Little Wren Pottery by Victoria

Come and meet Victoria, owner of Little Wren Pottery

- How did you get started? - My Dad was originally a potter years and years ago. I myself was keen to learn and he recommended that I attend a night class since he wasn't keen on teaching me himself. I did learn a lot at the class but I got to a point where I was wanting to do my own thing, it was then we started working at home.
- Where are you from? - I currently live in Sunderland in the North East of England. Which isn't currently renowned for its crafts but at one time was home to over 20 potteries.

- Are your creations limited editions or unique? - Each piece I make is unique in one way or another. Its unlikely you'd get two hand thrown pieces the same. I've recently started work on a couple of pottery ranges which will hopefully be introduced for Christmas.

- When did you start your practice? - I started just over a year ago, which in the grand scheme of things isn't very long at all.

- Any favourite suppliers for your materials? - In our area there's only one place to buy supplies from and thats from Bill Todd in County Durham. I usually buy potclays or potterycrafts supplies, the quality of their products are quite high even though it can be a little expensive.

- Are you a professional artist or is this a hobby? - A little bit of both, even though its something I do part time I try to be professional about it. I'd hope one day that I might be able to earn at least enough money to pay the bills.

- what is your brand about? - I tend to focus on the rustic nature of pottery, I prefer to use natural colours and imagery to bring the outdoors inside. I also like to focus on the balance between quality and affordability, I don't think people should pay over the odds for a handmade product.

- What inspires you? - I really like going to museums and looking at old ancient pottery, I often think these older forms are in some ways more attractive than our modern ones. I also get inspiration from nature, I spend a lot of time out in the garden when I'm not potting and sometimes animals make it onto mu pots.

- What is your favourite piece ? - Its tough to choose since its always changing but at the moment I really love this large ornate red bowl.

- How do you promote your work? - I spend time promoting myself on my blog, other peoples blogs, you can find me on Facebook and Twitter. Even though its questionable the impact Twitter has I do love it and people get to know me through it.

- Where are you showing your work? - This has been the first summer I've actually attended craft fairs. It was a huge learning curve for me, selling in person is a whole different challenge to selling online. In the run up to Christmas I'll be attending Guisborough craft fair on December 11th.

- If you look back in ten years time, what do you hope to have achieved? - I just hope to get better at throwing. Part of being in ceramics is looking at continual improvement in all areas of what you do, from shaping a lump of clay on the wheel to packing it up and shipping out the orders. My aim for the previous year was to make double the sales I had in the previous year and things seem to be going well on that front at the moment!

- What advice you wish someone had told you when you started? - That I'd actually spend proportionately more time doing administration tasks than actual making. Marketing and stocktaking take up a huge amount of time but these things just have to get done to keep the wheels turning.

- Do you have any advice for fellow artists and designers? - Its important just to keep going but look for improvement everywhere it can be made. Improvement of your skills, your materials, photos, packing orders, keeping stock of whats going on.

- Did you ever think when you were young that you would be where you are now? - No I didn't! When I was young I had other aspirations in life but I've always been a creative person and thats something which has featured continuously through my life.

- any special promos? - I quite often host giveaways on my blog usually roughly quarterly, my next one will be in January. I also occasionally have discount sales and sell pottery seconds.

- what would you like to be when you grow up? - I'd like to be a potter!

- favorite jeweller? - Lazy Giraffe http://www.lazygiraffe.etsy.com/

- favorite websites? - Mostly foodie ones! http://www.smittenkitchen.com, http://www.lottieanddoof.com, http://www.sprinklebakes.com

- Anything else you'd like to add? I'd love to get to know you on twitter you can add me at http://www.twitter.com/MoominMidge

To discover more about Victoria Baker, visit her site - http://www.littlewrenpottery.co.uk
It also features some wonderful recipes worth a try, and wonderful pictures.

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Child of Privilege

I discovered Heather's work while looking for a present for my newly born niece.

Great products, elegant, well fisnihed and a nice change from the usual pink for girls, with even some brocade items.

Here she talks about her work for us:

My name is Heather and I create practical accessories for posh tots.
My site's are: childofprivilege.etsy.com & childofprivilege.net
My blog is: childofprivilege.blogspot.com

I got started because I had my 3rd son and wanted unique and fashionable baby items that weren't covered in bears or trains or typical "baby" things. I made him a Shopping Cart Cover which led to me giving a few to people for baby shower gifts, they said I should sell them and before I knew it I had orders. I started selling word-of-mouth, then at Farmer's Markets, expanded my product line, and then on the web.

I was born in Hawaii and raised in Southern California where I currently reside.

For most of my items I only make a few of each pattern, some only one. It depends on how much of the fabric I can obtain.

I have had my business for 2 years.

I grew up in a very artistic home, my parents created and sold woodcrafts at fairs. My grandma recognized and encouraged my interest in art by buying me top quality supplies from the time I was really small. We had no TV and were encouraged to create and experiment with all types of artistic mediums. I took various art classes whilst growing up but no sewing classes. I'm a self-taught "seamstress" through much trial and error. :) I like to say that this is my favorite hobby and people actually pay me for it.

I am inspired by what I would like for my son and by color combos and styles that I'm attracted to.

Right now, my favorite item is probably my Peppermint Dreams Mary Janes, they just make me feel happy.

I promote by word-of-mouth, Etsy forums, Neatostuff, Twitter, my blog, and Facebook.

I sell my items on Etsy, my site, my blog, and in the summer at the Lake Arrowhead Market Night. I'm also going to launch a home parties venture in mid January.

I don't really have a favorite material but my Serger definetly makes my life easier!

When I started out, I wish someone would have told me that I needed to spend roughly the same amount of time promoting my business as I did creating the items.

There's a wealth of great info on Etsy, I would advise reading as much as you can and implementing the ideas that work for you. Twitter has been a wonderful resource for me, but I try to limit my business promotions so that it's not one constant advertisement all the time.

SPECIAL PROMO:
All of my Hide N Peek Nursing covers are on sale right now!

Some days I feel VERY OLD and grown up, other days I enjoy being a kid with my kids.

There are SO many incredible jewelers on Etsy, I'm always amazed at the beautiful work I see displayed and one of these days I'll poke around a bit more. One that comes to mind is PaperAffection.etsy.com she creates these amazing pieces from Origami.

Right now Etsy is my favorite website, there's such a wealth of tremendously talented people and their creations.

Again, thank you so much! Your jewelry is beautiful by the way

BIG is In

I just had a look at the new fashion shows.

Yummy!

Such talents out there and so tempting too.

I absolutely adored Chanel's backdrop and head dress.

I have been behaving very well and been avoiding trying these outfits, and bags, and shoes...

so far so good :)

I have created a brand new choker, with a sterling silver chain, hammered clasp and some amazing calcite nuggets, available in my etsy store.


x

Cat

Lovely Amethyst - February gemstone

Amethyst Gemstone meanings
Crystalline quartz in shades of purple, lilac or mauve is called amethyst, a stone traditionally worn to guard against drunkeness and to instill a sober mind. The word amethyst comes from the Greek meaning "without drunkenness" and amethyst is believed to protect one from poison.

It is used as a dream stone and to help insomnia. Put an amethyst under your pillow to bring about pleasant dreams, or rub it across your forehead to offer relief from a headache.

Ancient Egyptians used the amethyst guard against guilty and fearful feelings. It has been worn as protection from self-deception, as well as a protection against witchcraft. The amethyst has long been used to open the spiritual and psychic centers, making it one of the power stones. It is also used as a meditation aid when worn as a necklace.

The amethyst is known as the Bishop's Stone and is still worn by Catholic Bishops. The amethyst symbolizes piety, humility, sincerity and spiritual wisdom. It is thought the amethyst is the perfect stone to symbolize The Age of Aquarius.

Healing properties of Amethyst
Amethyst is a gemstone often worn by healers, as it has the power to focus energy. A healer will usually wear several pieces of jewelry with amethysts set in silver, especially an amethyst necklace. The person to be healed will have an Amethyst to hold while the healing is being done. The healer will place another piece of Amethyst on the area of the body in need of healing, the heart or lungs usually.
Amethyst is used for problems in the blood and in breathing problems. Amethyst crystal clusters are used to keep the air and life force in the home clean and positive.


Amethyst clusters, points or several tumbled Amethysts placed in a window that receives sun most of the day are very beneficial to use in healing and to heal negativity in the home. Place Amethyst clusters, points or several tumbled Amethysts in moonlight and everyone in the home will be feeling calmer. Using an Amethyst as a meditation focus will increase the positive spiritual feelings. Amethyst helps overcome fears and cravings. It also helps relieve headaches.

Breakfast in Style with Deb Babcock

While browsing etsy sellers, my eyes were attracted by the wonderful colors of Deb Babcock's pottery.
Her ceramics are not only full of life, they also have an amazing style.
If you like something, just get it as the creations are absolutely Unique. 

A little interview with the designer, just for you:

- How did you get started ?
I got started in pottery after I sold my marketing research business in Michigan and moved to Colorado to change directions. I started volunteering for the local arts council and they put me through a series of art classes in all media. I fell in love with pottery and started taking classes at the local college, then continuing my pottery education with summer workshops at such places as Anderson Ranch in Aspen.

- Where are you from?
I am originally from Saginaw, Michigan.

- Are your creations limited editions or unique?

My creations are one-of-a-kind pieces, all handmade. However, I often produce things in a series, so while each piece is unique, I may have several that are complementary to each other in the same style.

- How long have you been doing it?
I have been doing pottery since 2001.

- Are you a professional artist or is this a hobby?
I guess I'm a professional artist since I have a gallery/storefront as part of my studio and do sell my work. It's more of a nonprofit business at the moment *smiles*

- What inspires you?
I am inspired by lots of things, such as the beautiful mountains where I now live, books I read, everyday things, my garden.

My favorite piece is often the last one that I made. However, I do have a very soft spot for this piece because of the way the crystals formed on it in the kiln. Also, there are only two above ground lithia springs in the world, and one is in Steamboat Springs where I live. You need lithium in order to grow these crystals, so I use some of the water from that spring in my glaze.

- How do you promote your work?
I promote my work via postcard mailings, signage outside my shop, a little bit of activity in the forums, helping out on a few etsy teams making treasuries, etc., entering art shows and participating in an annual holiday sale with other potters in my community.

- What is your favorite material?
My favorite material is porcelain. I love the way it feels when I throw it on the wheel, the smoothness, the way it can be manipulated, and the way glazes are so bright on it.

- What advice you wish someone had told you when you started?
Advice when I started. Hmmmmm. I'm often not very good a listening and usually need to find my own way. BUT, I do have to say that the forums on Etsy have been invaluable in learning how to run your online shop in terms of getting noticed, saving time on shipping and listing, and general support.

- Do you have any advice for fellow artists?
My only advice for other artists is to treat people how you would want to be treated. I guess that boils down to communication. Acknowledge an order or an inquiry. Do what you say you're going to do, and if something comes up to prevent that, be sure to let your customer know there's a hangup. Thank them. And make your work as high-quality as you possibly can.

- any special promos?
Special promos? Right now, I'm running a special on all the jewelry and holiday items in my store...50% off the regular price.

- what would you like to be when you grow up ?
When I grow up? I don't plan on doing that.

- favorite jeweller ?
My favorite jeweler? I bought these earrings  a while back and just love them.  I also have a wonderful bracelet that I bought from beadgrrrl that I wear often. There are so many great jewelry artists in Etsy, it's hard to choose just one.

And, one of these days, I might have to get these ones from you!

- favorite websites ?
One website that I go to often is www.majaba.org for the etsy stats they offer. I also have been checking out twitter and a couple other selling websites such as HandmadeFuzion and 1000markets.

Visit Her site to see more...

Kimberley, multiple magician

What is Your name? Kimberly McKinney; shop name: Three of Wands
- her site, Her Myspace
- her blog:

- How did you get started ?
I've been creating my whole life. I've always been more in tune with my artistic self than my conventional self. I am a stay at home mom and I have tried different ways to bring in extra income. None of them were fullfilling. After finding Etsy, I knew that this was where I belonged. I love having this creative outlet.

- Where are you from?
I am originaly from Indiana. But mmy hubby is in the Army and we are currently stationed in Georgia.

- Are your creations limited editions or unique?
I buy materials and supplies that catch my eye. I also creat what I am feeling at the moment. So, most of my items are a one time thing. But I do have some that I have more than one of.

- How long have you been doing it?
I have only been selling on Etsy since late June of this year.

- Are you a professional artist or is this a hobby?
I am very proud of my accomplishments. As an 8th grader I got a scholarship to Herron School of Art and Design (Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis). So I attened full time high school and college art classes. I dived head first into all my art classes; photography, pottery, animation, painting, drawing, jewelry... You name it, I took it. But my life took a different path. I got married and had kids and never finished college. So this is a hard question to answer. I think that anyone who sells a form of art should be considered a professional.

- What inspires you?
I am a kid at heart. I like cute things, I like fun things. My life in general inspires me. I have great days and I have really bad days. My art reflects all of the things that I experience.

- What is your favorite piece (that you still have for sale) and why?
My favorite items would have to be a painting I did called 'The Difference.' I have been through some rough times in my life and I painted this to remind myself (and others) that no matter how bad life can get, you have the power to change it. One life, one breathe, on person, one word can make a difference to someone.

- How do you promote your work?
I sell a lot more in person than I do online. All of my friends and neighbors are always asking when I will have new jewelry for them to buy. I have a blog, I have a myspace, I tell my family and friends. On Etsy, I get involved in teams and always post in the forums. Get involved - the more you are out there, the more chance you have that people will check out your shop.

- Where are you showing your work?
I don't go to any art or craft shows if that is what you are asking. I rely on word of mouth and the time I spend making friends here on etsy.

- What is your favorite material?
Oh, this is a hard one. I love challenging myself, so I am always looking for new materials that I have not worked with yet. Right now I am excited about creating aceos.

- What advice you wish someone had told you when you started?
Be patient. Sometimes it takes a while to get those first sales.

- Do you have any advice for fellow artists?
Evolve - Don't feel like you have to keep making something just because that is what you started selling. As you grow and change as an artist, you need to incorporate that into new ideas.

- Anything else you'd like to add?
Have fun with it. Don't just focus on selling - Create!!! If you love what you are doing, it will show. Others can see that passion in you.

Than kyou very much Kimberley for your great and inpiring answers

Art Therapy? Excellent for broken hearts

It is a "good thing" that Abbi Carrico got her heart broken a few years ago, Look at the way she mended it! With creativity and Oh, it looks just so nice...

So, Abbi, tell me: How did you get started ? I went through a nasty breakup in 2004 and it became the best art therapy ever. I've been a plier wielding maniac ever since!

- Are your creations limited editions or unique? Both. Most of my pieces are one-of-a-kind. The only pieces I recreate are some of the more basic chainmaille chains and earrings. All my gemstone creations are originals.

- How long have you been doing it? Since Summer of 2004
- Are you a professional artist or is this a hobby? Sort of an obsession, really. I work full time during the week, but creating is my full time night/weekend job. If I don't do it, I get pretty cranky.

- Where are you from? Smack in the middle of the Blue Ridge Mountains of Southwest VA. The New River Valley, to be exact.

- How do you promote your work? I use just about every free/low cost website on Earth to promote, I work shows and festivals, I network with local shops and galleries and I give a card to anyone that shows remote interest in a piece I'm wearing: the movie store clerk, the receptionists at my doctor's offices, my mom's co-workers, MY co-workers. I also plaster my flyers and cards on any and all free bulletin boards in shops, grocery stores, etc. So, I guess you could say that I promote pretty shamelessly.

- Do you have any advice for fellow artists? Stand behind your work. People will take note of the pride you have in it and they'll appreciate that. Don't ever stop looking for your niche, either. We all have one waiting to be found.

- Anything else you'd like to add? I'm a sushi addict, I love animals (I have a total soft spot for tabby cats and big doggies), Halloween is my favorite holiday and Autumn's my favorite time of year, I come from crafty parents and I'm an only child

- For more, just visit Abbi's websites: http://www.lunachick.etsy.com/, http://www.lunachickdesigns.com/
Her blog

Truly Unique Pottery and Jewels

An interview with Joanna Jorgensen, creative mind of Jorgensenstudio

I started throwing pottery in high school. My high school had everything a Tv station, radio airtime, an early learning center for little kids that high schoolers got to teach in, and the most incredible pottery studio. I took two semesters, but then went on with life.
After I had my youngest daughter, I was a stay at home mom with three kids a desperately needed to get out for some "grown-up" time. I started taking weekly pottery classes through the local continuing education programs. I fell in love with clay again. I kept at it this time getting better and taking more classes, and meeting some really fantastic people.
I heard about silver clay through the clay world and was immediately intrigued. I started working with it, but I just wasn't able to do all that I wanted with it. I found metalsmithing and fabrication classes at a local art museum and then I was really hooked. I have recently started integrating pieces of my pottery into my jewelry and love exploring the two mediums.

I was born in Wisconsin, raised just north of Chicago (go Bears!) and have kept moving south until I landed here in Florida.

I have both limited editions and unique items. I enjoy both. It tests my skills more to be able to remake a piece once its finished. It makes me a better silversmith. The unique pieces become like children and I am always sad to see them go.

I have been working with clay for 10 years and metalsmithing for 3 years.

I consider myself a professional artist now, it was hard to make that transition in my own mind and call myself an artist. I wish that I didn't need to supplement the artist's income, but I still need too!

I am inspired by the forms in nature, but mostly I am inspired by the materials and the fun I have when I get to play with them.

The little Iris earrings in my shop I love, and wear a pair all the time. They are simple, classic, and elegant. I think that represents my personality the best.

I promote my work as many places as I can, on indiepublic, trunkt.com, myspace, and by purchasing advertising on the web and in print when I am able. I try to be an active member of the Etsy community. I join artist groups that network. I submit my work for exhibitions and send press releases to my local papers. I also hand out moo cards to anyone I can, and get my friends to do them same!

I can't say I have a favorite technique. I do like to play with fire, so for the pottery side Raku is a definite favorite and soldering for the jewelry side.

I wish someone had told me to believe in myself. That is the most important thing. I value myself, my time, and my art. It took a while to get to that point.
Oh, and also to keep learning, taking classes and workshops and learning new skills. It is very important to keep growing. My last class was a gem cutting class and I found that it was like meditating it was so mind clearing.

I find it very important to me to promote not only my work but the handcrafted work of others. Not only does it help your local economy, but it keeps the trade deficit down!
I feel it is very important to support art and craft in a society, it makes us all better. I rally my representatives locally to keep art in the schools. Art teaches math, history, critical thinking, and problem solving. It brings us together in a personal way as a buyer and seller that a mass produced item cannot.

To know more about Joanna, visit her blog

Things you can do with glass...

Look at that! I could not resist giving a push to Marcy Lamberson, designer at StudioMarcy, as Halloween is just around the corner. I love this ghost.

You can get your own from this shop, but hurry, due to the handmade process, no 2 are alike.
You will be able to finds Beads of course, but also insects, animals, little figurines...
Every one of them is a new temptation.

alilsumptinsumptin by Eva

Eva's inspiration is Whimsical and appeal to the little girl inside.

Most of her creations reflect this aesthetic and frequently incorporate two things she lovea and enjoys: flower gardens & dogs. All her pieces are one-of-a-kind, often times containing handcrafted Artisan Lampwork glass beads - wonderful little works of Art in themselves.

I have selected the curtain call necklace featuring a unique lampwork Glass bead of a cat, made by Janet Crosby
This necklace is available for sale in her shop

She also supports several charities that help Cats and Dogs

To see more of her work, please visit Eva's website

Elektra Jewelry

Ooooh, Aaaah, wow!
...are the words that come to me when I see all her mouthwatering Jewels
At Elektra Jewelry Design you can find jewelry to suit your personality and mood. All the pieces you see in her shop are handmade and never duplicated.



Hurry up, each item is Unique.
Her designs have been influenced by her travels to Greece, as seen here.


MOre to see