Morning Valley Soaps

Visit your studio space every day with the intention of creating.

Enjoy the feeling of relaxation and joy!

Enjoy a visit to Morning valley Soaps http://www.etsy.com/shop/MorningValleySoaps where you will find creative and unique blends of botanicals, natural ingredients, essential oils.

"*All soaps come wrapped in soft cotton or unbleached muslin and tied with a ribbon for an old fashioned style gift wrap.* Soaps and Solid perfumes that not only smell good, but are full of good things! Extra virgin olive oil, fresh aloe pulp, oatmeal, cocoa shea butter and other high quality ingredients make my soaps *almost* good enough to eat and my other body products equally delectable! I'm breaking into lip balms, bath salts, sugar scrubs and more, stay tuned."

by Morning Valley Soaps

I started out making jewelry and sewing hand bags and costume pieces out of recycled fabrics- mostly because I spent a few summers working at a renaissance faire and fell in love with historically inspired fashions. Ever since I was a child, I’ve loved soaps and other toiletries. I used to pour fruit juice in petroleum jelly and call it lip gloss. What I’m doing now is slightly more sophisticated than that. I’m making soaps and slowly expanding to perfumes, lip balms, bath salts, sugar scrubs, etc.

My studio is mainly the guest room/library in the apartment I live in with my father while I’m going to school. That’s where everything is cured and stored. Most of my things are actually made in the kitchen- sometimes it drives my family a little crazy. Due to an incident with some lavender, I’ve learned to be very specific about what bowls and pans are for family food use and which are for my experiments. They are kept in different cabinets and the two never meet.

Plastic bins have become my best friends. I’m not naturally very organized- my mind is generally organized, my physical spaces are not. I like to say I’m like Sherlock Holmes in this regard, it makes me feel better.

At college I study English, I’m hoping to be a journalist when I graduate and also hopefully publish some novels. I’d love for my Etsy shop to help supplement my income eventually- it is not yet. My parents are, of course, concerned with how I’m going make money. As long as I stay off the streets and am doing what makes me happy, I’m not really worried. In that regard I like to spew a bunch of Thoreau quotations to back myself up, here are a few of my favorites: “Men have become the tools of their tools.” “Not only must we be good, but we must also be good for something.”

I also love music when I work. Anything from Vivaldi to The Doors, to The Decemberists, to Florence + the Machine, to Billie Holiday. Sometimes I’ll just put my iPod on shuffle and rediscover my music collection.

Fun and Fresh Ideas

Be sure to visit Zemphira's lovely Etsy shop http://www.etsy.com/shop/zemphira

where you are sure to find a variety of handcrafted pieces including one of a kind art dolls, aprons, zipper pouches, owls, art quilts, coffee sleeves, snappy purses and other fabric art.

I just love her creative space! Enjoy.

by Zemphira
I am lucky to have a space in my house just for creating. I have 4 kids, and every time I was pregnant people would say "So, does this mean you are going to have to loose your craft room?." The answer, every time, "No! I need that room." And I do need that room. I now have it set up so my kids can come in and create too, its a fun place to be.

When I get stuck, and I'm not really sure what to make next I just go in The Craft Room and pace, clean up a little and before I know it I have 20 ideas floating around in my head that need to get out. I have a few items in my Etsy shop I designed just for a studio. I have "wall pockets" I have one that I just to keep my scissors in. I also just started creating fabric storage bins. I wrap each of my packages with a strand of scrap fabric, and I keep those in a hanging storage bin! They are just fun ways to decorate my space with some of my favorite fabrics!

 

I have several objects in my studio that I cherish to keep me going. I love to work standing up (or crouched down on the floor like a monkey) and I had my grandfather put together a table - just the right height. My dad crafted up a storage space for some of my rubber stamps. I have a lot of special items from my sister's travels around the world. And now the room is being flooded with my kids' art - which I love. Their ideas are so fun a fresh, I might be the only one to get it and appreciate it, but that is what makes it special.

"Inspiration exists, but it has to find you working." ~ Picasso

http://www.facebook.com/ZemphiraCreations

http://zemphira.blogspot.com/

Fall in Love and Bring Joy & Fun Into Your Life!

Be sure to visit Jo's Studio  http://www.etsy.com/shop/josstudio to

"fall in love, and bring joy & fun into your life ♥".

by Jo's Studio

Hiya, my name is Kara Joann and I am the creator of jo's studio. I am a creative by heart and love anything that is fun and unique. I went to school for graphic design and then I started jo's to share my passion. At jo's I can make just about anything that involves paper and design, like calendars, crafts circles, business cards, invites and art prints.

With my design background, I also love to make logos web banners and badges. A new thing that I am starting to get involved in is fabric covered buttons, I think they are so darling. Soon to arrive in my shop are fabric covered button hair ties, earrings, id badges, magnets, cufflinks and more.

I make all of my creations on my laptop in my little corner of the house or on the dining room table. Since, I am always moving where I am creating I keep things organized by having a bookshelf and file cabinet full of labeled boxes and folders.
 

 
It really helps me find things fast and keeps me from losing stuff. I draw my inspiration from many things, but I spend most of my time surfing the web or walking around craft stores. There are so many great ideas out there that give me the drive to want to create.

Kara loves animals, thunder storms, the smell of rain & fresh cut grass, shoes, canvas shopping bags, finding new music, flip flops, mascara, clean sheets, strawberries & bananas.

Visit Jo @ http://www.josstudio.com/

Something for Your Little One

If you have a little one, you will want to check out Hip Pad's shop http://www.etsy.com/shop/HIPpadBaby .

It all started for Hip Pad Baby "when I needed a handy under-the-butt pad and all of the products out there had some drawback, I started inventing my own, and that was the beginning of this journey. Before I knew it, I was making them for friends and baby showers, and everyone who tried them wanted to pass them on to their friends, too."

 

by HIPpadBaby

Hi, I’m the inventor and maker of HIP Pads, in innovative changing pads for newborns up to the potty training years. HIP Pads are a great little parent’s helper and problem solver, invented out of need and effectively replacing all those bulky, stain-prone, rough and scratchy or plastic-y other things you find out there.

I’m foremost an artist, designer and inventor. I’m a bit of a renaissance woman, as I do so many arts and crafts, and like to think I excel at most of them. I’ve worked professionally as a graphic designer for the past 16 years, and love that my work lets me experience the creative process every day. Design is more than a passion for me, it’s more of an innate drive; almost everything I see around me, I think of how I could make it, or make it better, and beautiful. I have designs for textiles, furniture, jewelry, art objects, housewares, utility items, you name it!

I learn how to do what I need to produce the designs that I create in my mind, which is really how HIP Pads began. I had just a little experience with sewing before my daughter was born. When I needed a handy under-the-butt pad and all of the products out there had some drawback, I started inventing my own, and that was the beginning of this journey. Before I knew it, I was making them for friends and baby showers, and everyone who tried them wanted to pass them on to their friends, too.

The thing I enjoy most about the creative process is probably working out a problem. Every design is a puzzle, to make something visually pleasing, or perfectly functional, and hopefully both. It’s the part where you sweat just a bit, wondering how you’re going to pull it off, if you have the expertise to create what you envisioned, if you can balance all the aspects of the given equation. For me it’s usually equally challenging, stimulating, frustrating and satisfying.

With HIP Pads, it wasn’t so much of a thought process than a natural conclusion; the challenge was solving all the problems with the other things out there: the soft flannel is double-sided, and has natural absorbency – there’s no need for the bulky layer of terry cloth that most of the things made for babies have – and the most innovative part of HIP Pads is the leak-proof inner layer. It’s the first product of it’s kind that’s both soft & comforting AND stops leaks. Those big changing table covers are too hard to remove from underneath the baby, and they just make too much laundry. In reality, you’re only going to have maybe two of those, and anyone with a new baby has learned you can go through at least double that in a day with a little “squirt.” HIP Pads are easy to put under and remove without moving the baby. And even if you go through a bunch, you create a minimal amount of laundry. Most of the baby things made are light pastel colors, and after one or two uses, they look gross. Most of the fabrics I select for HIP Pads are purposely dark/bright, camouflaging patterns. Not only are they cool and fun, but they conceal the stains, which means you spend less time scrubbing laundry; no chemical stain-removers near the baby!

I’m very lucky that I get to work at my home studio, and be with my daughter daily. My workroom has four large glass sliding doors, and I love the abundance of natural light and views of our cape honeysuckle trees, which attract a bevy of hummingbirds. I usually work with either music (love the itunes shuffle, no decision making!) or some interesting movie for company (later nights has been Weeds lately, I enjoy the dichotomy of ‘adult’ content and my kid product work!). I’m very excited about getting HIP Pads out to the world, and I’ll happily be introducing some more products to the line soon.

Just Believe in Yourself

You will love this quaint little shop, BedBuggs Boutique http://www.etsy.com/shop/bedbuggs , so whimsical and enchanting.

"I love the idea of sharing my creativity with the world, and I love seeing everyone else's ideas,

 they're so inspiring.

by Bed Buggs Boutique

Creativity is in my blood, my dad is an Artist by profession and my mother is the craftiest person I know. I’m a Stay at home mom, and determined to keep it that way. All my inspiration comes from my BedBuggs (nickname for my two kids).

I love to create cute and unique items to make them smile. I’m fortunate to have a workspace built in a closet in our family room so I can keep a close eye on my “BedBuggs” while I create, and when I’m done I can close the doors to keep them out.

 I’ve found that Organization is crucial when it comes to creativity. When my space is disorganized so are my thoughts.

My motto: “Just Believe in yourself”.

If you'd like to see more visit our Blog at:

http://www.bedbuggs.blogspot.com/

Two Best Friends

Enjoy a visit to the enchanting Yellow Elm Etsy shop http://www.etsy.com/shop/YellowElm . Yellow Elm is a craft studio specializing in handmade felt fashion, created by two equally enchanting Etsians ,Elizabeth and Melissa. Enjoy reading about their enduring friendship and creative endeavours.

by Yellow Elm
We are Elizabeth and Melissa, two best friends who met over chips at the 4th grade lunch table. Very conveniently, we fell in love with brothers...Melissa met the love of her life at Elizabeth's wedding, who just happened to be the grooms brother. We make creative accessories for the trend-setter. Our pieces are all hand-felted using wool from a small farm in Tennessee, and we emphasize the use of found objects and repurposed materials in our work. Yellow Elm headbands, brooches, hair pins, and clutches are the perfect statement pieces to add to any outfit. We create what we love, and so it's easy to be excited about our product and spread the word.

Our work space is a work-in-progress. In our heads, we work in a very chic studio with modern artwork on the walls, big windows, and comfy, bright patterned chairs to sit in while we stitch. We have big metal tubs for felting, beautiful vintage teapots to heat up our water for tea time and felt-making, and clean, organized supply shelves. Throw in a darling desk for bookkeeping, the latest Anthropologie catalog, and some Nora Jones. In reality, our coffee tables, closets, and bedrooms are bursting with supplies and inventory. Someday we'd love to have our own studio/boutique. But for now, we are happy letting Yellow Elm crowd up our lives.
 

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”!

Twofold Upcycled Fine Art

I absolutely love the idea of featuring other artists. It is a wonderful opportunity to network with others and meet fantastic people. It also provides the opportunity to see some amazing art pieces that are so unique and inspire me to create. Kathy encorporates some amazingly bold and bright colours in her upcycled art pieces. These are one-of-a-kind art pieces that are beautiful and functional too. Enjoy having a look through her shop http://www.twofold.etsy.com/ .

Twofold designs originated from an inspiration to utilize recycled materials in new and inventive ways. Over the last year I have worked out of my home, but have also utilized local wood shop spaces that allow me to take up a corner. It's important to find a well ventilated space when working with the glue and high gloss finish I use! I love using lots of color, so I collect all kinds of magazines to upcycle glassware and other thrift store finds. Durability is important to my designs. The high gloss finish I use gives my pieces the versatility to be decorative but also functional. I recently moved to New York and am working on creating a bigger studio space in my apartment. Can't wait to expand my workspace and start on some bigger pieces!I attached a photo of a wood shop I use as studio space and also a photo of a recent outdoor art walk I participated in.

Creative Outlet

People often ask me how I find the time to create with two little ones at home and a very busy full time job. Sometimes it is hard to find "me" time. When I do find time to create, usually when the girls are in bed or late at night...it is heaven. It is a way for me to unwind and do something I absolutely love. The best is when I get on a creative roll and the hours pass so quickly. I love to also spend the time with my girls creating, helping them to discover their own creative outlet. Erica's creative outlet is to create beautiful jewelry. She is a working mom too and loves the chance to do what she loves.

by EsThings

Visit Erica at http://www.esthings.etsy.com/

My name is Erica and I started EsThings on Etsy at the beginning of June so I am still green to the Etsy network. I am a mother to 3 beautiful children that range in age from 9 to 16. I am very busy running them all over when I am not at my full time day job. I spend several hours a week (usually at night after the kids have settled in) creating and what seems like even more time following up on the electronic portion of the shop and marketing. People often ask me with you busy life why are you trying to make a go of the jewelry thing? I answer this question each time like this; my full time day job is very analytical using a lot of brain power that is straight only and requires a specific answer. The jewelry I create is my creative outlet. It allows me to use brain power that is fun and to "color outside the lines" so to speak. It allows me to create things that I love. This shop has given me an opportunity to share these things with others in hopes they will love them the way I do.As for giving advice to others, I am not sure I have been around long enough to do so but, I will... If you love what you do and create others will love it too and the rest will come... at least that is my hope.

Here is Erica's blog http://esthingsatetsy.blogspot.com/. Have fun visiting her blog and shop!

Vintage Style Charm

I am thrilled to continue to feature fellow Etsians and their studios this exciting year of 2009.
My goal is to continue to share Etsy Shops and their creative spaces. I am always amazed at the creative talents of others as I discover new shops and re-visit my favourites! I wish all a successful year and lots of creating time in the spaces we love best!

I am always looking for new people to feature.
Please enter the Red Door and contact me if you would like to be featured!
Hope to hear from you soon.

I love to hear from you! I am convo friendly and enjoy reading the comments made.

Please meet MaruMaru!
The first of many talented featured Etsians for 2009!

MaruMaru features a variety of retro and vintage style charms.

I can't imagine living without color, so my pieces are photographed with bright and colorful Japanese origami papers. My inspiration comes from anywhere from childhood memories to listening to The Beatles and playing in my grandmother's garden in Japan. Resin is my favorite material to work with because it gives my pieces that glass-like finish. I'm also in love with Czech flower beads and rose cabochons. I usually start out my day by drinking green tea and playing around in my jewelry supply box, and trying to come up with some fun ideas while having Waikiki Beach as my backyard. There's so many things to
create and not enough time in a day!




Best Wishes Maru Maru!!!

Visit her charming shop at
www.marumaru.etsy.com