HandCraftedByKaren is AWESOMEEEEEEE!

Chatters, I would like to introduce you to HandCraftedByKaren!!

1. Who is HandCraftedByKaren?

My name is Karen St. Dennis. I am Married and have 3 kids a dog and a hamster. I live in Upstate NY. (North of Albany). I am 39 and have been crafting for probably about 30 yrs or more. I work during the school year as a cashier in the cafeteria of the Jr/Sr High school (I steal kids lunch money).

2. What kind of crafting/art do you do? How long have you been doing it?

Mostly I 'loom knit' I have been loom knitting for about a year now. I started this hobby when my friend was doing it and I thought that I could do that too. It gave me something to do when I was waiting for my kids to finish swim lessons. I have also done seed bead jewelry (Native American style barrettes and earrings) as well as a lot of other different kinds of crafting.

3. Where do you pull your inspiration from?

A lot of my inspiration comes from fellow Etsyians. There is so much talent out there and a lot of things I would never have even thought of. Also from the Internet and different craft sites and patterns available.

4. What is your favorite medium?

Different kinds of fun and interesting and colorful yarn.

5. Is Etsy your art your full time job, or just an on the side project?

Etsy started out being a side project, but during the summer I don't get a paycheck from a regular job so it's kind of my 'summer job'


6. How did you find Etsy?

My friend found Etsy in the back of a magazine that her kindergarten son brought home from school. "Parent and Child' she thinks. She thought that maybe we could try it.

7. How did you become ADDICTED to Etsy CHAT?

Before I even listed anything in my "shop" I went into a few chat rooms to 'get the feel of things, ask questions and learn before I got too involved. Some of the Etsyians were very harsh and not wanting to offer any information or help, kept directing me to the forums (didn't know where to even find them)and such. Then I found the 'room' that I normally go in where I found some really friendly and helpful people. Some how I just can't stay away. lol

8. What is your favorite piece that you have done?

Wow, isn't that like asking which child is your favorite? hmmmm My favorite piece I've done is? either the plushies or the Easter eggs. They were pretty fun to make.

9. What is your favorite Etsy shop (other than yours)?

Talk about a difficult question. There are so many wonderful shops out there. I honestly don't think I can pick a favorite shop, not even a favorite medium? Just way too many talented people out here in Etsyland.

10.Tips for other Artists?

I think the best think I could tell someone is 'make what you love'. If you don't LOVE your craft, pick something else. You want this to be fun less like 'work' and I think if you Love what you do, it will show in your work.



11.Tell me a Secret about yourself.

I'm not Susie Homemaker or Betty Crocker.

12. Any parting words of wisdom

Be yourself. Everyone has their own speed, their own niche, an their own style. Don't be part of the cookie cutter mold.


HandCraftedByKaren is Giving away a 10$ Credit to be used towards any purchase in her shop, to one lucky winner..
Winner will be chosen by random.org on July 17!

How do you enter? Simple:

1 entry: go to www.HandCraftedByKaren.etsy.com and pick your fav item. Come back here and leave a comment on what it is!! (required)

1 entry: TWEET this giveaway and post a link to the tweet here.

1 entry: Blog this giveaway and post a link in your comment here

1 entry: follow the blog, and comment here.

2 entries: buy an item from handcraftedbykaren.etsy.com and leave a comment here with a link to the transaction (TWICE)

(SIX Entries possible!!)

Meet theframedfrog !!

1. Who is The Framed Frog?
Hi, I'm Jeanette. When I taught junior high, my students called me Mrs. "Frogster" because of my obsession with frogs. After having three kids in three years, I switched to staying at home with the tadpoles and eventually started my home art business at the ripe old age of 29ish. Despite my froggilicious name, I have yet to put a froggy item in my shop!

2. What kind of crafting/art do you do? How long have you been doing it?
I paint mostly, detailing photo frames and doing original canvas designs as well. I pretty much paint anything that is paintable. :) And I guess I've been doing art for a long time but only for the past four months or so as a profitable business.

3. Where do you pull your inspiration from?
I am inspired by the daily antics of my kiddies,my friends, and the intensely gorgeous scenery here in Oregon. I also get inspired by quotes and blogs and even TV shows sometimes. My nerdy hubby was the one that inspired the Guitar Hero and Ninja frames, of course. Awesome color combinations can really help me create sometimes too.

4. What is your favorite medium?
I would have to say currently, it's my acrylic paints. Lots and lots of color and texture! And I've been teaching my toddlers to use paints also. The 2-year-old is fantastic at painting couches, tables, and everything else he is not supposed to1 (Including a finished painting for a customer that I ended up having to redo!)

5. Is Etsy your art your full time job, or just an on the side project?
Right now, it's a part-time job, since a 3-year-old, 2-year-old, and a 10-month-old take up a LOT of my time! I am hoping to continue to grow my business so that when the little angels are in school, I will be able to make it my full-time occupation.



6. How did you find Etsy?
Through the blogosphere. I saw the Etsy buttons on several of the blogs I follow and so I decided it would be the best way to test how my art would do selling on the internet.

7. How did you become ADDICTED to Etsy CHAT?
Am I addicted? Okay, yep, I probably am. Once I discovered the chat features on the Etsy site, I quickly realized that this was a way for me to have adult conversation during the day. Instead of bottling it all up and unleashing it on poor hubby at the end of the day, I could get my release in chat and be a somewhat normal and sane person when he got home. Believe me, he's a thankful man! :) I also loved the bond that can be forged with other creative people. I am pretty loyal to my fellow chatters - always looking for the treasuries that they have created and choosing their shops for my purchases.

8. What is your favorite piece that you have done?
Every time I finish a piece, I think that it is my new favorite! :) Right now, it would probably be my Horatio painting. He's just adorable and was a lot of fun to create.

9. What is your favorite Etsy shop (other than yours)?
I went to my favorite shop list and like many of you, it is a mile long! It depends on the item for sure. For jewelry, lately I am particularly fond of Sea Unicorn's shop. White Hope Designs has the most adorable handbags, and I am hoping to spend some money on the kiddies at Oh Bananas and Ummashin's shop. And then there are so many talented artists on Etsy - once I start bringing in more money, I am hoping to have an "Etsy Art Wall" in my home to feature all of my talented friends!

10.Tips for other Artists?
I think the best thing is not to create because you think it will sell. Create because it is something you love and want to make. Also, keep your style distinctive. I love when I see an art piece and know immediately that it is zeropumpkin's because of its quirky and slightly dark style. :)

11.Tell me a Secret about yourself.
I do my best work while watching TV reality shows. Seriously. Many paintings and cute frames were created during America's Next Top Model and The Bachelor. That's how fried my brain cells are, folks!

12. Any parting words of wisdom
Not really. I have a hard time even calling myself an artist, so it feels strange to be giving advice or wisdom to others. It is my relationship with Christ that helps me to be a better wife, mom, and artist. I write about it often at my blog entitled Temporary Insanity (http://jfrogster.blogspot.com)


Theframedfrog is offering one lucky winner a $25.00 credit to her store. They can use it to buy whatever they like (up to $25 including shipping, or use it towards a larger purchase!!)

How do you enter??

1 entry: go to www.theframedfrog.etsy.com and pick your fav item. Come back here and leave a comment on what it is!! (required)

1 entry: TWEET this giveaway and post a link to the tweet here.

1 entry: Blog this giveaway and post a link in your comment here

1 entry: follow the blog, and comment here.

1 entry: follow theframedfrog 's blog and comment here.

2 entries: buy an item from theframedfrog.etsy.com and leave a comment here with a link to the transaction (TWICE)

tat is 7 possible entries!!

Getting Chatty with vantiani

Who wants a cute set of 10 oragami balloons cards?? You? That is what I thought.. Well, read on and find out how you can WIN. This is rather easy.

I was going to change the layout of Vantiani's QnA to be more interview style.. But, I thought the way she usd third person, was sooo cute. Vantiani is a clever gal and I hope you all enjoy getting to know a bit more about her - like I did!!
~~~ VANTIANI~~~

Vantiani is a red gemini living in old dusty house full of zines, books, records,
films and ideas with her tall punk lover. She works as copywriter by day and
everything else in between it. She used to run a craft shop and a creative space with her two gilfriends, but now she is focusing more in building her own crafty coccoon.

Vantiani starts making collage only last year but has been addicted ever since and
after her first collage exhibition last August, she decides to open her first etsy
shop.

Vantiani mostly inspired by her local crafty comrades, blogsphere, magazines, films
and of course her creatively chaotic house.

Vantiani's favorite medium is always paper and fabric.

Vantiani wishes one day her etsy will be her full time job.

Vantiani finds the almighty etsy during one of her blogwalking journey when she bumps into those inspiring etsians and crafters blogs.

Vantiani actually always been a chat addict since years ago, but how she amazed with
etsy chat with its endless surprises from the first time she find out about it. She
finds lots of wonderful new friends, really really awesome swaps and also a lovely
community that she never thought she will experience from a chatting community before.

Vantiani put her favorite piece as her avatar and another one is on the attachment.

Vantiani has way too many favorite etsy shops but those that really inspires her are
magicjelly, suspectshoppe and marmeecraft.



Vantiani always believes that everyone is an artist, therefore find your art and
explore them.Having fun with them and if you want them to be able to feed you too,
nurture them profesionally as early as possible.

Vantiani used to sell pirated porn films for a couple of years among her office mates. (sorry had to BOLD this one, it made me giggle.

Vantiani feels that to surround herself with amazingly talented and creative people
is a really good idea. Because they will not only make her feel small and
meaningless, but also make her always have enough confidence and strength to try
harder and better in lots of things that she does.


Okay.. Now, Go to www.vantiani.etsy.com .. Browse around, see what you like. Come back here and comment. Tell me what you think is awesome, link it. People wanna see what Vantiani has to offer!!

(Winner will be chosen next Friday!!)

vetrinagirl

1. Who is vetrinagirl?

VetrinaGirl is a free spirited woman whom has made her home in Italy thanks to her fantastic husband. She has an amazing little boy and basically tries to go through life with a big smile on her face.

2. What kind of crafting/art do you do? How long have you been doing it?

I do various different types of crafting and art and have always been considered a “creative type” but have never tried to make a business out of it until now.

3. Where do you pull your inspiration from?

I pull my inspiration from everything around me, whether it be my silly son or the vibrant streets of Italy.

4. What is your favorite medium?

I don’t have a specific favourite, it really is just whichever way the creative energy is flowing that day.

5. Is Etsy/your art your full time job, or just an on the side project?

Etsy is not my full time job, I am a window decorator as well. However I think I prefer to stay on Etsy all day long!

6. How did you find Etsy?

I found Etsy one day as I was browsing through some creative blogs

7. How did you become ADDICTED to Etsy CHAT?

One day I decided to try the chat rooms. I had never “chatted” before. I typed in “hello” and the rest is history. I am hooked!

8. What is your favorite piece that you have done?

I would have to say most definitely that my favourite piece I have made is my Vintage Button Cuff. I sort of have a button obsession going on at the moment and it was wonderful to create.

9. What is your favorite Etsy shop (other than yours)?

I have so many...please don’t make me name just one!

10.Tips for other Artists?

Be true to who you are.

11. Tell me a secret about yourself.

Now it wouldn’t be a secret anymore then would?!?

12. Any parting words of wisdom? Questions? Comments?

I love being apart of the Etsy world. I have met some of the kindest, funniest and most creative people I have ever known. I encourage everyone to live life to the fullest, be positive and create gorgeous thin

Wiseoldowl

A member of the Etsy Chatters Team and a maker of gorgeous jewelry (among other things!) Wiseoldowl is our first featured seller!

1. Who is wiseoldowl?

I'm neither as old or as wise as I would have you think. I'm a new mommy to the most incredible baby boy. I live in Raleigh, North Carolina with my husband and our three crazy puppy dogs.

2. What kind of crafting/art do you do? How long have you been doing it?

I really love it all. If it requires creativity or ingenuity I'm in. No matter if it's actually labor or requires an inane amount of detail - I am proud of my creativity, and hope to help others find what makes them artistic as well. I've been into painting, drawing and crocheting since I was very young - my grandmother taught me to crochet when I was 6 or 7. I've been making jewelry with beads since I was about 16, so almost 9 years. (Good for you, those who can do the math.)

3. Where do you pull your inspiration from?

Everything. From animals, buildings, nature in general, friends, a well accessorized individual. I definitely always have my eyes open. One thing that can be said about me is that I pay constant attention to detail. Do you have a new haircut? I'll be the first to notice.

4. What is your favorite medium?

Right now I really love chain and brass charms. I really like any arts or crafts supplies and could wander around AC Moore for hours.

5. Is Etsy/your art your full time job, or just an on the side project?

It is definitely an on the side project. While I would love for it to bring in enough money to at least support my coffee addiction - I enjoy just being a part of such a fine group of people.

6. How did you find Etsy?

I have no clue, actually. I can't remember for the life of me.

7. How did you become ADDICTED to Etsy CHAT?

Etsy chatters are hilarious, intelligent and inspired people. It's so nice to talk to people with whom I have something in common. (HA! Just kidding.)

8. What is your favorite piece that you have done?

I really can't pick just one! I certainly have pieces that I've made for my shop that I've loved and turned around and made one for myself, that's the great thing about making accessories - and why I originally got started with it, when I didn't have something to match an outfit, voila! I made something!

9. What is your favorite Etsy shop (other than yours)?

Oh, I couldn't say. Check out my favorites, there are some incredibly talented people on Etsy!

10. Tips for other Artists?

Do what you enjoy! Everyday find time to invest in yourself and practice your craft.

11. Tell me a secret about yourself.

I have a scar on my left side from when I was little. I was climbing a tree in a dress, and when I fell a branch pierced me. I'll never forget that walk from the tree to my house, sobbing and holding my dress up, all bunched around my waist. Classy, I know.

12. Any parting words of wisdom? Questions? Comments?

Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter, and those who matter don't mind. -Dr Seuss