Tuesday, April 28, 2009

Etsy Seller Spotlight... Elizaclare

"Handbags are like chocolates, one is never enough." And when it comes to the handbags designed by Elizaclare, I couldn't agree more. I came across this shop on one of my browsing sessions last week and just had to learn more about it. Elizaclare is a mother, Sally, and daughters, Samantha and Emma, team of textile artists from Australia. Samantha was kind enough to share some information about their process and experience.



What made you decide to work together?
"We are all creative and like similar things. Plus we work well together and have always bounced ideas off each other - so it was a natural thing to start to work together : ) Very organic."



Tell me about your backgrounds in art.
"Mum (Sally) has worked as a textiles teacher and textile artist for the last 35 years! Emma and I inherited good genes and have always been 'arty' and 'crafty'. "



What do each of you contribute to the team and shop?
"We each contribute different things. Mum has extensive knowledge in materials and construction and techniques and is always the one to help us work out the 'how to' of our designs. I design a large part of our work and cover the web and business side of things as well as putting our pieces together. Emma designs and constructs and is great with tiny details : )"



Do you sell your items anywhere besides Etsy?
"We sell our bags w/sale to retail shops and have been involved with Australian Fashion Weeks. We also sell online at www.elizaclare.com as well as at Etsy and we sell (retail) locally through some posh markets and through word of mouth."



What inspires you?
"I have to say the three of us have great imaginations and are generally inspired by everything! We take what is around us at any given time and design from there : )"



You can learn more about this dynamic trio from their blog...
feed://elizaclare.myshopify.com/blogs/handbag-obsession.atom

Thanks Samantha!

Monday, April 27, 2009

Treasury...Portable Flower Garden

I was away for the weekend visiting my daughter at school. And, when I came back I was greeted with a wonderful surprise. Thank you to Kristensquilts.

Thursday, April 23, 2009

Collage...I Ran Out of Soap Today


1. The Calendula Wilderness Bar by dennisanderson
2. Four Body Soaps of Your Choice by rainwaterbotanicals
3. Lavender Bay Soap by blacktreesoap
4. Moss-2 oz Mini Creme Fraiche by savor
5. Lime Margarita Salt Bar by magichands

Sunday, April 19, 2009

Treasury...Pouches-Not Just for Kangaroos

Here is a great CABTeam Treasury. If you can't find a pouch that you like from our team, you just don't need one. Thanks to Cyndesplace.

Saturday, April 18, 2009

New in my Shop...Clutches

Treasury...Pure Gold

I got a Treasury West last night. Hope you enjoy! I'm off to sew.

Friday, April 17, 2009

Collage...Balls, Beads, Bobbles


1. Four Ballie Hairpins by PenFelt
2. Felted Cat Toys by sevenyaks
3. Ten One-of-a-Kind Felt Beads by piril
4. Needle Felted Wool Doll Ball by asherjasper
5. Colorful Wooden va Felt Balls Necklace by StudioLuna
6. Moss Felt Lunar Pendant by AliBaliJewellery
7. Green Felt Ball Necklace by DernierCriDesigns
8. Treasure Hunt by HoiLam
9. Funky Purple, Pink, Fuchsia Felt Key/Bag Ring by GiftsandStars

Thursday, April 16, 2009

New in my Shop...Mama's Got a Brand New Bag

I am having so much fun with these clutches. I love the tiny pleats and how the thread shows up so well on the black. The denim offers some stability and the seersucker lining is, well, just fun. It reminds me of the little dresses my mother use to dress my sister and I in when we were little.



Wednesday, April 15, 2009

I LOVE the Mail

I can't wait to get home from work and check the mailbox when I've ordered something from Etsy. I've received such wonderful treasures from many different talented fellow Etsians. Well, today the mailman didn't disappoint. My new friend Sophie from Les Petites Choses graciously offered free shipping after I posted a feature about her work. So, of course, I had to take her up on it. I got a beautiful purple felt pouch with a fun green detail that I can't wait to show off at work tomorrow. And, I must say, she really knows how to wrap an order. Check it out...





Thanks Sophie!

Tuesday, April 14, 2009

Collage...Lovely Circles



1. Rose Terrace by efia
2. Felt and Fabric Round Brooch No. 5 by shagpile
3. Kandinsky, Green Brooch by red2white
4. Brooch-Tree Rings 2 by treacletoffee
5. Brooch by parkave
6. Set of 3 Brooch, Badge, Pin by careyyoung
7. Arctic Poppy Brooch by pulpdesigns
8. Kandinsky, Multicoloured Brooch by red2white

Monday, April 13, 2009

Etsy Seller Spotlight...The Whimsical Art World of Renie Britenbucher

Renie Britenbucher has one of the most fun and joyful Etsy shops. Her paintings are colorful, light-hearted and whimsical folk art style and they just put a smile on my face. Renie was honored to be a winner in the annual Artists' Choice Awards on eBay. Here are some excerpts from my interview with Renie...


Tell us a little bit about yourself.

I'm a full-time artist from northeastern Ohio. I've been painting professionally for around 30 years. I've done all sorts of painting from murals to spontaneous spiritual paintings on commission, to portraits and lots of folk art. I developed the whimsical folk art style over the last 10 years.

What is your art background?
I am mostly self taught. I had 4 years of art in high school and then some classes over the years, in water color mostly. I attended University of Kentucky in the mid 70's.


How long have you been painting?
I've been painting and drawing all my life, but professionally, for around 33 years.

How would you describe your style of painting?
It's folk art, but whimsical or modern flavored folk art. I used to do more primitive style, but it's evolved a bit.

Do you work in any other media/do any other arts/crafts?
I love absolutely every form of creativity. I did mosaics, drawing, mixed media, clay sculpture, jewelry. I mostly do painting, but love it all.

What inspires you?
Life. And, the child inside me inspires me the most.


Do you sell your work anywhere besides Etsy?
Yes, I do commission work. I've been selling original paintings on eBay for the last 7-8 years. I've sold my work all over the world, which is a wonderful benefit of selling my work online.

What is your favorite piece?
My favorite pieces are what I call my "Tribute To Vince Guaraldi" series. I started these several years ago. They are winter scenes with kids ice skating, sled riding and various other fun stuff in the winter and snow. The reason I made them tribute pieces is because when I would paint them, I would always hear the song from the Charlie Brown Christmas called "Christmas Time Is Here". The music was written by Guaraldi as was a lot of other Peanuts music. I love the music and it really inspired the paintings. A really cool side note to this is that David Guaraldi, the son of Vince (who is now deceased) found me on eBay and purchased one of the tribute paintings. It was probably one of the most wonderful things ever, for me!

Saturday, April 11, 2009

Springtime Happy

I just took a walk around my house to view the new spring growth and I'm just giddy with joy over the beauty.
Viburnum


Plum Tree


Peony

Heliobore

Daffodil

Wednesday, April 8, 2009

Working Up a Storm



I'm getting ready for my first craft show on April 17. This weekend is kind of shot because we'll be traveling for the holiday weekend, so I'm off to my sewing room again. Fun, fun, fun! Flower buds are just springing up everywhere.

Monday, April 6, 2009

Etsy Seller Spotlight...Les Petites Choses


Occasionally I come across an Etsy shop that has soooo many items I'd like to own that I just can't stand it. Les Petites Choses (French for the little things) is one of those shops. These colorful felt creations are each one more delightful than the next. Here are some excerpts from my interview with the shop proprietor, Sophie Markus...



Tell us a little about yourself.
I live in France, near Paris, with my husband and 3 children. When all are gone, I go to my little corner to create “petites choses”, little things in bright colors! I am French and American, and had lived most of my adult life in beautiful San Diego til our move here last summer.

What is your art/craft background?
I like to play with colors, and have always done so, with watercolors, acrylic and oil paints and as a graphic artist, in the video games industry! I see color first, shapes and forms afterward.



How long have you been creating with felt?
I discovered handmade felt on a trip to NY 6 years ago, and with a friend of mine who’s a wonderful wet felt artist.

What is it that you like about working with felt?
The day I received the Nepalese handmade felt I have used since then, I was ecstatic with its texture and the richness of colors! It allows for endless creativity, because of its thickness, and is a durable material. Every batch is different from the previous one, in the intensity of color, and also in thickness, allowing for different uses, the thickest are great for purses and pouches ,the thinner ones for flowers or book covers…. My favorite is the super thick one, when the fibers are very dense, it then becomes incredibly luxurious, and still very earthy!



What inspires you to create?
I draw my inspiration from walks in the forest right out my door, and from gazing at the sky, from fairy tales, and all the things I loved as a child, like finding a pretty stone and keep it in a little pocket forever, or the thrill of having a little purse of my own! I also get inspired by the Hayao Miyazaki movies, with their love and reference for Nature, also by Klimt and Bonnard paintings , and the music I listen while working, which carries me …

What has your Etsy experience been?
I have sold on etsy for 2 years, and what I love the most is the international aspect, sending my creations all over the world, and hearing about the places they are traveling to…I have been blessed with really kind customers, and feel very honored when chosen for gifts!



Do you sell anywhere other than Etsy?
Other than Etsy, I also sometimes sell at local craft fairs, which are also a thrill, since you see people’s reaction to what you make in real time!

What is your favorite piece?
My favorite piece is the turquoise bird pouch in my avatar…it came on its own in my hands: sometimes it happens, it is the magic or the grace of making something, it flows without having to think, and comes without a struggle, just flowing between your fingers: priceless moments! I’m glad it went to a good home, to a felt artist in San Diego!

Thanks for sharing Sophie!

Sunday, April 5, 2009

Treasury...Amy Who?

Saturday, April 4, 2009

Saturday Projects

It's been a while since I've posted new items in my shop. So, just to show that I haven't been totally lazy, here are the many piles of things I need to finish today. But, it's absolutely gorgeous here in Lafayette and it's gonna be hard to focus.




Friday, April 3, 2009

Treasury...Better Together

Another Treasury. I must have done something good today. Thanks StudioCherie!

Treasury...Margaritaville

Big thanks to jemsbyjbandcompany for including my tote in the Margaritaville treasury. That's where I'm headin' tonight. Yum!

Thursday, April 2, 2009

Collage...Spring Nests

Nothing says Spring more than the promise of new life in a little birds nest.



1. A Bird in a Teacup by CafeBaudelaire
2. Nest, Fine Art Print by larelewis
3. Satin Nest by amberalexander
4. Home by IngridDijkers
5. Ring-Nest by madeinlowell
6. Sweet Hand-wired Bird Nest Blue Egg Pendant by retrocafeart
7. Nest by yaelfran
8. Birdie on Mossy Nest with Pearls and Avacado Wood by tizib

Wednesday, April 1, 2009

100th Etsy Sale Celebration

In anticipation of my 100th sale, I've decided to have a giveaway. Just go to the contest posting at the top of my blog and fill in the form to enter. Good Luck!

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