Interview with Robin Maria Pedrero

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Robin Maria Pedrero is listed in Florida International Magazine’s 2009 Florida Artists Hall of Fame. Her artwork is in the upcoming 2011 thriller movie “Roommates”. She is an elected signature member of the Pastel Society of America.

Who are you?
A green eyed girl who looks at the world around her through rose colored glasses and creates art from it.

What do you create?
I create 2D art using a symbolic visual language exploring the visible and invisible creating a commentary on relationships and thoughts. My unique style and use of color are shared through my creations.

What was the main inspiration for your shop?
Inspiration for my shop was to expand my territory..and I have… shipping work to England, Bahrain, Canada and across America.

How did you come about your store name?
It is my Name

What is the crafting utensil you cannot live without?
Sumie brushes

What is your favorite material to work with?
COLOR via Music

What do you enjoy most about making the things you make?
The things I make bring joy

What is your life like outside of Etsy?
Our family likes to travel. My shui tzu Max A. Million fills our days with cuteness! We all take a lot of pictures.

What is your favorite feature on Etsy?
SHARE …on twitter on facebook and everywhere

What do you enjoy "window shopping" on Etsy on your free time?
ART, fashions, soaps and lip balms, food and jewelry…I like unique, contemporary styles with an eclectic mix.

Do you have a tip for other Etsy sellers?
Join Teams and be a great teammate!


Is there an online "tool" that you like to use?
Twitter
Facebook Fan Page

What other interests do you have?
I LOVE racquetball!

Where in Florida do you live?
Central Florida for over 20 years, in Longwood almost 10.

Could you recommend a fun activity near your Fl home that other members might enjoy?

Besides theme parks, but of course all the art galleries, OMA, Maitland Art Center, Gallery 17.92, the gardens like Polasek and Mead and Leu, 3rd Thursday downtown is a MUST, Jeanine Taylor Folk Art and Sanford River Walk, Central Florida Zoo….oh was I supposed to mention just one?

What are some other sites to find out more about you and your art?
My blog ~ http://www.pocketfullofcolors.blogspot.com/
Website ~ http://www.gallery523.com
Etsy ~ http://RobinMariaPedrero.etsy.com
1000 markets ~http://www.1000markets.com/users/avisualjourney
Books ~ http://stores.lulu.com/robinmariapedrero
Video ~ http://www.youtube.com/rmpastel
Like my Facebook Page ~ http://artist.to/robinmariapedrero/
Twitter ~ http://twitter.com/robinpedrero

Is there a funny/touching/sad story behind any of your items?
There are numerous stories behind the art, ones filled with tears, laughter, and occasionally danger. I often share the stories on my blog or even in the item listing on Etsy. I have a surprise…The first person to contact me via any means..facebook twitter or email and share their favorite story of one of my pieces wins an original ACEO from me!

What “super” power would you like to have and why?
Oh I just want to fly everywhere..after all I am a Robin! I really don’t care for driving but I like to go places. I could do so much, deliver art personally, help people, see the world…sky’s the limit..or ohhh if it’s super powers I think Saturn would be fun to explore!

August Team Challenge Entries

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We have two themes this month: Peridot and Let's Take A Vacation. Our creative group was up for the challenge! Here are the entries:

Peridot Green Sedona Fountain Pen by norskwoodshop

Family Vacation Greeting Card by Shelwel

Sun Dude Palm Frond Mask by Into The Trees


Burpie Set Cotton Candy Apple by spitsngigglesbaby


Pillow Cover Sizzling Circles by CinfulArt

Periodot and Citrine Drop Earrings by Delicate Adornments

Periodot and Cross Antique Gold Chain Pendant by greypuffin

Periodot Cluster Ring by AudreyGardenLady

Green Fairy Pendant by acenal

Swarovski Tivoli Vitrail Peridot Bronze Pearls by myprettywon

Weathered Seashell and Sea Biscuit Frame by magartsypartycrafts

Green Candy Striped Wallet by RedMarionette

Green with Envy Lampwork Glass and Sterling by happyshackdesigns

Lavender Palm Tree Clutch by seaoats

Look for the poll on the left side of the blog to vote for your favorite!

Interview with Our July Challenge Winner!

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Meet Cynthia of Chapelgate Lane Mosaics:

Who are you?
My name is Cynthia Adams, and I have lived in Florida since 1980. I grew up in Baltimore. My day job is in nuclear medicine. I have a great daughter, and two young grandsons. I have been married for 3 years to Tommy, who is a great guy. I love spending time with my family, going to the beach, and reading.

How did you find Etsy?
I heard about Etsy from my daughter. A lot of people were telling me that I should sell my mosaics, so I gave Etsy a try.

What was the main inspiration for your shop?
My inspiration for my shop was my love of stained glass.

How did you come about your store name?
My real store name is Chapelgate Lane Mosiacs. Chapelgate Lane was my Grandma's street; I dearly loved her, so I used her street name. It brings back fond memories. (I am stuck with nuccynthia on Etsy because I originally signed up as a buyer).

What do you create?
My creative process varies. I love the beach and sea, so I do quite a bit with those themes. I also love Mexican Talavera tiles, and I have begun designing outdoor mosaics around those. Sometimes I just lay out different pieces of glass and tiles, and an idea comes to me. Or, I'll see a painting or object that gives me design ideas. I have also started doing mosaic jewelery, which makes for fun small projects.

How do you get past creative slumps?
I rarely experience a creative slump. I usually have more ideas than time to implement them. My mind is always working on my mosaics, and coming up with new ideas.

How has your work changed and evolved since you started?
I had been doing regular stained glass panels for quite a while, and decided to try mosaics. My first attempts were a bit "rustic." I just kept crafting and reading, and talking to other artists, so my mosaics have evolved into larger projects like mirrors and outdoor pieces. I learn every day, and I think my pieces are now of a quality that I'm, happy with.

What is the crafting utensil you cannot live without?
The thing I cannot live without is my imagination.
Do you have any future plans for your shop?
Mu future plan for my Etsy shop is to promote it more. I sell on other websites and I locally, so Etsy is just a part of my plan. I think mosaics really need to be seen in person for the buyer to "fall in love" with a piece. I am going to be in some craft shows this fall, and am going to try out a home mosaic party hosted by a friend.
I hope to develop my own website in the future, but haven't done so yet. I also sell on Artfire.

What is your favorite feature on Etsy?
I love Etsy because you can find virtually anything you are seeking. I've found perfect invitations, jewelry and, of course, supplies. I try to buy supplies from other Etsy members.

Do you have a tip for other Etsy sellers?
Don't sell yourself short and price your items too low. (I have made this mistake). I think low prices actually hinder sales, and cause your work to be perceived as low quality.

Is there an online "tool" that you like to use?
I don't participate too much in forums and other online sites. I'm too busy with work and my art, and I'm not sure that doing so really helps with sales. I do check out craft blogs and small business blogs like indiebizchicks.com to increase my knowledge about running a business.

Where in Florida do you live?
I have lived in Tampa since 1980. I am excited about going to see the Dale Chilhully museum. Pass-a-Grille beach is one of the best around. It has beautiful sugar sand beaches and is usually not overcrowded. Gasparilla events (Gasparilla is the big pirate party in February with parades, parties etc.)are symbolic of Tampa. The Gasparilla children's parade is great if you have a family. The regular parade tends to get a bit rowdy. Ybor City is known for nightlife, but it is a fun place to explore during the daytime; it has a lot of history and culture, and was the home of the cigar business in Tampa. There are various festival held in Ybor City, such as the Italian Festival, the Cuban Festival, and Cigar Festival.

If you were a dessert what would it be?
If I were a dessert, I would be a red velvet cake. I love cake!

Interview with StarBaby

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Meet Debby of StarBabyOnline:

Who are you?
My name is Debby, but I have been known as "starbaby" online for many, many, many moons. Grew up in Philly and moved to St. Petersburg, FL in 1984. I don't see me ever moving out of this area. I've created and designed jewelry since 1972 or 73, my first job working for someone else was in a bead store where my salary basically went back to the owner in purchases. I've been selling what I created since 1974, on and off. I'm a classically trained artist from a very young age, but I've always loved jewelry and photography best. Second best is sculpture, with a close runner up of print-making.

What do you create?
Sterling silver (mostly), gemstone and glass jewelry. A lot of my jewelry is done freehand sketching while I'm watching TV or listening to music - both give me lots of ideas. Then it's off to search for beads that look like the idea I have half in my head and half on paper.

What is the crafting utensil you cannot live without?
A pair of long neck, hook neck electrician's pliers that belonged to my Dad's and are probably about 50 years old at least. A good example of buying good tools and taking really good care of them. They last forever.

What is your favorite material to work with?
Clay. I can form it to take what I'm feeling and touch it to make my fingers and hands create what my mind is thinking. This is really why I want to work with PMC.

What is your life like outside of Etsy?
Wow. Chaos and Zen at the same time. Read my Etsy profile for more information.

What is your favorite feature on Etsy?
I don't know that I can pick just one.

Do you enjoy "window shopping" on Etsy on your free time?
Yes, very much so! If you could see my favorites file, you may never leave the computer. I don't publish it as public, because it's so embarrassingly large.

Is there an online "tool" that you like to use?
Google is my friend. :-) Also, Facebook networking.

What other interests do you have?
As said before, photography - I've sold photos in the past, back before there were digis. I went to school and learned on a Canon FtB, an SLR that was just perfection and an extension of what my mind saw. I love to read. I am a science geek - specifically all things physics. I love supporting the art scene in St. Pete, which has become just utterly amazing over the last 5 or so years and gets more amazing every day. I easily get lost and buy too much in craft or art stores. I'm a working psychic medium and it's a family thing - I can trace back relatives with the gift for four or five generations. I also love to write. I used to blog prolifically for years. I'm taking a break from that right now.

Where in Florida do you live?
St. Pete, since 1984. As mentioned before, the art scene here. It's incredible for a mid-city size. I grew up in Philadelphia and 90 minutes from NYC, so I'm used to museums and art. If you could take the population divided by the number of museums, galleries, shows, etc that we have and apply it proportionately to a larger city, we would rival them. There is also a huge feeling of community here that is lacking in larger cities. Even people coming across the bridge from Tampa notice that.

Could you recommend a fun activity near your Fl home that other members might enjoy?
600 Block of Central Avenue (our new art district), The brand new Chihuly Museum, the Museum of Art, The Dali Museum, Morean Arts Center, the many festivals and art fairs that you can find almost every weekend, Saturday Morning Market (October - May), more places to hear music than you could possibly see... I'm not sure where to stop.

What are some other sites to find out more about you and your art?
Things are at a temporary standstill right now as I am selling my house and moving very soon. I'm very active on my personal FB page (do a friend request for www.facebook.com/starbabyonline, but make sure you send a message along with the request as to who you are) and haven't been as active as I should be at my FB fan pages (/starbabygems and /starbabyreadings) or Twitter (http://www.twitter.com/starbabyonline).

What animal would you like to be for one day and why?
Most people would assume I'd say cat as they are my favorite creatures, but I think I'd have to say a bird - specifically a hawk. And why? Just the freedom to fly and swoop and be so amazingly graceful whilst being incredibly accurate.

What “super” power would you like to have and why?
Invisibility when I want it. I can't tell you why. That would ruin the super-power. ;-)

What is the craziest thing you have ever done?
There's a long list. Hmmm... how about appeared on TV, dressed as a lizard woman and shimmied up a reporter's body?

Ooooh! Oooooh! The August Challenge Themes!

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So, this month we have a choice of two great themes. First, "Peridot", that gorgeous green birthstone for the month of August. And second, a timely topic, "Let's take a Vacation!" Boy, I can't wait to see how team members apply their talents to that one!

Here's the link to the post:

http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=6591738

Congrats to Nuccynthia!

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Nuccynthia is the winner of the July Challenge with her Ruby Red Mosaic Vase! Her prize is a choice of a month long "mini" of her Etsy shop or an interview. And now, it's August - so watch for the next monthly challenge to be posted soon!

Interview with Embraced Babies

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Meet Heather of Embraced Babies

Who are you?
I am a Jersey born beach loving, Florida girl, who is honest, dependable, quick witted, loyal, creative and a little obsessive compulsive.

What do you create?
I create what makes me happy at the time. Some days it is an applique that I sketch out and then find the fabric that will bring it to life. Or maybe my daughters need new hair accessories for an outfit. Other days it is something someone requests me to design for them, like my chapstick cozies. These were created for my sister who loses EVERYTHING. She called me up one day and said "I probably own 15 chapsticks and I can't find any and I have severe chapped lips. HELP ME!" So I sat down and made a few prototypes until I was happy with the end result. I thank my sister all the time as these have become my best seller.

How did you come about your store name?
I had just had my daughter and since I am a baby wearing mama I was thinking of something that would incorporat my parenting style. Plus who doesn't love to embrace babies??

What is the crafting utensil you cannot live without?
A sharp pair of scissors! And a measuring tape. This is where my OCD comes in. I have to measure everything multiple times to make sure it is EXACT!


What is your life like outside of Etsy?
I am a stay at home mom to two beautiful daughters and I have an amazing husband. We enjoy spending time with family and great friends! My children make me stop and realize that we need to make the best out of whatever is thrown our way! So we try to laugh often and live in the moment. We try to do something creative every day. Some days we only have time to make up silly songs other days we break out the art box and begin crafting.

What do you enjoy "window shopping" on Etsy on your free time?
Oh boy! This is a hard one....I can get lost on Etsy for hours and hours searching for all sorts of things. If I see something I like in a store I search Etsy first to see if I can find it handmade. I usually can and most of the times it is better quality at a better price! Most recently I have been "shopping" for vinyl quotes and designs for my daughters bedroom.

Is there an online "tool" that you like to use?
I like using my Facebook Fan Page to let people know about some new projects I'm working on. But I have to admit I need to really work on it more. If only there were more hours in the day!!

What other interests do you have?
I love to travel. Since having children we have been mostly traveling in Florida. But that is ok with me as there are many beautiful places to explore here. I also love the water. So whether I am out on our boat, in our pool, or relaxing on the beach I am happy! My husband and I also love to snorkel and we are very excited to be taking our oldest (4 year old) to Molasses Reef in Key Largo this summer to show her where her daddy grew up and where her mommy fell in love with him and Florida.

Where in Florida do you live?
I live in Vero Beach. I have been here since 2001. My husband and I moved here from Key Largo where he was born and raised. I moved to Key Largo in '97 for what was supposed to be 6 months. I fell in love (With my hubby and the state) and never returned to New Jersey. Vero Beach is a great place to raise a family! There are many things for families to do with their children. From Children's Story Hour to the Theatre to an Art Museum there is something for all ages. Plus the beaches here are beautiful!

Could you recommend a fun activity near your Fl home that other members might enjoy?
Hmmm....Let's see....I have 2 little ones so that is how I spend my out and about time. The Vero Beach Children's Book Center is an amazing place to spend an afternoon. It is filled with a wide array of books, unique toys and games. There are train tables and doll houses for the kids to play with while the parents shop or read a book from the 2nd floor bargain book section. Every Friday Miss Julie reads to the kids during Story Hour. Once a month they have pajama story hour. And everyone is encouraged to wear their PJ's. Plus they have many author appearances for book signings. And every holiday is celebrated with a special event. My husband just took the girls there for "Donuts with Dad"! I could go on and on so just come to Vero and check it out with your kids or grandkids!

What animal would you like to be for one day and why?
My house cat! Because she always has her meals and beverages provided to her at the slightest meow. Plus I think she gets to sleep more than the 18 hours most cats sleep. And being that I haven't slept through the night in over 5 years I could really use 18 hours to catch up.

What “super” power would you like to have and why?
I would like to be a mind reader. I think it would be awesome to get into someones mind and see what they were really thinking and not what they thought others wanted to hear.

Our July Handmade Challenge Entries!

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Can't believe another month has zoomed by, and it's time once again for us to vote for our favorite entries. This month's themes are Ruby (July's birthstone) and It's a Charmed Life. Anyone can vote up until the end of July. Click on the picture to go directly to the etsy listing. Have fun checking out our FEST team members shops!

Red Mosaic Bud Vase by Nuccynthia

Broken China Heart Pendant Charm by magartsypartycrafts

Sienna Sparrow Domino Pendant by QuirkyDolls

Wine Box Elder Rollerball Pen by norskwoodshop


Acorn Necklace by ManoCelebrates

Nicole Clutch VHS by purplerozelisa

Sound of Music Charm Bracelet by AudreyGardenLady

Lavender Flax Neck Wrap by AquarianBath

Ruby Meditation Cushion by eclectricarmadillo

Triple Ruby Red Glass Earrings by LittlePeachFuzz

Ruby Red & Cream Lace Baby Socks by beautifulanodyne

FEST Summer Sizzler Blog GIVEAWAY

Tweet Summer's heating up and it's time for the Fest Summer Sizzler BLOG GIVEAWAY. We have two wonderful options from Amber Moran of West Palm Beach Florida for you to choose from. The first, a Custom 8 x 10 inch Watercolor and Ink Portrait. Amber works mainly in watercolor and here's a fabulous example of her work. Just provide one or two photos to produce your portrait and Amber will do the rest.

The second option, an Original Watercolor and Ink Red Snapper Painting actual 9 x 14 inches - 11 x 15 inches including its border.
Amber is an accomplished artist whose work is largely influenced by nature, family and music.

HOW TO ENTER: Enter to win ONE of these lovely original Watercolor options by visiting Amber's Etsy Shop at Amber Moran or any of the FEST Team Members listed to the left on this page. Find your favorite item, share it with us and tell us why you love it. Remember to leave your email or contact info so we can reach you if you're the winner. Winner picked on August 31st.

Tweet It's Challenge Time Once Again! Win a one month promo of your etsy mini here on our blog OR an interview! Make a new item with one of two themes:

Ruby

or

It's a Charmed Life

So, FEST members - get your fingers a workin! All entry links should be posted on our July Challenge forum post by July 15th at midnight:

http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=6566158

Interview with Pinky's Pet Gear

Tweet Meet Sunde of Pinky's Pet Gear!

Who are you?
My name is Sunde Farquhar and I have a shop on Etsy called Pinky’s Pet Gear. I live in Safety Harbor with my husband, our dog, Daisy (self-appointed ruler of our household and the nicest Chow Chow in all of Florida) and a motley trio of cats. We are proud to have adopted all of our pets from animal shelters in the various states where we’ve lived.

What do you create?
I make collars for dogs and cats, leashes, pet toys and sometimes pet clothing, too. What makes my products unique is the colors I use. They are always fun and bright colors that remind me of living in Florida.

How did you come about your store name?
There is actually a cute story behind my store name. My husband and I are both journalists, and one day he came home and said he interviewed a red-headed woman named Pinky. My husband thought the name sounded cool and he started to call me Pinky. (I also happen to have red hair!) When I decided to start selling my dog and cat collars, I wanted to incorporate my nickname into the business’ name and that’s when I created, “Pinky’s Pet Gear“.

What is your favorite crafting utensil you cannot live without?
My brain!

What is your favorite material?
I love fabric. There are so many types, in so many patterns and colors. Fabric is a feast for the eyes! I love buying vintage fabric, too. I always wonder what the story is behind vintage fabric, where it was made, what was going on in the world when it was made, who bought it before me, what that person planned on making with it, and why they never got around to making anything with it!

What is your favorite feature on Etsy?
I LOVE the “Recently Listed Items” feature. I could watch all of the newly-listed items pop up on the screen all day…it is so hypnotic. This feature also makes me realize the amount of talent on Etsy. I see so many unique and beautiful handcrafted items, some are so astounding, they just blow me away.

Is there an online tool that you use?
I am a big fan of Google Analytics. I wish I knew more about how to use Analytics, I probably use about 5% of the features. I love the map feature and being able to find out what cities my store’s visitors are from. I also like being able to find out the days and hours that I get the most traffic in my store, and checking out the search words that people use is really fun, too.

Could you recommend a fun activity near your Florida home that other members might enjoy?
I am so lucky to live in the Tampa Bay area, there is so much to do! Top on the list is our beaches and parks. My personal favorites are Clearwater Beach, beautiful white sand, there are plenty of places to shop and restaurants to eat at, it’s also a great place to relax and people watch. FYI---there is no oil from the BP spill on Pinellas County beaches, so come on over FESTers!
I also love Ft. De Soto Park. It’s a seven-mile long waterfront park in the southernmost part of Pinellas County. You can do just about everything at Ft. De Soto Park… swim, bike, hike, camp, picnic, fish, bird watch, canoe, wind surf, launch your boat, and there’s even a beachfront dog park.
Tampa also has a lot of other cool places to visit including Busch Gardens and Lowry Park Zoo. St. Petersburg is home to the Dali museum and a new permanent Dale Chihuly exhibit and center will open there in July. You can check out the Historic Sponge Docks at Tarpon Springs. Clearwater Marine Aquarium is home to “Winter” the dolphin. The folks at the aquarium took care of Winter after she became tangled in a buoy line. Winter lost her tail as a result of the accident. The staff at the aquarium raised money to have a prosthetic tail made for Winter. Now, Winter is a source of inspiration for people who are overcoming disabilities, a movie about her is in the works, and she is becoming known around the world.

What animal would you like to be for a day?
It would be fun to be a bird. You would get such a different view of everything from way up high, plus, it would be fun to be able to fly… you would never get stuck in traffic!