Party, county show, photography challenge and general update!

So I had a BBQ / Garden party thingy for my 21st birthday yesterday, which is why you haven't had an update for a few days (really busy organising etc.), my birthday isn't actually until Tuesday but in order to have friends from Cambridge and people with young children in attendance it seemed better to hold it at the weekend. All in all not a bad little event and everybody seemed to enjoy it. No photographs I'm afraid partly because I'm rubbish and partly because I was quite busy and didn't have a lot of time to take them. A friend stayed over and we had a polymer clay making session (or two) so there are some new dragons to show you once I've photographed them!

I spent Thursday at the Royal Norfolk Show, which is basically a HUGE agricultural show with lots of things for all the family to do as well as livestock judging, working dog displays and equestrian stuff. I was supposed to be working with the RSPCA in the doggy creche but I found the whole thing rather frustrating (the other volunteers were very enthusiastic but had little practical ability) and got far more out of the general networking I did. Through the show I should now have a dairy placement to add to the work experience list for vet school applications, a placement at a veterinary hospital in Norfolk and I made nice with the Seal and Raptor Trust people who also take in abandoned reptiles so I may do something with them at some point.

PHOTOGRAPHY CHALLEGE 'Hidden'

Please follow the link for more details of how to enter but basically take a photograph that you think fits the theme Hidden and post a link to it. If you can't post a link for any reason leave a message and I'll give you my email address to send it to.

That's it for now but photographs of clay thingies and an Artist Feature coming up tomorrow!

'On the Other Hand' the results

And the winner is:by Amie McCracken of Iamalive on Etsy. Congratulations. I will be in touch shortly to arrange your prize.

Other entries with their artists as I didn't give you this information before:

By SouthernGirl of SouthernGirlFlorals on Etsy

by Dongedy of Dongedyframe on Etsy. This is my personal favourite of the entries if I'm aloud to say that.

by Jen of SedonaShots on Etsy

Well done and thank you to everybody who entered.

Please remember to get your entries in for the next photography challenge on the theme 'Hidden', we only have one entry so far so please post something even if you're not a photographer, you must have something to share. Can we please try to keep all the entries as replies to THAT post as it gets a bit confusing for me if they are all over the place.

Undiscovered Artist - The Little Fox

Today is far too hot, I'm beginning to have concerns about keeping the cresties cool enough if it gets any hotter. The heat always makes me very tired, especially as it tends to stop me sleeping - give me a nice snowy day any time! Not much going on on the art front at the moment as I'm planning a party for my 21st birthday on Saturday which I'm sure is more stress than it's worth!

Remember to get your votes in for the photographic challenge. Also we only have one entry so far for the next challenge 'Hidden' so be sure to get your entries in too!

Please, please could you all go over to Pets Jubilee Furbabies and vote for little Ghost in their monthly contest (scroll down, he is 14) as he is seriously unloved at the moment and nobody wants a sad gecko on their hands, he promises to love you forever with his cold little heart if you do!

We haven't had an undiscovered artist for a while (mostly because I've been a bit rubbish and neglected the blog) so we have thelittlefox who paints beautiful, sometimes dark paintings and makes little dolls of her characters. She is very new to Etsy but I'm sure she will be very successful with such lovely items. She even added some fun new questions to her interview so make sure to give it a good read!

How long have you been an etsy seller?

I am still very new at this, as I listed my first item this May.

Where do you get your inspiration?

I grew up as an only child, and since both my parents worked pretty long hours, and very often brought work back home, I guess I became adept to using my imagination a lot and always fabricating quirky little scenarios in my head. I started painting very early during my childhood, and I especially loved (and still do) Andersen's tales and Carroll's Alice books.

I enjoy painting girls of unspecified age, that look girly and serious at the same time. I was always fascinated with what may be hiding behind a phenomenally simple expression, what story might that person tell if he/she was given the chance...I like making up quirky scenarios about their life, but in the end it's always them that make me go one way or another.

My influences consist mostly of graphic novel artists, such as Michael Zulli, Simon Bisley, and John Bolton in particular.Neil Gaiman's The Sandman Series, (actually anything by the man is inspiring), Blythe dolls, Tim Burton's movies, Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, The Cure, Lewis Carroll's and Andersen's book, the Grimm Brothers. Anything sweet and enigmatic at the same time. But really, if an image swims around my head for days, the inspiration for it could be anything...sometimes it's a dream I just had and that's why I always keep a sketchbook by my bed!"

How much time do you put into your shop on average weekly?

I try to paint everyday, and sew a doll a week ( If I can squeeze it in! )...

What's your favorite item you're selling at the moment?

Oh, that is a tough one... I love this one, which was my first commision on Etsy,

and this is my dream home...

Tell us about your most enjoyable experience with a customer.

A couple of days ago, a lovely (and very cool) 13-to-be year old girl commisioned me to do a painting for her birthday. The theme evolved around the Cinderella story, but she wanted it done in a slightly punk way. She was very open to ideas and suggestions, and allowed me plenty of freedom as an artist, which I find most important. And best of all, she loved the outcome!!

Tell us about three other etsy shops you love and why.

Simbiosis by Julia - I adore her pouches!

LillaLotta - perhaps the most beautiful ribbons I have laid my eyes upon

We've Got Paper - cuteness ahoy!

Pets? Family? Tell us about them.

I live with a lovely Siamese that is pictured in this painting, as well as my lovely boyfriend (or boy-hedgehog, as I call him), who doesn't whine when I stay up late because I 'just have to get this on canvas'...

If you could have lunch with and pick the brain of any artist living or dead, who would you choose and why?

ooh...Salvador Dali. I have always wanted to ask him if his lifetime seemed to him as lucid as his famous melting clocks...

What other interests do you have?

I work as an architect and interior designer.

Is there anything you think we should know?

-I have 3 degrees in Architecture, History of Art and Interior Design.

-My favourite thing to do as a child was to draw my own graphic novels ( which my mom still keeps somewhere...lol)

-I still own my very first plush toy. It was a gift from my dad the day I was born, and although it lost its nose and tongue many-a-years ago, I still can't find anything as adorable as him. I named him The Sad One when I was 3.

-My list of favourite (famous) people include Neil Gaiman, Tim Burton, Alan Rickman, and Robert Plant.

She also has a great blog: One Little Fox

Established Artist Cabootique

Okay so the really bad news first - I went to use my camera today and found the glass covering the LCD screen smashed. I've no idea how it happened; I'm extremely careful with my camera and it's been all over the world without incident. Luckily I've phoned the repair centre and they say it will take about 30mins and will cost £20.

So here's what I was planning to photograph before I found my camera damaged:

I made this sketchbook last night for a friend. It's not perfect by a long way but it isn't bad for a first attempt.

Thanks to everybody who has voted in the photography challenge so far. Please vote if you haven't done so already and enter a photograph into the next photography challenge 'Hidden'. Please remember that the idea is to enter a photograph that fits the theme or title 'Hidden' not necessarily a similar image to mine, it might be wildly different in fact!

We haven't had a featured artist yet this week so here we go: Established Artist Cabootique who makes great value jewellry.

How long have you been an etsy seller?

I joined Etsy in April 2008 and very slowly (and nervously) added items into my shop until I got more sure of myself as a crafter.

Where do you get your inspiration?

I get my inspiration from wandering around vintage/thrift/antique stores, mostly. I love to buy falling apart vintage jewelry and clean the beads and use them for earrings, necklaces, etc.

How much time do you put into your shop on average weekly?

I'm getting better at balancing my crazy days, and all of my nights (seven days a week!) are devoted to creating, updating, and editing my shop. When I get a random day off (of my day job) during the week I spend every second I have on my shop!

What's your favorite item you're selling at the moment?

Right now I'd have to say my Strawberry Ice Cream earrings because they're fun, girly, and perfect for summer.

Tell us about three other etsy shops you love and why.

I love The Beady Eye. It's where I go to for all my supply needs! They have awesome supplies ranging from beautiful mixes of gemstone beads to funky head pins and other findings. Another huge plus is that they offer flat-rate shipping to Canada & the US which is perfect for stocking up!

I've never been one to spend tons of money on clothes, but everything I like seems to be out of the price range I'd prefer spending. That is, until I found Drop Dead Designs Suzanne makes beautiful, unique clothes ranging from summery tank tops to cute hoodies and everything in between! She offers free shipping to the US & Canada and most tops are $29! What a steal.

The last shop I'm currently obsessed with is Pink Quartz Minerals. It has a wide variety of make up products, and the owner is one of the sweetest and most helpful sellers I've dealt with! Everything (including applicators and brushes) is 100% vegan and Doree, the owner, is so helpful and will work with you to make sure you're getting the exact color and item that you're looking for!

What other interests do you have?

I love to paint, sew, bake, cook. I've gotten really into New Age stuff and crystal healing lately which I find fascinating!

Let the voting begin!

I've been away visiting friends for a couple of days so sorry for not sorting out the photography challenge sooner. Okay so here we go with the photography challenge entries. I've left out the entrants' details in the interests of fairness. I also really have issues with fancy titles for photographs so any titles have been replaced by a number (sorry guys) to even the playing field.

The rules for voting are as follows:

Please vote once for your favourite image (entrants please don't vote for your image).

You are welcome (indeed encouraged) to advertise the voting on your blog.

Voting will close on the 1st of July.

The winner will receive a feature and something nice and handmade that I haven't decided what it is yet.

1.2.
3.
4.

I will launch a new photography challenge tomorrow so you can all start thinking about something to enter.

Life update & Artist Feature 'Shiplett'

Sorry I've been away for a few days; I've got some nasty stuff going on that's taking its toll on me a bit at the moment.

I've been at a lace fair today with my mother.  It has made me a bit more confident about my lacemaking abilities (despite having made lace since before I went to school, I've never done enough of it to get good) and inspired me to paint some bobbins so I've bought some plain wooden ones to decorate.  I also found an excellent bead supplier and have added to my shiny things collection.

Let's have an Artist Feature today as tomorrow is the last day for getting in entries for the 'On the Other Hand' photography competition.  Please get your entries in by midnight tomorrow.  Gone on enter, even if you're not a photographer, I'm sure all you creative people can come up with something!

Today we have Lara of Shiplett on Etsy. She makes all sorts of beautiful jewellry with something to suit every person and every budget.  She's been kind enough to share with us a little about her life and her art.  Please got to her Etsy shop and show her some love.  I'm sure you'll find a lot there to tempt you!

How long have you been an etsy seller?

 I joined etsy last summer, but have been selling since November. 

How do you get your inspiration?

I get inspired with materials. I enjoy going to bead and gem shows and finding new materials. Some materials I use right away. Other materials I may have for a year before I figure out how I want to use it. I create many one of a kind pieces. I am trying to keep track of what I buy in case I want to duplicate a piece I have made. 

How long do you spend working on your shop in the average week? 

I would estimate that I spend 7-10 hours a week. I am busy mom to three young children so I do not put in as much time as I would like to. My first priority and job right now is to be there for my kids. I can get wrapped up creating jewelry or getting online checking out things on etsy. I try to put my priorities in order and realize that my children are most important. 

Weekly, I do spend time on the computer checking my shop, updating, and communicating with customers. I am a member of a local team Cleveland Handmade so I try to keep up to date with what is happening in the group. The team is a great resource and they share wonderful information. Check out the other wonderful artists on www.clevelandhandmade.com/ or type clevelandhandmade when searching on etsy

What are your top three etsy shops that you can’t go a day without stalking? 

I find that most of the shops I heart or look at on a regular basis are shops similar to mine. I am drawn to jewelry I guess. And it doesn’t hurt to size up the competition. I like to compare my prices and styles and see if they are relevant. 

I love the photography of Gary Heller. He was so kind when I first joined etsy. He gave me photography tips and helped touch up my photographs for free. The most shocking part is I don’t even know Gary! I have never met him. He saw my work and liked it and thought he could offer advice.http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=6083529

When I first joined etsy I found a fellow teacher who lives in N. Ireland and we chatted online in the wee hours of morning. I always would check her shop and see how her sales were going. Since her and I joined around the same time. One night I decided to buy some earrings for my sisters and I from her since she was offering free worldwide shipping. Beautiful work. http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5528047

I also love the jewelry of simple elements. I always love to check and see what new things she has in her shop. http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5793509


Pets? Family? Tell us about those? 

I am happily married to Mike for 8 years now. We are the proud parents of twins Elisabeth and Samuel 5 1/2 and one year old Sarah. Since the new baby I am quite busier and have less time for creating jewelry. We have 3 cats (2 girls and a boy- just like our kids) and a fish. 

Tell us about a typical day in the life of  Lara.

I started to write this but with 3 kids I am not sure this would be all that exciting. I find snippets of time to get online, create jewelry, photograph it and list items. It varies from day to day and week to week how much time I spend on my business. The bulk of my business is customer orders. The beauty of this business is I can work it around my schedule. I get most of my work and creating done when the kids/baby are sleeping or at preschool. 

What your favourite item in your shop at the moment?
I have many favorite pieces so it is difficult to choose. I love interesting necklaces with beautiful materials like the Remembering Autumn necklace. The copper colors of pearls are gorgeous and I especially like the double strand with the scattered pearls. The copper medallion is a great focal piece for the necklace. The Funky Chic Hematite Flower necklace gets a lot of attention. I also make a bracelet in the same design. It really makes a statement with the chunky beads and the beautiful sterling silver flower clasp. The Winter Dream necklace looks great with everything. The captivating handblown lamp work bead is eye-catching. It is paired with the peacock colored top drilled pearls attached to a sterling chain. This style has been popular mixing pearls, sterling, and hand blown lamp work beads. 

Remembering Autumn Necklace
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=19879829

Favorite pieces Funky Chic Hematite Necklace
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=23940919

Winter Dreams Necklace
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=16206889


What has been really popular for me is my custom designed jewelry. Most popular are the little girl’s bracelets that spell out the child’s name. The design that is selling well right now is the one that my daughter Lizzy helped me design so it is named after her. The Lizzy design incorporates white freshwater pearls with the birthstone for the child in Swarovski crystal. The child’s name is spelled out with sterling silver cube letters. 

Little Girl Name bracelet
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=24099259

Also, another favorite are the “mommy” bracelets. These are custom made for the mother with the child’s name and birthstones on each strand. There are a variety of designs to choose from. I use sterling silver, Swarovski crystals, 14K GF, Swarovski pearls and Bali sterling. 

Double Strand Mommy Bracelet
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=16648783


The hammered sterling silver oval links with Swarovski crystals dangling from them look stunning on. These earrings can be custom made with any color of crystal you choose. Great gift for friends or sisters to custom make and combine your birthstones together. Or select the colors you like to go with your favorite outfit. 

Swarovski crystal earrings/sterling oval
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=23940919

Undiscovered Artist - PeggyGsJewelry

Sadly today has not been great, I think it is well summed up by standing on a nail and grabbing a handful of stinging nettles whilst trying to clear part of the garden - now just imagine a whole day along those lines. . . 

Shall we have a more cheerful artist feature?  Introducing Undiscovered Artist Peggy of PeggyGsJewelry on Etsy.  Her work is some of my favourite out of all of Etsy.  It is not a million miles away from my style I suppose so she is something of a kindred spirit.

How long have you been an etsy seller?
I have been an Etsy seller since November of 2008.

How do you get your inspiration?
Many things inspire me. Books, pictures, art, and my husband is a great inspiration. He will see something he likes and ask me what I think and what I can do with it and my mind floods with ideas. I check out different shops and try to find new techniques and ideas. That is what inspired me to learn about steampunk. Found some great tutorials from a shop called Eugena777 and some great wire wrap tutorials.

How long do you spend working on your shop in the average week?
Like most people I start my day going into my shop and end my day at my shop but I put a lot of hours into working on things that I think will be good to put in my shop so it varies. But like most people I probably spen too much time.

What your favourite item in your shop at the moment?
Right now my favorite is my blue steampunk and filigree heart pendant. I know steampunk is quite popular right now but in my area people have not heard of it yet. I found that even though it is new in our area people are fascinated by it and I love working with it and experimenting with new ways to incorporate it into my work.

Pets? Family? Tell us about those?
The "kids" we (my husband and I) have are wonderful. Sara is our oldest dog and our great protector. She is 12 years old and still thinks she is a puppy. Scottie is a shelter rescue dog and has become my shadow. I don't understand how someone could have given him up. He is about 7 years old and we've had him for almost 2 years now. And then there's fudge, our cat. He is the old man at 16 years old and he thinks he is a kitten. Runs around the house and chases the dogs. He also keeps the dogs in line when he thinks they are getting out of hand. That is my husbands and my family now that the last of our boys is grown and gone into the army. They keep us busy.

Tell us about a typical day in the life of Peggy.
Right now I am one of the many unemployment statistics so I have a lot of time to work on my jewelry. I get up, check out my shop, thinking about how to improve my work or improve my shop. Check out different shops and then get into my work for a while. At some time during the day I find time to do the "normal" things like cook, shop and take care of my family. When that is done I go back to my work room and do some more and then end my day on my computer checking things out again, listing new work or figuring out what I want to do next.

What else interests you? 
My other interests are painting, quilting, computers, home improvement projects, and of course, my family, even though our boys are all grown and live all over the country and have families of their own. 

Is there anything else we should know?
Just want to let people know not to give up on what they really want. Obstacles can be overcome and achieved with persistance and willingness to learn and to try new things. Don't ever be afraid to try something new.

Photography Challenge Update

We have some great entries so far but the more the merrier so if you have a photograph (or what to take one) that fits the theme 'On the Other Hand' please take a look at last Sunday's post on how to enter.