Surprise of the Week!

I was pleasantly surprised yesterday to find that my Etsy shop was featured as shop of the week on the front page of Duke City Fix! DCF is a local news/community website here in Albuquerque, all about the Duke City (Albuquerque's nickname). The same website that had the group show this past Friday at VERB Collective. Spring Griffin is the blogger that wrote the feature, thanks Spring!!

Featured on another blog

George McKim was kind enough to feature me and my etsy shop on his blog! Thanks George! Now it's my turn to feature him. Stay tuned.......

Featured Etsy Shop: Colorado Art Studio

This week's featured shop is Colorado Art Studio. She is currently remodeling her shop, so you can see more of her work on her blog. I own a painting by Cynthia and love her work! She is a lot like me in that she works in many different mediums. Her main focus however, is her ceramics.

What made you take the leap into being a full time artist?

Good question! I ask myself that everyday. The truth is that being an artist is hard work. To the outside world, people may think that an artist is living their dreams creating wonderful art work. However, I have found that marketing and business go hand in hand with being an artist. So back to your original question, I lept without thinking about what was involved in being a full time artist.

No, seriously, I worked for a major airline as a flight attendant for 17 years and after 9-11 I knew that I had to do something else. It wasn't that I was afraid to fly or anything like that, but, I realized that I had stayed at my job too long and the position had lost its luster. We used to call it the job with the golden handcuffs. The longer you spent there, the better your seniority and perks. It was hard to leave it all behind.

I decided to return to school after I finally returned to my home 6 long days after the events of that day. I had previously been a fine art major and continued in that vein since I was fairly close to graduating. Truly, I can't imagine doing anything else now because being an artist is very fulfilling. I believe everyone should do what makes them happy in life!

This is the painting I own!

What was the first thing you remember making/painting/crafting?

I used to draw all the time as a child. My mom still has the pictures that I drew for my dad while he was in Vietnam for a year when I was three years old. I must have been facsinated with spiders, because she has reams and reams of spider drawings that I drew for him that year.

As I got older, I also made my own paper dolls and little paper clothes for them. I could play for hours and hours, lost in my own imagination.



Are there other artists in your family?

That's funny you should ask. There is no one in my family who trained or went to school in the arts, but my mom is quite the creative herself. She makes all her own greeting cards and is very into "altered books" and other paper crafts.

I also found some drawings that my father did while he was in college. He was quite good. He must have taken a drawing class at one time...maybe a pre-requisite for graduation, I'm not entirely sure. He was studying theology; so needless to say he didn't do anything with art after that class though he did appreciate art.


Who influenced you the most as an artist?

There are so many people who I have known who have influenced me as an artist from fellow artists to professors, and even my friends. Who is/are your favorite artists?
I have so many favorite artists. I like 19th C art like Turner, Cassat, Van Gogh, Degas, Renoir to name a few. I also really dig feminist art from the '70s-some of it must have been so controversial when it came out. Now-a-days, I look at a lot of contemporary ceramic work, fiber art and craft. I can't name just one person, let alone 10.

My daughter just asked "what about me?" when she read this. I might have to agree with her here. I love her drawings--they're so free and uninhibited. Sometimes, I even incorporate some of her sketches into my own work.

Tell us something you would like people to know about you.

I wear a lot of hats, and being an artist is just one of them. I am a mother, wife, friend, daughter, sister, artist, volunteer and a host of other titles. I try to find balance in everything and am finding that I am really hitting my stride now that I'm in my 40's!

Featured Etsy Shop: Block Party Press

Today's featured shop is Blockpartypress, great pendants, etc!

You say in your profile that you are self taught, how did you get into making clay pendants?

I found polymer clay about 12 years ago while I was in college. I made a bunch of jewelry and figures, but never really did anything with it. When I became a stay at home mom about 4 years ago, I began to create with polymer clay again. It seemed since my brain was freed up from work things, it began to overflow with creative ideas. I came across making pendants really because I wanted to wear something unique and I couldn't find just what I wanted. I had used stamps from the store, and I just wanted something different, so I made my own. I love the pendants because they are small wearable art and they don't take up too much room in my small townhouse.

What is the first thing you remember making?

I don't know the first thing I made (way too long ago), but I do remember making lots of drawings of houses, flowers and trees. I still haven't gotten sick of that subject matter.

What other jobs have you had?

I have 2 degrees in Social work, so I have worked as a hospital social worker, and an employee assistance social worker. In college I worked a lot of retail including a long stint at an Estee Lauder counter and at Victoria Secret. I have also been an office manager, and the last 5 years before I became a stay at home mom, I was a Human Resources Coordinator and Manager for 2 large corporations.

What inspires you?

It seems like everything inspires me. I love shapes and texture and contrast, so I have kind of trained my eye to see everyday things through those elements. I am very inspired by mother nature, leaves, plants, trees and flowers.

Tell us something about you that most people don't know.

I am secretly in love with the Outlander series of books by Diana Gabaldon. I am a pretty avid reader, and I rarely read things twice, but I have read each book at least 3 times (there are 6 books in the series and each book is well over 1000 pages). I guess the first step is admitting your addiction!

Thank you Tamara for participating in my featured shop interview! To all my artist cyber buddies out there, let me know if you would like me to feature you on my blog. All I ask is that you link, feature, blog or do something similar for me in return. AND you don't have to have an etsy shop, I can link to your website, ebay, blog, whatever you like.

Featured Etsy Shop: La Loma Studios

Today's featured shop is La Loma Studios. You can find her shop at http://LaLoma.etsy.com

When did you learn how to sew and who taught you?

I went into sewing reluctantly. My parents bought me a sewing machine for my 13th birthday because they wanted me to sew my own clothes. They even made me go to sewing classes. I was so mad because what Jr. High Schooler wants to make her own clothes? I didn't really make any clothes for myself until after I graduated from college and had to pay for everything myself. (Then I became my mother and thought that I could make everything cheaper than what was on the store racks). The funny thing is that I still have that machine nearly 30 years later. And I still use it (along with an industrial machine I bought a couple of years ago and a serger that's probably 20 years old).

What was the first thing you remember making?

I think I made an apron in a home economics class. Again, not because I wanted to, but because I had to.

Your profile page is blank, tell us a little about yourself?

I am a native Southern Californian (one of the few). I did go up to Oregon for college (which may explain why more than a few of the shops who have "heart"ed me are from that state).

Do you have a "day job"? If so, what is it?

If not, what other jobs have you had? I have several "day jobs." I take care of my family and extended family members as well as manage family property. I am also involved in my son's school and volunteer for a couple of local organizations.Before my son, I was a journalist then a publicist (working in fashion and entertainment). What I am doing now is more enjoyable and fulfilling.

Is there anything else you would like people to know about you?

I love fabrics! I live only about 15 minutes away from LA's garment district, which includes a lot of fabrics shops. It's hard to go down there and not buy fabric just because I like it. I keep telling myself, "just buy what you need." I also have a hard time throwing away scraps of fabric -- who knows, I may need it in the future (do you sense a bit of a disorder here?).The other thing to know about me is that I change my shop announcement everyday. I include my thoughts on what I read in the newspaper or what crazy thing my son did. I don't really know if people read my musings. I ask them to convo me with their thoughts, haven't had a response yet.

Featured Etsy Shop: Happy Bee

This week's featured seller is Happybee. She is an international Etsy seller, living in Italy. You can find her shop at www.Happybee.etsy.com


When did you first start sewing?
Well, I started sewing about 5 years ago!
I did cross stitch since I was a child but...I never tried to sew anything...
then...I know...this is much fun but...it's true: I loved to see on the television "Dr.Quinn Medicice Woman", do you remember it?
Wonderful scenery, lovely stories and...why not...Sully was really an awesome man!!!
So...I discoverd quilts watching this show!
I really fell in love for those pieces of art and so I started to search them on-line, reading book, magazine and...I would try to make them!
And...I started to sew!!!
I love make quilts and I love the wonderful world of the quilters, great persons, always sooo kind and ready to give you help!
And I love to read stories behind quilts!!!


What was the first thing you made?
well...the first thing I made was...a quilt!!!!
It wasn't wonderful because...I did it completely by myself and just following directions on a books but...believe me...at the end...I really loved it!!!!
Then, I took some classes and I improved my sewing and discovered wonderful patchworks techniques!!!

What other jobs have you had?
As sewing unfortunately isn't my job...I work as a part time secretary in the afternoon from Monday to Friday!
But...in the morning I'm at home and I can sew!!!!
I adore sew and create new things, I love make quilts but also I love make ma bags, purses, sewing accessories!!!
My job as secretary isn't much creative...you know...reply to telephone calls, do envoices...nothing of really exciting!
So...when I sew...I really can be creative and I love the way I feel while I'm sewing!!!
This make me really happy!!!

If you could learn a new art/craft, what would it be?
Mmm...surely painting!!!
I love painting, love vibrants colors and love the idea to "keep" something or someone on a toile forever!!!!
But...I'm really bad in drawing so... LOL...I'll continue to sew!!!LOL


Tell us something you would like people to know about you.
Well, about me...I'm an italian young woman and I'm married with my hubby since 1997 (so this year...will be 10 years!!!)
I'm happy about my life!
I love to read and travel!
I love USA, wonderful scenery there, very friendly people and lots of quilts!
If I could choose...I would love to live 6 months there and 6 months here in Italy but...this is only a dream!
I love good food and here...we have wonderful food and...sometimes (yes...sometimes) I love to cook too!

As regards sewing, as I told you before, I love sewing and I love make things for me and for people!
I like the way you feel when you have an item that is handmade, you know it it's unique and this make you happy and so special!
I put in my items all the love and the experience I have and always do my best!
I love when people contact me for custom orders because, in this way, I can personalize the item as they would like!

Featured Etsy Shop: Jewelry by Tara

Today's featured shop is Jewelry by Tara

What made you start crafting/designing jewelry, and what was the first thing you remember making?

I have always been crafty, even as a child. The first thing I remember ever really designing from scratch was during 4th grade. Friendship pins were a big thing back then (giving away my age) anyway, I pulled apart safety pins with pliers and put beads on them. My relatives still have a lot of them today! I've dabbled in all types of crafts, crochet, knitting, floral arrangement, you name it, I've tried it. I've been designing jewelry for 7 years now. I just closed my own personal website to come over to Etsy and I have to add that I really enjoy the environment and different types of artists there.

What other jobs have you had in the past?

As for other jobs, I'm still a petsitter and I used to work in my husband's brokerage firm as the administrative assistant to the C.E.O.

What inspires you?

I'm constantly inspired by the seasons changing and all the beautiful bright colors I see. All of my designs are one of a kind because I always have new ideas and want to create a totally unique image based on my moods.

Tell us a little about yourself.

I consider myself a very liberal, artsy kinda gal. I have 2 children, 6 pets, and a husband who probably wants to move to a quieter house! I'm obsessed with antiques and I have an appraisal certificate. I hate the summer, love the snow, pink is always in, Hello Kitty is my favorite icon of style, and I'm originally from New York City.

Is there a art/craft that you admire and hope to learn someday?

Lately I've really wanted to try sewing. I see all of these beautiful bags on etsy and I want them all! So I'm definitely thinking about getting a sewing machine soon.

Featured Etsy Shop: Lavajewelry

Recently, I have been featured on a couple of blogs by other Etsy sellers, so I decided to return the favor by featuring one of those sellers here in my blog. I would love to do this more, so if you are interested in doing a blog feature swap of sorts, let me know. My idea is that I will feature you on my blog if you feature me on your blog. I don't have tons of time so I plan on doing this maybe once a week.

My first featured shop is http://lavajewelry.etsy.com

You can see her feature about my shop on her blog at http://www.cheldodge.net/blog/?p=50

Describe what you sell.

Handcrafted Sterling silver jewelry featuring genuine gemstones, freshwater pearls, and Swarovski crystals. (And handpoured candles.)

Where is your work available for sale?

Local craft shows, my web site http://lava-jewelry.com/, and my Etsy shop http://lavajewelry.etsy.com/

What inspires you in your work?

My friends and family member provide the primary inspiration for my work. Most of my pieces are made with someone I care about in mind. Sometimes I'm just inspired by a color or by a color combination that really strikes me. Sometimes I see a gorgeous gemstone at a trade show, and I know within a split second of seeing it what it needs to be made into.

What other jobs have you worked?

I'm a geologist by training. Although I'm not currently employed as a geologist, I hope to get back into it when my health allows it. I plan to keep both geology and jewelry design in my life. In addition to working as a geologist, I've worked many different jobs, including research assistant, teaching assistant, telemarketer for the Republican National Committee, retail manager, nanny, seamstress, consultant, library technician, tutor, and I even unloaded trucks at Walmart on the nightshift for a time.

How did you name your shop?

I chose the name Lava Jewelry because of my background in geology. There's not much that I love more than molten rock. I went to college in Hawaii, where I'd spend every possible spare moment at the active lava fields on Kilauea, helping various people with their research or just exploring. I love the flow and curves of hot lava, and I think some of those same curves can be seen in my designs. I like the word "lava" itself too - it's two pretty syllables. And I do incorporate lava into my jewelry; I make designs using basalt, rhyolite, and obsidian.