LillyShayStyle: OWLS

Showing posts with label OWLS. Show all posts

Tuesday, May 26, 2009

Featured Etsian Artist~DotDotStitch

Click Here To Go Straight To My Giveaway

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Hand stitching has been around for centuries, and yet it still amazes me. This is an art in which one must have heaps of patience to pull off! I'm all about my machine...

I've always wanted a pair jeans filled with hand stitched designs, completely covered. When I see art like this, it just inspires me to push myself so that maybe one day I will own those jeans.

Then I remember my set back...I've NEVER hand stitched! Thus, no talent in said craft.. Someday I might try it, though :)

With that being said, it's just impressive that someone can stitch in such wonderful detail on so many items without going insane ;)

DotDotStitch has adorable items, I'm showing off most of my favorites, See? I know you do!

Out of all of these fantastic items, I can't really pick just one..

So I will leave it at that. I Love them All!

What about you?

DotDotStitch

BLOG

I've crafted my whole life. I started out with crochet, rug hooking, and embroidery - all hand work that I love. I opened my etsy shop (dottyral) in 2006 with a variety of items, some of which were emery pincushions and pincushion rings. Those quickly became my best sellers, so that's what I concentrated on for the next three years.

Recently I've realized that I really missed hand stitching. Though my etsy shop was exclusively pincushions, I added some hand embroidered pendants. They were so fun to make that I then decided to really get back into hand work. I opened up a new shop-Dot Dot Stitch- that now holds my hand embroidered items - towels, aprons and wrist cuffs. More pendants will be coming soon. Some machine embroidered items just might make an appearance too.

Though I've enjoyed designing and creating pincushions, this new turn for me has been a breath of fresh air. Every day now, I just can't wait to get stitching. In a way I've found a new sense of freedom. Who knows what I'll decide to add to this new shop. I'm excited to see what happens.

Wednesday, March 25, 2009

Featured Etsian~ thelostfound

thelostfound

My name is Maryann Peik and I have a vintage shop called The Lost and Found. and my blog.

I live in sunny San Diego, California and have a wonderful husband and two beautiful girls, ages 1 and 4. They keep my hands full during the day, but at night and in my spare time, I love to search thrift stores for great vintage finds!
I have always had a love for great vintage stuff! I love the styles of the 1940's and 50's. The day dresses, the hairstyles, the cute hats, the heels-- it was sexy, yet demure at the same time-- and I like that! I would definitly choose to live then if I had my choice. Times were tough back then, yet I feel there was a better sense of community which would be wonderful to experience.
I have loved and collected vintage for about 5 years now-- but I always had an interest in where a piece was from and if it had a history. Jewelry I really find interesting because you never know who has worn that special ring or brooch, or who gave it to them and why.
I haven't been selling all that long, just since February; but I feel I have done pretty well in my short time and hopefully the business continues to grow.
I love what I am doing- I get to buy great vintage stuff, and hope to make someones day with passing it on to them!
My favorite piece right now would have to be this vintage nightgown~~it is so pretty and soft! It has this beautiful black lace that adorns the neckline and it is just stunning!

I also wanted to let any of your blog readers know, that if they mention "lillyshaystyle" at purchase, I will refund back to them 10% of the price of any purchase from http://www.thelostfound.etsy.com/ !

Monday, March 16, 2009

Male Etsian Artist~ Allenbritebath

Allenbritebath

He didn't have a yellow ducky toilet seat.. but that's okay! There are so many gorgeous seats to choose from- I want a few! For all you Owl lovers, he has a seat for you! Plus cute little trinket boxes! (Do men hate their items being called "cute"? hmmm)

I am blown away by this peacock, that's a lot of detail! I'd probably hang it on my wall so that noone could sit on it, hehe. And ah, more cherry blossoms, I love cherry blossoms..

All of these artistic seats and boxes are hand carved and painted on Oak!

Please read his answer in blue at the bottom, it's very motivational!

Check out the blog where it all happens!

How and when did you discover your talent?About 5 years ago, I was over-educated, unemployed, and broke. My wife offered to sell some of my carvings online, and they sold! After that, we spent a couple of years selling at shows and small stores, but came back to sell seats online. we have been online exclusively ever since.

What or Who do you think is the most important influence in your work? Other than myself, I would have to say my wife. She tells me when things are wrong or don't look right. but ultimately it's me. I choose the design that goes on the seat. I have made some designs that I have loved, but never sold. I still love them though.

What is your favorite piece and why? I have too many to list. Ultimately, I love the process more than the finished product.

Where do you do your work? At home in a small room I have converted to my shop.

When do you feel the most creative and motivated? at night.

Where do you feel your art and yourself are going? I want every bathroom in America to have one of my seats in it. I just have to figure out how to make that happen.

Have you found any pros or cons to being a male artist? Or does it even matter?None that I have found, I really don't know what demographic I appeal to.

Do you feel that you should be promoted on Etsy for being male? Not really, I think that most of the buyers on Etsy are women. Until more men show up to buy stuff, I think male sellers will continue to market their items to women.

What do you do to promote yourself? I Blog, post on forums, and hang out in chat rooms. I'm not very chatty, but I do post pictures of my stuff routinely. My blog is http://themidnightcarver.blogspot.com/ I post on it regularly.

Is there anything you would like to add? To all those people who think you have to have a job and can not make it on your own. Think again! For two years I was the only income selling carved toilet seats online. My wife now helps with an etsy shop of her own because she wanted in on the "fun". We have been told by people who we admired, that we would NEVER make it working at home selling "crafties" and we have proven them wrong for 5 years! It does not take much talent, or skill, or money. Just determined persistence, and passion. I know this lifestyle is not for everyone, but it is very rewarding knowing that you set your own hours, set your own pay, and handle your own finances. There is no "boss", only customers. Remember that not everyone will "understand" your goals. Just as long as you do yourself. Hmm sounds like a small speech there, but Sometimes I think it's nice to hear a little positive reinforcement when you explore the unknown of running a business online. I hope there are others who feel the same way.