Tweet
The theme for the July Team Challenge is SPARKLE!! Here are the entrants. FEST members log into the Yahoo Group & select polls from the left menu to cast your vote for this month's winner. The winning shop will be featured here on the FEST blog next month. Good luck!
1. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=27135986
2. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=27480168
3. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=13226128
4. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=27638136
5. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=27699694
6. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=27729006
7. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=27779236
8. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=28113106
9. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=28137803
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Winner of June Team Challenge
Tweet
The June Team Challenge theme, in honor of the start of the season, was "Hurricane". Try making some hurricane inspired craft or art... not an easy task! Christina of Purplesmurple was up for it! Check out this amazing piece, The Trees Fell Down After the Storm, that won the challenge for her:
The hurricane had passed, but the storm left many memories of that fateful day. Trees had fallen, power lines were down, people were lost. Yet, beauty could still be seen in the most unusual places.
Original acrylic paintings like this aren't the only type of work you'll find in the Purplesmurple shop. Christina says she loves to paint ANYTHING! I particularly like this set of toasting glasses. They would make any occasion extra special!
But I've saved the best for last... Christina has an amazing talent for custom portraits! This has to be one of the most wonderful ways to capture a moment in time.
Christina enjoys custom work, not only through beautiful portraits like this, but also children's name art, family trees, personalized holiday ornaments and murals. See more of Purplesmurple talents on flickr, twitter, and her blog.
The hurricane had passed, but the storm left many memories of that fateful day. Trees had fallen, power lines were down, people were lost. Yet, beauty could still be seen in the most unusual places.
Original acrylic paintings like this aren't the only type of work you'll find in the Purplesmurple shop. Christina says she loves to paint ANYTHING! I particularly like this set of toasting glasses. They would make any occasion extra special!
But I've saved the best for last... Christina has an amazing talent for custom portraits! This has to be one of the most wonderful ways to capture a moment in time.
Christina enjoys custom work, not only through beautiful portraits like this, but also children's name art, family trees, personalized holiday ornaments and murals. See more of Purplesmurple talents on flickr, twitter, and her blog.
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Interview with Fragiacomoglassart
Tweet
Who are you?
I'm a stay at home mom and lifetime crafter/artist. I love being a mom and alot of the crafts I've learned to do and have done is because of being a stay at home mom. Learning to make things with the kids, needing to make things for the kids, scouting crafts, all those things have been a big part of my life. Without some type of art/craft anything, I think I'd go crazy!
What do you create?
Glass Art! Brightly colored beads, small sculptures of animals and deserts.
How did you get started?
When I was a little girl my grandfather would take me down here to florida and Disney. I would stare at the glass artists in awe. Years later we took the family to kentucky for a race, my daughter raced BMX. We didnt have anything to do one day and found out about the glass school there. We went and toured it and it rekindled that love for glass. About 5 more years later I discovered it was something I could do at home with the purchase of a kit! April 5, 2006 I lit my torch for the first time and have been doing it ever since!
What is unique about your products?
They are made by me! LOL Lots of bright colors, they always remind me of mexico! No special patterns just as many bright colors as I can get on them!! I love that!
What has been your biggest challenge in developing your business?
Who are you?I'm a stay at home mom and lifetime crafter/artist. I love being a mom and alot of the crafts I've learned to do and have done is because of being a stay at home mom. Learning to make things with the kids, needing to make things for the kids, scouting crafts, all those things have been a big part of my life. Without some type of art/craft anything, I think I'd go crazy!
What do you create?
Glass Art! Brightly colored beads, small sculptures of animals and deserts.
How did you get started?
When I was a little girl my grandfather would take me down here to florida and Disney. I would stare at the glass artists in awe. Years later we took the family to kentucky for a race, my daughter raced BMX. We didnt have anything to do one day and found out about the glass school there. We went and toured it and it rekindled that love for glass. About 5 more years later I discovered it was something I could do at home with the purchase of a kit! April 5, 2006 I lit my torch for the first time and have been doing it ever since!
What is unique about your products?
They are made by me! LOL Lots of bright colors, they always remind me of mexico! No special patterns just as many bright colors as I can get on them!! I love that!
What has been your biggest challenge in developing your business?
Advertising, I really dont like doing it and it takes so much work!
What is your favorite feature on Etsy?
Treasuries! I love them. I love how someone can take one thing of mine and put it in a treasury and then someone else take the same thing and it has a whole different feel. I love to go look through all the treasuries and see all the color choices and all the different handmade things! AWESOME!
What other interests do you have?
What is your favorite feature on Etsy?
Treasuries! I love them. I love how someone can take one thing of mine and put it in a treasury and then someone else take the same thing and it has a whole different feel. I love to go look through all the treasuries and see all the color choices and all the different handmade things! AWESOME!
What other interests do you have?
I have done alot of scrapbooking in the past. Its been a while now but with a new baby (9 months old) and a new grandbaby (3 weeks old) I'm determined to get back to it! I also like to work in the garden and lately have been painting brightly colored bird houses for the back yard.
Where in Florida do you live ?
I love florida! I grew up in massachusetts and couldnt' wait till I grew up so I could move here! I live in lake wales for now but would love to live closer to our daughter and son in lakeland. I love that there is NO snow and very little cold. I love love love the heat!!!
Where in Florida do you live ?
I love florida! I grew up in massachusetts and couldnt' wait till I grew up so I could move here! I live in lake wales for now but would love to live closer to our daughter and son in lakeland. I love that there is NO snow and very little cold. I love love love the heat!!!
What are some other sites to find out more about you and your art?
Facebook and I have a fan page on face book for fragiacomo glass art,
Facebook and I have a fan page on face book for fragiacomo glass art,
My blog glassymom.blogspot.com and I also have a lot of pictures on beadartists.org but I haven't updated in a while there. There are TONS of pictures tho. I'm also on artfire as glassymom
What animal would you like to be for one day and why?
What animal would you like to be for one day and why?
A cat! Cats always sleep and look so peaceful. When they wake up from their 18 hours of sleep they dont look tired or exhausted, they look rested. I want that.......for one day! or at least 10 more hours in my day!! LOL
What makes you laugh?
What makes you laugh?
My husband and oldest son like to make me laugh till my stomach aches and I have to beg them to stop. Its usually about our old chihuahua and his loooong life of craziness!
Sue's beads, jewelry, sculptures, buttons and vesssels are the most beautiful glass art I have seen on etsy. You must go and see it to Ooooo and Ahhhhh!
Monday, July 13, 2009
Interview with Pamwares
Tweet
hollywood cobalt blue necklace
Garden Party Apron
Introduce yourself please.
i am pam. i have a marketing degree from USF and have been doing marketing for the last 15 years. i'm married with pets - no kids. i asked my husband out on first date because i don't like to wait around. i love mexican food. i am simple - it wasn't always this way. i like staying at home on the weekends relaxing and doing my own thing. i'm glad i found etsy and took the plunge to make my stuff and do my own thing at pamwares
What do you create?
Aprons mostly. i love to cook so I use aprons all the time. I thought they would be fun to make so I took a couple of sewing classes and started making them. And on the side I like to make jewelry. I mostly make it when I go camping. I spread out on the picnic table in the sun and create.
Aprons mostly. i love to cook so I use aprons all the time. I thought they would be fun to make so I took a couple of sewing classes and started making them. And on the side I like to make jewelry. I mostly make it when I go camping. I spread out on the picnic table in the sun and create.
hollywood cobalt blue necklace
How did you get started?
i have always been creative and wanted to design stuff. my mom thought I would be a dept. store window designer when i was younger. i just see things, ideas i guess and i try to put them together. the aprons just came out of trying to have a creative outlet without breaking the bank. my day job is talking, typing and dealing with people. when i came home to make my aprons i am using my head and i have no one to justify anything too. it is me, the sewing machine, and the material. i don't even have to talk. not a huge talker.
i have always been creative and wanted to design stuff. my mom thought I would be a dept. store window designer when i was younger. i just see things, ideas i guess and i try to put them together. the aprons just came out of trying to have a creative outlet without breaking the bank. my day job is talking, typing and dealing with people. when i came home to make my aprons i am using my head and i have no one to justify anything too. it is me, the sewing machine, and the material. i don't even have to talk. not a huge talker.
What is unique about your products?
my uniqueness is the fabrics and the combination of them.
Garden Party ApronWhat has been your biggest challenge in developing your business?
time. like everyone else i need more of it.
time. like everyone else i need more of it.
What is your favorite feature on Etsy?
i have a few...i like the forums, the storque and looking at what is selling.
i have a few...i like the forums, the storque and looking at what is selling.
What other interests do you have?
i have lots of pets...3 dogs, 2 cats and 2 birds...they keep me busy. my husband and the pets love to go camping. i also love my house. i have always wanted to have a house of my own and i finally do. i get to put all my design ideas to the test in my house. it is fun.
i have lots of pets...3 dogs, 2 cats and 2 birds...they keep me busy. my husband and the pets love to go camping. i also love my house. i have always wanted to have a house of my own and i finally do. i get to put all my design ideas to the test in my house. it is fun.
Where in Florida do you live?
i live in Gulfport - south st pete. we moved here 5 years ago from Key West. gulfport has key west character but i can afford the house. i do love key west - not going to lie about that. it took some time to get used to living there but once i did...it is a place like no other.
i live in Gulfport - south st pete. we moved here 5 years ago from Key West. gulfport has key west character but i can afford the house. i do love key west - not going to lie about that. it took some time to get used to living there but once i did...it is a place like no other.
What are some other sites to find out more about you and your art?
i blog but i'm spotty at it. trying to get better.
i'm on flickr but spotty as well.
facebook - i'm on there all the time.
facebook - i'm on there all the time.
What was an embarrassing moment in your life?
Falling off my bike in key west because i had too much wine on christmas evening. it was sad!
Where would you go if you had a time machine?
A time machine would be awesome. i would go back to the time when king henry and all his craziness with Anne Boyle was happening. the truth is i would just love to dress in one of those beautiful gowns. speaking of outfits...i would also love to be a Las Vegas showgirl...again i love the outfit!
A time machine would be awesome. i would go back to the time when king henry and all his craziness with Anne Boyle was happening. the truth is i would just love to dress in one of those beautiful gowns. speaking of outfits...i would also love to be a Las Vegas showgirl...again i love the outfit!
Choose a movie title to sum up your life’s story.
Sex and the City! a tv show and a movie - fabulous! i love the clothes, the friendship, the fighting, the sex and the romance!
Minnie Mouse Apron
I love her fabric combinations !
Friday, July 3, 2009
July Fest Team Giveaway!
Tweet
It is that time again! Aren’t you excited!
The July Fest giveaway is sponsored this month by Sue of Fragiacomo Glass Art. Sue makes fabulous lamp work beads and has graciously decided to share some with our lucky blog readers.
As you can see she has a wonderful sense of play in her color choices. These beads would make a fabulous necklace for summer!
The giveaway is for a set of 5 lamp work beads wound on a 1/16 mandrel (small hole) and they measure aprox 15mm each.They are made with a spring green base and lots of bright exciting colors.
You can visit Sue in her Etsy Store to see more of her wonderfully happy work.http://www.fragiacomoglassart.etsy.com/
HOW TO ENTER:If you would like to enter to win these beautiful beads, just visit Fragiacomo Glass Art in her Etsy shop, or any of the Fest team members listed to the left on this page and find a favorite item you want others to know about.Tell us what you love about your favorite item in the comments section of this post & why it is perfect for summer. Remember to add your email address so we can contact you if you are the winner! Winner picked on 7/25/09!Simple and Easy!
The July Fest giveaway is sponsored this month by Sue of Fragiacomo Glass Art. Sue makes fabulous lamp work beads and has graciously decided to share some with our lucky blog readers.
As you can see she has a wonderful sense of play in her color choices. These beads would make a fabulous necklace for summer!
The giveaway is for a set of 5 lamp work beads wound on a 1/16 mandrel (small hole) and they measure aprox 15mm each.They are made with a spring green base and lots of bright exciting colors.
You can visit Sue in her Etsy Store to see more of her wonderfully happy work.http://www.fragiacomoglassart.etsy.com/
HOW TO ENTER:If you would like to enter to win these beautiful beads, just visit Fragiacomo Glass Art in her Etsy shop, or any of the Fest team members listed to the left on this page and find a favorite item you want others to know about.Tell us what you love about your favorite item in the comments section of this post & why it is perfect for summer. Remember to add your email address so we can contact you if you are the winner! Winner picked on 7/25/09!Simple and Easy!
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
RecreationalArt Interview
Tweet
Absolutely go check out RecreationalArt! An Amazing Variety of Art!
Who are you?
RecreationalArt is Rose Fieldhouse. Simple.
I love crafting - anything. My love of creating has filled my home and given me much joy. I have always been a fan of all of the creative people that sell on Etsy and so I thought "Why not?!".
Since I love the thought of recycling through re-purposing I try to incorporate re-used pieces into my new creations. People who know me are aware of what I do and before they decide to "get rid" of something they offer their treasures to me. I repurpose them and most of these re-creations end up in my home or yard as decor because I have a hard time parting with them!
RecreationalArt is Rose Fieldhouse. Simple.
I love crafting - anything. My love of creating has filled my home and given me much joy. I have always been a fan of all of the creative people that sell on Etsy and so I thought "Why not?!".
Since I love the thought of recycling through re-purposing I try to incorporate re-used pieces into my new creations. People who know me are aware of what I do and before they decide to "get rid" of something they offer their treasures to me. I repurpose them and most of these re-creations end up in my home or yard as decor because I have a hard time parting with them!
What do you create?
1) A response to creation through the expression of art
1) A response to creation through the expression of art
2) Art as a recreation
3) Recreating art into art)
4) Having too much fun!!!!!
How did you get started?
Growing up, my dad was often at sea in the Navy and my mom, who read and wrote very little english because she is Spanish, would make her extra spending monies by crafting and selling. She would do everything from macrame to sand art bottles and she would set up shop in the little office of the motel that we owned and lived in. She would sew for customers as well as sew all of our clothes.
Growing up, my dad was often at sea in the Navy and my mom, who read and wrote very little english because she is Spanish, would make her extra spending monies by crafting and selling. She would do everything from macrame to sand art bottles and she would set up shop in the little office of the motel that we owned and lived in. She would sew for customers as well as sew all of our clothes.
I spent most of my time around mom and learned from her to make and create. When I lived in Italy I found myself suddenly living on my own paycheck and found that by making my own stuff for the house or to wear that I would have that extra money to go out and have fun!
What is unique about your products?
I started the Etsy shop by using coffee bean and burlap coffee bag products when I worked as a Barrista at a local coffee shop. I enjoyed being able to recycle unused coffee beans and upcycle the burlap bags into fun and unique pieces. I even had super fun creating an upcycled/recycled Tea Bag Lamp!
What has been your biggest challenge ?
Being shy! I really have a hard time convincing myself that I can go out there and sell my creations at a festival, or even advertising myself!
What is your favorite feature of Etsy?
I can sell from home, behind the computer screen - that shy thing again.
What other interests do you have?
My wonderful husband and I started a Boy Scout Troop when our son crossed over from Cub Scouts and now that he and his friends have earned Eagle we have started the Venture Crew, which is co-ed! We meet at our home every Saturday and go camping often. We have great, fun loving kids involved and I am very happy to be a part of that!
I can sell from home, behind the computer screen - that shy thing again.
What other interests do you have?
My wonderful husband and I started a Boy Scout Troop when our son crossed over from Cub Scouts and now that he and his friends have earned Eagle we have started the Venture Crew, which is co-ed! We meet at our home every Saturday and go camping often. We have great, fun loving kids involved and I am very happy to be a part of that!
Where in Florida do you live?
I live in the most beautiful city ever! After I finished high school I was given the opportunity to move to Italy and live in Rome for 13 years. What a wonderful experience! But now I have moved home to St. Augustine, Florida and I really would not want to be anywhere else! I married the true love of my life and I am able to live near my family. I am home.
What are some other sites to find out more about you and your art?
My blog: http://recreationalart.blogspot.com/
I live in the most beautiful city ever! After I finished high school I was given the opportunity to move to Italy and live in Rome for 13 years. What a wonderful experience! But now I have moved home to St. Augustine, Florida and I really would not want to be anywhere else! I married the true love of my life and I am able to live near my family. I am home.
What are some other sites to find out more about you and your art?
My blog: http://recreationalart.blogspot.com/
What “super” power would you like to have ?
To Fly! I have dreamt about flying for as long as I can remember...maybe in a prior life I was a bird?!
To Fly! I have dreamt about flying for as long as I can remember...maybe in a prior life I was a bird?!
What was an embarrassing moment in your life?
....um, I am too embarrassed to talk about that.
Where would you go if you had a time machine?
Back to that embarrassing moment and fix it before it happens.
Have you ever been fired from a job? Yes.
Do Tell…..well that would take me back to that embarrassing moment!
What makes you laugh?Just about anything! I love laughter XD! I laugh at myself way too often and my son and his friends keep me rolling!
Absolutely go check out RecreationalArt! An Amazing Variety of Art!
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
May Team Challenge Winner - Full Blown Glass
Tweet
Happy Shopping!
Yea, one of my favorite FEST jobs... announcing the winner of the team challenge! Allow me to introduce you to Full Blown Glass!
Brent Earnest, the glass artist behind Full Blown Glass, is a self-taught Lampwork & Blown Glass artist who began working with glass in Asheville, NC in 2002, after being introduced to the medium by a friend. During this time he was working full-time as a chef (Brent is an alumni of Johnson & Walles University with 15 years of experience in the culinary arts). Initially his focus was on jewelry and during this time, he was successful in selling his unique creations to family, friends, and via consignment. In 2005, he moved to St. Petersburg, FL, met fiance Heather Fulp, who has a retail background with a focus on buying and design, and the two started FULL BLOWN GLASS.
I asked Brent to tell us what Full Blown Glass is all about - At Full Blown Glass we create colorful, affordable lampwork and blown glass home goods and wearable art. Each piece is handmade by glass artist Brent Earnest and jewelry designer/apprentice lampwork artist Heather Fulp.We love using glass as a medium!All of our items are made from borosilicate glass (aka...Pyrex) and we use Northstar® Borocolour® in 95% of our assortment. Also all items are kiln annealed up to 1,000 degrees to ensure strength and durability.
FBG continues to produce the quality handmade jewelry that sparked this interest, yet creatively they needed a challenge, so they have now expanded their assortment to include home goods and artwork. Due to Brent and Heather's eclectic nature, they have a plentiful collection of items to offer.
So what else does this dinamic duo keep busy with? When not in the FBG Studio, Brent works full-time as a chef. In their free time Team FBG are usually completing home renovations, camping, or relaxing at Ft. De Soto dog park with their 2 Weimaraners Colby & Jack.
Happy Shopping!
June Team Challenge
Tweet
Each month FEST challenges its members to create and post an item fitting a specific theme. May's theme was a hard one, HURRICANE! FESTers will vote for their favorite item and the winner will be featured here on the blog in the coming month. To cast your vote, check out each item and make note of the number next to your favorite one. Log into the Yahoo Group account (there's a link to it on the left margin), click on "Polls", and select the number that corresponds with your favorite entry. Good luck!
1. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=26300634
2. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=25333497
3. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=23859313
4. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=26433557
5. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=26455738
1. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=26300634
2. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=25333497
3. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=23859313
4. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=26433557
5. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=26455738
Thursday, June 4, 2009
The June Giveaway!
Tweet
The June Giveaway is here!
I know all our FEST fans have been patiently waiting for the June giveaway! Without further ado,
our June giveaway is this beautiful bracelet from Dawn at Bead Creations by Dawn
A perfect bracelet for summer by the beach it is made with sterling silver, Swarovski crystals, and sweet pink branches of coral. Sparkling in light pink, fresh summer green, sky blue, and sandy brown.
Just a bit of bling for a summer cruise or just a lazy day by the pool.
I know all our FEST fans have been patiently waiting for the June giveaway! Without further ado,our June giveaway is this beautiful bracelet from Dawn at Bead Creations by Dawn
A perfect bracelet for summer by the beach it is made with sterling silver, Swarovski crystals, and sweet pink branches of coral. Sparkling in light pink, fresh summer green, sky blue, and sandy brown.
Just a bit of bling for a summer cruise or just a lazy day by the pool.
HOW TO ENTER:
If you would like to enter to win this beautiful bracelet, just visit Bead Creations by Dawn in her Etsy shop, or any of the Fest team members listed to the left on this page and find a favorite item you want others to know about.
Tell us what you love about your favorite item in the comments section of this post. Remember to add your email address so we can contact you if you are the winner! Winner picked on 6/20/09!
Simple and Easy!
If you would like to enter to win this beautiful bracelet, just visit Bead Creations by Dawn in her Etsy shop, or any of the Fest team members listed to the left on this page and find a favorite item you want others to know about.
Tell us what you love about your favorite item in the comments section of this post. Remember to add your email address so we can contact you if you are the winner! Winner picked on 6/20/09!
Simple and Easy!
Friday, May 29, 2009
April Team Challenge Winner GladRaggz
Tweet
The theme for the team challenge for the month of April was FUZZY. All the members of FEST are given the opportunity to vote for their favorite submission and it's my fun job to announce the winner! And the winner is, drum roll please..... are you doing it??.... GladRaggz with this work or art, her one of a kind designer inspired crochet handbag:
These desinger inspired earrings remind me of several things - seashells, flowers, and feminine curves with their swirls and faint AB, (Aurora Borealis) coating. Both the swirled beads and the round Czech glass spheres reflect a delicate rainbow when they catch the light at just the right angle. There is also a faint swirl of white glass on the edges of the clear bead. These earrings would be especially nice for bridal wear, but they can also be dressed up for evening, or down for a "casual chic" look. Either way, they are extremely feminine and sexy, and can't be missed!
Stop by this talented FEST members shop and add a little art to your wardrobe!
Listen to the detail that went into this bag - This is a one-of-a-kind work and extremely fun piece of crochet artwork done in a variety of yarns in shades of red with jeweltone highlighs. Embellishments include a gold tone filigree and rhinestone brooch as well as a single row of red fabric that I've sewn into ribbon to get the perfect color match. Lightweight gold toned chains make this a shoulder bag. The interior is lined with sapphire toned satin, and the small interior pocket is edged with machine embroidered silver holographic thread.
As I was looking through GladRaggz' shop I kept thinking her bags and jewelry look like wearable pieces of art. Case and point, this amazing necklace
This large Swarovski AB Crystal Pendant is just gorgeous! It hangs from ropes of ivory cord, gold fabric tape, and teal colored "Italian Mesh", which is a finely braided wire mesh that can be fluffed and shaped any way the wearer wishes. The Italian Mesh is strung with 4 AB Swarovski crystals.
I also really love how descriptive and captivating her listings read, like this one for these clear glass earings.
As I was looking through GladRaggz' shop I kept thinking her bags and jewelry look like wearable pieces of art. Case and point, this amazing necklace
This large Swarovski AB Crystal Pendant is just gorgeous! It hangs from ropes of ivory cord, gold fabric tape, and teal colored "Italian Mesh", which is a finely braided wire mesh that can be fluffed and shaped any way the wearer wishes. The Italian Mesh is strung with 4 AB Swarovski crystals.
I also really love how descriptive and captivating her listings read, like this one for these clear glass earings.
These desinger inspired earrings remind me of several things - seashells, flowers, and feminine curves with their swirls and faint AB, (Aurora Borealis) coating. Both the swirled beads and the round Czech glass spheres reflect a delicate rainbow when they catch the light at just the right angle. There is also a faint swirl of white glass on the edges of the clear bead. These earrings would be especially nice for bridal wear, but they can also be dressed up for evening, or down for a "casual chic" look. Either way, they are extremely feminine and sexy, and can't be missed!
Stop by this talented FEST members shop and add a little art to your wardrobe!
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
BeckySinn Interview
Tweet
Meet Becky of BeckySinn.etsy.com
Visit Becky's shop it's a wonderful collection of beautiful art!
Meet Becky of BeckySinn.etsy.com Carnivale Creations
Who are you?
My given name is Rebecca Dee Hudson. Becky Sinn is my alter ego stage name! I am a statuesque red-headed native Floridian.
What do you create?
I create my own chaos, jointed soft-sculpture dolls, resin photo jewelry, charm bracelets, and other up-cycled art.
How did you get started?
My Mother is an artist. By the time I was five, I was helping her stuff her dolls. She sold crafts all over the world and I've always aspired to be like her. My Daddy was a wood working artist and a musician, also a huge inspiration! My brothers are also amazing artists as well. I come from
pretty creative stock.
What is unique about your art?
I must say I am most proud of my dolls. I have never really seen any quite like mine, if I do say so myself. Also, I really make an effort to communicate with my customers. I am still in touch with some of my very first clients.
What is your biggest challenge?
Discipline
What do you love about Etsy?
The Uber cheap listing fees and the Six month long listing activation. Etsy actually makes it easy and affordable to have your own little slice of the e-commerce pie. YAY!
What other interests do you have?
Music! (I play guitar and sing!) Antiques! History! Anything Vintage! All things Victorian!
Where are you in Florida?
I've lived in Ocala my whole life, I am obsessed with historic photos of Ocala and surrounding areas such as Micanopy and Gainesville, and any local history. I am also in love with the amazing Springs and parks that are everywhere in central Florida. Ooh! and our sunsets too!
Where else can we find you?
What disasters have you had?
I have crafting disasters all the time. I am often jabbing my poor fingers with huge needles. Even though that hurts, the worst disaster is a batch of resin that doesn't cure properly.
What animal would you like to be?
I would like to be a dolphin for a day. That probably has something to do with the Sega Genesis game: Echo the dolphin, which I would play till I got blisters and could play no longer.
What SUPER POWER would you like to have?
What SUPER POWER would you like to have?
The power of flight, or mind bullets...because that's telekinesis Holmes.
Where would you go with a Time Machine?
First I'd go to Victorian England, then I'd go to Paris for the Bohemian Revolution and lots of absinthe, then Coney island in the roaring Twenties. These are all places and eras that are extremely fascinating and romantic to me!
What crazy things do you like to do?
The extent of my craziness is poking around abandoned buildings and old cemeteries looking for ghosts and signs of people that have long since passed. For reasons that are NOT supernatural, this pass time can get pretty hairy!
Favorite person?
My brother Mack. We always get each others' warped sense of humor. Love you!!!
Favorite Quote?
Ricky Fitz in American Beauty says, "Sometimes there's so much beauty in the world I feel like I can't take it, like my heart's going to cave in." I feel you Ricky.
Visit Becky's shop it's a wonderful collection of beautiful art!
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
May Team Challenge
Tweet
Each month FEST challenges its members to create and post an item fitting a specific theme. May's theme was BLOOM. FESTers will vote for their favorite item and the winner will be featured here on the blog in the coming month. To cast your vote, check out each item and make note of the number next to your favorite one. Log into the Yahoo Group account (there's a link to it on the left margin), click on "Polls", and select the number that corresponds with your favorite entry. Good luck!
1. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=24631681
2. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=23789122
3. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=16673591
4. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=21962979
5. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=24576432
6. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=24706234
7. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=24776951
8. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=22128158
9. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=24797381
10. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=vl_other_2&listing_id=23733918
11. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=11477139
12. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=24855954
13. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=23313461
14. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=24628063
15. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=24869785
16. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=24489436
17. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=25020485
18. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=24947114
19. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=25039101
20. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=25039880
21. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=24832776
22. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=13426304
23. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=25101813
24. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=25108337
1. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=24631681
2. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=23789122
3. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=16673591
4. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=21962979
5. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=24576432
6. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=24706234
7. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=24776951
8. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=22128158
9. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=24797381
10. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=vl_other_2&listing_id=23733918
11. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=11477139
12. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=24855954
13. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=23313461
14. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=24628063
15. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=24869785
16. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=24489436
17. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=25020485
18. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=24947114
19. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=25039101
20. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=25039880
21. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=24832776
22. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=13426304
23. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=25101813
24. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=25108337
Saturday, May 2, 2009
May Etsy FEST Blog Giveaway!!
Tweet
Can I just tell you how much I love this handpainted box from Christina from Purplesmurple! It makes me kind of sad that I am in charge of the blog giveaways and cannot enter. Good news is, you can though! I'll just sit here and pout.
Maybe I'll have to buy the one in her shop: Little Jewel Box
Handpainted, one of a kind jewelry box. Lovely blue green color, with gold accents, and finished inside and out. It measures 8 inches wide, 5 inches deep, and 3 1/2 inches tall. It features and asian inspired scrolled design, incorporating tons of little detail. This has been lovingly handpainted by Christina, and triple sealed for durability.
How to Enter:
If you would like to enter to win this beautiful handpainted box, just visit the Purplesmurple shop or any of the other fabulous FEST shops from the list at the left. Add a note about the favorite item you've found and what you love about it in the comments section of this post. Be sure to leave me an email so I can contact you if you are our winner! Winner will be chosen on may 20th.
Can I just tell you how much I love this handpainted box from Christina from Purplesmurple! It makes me kind of sad that I am in charge of the blog giveaways and cannot enter. Good news is, you can though! I'll just sit here and pout.
Maybe I'll have to buy the one in her shop: Little Jewel Box
Handpainted, one of a kind jewelry box. Lovely blue green color, with gold accents, and finished inside and out. It measures 8 inches wide, 5 inches deep, and 3 1/2 inches tall. It features and asian inspired scrolled design, incorporating tons of little detail. This has been lovingly handpainted by Christina, and triple sealed for durability.
How to Enter:
If you would like to enter to win this beautiful handpainted box, just visit the Purplesmurple shop or any of the other fabulous FEST shops from the list at the left. Add a note about the favorite item you've found and what you love about it in the comments section of this post. Be sure to leave me an email so I can contact you if you are our winner! Winner will be chosen on may 20th.
Monday, April 27, 2009
April Team Challenge Submissions
Tweet
Each month FEST challenges its members to create and post an item fitting a specific theme. April's theme was FUZZY. FESTers will vote for their favorite item and the winner will be featured here on the blog in the coming month. To cast your vote, check out each item and make note of the number next to your favorite one. Log into the Yahoo Group account (there's a link to it on the left margin), click on "Polls", and select the number that corresponds with your favorite entry. Good luck!
1. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=22128453
2. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=23039309
3. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=17518472
4. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=23217589
5. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=19007198
6. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=10119023
7. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=23293676
8. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=23348489
9. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=23363426
10. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=23358446
11. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=23661194
12. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=23691626
13. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=23252636
14. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=23252650
15. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=23124320
16. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=23272399
17. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=22717815
18. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=23547034
1. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=22128453
2. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=23039309
3. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=17518472
4. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=23217589
5. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=19007198
6. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=10119023
7. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=23293676
8. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=23348489
9. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=23363426
10. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=23358446
11. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=23661194
12. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=23691626
13. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=23252636
14. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=23252650
15. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=23124320
16. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=23272399
17. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=22717815
18. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=23547034
Sunday, April 26, 2009
ElleBelleonetsy Interview
Tweet
Meet Stacey of ElleBelleOnEtsy.com
Where in Florida do you live?
A Shop For Chic Mommies and Pampered Babies
Who are you?
I am a wife, mom, planner, dreamer, and maker of whatever inspires me at the moment. My husband and daughter are my support and inspiration in life and business. Elle Belle is my creative outlet, my guilty pleasure, and my sense of accomplishment
What do you create?
Baby stuff… mostly inspired by the things that have made being a Mommy easier for me. My product line has changed a bit over the years as my baby has grown into a pre-schooler, but I’m pregnant now, so there’ll probably be a resurgence of infant/baby items into my shop.
How did you get started?
I’ve always been “crafty”, but I didn’t start sewing/machine embroidery until after my daughter, Elle, was born and I started using baby items that I thought could be improved on… I don’t think I’ll ever look back. I really enjoy the “process” of sewing, I like figuring out patterns and seeing raw materials come together to make something I love brings me an incredible sense of accomplishment.
What is unique about your products?
My slings are my favorite product! I was completely addicted to my slings and honestly don’t know how Moms do it without them! The Elle Belle slings I make are different from the ones I bought and used when Elle was first born though. Although I love the convenience and comfort of carrying a baby in a sling, too many of the slings on the market are too much tie-dye, too much fabric, too much “home made”, not enough style & function. So, I make my slings with really wonderful designer fabrics and have a line of tattoo inspired embroidered designs.
I also use less fabric. It’s enough to safely carry the baby, but you don’t loose the baby in the pouch and it doesn’t feel like you have a blanket wrapped around yourself and hanging down to your ankles. You don’t see many pleated shoulder slings (mine were the only ones on Etsy for ages!) but not only does it add a crisp look to the sling and eliminate the bulk on your shoulder, it also helps spread the fabric out across your back which is the key to distributing baby’s weight. I think carrying my new little one in an Elle Belle sling is one of the things I’m looking forward to most about having an infant again!
Where in Florida do you live?I’ve lived in St. Pete for the past 10 years and have loved every day of it!
What are some other sites to find out more about you?
I am in love with my blog http://www.ellebelleblog.blogspot.com/ ! It’s my little diary of all my creative endeavors. It’s such a fun way to connect with friends and other crafters! I get giddy when I get a new comment or my ticker climbs… it’s nice to know I’m not just out there talking to myself. You can also check out my site http://www.ellebellebaby.com/
What was you worst crafting disaster?
What was you worst crafting disaster?
It all started with the sewing/embroidery machine I decided to buy. It was the nicest machine in the store. It had all the bells and whistles and the biggest price tag… I think I made it out of the parking lot before the buyers remorse kicked in. I hadn’t sewn a stitch on a machine that was less than 15 years old ever, I didn’t know the first thing about embroidery, I had no idea why this machine came with approximately 7 discs for my computer, I was totally in over my head!
A week after I got it, I took the machine to a craft show I was doing and tried to embroider baby bibs while the wind was blowing my supplies and everything else everywhere (I now refer to that experience as my encounter with “extreme embroidery”). There were also 3 times in a two week span that I lugged the machine back into Keep Me in Stitches because I couldn’t figure out what I was doing wrong, the last of which ended with me crying in the parking lot about how I made the wrong decision and my husband consoling me with “give it time Babe, you’ll learn to love it”.
After one particularly taxing afternoon of sewing I found myself in “conversation” with my machine. It went a little something like “Machine, I’ll make you a deal. I won’t stress over every single stitch, hovering over your embroidery arm watching each thread being placed, holding my breath as a decorative stitch sews at your automatically set speed if you’ll just not cause any major complications. Please don’t jam the thread up into a wadded mess under the metal plate, please don’t tell me the embroidery file is unrecognizable when I transfer it from my computer, and please don’t ever make that horrible grinding sound when the needle hits the bobbin case ever again”.
IT WORKED! Okay, maybe not the “conversation” part but definitely the “me not stressing out anymore” part. I learned that it’s a learning process. I figured out how to prevent those major complications and best of all deciding not to stress about it made it fun. That was 2 years ago, and although it was a rocky road at first, it wasn’t long before I bonded with my machine. Now we (my machine and I) spend time doing something I love and together we’re able to create things that are valuable for lots of reasons in addition to monetary ones.
My machine has been a catalyst for lots of new experiences in my life. It’s not only a tool that’s helped me expand my creative boundaries, the patience and determination I’ve learned along the way has helped me expand my mind!
Stacey's customers love her personalized embroidery. More than 500 people have favorited her shop. That's a lot of love!
Friday, April 24, 2009
March Team Challenge Winner BDoodles!
Tweet
The FEST Team Challenge for March was to create a green item… could be the color green, could be eco friendly, it was up for interpretation. There were a ton of entries; it even came down to a 4 way tie breaker. I’m happy to congratulate the mother daughter team – B DOODLES! Their lovely reversible apron won it for them:
I’m not surprised their apron took the cake. All B Doodles aprons have a unique retro styling and are constructed of great fabrics that they pre-wash and line dry (Oh how I wish I had time to line dry my laundry… nothing beats that hung-in-the-sun smell!). Not only does B Doodles make fresh wearable “wows” to liven up the kitchen, they also have a great selection of bags and totes to choose from.
Stop by the B Doodles shop for one of their practical and stylish aprons or totes. If you don’t see exactly what you’re looking for, just let them know, they enjoy custom orders too!
I’m not surprised their apron took the cake. All B Doodles aprons have a unique retro styling and are constructed of great fabrics that they pre-wash and line dry (Oh how I wish I had time to line dry my laundry… nothing beats that hung-in-the-sun smell!). Not only does B Doodles make fresh wearable “wows” to liven up the kitchen, they also have a great selection of bags and totes to choose from.
Stop by the B Doodles shop for one of their practical and stylish aprons or totes. If you don’t see exactly what you’re looking for, just let them know, they enjoy custom orders too!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)