Bananas for cheeky monkeys?

No! Just great and fun bags for elegant ladies :)

Just one girl and a very loved sewing machine -- that is all there is to Banana Showcase. I have been a crafter since I was a very little girl. I love to make things with my hands and now having people use the things I make is so exciting. I have sewn since I was a teen but recently discovered that purses are so fun to create. I also love visiting thrift stores so you will find that some of my bags are created from vintage fabrics or other vintage clothing items that have been repurposed to become purses

Banana Showcase welcomes custom orders!

Crafty Moose

Let's meet the designer.

I have been crafting for as long as I can remember. I am self-taught and have enjoyed painting, needlework, quilting, polymer clay and jewelry making. Most recently, I have found myself drawn to beads and have returned to the art of french beaded flowers. I enjoy making original, one-of-a-kind butterflies & dragonflies. I am also introducing a new line of one-of-a-kind beaded art dolls and suncatchers. Custom requests are welcome.

All my items are lovingly created in a smoke-free, pet-free environment.

The name Craftymoose came about because of my love of crafts and my husband's love of moose. My avatar is the head of a 4'+ tall moose I made him one Christmas!

From Eva handmade with love

Here is a little blurb about Eva , who showcases her happy little creations. All made in the cute little studio that her amazing boyfriend built for her.
Nostasgic of the past, her creations evoque things from a long gone past and vintage.

~* Jewelry *~
All items are glass, stone, crystal, pearl or metal beads unless otherwise stated. The metals I use are: .925 Sterling Silver, Silver plated, silver-tone basemetal, gold-toned basemetal and surgical steel.

~* Sewn Crafts *~
All items are hand/machine sewn using quality fabrics and materials.

~* Bath Products *~
All products are made by hand in small batches. Only the finest natural ingredients and essential oils are used. Flavored items such as lipbalms will occasionally contain popular scents and flavors not achievable by all-natural methods, and so I will use natural-derived, food grade, man-made ingredients. I will ALWAYS state in an items description wether these are used.

~* Photography and Art *~
All photography is taken with either my wonderful digital or SLR camera in and around my hometown of Hanson, surrounding cities of south shore Massachusetts and while vacationing.

In the Woods and Beyond

Bonjour to MaryAnn Anderson, artist extraordinaire.

- How did you get started ? I started BackwoodsCreations 2 years ago on a par ttime basis. I was painting and then one day made a cat. The lightbulb went on and just developed from there.

Are your creations seasonal? My fabric sculpted animals are year around creations. I also do fabric and mixed media collages as well as starting some fiber jewelry.

- How long have you been doing it? I have always been making something since I was a little girl. About 40 years experience in some form of sewing, painting and just generally putting stuff together that is either decorative or functional.
- Are you a professional or is this a hobby? This is now my fulltime occupation so it is my profession.
- What inspires you? I live in a very rural area in Maine. Outside of my window I can see a multitude of animals and plant life. When I see that the interconnectedness of nature and how we live and view ourselves and what is important to us is what is a big source of inspiration. There are so many layers of perception that can change on regular basis but those core values remain the same.
- How do you promote your business? Online I promote my business by blogging and flickr groups. I also participate in challenges like the 90 Features in 90 days that is happening on etsy. I am working on my own website to also sell off from. Though there are alot of tempting already established venues out there. I have almost finished a business plan that will help keep me focused and keep my business growing in the year 2008.

- Where are you showing/selling your work? I show and sell my work at a gallery in Skowhegan called Spiralworks. I have yet to move beyond that to other brick and morter stores. I will be pounding the pavement to change that after the holidays.

- What is your favorite product and why? Oh that is really difficult to say. Each has such a special meaning and place in my heart. They all are created individually so the personalities make each one special.

- Do you have any advice for fellow sellers ?
Really look at how much it costs to produce your items for time and materials and price appropriately. I think that alot of sellers, hobbyist or not, underprice their items.

- Will I get a discount or freebies?
I have put some kind of freebies in those boxes I ship to patrons who have bought several of my items all at once or someone who is a repeat customer.

- Any advice for looking fab?
Pictures! I am still working on my technique and do not take consistantly take a good picture. But pictures are so important. Nice tight shots of product at a different angles. I hate seeing a shot of an item surrounded by lots of space.

- Will it make my life easier and more stylish when using your products?
It may not make your life easier but definately more fulfilling and stylish. Plus some of my items I donate a percentage of the sales to charity of the month chosen by EFA (Etsy for Animals) so you would be helping a good cause.

- If you were an object, what would you be?
A tree so I could be with the birds, animals and the seasons.

- Anything else you'd like to add? Don't second guess yourself just do it. If it doesn't work try a different tactic to get the result you want. Don't put to much stock in what other people think or don't think of your stuff. Find your niche and go for it!

Darjeeling Darling. Lovely Books bound by hand

Let's meet Michael Gresh, owner of Darjeeling paper.
An exclusive interview by Kalicat

- How did you get started ? I started bookbinding years ago as a hobby of sorts, never planning on using it as a means of making a living. Then, I met my beautiful girlfriend Demeree (you can see her work at http://demigodstudio.etsy.com ) and everything changed. As she's quite the crafty gal, it got me thinking about how I could contribute to the vause. And BAM! Darjeeling paper, Ltd was born.

- Are your creations seasonal? My work is great for any season! I try to incorporate the time of year into my works whenever I can, but most of my books are more of the annual type. Or maybe they're everygreen. I can't remember.

- How long have you been doing it? I started Darjeeling paper in August of 2007 but have been making books for close to 5 years now. So, not very long. I'm a spring chicken to the business.

- Are you a professional or is this a hobby? I'd like to consider myself a professional, but this will alwats be a hobby for me. When you find yourself doign what you love, and loving what you do, it's hard to call it "work".

- What inspires you? The world around me, really. I try to incorporate my life and experiences into my works as much as possible. The tricky part is finding a way to combine all those elements without going too crazy. There's a fine line between "ecclectic" and "insane".

- How do you promote your business? ANY WAY I CAN! From blogs to advertising spots to craft shows, right down to passing out my business card to everyone I meet. I live for this stuff, and it shows.

- Where are you showing/selling your work? My work is currently available at the Craftsman House Gallery in St. Petersburg, FL. I also showcase my work on Etsy, Trunkt, and will soon be selling my wares on Mintd and DaWanda.

- What is your favorite product and why? My blank journals, hands down. So many possibilities are available with a blank journal. It's like an artist making his own blank canvas.

- What advice you wish someone had told you when you started? Don't stop pressing the book until it's dry!

- Do you have any advice for fellow sellers? BE PATIENT. Don't expect everyone to flock to your site in one day. You have to stick with it to win. And for God's Sake, ADVERTISE!

- Will I get a discount or freebies? If you buy one of my books, I'll throw in a paint chip card holder. I've got nearly every color in the spectrum, and they're a great way of toting your cards in a fun and handmade way!

- Any advice for looking fab? If you want to look good this year, get yourself some of the wonderful jewelry available on Etsy! There are many to choose from, but the best are the ones involved in the 90 Features in 90 Days thread. Check them out!

- Will it make my life easier and more stylish when using your products? Absolutely! Nothing's sexier than someone who carries around their own journal. Someone who you spot on the train or at the coffee shop jotting down lyrics or poems or some thought of the day that they just had.

- If you were an object, what would you be? I'd be that old t-shirt you just can never get rid of. The one you've had since high school that never goes out of style.

- Anything else you'd like to add? Nah, that's about it. Love, Peace and a Polar Fleece everyone!

Charmed by Kirsten

Kirsten, is a newcomer to the scene who is enjoying quite a success already.

- How did you get started ?
I started selling pocket stones a few years ago on my own website, but it didn't go over too well. Last February I went to a flea market with a friend and picked up some stone beads. I started putting them on cords and it was all downhill from there! I set up my Etsy store in March.

- Where are you from?
Northern California, born and bred.

- Are your creations limited editions or unique?
I never re-make something unless someone specifically requests it. So in theory, yes, they are all one of a kind pieces. If you're crushed that something sold and you really wanted it, I'll do my best to make it again for you!

- How long have you been doing it?
I learned how to macrame when I was 11 years old, but never did it beyond that learning process. I randomly recalled how to do it this May, and have been expanding the idea ever since. Earrings are just all random as well. A friend of mine showed me how to loop a headpin properly, and the rest is me guessing.

- Are you a professional artist or is this a hobby?
Can I be a professional hobbiest? Or an artistic lallygagger? I would like this to be a profession, but I am just starting out!

- What inspires you?
Colors, shapes, seasons, music. Ideas for what to make slam into my head and demand to become physical.

- What is your favorite piece and why?
I've tried answering this before, and I really don't know. If I make something that strikes my soul (or whatever, that sounds so dramatic!) I will keep it for myself!

- How do you promote your work?
Many many online communities. I also make things for my family and friends and give them a good deal as long as they promise to hand my card to anyone who even seems remotely interested!

- Where are you showing your work?
Just online currently. I recently featured my work at a jewelry party and it was quite a success!

- What is your favorite material?
Kyanite. I am madly madly in love with kyanite! There is something about that stone that just resonates with me.

- What advice you wish someone had told you when you started?
Don't put everything up on your website at once! Practice your technique before offering it for sale. You WILL get better, and your old stuff WILL be very embarrassing!

- Do you have any advice for fellow artists?
Don't put all your eggs in one basket. Etsy is easy to list on, yes, but your items will always look more impressive in person!

- Anything else you'd like to add?
I think you covered it well! :D

- Her site : http://www.earthcharms.etsy.com
- Her blog : http://www.earth-charms.blogspot.com

Can a Cat ever be Lazy?

Well, there are so many talented Purring Cats around. Me, CATherine, kaliCAT, and now even a lazyCAT, or shall I say several Lazy Cats?
Lazycat is the name of a little business run by Allison, Stasia, & Kelly

- How did you get started?
We love to crochet! We made so many gifts for friends and family, we decide to try to sell them somewhere, and Etsy seemed like a great place!

- Where are you from?
We are all from the Great Lakes area, and met in Ann Arbor, MI. Kelly lives in Philadelphia now, but is moving back to A2 very soon!

- Are your creations limited editions or unique?
There is the occasional limited edition jewelry piece--if one item is really beloved by a customer, we will try to make something similar. However, most items are unique.

- How long have you been doing it?
We joined Etsy in 1/07--we had done 1 craft show before then, so about 1 year.

- Are you a professional artist or is this a hobby?
We really want to make this a viable side-business, but we all have full-time jobs (doctors and researchers) so we give it as much time as we can. It helps to have 3 people!

- What is your favorite piece and why?
Pasadena Necklace and Earrings Set

It was a very technically challenging piece, and we are so happy with how well it came out!

- How do you promote your work?
On Etsy (treasuries and forums), on our blog, via friends and family, and through our consignment contract with a store in town. We are hoping to expand our consignment/wholesale projects.

- Where are you showing your work?
Etsy, Suwanee Springs (Ann Arbor, MI)

- What is your favorite material?
Carnelian

- What advice you wish someone had told you when you started?
This is hard, but believe in yourself and your designs!

- If you were an object, what would that be?
Does a cat count? :)

lazycat gifts

Sincerly Yours

Vanessa Kimball is the creative graphic designer behind lovely digital works.

- How did you get started ?
• I one day realized that this would be a wonderful outlet for my talent. I love the art community.

- Where are you from?
• Minnesota

- Are your creations limited editions or unique?
• Right now my creations are limited editions. I just started designing for my etsy shop, and since it was around the holiday season, I only have holiday stationery. I do also create etsy banners for anyone that is interested.

- How long have you been doing it?
• I've started designing for etsy in October, however I've been doing graphic design work for about 3 years, and I've been an artist my whole life.

- What inspires you?
• Other designers inspire me. Design tv shows or magazines inspire me. Trends inspire me as well as vintage. Some times a day of shopping can inspire me, when you see what's going on in the graphic world. As a graphic designer I can never look at items that surround me as they are, I have to analyse them and look at them in a graphic manner. I can't even open a menu at a restaurant without critiquing it or getting graphic design ideas from it.

- Are you a professional artist or is this a hobby?
• I'm a professional Graphic Designer

- What is your favorite piece and why?
• My favorite piece in my store is my reindeer card. I really like how it's put together and how the envelope compliments it so well. I also love the patterned paper that I found to complete the piece.

- How do you promote your work?
• The best way I can promote my work is by networking the best I can.

- What is your favorite material?
• My favorite material to work with is my mac computer. :)

- What advice you wish someone had told you when you started?
• I'm not sure what advice I wish I knew when I got started. Everything is a learning experience, and I'm ok with trial and error.

- Do you have any advice for fellow artists?
• My advice to fellow artists is work together the best you can to promote each other. Collaboration is powerful.

http://vanessakimball.etsy.com/
http://vanessakimball.blogspot.com/

Sweet Irie

Meet the brain behind Sweetirie, located in Pineland. What is the meaning of your shop's name?
Established in 2005, the Sweet Irie name came about from the newest addition to my family; my kitten, Irie.
Her name means, supreme joy; quite fitting! She is the light of my life and the inspiration for my jewelry, as she likes to help me work! Although I have to admit, she isn't much help! She loved to play with the jewelry and balls of hemp I once used; stringing it all over the house. Needless to say, she now has her own stash of 'toys' lying around.

What do you enjoy creating?
I have moved on from making hemp jewelry and create the beautiful handmade beaded designs you will see throughout this store. I do hope you enjoy!

The designer also loves custom work:
"I cater to your individual needs and will custom design any project right down to the color, size, and style of your beads. Your satisfaction is my #1 priority!! If you're not happy, I'm not happy!!" the shop http://sweetirie.etsy.com
http://www.sweetirieoriginals.blogspot.com
http://www.myspace.com/shellmonster

In the Bag

In the bags, there are also some jewels...

Owner of Bagitup4me talks about their creations.

Brought up in the vivid sights and sounds of Manhattan's art community,I have always been mesmerized by small pieces of everyday life which most people don't realize have the potential for becoming wearable art.

My creations incorporate elements from bygone eras into original designs. Using my collection of vintage buttons, rich fabric and other findings from various parts of the world, I try to explore the use of shapes and colors to capture an era or evoke an emotion.

There has been a gradual and natural evolution in my work, from hand-painted leather belts to three dimensional mosaics to tapestry bags. When designing tapestry bags, I enjoy working with shapes: simple rectangular shapes rich in color and texture and adorned with vintaged pieces.

The colors I select: mustard, black, red, orange and olive green, among others, are reminiscent of the 1920's and 1930's. From serious to whimsical my creations are correct for every occasion: season after season and can be worn morning, noon or night.