Featuring MyFairyBabies At Etsy.com

Meet Hyla who is the artist behind MyFairyBabies.etsy.com.


She is 23 and a stay at home mom of three children ages 6yrs, 20months, and 3 months. Her children inspire her on a daily basis she gets her ideas from them. She is also inspired by fabric, architecture and nature.


Her favorite piece currently is Guinevere The Autumn Queen Fairy. Not only if she named after herdaughter but she was the winner of the Fall Fantasy Contest in the Fae Etsy group!






Guinevere has an autumn leaf crown. Her favorite smell is the leaves of fall where she likes to hide. Her favorite time of the year is Autumn and the rest of the year she sleeps. Her special pastimes are readings and watching children. She is looking for a good home.


Hyla advertises on the web through many different sites. And also by word of mouth.


Her advice to other artist and Etsy sellers is to "Never create something that you dont like, advertise your items tell your friends and family. If you feel you are stretched to thin, you probably are, so stop and relax a couple of days, the world will keep spinning while you get your mojo back!"

How To Apply Mineral Makeup

Where do I start?

Take your time when working with minerals. It takes a little time to find an application method that works great for you.

Dry Method #1

1. With lid on, softly tap or shake product upside down into lid.

2. Using your Kabuki/Powder brush, gently press the brush head into powder. (Tap off excess, or you will be wasting product and possibly end up with poor application.)

3. Start buffing powder onto your skin in a circular motion. Repeat this process until you have the coverage you like.

Wet Method #1

1. Lightly spritz face with purified water or mineral mist after you've tapped excess product from brush before you apply product to skin. Or spray some water or mist into an empty container and shake some of the mineral powders onto that. Mix thoroughly and apply with a brush or sponge.

2. If you find your product is drying out before you feel you are finished, then lightly spritz again.

Wet Method #2

1. Try mixing a few drops of your favorite moisturizer in with your powder. If you want a thin coverage like a liquid makeup use less powder. If you want a thick foundation like a pan makeup then add more powder to the moisturizer, the more powder you add the thicker the foundation. This method can be applied with a contour brush for great coverage.

MINERAL VEIL OR SETTING POWDER

Apply the mineral veil over your foundation for a finished look. Mineral veils are also used as correctors. Use the Yellow on red areas to correct the red or the Pink veil to add warmth to your complexion. Mineral veil is applied the same as the foundation only lighter.

MINERAL BLUSH

Use the blush SPARINGLY to contour the cheek. Barely dab the blush brush tip into the sifter jar and tap off the excess before applying.

MULTI-USE MINERALS (EYE SHADOW AND BLUSH)

Use any color from the Mineral Magic multi-purpose mineral collection for eye shadow, blush, liquid eyeliner, nail polish, lipstick or body shimmer. NOTE: The blues and greens are not to be used on the lips.

Eye Shadow:

Simply dip an eye shadow brush into the desired color and apply to your eyelids. Choose a lighter color as a highlighter to apply under the brow. Use a darker color in the crease as a shader. Apply dry for a lighter color and apply wet for a darker dramatic color.

Liquid Eyeliner:

Wet your Line It brush with water, dip into the desired color of mineral powder. Mix water and powder together on the back of your hand or in separate container until well blended. Apply close to lashes.

Nail Polish:

Use any nail polish. Dip your nail polish brush into the mineral powder of your choice. Apply to nails. For darker color, use more powder.

Lip Color:

Dip your lip brush into your favorite lip balm/stick/gloss and then into the mineral powder of your choice. Blend well and then apply to lips.

www.mineralmagiccosmetics.com

Featured Designer: KristieGK

I own so many pieces by Kristie, I can't keep count. She is one of the most talented, affordable designers I've met to date.









I recently sat down with her and asked her to describe 'A Day In The Life Of Kristie'. Here's what she had to say:

"My name is Kristie Klepper and I am a very fortunate SAHM to two teenage sons. They are wonderful young men and bless my soul every day of my life.







I'm married to my better half, Christian, for the past 19 years and looking ahead to forever. (mush)"

I began making jewelry as a hobby about 3 years ago. At that point in time I kept it pretty much under wraps and only shared it with my family. I am also an obsessed scrapbooker, and I also love to crochet on cold winter nights while I sip on coffee.

This past January, Kristie found Etsy.com and decided to open a shop of her own there.

"Selling on Etsy brings in a few extra dollars, whatever that means. LOL And it provides a much needed outlet for her constant desire to be creative", she states.

"I find that I have a split personality, (for lack of a better term) in that I like my home and my surroundings to be very simple and rustic, yet I like my jewelry to reflect elegance and bring out the girly girl lying within."


She gets creative vibes from people, places, textures, fragrances-everything! Some of her best pieces weren't planned at all, but rather inspired from one source or another!










"I recently had the pleasure of being contacted by Bead Trends Magazine. I am being published in their Nov./Dec. idea book, as well as the Jan./ Feb. idea book. I hope that you'll pick up a copy and check out my pieces. The books are available worldwide at locations such as Barnes and Noble, Books A Million, and all major hobby and craft stores."



You can find Kristie on Etsy. Her store name is KristieGK.etsy.com

All That Glitters: SparklyStrandz

An interview with Jamie Sparklystrandz.etsy.com:

My name is Jamie Hinson. I've been making jewelry for over 10 years, and crocheting for over 25 years.

I'm inspired by beads themselves. I love that they are rich in history, and not just shiny little things. I advertise locally via craft shows, open houses, word of mouth, referrals, and online through various mediums. One of my favorite items is the "Chelsea" necklace from my website (wire crochet necklace).

It combines my two favorite hobbies, and is named after my daughter (14 months old). As you can see from my website, most of my items are "named" after women in my family. I guess my advice would be to just create what you like, because you never know what someone's going to be looking for.

Etsy: sparklystrandz.etsy.com

Website: sparklystrandz.com

Myspace: myspace.com/sparklystrandz

Blog: sparklystrandz.blogspot.com

Member of Self-representing Jewelry Artist Designer (SRJAD#1106)

Flikr:http://flickr.com/photos/12074707@N08/

World-Class Designer: AdornmentsByBJ

CREATIVITY IN JEWELRY INVOLVES PASSION FOR THE ART

When an artist puts passion into their creativity, it often leads to striking results! Come browse and see for yourself!

Her shop, Adornments by BJ (www.adornmentsbybj.etsy.com) contains a diverse collection of handcrafted, unique, quality jewelry sets to adorn even those with the most discriminating tastes. Consider visiting her shop and browsing through the 130+ photos and descriptions of her creative style. She will custom make a design and create a one-of-a-kind piece just for you!

BJ says, "My collection contains jewelry, all quality made with the finest of materials, to fit any budget, style, or special occasion whether it be casual or formal or somewhere in-between".

"Adornments to reflect your persona. My materials of choice include semi-precious Gemstones, Pearls, Swarovski crystals, Wood, Shells, Sterling Silver, and a recent addition: silk cord for Chinese knotting. I also love discovering vintage jewelry to use in my creations. "

Her memberships include:

S.R.A.J.D. (Self-Representing Artist Jewelry Designer #0517)

AJC (Art Jewelry Collective) and JET (Jewelry on Etsy Team)

Photos of her jewelry are listed on Tribe.net, MySpace.com, Flickr.com, TalentDatabase.com, and many other sites as well. She also maintains a shop on Ruby Lane.

Her passion is to create unique, one-of-a-kind beautiful artisan jewelry. She believes jewelry is selected subconsciously on the premise that it becomes a reflection of your persona ~ your soul.

You can be drawn to a stone metaphysically and not understand the attraction. Her desire is to supply enough unique styles that you will instantly find that subconscious attraction!

"I formerly created stained glass works of art, but since moving to Tennesee have not had a place to continue in that medium ~ hopefully my wish for a studio will come to be and I can again work with stained glass and maybe sell my creations on Etsy!"

"I am a 62 year old female jewelry artisan who has three grown children. My oldest daughter and her Brit husband are presently in Viet Nam in the process of picking up their newly adopted little 7 month daughter, their only child. My second daughter has two girls (14 and 11) and a boy (7) and my youngest daughter has two boys (14 and 11)."

"I am married to a wonderful man who keeps me happy and comfortable. Although he does complain about my being on the computer too much!"

www.AdornmentsByBJ.etsy.com

Custom Woodwork Designer: CoconutPalmDesign

Joanne is a Canadian living in Belize, Central America and is a graphic designer.

Woodworking and sign design is her newest crafting passion but art has been in her blood since birth. Sign making has turned into a great outlet for her creative energies and finally she is using her graphic design training for something exciting!

CoconutPalmDesign signs are all made with Belizean hard or soft woods. All signs can be personalized if you would like. Please feel free to contact her if you have a particular sign you would like her to make for you.

Her ACEOs are done in a variety of mediums on watercolor paper. All are original art works, signed and dated on the back.

"Everything and nothing inspires me. Mostly I design based on what I am designing and/or who it's for.Please see my blog at: http://coconutpalmdesigns.blogspot.com/".

Featuring Arosebyname

Anna is a self-employed wife and mother of two teenage daughters.

She loves beading and finds that it is her therapy for stress!

She and her daughters first started beading over 10 years ago. Since then the beads have gotten smaller and the designs more intricate. Although her girls no longer bead, they enjoy wearing the pieces that she have created such as her original pieces she created to match their homecoming and/or prom dresses!

She shares:

"I find inspiration just about anywhere. Sometimes it will be a song, a story, a color or pattern and I'm off and beading. I've only had my Etsy shop since January '07 and though I did attempt my own website, it just didn't work out for me. I have been selling by word of mouth for almost as long as I've been beading."

"If you're going to sell your art, you have to learn how to promote yourself and this is the most difficult part for me. So you just have to keep creating and keep putting yourself out there and the sales will come. Be patient...that's another hard part for me"!

Featuring StudioMarcy!

Name: Marcy Lamberson

Shop: Studio Marcy

Web Address:

www.StudioMarcy.etsy.com

Marcy Lamberson is a full time lampwork glass artist and teacher whose happy and somewhat quirky view of life is often reflected in her whimsical glass sculptural beads.

It’s pretty often that her etsy shop, (www.StudioMarcy.etsy.com) will feature a combination of funny faced aliens, fish, people and animals. And you never know what they’ll be wearing.

Many times, the females wear jewelry, hats and earrings, whether they’re a gorillas, mice or humans. She also enjoys making custom order glass pet portraits.

Marcy’s other love besides making glass beads is teaching glass artists. She has taught private lessons in her Atlanta, GA home studio for the last 4 years.

"Anything that makes me smile also inspires me. I love to find the whimsy and humor in the world and I think my beads reflect it. Abundant colors, humorous or absurd situations, chubby cheeks, lots of nature, baby faces, animals wearing jewelry or even elves wearing tutus all just make me smile when making them. I also have windows on three walls of my sunroom studio, so all my birdfeeders keep the bird theme going in my shop."

Featuring ElektraJewelry

She is a newcomer to Etsy and has loved jewelry and gemstones all her life. Her travels to Greece and Greek background have influenced my love of 18k and 24k gold and my choice to work with gold vermeil.(24k over sterling silver)

She makes one of a kind jewelry pieces to accommodate many different styles and fashion trends.

Although she began working with stones over 10 years ago, the demands of a full time teaching job and childcare did not allow her the time to follow this passion. Finally, the timing seemed right and she has started creating and selling her pieces.

Now that she has started a business, she devotes most of her time and energy into creating pieces that can be worn and enjoyed for years to come.

She works primarily with gold vermeil, Bali sterling silver,semi-precious stones and vintage glass beads.

Be on the lookout for new pieces in her Murano Collection. The colors of these beautful Venetian beads are so exceptional,they add another dimension to her jewelry.

Anne Dundas Creations Featured!

She is from Sydney, Australia, and has been creating jewelry since early 2004. It quickly became a passion for her which helped fill the time while caring for her mother who has MS.

Jewelry then lead her to the wonderful world of lampwork beads. Yet another way to play with colours. It's such a thrill to play with molten glass watching it flow and form beautiful objects, she says.

She also spends her time designing business cards, etc for other jewelry designers.

If you'd like to check them out, you can find her designs at:

www.annedundas.com/graphics

Blog: www.annedundas.com/blog

Member of the Etsy Glass Artists Street Team, www.etsyglass.com

Featured Artist: BlueBaby

Websites http://bluebaby.etsy.com/

Blog http://bluebabyhomemadegifts.blogspot.com/

Inspirations:

God is my main inspiration. He creates the beauty I see in everything around me and I try not to waste the talent He has given me. I want to share my gifts with everyone thru the items I create.

Advice for Crafters:

Do something you absolutely love! If you think about it all day and dream about it all night, then you are meant to do it!! Don't waste your time on things you think will sell...if you don't love making it, don't do it!

Her favorite item:

My hats!! They are so fun to make, comfy, and unique to the customer!

Her biggest accomplishment:

A huge king size afghan which keeps me and hubby and our doggie warm at night!

Favorite materials:

Yarn, charcoal pencils for drawing.

How do you advertise?

I advertise mostly by word of mouth, and try to promote as much as possible on etsy.

How long have you been doing your craft?

Crocheting 6 yrs.

Drawing forever!! (I am thinking of posting drawings later).

Jewelry...only just began!!

Meet Pippit, The Truly Gifted GiftBearer

Pippit Carlington has been in business for over 22 years and no wonder:

During her lifetime she has worked in a variety of mediums including painting, drawing, sculpture, textiles, mixed media, and jewelry, but now primarily make jewelry.

Her style falls into the category, Contemporary Tribal because it draws on design elements from a number of indigenous cultures including Native American, East Indian, Tibetan, Mexican, Mayan, African, but is not primitive and adds a more refined fine jewelry style to those core elements.

Pippit is inspired by nature and intense color and is a big fan of realism and intricacy. She also loves the look of abundance and bejeweled ornamentation as seen in the work of Eni Okun and Faberge, just to name a few.

She strives to make her jewelry as lifelike as possible, and treat each piece as a living being with its own soul. Her favorite items are Hint at Something Deeper (shown below) and Early Budding Vine Bracelet:

She currently has the piece "Hint at Something Deeper" (still available on Etsy)

This piece appeared in a full page print ad along with 23 other members of her street team, The Art Jewelry Collective in the October issue of Ornament Magazine, and there will be two more ads in the upcoming December and March issues.

Pippit also promotes her work by posting on the Etsy forum, in Bead & Button Community, Art Jewelry Magazine Forum, and Beadstyle, in Metal Clay Gallery Yahoo Group, in numerous Flickr Groups, at shows, and has submitted her work to Boingboing, and other high profile blogs..

She has 3 blogs of her own where she posts her etsy mini, and other information about pieces for sale, and has written celebrities such as Tyra Banks to give them the link to her online store.

Pippit has joined IndiPublic, MyBlogLog, and Stumbleupon, and adds as many friends as she can, and hands out her business cards at restaurants, everywhere she goes and where she runs into people.

This year, to prepare for the holiday buying season, she has developed an innovative new marketing plan called the 90 Features in 90 Days Challenge using reciprocative blogging to create an online media blitz. If you are an Etsy seller who would like to increase your sales learn more about it and sign up here; http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5251490&page=1

Stores/Galleries she has had her work in are:
Star Sapphire
Oz Gallery
Dragonfly Gallery
The Spruill Center Gallery
The Millennium Art Co-opAnna's WardrobeTopaz Gallery
Squash Blossom
The Work of Our Hands
Simpsonwood Gift Shop
Creative Spirit Gallery

She has participated in the following art shows:

The Sandy Springs Festival
Annual GA. Microenterprise Network Conference
For Sisters Only
The Spring Fling at Simpsonwood
Sweet Auburn Festival
Inman Park Festival
Arts In The Garden
Goodwill Christmas Bazaar
United Way Christmas Art Show
AutumnFest

Places her work is for sale:

Etsy
http://giftbearer.etsy.com/

SmashingDarling
http://www.smashingdarling.com/store/1882

Mindt (items available soon)
http://www.mintd.com/stores/show/148-Giftbearer

Some of her work will be available starting November 17th at:

VIX Emporium
5009 Baltimore Ave.
Philadelphia PA 19143
Phone: 215-471-7700

Her blogs are:

http://artlifenewsblog.blogspot.com/
http://giftbearer.zaadz.com/blog
http://blog.myspace.com/giftbearer

Flickr Profile and Photostream:

http://www.flickr.com/people/giftbearer/

The Art Jewelry Collective Street Team Blogs:

http://artjewelrycollective.blogspot.com/
http://artjewelrycollective.wordpress.com/

Meet Paricia, The SilverDragon

Patricia writes:

Well, I am a very talented person. I used to be shy about saying this, but as it is the truth, I am learning not to be shy about it. I was a professional ballerina when I was younger but all that starving to lose ever more weight made me ver ill and I finally had to stop dancing. That didn't stop me from continuing to be an artist, though, nor from persuing a dual degree in Math and Physics (and then a Master in Astrophysics) to assuage my innate curiosity.

As an artist I initially concentrated on two dimensional work - paintings, drawings, some photography - but I somehow found my way to delving into beadweaving. Textiles had and still have always been a fascination of mine. And when something fascinates me I want to get my hands into it.

Beadweaving is great because not only am I creating something that is three dimensional but can also be considered to be a textile (made of glass!) as well. But I will always love putting art on paper as well and am very proud of the illustrations I did for "Papa Cardinal Finds Breakfast" by Sandra Wellborn.

My favorite item is a piece that I sold a couple years ago called "Tao." it is a study of purples and violets and lavendars and AB crystal. I still have an image of it on my website despite the fact that the scan isn't as good as I'd like (and can now make). Its page is http://vener-art.com/Beads/necklace-crystal-tao.html.

I find inspiration everywhere, both internal and external. Sometimes it is the material itself that inspires me but inspiration can also come from a glint of color in the sky, an archeological image, a painting, a poem, even an equation. Sometimes just standing there minding my own business and snap! I am hit with an idea.I am still learning the ins and outs of the business aspect of being an artist who intends to make her living from her work.

I advertise first of all by handing out cards and bookmarks, (I print them at home more or less as needed), networking (I've started going to Women's Business Connection meetings), word of mouth, and by a pair of cooperative ads with other artists, (three ads in Ornament Magazine with several other Art Jewelry Collective Street Team members and a joint postcard issuance with other Etsy Beadweavers Street Team artists).

My advice is to find education where you can. For us as artists the creative aspect is much easier than the entrepenurial aspect. If you can afford help, get it. If you can't, work hard and pay attention. That's what I am doing but I know that if (better, when) I can afford it I will be getting a CPA to do my bookkeeping! Finally, write up a business plan and review it occasionally. I, myself, am a year late in doing that review!

I am on several websites. The main two are my own site http://vener-art.com/ and http://SilverDragon.etsy.com/ but I alo have a presence on Smashing Darling and Artchestra. (And there may be another but I haven't actually spent much (or even enough) time developing these.