Margaret Katherine Dempsey Some things just get inside you, and give you such intense satisfaction

-Bio artist: Margaret Katherine Dempsey
I'm Maggie!
After living on both coasts of this country and lots of cities and towns in between, I've settled down and currently live on Martha's Vineyard with my boyfriend of three years and two amazingly cute ginger kitties named Charlie and Butters.
I'm obsessed with crafting, videogames and Harry Potter... No, really! :) I love to craft and make things with my hands.
Apart from running my shop on Etsy, I'm an amateur nature photographer, I love taking photos of all the flowers and wildlife here on this island. I'm also an award-winning baker who's happiest spending an afternoon in the kitchen with a cup of tea, a friend, some good tunes and a great recipe or crochet project in front of me.

Your Shop Name
BeachPlumCottage

Your Shop Url
BeachPlumCottage.Etsy.com

 

-Where are you originally from?
I'm originally from Cleveland, Ohio but I've lived all over the country. I've lived in Boston, Seattle, Los Angeles, you name it.

-How did you choose the lovely name for your Shop?

Beach plums, or Prunus maritima, are a native plant to the island. Their signature blossoms line the toe paths to our beaches and shores. Native Americans and locals have been gathering beach plums for centuries. I love the scenic, rustic splendor of the island - and the simple, fragrant, floral beach plum was my inspiration for this shop.

Do you sell your products in many places ? tell us some of them ?

Etsy is my first shop ever! I would like to find some boutiques who like my items and sell there.

-How did you find the site who you sell and who it this (name) ? How long have you been selling on this site ?

I heard about this via the On Fire for Handmade Team on Etsy! They are wonderful, motivated, talented Etsy artisans, I love their work and when they suggested that I submit my shop here, I jumped at the chance!

-How would you describe your style? Have any other artists etc influenced your style?

My style is very soft, whimsical, feminine and floral. I draw inspiration from the beautiful place where I live - Martha's Vineyard.

- How did you first come to art and creativity? How did your journey in art and creativity begin?

I've always been an artist at heart. I was a natural musician and by the age of 15, I was able to play 8 different instruments. I loved theatre, live music and the arts. I was very much a typical geeky art kid in high school.

-How long have you been creating?

I've been learning and experimenting my whole life. My grandmother taught me to crochet when I was a little girl, and I never put that away. I started to make hemp and bamboo beaded jewelry when I was in junior high, and loved that too.
While I had to put some of these things away while I was in college and working my first few jobs, now that I have lots of free time and the peace and quiet of the island, I find its just a natural flow of creativity. It's ceaseless.

-What is it that you love so much?

Some things just get inside you, and give you such intense satisfaction upon completion that you never want to stop. With each new piece of jewelry or new headband I create, I feel such joy in thinking of who might put this to use, or who might truly love it. The act of creation, and sharing it with others is really wonderful.

-What are your main sources of inspiration?

This place is so quiet and full of life. Deer roam across the meadow in my yard each evening, and the birds sing me awake each morning. There are so many flowers, trees and plants, so many colors in the sky and sea, in the sand and in the surf, I can't help but feel moved to create.
Whether it is a sunset over the ocean, or spring flowers coming up in the fields, there is always some gorgeous, natural feat to be amazed and inspired by.

-Have you had any mentors, or are you self taught?

My grandma and the internet have a lot to do with my success. I had a hard time learning from books, but between some real life tutelage from my loving grandmother, and seeing videos of people ACTUALLY doing beadweaving and crochet - rather than attempting to interperet it from diagrams in dusty old pattern books, it just clicked for me. Thanks, YouTube! Thanks, Grandma Emma! :)

-Do you sell more at one time of year than others?

Holidays and cold weather are my best selling times. People love to buy scarves and headbands and hats for themselves and for others especially around Thanksgiving and Christmas.

-What is one thing about your creative process that you think most people don't know?

The pure joy and love that I put into each stroke. I never make something just to sell - everything I do is inspired and made with care.
Because this isn't my "job" - it is my hobby and my labor of love - I don't feel as though it is work. Therefore everything I create is fun, new and exciting. Some of the things I make I end up very tempted to keep for myself, because I like it so much! Sometimes I do, but most often I leave it up in my shop, so I can share this joy with others.

Have some tips and advices for new artisians ?

Patience and practice!
Make sure you are practicing the correct way, too! Practice does not make perfect - practice makes PERMANENT. Make sure you always doing your best.

Somehow, Someday, your turn will come - T Dean interview

-Bio artist: T Dean
I have a beautiful 18 year old daughter graduating from High School this June. (where does all the time go???) She will be attending college in the fall.I am a huge fan of the television series "Buffy the Vampire Slayer", "The Vampire Diaries" and "Doctor Who"
Roses are my favorite flower and of course Purple is my favorite color.

-Where are you originally from?

I am originally from Raleigh, NC

-How did you choose the lovely name for your Shop?

Very Simple really. My last name is "Dean"....lol

Do you sell your products in many places ? tell us some of them ?

I have my Etsy shop and have just recently opened a "Zibbet" Shop. I have also had my designs at a few of the local shops. I plan on doing a few craft shows this fall if my inventory is large enough.

Her Shop Name
Dean Designs

Her  Shop Url
http://www.etsy.com/shop/deancustomdesigns

-How did you find the site who you sell and who it this (name) ? How long have you been selling on this site ?

-How would you describe your style? Have any other artists etc influenced your style?

My style is an eclectic mix of anything I can get my hands on. My favorite pieces are my beaded and charm bracelets.

- How did you first come to art and creativity? How did your journey in art and creativity begin?

Everything started 4 years ago when I wanted a charm for my cell phone. I looked around and saw all kinds of designs, yet they were mostly child like and not at all what I had in mind.
I decided to try making my own. I went to one of the local bead supply stores and fell in love with all the gemstones, beads, and thousands of charms they had.
I believe I spent too much that day, but I made one amazing cell phone charm.
From there, I wanted to add something on my purse. I had seen a simple zipper purse pull and decided why not make it a little larger and add a little "Bling". This is how my Purskey Line was created.

-How long have you been creating?

-What is it that you love so much?

I love making an original design people will love. I strive to create quality pieces each with their own personality.
I am one of those designers that the piece I am working on has to "speak to me"!

-What are your main sources of inspiration?

I find all sorts of inspiration through the many talented Artists I have become acquainted with over the years.
Sometimes, just seeing a pretty flower will help, and anything PURPLE of course.

-Have you had any mentors, or are you self taught?

I am self taught for the most part however I have asked other artists how they wrap this, where they buy that, what is the best quality wire, etc....
I also love finding tutorials and classes where I can learn new techniques I can then incorporate into my designs.

-Do you sell more at one time of year than others?

I really can not answer that question. I have not sold enough to find a pattern at this time.

-What is one thing about your creative process that you think most people don't know?

When I am stuck on a design or how to implement what I see in my head, I go to You Tube and watch "Doctor Who" video clips......hahaha

-Do you have a favorite item you have made?

I have several. I really loved my "Hummingbird Garden" Charm Bracelet, and my "Theater Night" Charm Bracelet.
You can see a picture of them in my Album on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.413616106799.204808.186060921799&type=3

-What is the best reaction you have gotten from one of your pieces?

"Absolutely Stunning"!! I will never forget that beautiful statement from one of my Customers.

 

-Your message for all of us?

Don't give up. Even when you are ready to throw in the towel and call it quits, keep going. Somehow, Someday, your turn will come.

Kerri Leigh O'Connor and Micheangelo, Botticelli inspiring her

Kerri Leigh O'Connor:
Kerri has been a jewelry artist in Cleveland for several years.

-Where are you originally from?

I was born near Baltimore, MD. but grew up in Northeast Ohio.

-How did you choose the lovely name for your Shop?

I wanted a shop name that was creative, fun, short and simple to make it easy to remember. So I tweaked a word that most closely represented the unique style of my art to give birth to "Diviniteez!".

Do you sell your products in many places ? tell us some of them ?

I have three on-line shops on Etsy -
* diviniteez.etsy.com, featuring natural gemstone jewelry and stones;
* lestroisfleurs.etsy.com, an on-line jewelry boutique;
* trunksale.etsy.com, a supply shop.
You can also find my work at art shows local to Cleveland, Ohio such as Wooltex and the Last Minute Markets by the Cleveland Handmade Group, the Avant-Garde Art Shows in Westlake, Ohio.

-How did you find the site who you sell and who it this (name) ? How long have you been selling on this site ?

I found Etsy.com through a jewelry supply vendor originally (Vintaj Natural Brass). I opened up my first shop in May 2009 and two more shops last year.

-How would you describe your style? Have any other artists etc influenced your style?

I have a moon in Gemini so "one style" is not natural for me... hence more than one jewelry shop. Yet the consistent theme across everything I do is energy work. At Diviniteez! you will find handcrafted, luxurious designs that are "energized" with positive qualities of consciousness making each design a true "Diviniteez!". I have been an energy worker for almost 30 years. So the creative process for me is about being divine, about being conscious with my intention for each creation. Each piece is unique either as a one-of-a-kind (OOAK) design and/or in the energy that I draw during the creative process. My grandmother (and my creative sisters) influenced me most as a young girl.

- How did you first come to art and creativity? How did your journey in art and creativity begin?

I started quite young designing Christian Dior suits, etc. for my Barbie Dolls! I wore my own handmade clothes. I was a seamstress for a while, then a porcelain doll maker, and now a jewelry artist. I will start making dolls again when I have more time at home.

-How long have you been creating?

Since I was a child.

-What is it that you love so much?

I love color, textures, mixing metals, fibers; the glint of a gemstone, the lustrous glow of silver or polished brass; watching the effects of a torch on metals and surfaces and then finally seeing a piece come together. Mostly I love the energy of spirit that I feel when I am "into my work".

-What are your main sources of inspiration?

Nature, magazines, historic or ancient architecture, antiques, the works of the masters - Micheangelo, Botticelli to name a few, Italian and Chinese silks, an inspiring book or touching story; meditation and reflection.

-Have you had any mentors, or are you self taught?

Kieu Pham Gray of Bead Q! in Chagrin Falls, Ohio has been an incredible mentor in both skill building as well as running a jewelry business. I've also received excellent training and mentoring from Sands Company Jewelers in Richmond Heights, Ohio.

-Do you sell more at one time of year than others?

Generally around the holiday season starting in October.

-What is one thing about your creative process that you think most people don't know?

The energy work I used to draw positive thought into a design.

Have some tips and advices for new artisians ?

Write at least a visualization for what your business will look like when it is fully running. This draws energy for your business.

-How has life affected your art and art affected your life?

I grew up with creative people ... art has also proven to be therapeutic for me when I am going through a stressful period in my life. I create based on my experience and then through creating I have more experience to create from.

-Do you have a favorite item you have made?

Several but my Mookaite Celebrating Change necklace is one of my favorites... both challenging and the stones were so beautiful.

-What is the best reaction you have gotten from one of your pieces?

I had a rush order from a customer to ship to her sister as a gift. I took a lot of extra time with the packaging because it was a gift. Her feedback to me was that this was the best online purchasing experience she ever had. Those kinds of comments let you know that you have really reached a customer which is a little trickier over the internet.

Something else who you want to tell us about you ?

-Your message for all of us?

Be happy, spread it like wildfire to everyone around you and watch it come back to you tenfold!

A girl should be classy and fabulous - Tricia Bertrand interview

Tricia Bertrand:
I have a full time job as a 1st grade teacher and love making unique handcrafted jewelry! Creating beautiful jewels is my passion and a way for me to unwind after a hard day. I love brightening others' lives with beautiful jewelry handmade from the heart. I find that the beads "speak" to me and I love collecting them and discovering new creations as I twist and wrap them into a piece suitable for everyday wear or for that special evening out.My obsession began when my husband bought me a ridiculously expensive necklace and a dear friend said, "You know, you can make that yourself?" So I began fooling around and it turned into a creative outlet I absolutely adore!!

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

-Where are you originally from?

I am originally from Grand Rapids, Michigan although I have lived in my current state for many, many, many years!

-How did you choose the lovely name for your Shop?

I wanted my shop name to include something personal so I included my nick name. I also think of my jewelry as precious jewels so viola! Jewels by Trish was named!

Do you sell your products in many places ? tell us some of them ?

My primary studio is on Etsy.com. I do occasionally sell my jewels at craft markets or special artisan events.

-How did you find the site who you sell and who it this (name) ? How long have you been selling on this site ?

I find etsy.com from a friend.

-How would you describe your style? Have any other artists etc influenced your style?

My jewelry is classy, simple, elegant. My style is all my own. I create what I love to see!

- How did you first come to art and creativity? How did your journey in art and creativity begin?

I have always loved working with my hands. I used to watch my grandmother make beaded ornaments and my mother was always cross stitching. I find it hard to sit still. Even when watching a movie or relaxing on the couch, I love to keep my hands busy creating things.

-How long have you been creating?

I have been creating items in some shape or form for as long as I can remember. I have been specifically creating jewelry for about 3 years.

-What is it that you love so much?

I love the entire process! I love purchasing beads, I love sitting down and playing with them until a design forms, and I love stringing or wrapping it all together to make a beautiful jewel.

-What are your main sources of inspiration?

I gain inspiration everywhere. It may be a jewelry magazine, it may be the design on a dress, or may be as simple as the colors in nature.

 

-Have you had any mentors, or are you self taught?

I am self taught.

-Do you sell more at one time of year than others?

I find that people feel the need to search for beauty all times of the year.

-What is one thing about your creative process that you think most people don't know?

I don't think that most people realize that artists sometimes get stuck creatively. When this happens, I don't get frustrated. I wait it out as I know inspiration and creativity will eventually begin to flow again.
Also, music is a big help when creating! I love to sing loud and off key while creating!

Have some tips and advices for new artisians ?

Do what you love! If you love it, it will not feel like work. Focus on something that brings you happiness and inner peace while you are creating!

-How has life affected your art and art affected your life?

Art has affected my life in the joy I see on a customer's face or the great feedback I receive when they purchase one of my pieces. My art makes me feel happy and when others find happiness in it as well, that is very rewarding.

-Do you have a favorite item you have made?

Oh, that's a hard question! I tend to love everything I make! I did have a hard time offering the below piece for sale. I wanted it for myself! I rarely, rarely duplicate any of my pieces so it was hard to offer it.
http://www.etsy.com/listing/65788746/amethyst-bracelet-swarovski-crystal

-What is the best reaction you have gotten from one of your pieces?

"I love, love my "Jewels by Trish" jewelry!! I have already worn them many, many days in a row!"

Something else who you want to tell us about you ?

I love, love animals! One day, I would love to have a huge farm with horses, pigs, cows, dogs, etc. etc.

-Your message for all of us?

"A girl should be two things:classy and fabulous!" -Coco Chanel

I love the zen-like focus it takes to create a handbag - Glenda Ganis

Glenda Ganis :
I have been a Screenwriter and Production Designer most of my adult life. Designing handbags felt like a natural extension of who I was creatively.
I've had no formal training but that has never stopped me from pursuing a vision, whether it's the creation of a handbag or a film set. I love using my intuitive skills and appreciate the intricacies of design in all forms.

I use high quality leather, design my own patterns and hand whip-stitch or saddle stitch the finished product.
The collection is one-of-a-kind. It can take anywhere from 4 to 24 hours to make one style. It requires a Zen-like focus and is labor intensive.
My goal is to create designs that are chic, functional and classic with a modern twist. All handbags are signed and made in my Los Angeles studio.

Shop Name
Cosmic Hippo Designs

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

-Where are you originally from?

New York City

-How did you choose the lovely name for your Shop?
The name Cosmic Hippo came out of the blue, put a smile on my face and seemed like a cool visual. The visual has evolved from my first logo.

Do you sell your products in many places ? tell us some of them ?
I sell online on Etsy and have listings on ArtFire, OnFire for Handmade and Zibbet. I also sell privately. Recently, I was invited to sell my handbags, wallets, cases and boxes at Verona Accessories in Studio City, CA.

-How did you find the site who you sell and who it this (name) ? How long have you been selling on this site ?
I've been a seller on Etsy.com since 2009.

-How would you describe your style? Have any other artists etc influenced your style?

Classic with a modern twist. I'm particularly fascinated by the architecture of handbags and how a simple skin of leather can be transformed into a functional and beautiful accessory.

- How did you first come to art and creativity? How did your journey in art and creativity begin?

I've been creating art since I was old enough to hold a crayon. I can not remember a time when I wasn't creating something, whether it was writing or making dolls clothing or creating food out of clay, creativity has been an integral part of my life.

-How long have you been creating?

My entire life.

-What is it that you love so much?

I love the zen-like focus it takes to create a handbag. The hours pass so quickly I barely notice the time. I feel as though I'm compelled to create by some magical force greater than me.

-What are your main sources of inspiration?

Sometimes music, other times the shape of an object or the smooth feel of a piece of leather. Occasionally, I'll create a handbag in a dream state and attempt to sketch it when I awaken. My sketches are pathetic. I'm much more a doer from scratch.

-Have you had any mentors, or are you self taught?

Self taught. I admire Henry Beguelin's hand crafted handbags and shoes.

-Do you sell more at one time of year than others?

It varies, and never when I expect the sales to happen.

-What is one thing about your creative process that you think most people don't know?

The amount of time that goes into crafting a handbag from pattern to finish is incalculable. If I were to charge for the actual time I expend the cost would be seriously high.

Have some tips and advices for new artisians ?
Trust your gut instincts and don't be afraid to fail. I learn more from my failures than I do from my successes.

-How has life affected your art and art affected your life?

They are inseparable. If I'm in the mood to write, then I'm not in the mood to make a handbag and vice versa. I never want to be doing one when I'm doing the other. I think that would be very frustrating.

-Do you have a favorite item you have made?

I fall in love with most of my designs. Fortunately, I rarely sell my first samples so I use them to determine how well they wear and if the pattern needs to be adjusted.

-What is the best reaction you have gotten from one of your pieces?

I've received emails with loving praise. Those emails mean a lot to me because I've shared my joy and at the same time made someone very happy.

Something else who you want to tell us about you ?

I enjoy cooking.

-Your message for all of us?

Be creative in all that you do.

I can't imagine a life without art - Anna M. Blair interview

Anna M. Blair :
I'm a retired High School art teacher (and also taught at T.C.U. a few summers). I have several online shops, where I sell my fused glass jewelry and other items.
I enjoy all phases of art, but since I retired I enjoy doing glass work. I had a kiln for years that sat unused in the garage, and now it (and me) are fired up most of the time! :-)

I live in Fort Worth, Texas "Where the West Begins." We are just West of Dallas about 30 miles, but Fort Worth still has it's western flavor. There is an older area, original to the late 1800's, that offers ongoing rodeos, cattle drives, museums, and a feeling of the old West that Dallas doesn't have.
My two children are grown, and I live with my husband Noel, and our cat, Nemesis...plus a host of outside animals (raccoons,possums, an occasional deer) that I feed.

Your Shop Name Pendant Place

Your Shop Url www.pendantplace.etsy.com

-Where are you originally from?

I was born in the U.S. (Pennsylvania), but moved to Texas as a child.

-How did you choose the lovely name for your Etsy Shop?

I chose "Pendant Place" because I thought it would be easy for people to remember.

-How did you find Etsy? How long have you been selling on Etsy?

I ran across Etsy when I was surfing the net. I've been selling there for at least two years.

-How would you describe your style? Have any other artists etc influenced your style?

I like representational art over abstract, so that is largely what I do. All artists influence my style. I look at all the art I can and adapt whatever would work for me into my jewelry.

- How did you first come to art and creativity? How did your journey in art and creativity begin?

When I won First Place for art in Kindergarten! It's been a long journey and fun all the way.

-How long have you been creating?

Over sixty years!

-What is it that you love so much?

Everything about it. I love watercolors, making pottery, using oils, making jewelry...just all of it.

-What are your main sources of inspiration?

An artist has to create. That's who they are and what they do. I give all the credit to God.

-Have you had any mentors, or are you self taught?

I have a degree in Art so I can't really say I'm self taught. I like to explore on my own.

-Do you sell more at one time of year than others?

In the Fall, as people get ready for Christmas.

-What is one thing about your creative process that you think most people don't know?

It's a lot of work! I had cut each piece, layer it with stained glass and dichroic glass, fire it to 1600 degrees, anneal it, check it for imperfections, fine tune it with my grinder, refire it to 1600 degrees, set it in the setting using jewelers glue, polish it with a rock tumbler...take photos, and finally post it on the website.

-How has life affected your art and art affected your life?

I can't imagine a life without art. It's part of the fiber of being.

-Do you have a favorite item you have made?

No, it's like trying to pick out which child you like best. They are all important at the time they are created.

-What is the best reaction you have gotten from one of your pieces?

A personal phone call from a lovely lady who was raising her special needs great-grand daughter! She had asked me to make ten pendant necklaces to give each of the teachers who had worked with her mentally impaired great grand daughter, Lily. I made each a deep blue fused glass cross pendant with a lily on each one, and sterling chains. She cried when she received them and said they were so beautiful!

Something else who you want to tell us about you ?

I just enjoy what I do and love to share it with others.

-Your message for all of us?

Do what you enjoy. Embrace life and art, and share your experiences.

I am a self taught quilter - Kim Brinsfield’s Interview

Kim Brinsfield I have been a machine quilter for 12 years.
I have made, and continue to make, quilts for a number of MLB (Major League Baseball) players... BJ and Justin Upton, Michael Cuddyer, and their families, that live in the area. I even had one quilt mentioned in a USA Today Sports Edition article by reporter, Seth Livingstone.
Custom orders are always welcomed. Contact me with any questions.
I work in my sewing room, about 8-10 hours a day, and at night I do my handwork (bindings, wool-work, hand piecing, or cross-stitch).

 Her Shop Name VaBeachQuilter Her Shop Url vabeachquilter.etsy.com

 

-Where are you originally from?

Virginia Beach, VA

-How did you choose the lovely name for your Etsy Shop?

It was a no-brainer really...LOL
Virginia Beach ... Quilter
VaBeachQuilter

-How did you find Etsy? How long have you been selling on Etsy?

I saw a segment on CNN in Jan 2009 and thought I'd give it a try. Been selling there ever since.

-How would you describe your style? Have any other artists etc influenced your style?

I specialize in items/gifts predominately under $15.
With the economy the way that it is, it's nice to be able to offer high quality, handmade items, at a reasonable price and be able to offer free shipping, too.

- How did you first come to art and creativity? How did your journey in art and creativity begin?

I started out cross-stitching and ventured into quilting with the idea of making cross-stitch blocks into quilts.
Never got that far...started making quilts, then teaching, and have never looked back.
Since quilts are a luxury item, I decided to focus my shop on much more affordable, practical (and still be unique) items.

-How long have you been creating?

I started cross-stitching when I was 18.
I started quilting 12 years ago (at 29).

-What is it that you love so much?

I LOVE making rag quilts. Those are my favorite type of quilt to make.

-What are your main sources of inspiration?

I try to find things that people would be interested in, especially things that I can make and keep the cost down.

-Have you had any mentors, or are you self taught?

I am a self taught quilter.

-Do you sell more at one time of year than others?

My busiest time of the year is between October and February.

-What is one thing about your creative process that you think most people don't know?

That I'm very OCD about my stitches.

-How has life affected your art and art affected your life?

It is all consuming! I do a bunch of large craft shows, throughout the year, and now it's a full time job.
I sew, a good, 8 - 10 hours a day.

-Do you have a favorite item you have made?

Yes. All the traditional quilts that I have for sale, were made specifically for me or for classes that I had taught.
My absolute favorite quilt is my "Grandmother's Flower Garden". It took me a year and a half to sew the center by hand.

-What is the best reaction you have gotten from one of your pieces?

I had a quilt that I made for Yvonne Upton mentioned in an article in USA Today - Sports Edition.
She has 2 sons that play in the MLB. Justin plays for the Arizona Diamondbacks and BJ plays for the Tampa Bay Rays.
The quilt that she had commissioned featured both sons teams. I appliqued both team logos and their names, with her's, for the quilt top.

Something else who you want to tell us about you ?

I LOVE to read and LOVE RPG games for the Xbox.

-Your message for all of us?

We are our are best promoters!
We do it all and to be successful, you have to do it every day and a couple of times a day.

Find something that speaks to you - Tommye J Bunce

Tommye J Bunce - 
I am a retired software engineer and needlework shopowner. I'm married to a very supportive man and currently have two pug babies, Lester and Otis.
I love stitching and teaching stitching. Counted thread needlework appeals to my logical mind and soothes my soul. Cross stitch, hardanger, drawn thread, and especially band samplers. I knit when I'm not stitching.

Her Shop Name TJBdesigns

Her Shop Url http://etsy.com/shop/tjbdesigns

 

-Where are you originally from?

Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA

-How did you choose the lovely name for your Etsy Shop?

Originally, I had designed some needlework patterns to teach and chose my initals, TJB, as a name. So when I decided to make my beaded needlework accessories for sale, I thought I'd used the same name for continuity.

-How did you find Etsy? How long have you been selling on Etsy?

My friend, Donna, owns a needlework and yarn shop and she told me about it. I opened my Etsy shop a little over three years ago, in Jan 2009.

-How would you describe your style? Have any other artists etc influenced your style?

I think I have more of a classic style, as opposed to frilly and super sparkly. One of my sisters keeps trying to get me to add more glitz and it's just not me. I do LOVE color though and enjoy combining beads in interesting color combinations.
I've not been influenced by anyone in particular. It's more of a personal style than an artistic decision.

- How did you first come to art and creativity? How did your journey in art and creativity begin?

Great question. Artistic ability is not a natural thing for me. My mother and grandfather were the creative geniuses in my family. I am more like my father in style (casual and classic) and in aptitude. I am a very logical, linear thinker. My father was a Civil Engineer and I was a Software Engineer for many years. When I was young, I watched my grandfather decorate and my mother paint and sew our clothes from her own imagination. I preferred to follow directions and patterns and felt very UNartistic. When I discovered counted cross stitch, I was enchanted. I could create beautiful fiberart in a logical manner that was comfortable for the way my brain worked. Some people liken it to paint-by-number, but as I progressed I expanded my use of various stitches and was more open to changing colors from the suggested ones. Along the way, my right brain (the creative side) was exercised and I developed a creative style. When I started designing needlework accessories, my feel for color and natural view of symmetry came out in my designs.

-How long have you been creating?

I have been doing counted thread needlework for over 35 years, but I don’t sell many pieces. I give them away as gifts or keep them. I started designing needlework patterns to teach about 20 years ago. My beaded creations came into being only about 4 years ago.

-What is it that you love so much?

Without a doubt, needlework is my passion. I adore samplers, especially the very intricate ones from England in the 18th and 19th centuries.
In my beaded pieces, I love color and symmetry.

-What are your main sources of inspiration?

I don't wear a lot of jewelry, but I firmly believe every needleworker should have beautiful tools. I'm not really inspired by any particular thing. It's more of a 'mood'. If I sit down to design some scissor fobs or stitch markers, I just have to feel the color and symmetry of the bead combinations. I usually lay out a bunch of designs and let them sit overnight before I decide if they're good enough.

-Have you had any mentors, or are you self taught?

I am self taught. Because of being more left brained I learn much easier from diagrams and instructions than being shown how to do something.

-Do you sell more at one time of year than others?

Not really. Of course, gift giving seasons are a little busier, but my pieces are popular all year round.

-What is one thing about your creative process that you think most people don't know?

Probably that I don’t consider myself artistic.

-How has life affected your art and art affected your life?

My needlework soothes me. I often tell people it’s what keeps me sane. Designing beaded needlework tools is an extension of that creative nourishment of my soul.

-Do you have a favorite item you have made?

It’s hard to pick a favorite piece of needlework out of the hundreds that I've stitched, but this is definitely one of them. http://www.flickr.com/photos/tjbdesigns/7003349220/in/set-72157623357380512
And my beaded creations favorite changes all the time, but I love this scissor fob. http://www.etsy.com/listing/89974247/scissor-fob-beaded-lime-cobalt

-What is the best reaction you have gotten from one of your pieces?

One of the ladies in my stitch group cried when she received one of my beaded needlecases. The best compliment from a customer is when they show off their purchase to their friends.

Something else who you want to tell us about you ?

-Your message for all of us?

You don’t have to be born with an artistic talent to be creative. Find something that speaks to you and study it, try it, most of all, enjoy it.

Interview Anne Quinn I am "An Artist with Yarn".

Anne Quinn :
I am a retired teacher of 31 years. After retiring, I discovered this hidden talent for crochet. I use no patterns, just creative ability.

Her Shop Name hatsbyanne

Her Shop Url http://www.etsy.com/shop/hatsbyanne1942

 

 

-Where are you originally from?

I am originally from Gadsden, Alabama, but have lived in Colorado for the last 24 years.

-How did you choose the lovely name for your Etsy Shop?

My name is Anne, I was born in 1942 and I crochet hats. Thus, hatsbyanne1942 is the name of my Etsy shop.

-How did you find Etsy? How long have you been selling on Etsy?

A friend introduced me to Etsy.

- How did you first come to art and creativity? How did your journey in art and creativity begin?

I discovered this wonderful talent for crochet, using no patterns, and never duplicating after I retired from my 31 year teaching career.

 

-How long have you been creating?

I have now been creating my "one of a kind" hats and scarves for about seven years.

-Have you had any mentors, or are you self taught?

I have never had a lesson nor read a pattern.

-Do you sell more at one time of year than others?

My sales are more in the Fall and Winter.

-What is one thing about your creative process that you think most people don't know?

I think most people don't know that I create these beautiful hats and scarves with no pattern, just creative ability. I am "An Artist with Yarn".

-Do you have a favorite item you have made?

I love all my creations and each is given its own name.

-What is the best reaction you have gotten from one of your pieces?

I have never had a bad review and everyone who has made a purchase from me, and there have been hundreds, has been totally and completely happy with their purchase.

-Your message for all of us?

I hope you will visit my Etsy shop at www.hatsbyanne1942.etsy.com and spend some time looking at all the beautiful, one of a kind, crochet hats, scarves, wraps and wide headbands.

Create what you love! Victoria Shaffer interview

-Bio artist: Victoria Shaffer 

Almost 20 years ago I started playing with wire, wrapping the stems of wine goblets, and that grew into jewelry making along the way. I'm also a costumer, with a specialty of altering garments from thrift stores into costume pieces.

-Where are you originally from?I grew up in the midwestern part of the United States, born in Illinois and graduating from high school in Wisconsin.

Her Shop Name
Designs by Victoria

Her Shop Urlhttp://www.artfire.com/ext/shop/studio/dbvictoria

-How did you choose the lovely name for your Shop?

Sometimes I wish I'd been a little more creative when I picked my shop name, but Designs by Victoria was the first thing that cropped to mind when I registered to sell at my first event.

Do you sell your products in many places ? tell us some of them ?

I'm currently selling my creations on Artfire, and I also vend at local events in the Seattle are, mainly science fiction/fantasy conventions.

-How did you find the site who you sell and who it this (name) ? How long have you been selling on this site ?

I opened my Artfire shop in December of 2008. I was selling on Etsy previously, but closed up my shops over there in June of 2011. I'd heard about Artfire through many of the friends I'd made while selling online, from the teams and communities to which I belonged.

-How would you describe your style? Have any other artists etc influenced your style?

I find it hard to classify myself as to a single style. I make pieces that are simple and clean, and although I experiment a bit with current trends I try on the whole to make pieces that will withstand fads and be a mainstay of my customers' wardrobes for years.

- How did you first come to art and creativity? How did your journey in art and creativity begin?

My mother would tell you that I started when I was in grade school. I used to make jewelry for my favorite toys, my model horse collection! But making jewelry really stemmed from seeing a necklace that I fell in love with and deciding that I was going to figure out how to make something like it for myself.

-How long have you been creating?

I started selling my wire-wrapped glassware to the owner of a shop I worked at when I was in college in New Orleans in 1993, but didn't really start promoting myself and selling at events until October of 1999. My very first event was a Halloween festival, so this year is my lucky 13th anniversary as a business. I can't really remember when I started decorating parasols for myself. Skin cancer runs in both sides of the family, and I've been careful to protect myself. The supply of parasols available back then was very limited, though, and I wanted something unique and beautiful. After years of being stopped on the street with people asking about them I finally started selling them online in 2008.

-What is it that you love so much?

I love the process of creation. I love finding a single piece, maybe a mismatched earring or a bit of glass, and creating a necklace or a set to feature it.

-What are your main sources of inspiration?

I love looking at old fashion plates, especially from the Victorian era although I do love Art Deco styles as well.

-Have you had any mentors, or are you self taught?

I'm completely self-taught. I figured out how to wire-wrap glass by trial and error and the same principles worked for me when I first started making jewelry. And sewing I first learned in school, in my 7th grade Home economics class.

-Do you sell more at one time of year than others?

Well, the holiday season is the busiest time of year for most crafters, I'm sure, and I'm no different. It usually starts around the beginning of October and then folks spend their Christmas money sometimes through the first few weeks of January.

-What is one thing about your creative process that you think most people don't know?

A lot of my one of a kind designs design themselves when I'm half asleep, either as I'm trying to fall asleep or trying to convince myself that I don't really want to get up just yet. My subconscious is my most valuable tool.

 

Have some tips and advices for new artisians ?

There are so many tutorials and how-to videos online nowadays that can help you out, both for crafting and also on how to promote your business, especially online! These things weren't available to me when I started. Use them!

-How has life affected your art and art affected your life?

My husband laughs at me when we watch any kind of red-carpet events because I rant at the TV. "She's not wearing a necklace! She needs to accessorize!" I dress people I see in the streets or on TV with shiny things all the time.

-Do you have a favorite item you have made?

I've got a parasol I refurbished, a black silk piece where the silk is faded to brown in places, with a carved wooden handle, that I completely went over the top on with the decorating. It hasn't sold, but that's partly because I haven't put it out on display at events. Eventually I'll let the little devil on my shoulder convince myself that I should just keep it for myself.

-What is the best reaction you have gotten from one of your pieces?

This usually happens once at every show at which I sell. Someone will be walking by, talking to their friends or on their cellphone, and they'll stop, sometimes in the middle of a word, turn around and come back to my table to look at something I have on display. That always makes me happy.

 

-Your message for all of us?

Create what you love! Although to keep your business viable you'll have to have some stock pieces that you can easily reproduce, never stop making the unique and beautiful pieces that showcase your creativity.