√ Owlpark

√ Owlpark is a new shop on Etsy and I'm so excited to have an interview here with Harold Jones, the artist! When I spotted his item on the front page I instantly went to mark his shop as a favorite, then I sent a request for an interviw because I was so impressed with what I saw. I think you will be too. Enjoy this interview and make sure to visit Harold's shop and website.

Tell us a little about yourself
I am Harold Jones; I live in High Point North Carolina. I was born and lived in Alabama until moving to North Carolina in 2006.

What inspires you to your craft/artistry?
I spent my working life as a patternmaker for the foundry industry. Working mostly with wood in making patterns for everything from automotive parts to fire hydrants and large valves. I came to respect the beauty of wood. I began to experiment with different shapes and forms to show the grain figure of wood that was unsuitable for foundry patterns. Then I began turning natural edge pieces with bark inclusions and worm holes and other defects. I found that nature would create the beauty if I could find ways to bring it out.

How do you promote your items?
I sell pieces that I make in several galleries, at arts and craft shows and on the web at my website and my Etsy shop.

What is one piece of advice you'd give to new artists?
I would advise anyone starting in the arts and crafts to learn everything that you can about the field that you are in. Find a mentor and learn from them the things that they are accomplished in. Attend all study courses, groups and classes pertaining to your interest that you can. Above all have a passion for what you are doing and practice, practice, practice while developing your own style and techniques.

What are some of your favorite things?
My favorite thing to do is to turn wood. When I am not turning I enjoy cycling, hiking and looking for unusual wood to turn. I enjoy nature and the beauty of creation.

What is your favorite quote?
My favorite quote is “don’t do anything today that you can put off until tomorrow if you have wood to turn”

Etsy Buy Handmade owlpark

√ Maldonado

√ 

Omar Maldonado

 On Etsy we have the ability to mark items to our "favorites" as we see fit. You can mark an item from a shop or the whole shop, it's up to you. Every weekday I usually go through my favorite items and make that shop / artist my "Artist of the Day". At times, I am so moved by what is in the shop, I ask for an interview. Sometimes I don't hear anything back, sometimes I get turned down, and sometimes, I get very luck you have the honor of presenting you with an amazing new artist!!

Omar Maldonado is no exception! He creates beautifully simple jewelry that just makes you want to sigh. His pieces are colorful and classy and just perfect for almost any occasion. Omar himself is a very nice person. I hope you enjoy this interview as much as I did.

Who are you, where are you from and what makes that place unique?
My name is Omar, I live in the city of Santa Fe, Argentina. It is a city where many students come from the rest of the country, and is the provincial capital of the state. I live very near a large river, the region is very fertile and moist, ideal for farming. My house is the perfect place for me, I love my studio and share good times with my friends, many of whom are also artists and craftsmen.

Colorful Bubbles Sterling Silver Pendant

What was the first item you ever made for your shop?
Actually, there were several products, but I remember the most successful work, from the beginning, was a necklace of colorful bubbles.

How long have you been independently selling your items?
I have been doing this work for 10 years and have always been independent. I am the one who designs the products and then builds and sells them. I make everything work and I like it just that way.

If you were on a desert isle, and you could only have one book or cd with you (besides your creative tools) which book or cd would that be?
Choosing a CD would be very difficult for me, because I like meeting new music all the time. I would take any book by Jorge Luis Borges

Where is the most interesting place you have traveled, what made it so interesting?
The place I've traveled and I liked is Valparaiso, Chile. I like it because it is a city that is located in a mountainous area that has a slope overlooking the sea. Their houses are colorful, there are many art and design shops which generate ongoing activities related to culture. I will very soon return to Valparaiso, after more than two years away.

If you knew you could not fail, what would you do?
I think there is always the possibility of failing at something, but my work seems very nice and I really enjoy doing it, I think it's very easy for me to beat me every day and get better at what I do. years of experience of any craft are very helpful when you want to do your best.

Omar is offering the coupon code "YARNOBSESSION"  for 15% off to readers of this profile!


You can find Omar online:
blog
flickr 
twitter

√ Treasury Re-cap

√

It's been a long week of treasury fun! Just wanted to share a few of my favorite treasuries that featured Yarn Obsession this week!

"Spring is Coming" created by Arlene of "This and That Crafter"

"Somber Monday" created by Glenda of "Deco Hearts"

"Neutrals" created by "Annaart72"

"I Love to Play with Pink & Grey" created by Alexia of "Alexia Viola Napa Valley"

"The Calming Factor" created by Theresa of "Krafty Granny's Home"

"Blue" created by Eva of "Miss Ollie Wares"

√ Modern Buttercup

√ If you're looking for a gift and your recipient is "whimsical", here is your shop! ModernButtercup took some time out of her day to share some of her favorites with us, allowing us to get to know her a bit better. Take a read, then take a look at her shop! She's offering 10% off in her shop for this blog's readers so read to the bottom for the code. Enjoy!

1. Tell us a little bit about yourself
Hello everyone.... I live over at Modernbuttercup on Etsy and at my blog. I am a crafty person who loves terrariums and walking barefoot on the beach. I create jewelry with a touch of whimsy and a bit of quirkiness.

2. Which of your items is your favorite and why?
That's a hard one! But my favorite would have to be the Silver Locket. It's accented with beads and has lots of detail.

3. What is your favorite book, why?
I am a big bookworm, so this is also a hard pick. But one of my favorites would have to be "Little Women". It has great characters and a nice morale. My favorite character would have to be Meg. We are very similar.

4. What is your favorite food, why?
I have a bit of a sweet tooth, so my favorite food is definitely a dessert, specifically Molasses Cookies. They're an example of what gingerbread cookies should taste like. Sweet, gingery, and soft...

5. If you knew you could not fail, what would you do?
I would send in some of my work to one of my favorite magazines like Mollie Makes or ReadyMade. I've always wanted to see my work in a magazine! :)

ModernButtercup is offering 10% off of anything in her shop to readers of this piece, use coupon code "BLOGREWARDS2". Don't forget to let her know you saw her here!

√ From The Heart By Eva

√ As her shop name implies "From The Heart By Eva" is full of sweet and sentimental items from the heart! When I asked her to do this profile she was quick to point out that although she'd love to do it, she didn't want a give-away but a "Gift-Away". I thought that was really sweet, so I've adopted the term and I have Eva's aura to thank for it!

As you read, keep in mind, that each item in her shop is made by this person. Eva has a surprise for you when you get to the end of this piece.

1. Tell us a little bit about yourself
Hi, I'm Eva! I'm originally from Latvia, but currently happily living in the UK. I'm a self-taught artist and I've always believed that it is us, people, who make things happen, not our fate. If you want it, go get it. I'm so grateful for all the experiences I've had in my life, for they brought me to where I am now. I love creating. I have been creating since I was little. I believe there is beauty in everything . . . I mean every thing, but not everyone can see it. It really delights my soul knowing I can give something to the people that inspires and motivates them. It is happiness to see others happy.

2. Which of your items is your favorite and why?
As a passionate jewellery artist, I obviously love and wear my own pieces. I'm very fond of long inspiring quotes, with quite large pendants. I've been given compliments all the time! Some of my favorites of this current collection are:

"Things That Hurt Teach Black Hand" Engraved Feather Necklace - It's very true since we learn from mistakes and they normally hurt, but they are beneficial to our spirits.

"You Can't Handle Me" Hand Engraved Feather Necklace - This is half a joke, half true! I love to wear something like this so people know they won't win. Ever. (LOL)

"FCUK Normality" Bracelet - I despise all the stereotypes and things put in 'normal' category. Life is crazy and to be normal is to be average. You don't want to be average, you want to be special! This is how you show them that you are!

"The Quiet Things That No One ever knows" Bracelet - I find this inspiring as we all have secrets and we don't even dare whisper about them. I like to think of it as some kind of treasure that we hold in our hearts, that no one will ever know but what moves us forward in life. Life is crazy!

3. What is your favorite book, why?
Actually I have 2 favourite books and to choose one would be true war between them. One is the Memoirs of a Geisha by Arthur Golden. I've read this book several times over. There is something so captivating in the history and culture of Japanese people and their society. I'm still obsessed with the Japanese language.

The other book is Notre Dame de Paris, or in English - The Hunchback of Notre-Dame, by Victor Hugo. It beholds memories of my college time when I studied French and wanted to move to France. I love the character of a gypsy girl. I can still remember the thrills I got when I read it and imagined all the little details (as an artist I've got plenty of imagination).

4. What is your favorite food, why?
Does coffee qualify as food..? If not, then it has to be Lasagne (vegetarian). I never knew what it was until I tried it 2 years ago. Now I worship it!

5. If you knew you could not fail, what would you do?
I like this question! But I strongly believe that we only move forward through failing and, having no obstacles would really demotivate me. We have to fight to get through. It would be boring to be always able to get what we want. But if I could not waste time in failures, I would use it to achieve many more things. For me, one lifetime is not enough to achieve all that I want. Because I want big things. Because we have to go through 'fall&get up' number of times, and the clock is clicking. I embrace my little mistakes, as they teach me so much. I cannot move forward without learning and growing.

The "Gift-Away"
Eva is offering a coupon code (BLOGDISCOUNT20) for 20% off any piece in her shop to anyone that reads this post. Enjoy!

√ Hibbe

√ Do you love bags? I'm sorry, was that a silly question? Well, considering that I think your answer was yes, do I have bags for you!!! Ozlem is the creater of Hibbe a beautiful shop full of lovely bags on Etsy! She took some time out of her day to spend with us, so take a read then go visit her at all her "places"!

1. Tell us a little bit about yourself

Hello, everyone. My name is Özlem and I am in Turkey. I'm 30 years old and have two sons, Murat and Yusuf. I enjoy spending time with my kids and other times I love knitting!

2. Which of your items is your favorite and why?

I love all my bags because of the positive energy that I know I've passed along through them, I believe in them.
However, if I must choose a favorite, it would have to be the Green Knit Handbag. Because it took a long time to make this bag.


3. What is your favorite book, why?

"The Stone Council" by Jean-Christophe Grange ...Because she was a very strong woman who fought for her adopted son and I admire that.

4. What is your favorite food, why?
I love all the vegetable dishes and salads.

5. If you know you could not fail, what would you do?
I try to accomplish what I'm doing. Because it can not be fun to work with anything else.

Ozlem can be found online:
Shawl & Scarves Etsy Shop
Dawanda Shop
Facebook

For the readers of this profile, she is offering a coupon code "HIBBE1" for 10% off in her shop.

√ Maulani

√ Maulani is an Etsy shop full of "Random Fun Handmade Treasures". Each delicate piece tells a story that can only be told their way. Dita took time out of her busy day to share a little bit of herself with you. Read, then take a look at her lovely shop. . . let her know I referred you.

1. Tell us a little bit about yourself
Hello! I'm Dita Maulani, 23 years old from Bogor, small city in West Java, Indonesia. I love morning coffee in the morning and iced coffee in the afternoon. I sell/promote by day and craft/have lovely time with my boyfriend at night.

2. Which of your items is your favorite and why?
I love everything in my shop since I made them with love but if I have to pick one, I love this Key to Eiffel Tower in Paris. I just love the photograph of it and I know it looks better in person!

3. What is your favorite book, why?
I love Taming the Beast by Emily Maguire. It reminds me of how beast we can be when it comes to unhealthy love and how life can turn us bad or good, depends on path we've chosen. I just love the poem on it too. It is a hard book to comprehend yet I can't wait to turn every page until the last page of the book!

4. What is your favorite food, why?
My boyfriend's garlic bread and mashed potato! He made me this delicious food right in the evening when I was very tired teaching. And I like his iced coffee too. I just feel special when he cooks something for me ♥

5. If you knew you could not fail, what would you do?
I will go to Antarctic and see the polar bear, and live in Igloo for few days. I will bring my craft supplies and will take picture of my jewelry on Antarctic!

As a special thank you, Dita has provided a special incentive just for readers of this profile! Use code “FREESHIP” in order to get Free Shipping on any of her items Worldwide!

You can find Maulani online:
- Facebook
- Twitter
- Blog
- Blog (2)

√ Fringe Originals On Etsy

√ Today's shop feature comes from a little shop on Etsty called "Fringe"! It's a lovely little shop created by the most creative Dennice and it houses some lovely fiber pieces that I just fell in love with! Dennice was kind enough to take some time out of her schedule to chat about herself. It is my pleasure to introduce you to her personally!

Before I begin, let me say thank you, sweet Sedie, for the honor of being featured on your beautiful blog. It’s such a thrill for me, and I truly appreciate this opportunity. I wish you every success in your personal and professional life.

Tell us a little bit about yourself.
Hello there. My name is Dennice. I live in a fairly small coastal town north of San Diego, California. I have a wonderful, loving family. They make me smile every single day.

My love of science and math led me to pursue a degree in electrical engineering. Yet here I am, in the middle of the business of designing and creating accessories. I have always loved art, creating, and fashion. There is nothing like the satisfaction of expressing yourself through your art, in my opinion. I do this through Fringe, my line of hand knit and crocheted designs. My main goal is to create accessories that give my clients a feeling of self-confidence, happiness and beauty.

My life has led me in directions I never could have imagined. One just never knows what’s around the corner.

Which of your items is your favorite and why?
This is a tough question for me. I am always smitten with my latest design, yet I love all my designs as if they’re part of me. I could never pick a favorite. I’m proud of all my pieces; I know how much work and time I put into them, and fact that I designed each and every piece myself. I don’t mean that in a boastful sort of way. I mean I love all of them.

In an attempt to answer your question, I would have to say that one of the items closest to my heart is Inside Out. I guess you could say it’s one of my favorite favorites.

What is your favorite book, why?
There are too many to choose just one. Can’t do it. I have a long list of favorite reads of all time. If I had to pick a favorite author, I would choose Hemingway’s work. Also, I’m in love with poetry. Emily Dickinson and Billy Collins are two of my favorite poets. The list is endless! I could go on and on about the books and poems I love, but the list would just get longer and longer…There are three books that I’ve read and reread too many times to count: The Sun Also Rises by Hemingway, The Killer Angels by Shaara and Lonesome Dove by McMurtry.

What is your favorite food, why?
Goodness! I don’t mean to keep skirting the answers to your questions, Sedie, but I am having a very difficult time picking favorites! I love so many foods. My husband’s heritage is Egyptian and I have been blessed with a mother-in-law and father-in-law who are glorious cooks. They whip up the most amazing Egyptian food, and it’s truly authentic. I wish you could all come over and try some!

I do have a special fondness for foods we eat in a bowl, whatever that means! Especially soup. Soup is such a comfort food for me.

Also, I love trying new things. And super spicy food is a favorite as well. See what I mean? I can’t pick one favorite!
I think food is an extension of who is creating the dish. Like any other creative process. Just as I love many different fashion styles, I love many different foods. When love is put into the prepared dish, I can’t help but love it.

If you knew you could not fail, what would you do?
Sweet heavens! I cannot stress strongly enough, one should never ever approach life with the worry and thought of possible failure. I believe that with all my heart, and that is how I live my life. I truly hope all of you do the same or at least try your best, if it’s something new for you. You’ll get the hang of it! Life is too short to worry about failure. Live it to the fullest and always pursue your dreams with the feeling and conviction of success. Fear is what keeps us from our dreams. Don’t fear life.

Unsolicited as it may be, I have one piece of advice that is the core of my artistic belief. This advice goes for all artists, including fiber artists: Be true to yourself. Don’t let the fear of failure stop you from pursuing and finding your own true vision.

It's my belief that personal vision/style is something that is part of your soul. You're born with it. That may be stating the obvious...Sometimes it's deep within, waiting to be found, and sometimes it's almost right at the surface, easily accessible. Often just living life, growing, maturing, and experiencing love as well as pain will help one to discover one’s own true vision.

I feel it's a different journey for every person, depending on their life experience beginning as a young child. Sadly, some never truly explore themselves well enough, or perhaps have enough self-confidence, to find the answer.

In closing, I’d like to thank you for taking the time to read a little bit about me. I’m sincerely honored. I hope you all find the spark that lights up your creative soul.

Wishing you a warm and wonderful holiday season,

Dennice

You can find Dennice online:

Her Blog
Twitter

In addition to the FREE domestic and reduced international SHIPPING offer she is currently running in her shop, Dennice is offering coupon code "SEDIE10" giving the readers of this profile an additional 10% off anything in her shop! Hurry, the coupon code is only good from today until Friday, November 25th! A great opportunity to do some Holiday shopping!

√ Additionsstyle

√

Valerie Williams

I found a beautiful photo on Pinterest one day and I followed the link. It took me to Everyday Inspired where I found more beautiful photos and lots of color inspiration. I registered to get updates every day and it seemed I was pinning photos from this blog every day. I left comments and Valerie would comment back or visit my blog and comment. Finally, I decided I needed to share her with others and she agreed! It is my pleasure and honor to share with you Valerie Williams, of the blog Everyday Inspired and the Etsy shop Additionsstyle!

 Who are you, where are you from and what makes that place unique?
I am a Midwesterner. I grew up in Minnesota, lived in New York City (where I met and married my husband), and now we live in the Chicagoland area. I have been a sterling silver jewelry artist for over 15 years. I started the Additions collection of wearable hardware jewelry over 3 years ago, and I love working on my business everyday.

Layered Hardware Necklace

What was the first item you ever made for your shop?
One of the first pieces I listed was a layered hardware necklace. I still have it in my shop today, but I am going to retire it in mid February. It was the first piece I had featured on the front page of Etsy.
How long have you been independently selling your items?
I have been selling my jewelry at art shows, trunk shows, and private showings for about 15 years, and on Etsy for over 3 years.

If you were on a desert isle, and you could only have one book or cd with you (besides your creative tools) which book or cd would that be?
That is a really hard question for a book-a-holic. I guess I will go with one of the Lark Books 500 Earrings or 500 Necklaces. The inspiration in these books is endless; every time I look at one of them I see something new.

Where is the most interesting place you have traveled, what made it so interesting?
I have been lucky enough to travel to 48 of our 50 states and a big chunk of Canada. Again a tough question, because each state has something interesting to see. I love visiting the oceans and the mountains, but New York City is my favorite city and has an endless supply of inspiration.

If you knew you could not fail, what would you do?
Even thou failure is in the back of my mind; I still strive for success when starting a new project. Writing e-books is my next big challenge.

You can find Valerie online:
Shop
Blog – Everyday Inspired
Facebook
Twitter
Pinterest

For readers of this blog Valerie is offering 15% off your entire purchase with coupon code "YARN12"! Go by and say hello, tell her Sedie sent you!

√ Deshawn Marie

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

√ Antidotum

√

Last year I stumbled somehow upon the most gorgeous shop! As I browsed through there wasn't one thing in the shop that didn't make me green with envy. I decided I had to give this shop some exposure so I contacted Alina about Antidotum to see if she would like to have a profile done. As you can see her answer was yes! So, it is my honor to share with you this most beautiful of shops and the very sweet Alina.

About myself:
I am an architect, interior designer, graphic artist and most recently a designer and creator of silver jewelry. I create original and unique jewelry which is often considered controversial, but it’s my passion to experiment with form and material.

In my art projects I look for contrast, cussedness and a playful wink. These are very modern designs, far from classical canon. Maybe because of that, they are not for everyone; but for sure, for those who in surrounding goods are looking for hilarious ones, causing a smile. And to those who have a bit of courage and broad-mindedness for new and uncommon products and ideas.

About my favorite items:
Felt Bracelet - it combines softness and colorfulness of felt with austerity and requirements of silver clasp. Combination of these, so different in every aspect, materials are a big challenge, both in aesthetic and technological aspect, however, it was great fun and a huge satisfaction to find an attractive and effective solution.

Favorite book:
Only one? Well, that's a really hard choice…for sure ”Mathematics of Nina Gluckstein” is one of the books I appreciate the most, but, of course there are many, many more.

Food
Hm…. I don’t pay too much attention to food, but if I were supposed to choose something for dinner it probably would be an Italian dish.

If you knew you could not fail, what would you do?
As a matter of fact I’ve already made that decision. I’ve established a private school of design and manufacturing jewelry, though I wasn’t sure about it’s future. The school has been successfully developed and from the very first moment up till now has been bringing me great satisfaction, as well as to to the teachers and students.

Alina is offering 10% off on any purchase using promotional code: PROMOBLOG712

You will also find her online:
Website
Website
Website
Facebook

√ New Hope Beading

√

Delicate and sweet, that is how I can describe the items in the New Hope Beading shop that belongs to Caroline at Etsy. Just as most shops on Etsy, I'm not sure how I found her, but something caught my eye and I "hearted" one of her items. That led to her being a featured artist for the day and now, it is my pleasure to introduce you to New Hope Beading and Caroline.

Who are you, where are you from and what makes that place unique?
Hi I am Caroline. I grew up just outside of NYC which I loved. I now live in Hunterdon County NJ which I also love. Hunterdon County is like stepping back in time or like stepping into a Norman Rockwell painting… all cute Main Street and rolling hills. And yet we can be in Manhattan in about an hour. It’s the best of both worlds

How long have you been independently selling your items?
I opened my Etsy shop officially on February 21, 2009 shortly after my daughter’s diagnosis with epilepsy. You can read more about how New Hope Beading got started and got its name here in my shop profile.

If you were on a desert isle, and you could only have one book or cd with you (besides your creative tools) which book or cd would that be? Oh you’re killin’ me! I am a book junkie… just one? Really? Well I guess if I am stranded on an island then we might as well go with Lord of the Flies OR we could go with Life of Pi. I think either book would be appropriate LOL

Where is the most interesting place you have traveled, what made it so interesting?
I went with my sister to Morocco when she was just out of college and I was still in high school. That was a trip (no pun intended). It really was another world… beautiful and exotic. On another trip we visited Crete and Athens where my brother-in-law grew up. It was just as beautiful as you’d imagine!

If you knew you could not fail, what would you do?
Sing! But you’ve never heard me sing (trust me it isn’t pretty tee hee)

You can find Caroline online:
Etsy shop
Facebook
Twitter
Pinterest