find inspiration in edgy pop & moody low-key music, playful & un-spoken art, and eccentric fashion. I get excited and act a bit giddy when I look for materials- I see so many colors and patterns my imagination just runs free.
When I am designing a piece- I know it's going to work when it just "clicks". Their's this feeling I get of "this is it." And that's when I go for it. Their's no better feeling than that.

Organization is absolute key in order to work efficiently and creatively! I like to take old Mason Jars (the turquoise ones) and stash my "hardware", and even the findings (like the brooch pins, bobby pins, clips,ect..) in those jars. Fabrics are typically arranged by texture and color. I work better when I can visually see what I have laid out before me. For me- it also allows me to take a quick inventory of what I have in stock. It's always all about the "visual". My suggestion to anyone looking to design or even create- find what gets you excited and from there- get a solid studio in place with organization.....then let the magic happen. Don't be afraid. You may start creating or designing something and it's not clilcking- no problem. Good things happen by trial and error.

I design hair accessories and brooch's; however, I have so much more that I can branch into- that's where my excitement continues to thrive. My accessories are perfect for every day wear- you know, that plain boyfriend tee or fedora. Just perfection. Boho's accessories are right in line with PROM-wear and weddings. I get so excited when I see how others respond to wearing them. For me, accessories are what make an outfit. It doesn't matter what's in your closet- it's how you work the pieces together.

Boho Luxe signature look – bohemian, romantic and wrapped up in laidback glamour. The twist is a line of an updated edgy BOHO design intended to make you feel & look fantastic without breaking the bank!
No need to buy a whole new closet full of clothes- think outside the box and work what you have! Just tweek it a tiny bit (re-work the old pieces) with a new accessory and you're gonna look like perfection.

TWEET with us at: http://twitter.com/theBOHOluxe
http://www.boholuxeaccessories.etsy.com/

How Crazy Is This!

How crazy is this!I have been a part of Etsy for almost two years now and one of my goals was to get my shop recognized and make it on the Front Page! I would often read in the forums about how exciting it is to be on the front page. Well you won't believe this, (unless someone is playing a crazy trick on me!) that I am on the Front page again for the second day in a row! This time it is my Afternoon Garden shop.
Well at least I know that working on my photographs have helped a bit. Crazy!

I am SOOOOO Excited!

I can't believe it! I woke up to a very special treat this wonderful Sunday morning.

I was featured on the Front Page of Etsy! My "Mirror Mirror" pendant from my etsy shop The Red Door was chosen in this wonderful treasury created by botanical theatre , www.botanicaltheatre.etsy.com/ .

Here is the wonderful treasury.

http://www.craftcult.com/vault_list.php?list=8329&page=&userid=&fm=0&esn=&m=0&d=0&st=1&pagenum=0

You can have a peek at the treasury by clicking on the treasury picture to the right!

I am so thrilled that I wanted to share with you!  Have a great day!

New Art from Recycled Goods

Have a look at this lovely Etsy shop http://www.etsy.com/shop/juleseveland . She is an avid cardmaker and scrapbooker, and likes to discover new ways to make artwork out of recycled goods. Best wishes for a successful year!

by juleseveland

I create greeting cards of all types and sizes, and can personalize each card to the likeness of the customer. I have been making cards and other paper crafts for the last eight years now, and have loved every minute of it! My sister and I often get together to create cards, handmade envelopes, and tags for Craft Fairs, etsy, friends, and various buyers. I also create magazine bowls which can take hours to make, but the end process is worth it!

My craft studio is in a spare bedroom of my house, and can be a chore to keep organized, but I know where everything is…almost. If anyone feels that crafting can be expensive, there can be ways to work around this- rummaging through garage sale deals and thrift stores is one of them. I have found my best deals at local garage sales! A favorite quote of mine is “Don’t think it, create it”!

Do What Makes You Happy

by JMTolman
I'm a 20 year old illustration student. I sell paintings, prints, and painted jewelry to help pay off my tuition. All of my work is based on synesthesia (I "see" music in color), horror movies, pop culture, cult films, and odd books. My shop http://www.etsy.com/shop/JMTolman/  helps me pay off my tuition! My studio is my bedroom, due to lack of space, thus I must be organized. I have a cabinet full of supplies- paints, inks, brushes, paper, etc have their own shelves. I keep a stockpile of large boards/paper/scraps in my closet.

The most important piece of advice I can give is to find something you're happy to do, despite circumstances. Right now I am in a very tight spot, but I am still happy because I get to do something I've wanted to do my whole life.

Other places to find her :
FREE PAPER TOY! http://sapphirekat.livejournal.com/93906.html


Site: Sapphirekat.livejournal.com
Email: Sapphire.kat [!at] gmail.com
Twitter: twitter.com/JMTolman

Studio Mme

If you are looking for a unique illustration to hang on your wall
you will find it in this wonderful Etsy shop http://www.studiomme.etsy.com/.
The artist fuses Old World pen and ink techniques with Victorian imagery to create a modern take on classical illustration. Her figures often find themselves in love mazes, the Italian countryside, or in a fairy tale setting.

by Studio Mme
I come from a very normal family. For generations back everyone on both sides has had respectable jobs, had respectable children, and led very respectable lives. Perhaps I'm the result of repressed eccentricity. I started drawing when I was little (doesn't everyone) and continued through high school, never thinking it any great feat. My parents blessed me with a near-photographic memory so I was able to daydream through my school years, which is probably where most of my beginning inspirations came from. When it came time to choose a major in college, English and Art just seemed to be the only logical choice.

This December I'll graduate with BAs in English, with an emphasis in creative writing, and art, with an emphasis in drawing. Most of my illustrations are inspired by European fairy tales or tales of my own creation. I almost exclusively use pen and ink, relying on Old World techniques that have gone a bit out of style. I absolutely love to hide details in my drawings. I've hidden the artworks of master painters and printmakers, symbols related to the fairy tale, and even the odd personal reference to countries I have visited. Nothing gives me more joy than to see people take a step closer and smile at what they find.

Currently my work space is divided between two areas. For my last semester of school, I'm focusing on printmaking and I have the pleasure of working in the Hannaher Studio at the Plains Art Museum in Fargo, North Dakota. (No, most of us do not have the accent.) My second studio is the desk in my room which is filled presently with papers, power cords for my computer, and a giant to-do list that needs to be finished prior to my graduation in December.

I thoroughly believe that to-do lists are the best way to stay organized. I have a large one for each week and a smaller one for each day of the week. I keep track of my marketing as well to see what is working or where I could spend more time and/or money. I encourage to come check out my shop at www.studiomme.etsy.com. Fine art makes a great gift because it's so original! You can follow each of my works as I make them on my blog at http://studiomme.blogspot.com/.

Sandra Darling

http://www.SandraDarling.etsy.com/
http://www.sandradarlingvisualartcreations.com/

by SandraDarling

My background and training as a visual artist came from not only "a good art school education" but the greatest teacher of all - Life! I grew up in North Queensland which is both coastal and tropical; a precious and unique place where the rainforests meets the sea. It provided me with a rich tapestry of geographical as well as social exposure, and gave me my foundation as a young adult discovering my place in the world. I originally trained as a painter but I have always had an interest in all art forms and I expanded my canvas (literally and metaphysically) to beyond this medium. Since then, travelling to Europe, Asia and across Australia has enriched my outlook of the world and people around me.

It was from here that I found my platform for a visual language that has led me on the journey that has bought me to where I am currently at today. Through my art work, images rich in layers and textures, I explore all that is intrinsically human and in particular feminine. The quote "the present is just a moment passed" sums up our fragile and changing existence and I think it also gives a glimpse into the world of what my art work explores.

My Art has always investigated issues of the psyche and how we portray and protect ourselves through layering and masking our true inner self as a means of adapting and protecting our wellbeing in the world and environment around us. As well as this, how we make our mark on an ever-changing and transient world, through our habits of memento; a vehicle of grasping time, place and proof of our existence, methods of remembering and establishing our collective heritage. Being an avid collector myself, I enjoy researching to discover the origins of objects and their history and then apply this knowledge to contextualise my own work.

My influences are first and foremost everything I see, feel and experience, but I've always had a great love of the Decorative Arts and Crafts; the Art Nouveau and Art Deco period; the great 20th Century Artists; and I have a great admiration for the artists of the Renaissance period, my favourite from this period probably being Botticelli where images of mythology and flora are in abundance.

I see myself as a bit of a Bowerbird (distracted by “sparkly things” since 1968) picking and choosing what applies to me.

My best advice for anyone looking to buy art as an investment is to buy what you love, because a happy heart is the best investment you can make, and the eyes are the window to your happy heart. Immerse yourself in what pleases you whenever your can as I personally believe that it is the journey and not the destination that is the so called meaning of life in this crazy world!

Little Bit of Pretty

by littlebitofpretty 

Hi! I'm Kim from A little bit of pretty. I opened shop on Etsy in July of this year, and boy has it been a major learning experience! I think that no matter how much you research beforehand, you are never truly prepared for the time commitment running an online shop takes. I have found, and I'm sure many other shopkeepers on Etsy would agree with, that I spend most of my time promoting my business - not creating. But I also think that to be successful among all the fabulous shops you have to find your own formula.... I'm still developing mine :)

I grew up in a household where everything was handmade by my mom, including my entire wardrobe (until high school)! My mom taught my sister and I how to cook and to sew, and being a constant crafter and experimenter, it rubbed off on both of us. But I never really got hooked on anything crafty until I was an adult - probably because I spent 10 years in competitive swimming and there just wasn't the time to be creative. When my sister and I moved out, we started going out with friends to dinner, to clubs, to the Ballet and of course we had to have something fabulous to wear! So we started making our own. It was around this time that I picked up my first beading magazine and decided that I could make jewellery - it certainly would save me a lot of money and after all I was in university. But I discovered that I really loved to create jewellery and I kept up my hobby throughout my university career hoping someday that I could make it my job. When I graduated last year with my degree in Geology and went to work, I found out right away I didn't enjoy working in the "real world" very much. And so last April, when my contract wasn't renewed due to the recession I took it as a sign that I should go into business for myself :) And here I am, with a shop on Etsy.

My work space is far from organized although I don't like it like that! Until very recently I was making my jewellery at the kitchen table, so the fact that I have a room all to myself in our new house is definitely an improvement. I have grand plans for furniture and organization and of course I have my eye on some great artwork from various shops on Etsy to fancy it up. I have lots of great ideas for my shop floating around in my head right now too - I plan to develop a winter line of jewellery but still keep a small number of one-of-a-kind pieces in my shop for those people looking for a truly unique piece. I would like to expand my bridal line as well to offer a few more styles and then perhaps introduce them to some of the boutiques in town. Lots and lots of plans - you'll have to stay tuned to find out exactly what will happen!!! Thanks for reading about my shop you can visit here http://littlebitofpretty.etsy.com/  or you can follow my blog here http://littlebitofpretty.blogspot.com/.