Showing posts with label handmade. Show all posts
Showing posts with label handmade. Show all posts

Wednesday, June 10, 2009

Featured Etsian Artist~ xbutterfly0318x


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I really enjoyed taking a stroll through this wonderful shop! Quite a variety of gorgeous jewelry can be found inside: Stones, glass, Lampwork, Pearls (and more)- take a look!


She has amazing and OOAK handmade pieces.


I really enjoy the natural feel that just flows from the stones like Rhodocrosite, amethyst, and quartz!


She also owns a great supply shop, BeadieandThings. Fantastic beads, pendants, stones, pearls, ribbons, tools (and more) can be found inside! I suggest visiting this shop for affordable findings to use on your next creation!

xbutterfly0318x has so many beautiful treasures, I couldn't choose just one favorite. I'm not even sure how I was able to narrow it down to three favorites!
What's YOUR favorite piece?















I started making jewelry at a very young age and mostly leaned towards shinny beads and fishing string. I loved my beads, while my sister loved drawing. In High School, we were obligated to take an art class and so I decided to take jewelry. The professor was one of the best teachers and he taught me how to work with all kinds of metal, epoxy and so many other materials. At that point it became more of a hobby to me then an elective I had to take for school. I loved it so much, that I ended up taking it my 4 years in high school. Then while in college, I could never find the time to fit jewelry in my schedule so one winter break, I decided to take a class at the local art workshop. There, I created my first sterling silver ring…one that I cherish very much. Id like to take another class in the future, if time and money willing.













Everyone always asks’ me…where does your inspiration come from and well, even though it should be the easiest question to answer, for me it’s the hardest. I usually have random ideas pop in my head. Different patterns and colors, sometimes I just open my bead boxes and poof, I have an idea. I’ve never, ever used a sketch pad to create my pieces, as weird as that sounds. I mostly create at night. If I have an idea, I have to get my beads out right away and create. If I’m not around my beads, I just try to keep the idea in my head until I am able to create. Sometimes, my creations happen by accident. For instance, my pendant Pink Serenity was made by mistake. I was trying to make one of my swirly rings and I couldn’t get it right so I ended up making something else with it. I wasn’t completely happy with the outcome, but I happen to have gotten a lot of compliments on that piece. My last giveaway, the majority of the participants picked them one to be their favorite. So of course, that makes me feel happy. I stand by the famous saying “someone’s junk, is someone else’s treasure.” Although I don’t think my jewelry is junk, you get the idea.










I love all my pieces…but recently I have been experimenting with Sterling Silver wire. I never used to make sterling silver rings, pendants, hair pins or hoop earrings, so that has been a new experience for me. I’ve def been enjoying the ring making. I’ve been trying to come up with different styles so that’s been really fun!













Currently I’m working at the after school program at an elementary school. I love the connection I have made with the kids or kiddies the way I like to call them and their parents. I currently changed my major from business administration and marketing to early childhood education, so I’m in the process of getting my teaching degree. The program is almost over, so I’m just trying to look for a summer job but with the economy being the way it is, its been really hard.













I love all things crafty. I love making photo collages for family and friends, as well as scrapbooking. You’ll always find me doing something artsy. Everyone always calls me the art lady! I guess my sister and I take after my dad-he’s a painter & the craftiest person I know. Anything to keep our hands busy!













I would love to learn how to bead weave. I always admire looking at bead weaving jewelry books when I’m out and about in Barnes n’Noble or looking at the beautiful pieces people have made on etsy. It looks like it takes a whole lot of patience and dedication, but it’s on my list of next things to learn. I already bought a few weaving needles, now all I need is a good learning book or a good teacher.












I’m highly obsessed with butterflies, if you couldn’t already tell :0)











Sunday, May 31, 2009

Upcycle, Recycle, Repurpose...


Ends Sunday at Midnight (MTN)

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I upcycled!

I went to the Salvation Army and found an adorable Tinkerbell bed sheet for $1.00. There were stains all over this pre-loved sheet, so it was useless. (Useless only on a bed)
I butchered the sheet and reincarnated it!
My daughters are now sporting bed sheets :) Doesn't that sound pretty? Haha

They both look darling, I know, they're matching again.. I will never stop trying to dress them like ill fitting twins.. Well, I'll stop when they can make me :)~
Really, only the bodice is upcycled.. I had the polka dot material on hand from Easter, yay!
I just feel over joyed when I find extra fabric just waiting to be used.




















Lilly's dress is made up of two tiers, Extra fluff and twirl. Notice the buttons don't match? They're not even the same size, haha. Kid's clothing is so fun, I love to mix it up. There's not really a standard like there are for adults. I mean, would you wear a top if the buttons didn't match?




















Shay and her Auntie. Sorry for the not so great photo!
Shay's dress has a blue skirt and a pink ruffle, it's a little more simple than Lilly's, but she's so little I can get away with it.

I now have extra Tinkerbell fabric to use up... What to make? Possibly small purses to go along with these dresses..

Any Ideas???

What have YOU upcycled lately?

Monday, May 25, 2009

Featured Etsian Artist~JeffGuerrero



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This is one of those crafts that I would like to try some day, but probably never will. I know mine would never come out anything like this. My mug would be lopsided and uneven, lol. I just know it.
I really delight in these ceramic mugs, something about the texture and thickness. They remind me of Renaissance Festivals, those people are always walking around with beautiful handmade ceramic mugs. (I have a small one with a frog in it)


If I could afford to fill my cupboards with only ceramics like these.... I'd have to invite company over constantly just to show them off. For now though, I will stick to my dishes, they aren't as fantastic as soda-fired ceramics or stoneware, but I won't mind as much when my kids accidentally break them.

I love all of the ceramics that I'm showing off, but I favor the mugs with the tree carvings.
What's your favorite?

JeffGuerrero

I'm an after-school arts teacher in Pittsburgh, PA. I teach digital arts, focusing on music at the moment, but I do graphic design, video production, photography and ceramics. My biggest claim to fame is that I publish a magazine about cycling called "Urban Velo ".














As far as ceramics goes, I've been at it for less than two years. I started working at an art studio with ceramics facilities, and got hooked. Now I spend quite a bit of time there after work. I focus on functional pottery, and my specialty is items for drinking (cups and mugs).














My inspirations come from various sources. On one hand, I'm exposed to some of the highest level ceramics artistry there is. I've worked alongside 14th generation potters from Shigaraki, not to mention American masters who have been plying their trade since the 60's. On the other hand, I'm inspired by the children we teach. They are usually very complimentary and appreciative, but occasionally dole out some serious constructive criticism. As for decoration, I'm a big fan of Asian decoration, especially ink painting. I attribute that influence to my childhood, as both my mom and grandmother were fans of Asian art and antiques.













I think it's interesting that I've developed this interest in ceramics, being that I've been so immersed in the world of digital arts for so long. Learning to let go of absolute control has definitely expanded my horizons and made me a better artist (and art appreciator).

Tuesday, April 7, 2009

Featured Etsian Artist~BellaBubblesShop

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I'm Bella of Bella Bubbles Shop; I live in northern Italy, in the famous Riviera Ligure (Portofino,Cinque Terre...)










I study Landscape architecture at university in Genova and in my free time I like to make soaps and invent always new bath goods: body waters, scrubs, creams...







I started reading books about and making theese products for me and my family,then I never stopped. I also made a craft fair this year =)










My products are all handmade with best quality Italian ingredients (when possible from eco-friendly agriculture and BIO).The extravirgin Olive oil and sweet almond oil that I use are 100% Italian/Mediterraneo and are the best you can find for sale all over the world =) The products that I like the most at the moment are: AVOCADO and OLIVE OIL soap , FRESHLY CUT GREEN GRASS soap , ESPRESSO coffee soap .



Avocado and espresso soap are my best seller ^__^







Monday, March 30, 2009

Etsian Artist~ LoveandLust

BLOG GIVEAWAY IS ONE POST DOWN!

My name is 'LillyShayStyle' and I am a jewelry addict.
I am consumed with jewelry! I search quite often for exquisite pieces to add to my ever growing collection. And there are many talented creators out 'there'. But, LoveandLust has been one of the most unique shops that I've found, so far! Her classy jewelry is alluring and extraordinary, definitely OOAK!

This is the set I bought for myself!


I can't go anywhere without being stopped. I swear, I need my own 'LoveandLust' business cards to hand out!



When you shop at LoveandLust mention my name and receive 10% off your purchase!

I'm 25 and live in Florida with my boyfriend (NightmareAnthology) and our one kitty (in our hearts we still have two - we just put one down last weekend). I'm currently finishing up my Masters degree in general psychology and spend most of my time on campus either scrambling to get my thesis done on time or teaching undergraduate psychology courses.











I started making jewelry a few months ago (yes, it's only been months!) because I couldn't find anything in 'my style' in town. I have always wanted to make jewelry but never had the first clue how.
Over the years I have accumulated quite the collection of charms, beads and other things that caught my eye in craft stores but I had no idea how to use them! One day something in me just clicked and everything made sense! I literally have not stopped since that moment. I'm addicted!





I'm inspired by so many things on a daily basis. My cat passing has inspired me to create a beautiful piece in his memory, the ocean near my home has found it's way into some of my pieces, but mostly, it's the beautiful women that I see walking around town that truly inspire me. When I see a drop dead, confident, classic woman walk past I just stare in envy and run straight home to try and create something I could envision her wearing. It's not as crazy as it sounds, I promise!








I started selling first on my boyfriends shop mostly as a way to fund my supplies addiction! My pieces were well received so I finally broke down and started my own shop, LoveandLust.

My very favorite piece at the moment has to be the Wild Nights Cameo Necklace. I think it's the sexiest and most unique piece I've created to date and it truly illustrates both the love, and lust-worthy, sides of my style!