Monday Must-Have

Every Monday I feature a fellow talented Etsian and his or her phenomenal work. Each featured artist has his or her own online Etsy shop where you can peruse and admire his or her one-of-a-kind body of work. Hopefully you will find new favorite artists and artisans whose work you MUST HAVE.

Today, I am asking you to recommend talented Etsy shop owners who you think should be featured in the Monday Must-Have. Tell me who YOU think has an outstanding shop with high-quality work. Show me your favorites!

Here are examples of past Monday Must-Have features:

1/12 - Tracey Gurley - Original Art and More
1/19 - Joanna's Photography - Fine Art Photography
1/26 - jaC Jewelry - Handmade Jewelry
2/2 - Drop of Sunshine - Handmade Jewelry
2/9 - Pampered Papier - Paper Goods for Any Need
2/16 - Doodle Stars - Handmade Cards, Wall Art, and More
2/23 - Nature Nomad - Fine Art Photography
3/2 - Peaches & Kream - Sterling Jewelry & Needle-Felted Love
3/9 - Crafttastrophe - Quirky Hand-Painted Shoes & Accessories
3/16 - Hollymark After Dark - Mature Handmade Magnets & Keychains

Have a wonderful day. :)

Monday Must-Have

Today marks a new installment of my Monday blog series titled Monday Must-Have. Each Monday I will feature a fellow talented Etsian and his or her phenomenal work. Each featured artist will have his or her own online Etsy shop where you can peruse and admire his or her one-of-a-kind body of work. Hopefully you will find new favorite artists and artisans whose work you MUST HAVE. :)

Today's featured artist is Natasha of DoodleStars.

Who are you (actual name/and or shop name)?

Natasha Reilly, creator of DoodleStars (although the Etsy address is http://Doodlestar.etsy.com The last “s” jumped ship during setup!)

What do you create?

I create handmade cards, hand-painted frames and mirrors, original wall art and journals. Sometimes we compare ourselves and our incredible creations to others and find ourselves lacking, so I strive to create pieces that carry a feeling of celebration and remind people that they are ridiculously fabulous and unique.

Where are you located?

I live in a little cottage – otherwise known as an apartment – in the middle of the Big Apple. I’m proud to say that I’m one of many nice Native New Yorkers. What? I swear, we really are! You wanna take this outside? Hahahaha.

When did you start creating?

I am a writer however I’ve always been obsessed with color and longed to create things like cards and journals. About twelve years ago, I created a piece with words and color that was picked up by Family Circle magazine. Then I stopped. There was no reason other than fear; I kept everything from poems to little characters hidden in journals. After completing an MFA in writing I sent my work out and it was received well. Then after the birth of my daughter, I decided I had to try my hand at creating products. So, I setup my first Etsy shop on December 2nd, 2008 and I haven’t looked back. This venture is a fusion of art and writing and even if I fail miserably I want my daughter to know that you need to follow your heart and your dreams in this life.

What inspires you?

The physical world around me like ocean waves, seashells, the moon, the stars, the sound of raindrops hitting leaves, etc., inspires me. People like you and all the talented artists I have met inspire me more than words can say. There is something so amazing about talking with someone who loves what they do. Whether they are driving a truck, painting, walking dogs or sky writing, whatever it is I am inspired when I see another person’s passion for what they do. I am also deeply moved by the people in my life and those that reach out to help others for no other reason than genuine care for your fellow being.

What is the most time consuming part of your craft?

Many of the cards I make – including the card packs – are made by hand so it takes time to gather all the little pieces and put them together. However, when I think “time-consuming” the idea of promotion is the first thing that comes to mind. It’s incredible how much hard work goes into getting the word out. It’s like standing in the middle of a packed school yard at lunchtime and trying to get folks to listen to a joke. It’s easy to get drowned out by all the other voices.

What is your favorite place to visit in your hometown and why?

That’s hard – there are so many wonderful nooks and crannies in this city. There are two that I can’t decide between. The first is this one section of The Metropolitan Museum of Art that has a fountain and gorgeous stained glass windows. It’s so peaceful. I used to write there all the time – I even cut class a couple times in high school to go there to write! The other is this big rock in a little park near my childhood home which overlooks a lighthouse on the East River. Many of my favorite memories revolve around that rock.

What is your most popular item that you create (and why do you think it is so popular)?

The hippo being lifted by balloons card that I make gets lots of kudos. It’s hard to keep him in my shop! He’s just a simple hippo having fun and I think people connect with that idea.

How do you acquire new clients?

Haha…I’m not sure yet. Right now I spend a ton of time telling people about my shop and on Etsy I try to share my items in forums and respond to threads when people are looking for gifts. I’m learning everyday.

What's your next project going to be?

I have two projects. I’m working on a new line of cards – including an awesome birthday pack - and I’m working hard to finish writing a book.


What types of things do you do to turn first time buyers into repeat clients?

You know I really struggle with “selling”. I make things that I love and I hope people like them. Each and every time there is a sale, I’m so flattered. I love getting to know my buyers so whether it’s a regular order or a custom order I sometimes chat with them in Etsy convos or over email. Once I know them a bit, I send them little treats with their order, useful things I think they’d enjoy. Sometimes based on our conversations or their purchase I will tell them about another item they might like that’s either in the shop or coming soon. I am not a salesman; I don’t believe in selling people things they don’t need. I just like to get to know folks, share my stuff and hope they come to play again.

What do you do when you are not creating?

When I’m not creating I’m hanging with my 22 month old daughter, going to the movies with my husband, spending time with family and awesome friends, eating too many M&M’s for my own good, listening to music, doing yoga, and keeping an ear out for good, naughty jokes.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Yes, I started a new blog called the Thursday Sweet Treat. It’s a playground for artists of all kinds and from all walks of life to stay motivated to create new works while having fun. I’d like to invite everyone to stop by cheer, play and enjoy.

Thank you so much for this opportunity, Ruth. I am such a HUGE fan of yours. I’m deeply honored. You rock!


Be sure to check out Natasha's Etsy shop which is full of her unique work! If you're interested in being featured in future Monday Must-Have segments, please feel free to convo me in my Etsy shop or email me. Have a great day!

Monday Must-Have

Today marks another installment of my Monday blog series titled Monday Must-Have. Each Monday I will feature a fellow talented Etsian and their phenomenal work. Each featured artist will have their own online Etsy shop where you can peruse and admire their one-of-a-kind body of work. Hopefully you will find new favorite artists and artisans whose work you MUST HAVE. :)

Today's featured artist is Amanda of SpawnStudio.

Who are you (actual name/and or shop name)?

I am Amanda Wright—the creative brains behind Spawn Studio.

What do you create?

For now, I create greeting cards and stationery. However, I have a basement full of paints, canvases, screen printing supplies, a sewing machine, and jewelry making supplies. So, I am planning to branch out in the future!

Where are you located?

I am located in Cary, North Carolina in our super cool 1971 A-frame house with my husband, Daniel, and our two schnauzer-poodle mix pups, Oliver and Mabel. More specifically Spawn Studio is located in the basement.

When did you start creating?

I started creating shortly after I popped into the world—usually with crayons or finger paint. I've known I wanted to be an artist of some sort since I was 6 years old. Nothing beats the feeling you get when you make something you are proud of. I took art classes throughout school, and in high school I sat with Ruth of Allover Art in art class for 3 years! I went to college at the NC State College of Design and loved every minute of it. I got my Bachelor of Graphic Design degree in 2006 and started working at a design firm. Unfortunately designing marketing pieces and websites didn't give me much creative freedom, so Spawn Studio was born!

Why did you choose your shop name?

Ah, my shop name. I decided I wanted to start my own business, but a year and a half later I was still trying to think of a name! I am such a perfectionist that I got completely caught up on finding the right name and I couldn't move forward. Finally, my husband suggested that I start working on some products for my shop and stop worrying about the name. (Sometimes he's a pretty smart fellow.) As I brainstormed, ideas for my shop exploded out of my head, and those ideas led to other ideas, and those ideas spawned other ideas and on and on. So "Spawn" seemed to be an appropriate name for my studio!

What inspires you?

I am inspired by everything I see and anything that makes me laugh, but I truly believe that inspiration comes from God. I don't think I could come up with anything good on my own!

What is the most time consuming part of your craft/art?

The most time consuming part of my work is developing the illustrations/designs for each piece. But, this is the fun part of the process so I don't mind it at all! I like to do it curled up on the couch between my dogs with a good old black and white movie playing in the background. I don't particularly enjoy the printing/scoring/folding/trimming part of the process, so sometimes that seems to be the most time consuming even though it isn't.

What is your favorite place to visit in your hometown and why?

There aren't too many interesting places to visit in Raleigh/Cary, NC so I suppose my favorite place to visit is my parents' house! My Mom always makes my husband and I a delicious meal with a scrumptious dessert. After the meal we nap on the couch and maybe play a board game or two. Hmm. I must be getting old—board games and a nap?!

What is your most popular item that you create (and why do you think it is so popular)?

So far, my most popular item (based on number of purchases) has been the "Happy Valentine's Day from my Boobs" card. I think it's popular because it's different than any card you can pick up at Hallmark or Target...and hey, there are boobs on the front.

How do you acquire new clients?

I acquire new clients through word of keyboard!

What's your next project going to be?

The next project on my to do list is to get my website and blog up and running by the end of June. (The url will be www.spawnstudio.com) My perfectionism is getting in the way again, and I need to just build it and get going instead of obsessing over the design!

My other next projects will be invitations of all sorts! Wedding, Wedding Shower, Baby Shower, Surprise Party, etc...

Oh, and my OTHER next project will be to do a painting a 4' x 3' canvas to hang in our living room. But, it's hard to get away from the computer—I need my "undo" button!

What types of things do you do to turn first time buyers into repeat clients?

First of all I try to make sure that my product is super high quality, so that no one could ever be disappointed with their purchase. I also include handwritten thank you notes with each shipment and email updates with tracking information for orders shipping within the US. As someone who buys almost everything online, I know that tracking information is very important. I also hope that by consistently adding new items to my shop I can persuade buyers to come back for more!

What do you do when you are not creating?

When I'm not creating I am working on updating our home. Old people lived here before us and the 70's flowered wall paper and brass light fixtures have to go. I think interior design is kind of like graphic design in 3D! I also enjoy wrestling with my dogs and playing xbox with my husband. This spring I am going to spend a lot of time gardening and trying to whip our yard into shape. Right now it is a tangle of ivy and underbrush!

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

I just listed a few Father's Day cards, so check them out! Father's Day is June 21st!


Be sure to check out Amanda's GREAT cards (I'm a repeat customer myself) in her Etsy shop. If you're interested in being featured in future Monday Must-Have segments, please feel free to convo me in my Etsy shop or email me. Have a wonderful day!

Monday Must-Have

Today marks another installment of my Monday blog series titled Monday Must-Have. Each Monday I will feature a fellow talented Etsian and their phenomenal work. Each featured artist will have their own online Etsy shop where you can peruse and admire their one-of-a-kind body of work. Hopefully you will find new favorite artists and artisans whose work you MUST HAVE. :)

Today's featured artist is Shazi of TOPHU Jewelry.

Who are you (actual name/and or shop name)?

Shazi Herring , owner , designer and creator of all jewelry at TOPHU Jewelry at http://www.TOPHU.etsy.com

What do you create?

I create jewelry of all styles; vintage, modern, elegant, simple etc. I offer an array of different styles and I am always adding new items to my shop. It’s hard to stick to one style of jewelry because I love it all. Sticking to one style of jewelry puts limits on my creativity. I love to create outside of the box and that’s what makes my jewelry unique.

Where are you located?

I’m located in Atlanta, GA.

When did you start creating?

I’ve always been into fashion and designing since I owned my first hand held sewing machine at age 7. I knew I was destined to be a part of the industry in some way, I just didn’t know when or how I would start. I discovered the beautiful art of jewelry making about a year ago but I started creating my own pieces 5 months ago and I’ve been hooked ever since. This was the perfect opportunity to get my foot in the door, and so far it’s been working for me.

Why did you choose your shop name?

‘Shazi’s Jewelry” was the first name I gave my company. But I soon remembered I had a history of meeting new people who couldn’t pronounce it or spell it. I figured it would be a little difficult to remember. When it came time for me to think of a new name, and out of nowhere, “Tofu” (the food) came to mind. I loved it, but I played around with the spelling of the name to make it stick and that’s where “TOPHU Jewelry” came from. It has no meaning; it’s just a funky name.

What inspires you?

Color, shapes and textures inspire me. I pull all of these elements from my environment.

What is the most time consuming part of your art/craft?

The most time consuming part of my craft is actually naming and writing accurate descriptions about my jewelry. The name should be a reflection of the jewelry and you must give an accurate description about the jewelry so that your buyers will know exactly what they are getting. The look of the jewelry in real life should always match the description written on paper.

How do you acquire new clients?

I’m part of two Etsy groups, and I’ve been trying to be as active as I can. It gives me the opportunity to promote and network with other Etsians. I also try to acquire clients through word of mouth advertising, my blog http://www.tophujewelry.blogspot.com, myspace and facebook. My goal for this 2009 summer is to participate in maybe 1 or 2 local craft shows, as well as visit a few boutiques to sell my jewelry to.

What do you do when you are not creating?

Being a mom to my 5 year old son.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

I want to thank you so much Ruth for featuring me on your blog, as this is my very first feature and you and this wonderful opportunity will always be appreciated.


You're certainly welcome! Be sure to check out more of Shazi's work in her Etsy shop. If you're interested in being featured in future Monday Must-Have segments, please feel free to convo me in my Etsy shop or email me. Have a wonderful day!

Monday Must-Have

Today marks another installment of my Monday blog series titled Monday Must-Have. Each Monday I will feature a fellow talented Etsian and their phenomenal work. Each featured artist will have their own online Etsy shop where you can peruse and admire their one-of-a-kind body of work. Hopefully you will find new favorite artists and artisans whose work you MUST HAVE. :)

Today's featured artist is Carolyn of CeeGee Jewellery Design.

Who are you (actual name/and or shop name)?

I’m Carolyn and I’m the founder of CeeGee Jewellery Design

What do you create?

I make handcrafted sterling silver jewellery from my home workshop.

Where are you located?

I live in a village in Cheshire, England. I’m just south of Manchester.
When did you start creating?

After spending a hectic decade after university living and working in central London, my husband and I moved up to Cheshire, about 45 minutes from where I grew up. I had trouble finding a similar role to the job I was doing in London, and decided to see if I could do something completely different. 18 months on I miss my old salary but absolutely love what I do! I feel really lucky to be able to do something I really enjoy every day.

Why did you choose your shop name?

My shop name is a derivative of my initials. It was the name I came up with when I was just testing the water really to see if things would work out, and I wanted something personal but professional sounding. I often wish I’d chosen something a bit more interesting and quirky, but I’m kind of stuck with it now! It works well in directories though as it gets me near the top of alphabetical lists!

What inspires you?

Pretty much everything! I try not to be too led by current fashions as I don’t want my jewellery to date, but am influenced by trends. My biggest inspiration is probably the changing seasons – they really affect my mood and the colours I want to use.

What is the most time consuming part of your art/craft?

The whole marketing side of things. I had no idea when I started how much time I would have to spend online, working on my website and trying to get my business name out there. Marketing on a teeny budget isn’t fun!

What's your next project going to be?

I’ve used lampwork beads in my work for some time and absolutely love them. I’m constantly amazed at the talented glass artists out there. I’ve recently started teaching myself to make them and am hooked! I’m in the process of clearing out my garden shed to insulate it and set it up as a permanant lampwork studio. I can’t wait to get it finished so I can get lots of practice in and start using my own beads in my designs. Recently I went on a metal clay course, which I really enjoyed. I’ve just launched the first of my silver clay jewellery on my website and plan to add to the range soon.

What types of things do you do to turn first time buyers into repeat clients?

I always make sure that as well as my business card, I include a card in the gift wrapping that references the business, to help customers remember where they bought their jewellery from. This is something low key that would be suitable to include if it’s a gift. The next stage along from that is getting my business name printed on the gift wrapping but I’m not quite there yet as I have to keep my costs down. I always get the customer on my mailing list where possible so I can keep them informed about new designs and offers. Apart from that I just try to offer excellent customer service so they want to come back and shop with me again!

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

At the beginning of this year I started writing a blog, Trinkets and Treasure (www.CeeGeeJewellery.blogspot.com) which covers what’s happening in my business, and also features other indie designers and websites. I love the whole handmade ethos and hope it goes some way to spreading the word! Craft still has a bit of a fusty, dated image in the UK, but there are signs that we’re making progress in proving it’s not all village halls and tea cosies, and giving it a new lease of life. There are a number of UK handmade marketplace sites springing up, but it remains to be seen which will emerge as the best. I’m involved in a promotion at the moment for one of the newest UK pretenders to the Etsy throne, www.Corinadr.com. It’s a great looking site with some fantastic shops. Do check it out!


You can also find Carolyn on her main website here. If you're interested in being featured in future Monday Must-Have segments, please feel free to convo me in my Etsy shop or email me. Have a wonderful day!

Monday Must-Have

Today marks another installment of my Monday blog series titled Monday Must-Have. Each Monday I will feature a fellow talented Etsian and their phenomenal work. Each featured artist will have their own online Etsy shop where you can peruse and admire their one-of-a-kind body of work. Hopefully you will find new favorite artists and artisans whose work you MUST HAVE. :)

Today's featured artist is Joanna of Joanna's Photography.


• Who are you (actual name/and or shop name)?

My name is Joanna Kapica. And I am owner of www.JoannasPhotography.etsy.com store.
I also have store on 1000markets: www.JoannasPhotography.1000markets.com

• What do you create?

Photography is my main field of interest. I take photographs mainly of nature. I like to capture details of plants and flowers. Show their texture, colors and forms.
My macro photography also covers subjects like household items, that photographed at specific angles can give very interesting effects.

• Where are you located?

I live and create in Raleigh, NC. Most of my photographs are taken also in this area.

• When did you start creating?

There was always something I liked to create. It started with knitting in age of about 7. I still knit, in my free time. I have done some drawing in high school.
Photography was something that came later. I always wanted to explore it more, but for a long time I did not have a camera myself (sometimes I borrowed my parents simple point and shoot film camera). And after I had purchased my first camera I started to discover that it really brings me a great amount of satisfaction to take and process pictures. And this is how it started, about 5 years ago.
From then on I just kept trying different ways and learned different techniques. I still learn. There is always something new, something I can learn and apply to my style.

• Why did you choose your shop name?

My shop name simply was created by combining my first name and the word photography. The store was created for my photography, so this way it reflects my main interest and me as an owner. Also- I think it’s easy to remember.

• What inspires you?

I find my inspiration in almost everything around me. All colors and shapes in nature attract my attention. Shapes of every day used items attract me for their texture and form.

• What is the most time consuming part of your craft?

I think the post processing is the most time consuming part. I like to take a photo and usually I have a few versions of its final look. I give myself time to think of what would look the best. So sometimes it takes me even a few days to try to apply specific editing to get the final and most satisfying look to me.

• What is your most popular item that you create (and why do you think it is so popular)?

One of the most popular items in my store is the print “Big Big World”. It’s a photograph taken during my vacation at the Outer Banks in NC. This image has a pretty specific meaning to me. Taken just before big storm came, when the sky was covered with heavy dark blue clouds, it shows how fragile a human being can be against the forces of nature. It is just my interpretation.
I have heard different from some people, who have seen this image.


• How do you acquire new clients?

I try to advertise my shop through Etsy- by participating in forums, creating treasuries. I post on Twitter about any new listings, re-listings, etc. I also use my blog (www.joannaphotography.wordpress.com) and facebook to advertise my work.
I try to participate in other type of venues, like photo exhibition and contest, which one of the latest I have submitted my work was an event called “Postcards From the Edge
A Benefit for Visual AIDS”. It was an event where I donated one of my pieces to be shown and sold. All proceeds from this benefit will support Visual AIDS (more info on their website: http://www.thebody.com/visualaids/index.html)

• Is there anything else you'd like to share?

I would like to thank you, Ruth for this nice opportunity to introduce myself and share some of my thoughts.


Be sure to check out Coco's shop! If you're interested in being featured in future Monday Must-Have segments, please feel free to convo me in my Etsy shop or email me. Have a wonderful day!

Monday Must-Have

Today marks a new installment of my Monday blog series titled Monday Must-Have. Each Monday I will feature a fellow talented Etsian and his or her phenomenal work. Each featured artist will have their own online Etsy shop where you can peruse and admire their one-of-a-kind body of work. Hopefully you will find new favorite artists and artisans whose work you MUST HAVE. :)

Today's featured artist is Tracey Gurley of Tracey Gurley Original Art. I asked her a few questions and here's what she had to say.

Who are you (actual name/and or shop name)?

Tracey Gurley / Tracey Gurley Original Art / www.traceygurley.etsy.com

What do you create?

I paint landscapes, still lifes, flowers, fruit & veggies mainly. I may expand on that in the very near future.

Where are you located?

I have a studio in my home in Raleigh, NC.

When did you start creating?

I have always been creating something ever since I was a small child. I think it really started when I would dig clay out of the creek in my back yard and scupt bowls with it. I would set them out in the sun to dry and then I would paint them. I remember even finding big rocks to paint on too. When I was in school though, I was classically trained on the piano and violin, but I still loved visual art. When my daughter turned 2 and started preschool, I decided to follow my dream. I started taking art lessons 8 years ago and haven't looked back. I took my first art lesson at Sertoma Art Center in Raleigh and now I teach acrylic painting there.

What inspires you?

My inspiration comes from a lot of things. I take notice of all of the textures and colors that surround all of us everyday. Nature is a beautiful palette.


What is the most time consuming part of your art/craft?

It's hard to decide the most time consuming part, because time flies when you're having fun.

What's your next project going to be?

My next project is going to be painting ACEOs. ACEO stands for "Art Cards, Editions, and Originals." They are 2.5" x 3.5" little works of art that are fun to collect and trade.

What types of things do you do to turn first time buyers into repeat clients?

I offer a 10% discout to repeat buyers.

What do you do when you are not creating?

When I'm not creating, I love spending time with my husband and daugher. In the summer, you can find us jetskiing out on Falls Lake.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

There is something magical about painting - the way the colors go on the canvas, the way it feels, the experience to create something, that just feeds my soul.


You can also find Tracey and her work on her blog and her main website. Have a wonderful day!

Monday Must-Have

Today marks a new installment of my Monday blog series titled Monday Must-Have. Each Monday I will feature a fellow talented Etsian and his or her phenomenal work. Each featured artist will have his or her own online Etsy shop where you can peruse and admire his or her one-of-a-kind body of work. Hopefully you will find new favorite artists and artisans whose work you MUST HAVE. :)

Today's featured artist is Coco of CocosJewelry.

Who are you (actual name/and or shop name)?

My real name is Bakula but Coco used to be my nickname way back from my university days in New York. I’ve adopted this name now for my shop on Etsy and call it Cocosjewelry.

What do you create?

I make jewelry using semiprecious stones and agates, glass, wood and resin beads. I also work in macramé. The hand knotting is very time consuming, so I try not to do too much in that style.

Where are you located?

I live in Toronto, Ontario (Canada)

When did you start creating?

Considering that I grew up in a family full of artists, it is surprising that I didn’t start sooner. The environment I grew up in was all about art. All about color, texture, form, scale etc. But I actually started only a couple of years ago. I guess what I learned then stayed with me and finally found a creative outlet. Well, it’s better late than never!

What inspires you?

I just love beautiful things. Beauty in the form of color, texture and design occurs everywhere; in nature, art, fashion, architecture…

What is the most time consuming part of your craft/art?

First, there’s the actual time that it takes to hand knot cords into designs for jewelry, and second, the time it takes to create designs from materials on hand. Sometimes, a certain bead provides the inspiration for a particular design or application. Lately, I’ve been so taken by semiprecious gemstones and agates that I let them play center stage in my designs .

What is your most popular item that you create (and why do you think it is so popular)?

I haven’t sold much yet so I can’t say anything I create is ‘popular’. But people seem to gravitate more towards my macramé designs. I am now trying to update this ‘old’ style more in line with modern design, but it is still considered ‘old fashioned’.

What's your next project going to be?

I haven’t really thought about that. Right now I am enjoying what I am doing so much that it’s hard to think about future projects. I would certainly like to add to my skill base in jewelry making with wire and wiring techniques.

What do you do when you are not creating?

I live a fairly quiet lifestyle. My interests are fine art, yoga, gourmet cuisine, family and friends and line dancing! And of course, bead shows!!

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

I think my creative style can be termed “ simple, bold and beautiful “. It is definitely not ‘trendy’. I don’t like fussy designs although some of my macramé pieces tend to be just that. That sort of goes with that territory, but my other jewelry pieces are more along classical lines, with a quiet understated elegance about them. Let’s see what’s next in my process of evolution!?


Be sure to check out Coco's shop! If you're interested in being featured in future Monday Must-Have segments, please feel free to convo me in my Etsy shop or email me. Have a wonderful day!

Monday Must-Have

Today marks a new installment of my Monday blog series titled Monday Must-Have. Each Monday I will feature a fellow talented Etsian and his or her phenomenal work. Each featured artist will have his or her own online Etsy shop where you can peruse and admire his or her one-of-a-kind body of work. Hopefully you will find new favorite artists and artisans whose work you MUST HAVE. :)

Today's featured artist Elena of FashionTouch.
Who are you (actual name/and or shop name)?

Hello, my name is Elena and I have an online boutique named FashionTouch.

What do you create?

I consider an accessory a simple way to add a perfect touch to any outfit. In my store you will find a large variety of knitted, crocheted and beaded accessories, like scarves and scarflettes, capelets, hats, bracelets and earrings.

Where are you located?

I live and create in the center of beautiful Regional Municipality of Niagara. The region of Niagara is a peninsula located between Lake Ontario, Lake Erie and The Niagara River. This region offers year around fun including visits to Niagara Falls and trips to award winning wineries, so the location is very inspiring.

When did you start creating?

I have been creating for as long as I can remember. As a child I knew my grandmother was a very creative person, I have lots of memories of her that always inspire me.
Why did you choose your shop name?

Since I have planned to create accessories, I was thinking what does it do. The first answer was – it adds a Fashion Touch. This phrase was chosen as a best fit.

What inspires you?

Many things inspire me however my main inspiration is my family. My husband is eternal support and inspiration, my parents, my little puppy, my new garden, the place I live at, my friends and just random people I may meet.

What is the most time consuming part of your craft/art?

My work in general is very time consuming. I have plenty of ideas and they are realized quickly enough, but it takes time to knit or crochet and to do the job right. I wish I could have more than 24 hours a day.

What is your favorite place to visit in your hometown and why?

We are just 15 minutes away from Niagara Falls, Niagara-on-the-Lake. These 2 places are always welcoming visitors and I love them. It is like a small adventure every time we go. I also like to visit local flea markets.

What is your most popular item that you create (and why do you think it is so popular)?

Harmony in Peach Blush Bracelet is my best selling design. The picture is worth a thousand words. See it to believe it… I have sold this bracelet in many different colors and I am very proud that some of my customers even picked it for many important events in their lives, like weddings and prom dresses.

How do you acquire new clients?

My main focus is to create new items so my clients would have options to choose from. Thankfully I have friends who put my link on their website. I do have some followers on Twitter, so if someone would like to follow my updates please feel welcome to do so at: www.twitter.com/fashiontouch

What's your next project going to be?

I have just started a new type of capelet, so it will be coming soon, in beautiful mermaid colors. I consider the capelet is one of the most feminine accessories and it adds a nice vintage touch to any ensemble.

What types of things do you do to turn first time buyers into repeat clients?

I am offering discounts on any additional purchase for each customer. I also offer combined shipping and was blessed with repeated customers. Communication with my customers is the key point as well. I am always welcome to the special orders, including wholesale orders and I am willing to negotiate.

What do you do when you are not creating?

I recently became a big fan of gardening. I also enjoy fishing with my husband and long walks with my little puppy.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

I am very glad to have the opportunity to be featured on this blog. I am inviting everyone to visit my online boutique FashionTouch and I am sure you will be able to pick something for your self or someone special to you.

Happy Mothers day to everyone!

Be sure to check out Elena's shop! If you're interested in being featured in future Monday Must-Have segments, please feel free to convo me in my Etsy shop or email me. Have a wonderful day!

Monday Must-Have

Each Monday I feature a fellow talented Etsian and his or her phenomenal work. Each featured artist has his or her own online Etsy shop where you can peruse and admire his or her one-of-a-kind body of work. Hopefully you will find new favorite artists and artisans whose work you MUST HAVE. :)

At the end of last week and over the weekend I traveled to Atlanta for my sister's bachelorette party, and unfortunately completely forgot about interviewing someone for the Monday Must-Have feature. Instead, here's a list of some of my favorite Etsy shops. Check them out; I'm sure they won't disappoint.



SpawnStudio creates handmade cards for a number of occasions. Her sense of humor is one-of-a-kind, which shows through in her humorous and original cards. I've actually ordered custom bachelorette party invitations from her and they were fantastic! They received many compliments, and most of all, the bride-to-be loved them.





EarthCadets creates tote bags that are "practical in all applications, shopping, the grocery store, picnicking, spy adventures... if you need to carry it, an Earth Cadets tote is here to help. [Their] mission is to provide every Earth Cadet with their own uniquely designed and hand screen printed tote bag made entirely out of recycled materials."



FancyThatCookies, located in Raleigh, NC, creates delicious-looking cookies, tarts, torts, pies, brownies, and meringues. I say delicious-looking only because I haven't had a chance to order anything yet. I have enjoyed drooling over the pictures and imagining how yummy everything is. FancyThatCookies is actually having a sale right now that ends on April 30th.





DecorateTheDiva creates handmade jewelry. I am especially in love with her variety of big wooden earrings like the pair shown here. I purchased a few pairs of earrings for my sister-in-law for her birthday and she loved them! I'll be ordering some for myself soon.



If you're interested in being featured in future Monday Must-Have segments, please feel free to convo me in my Etsy shop or email me. Have a wonderful day!

Monday Must-Have

Today marks a new installment of my Monday blog series titled Monday Must-Have. Each Monday I will feature a fellow talented Etsian and his or her phenomenal work. Each featured artist will have his or her own online Etsy shop where you can peruse and admire his or her one-of-a-kind body of work. Hopefully you will find new favorite artists and artisans whose work you MUST HAVE. :)

Today's featured artist is Felicia of Another Bright Idea.

Who are you (actual name/and or shop name)?

My name is Felicia Kramer and my shop is Another Bright Idea.

What do you create?

Right now I’m focused on my handmade paper art, digital collages and photography. These media also lend themselves to other products so I’m using them in different ways, like my Daisy Blocks, wooden blocks and greeting cards. My mind is constantly racing with new ideas.

Where are you located?

Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, about 20 miles northwest of Detroit. I live alone in a 45 year old townhouse condo that I completely remodeled when I moved in. I love my cozy home, although I could use a bigger studio space.

When did you start creating?

I have been making crafts and drawing since I was a little kid. I wasn’t encouraged to pursue art as a career and family funds were short, so I entered the work world while still in high school. At the age of 30 I made a huge decision to attend college, and received a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree (printmaking) from Michigan State University, where I was introduced to making paper. I continued to work after college but recently I was forced to retire a few years early because of several back surgeries. I can now focus full-time on my art and that makes me VERY happy.

Why did you choose your shop name?

I chose “another bright idea” somewhat tongue in cheek because I’m known for being a creative thinker with lots of ideas. Some ideas turn out to be brilliant, but alas, I’m also known for some not-so-bright spectacular failures! But always the ideas come.

What inspires you?

I’m inspired by the outdoors and nature and flowers from my garden are abundant in my life and on my website. I’m an inveterate quote collector and those words often invite visual images. I’m constantly inspired by my large extended family (7 siblings, 14 nieces/nephews, 30 great nieces/nephews) who have always been enthusiastically supportive and have been the beneficiaries of my creative efforts for many years. All the great artists on etsy also inspire me to keep going with my own art.

What is the most time consuming part of your craft/art?

Making the paper is quite time consuming. It’s also messy, so I spent the better part of last summer outside on my patio making paper until the sun went down and praying it wouldn’t rain! Right now the most time consuming part is trying to determine the most effective ways to market my work outside of Etsy. The social networking sites are new to me so it’s a steep learning curve. In truth, time itself is my biggest challenge.

What is your favorite place to visit in your hometown and why?

I’m just a mile or so away from the Cranbrook Educational Community, a world famous center for education, science and the arts and a National Historic Landmark. It’s food for the artist’s soul, with several museums, abundant gardens, and buildings designed by world-famous architects. I also like to get on my “retro” pink bike and explore my neighborhood for photo ops and nature’s bounty that I can use in my art. My neighbors must wonder, who is that crazy lady on a pink bike who picks up pine cones, twigs, and thistles?!

What is your most popular item that you create (and why do you think it is so popular)?

Judging strictly by my Etsy sales and views, my vintage wooden blocks are the most popular. Why? Maybe because they’re oh-so-cute and there’s still a little kid living inside all of us! My greeting cards are a big hit with friends and family – I’ve been creating my Christmas cards since 1967.

How do you acquire new clients?

Up until now it has been primarily by word of mouth and one-on-one promotion. Because of issues with my crummy back, craft fairs are out of the question, so I’m trying to decide which marketing avenues online will be best for me. I need to choose wisely because I want to be able to devote the time necessary to keep them up to date. I’m following lots of blogs lately and I appreciate those who update frequently (although I wonder how they find time).

What's your next project going to be?

Besides creating new work, I’m currently developing two different lines of greeting cards, as well as continuing my online Photoshop studies. I love doing the digital collages and the more techniques I learn the more refined my collages become. Christmas is my favorite holiday, so I want to start early enough this year to have lots of art ready to go.

What types of things do you do to turn first time buyers into repeat clients?

I truly believe in creating a great first-time impression so I communicate immediately and I send a small packet (thank you note, business card, and small gifts such as book marks, gift cards, etc.) with each sale. I recently added a questionnaire to my shop introduction to get feedback on my products. With it I’m offering a monthly drawing for a digital collage, and an invitation to join my mailing list to be eligible for specials and discounts 2-3 times a year.

What do you do when you are not creating?

By necessity I have to exercise every day to keep my back strong. It’s not my favorite thing to spend time on (unless I can ride my pink bike) but it has to be done. Otherwise, I love movies, books, getting together with friends, my garden, and there’s always something going on with my huge family.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

I’m still relatively new to Etsy and I deeply appreciate each and every visitor, every view and every purchase. I hope you’ll take the time to complete my questionnaire (http://tinyurl.com/anotherbrightidea) so that I can focus my creative efforts on art that you can absolutely fall in love with. And I hope to be visible on other online sites in the very near future.


Be sure to check out Felicia's Etsy shop! If you're interested in being featured in future Monday Must-Have segments, please feel free to convo me in my Etsy shop or email me. Have a wonderful day!

Monday Must-Have

Today marks a new installment of my Monday blog series titled Monday Must-Have. Each Monday I will feature a fellow talented Etsian and his or her phenomenal work. Each featured artist will have his or her own online Etsy shop where you can peruse and admire his or her one-of-a-kind body of work. Hopefully you will find new favorite artists and artisans whose work you MUST HAVE. :)

Today's featured artist is.....me! I thought that you may want to know a little more about me, Ruth of Allover Art. ;)

Who are you (actual name/and or shop name)?

My name is Ruth and my shop and business name is Allover Art.

What do you create?

Who says art should only be displayed on walls? I take great joy in creating hand-painted wearable art with a shiny resin finish. Each piece is UNIQUE and ONE-OF-A-KIND, so when you are wearing an Allover Art piece, you know that you are the only one in the world wearing it. I also create original oil paintings and pet portraits, however, I removed them from my Etsy shop since they were getting buried by my wearable art.

Where are you located?

I live in Holly Springs, NC with my husband and two rescue pooches Kasey and Indie. Kasey is a 3-year old German Shepherd mix who weighs 105 pounds, and Indie is an 8-week old Beagle mix who weighs 4.8 pounds. They are very comical together.

When did you start creating?

I took a general visual arts class in high school and really enjoyed oil painting. I continued to paint on my own as a hobby through college and for a year or two afterward. In early 2008 I became a full-time artist specializing in pet portraits after a coworker asked me to paint a portrait of his pets as a Christmas gift. Other people saw it and the commissions started coming in. Then in the fall of 2008 I began creating my wearable art on a whim. I was looking to create something unique and original at a much lower price than my original oil paintings and my wearable art just took off!

Why did you choose your shop name?

When I originally started my business I also offered mural painting and faux painting. Since I was offering so many forms of art/painting, I chose Allover Art because my work had so much variety. I still offer mural and faux painting but that part never really took off. My house has some fun faux finishes and a mural or two though. :)

What inspires you?

Every day things inspire me, especially nature and my family. I love bright colors and like to create pieces that stand out and are like nothing else.

What is the most time consuming part of your craft?

For oil painting, the most time-consuming part is the actual painting; well, it takes longer to dry than to paint, but I don't have to do anything for that. For my wearable art, the most time-consuming part (other than waiting for the resin to cure) is painting my pet portrait pendants. I spend extra time on them to make sure they look exactly like the photos of the pets.

What is your most popular item that you create (and why do you think it is so popular)?

My most popular items are my wearable art pendants, more specifically my pet portrait pendants. As a pet owner myself, I completely understand how important our pets are and how they are part of the family.

How do you acquire new clients?

I acquire most of my new customers through word of mouth and at art and craft shows. Once people can actually see my work at shows and can touch my wearable art, they fall in love with the pieces. They love how vibrant, smooth, unique, and lightweight they are.

What's your next project going to be?

I'm always working on new pieces. Right now I am working on some wearable art earrings which I hope to introduce to you in a few weeks.

What types of things do you do to turn first time buyers into repeat clients?

I strive to provide the best customer service possible. I also include a handwritten note and a coupon with each order. I also like to thank those who support me. Fans who join my Facebook Fan Page get notified of super-secret deals that nobody else gets to hear about. If you'd like to join my fan page, click here.

What do you do when you are not creating?

When I'm not creating I try to spend time with my family. I go on daily runs with Kasey (who at the moment can't go with me because she is recovering from an injury), spend time with my husband, play with the pooches, and work on training with Indie the puppy. He is quite the handful at the moment. Also, my sister is getting married in June and I am the Matron of Honor so I have a few things to work on for that. ;)

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Thank you for taking the time to learn a little more about me! Also, today is the last day of the Virtual Easter Egg Hunt! There are over $400 in prizes to win! Check out the details here.

If you're interested in being featured in future Monday Must-Have segments, please feel free to convo me in my Etsy shop or email me. Have a wonderful day!

Monday Must-Have - Animalicules

Today marks a new installment of my Monday blog series titled Monday Must-Have. Each Monday I will feature a fellow talented Etsian and his or her phenomenal work. Each featured artist will have his or her own online Etsy shop where you can peruse and admire his or her one-of-a-kind body of work. Hopefully you will find new favorite artists and artisans whose work you MUST HAVE. :)

Today's featured artist is Animalicules.

Who are you (actual name/and or shop name)?

My name is Louisa and my shop name is Animalicules.

What do you create?

Cute handmade critters that I knit, crochet, and sew. My softies make great gifts for kids but I think they are just as good companions for grownups who need something to make them smile every now and then. They love to be played with but they also love to perch on mantels and windowsills and spruce up a room by looking cute.

Where are you located?

Cambridge, MA

When did you start creating?

I learned to knit as a kid, and went through phases of doing that and other crafts. In 2006 I discovered that what I really loved to knit is softies (plush toys) and haven't stopped since.

Why did you choose your shop name?

Growing up, my dad always used animalicules as a funny word for animals. I think it's a good word to describe a species of cute little critters.

What inspires you?

Anything cute! Real animals, Japanese kawaii stuff, other softies, everything mini. Plus the shapes that you can make from knitting and crocheting because that's the starting point for any softie.

What is the most time consuming part of your craft?

The knitting! Designing new animalicules takes a long time but doesn't feel like it as much because you only have to do it once for each type of critter. So much love goes into knitting things because you have to work every stitch to create the entire fabric of the animal!
What is your favorite place to visit in your hometown and why?

Probably Harvard Square, which is where the university is and has lots of shops and restaurants. There's always someone to meet there, and things to look at - books, yarn, chocolate, whatever! The best part is when it's warm and I can sit outside and do some quality people watching!

What is your most popular item that you create (and why do you think it is so popular)?

I think so far it's the sheep. They come in lots of colors and they're really cute. They're not too expensive if you want a treat for yourself, but they look awesome in a flock too, especially when they have babies!

How do you acquire new clients?

I think I'm still figuring that out. A lot of people who already knew and loved my animalicules wanted to buy them when I started selling last Christmas. So now the challenge is spreading the word about them to others who appreciate cuteness, and getting them into the hands of kids that will love them.

What's your next project going to be?

Designing more different types of animalicules. I have so many ideas in my head and not enough time to sit down and work them out with yarn and fabric. I have plans for a hamster, bat, cow, and so many others, and I haven't even started on imaginary creatures yet.

What types of things do you do to turn first time buyers into repeat clients?

I like to include my little cut paper cards with packages, and I'm always up for a custom order. Mainly I try to make the critters cute enough that people will want to give them as gifts at every baby shower they go to!

What do you do when you are not creating?

So many things! I search for cute stuff online and off so I can analyze what makes it cute and record it in my blog (animalicules.blogspot.com). Then there's my day job where I work on educational Web sites for kids. And I also coordinate a local community group. Plus I'm trying to learn how to cook and because of that I work out as much as I can. No lack of things to do around here!

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

I pretty much live online and you can find me and the animalicules all over the place - etsy, flickr, facebook, twitter, and most especially the Animalicules blog. I love connecting with other people who love softies as much as I do, so look us up!


Be sure to swing by Louisa's shop to peruse her fantastic work. If you're interested in being featured in future Monday Must-Have segments, please feel free to convo me in my Etsy shop or email me. Have a wonderful day!