• Tell me a bit about yourself

My name is Glitzer, and I am based in Hong Kong. I love to travel, even though I live in Hong Kong, I have spent much time in England, Singapore and Germany. I am a real city girl, (as I have a phobia of sheep) – though I still love travelling to the countryside!

• What is the name of your Shop?

GLITZER is the shop’s name. The rationale of the shop name is that I want to create accessories that are colorful, and will make people enjoy, smile, and heads turning. Through the collection of items that I have made, hope this will be part of the joy and laughter to the wearers’ life!

• Please describe your creative process

I love pearls. I will normally brain storm by thinking what goes well with pearls, as I think pearls are elegant and feminine accessories to have. I aim to create accessories that are feminine, timeless and are versatile that can pair with many different outfits and styles.

Apart from pearls, I love semi-precious stones too such as jade, quartz and tourmalines, and love working with gold and silver.

I love vintage too, but have not started making anything in this area yet, which will be one of the next areas that I will venture in, as I am still in the midst of looking for good supplies!

• Where do your ideas come from?

Even though I am a city girl, but I love flowers, especially tropical flowers due to the array of vibrant colors available. Apart from flowers, I also like to incorporate fashion elements to my products, therefore Elle, Marie Claire and Allure magazines are also one source of my inspiration!

The final icing to the cake is the excitement of seeing people beyond Hong Kong, from Finland, Indonesia, Minnesota, visiting my shop through Google Analytics, this is like my morning coffee! My inspiration to start the day!

• How did you get into your craft?

I haven’t done any craft since high school. I stumbled across this as one of my friends in Singapore really inspired me. She runs a shop in Etsy too! By seeing her channelling her creative juices to making products, this inspired me that this definitely can be something that I can try and hopefully branch out to a full time affair!

• Apart from creating things, what do you do?

Apart from creating things, I love to read magazines, hang out with friends, cooking for friends, going out to the movies and listening to the latest pop. Over the last 2 months I have been spending time to try out Indian cooking, and also some British classics. Having the Jamie Oliver and Nigella Lawson cookbooks around, and the website to Google definitely helps me with my cooking!

• How do you promote your work?

Mainly via Etsy, blogs and Facebook.

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• Tell me a bit about yourself

My name is Nicole Whittaker and I live in bundaberg queensland Australia. I belong to the following organisations: Royal Queensland Art Society, Member of EBSQ Self Representing Artists and Member of Fine Art Registry.

• What is the name of your Shop?

The name of my shop is Nicole Whittaker Art.

• Please describe your creative process

I’m a contemporary impressionist who does both oil paintings on canvas and digital art prints. The digital art is done in an oil painting program and the oil paintings are done in the beauty of nature.

• Where do your ideas come from?

My ideas come from the beauty of nature herself.

• How did you get into your craft?

I come from an artistic family so I got into it from watching them as a kid.

• Apart from creating things, what do you do?

Apart from my art I write stories and i’m also a druid healer.

• How do you promote your work?

I belong to several social networking sites and promote my work on here and on blogs as well as art forums.

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My name is Melissa Tessaro, I’m 36 and live in London a bit like a student still in a shared house with 5 others and a vegetarian cat! My shop is called Junkartist mainly because I am always photographing junk, junk in skips, on the streets..anything that looks remotely dirty I’d be there with a camera.

I’ve always been interested in photography… constantly annoying others with my camera clicking away but had no outlet for the creativity. I don’t think I believed I had any creativity at that point, I was just taking photos randomly. Later I found photoshop and I was instantly hooked, spending months and months messing about with pictures, layers, trying to make images look better, or worse..I still had not done anything with the creativity I was developing until I found a weekend glass fusing course.

I loved it and within a week I had bought a kiln and tons of glass, bits of glass everywhere, bank balance going down, hands being cut but I didn’t care I just kept at it trying different techniques and styles. I knew that I didn’t just want to shove glass in a kiln, I knew I could create something more interesting. I knew from the beginning I wanted to use photography or photoshop in some small way but I didn’t know how and it took me about 8 months of constant research and developing techniques before I made it work.

My ideas come to me throughout the day, I coud be looking at something in the street and an idea will pop into my head. Mainly it happens when I’m messing about in photoshop though, trying to find out ways of doing new things.

I will be outlining all my processes eventually on a blog I’m setting up which will be advertised on my etsy page.

So whilst my creative side was steadily growing my professional work side was making me more and more miserable. I left Uni with a degree in Social Sciences and no idea where I wanted to go or be so I took the first job that was offered to me, a secretary in a university. Well i hated that job so I transferred to accounts and ended up there for 5 years hating ever single minute..roll on 12 years later and numerous more bank jobs and I’m literally tearing my hair out. I never fitted in, they knew it and I knew it.. so on New Years Eve 08 I walked out of the last accounts job I’m ever going to have and have just started to think seriously about setting up my own business.

I’ve sold to friends and family and a few small pieces to shops but I feel like I’ve only just started out. I’ve had an etsy shop now for about a week and have yet to start a proper blog. When my blog is up and running I intend to promote the blog on-line as much as possible.

I’ve also got some research ideas that I’d love to carry out. I plan on visiting as many shops in London as possible and doing some market research into which craft products they buy and details of that and then putting that on my blog to help others trying to sell. That will happen in the next few months. Perhaps it’s best I don’t have a 9 – 5 job anymore.. there’s not enough time as it is. Apart from creating things I haven’t done anything else recently. I have spent the past year just doing this. Friends think I’m mad when I constantly say no to going out but I have a goal and working hard is the only way I’m going to achieve it!

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• Tell me a bit about yourself

My name is Dafni and i leave in Athens, Greece. I like drawing, reading books & comics, graphic design and of course all kinds of crafts.

• What is the name of your Shop?

The name of my shop is la cravatte du chien. Well the actual name is “La Cravate Du Chien” but when i made my account i made a few mistakes.

• Please describe your creative process

I use many different materials and i make different things depending on my mood. So far I have tried with fimo clay, with beads and waxed string, with felt, with small stones and fabric.I try to sew in my machine and make small wallets and belts. Every some months i change and do something else. I think i get bored easily…

• Where do your ideas come from?

Everything inspires me. When i see a new thing or a new material i haven’t used the first thing that pops in my head is how this can be transformed to art.

• How did you get into your craft?

I was working in a jewelry studio and there i learned a lot and after that i liked it so much that i continued making things.

• Apart from creating things, what do you do?

I work in an advertising company as a graphic designer.

• How do you promote your work?

I promote my work through My deviantart page, through Facebook, twitter, talentdatabase and on the forums here on Etsy. I don’t have a blog yet because even tho i know a lot about computers i still fell totally clueless with this. But I’ll get to it someday!

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• Tell me a bit about yourself

My name is Mary Van Gils, I live in a tiny, isolated mining town in Western Australia, though I am originally from Canada. I’m a passionate artist, musician and writer who is planning to study art in university next year.

• What is the name of your Shop?

The name of my shop is ‘Beautiful Imperfections’

• Please describe your creative process

My creative process tends to begin in front of the computer; I’ll just be browsing pictures of people and bands I like and then an idea for how I can alter those pictures and give them my own meanings starts to form. At this point I will hurredly grab a pen or pencil along with one of my many sketch books and start drawing the idea. Most of the time this sketch doesn’t go any further, but when I make one that I really like or believe in than I start to evolve the idea. Eventually the sketch will move onto canvas, during the transfer from sketch to painting, the desgine tends to change slightly, this can sometimes be frustrating for me, but I keep working on the piece until I’m happy with it. I cannot call a painting ‘finished’ until I am personally pleased with it.

I generally use acrylic or gouache paints along with fineliner pens and coloured pastels to create my work. Normally, I will produce at least three paintings a week, I don’t put myself on a schedule as the inspiration for art comes at random intervals.

• Where do your ideas come from?

My ideas mainly come from pictures I see of people, or objects and situations I see in everyday life. Music is also a huge inspiration to me, whenever I create I have to listen to music as it helps my imagination expand and gives me a certain to work into the piece. Sometimes I’ll go through stages where I’m not feeling artistic at all, in these cases I tend to browse other artists work on sites like deviant art and myspace, seeing amazing work really inspires me to try and create some more of my own and gives me more ideas for techniques and subject matter.

• How did you get into your craft?

I’ve been drawing since I was able to pick up a crayon! I remember as a child I would always draw horses or mountains, they were my favorite subjects until I got into portraiture during my early teenage years. I developed my art through lots of practice and taking art classes in school. The TEE art course I studied in grade 11 and 12 pushed me really hard and benefited me so much, I shall be eternally grateful to my teachers for helping me grow so much as an artist in just two years!

• Apart from creating things, what do you do?

I’ve just graduated from high school and am currently looking for a job in my town, at the moment I mostly occupy myself with writing music and stories when I’m not painting or sketching new ideas.

• How do you promote your work?

I’ve been promoting my work mostly through networking in forums, lievjournal and on myspace as well as using the Etsy forums to expose myself to other artists and create contacts. I keep a blog which doubles as an art blog and I also take part in lots of artistic communties on livejournal to try and ‘get my work out there’. I’m soom going to start advertising off of the internet as well with fliers and business cards.

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• Tell me a bit about yourself

My name is Carrie, I live in Montana, I love it here-it’s beautiful! I love art and Etsy.

• What is the name of your Shop?

Jaunepierre Jaune= Yellow Pierre= Stone and I live in Yellowstone County. That’s how I got the name.

• Please describe your creative process

Paper, pen, and adobe illustrator & photoshop. I start with an idea and then go from there! I usually get really inspired late at night!

• Where do your ideas come from?

Songs, talking to people, doodling, looking at artwork…

• How did you get into your craft?

I have been drawing since I can remember, I’m part of a family of artists. My mom and dad are artists, I think when they showed me their collection sketchbooks, that’s when I really started falling in love with art, my uncle is a graphic designer (also has his own business) and my grandparents have their own interior design company . I’ve really just been around it my whole life.

• Apart from creating things, what do you do?

I listen to music, I LOVE video editing, I love writing, reading, sewing (I’m currently attempting my first quilt), going to thrift shops, web design, and I’m a computer geek so anything to do w/ computers and video games I’m like a kid in a candy shop :]

• How do you promote your work?

Forums, and I’m thinking of starting a blog :]

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I hope that you enjoy the selection of the week!!!

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• Tell me a bit about yourself

My name is Jamie and I’m from Oregon. I am a lucky mom to a wonderful energetic little boy.

• What is the name of your Shop?

My shop name is Little Poppy Shop.

• Please describe your creative process

I do most of my creating when my son is taking a nap or has gone to bed for the evening. Once in a while he is my little helper when I’m cutting out material or preparing orders. He loves to help and I love that I can do a few things with him around. I love to create new things for babies and children to play with, and my son is my tester with all of my items. He loves new toys.

• Where do your ideas come from?

My son is my inspiration. Without him, Little Poppy Shop wouldn’t be here. I started this business with the hopes and dreams of being able to be a stay at home mom someday. I haven’t reached that goal yet, but slowly I can see that it may come true in the future and that would be the most wonderful gift I could give to my son. My little boy is my inspiration for everything I make and he keeps me going to pursue my dreams.

• How did you get into your craft?

I’ve been sewing since I was a little girl. When I was younger my mom used to teach me how to sew. I had my own sewing machine set up right next to hers and she taught me everything I know today, so it’s only natural that most of my creations involve sewing in some form. Since I’ve had a baby I love to create baby items that are unique and original that you cannot find in a big chain store. I love toys that require children to use their imaginations and don’t make a lot of noise, especially when they’re handmade.

• Apart from creating things, what do you do?

When I’m not creating in my sewing room I love to cook and create things in the kitchen. Most of all though, I love to play with my son. There’s nothing better than chasing him around for an afternoon full of tickling and giggles.

• How do you promote your work?

I try and promote my work through online organizations and holiday bazaars. I’d like for everyone to know about Little Poppy Shop and want to give the gift of handmade items to little ones, so I try to get my name out there in as many ways as I possibly can.

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• Tell me a bit about yourself

My name is Amanda and I live in the BEAUTIFUL state of Massachusetts. I am a homeschool grad and currently working from home while pursuing career opportunities. My father is a graphic designer and musician and both my parents pursued art when they were younger. So, both I and my siblings have been blessed with many interests and parents who give us the flexibility to pursue our interests.

• What is the name of your Shop?

My shop is called AmandaBeth Boutique (Beth is my middle name) and I specialize in romantic jewelry and fine art tote bags, although recently I have added a lovely line of artistic decorator pillows.

• Where do your ideas come from?

I am always hugely inspired by old-fashioned and vintage clothing and pull ideas from music, film, books and art. I sew (or bead!) whenever I can possibly find time and inspiration. I am one of those lucky folks who always has too much random fabric and it has allowed me to create one-of-a-kind items, each one from a different piece of my stash. My pillows and tote bags feature fabric re-prints of famous classic artwork.

• How did you get into your craft?

I have been sewing since the age of eight and have had the chance to try many different things. I have made my own clothing, dozens of authentic historical pieces, a wedding gown, dolls, and dabbled in high French Couture techniques as well as alterations. I only make things that I LOVE to put together – the finished results are often surprising and fun – and am not afraid to break out of the mold and experiment. I heard about Etsy from a friend and simply fell in love – what a simple and fun way to share my craft with the world!

• How do you promote your work?

I currently teach sewing at a local fabric and craft store and am pursuing music and writing. I enjoy all art forms especially music and dancing. I also spend a lot of time working on and building my Style Blog which is also my primary way of promoting my shop, along with keeping active on Etsy.and lots of social networking!

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• Tell me a bit about yourself

My name is Rachel Schroeder and I live in Ottawa, Ohio. I am a sham mom of two small children. I have my hopes up to be pregnant again in 2009. I really love all handmade items! I love the personal touch!

• What is the name of your Shop?

My shop is Paper Cakes by Rachel.

• Please describe your creative process

I make each slice by hand. I usually start with what I call “set up a cake”. What that means is getting all my materials together so I can visualize what it is going to look like. I then trace, crease, cut, and build each slice. Last I decorate it. I usually work on my cakes at night after my children are asleep or during the weekend when my husband is home to help with the children. My main materials are cardstock and ribbon… but I also use lots of other fun embellishments and paints.

• Where do your ideas come from?

My inspiration comes from real cakes, my children, my children’s clothing (yes! seeing all kinds of fun things that they wear… maybe it is a bit strange! But I love clothes!), and the events themselves for what I am making a cakes for.

• How did you get into your craft?

I started making paper cakes when I was asked to be in charge of the decorations for my Father-in-laws surprise birthday party. It just really blossomed out from there because after the party I was getting calls asking for cakes. I really enjoy making them because there are so many possibilities! Weddings, wedding showers, baby showers and birthday party cakes are my biggest sellers. Such great occasions!!

• Apart from creating things, what do you do?

I spend a lot of time with my children and husband. I really do not do much else. We just recently moved, so working on the house is a priority right now. If I have time I really enjoy sewing.

• How do you promote your work?

I promote mostly on the etsy forum. I do have my own website, it is papercakesbyrachel.com. I also do craft shows and I am currently working on a brochure for my business. I also just started a blog.

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I hope that you enjoy the selection of the week!!!

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• Tell me a bit about yourself

My name is Stephanie and I live in Brooklyn, NY. I grew up in a small town in CT where I spent quite a bit of time running around the woods and working at a little farm down the street from my parents’ house. These days I love wandering around this city on my bike. I have a teeny apt that I share with the love of my life. ; ) One day we’ll get a slightly bigger apt so we can have a dog!

• What is the name of your Shop?

Garbage of Eden Design

• Please describe your creative process

This is my favorite way to create: on my day off I clean up all my half done projects from my last day off, then I bust out all my NEW doodles and proceed to fill up my house with even more fun projects. Then I try to clean it all up before falling asleep. But that doesn’t usually work out, leaving more half done projects for next week.

• Where do your ideas come from?

Where do your ideas come from? All kinds of things inspire me and I tend to go through phases. : ) Lately I’m very inspired by textile design, weaving, fibber arts, the work of Buckminster Fuller, Alexander Calder, Maira Kalman, Lena Corwin and many more artists and designers… Tough to say where my ideas come from… hmm… I think from the fact that I love taking things apart and finding new ways to put them back together.

• How did you get into your craft?

I moved to NJ for a couple months…lol….so one less than exciting afternoon, I was bopping around the house thinking about making stuff out of recycled materials. I peeked under the sink at the stash of plastic bags and thought “what pretty colors, there must be something fun I can make out of this”…

• Apart from creating things, what do you do?

Lately whenever I have a free evening I try out new recipes for yummy homemade breads. Homemade bread is so satisfying. : ) I have a couple recipes up on my blog: www.garbageofedendesign.blogspot.com. A lot of my friends are musicians so I go see a lot of music shows, especially electronic music. I work a few days a week at an antique shop in my neighbourhood and I fill up the rest of my week with other gigs related to design and sustainability. At the moment I’m working in a sustainable fashion showroom called the Four Hundred. My favorite part of working there is the awesome sustainable fabric library! I’m a big geek about all the cool sustainable fabrics that keep coming out, like Milkofil, it’s made from milk proteins!

• How do you promote your work?

Word of mouth, Flickr, Myspace, blogging, Etsy

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