Feature Artist: C Serpent

I saw these 2 beautiful bracelets in fellow Etsian Susan's shop. I find this unusual combination of beadwork band and sterling silver chain very pleasing. They were actually designed for the JET/Etsy Greetings/EtsyFAST Wedding Challenge and won FIRST PLACE. I'm not surprised since they are just exquisite. I love the speckles of teal added to it instead of just keeping it white and black. Susan's, the artist behind these creations, tale of becoming a jewelry designer is quite interesting. So I just share it here in her voice: "Hi my name is Susan and I'm the creator of cserpentDesigns! My husband nicknamed me Sea Serpent during our scuba diving days (picture a tall person in a purple and black drysuit with a pink flotation vest coming out of the water with big black fins on her feet ... yep sea serpent fits!). He even got me a sea serpent stamp to use for my "signature" on my hand made cards.

I got started in jewelry making when one of my soccer teammates got me to go to a wirewrapping class with her. I made my first bracelet in that class (and as I look at it now I want to take it apart and redo it to look a lot nicer!). I then saw a beaded watch band in a magazine and figured I could expand on that idea and make myself a cool beaded watch band in PURPLE! (my favorite color). I started the watch band using gold plated findings, finished it up at another wire wrapping class and got interest from many of my friends and family in having jewelry made for them. I still was just dabbling and got really mad when the gold plated findings started to tarnish in a very short amount of time. From that I learned my lesson about making things that last - don't make them with gold or silver plated parts if you want them to last a long time and remain beautiful!

That 2nd wire wrapping class really drove my interest in making jewelry with beads. I took more classes in basic jewelry making (stringing, knotting, ...) and have been making jewelry for family and friends and other customers for 4 years now. " I love to hear how others come to choosing the hobby they have. For me, it always has bead jewelry making. Although I also tried many, many, MANY other things, I always came back to it. So it is interesting for me to hear from someone that has only recently discovered the pleasures of creating wearable art. And I think that once you do, you can never go back!
More of C Serpents work can be found at http://cserpent.etsy.com
http://cserpentDesigns.blogspot.com

Feature Artist: That's Headley

The weather has been so nice here lately and I have been working in the garden putting new plants in and making it all pretty for the summer. I just love gardening and being outside. So when I saw this Five Peas in a Pod Necklace, I got all excited. This is a very nice version of the peapod theme and perfect for so many occations. Like, for excaple, Mother's day. This artist can customize the number of peas on it for you so if there are 3 children, you could get 3 peas. I really love that idea! Actually wondering if I will get a Mother's Day present - It's my 1st Mother's Day, so it sure is special!!! This necklace is only one of a series of peapod items and all of them are just darling.
And while we are on the gardening trip, I found these Garden Earrings in Headley's shop as well. So sweet and perfect for the gardener in your life or just as a cute little summer accessory.

http://thatsheadley.etsy.com
http://thatsheadley.blogspot.com

Feature Artist: Art 2 the Extreme

Can you guess what this is.. Candy, drops, colorful soap?! At least those where the things going through my head when I first saw this picture. But those are actually Crayons ! Isn't that the neatest idea to just put all the colors together and make some nice rainbow crayons out of them. These look like they would be so much fun, even I want to take one in my hand right now and let the creative juices flowing. Just imaging what your children would say. And I love the idea of using them as party favors. What better thing to give and get!

This is only one item available at Art 2 the Extreme - a shop with all kinds of different goodies from these crayons, over ceramics, to clothing, all the way over to fin art prints. First I thought that this must be a collaborative shop, but it actually just showcases the work of one creative and versatile elementary art teacher. She loves to create with ceramics, printmaking, and fibers most of all, but also creates art to share and sell, as well as scrapbooking.


One more thing that caught my eye was this Llama Lovers Shirt. I really like the strong lines in it and yet the Llama just looks so friendly. You can't find that in a department store! And there are sooo many more things to find and discover at this shop.


http://art2theextreme.etsy.com
http://art2theextreme.blogspot.com/

Feature Artist: A Pretty Rock

It is always fun seeing what other jewelry artists do with their wire! I’m especially intrigued by this Bracelet. It looks like it would be so much fun to wear with those vibrant pearls and curly clasp. I also love Yazmin's (that's the jewelry designer behind A Pretty Rock) mantra "Oh Shiny!". And honestly, who doesn't like to own something shiny and gets all excited about those things. Well, I guess some people like it more than others!

The other thing that caught my eye in Yasmin's shop was this Ring. It displays a very interesting, fluid way of wire wrapping with a rather subdued but stunning mother of pearl focal. I just love how this comes together. There are also more rings like this one with different motives in her shop. Definitely worth taking a look!

http://aprettyrock.etsy.com
http://www.aprettyrock.com/blog

Feature Artist: Citrus Tree

I have been wondering what Citrus Tree was selling in her shop for a while now. Finally, I took a look and was amazed to see such beautiful photography. I just love this style of using a viewfinder to take pictures. Want to know how it works? Essentially, you take a photograph with your normal camera through the viewfinder of an old camera. I still have an old camera from my grandfather that I could not possibly take real pictures with, but it might work great for this project. First, you need to build a tight box connected to the viewfinder of your old camera and a hole big enough for your new camera's lens. This box is needed to keep light out. The easiest way to build one is to use black foam core. Then when you put the 2 together, you will have all the scratches, surroundings and dust from the old viewfinder on the photograph. That gives it such a great vintage look!
Of course, it is not only the set up that is important, but also the subject matter. And this artist is using the most calming subjects to bring out the vintage feel - flowers and the ocean. At least these are 2 of my favorite sights!


http://CitrusTree.etsy.com
http://citrustreedesigns.blogspot.com

Feature Artist: Gilbea

This is the first time that I have seen hand painted silk scarves on Etsy. Totally forgot how beautiful they can be and these here are exceptionally nice. I love how much fun and yet sophisticated this Purple Cat Scarf is. This really is the perfect gift for a cat lover in style. And I just had to show this Blue and Purple Geometric Scarf These are my favorite colors and they come together so beautifully in this composition. This scarf is so long that it sure will make a statement anywhere. Great to fend off the winter blues or to cool you down in the summer. So just perfect!
http://www.gilbea.etsy.com
http://gilbea.blogspot.com/

Feature Artist: Purrfectly Devine

Ready for the spring? Well you will be with these two items! This Crystal Bracelet has just the perfect colors of light greens and orange to suggest an airy feel. Great for everyday wear.
Then this Necklace is more delicate and made for a fancy evening with pearls and lavender and blue gems. I went to the mall yesterday and realized that all the colors for this spring are greens, yellows and lilac. So these two pieces of jewelry will go nicely with all your new outfits this season.
http://purrfectlydevine.etsy.com
http://purrfectlydevine.blogspot.com/

Feature Artist: Crocheting Creations & More

Is this the cutest little Topaz Bear or what! This little bear is a great alternative to traditional toys and I just love the color combination. I just started crocheting myself and I am amazed at tall the different things you can do with it. I am also amazed at how much harder it is to do than I initially thought. The jewelry making comes much easier to me ;) It's also a great idea to crochet a Makeup Remover Kit. Using these would be another step to minimize your waste by not using disposable remover pads but just washing and reusing these. And these colors are so much better than in any other pads! more great crochet items and a few other surprises at

http://wpooh87.etsy.com
http://irisasbusinessjournal.blogspot.com

Feature Artist: Moore Taste

This is a striking and quite different pendant. First of all, the flower is just abstract enough to still see and recognize it while at the same time not being too literal. Very pleasing! And then, I really love the blue resin used in the back to have it shine through as the flower in the front. It offsets the warmth of the copper very nicely. Toni Moore, the artist of this and many more interesting pieces of jewelry, says: "My aim is to create unique and beautiful jewellery items that you will love for many years". You can see that it the timeless pieces she creates. Another of my favorites are these Reedy Sterling Silver Earrings. The disk is a conmen theme, but the pattern on these earrings make them very dynamic. That makes them stand out from the crowd.
There is much more to see at
http://mooretaste.etsy.com
http://mooretaste.blogspot.com

Feature Artist: Creative Sundries

These fun and whimsical cards are something else! The red ones are made from Fortune Teller Miracle Fish. You know what that is? I did not. They are packages that have a little red plastic fish in them and when you place the fish in your open hand, it is supposed to move. The back side of the package tells you what it means. If the head moves, you are jealous, if the whole fish curls up you are passionate, and so on. So a card that you can play with! How much fun is that. Now these other note cards are made with original Naipes Playing Cards from Mexico. Also a great idea to reuse them. They are so beautiful and make perfect cards. This is just a small sampling of what this mother-and-daughter team has to over. There are so many different items in this shop ranging from pendants, to vintage treasures, to ... just about anything! You got to see for yourself.
http://creativesundries.etsy.com
http://creativesundries.blogspot.com

Feature Artist: Pam Miller

ACEO are all the rage now. I really like these Fall Flowers from artist Pam Miller. I love how the flowers appear to be alive in how they drop their leaves and look up at the sun. They are almost begging for more sunlight. I know I am! This is a Watercolor/Mixed Media artwork on Watercolor Paper. The Art Card Organization explains what ACEO's are: "ACEO stands for "Art Cards, Editions and Originals". These cards have one main rule - they are 3.5 inches by 2.5 inches - the size of a trading card. The reason for this is, of course, that Art Cards are made to be traded! But while artists were happily trading cards, the general public was left out in the cold, having no Art Cards to trade. A group of artists realized this, and quickly made their cards available for sale at remarkably low prices so that everyone could join in the fun! […] Artists from all over the world are creating, and now selling these little gems in different mediums and of different subjects. Watercolor, Oil, Acrylic, Colored Pencil, Pastels, Pyrography, Pen and Ink, Sketching, Collage - the sky is the limit. Abstract, Surrealism, Outsider Art, Impressionism, Expressionism -every style you can think of - and then some!. Every interest and subject is covered! Extremely collectable Pocket Art, you can't stop at just one!" I'm all over this as well. And I might also start collecting them. Really a great way to own original artwork without the heavy price tag. Love it! Pam has several other ACEO's in her shop and also a wealth of other artwork. Never have seen such a filled shop!
http://allyon67.etsy.com
http://pmillerabstractart.blogspot.com

Feature Artist: Silver Dragon

I know I say 'I love' too much, but I just love earrings! Especially when they are nice and big and colorful like these. I have never seen beadweaving pieces like this before. You can see the fun this artist is having making them. Her profile is quite interesting, so I am sharing it here.:” I have always been an artist and one of my earliest art memories is also one of the influences that has stayed with me from the very start. I was four years old and my nursery class had a field trip to a local museum in Rochester NY. I was completely mesmerized by the textiles and beadwork of the native Americans. I don't know how long I stood there just gazing at the work and absorbing all that the creator had to say. My path as an artist, however, was a duet of both fine and performing arts. I am a (retired) ballerina as well as a published artist, having done illustrations for a CD picture book, "Papa CArdinal Finds Breakfast" by Sandra Wellborn. One of my paintings accompanied and essay I wrote for an Astronomy textbook. (I also hold a Masters Degree in Astrophysics from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy NY and have worked as an astronomer and still teach astronomy as an adjunct professor for University of Maryland University College.) My work has continued to grow and expand and I now also count myself as a mistress of the art of beadweaving. My paintings and drawings are as important to me as ever, though, and I don't find enough time to do all that I want! All of my work is one of a kind (with occasional limited editions -- I have a hard time doing things more than once!). I like to play with color and texture, experiment with shape and drape and form. Human beings, I think, are happiest when they are allowed to create. I know this is true for me." I so agree with that last statement. I have never been so happy staying home with my baby girl and creating away!
http://SilverDragon.etsy.com
http://vener-art.com/beadblog/

Feature Artist: George McKim

I'm so looking forward to the spring with the sun's warm rays. This Springtime Explosion mixed media collage makes me want the spring even more so. It's so joyful and full of movement. George explains about himself: "I studied art in college and have a Masters Degree in Painting and Drawing. My artwork has been shown in galleries and museums in my region. My day job is working as a pre-press graphic artist for a printing company and I make my art in my "spare time".
Since I was a kid I have always drawn pictures and painted. I like the freedom of expression of art and have always enjoyed painting." The artist has many more collages full of color in his shop!
http://GeorgeMcKim.etsy.com
http://georgemckim.blogspot.com/

Feature Artist: That's Headley

The weather has been so nice here lately and I have been working in the garden putting new plants in and making it all pretty for the summer. I just love gardening and being outside. So when I saw this Five Peas in a Pod Necklace, I got all excited. This is a very nice version of the peapod theme and perfect for so many occations. Like, for excaple, Mother's day. This artist can customize the number of peas on it for you so if there are 3 children, you could get 3 peas. I really love that idea! Actually wondering if I will get a Mother's Day present - It's my 1st Mother's Day, so it sure is special!!! This necklace is only one of a series of peapod items and all of them are just darling.
And while we are on the gardening trip, I found these Garden Earrings in Headley's shop as well. So sweet and perfect for the gardener in your life or just as a cute little summer accessory.

http://thatsheadley.etsy.com
http://thatsheadley.blogspot.com

Feature Artist: Kala

I have to organize my photos and what better way to get myself started as to get a beautiful photo album. I love the color and pattern on this Accordion fold photo album. It's something different with the leather tie and accordion style. Karen, the artist behind Karla, is a professional artist and illustrator from the UK. She is one of us who loves to create and tries a bit of every craft. In her shop she has many beautiful cards, notebooks, collages, and much more.
This Dance Notecard caught my eye. You can so see that little girl dancing around. Very cute! Karen also offers a custom pencil drawing of your child. I'm saving up for that one of my little girl.
http://kala.etsy.com
http://chalkhillstudio.blogspot.com/

Feature Artist: Cigarbox Beads

I love strong colors and these two beaded pieces are about as strong in color as it gets! This Scarlett sez Fiddle Dee Dee Choker (he, I'm all about names as well, if you have seen the titles of my jewelry pieces) is, of course, perfect for Valentine's Day. It's so different and yet just cries LOVE. A red coral Buddha is hidden in the fringe for good luck. I love it! Now this Icy Lemonade Bracelet is so striking and fun with its vintage glass lemons and glass leaves. It makes me remember the summer days and that they are coming soon again. One can forget about the summer with all the snow we are getting here in New England. So I’m glad I found these 2 pieces today. They made me smile and made me happy. Thanks Cigarbox Beads!

http://cigarboxbeads.etsy.com
http://cigarboxbeads.blogspot.com

Feature Artist: Backwoods Creations

These are the most interesting cats I have ever seen. I can't believe how live like they look even though they are clearly disfigured. I guess this artist just really caught the essence of cats and how they appear to us that we see a real cat in these. They are hand painted over 100% cotton muslin stuffed with polyester fiberfill over a wire support. And those painted eyes are just striking! The artist is also a member of 'Etsy for Animals and 10% of her "adoption" fee will go to the charity of the month. So if you love cats but can't get a real one, this is for you! Get one and do something good!
http://backwoodscreations.etsy.com
http://backwoodscreations.blogspot.com

Feature Artist: Lucky Girl Trading

Lucky Girl Trading offers all kinds of goodies - mostly dichroic glass pendants and earrings, chains, and supplies. While looking around in her shop, I did also find pieces offered that the artist created using "two ancient arts: Kumihimo and Temari. Both are centuries-old crafts, and both give (her) a zen-like tranquility while working". And I just love the looks. Plus, it is always great to find something new in a style I have not known and then discovering that those are, in fact, old art forms. There is always something new to learn.
This Teal and Sunshine Temari Ball looks so striking. It has a rattle inside and would make a great housewarming gift or good luck charm. The other art form is shown in this Royal Blue and Teal Green Luxury Kumihimo Choker. It is made by using kumihimo to braid satin cords into a necklace. It gives it a very rich look.
http://luckygirltrading.etsy.com
http://luckygirltrading.blogspot.com/

Feature Artist: Paulette Insall

Look at this painting! It just seems to draw you in and look at you even though this women is looking to the side. It is facinating how each mixed media art print of Paulette comes with a story. For this painting "Follow" it is: "When you've found something that brings you great joy and fulfillment, there are always stumbling blocks that get in your way. Guess it's just the nature of life. Painting is one of the things that gives me these feelings. We must always remember to follow the path to our dreams even when life tries to stop us".
The reason for stories like this one is that her "art is about the search for connection…to self, to like minded spirits, to family, and to God". She further says that: "most of my work depicts a sole woman because these are the stories of my own personal search and the emotions they invoke within my soul. My hope is that the visual stories I create with my art touch people from all walks of life and let them know that they are not alone…and find comfort in that knowing".

http://pauletteinsall.etsy.com
http://www.pauletteinsall.com/blog

Feature Artist: Regal Beads

Regal Beads offers intricate seed bead jewelry in striking colors. This yellow and blue Sunny Skies necklace is my favorite. It really does look so sunny and fun to wear. It is crafted "from thousands of tiny beads, many hours were put into this quality piece of jewelry". It is clear that this artist knows her seed beads and works on several patterns. She says about herself: "I have loved doing crafts for most of my life (in fact, my dad loves to tell an embarrassing childhood story on me about this passion ;))
Both of my parents are quite creative, and passed this down to me!
I started beading over five years ago and took to it like a fish to water.
I love the feel of the beads in my hands, the challenge of a new pattern, and the joy of a completed piece!
For years this has been one of my hobbies, with my personal collection growing quite large, and with many family members and friends also benefiting.
I have now decided to share these treasures with the world."
http://RegalBeads.etsy.com
http://regalbeads.blogspot.com/