Sedruola Maruska on Heart Handmade Blog

I love to do interviews. Not because I get to talk about myself, but because I get to truly think about the subject I'm being interveiwed about and be sincere in my responses. Crochet and my shop are great subjects because it always gives me a chance to "re-assess"

Today I'm profiled on the Heart Handmade Blog and I think it went pretty well.

I'd love to hear what you think about the post. . . leave me a comment

BTW - there is a coupon code for that particular interview, so why not go by, find out a few new things about me and get a coupon code for your efforts!

Happy Monday!

DeShawn Marie

It is my distinct pleasure to introduce you to DeShawn Marie! If you have not had the pleasure of going to her shop, please go after you've read a bit about her, I'm sure you'll find something of interest there.

I am so excited to do this profile because I have the pleasure of actually knowing DeShawn! We are both part of the Boston Handmade team so we've done shows together and attended a few social gatherings where we've had the opportunity to talk. I first met DeShawn in December when the Boston Handmade team was doing a holiday shop. She wasn't part of the team yet, but she was very enthusiastic about what we were doing and we were excited when she applied for membership. That was also the first time I was introduced to her soaps, which I loved so much I purchased for my son's daycare teachers (he had two at the time) as holiday gifts. They loved their gifts!

However, before I get carried away, I'll let you read the interview and check her out for yourself. I'm sure you'll be hooked.

Tell us a little bit about yourself
DeShawn Marie, I grew up mostly in the South and Midwest, but have been a wandering stone most my life. I've moved around a lot and traveled a lot. I was in the travel industry for 10 years prior to discovering soap and candle making.

What inspires you to your craft?
Nature, different cultures, traveling, architecture. I enjoy creating products from natural ingredients that make people feel pampered and relaxed.

How do you promote your items? Online, online, online! (links below)

What is one piece of advice you'd give to new artists?
Persistence, dedication and a true love of what you do pays off. In other words "if you love it, stick to it and don't give up"

How do you see yourself evolving in the next 5-10 years?
I have really focused most of my business online now and I like the fact that I ship to Singapore, Portugal, France, the Netherlands and Italy on a regular basis. I enjoy the freedom of working from home and being in contact with every person who purchases from me. I love global business and hope that the options for online businesses selling worldwide expands. I'd like to continue traveling and learning about other cultures and doing business with them.

What are some of your favorite things?
freedom, music, a good cup of coffee, my cat, port, cheesecake, seafood, a nice glass of wine, flowers, the movie "The Princess and the Warrior", gourmet cooking, fresh baked goods, Italy, the ocean and mountains.

What is your favorite quote?
Take life by the horns and ride it like the unpredictable, bucking bull ride it is!

You can find DeShawn online at the following places:
Her Website
Her Blog
Her Etsy Shop
Her Artfire Shop

Secret Snow Bird

Felting intrigues me. I don't do it, but I always love to see when it's done and done well. Rachel does a beautiful job of creating felted art. Her shop, Secret Snow Bird, is full of amazing items that would look great in any home.

I browse her shop all the time and decided I should take the opportunity of getting to know her better. She so graciously accepted so here is the interview. Rachel has also agreed to provide a prize for one lucky commenter. So at the end of this post, please answer the three questions in a comment to be entered in the drawing.

Tell us a little bit about yourself
I'm Rachel Koniar, living in Minneapolis, Minnesota. During the day I teach art at two different schools, a middle school in Wayzata, and a charter school in Minneapolis. My charter school, Watershed, is a bit of a treat, since I get to teach textiles, sewing and knitting.

What inspires you to your craft/artistry?
I'm lucky to live in a neighborhood that's saturated with art. The Walker is down the street, and the Minneapolis Institute of Art is a mile away. When I need a big dose of inspiration, I duck into the MIA for an hour or two, usually spending some time with Chinese landscape paintings, and American folk art. Also, I love the combinations of colors that the fashion industry pumps out. My sketchbook has swatches of colors from clothing catalogs that often become the basis for my sculptures.

How do you promote your items?
I promote by word of mouth a lot, I never leave the house without my business cards. Also, follow up with potential customers is key. A follow up email or call can keep your artwork fresh in a buyer's mind, it also establishes a relationship.

What is one piece of advice you'd give to new artists?
Make a regular space in your day, and home for your art. Don't wait for the muse, make art daily, even if you'll throw it out tomorrow. Artists aren't different than musicians or athletes, you must stay in practice no matter what your natural talent is.

How do you see yourself evolving in the next 5-10 years?
I'd like to balance teaching with creating, to be a professional artist half the day, and teaching the other half. Also, I'm curious about the meeting of practical arts and decorative arts. I'd like to explore that tension more in my work. In an epic battle between painting and quilting who would win out? I might stage it in my living room.

What are some of your favorite things?
I love gardening, local food, camping, reading nonfiction, burritos, blogs.
Favorite books that I read recently: Omnivore's Dilemma, In Praise of Slowness, and Better Off.
Movies: Sunset Boulevard, Howl's Moving Castle, Pan's Labyrinth.
I can't stop listening to the Decemberists, old Modest Mouse, and I have to plug my fav Minnesota boy: Mason Jennings.

What is your favorite quote?
Those of you who are scattered,
Simplify your worrying lives.
There is one righteousness:
water the fruit trees,
and don't water the thornes.
-Rumi

Contest Questions:
1 - Where else can you find Secret Snow Bird besides her Etsy Shop?
2 - What is your favorite item in Secret Snow Bird's shop?
3 - What struck you most in this interview?

Leave a comment with the answers to these questions for a chance to win a special prize from Secret Snow Bird's shop. Make sure to leave your email address so that I can contact you if you win.

Winners will be announced here on Thursday, February 26, 2009!

Broad Street

Broad Street is bold and beautiful! I was riveted by Sara's items and I think you will be too! Read the article then leave a comment with the answers to three (3) easy questions at the end of the post for a chance to win a prize. Enjoy!

Tell us a little about yourself
I am a self-employed artist, born and bred in southeastern Michigan. I moved to Chicago a few years ago to "become famous", build my business of salvaging vintage jewelry and reach broader audiences with my craft. I decidedly named my custom collection of jewelry Broad Street after the many versions that my last name has taken on over the past hundreds of years. I enjoy the bustle of the city, the never ending list of things to do and see and quite moments at Lake Michigan.

What inspires you to your craft/artistry?
I am inspired by the vintage pieces themselves. They are each unique time-capsules from days when jewelry was synonymous with status and women were breaking out of their cookie cutter shells and living a bit..being bold and sparkly. I like to pick up on themes, nature inspired floral pieces, repetition of shapes or colors, contradictions and strong compositions.

How do you promote your items?
Promotions come and go..on the necks of beautiful, eclectic women I call my "broads in the streets". My clients are as unique as my jewelry, one of a kind beauties that share my nostalgic feelings for old world glamour and cherish the stories within each piece that graces their presence. I make statement jewelry for women who are not shy to boldness and enjoy the conversations that arise within enamored strangers for their beautiful jewels.

What is one piece of advice you'd give to new artists?
Live it, day to day. Breath in your art, completely submerge yourself in your craft..live, eat, create.

How do you see yourself evolving in the next 5-10 years?
I plan on attending graduate school to further my studies of traditional Metalsmithing and incorporate forged metal replications of vintage findings into my collection. I want my jewelry to be exhibited in galleries, museums and collected by powerful women across the globe.

What are some of your favorite things?
vintage cowgirl boots, silk scarves and stockings, Bon Iver's "For Emma, Forever Ago", gallery openings and wine tastings, snow days and rosy cheeks, cooking elaborate meals and eating with good friends.

What is your favorite quote?
I'm not much into quotes, but this one is one I have always cherished.."Dreams give wings, dare to soar".

Contest Questions:
1 - Where and when is Broad Street's next showing?
2 - What is your favorite item in Broad Street's shop?
3 - What struck you most in this interview?

Leave a comment with the answers to these questions for a chance to win a special prize from Broad Street's shop. Make sure to leave your email address so that I can contact you if you win.

Winners will be announced here on Thursday, January 22, 2009!

zJayne's Shop

I've decided to put a spin on my "Friendly Friday's" shop profiles. Instead of just having you read about the shop and the artist I've put something in it for you! From now on each featured artist will offer something from their shop as a prize to one lucky winner, all you have to do is leave a comment with the answers to three (3) easy questions at the end of the post. So let's get started!

I don't think I need to tell you why I was attracted to zJayne's shop, but I will anyway. I love that she upcycles to such useful items. That's all. Please get to know her here, visit her shop, answer the questions at the bottom and put yourself in the running for a special prize!

Tell us a little bit about yourself
Jane Pierce, that’s my name and I find myself comfortable being called “z” or zJayne too. I have an enthusiastic desire to create with found objects and long forgotten jewels. Certain pieces inspire me to mix them together in a newfound way and create a treasured heirloom.

Then there’s the recycled aspect. Most of my altered art fits into that mode and all of my market bags, lunch sacks, basic and embellished pouches do too. It seems for me that once I began renewing T-Shirts into market bags, my art and upcycling became one. If there’s such a thing as a recycle artist, I’d fit in that category.


What inspires you to your craft/artistry?
Making a difference with art keeps me inspired. There’s something more that has been taking place, there’s a purpose to what I’m creating. My art speaks to me and for me and I have been blessed to have others share the same. Recycling has made a difference in my own thinking, consuming, and rubs off on friends and family as well. I’m much more aware of positive things that I can do a little at a time.

How do you promote your work?
I use my market bags for shopping and carry my cards with me for any double takes, smiles, or just plain questions about what kind of bags are those.

My pouches, well it borders on an addiction to everything in a pouch these days. Cell, camera, cash, glasses, jewelry, it’s endless what I store in them. They are so useful, it just takes one to see what I mean. So I have several in my purse and when I open one, I quickly explain – ‘look, this is a sleeve!’

I guess what I’m saying is wear, carry and talk about what you create. And carry business cards so you can offer a place to find you.

What is one piece of advice you'd give to new artists?
Be in the moment when you are creating. Don’t think about what this or that might sell for or if this makes sense or the entire mumble jumble that our thoughts bring up to distract us from being in the moment. When I’m aware of being in the moment, and practice it, my creative spirit brings me ideas and more that I didn’t know I had in me.

How do you see yourself evolving in the next 5-10 years?
I feel that everything I am learning about online shops, picture taking and the whole ball of wax that having your own business entails will make a difference and ultimately enhance my retirement.

What are some of your favorite things?
Coincidences that show me what I need to see, where I need to be, what I need to do. My grandson’s voice. My guy’s dedication and humor with my tangents. Music. Chocolate. Books that I thought I’d alter, but read instead, and then they lead me to other art. Family love. Friends caring. Peace and Understanding.

What is your favorite quote?
“Enough, is as good as a feast”



Contest Questions:
1 - What street team is zJayne a part of?
2 - What do you hope the prize from zJayne's shop will be? (what is your favorite item)
3 - What is one thing zJayne said that helped you?

Leave a comment with the answers to these questions for a chance to win a very special gift from zJayne's shop. Make sure to leave your email address so that I can contact you if you win.

Winners will be announced right here on Thursday, January 15, 2009!
Let zJayne know that "Sedie" sent you when you visit or purchase from her shop!

Favorites from my favorites

Today is "Friendly Fridays" on my blog and I usually have a shop profile up, but today, I decided to showcase some of my favorite items from my favorite shops. Stop by and let them know I sent you, they'll be confused. . . LOL


This amazing woven shawl is from Skiing Weaver



This great looking knitting needles case is from Sarah Kincheloe



This amazing silk scarf is from Morgan Silk

Cara Taylor

Recycling is one of the things I am truly excited about. Although I slip sometimes, I do hope that the little I do every day can make a difference. Cara Taylor is surely making a difference with her artistry. I'm not sure how I fond Cara's shop, but it is part of my favorites and there it will stay until, as she says, there is no longer a need for her services.

Cara takes "useless" plastic bags and turnes them into "useful" items we can all appreciate. It's good for us and for the environment. Read the interview then visit her shop to see how you can do your part for the environment!

Tell us about yourself
My name is Cara Taylor, I am originally from Western Pennsylvania but I currently live in lovely Western Massachusetts. I have been a crafter for as long as I can remember - my mother taught me to crochet and my fondest memories are of the two of us watching movies while working on projects together.

I began experimenting with plastic bags about 8 or 9 years ago in undergrad - I would cut them up in different ways and reconfigure them to make sculptures. Making bags seemed really obvious to me and I resisted those forms for awhile but once I crocheted one I was hooked (no pun intended!) on making more. I love the transformation of material!

What inspires you to your craft?
I am inspired by fashion, function, color, material. I really just love trying new things and experimenting with process.

How do you promote your shop?
I sell my crocheted bags and accessories on Etsy and at several shops around the country. I am currently a full time art teacher with no intention of leaving teaching to become a full time crafter. I actually hope to stop making bags from plastic bags in the next 5-10 years in hopes that plastic bags will be just too hard to come by! Eventually they won't be such a problem for our environment and I will have moved on to some other medium.

What is one piece of advice you'd give to new artists?
My advice to new artists would be to make what you love, and make it well! Craftsmanship is so important. Also, don't undersell yourself!

What are some of your favorite things?
dinner parties, snow days, shoes, magazines, soup, crocheting and knitting of course...

What is your favorite quote?
I definitely don't have one. Nothing comes to mind, I can never remember them and I never write them down.

Monday Treasures

I have so much fun putting these treasuries togther because it gives me an opportunity to really search the Etsy-sphere!

This was the treasury I had the opportunity to put together last week. . . "Purrrrple Eye Candy"
Consider shopping these shops for your holiday gifts! Buy Handmade and stimulate our local economies!

3zart
vsilcoxdesigns
The Muses Jewels
Wild Indian Cowgirl
Jennifer Locke Designs
Alyson 1234
Moi Minerals
Ollies Woollies
Sky Girl Style
The Duchess Collection
Aressa
Missis Kwittys
Andrea Hoglund
Maddy And Me
Jill ReDesigns
Orgellan

What's more fun than putting treasuries together, is being in them. Last week I had the honor of being part of three treasuries!!! Thanks to those curators for showcasing my work with such lovely items.

"All Things Lovely" curated by CBPoole


"Bad Cabbage" curated by Just Charming


"Twitter" curated by The Naked Mushroom

Hot Flash Glass

So it's "Friendly Friday" again so you get to meet a new shop owner from Etsy. As I've been browsing thru Etsy, I am still in awe of the many amazing thing the shops have to offer. Hot Flash Glass is on my "hearted" list because her pieces are really cute. Read the brief interview then make sure to visit her shop. I'm sure she'd be happy to see you.

Tell us a little about yourself
My name is Maria and I live North of Boston with my husband and our two kids (dogs) Bruschi and Brandi. I work during the day as an Administrative Assistant. When I get home, I get in comfortable clothes and go straight to my studio to work with my glass.

What inspires you to your craft/artistry?
I get very inspired by fusing the glass because it's so amazing when you're ready to open your kiln and see what you've created and of course as you're watching it fuse together through the little window. I've always been a crafty person keeping myself busy, but I am totally into fusing glass.

How do you promote your items?
I promote mostly through the Etsy forums, business cards, and work.

What is one piece of advice you'd give to new artists?
Keep at it - and live your dream!

How do you see yourself evolving in the next 5-10 years?
Hopefully retired from my full-time job and able to put all my time and energy into my glass fusing business full-time.

What are some of your favorite things?
Going to concerts, spending time with friends and family, the colors black and purple.

What is your favorite quote?
Live life to the fullest

You can find Maria at her Etsy Shop

Monday Treasures

I've decided that if I've had the opportunity to put together a treasury the previous week, it will be featured on my blog the following Monday! There are so many talented artists/crafters on Etsy that it's a shame every treasury doesn't make it to the front page. However, if I can prolong the exposure I will.

Last week I was able to create a treasury entitiled "Not my favorite. . . " inferring, as you can see in the subtitle, that although pink is not necessarily my favorite color, it can and is beautiful. . .


Featured shops:

Tengis
Melissa Melange
BL Soaps
Juicy Glass Jewels
Nat N Kat
Miranda Girl Designs
Two Seaside Babes
Prince Design UK
Pretty Little
Corinne Elaina
The Funky Felter
Beaded Socks
Herrera Macal
Arizona Dreams
Zygopsyche
Decorate The Diva

Please visit these shops, I'm sure they'd love your company.

Raghouse International

I recently examined the motivation I have to keep doing profiles on other artists and the answer came back "because it is so inspiring". From the first time I saw what was available at Raghouse International I was hooked (no pun intended). Everything she makes is fashion forward and appealing to a wide range of tastes. It has been my pleasure to get to know such a vibrant artist who truly believes in what she's doing and enjoys every minute of her life.

I hope you enjoy this interview as much as I did. Make sure to visit her at her places when you're done reading.

Tell us a little bit about yourself
I was born Cornela Marie Austin and I am from Los Angeles. I’ve lived in Los Angeles all my life but I've had fun opportunities to travel to different places, giving me the desire to live in other places! Everything I do now, I’ve always done as a child. It seems with each passing year I discovered an artistic skill. I started out singing when I was four years old. Hand sewing was next. I used to pull curtains off the windows and make skirts. I started writing poetry and songs at the age of twelve, drawing in the 8th grade and so on… I now work professionally as a singer and photographer. I didn’t know what a fiber artist was until I joined esty! So I am mow a fiber artist!

What inspires you to do your craft/artistry?
I don’t know if I was ever inspired to do my craft. I realized, for me, it was something I was born to do then I found that I inspired others through what I did. I never really thought about it. I just know that when I was in the third grade and I sang in front of my class for show and tell I was asked to sing again and again! I didn’t even know I could sing until that moment. So many things have happened to me in that way. Not really knowing that I could do anything, but when I did, it happened to be good, it happened to be spectacular! I started to see that creativity was just a part of my DNA. I hardly know any designers in my field, I don't watch much TV, or listen to many music artists. A lot of my inspiration comes from within and the love and challenge of creating. Most of the designs in my shop I’ve stumbled upon…It’s pretty weird!

How do you promote your items?
Myspace is one of my favorite places to promote because everything is so visual and now they have tools where you can update your profile and your friends can see what’s new right away. Whenever you upload new photos, friends can see and know about it immediately. Myspace helps to keep friends in the know. I also love word of mouth and promo items. I have particular places that I go to promote like open mics, poetry lounges, festivals, marketplaces, California Market Center in downtown Los Angeles, where the center of fashion happens. And I am always a walking advertisement! I used to make everything and just sell it off, but then I started taking the time to make things for myself to wear. My promo items are simply my card with a finger ring, bracelet, or earrings inside. Everyone loves something for free and they are so happy to receive it!

What is one piece of advice you'd give to new artists?
The most important thing is to first believe in yourself and in what you do. Have faith in what you do and then go after it passionately. The worst thing you can do is make something and feel that no one will like it. I know what that feels like, I’ve been there. What I’ve discovered is that people everywhere like the most unique things and they are bound to like what you make. It’s all a matter of finding the right market for your product, which leads me to my second point. If it is your goal to have a successful business, study all you can about branding and marketing. Psychology goes hand in hand with marketing, study that. Know how your target market lives, breathes, move, where they shop, how they shop, online or offline? Once you know these things, promote, promote, promote! It takes hard work and discipline.

How do you see yourself evolving in the next 5-10 years?
I see myself evolving socially for one, because I am in my creative world so much that I don’t really go out much. I love being a home body, but now I feel more ready to socialize. My artistic and entertainment work is so fun that it's socializing for me while getting paid at the same time! I also see my fiber arts line growing more couture with an emphasis on unique menswear, eventually making its way to Paris and making a big splash in European Countries.

What are some of your favorite things?
My favorite color is green and I love all things Japanese, the food, Juku. I love to read, sing, and dance. I love fitness, working out, cooking, taking photos, and being in front of the camera. I love making people beautiful, and life coaching! Love to listen to quality music and of all things, traveling. A trip across the US is the best thing ever! Just love smiling and having fun, living my best life no matter the economy or when things are up or down.

What is your favorite quote?
Wow, this is a great question! I drown myself in reading inspiring things and great books that help shape my life. There are a lot of great quotes out there, but there are specific ones that I live by and help to keep me grounded.

“If you live a life guided by wisdom, you won’t limp or stumble as you run. Carry out my instructions, don’t forsake them. Guard them, for they will lead you to a fulfilled life.” Solomon Proverbs 4:12

“Get noticed by being beautiful.” My Grandmother

I live by these because life is full of decisions. Wisdom is the best thing to have and know that if God blessed you with beauty work that beauty until the day you die!

Shop
Myspace

2ReVert

It is always a wonder to me when a husband and wife work, live and play together. It's not that my hubby and I wouldn't do it, it's just that our professions are different and would not merge in the woods. As always, in my travels through the shops of Etsy, I found 2ReVert where old skateboards are converted to new useful items, such as jewelry, and I was fascinated. It takes such imagination to recycle in such a creative way. I absolutely love this shop and I hope you will to.

What are your names, and where are you from
2ReVert is made up of Jann and Jeff (husband/wife), and we are from Nova Scotia, Canada. We live on the outskirts of a small town and were both born here.

What inspires you to do your craft/artistry?
Jann: Recycling is completely in my blood, I've been working in the admin section of the waste management industry for the last 13 years. So for me the driving force is to recycle and be good to the earth.
Jeff: For me, it was a way to get back to being free to be artistic and express myself.

How do you see yourselves evolving in the next 5-10 years?
Jann: That's a tough one, I guess I can only hope that I'll be 5-10 years older, maybe wiser can come with that too :)
Jeff: I would like to see my skills evolve to the point that they don't limit what we can come up with.

What are some of your favorite things?
Jann: I'm currently loving our Act2 laptop bag (it's made of recycled pop bottles) and my Reiter8 bag (made from recycled sail boat sails).
Jeff: My bikes, I have a Giant AC downhill bike, a Norco road bike and a Norco BMX.

What are your favorite quotes?
Jann: "A dream is like a river, ever changing as it flows", author unknown. It's been my favourite since I was little, it's so true and I think that's why I find it hard to answer the future questions.
Jeff: "You teach people how to treat you".

Take a moment and visit this really cool shop and tell your friends! Let them know I sent you.

Tisa's Creations

As many of you know, In honor of my 40th birthday I've put together a charitable drive to raise $40K for the St. Boniface Haiti Foundation. We launched on May 25th and every few weeks we put something new up as a gift for high donors. This week Tisa, of Tisa's Creations has graciously donated a $40 gift certificate to her shop! Read about Tisa below, make your donation and in the coming weeks you'll find out if you are the lucky winner!

Tell us a bit about yourself
My name is Tisa, mother of 2, and wife to an awesome hubby! I have a twin sister, my number 1 fan and supporter (well she and my husband are tied as #1) I love anything to do with paper, I create hand stamped cards and personalized stationary. I describe myself as fun, honest, sassy, classy and one of a kind! We currently live right outside of Austin, Texas.

Apart from creating things, what do you do?
I currently work full-time as an executive assistant and I’m on the executive PTA board at my son’s school. I love to read, draw (oops! that's being creative), relax and watch movies from the 1980’s and 90’s.

What first drew you to become an artist/business owner?
To be honest, I never wanted to become a business owner. I’ve know for as long as I can remember that I loved art. I purchased my first scrapbook 20 years ago (man, that makes me feel old). I've made candles and I've completed several oil paintings. Every paining in my house - I've created! About 5 years ago I started to make my own cards by rubber stamping. My friends and family then started asking me to create cards and invitations for them- so I did. With the support of my husband, aunt and sister, I decided to sell. I never thought I could sell any of my items.

Please describe your creative process
I really don’t have a process. I carry my art journal with me everywhere. I get inspired by everything...fabrics, nature, kids - I can get ideas from almost anything. When I get an idea or see something I love I get it down on paper.

Name your top five books, movies, songs/musical groups, and web sites.
- E Lynn Harris – his writing flows well
- Will & Grace – I own all 7 seasons on CD
- Pretty Woman, City of Angels, The Shawshank Redemption, and Top Gun – I can watch these movies over and over and over - and I cry or laugh so loud every single time just like the first time I saw them...but don’t tell anyone
- Imagine Me by Kirk Franklin – it reminds me that others have been through things much tougher than I have...gives me courage to do anything I want to do
- www.tisascreations.etsy.com – top website, because I love all my creations!!!

What advice would you give to aspiring artists / business owners?
It takes time...your company will not be a huge success over night. There are days when you just want to give up - but your day will come. It’s true - I was just interviewed for an article in Black Purl Magazine: www.black-purl-magazine.com/SUM08-ARTcraftinggreen.htm How she found me...on my sister’s blog. Continue to find ways to promote yourself.

How do you promote your work?
My website, blog, craft fairs, friends and family

In ten years I'd like to be...
Working for ME!

You can find Tisa at the following places:
Her Blog
Her Shop

EliWill

At Eliwill you'll find really beautifully crafted jewelry that you'll want to wear all the time. I found Beth's shop on Etsy and placed in one of my favorites because once I saw her lovely work, I knew that someone would benefit this holiday season!

I've profiled her here for your benefit. Discover a new shop and enjoy the opportunity to own some really lovely jewelry. Get to know her here.

Tell us a little about yourself
My name is Beth Williams and I relocated a year ago to Iowa from the metro St. Louis area. I am a full-time middle school art teacher and on most days can say that I absolutely love what I do! I have my Bachelors and Masters in art education. I have three sisters, one of whom is my twin and a supportive family.

I create mainly with oxidized sterling silver wire, pearls, Swarovski crystals, and semi-precious stones. I like to create high-quality pieces with a little bit of the unexpected. The contrast of the dark metal with the pastel beads and stones. I want the jewelry I make to look like it has been treasured, that it has a story to tell. My jewelry has a contemporary feel with a vintage quality.

What inspires you?
During college, I took several undergrad and graduate level metalsmithing classes. I miss using a torch. Someday when I am crazy enough, I will set up tanks of highly explosive gas in my studio. Until then I can satisfy my creative urge by oxidizing metals and using semi precious stones to create jewelry pieces.

Since we live in a visual culture, I draw inspiration from my surroundings. I get ideas online, in retail stores, I love anthropologie. I clip ispiration from magazines. My favorite inspiration is my bead board, the tray which sits on my studio table covered in disorganized beads and pearls. Sometimes where beads lay next to one another can inspire my next creation.

How do you see yourself evolving in the next 5-10 years?
I would love to have a more elaborate studio with soldering capability. I would like to continue to evolve my designs.

What are some of your favorite things?
*family and friends
*robin egg blue
*thai food
*pearls
*I'm a sucker for top 40 music
*The movie, "You've Got Mail"
*Etsy
*Zinnias
*Blue jeans

I think my family and friends would say, "that's beth" after reading this list.

What is your favorite quote?
"bloom where you are planted"

Here's where you can find Beth:
Her blog
Her Etsy shop

Two of her favorite Etsy shops are:
Her sister's shop
and
Pinkposiedesigns

Be Featured in a Book!

Today is Wednesday and that means I share with you those things that I find along my way on the web. As I knit, crochet and design I often have visions of grandeur where I'm creating incredible items that everyone must have and publishing books. . . since I'm only getting starting on that journey the next best thing would be to be featured in a book written by someone who actually is publishing!

Vickie Howell (author of Knit Aid, Not Another Teen Knitting Book, and New Knits on the Block) is writing a new book entitled Craft Corps and she is looking for crafters to feature (about 50-60 profiles total) in it. I wish that she were just looking for me in particular, but she isn't, she's looking for all types of crafters (knitting, ceramics, painting, sewing, crochet, collage, beading, tat, etc) so that opens up the field considerably.

Although I do plan on applying, I thought I'd share the information, just in case I wasn't chosen. The next best thing would be to have one of my readers featured.

So, if you want to apply go to this site and find out all the details! Hurry, I just found out and the deadline to apply is August 15th!

I'm wishing you luck, because although it may sound like I just want it for myself, I really want all crafters / artisans to succeed in this "big-stores-that-exploit" crazed world!

In case you aren't familiar with Vickie and her books, here they are:

Dancing Monkey Jewelry

If you're looking for beautiful, delicate, one-of-a-kind jewelry then look no further. Martha of Dancing Monkey has what you're looking for. Get to know her here then shop her store without reserve!

Tell us a little bit about yourself
My name is Martha Hughes, and I live in Tacoma, Washington

What inspires you to create your jewelry?
I needed an outlet for my creativity and would drive past a bead store on my way home each night and I was always drawn to the lovely display of beads in the store window. One day I went in and was instantly hooked on the idea of creating my own jewerly once I saw all the examples that were inspired by the Sundance Catalog. I signed up for my first class right there. I love jewelry and love sitting at my work bench looking at all my beads and just playing around with the color combinations. I like to think of my jewelry as organic and elegant and I tend to find most of my inspiration from nature. Creating jewelry and making a living from the jewelry I create is my main inspiration.

How do you see yourself evolving in the next 5-10 years?
My goal is to be able to earn a living selling my jewelry - hopefully - I will be doing that full time within the next 5 years.

What are some of your favorite things?
Some of my favorite things: Orange - I love that color, working in my garden - I love flowers, hiking - I like being out in nature, my dog - he's good company, especially during walks, cooking - my husband loves my cooking, reading - there's nothing better than curling up with a good book, Jewelry - I love jewelry, the desire to have unique pieces was what attracted me to creating jewelry in the first place.

What is your favorite quote?
I can resist anything but temptation. --Oscar Wilde

You can find Martha at her Etsy Shop.

Lucia of Larimeloom

If you like these items you should read on. They are all the product of Larimeloom. Because her items are lovely and caught my eye, I decided to make Lucia my "Friendly Friday's" profile. Read and enjoy!

Tell us a little bit about yourself
My name is Maria Lucia Squillari and I am 21 years old. I live in Northern Italy in a small town with my big family (we are nine in all, 7 kids and 2 parents along with goats, chikens, cats and a garden). I am also a classical guitar student so my time is divided between home, were I work on etsy and help keep house to a sane level, and my grandmother's house were I live when I have classes. It's a bit of a double life :)

What inspires you to create?
The craft itself inspires me, it is so much fun to do things for the pure pleasure of doing them, and to have the possibility to earn some money from it is the best thing ever! I have always been into trying out whatever manual thing came my way...it was beadworking for awhile, then it was crosstitching, after that it was making baskets, then knitting big lumpy sweaters and long scarves for friends or family members, then it was crocheting, or weaving or sewing...I have always had the tendency not to stick for long to these "burning passions" and to skip from one to the next leaving lots of unfinished projects strewn along the way. Etsy is what gave me a bit more consistency, although here too it started out with only woven scarves, and now I've added handspuns and sewn garments...and who knows what will come along next! I love working with color, and I love fibers and threads, they inspire me tremendously, especially when combined, so that is where I find my biggest inspiration.

How do you see yourself evolving in the next 5-10 years?
I have absolutely no idea :) I will have to wait and see...

What are some of your favorite things?
My favorite color is always changing, but is hovering around green at the moment. I like to take walks, to work in my grandmothers garden, I don't watch many movies, but I liked "The Truman Show" and "Amelie" very much. I used to be a very avid reader but it seems to have subsided a bit of late. I don't have a favorite book at the moment. I love big bags of colorful wool to sit down and spin.

You can find Lucia at her Etsy Shop