Etsy Team Columbus Feature {ArtsiBitsi}

Q: Tell us a little about yourself and your designs. How long have you been creating?

Etsy: Your place to buy & sell all things handmade ArtsiBitsi.etsy.com

Like most of us, I've been artsy-craftsy since an early age. I was that kid who was forever building and decorating the playhouse, and never playing in it. My mother remembers me, as a 4-year-old, drawing on her white leather armchair. She didn't appreciate this early venture into multi-media, but I remember that the look and feel of the dark blue ball-point on leather was AMAZING. I still kinda think so.

But, in 1979 computers found me, and I spent many years exploring what can be done with a pixel. Computer graphics was still a very young field then, and Pong was still the best video game around. I was there for the first Macintosh, and before that, for the first color screen. Technology has come a long way.

Over the years, art was always in the background. I painted, made my own jewelry, and later my own handbags. My family and friends liked the handmade presents I gave them, and they encouraged me to sell my things in stores. But I could never figure out how to insert myself into the business side of arts and crafts. Then, last summer I discovered Etsy and I realized that there was a way for me to see if my work was marketable.

Q: Where did the idea for your designs originate?

Wouldn't I like to know. I usually start with a idea for a certain shape or structure, and then I embellish it from there.

My Happy Monster backpack series started out as a sort of personal challenge to see if I could create a very simple purse pattern that used a minimum of materials and tools. I wanted it to be something that anyone with a beginner's level of sewing skill could pick up and make. So, no buttons, grommets, rings, snaps, or zippers. No interfacing or special fabrics either. What I came up with was my "sew-easy fashion backpack" pattern. I posted it on Instructables last year. http://www.instructables.com/id/Sew-Easy-Fashion-Backpack.

Then, from there, I started noodling around with different fabrics. And then appliques. You can see the evolution of my design here:
http://www.instructables.com/id/More-Fashion-with-Sew-Easy-Backpack-Instructible/

Q: What makes your items different from others?

Each monster is individually designed. Putting together their little faces is the best, most creative part of my process. During that time, the monsters and I form a self-reinforcing, reciprocating loop of artsy happiness. That way, when the monsters are transferred to their new people, they are ready to automatically generate a new loop of happiness, triggered by that first smile.

Q: Do you offer custom orders?

Absolutely. My monsters may bite, but I don't. Almost everything can be custom made in a different size, color or style. Monsters bags are being used by boys and girls, college students, moms and kids of all ages. The right of the people to keep and bear Monster Bags shall not be infringed.

Q: What are your most popular items?

The Monster Minis (for iPhones, cell phones, cameras, makeup, etc) are really convenient, and a good introduction to the pleasures of Monster ownership. They come in lots of fabrics and styles. I have a bunch in stock right now: http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5957116&section_id=5894190

Q: What is your vision for your handmade business?

Well, it's not about making money for myself. I use all of my Paypal funds to make small business loans to women in developing countries. So far I've made twenty loans to women in Africa, South American and Asia. See details at http://www.kiva.org/lender/artsibitsi

But besides that, I really like getting views and hearts and nice feedback. I'm love that a mom and daughter in Beirut, and a college student in San Francisco, and best friends in Vancouver, are all carrying bags that I made. That sort of connection across culture and distance is breathtaking. It makes the world feel smaller, and it gives me hope that someday we might really be a united world.

Q: What has been the strangest/weirdest experience you've ever had when being inspired with a new item or new business venture?

The weirdest experience has been finding out that people think that the Monster Backpacks are for children. It honestly never occurred to me that people would buy them for their kids.

In my mind, a Monster Backpack is the kind of fun that only really cool adults can appreciate. I guess I didn't realize how sophisticated a five year old's tastes could be.

Q: Where else can your products be found?

Monsters have invaded two stores in Columbus, Ohio: "Open Door Art Studio" (Grandview and 3rd) and "Wholly Craft!" (3169 N High). Their websites are at www.opendoorartstudio.org and www.whollycraft.net.
You should try to visit them.

I also have an online store where you can buy prints, mugs, t-shirts and other items with my art on them.
http://www.cafepress.com/artsibitsi

Q: Are you a member of any organizations or have any affiliations?

I'm really happy that Etsy encourages teams. Being a part of an Etsy team has been a great way to get support and learn from others. I'm a member of two teams:
Etsy Team Columbus (http://etsyteamcolumbus.blogspot.com) and MonsterEtsy (http://monsteretsy.blogspot.com/)

Q: Do you have a website off etsy, a blog, myspace, face book, plurk, twitter, any other web site you would like to share?

I have a fan page on Facebook where all of my various feeds are consolidated. It's got links to my blog and flickr and calendar.
Plus I've posted some extra images and posters that you can download to print. You can check it out here. http://tinyurl.com/clm6os

If you don't have an account on Facebook (and why not? It's fun!), you can still find some pretty entertainment at these pages.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/artsibitsi/
http://artsibitsi.blogspot.com/

Fangs for reading!
:-)
Bits

Thank you for reading this awesome feature on Bits. Be sure to check out all her links.

How-Tuesday: on a Wednesday!

Argh, I'm bloody terrible at updating this! Anyway... go over to the Storque and learn how to make a nifty pop-up pirate card!!! Fun stuff!

COOLNESS ALERT!

Eco-Chic Buttons are here! Look for these and other fun items at the Eco Chic Craftacular on May 16 and 17th!

For more info: www.columbuscraftacular.com

Monday's Featured Seller of the day tscrapper

Good morning loyal readers! Today we are proud to bring you a brief write up on team member Traci of tscrapper. She is a stay at home mommy and former 5th grade teacher. She has been scrapbooking for about 9 years and has translated that love into a thriving ETSY business with over 300 sales! Her creations include: invitations, banners, cupcake toppers, napkin rings, placecards, thank you notes, premade scrapbooks, altered items and ceramic coasters (just to name a few). She finds inspiration in many different forms from magazines, sketches, patterned paper and fabrics, even from her daughter. We love the modern, fresh and clean lines of her designs! Custom orders are always welcome so take a moment to peruse her chic offerings!

http://tscrapper.etsy.com/

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to JILL of OUT OF THE PINK SKY

Warmest birthday wishes to team member Jill. She's a clever gal whose jewelry designs reflect her sense of irony and unique artistic vision. You would be remiss not to visit her shop and ogle her beautiful creations. Jill, you're like a fine wine my dear...just keep getting better! Have a WONDERFUL day :-)

Thursday's Featured item of the day by Stinkybomb

Today we're shining the spotlight on a truly unique soap seller! Stinkybomb is collaboration between husband and wife team, Rob and Megan Green.

Rob has a background in industrial design and creates all the molds. His hobby of WWII reenacting first gave him the idea to cast rubber replicas of the inert ordinances used on the battlefields, when a friend lost his grandfathers trench knife in the playing fields. Rob currently sells resin replicas on his website, http://www.thefieldwerks.com/

Megan is a self taught artist and craft dabbler, whose background specializes in fiber arts. After making the decision to stay home and raise their newborn baby girl but still yearning for the days of receiving a paycheck, a light or bomb, pardon the pun, went off on how to merge their hobbies and skills into a mom and pop business.

View Megan's Etsy shop http://www.moogancreations.etsy.com/.

You can read more about their Stinky endeavours on their blog

http://stinkybomb.blogspot.com/

How-Tuesday: VeganYumYum Knits with Marzipan

(from the Storque!)

Feast your eyes on this! Lolo (aka Lauren Ulm) is the brains behind Vegan Yum Yum, a food blog with delectable designs that caught the eye of Martha Stewart herself. This week, her beautiful photo tutorials prove that sometimes it's best to let the pictures do the talking (and instructing!). She's here to instruct us how to "knit" with marzipan for a delectable treat that's as crafty to eat as it is to make. Lolo has also shown Martha Stewart how to make these delicious cupcakes. Watch the video above!

How to make a marzipan ball of "yarn" in 14 easy steps.

How to "knit" marzipan:

Thanks to Lolo for sharing this tasty tutorial with us. Head over to VeganYumYum.com for more deliciousness. More crafty project downloads can be found in our How-Tuesday series on the Etsy blog!

Belated Congratulations!

Andrea Baker was the winner of our April team design challenge. The theme was "punk rock." She created a business card cozy from recycled blue fabric with a guitar motif (former shirt) and achieved victory with 21 votes in her favor! Join us as we congratulate her for a job well done. While you're at it, visit her etsy shop to see the many other unique creations she is offering. KUDOS crafting friend!

Here is a cute Q & A Andrea was good enough to complete so our readers can get to know her better!

What kind of items do you create?

Business Card Cozies, Check Book Cozies, Aprons, Totes, Handbags, etc.

How long have you been creating?

I have been creating now for several years and have enjoyed every minute of it.

What or Who are your creative influences?

I see creative influences everywhere I look. In my family, in my friends, in nature, everywhere.

Do you work outside of the home/studio? I am also an Independent Silver Consultant for Inspiranza Designs. www.inspiranzadesigns.com/AndreaBaker as well as an Independent Beautify Consultant for Mary Kay. www.marykay.com/AndreaBaker

What is your education as it pertains to your craft?

My mom was a seamstress when I was younger. She used to make wedding gowns and I remember the little shop she used to work at. The drive way was lined with apple trees. Mom taught me a lot that I never used over the years but when I became a stay at home mom I was looking for something to fill my time while my daughter was at school. Sewing became that hobby and I was able to turn that hobby into a business.

What is your favorite part of creating handmade items?

I absolutely adore being able to take fabric and turning it into an item that will be used.

Do you have any connection likes you'd like to share?

I have several ways you can connect with me. They are all listed on the following link.

http://www.andreabakerdesigns.com/?page_id=549

or

http://andreabaker.etsy.com/

********************************************************

Be sure to check back on the 10th of each month to see new design challenge submissions and vote for your favorite. May's theme will be "Eco chic."

Monday's Featured Item of the day by Curl Girl Designs

Over the next month (and hopefully beyond) you will hear a great deal about environmentally friendly or 'eco chic' creations in our blog. Several of our members are passionate about this cause and incidentally our group is sponsoring a fabulous crafting event in May with this theme. We've decided to challenge ourselves and our friends to incorporate some sort of Earth loving elements into their present and/or future artwork and wares. Even by taking baby steps toward this goal or beginning to think about how to "make it work"....we hope to bring about a positive change in our community.

One of our team members currently "walking the walk" is Claire of Curl Girl Designs. Claire describes herself as a midwest girl with a passion for bags. All of the leather she uses in her purses, wristlets and carry-alls is 100% recycled and repurposed. What's old CAN be made new again. Each item is one of a kind! A peaceful vibe accompanies her chic creations. You might see tree branches, koi, or doves appliqued onto one or more bags, as well as the words "peace" and "hope." We definitely recommend you visit her etsy shop and purchase your next bag from our Curl Girl. Links follow....

http://curlgirldesigns.etsy.com/

http://www.curlgirldesigns.blogspot.com/

Friday's Featured Item of the day by Silverflame

Team member Kristin is the creative force behind etsy shop Silverflame. You might find a variety of items for sale there...including vintage beads, patterns, fabric and gorgeous handcrafted stone and sterling jewelry. Here is a copy of her self-written profile:

I started making jewelry in my high school art class, and it was then that I decided to become an artist. I was living in Texas, and I studied jewelry making, metalsmithing, and lapidary arts in college. I apprenticed, too. I have been a jeweler for 20 years, and I’m still learning. In fact, I’m taking classes right now at the Columbus Cultural Arts Center with an emphasis on lost wax casting and faceted stone setting. My fascination with metals and stones will never end. I cut and polish many of my own stones, so they are completely unique and serve as inspiration and focal points for my jewelry designs. I see my jewelry as tiny sculpture, made to adorn the human body. My work is greatly influenced by historical jewelry, especially ancient excavated pieces. All of my jewelry is one-of-a-kind. My pieces are all different expressions of the beauty I see around me.

*Now friends, focus your attention on this breathtaking ring design. Using an amethyst colored Brazilian agate...Kristin has created a chunky yet feminine accessory and signature piece. You cannot help but marvel at the translucent and opaque layers of purple, lavendar, gray and white. The billowing and bubbly patterns of the stone have been ground and polished for maximum effect within the ring setting. And speaking of the setting...it is sterling silver and has a unique waterfall design.

We hope you'll visit Kristin's shop for more examples of her art and supplies. Here is a direct link:

http://silverflame.etsy.com/

Thursday's Featured item of the day from AmyD

One of the hippest members of our team is an uber-talented mama named Amy D. This crafty chica even has her own brick and mortar storefront in addition to her etsy shop. She's a dynamo with a sewing machine and serger.

Amy claims she has been sewing since 8th grade home ec class (oh I remember those days...) and was encouraged to create by both her mother and grandmother. Her original handmade clothing for the family is usually made with recycled materials. You really can't beat the way she gives new life to these threads...increasing their cool quotient along the way.

In addition to clothing (skirts, dresses, t's, aprons, etc), Amy also offers felt coffee cozies and pins. The felt she uses is made from recycled soda bottles. So, protect your hands from that simmering beverage AND help the environment.

Here is a link to Amy's etsy storefront and also her shop address so you can browse through her plentiful inventory in person! Have a great day.

http://amyd.etsy.com/

219 E. Arcadia Columbus, OH

Wednesday Item of the day from Adornables by Lyn

Hello loyal readers! Today we want to shine the spotlight on team member Lyn St. Clair and her etsy business Adornables by Lyn.

Lyn has a dream...one so many of us share...to retire and support herself on the earnings she would receive from doing something she really loves. And what she really loves is beading and designing handcrafted jewelry. Although she has a degree in Human development, her career path took her into the Computer field. There she felt dissatisfied and began her quest to transition into the ART world one baby step at a time. Read about her thoughts, doubts and self-discovery during this journey via her personal blog at the following link:

http://www.twentyninemonths.blogspot.com/

For your enjoyment we decided to share a photo of one of Lyn's recent creations...dangley purple flower earrings. We encourage you to visit her etsy storefront for more refreshing and playful jewelry designs. Lyn also has a twitter page you can follow to stay informed of new developments and shop listings. Enjoy!

http://adornablesbylyn.etsy.com/

http://twitter.com/adornablesbylyn

Etsy's How-Tuesday: Bunny Bowling with thelongthread

No video this week but check out this fun "How-Tuesday" from The Storque!!

Monday's Featured Item of the day from Andrea Baker

Greetings readers! Hope all of you had a wonderful weekend and a Happy Easter. Today we would like you to become better acquainted with team member Andrea Baker. She designs unique business card/checkbook cozies, aprons, pins, paper goods and more. Here is an excerpt from her Shop profile:

My name is Andrea. I enjoy sewing and crafting. I've been sewing now for a few years and rather enjoy it. I have 2 beautiful girls (12 yrs and 3 yrs). I also have a very supportive husband who is a professional magician. Most of my time is taken up by several things, my children, my husband, and my obsession with sewing and creating!!

Check out this adorable denim puppy-themed apron in the photograph above. Isn't it darling? Who do you know that would love receiving it for a gift? Or maybe it's time to treat yourself to a little pick-me-up?

We have many links to pass along to you for Andrea and her lovely wares. Besides our group, she also is associated with 3 other teams whose information is provided here too. Take a moment out of your busy day to browse or shop! Enjoy.

This moms life : The life and times of Andrea Baker Blog:

http://www.andreabakerdesigns.com/

myspace:

http://www.myspace.com/handmade_by_andrea

flickr:

http://www.flickr.com/people/momma_of_two_girls/

cafemom:

http://www.cafemom.com/home/andreabaker

My husbands Etsy Shop:

http://carrollbaker.etsy.com/

{Memberships}♥

FAM Fabulous Artistic Moms

Our blog http://fam-fabulousartisticmoms.blogspot.com/

Cafemom Etsy Mom's Street Team

Our blog http://cafemometsymoms.blogspot.com/

Carried Away Etsy Team

Our blog http://www.carriedawayteam.blogspot.com/

Weekend Spotlight Artist- Karla Ross

It's time to give some much overdue props to team member and uber talented jewelry designer Karla Ross! Besides being a busy wife and mom, Karla runs her own business, Adornments by Karla, where she sells her wonderfully unique and fun jewelry designs. She is an integral part of ETC who works tirelessly to promote a team spirit and foster group participation. She updates our team blog each day to help promote a different team member through our "Item of the Day" feature, so who better to star as our very first Weekend Spotlight Artist? With over 200 sales on Etsy and many more at local fairs and festivals, Karla's creations are in high demand...check out some of her newest work below, and at www.adornmentsbykarla.etsy.com !

Thanks for all you do Karla!

Punk Rock Challenge Team submissions---Get your Vote on!

Well, the entry deadline has been reached and we officially have 11 submissions for this month's team challenge. The theme is punk rock. Here's what you do: browse the candidates, decide on your favorite, then look for the poll on your right hand side to vote. We'd love it if you sent all your friends to our blog over the next week so we can have a hardy amount of votes. Our team of artists will truly appreciate your enthusiasm and encouragement too. Feel free to leave comments by clicking on the word "comments" at the bottom of each blog post. Without further ado...here are the eleven items, the name of the etsy shop each came from and their direct link.


Baby Gee's skull bib and burp cloth
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=23527116




Adornments by Karla's shrinky dink charm bracelet
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=23523702




Hevvin Designs' mini many tie skirt
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=23476717




Mollystuff's Geek sterling silver pendant
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=23477151



Sew Darn Simple's Roses skulls leather and studs zipper case
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=23382713





ArtsiBitsi's skull IPOD cozy
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=23360620




maram's black and blue skull and sequins purse
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=23343083




Jules Jewels' snakeskin and leopard print handbag
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=23323303




Artistic Flair's fused glass guitar pendant
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=22627085




Out of the Pink Sky's wire wrapped skull earrings
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=19338253




Andrea Baker's Blue Guitar Business Card cozy
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=8754953

Thursday's Featured item of the day by Zaryana of Art Fey Studio

Greetings readers! Today we have an exciting featured artist and newer team member. Her name is Zaryana. She creates one of a kind original art dolls that are so incredibly beautiful and enchanting. Their base is of manzanita wood and polymer clay. Hair is hand dyed mohair. Facial features are painted with acrylics and sealed. Wings are removeable. Other embellishments include microbeads and swarovski crystal. Attention is paid to every detail. Even her choice of fabrics reflects the richness of her designs---sometimes ethereal and other times as if they come from an era long past.

Here, in her own words is her profile:

Art Doll making is a big part of my life (and even part of my personality) that gives me an opportunity to dream away from everyday life into the wonderful world of fantasy through the creative process.

I am passionately in love with creating Art Dolls and for me it is as important as fresh air and fresh water. The process of creating itself has many wonderful aspects to it like: research and brainstorming, sculpting and painting, picking colors, fabrics and accessories, designing a costume, finding right color and textures, hair designs and overall creating a character. My characters appear from within, bringing to life the whisper of great legends and fairy tales that surrounded my childhood in the old and beautiful city of Kiev, Ukraine.

I started creating art dolls a long time ago. The interest came from my acting and stage design classes. Theater always inspired me. Many years passed by before I discovered polymer clay and instantly fell in love with this media. Now, after years of teaching art and being a freelance artist, I enjoy escaping into the world of my imagination and putting hours of work into creating a fantasy. Many of my Art Dolls and miniatures are in private collections across the world and I love to hear from my customers that my creations bring joy and happiness to their homes. It makes me a truly happy person.

*Here are two links to better acquaint you with this amazing artist:

http://artfeystudio.etsy.com/

http://www.artfeystudio.com/

Wednesday Item of the day from Triple Nine

Newer team member, Brandi, is the creative force behind etsy shop Triple Nine. Here is an excerpt from her self-penned profile...

My passion is creating things in general. I literally feel ill if it has been too long since I have made something. I mostly channel that passion into photography, design, and sewing. I also like to knit, paint, draw, and write. I get inspired by just seeing good design, but also by nature, and the books/movies/music I experience.

My biggest inspiration though is probably my daughter. My ultimate dream in life is to work from home just making things! And maybe doing some freelance graphic design and photography work. Though I will scream if I ever have to do another senior picture!

As far as materials go right now I am really into felt. I love how versatile it is and the endless possibilities of it. However, I love to experiment with all fabric and I plan on incorporating some of my more traditional fabric creations into the shop also.

*You can view a selection of her designs or get to know Brandi better by following any of the following links. Enjoy!

http://triplenine.etsy.com/

http://tripleninecreations.blogspot.com/

http://www.myspace.com/brandi_c_graphicdesign

Etsy's How-Tuesday

http://www.etsy.com/storque/article/2... See the article on Etsy's blog: The Storque, for more information. This week Kim Hall, a teacher here at the EtsyLabs and an Etsy Seller (nottene), came by to show us her technique for dying natural fabric with organic ingredients. Kim has worked with many different dying and printing methods and we're honored to have her as an instructor! If you've always wanted to dye your own fabrics or yarn, this is a great video to get you started. If you try out this technique, make sure you take some pics and post them in our Show and Tell Flickr Pool!

Hope you enjoy this little gem from the Etsy labs!

Tuesday's item of the day from Cheerup Cherup

Team member Alaina was formally educated in graphic design. Her stationery creations are quirky yet classy and ALWAYS colorful. BIG kudos to her for recycling 90% of her studio waste (paper, plastic, packaging materials).

You may have spotted her work previously as it has been featured in all of the following locations:

minted

weddingbee

brooklyn bride

southern weddings

designing moms

style me pretty

The invitation set you see photographed here will stand out amongst all that other boring and uninspired mail one finds in their mailbox. Isn't it lovely? Be sure to visit her etsy shop to see more of her modern illustrations and designs. A link is provided for your convenience.

http://cheerupcherup.etsy.com/

Monday's Featured Item of the day by Callista Designs

Featured seller Callista Designs is made up of mother-daughter duo Terri and Erin. They were inspired to open their etsy shop after people kept trying to buy their personal jewelry designs right off this duo's own necks and wrists.

These team members encourage their customers to touch, try on and gaze at their baubles and bling in person. Touching their creations is an urge quite hard to resist...particularly when you spot the interesting combination of materials they offer. Glass, crystal, pearl, metal, and gemstone may all be mixed to achieve dazzling results.

Don't you admire the warmth and sparkle of the bracelet pictured here? It's called....Casablanca! Copper and faceted glass beads lend an air of subtle glamour from a bygone era. You may view this and more fabulous jewelry at either of the two upcoming appearances listed below or by visiting their website. Enjoy.

May 9, 10 to 7 - Oddmall, Clarion Hotel and Conference Center, 240 East Hines Hills Road, Hudson, Ohio (near Akron)

May 16 and 17 - Eco-Chic Craftacular, Whetstone Community Center, 3923 North High Street, Columbus, Ohio (Clintonville area)

http://callistadesigns.etsy.com/

TGIF Item of the day by Lcabanero Designs

Yay. It's almost the weekend! Are you one of those people who gets a giddy feeling at 5pm on Friday? Freedom!

Today's item and featured team member are flush with whimsy and light-heartedness too. Meet Lenny of Lcabanero Designs. She is a former art teacher who finds solace in working with many different types of media. She also claims to be a big kid at heart. That seems very appropriate considering her adorable line of plushies.

Another enticing aspect of Lenny's shop is the lure of custom creations. She can work with you to design a plushie modeled after your child's drawings. The two of you could then select fabrics and colors to best meet your wee one's vision. You could also opt to have matching hair clippies made if you were shopping for a little girl! How fun is that?

Please take advantage of the links posted below...the weekend is a great time to browse this artist's shop as well as any of our other team members. Namaste!

http://lcabanerodesigns.etsy.com/

http://minigiggles.etsy.com/

http://lcabanerodesigns.blogspot.com/

Team member birthday greetings

Happy belated birthday to Heather W. of Smarty Pants Design. She will be accepting bottles of Vino or Killians as gift givers see fit ;-) She's a smart, talented, funny lady who wouldn't mind having you readers visit her shop and pick up some handcrafted clay jewelry, buttons or paintings. Links to her etsy storefront and blog are provided below. Enjoy! Feliz cumpleanos Heather!

http://imasmartypants.etsy.com/

http://heatherwirth.etsy.com/

http://smartypantsdesign.blogspot.com/

How-Tuesday on a Thursday

The Craft ROBO is a machine that lets you cut and score paper with precision and repetition. This is really handy if you're into scrapbooking or want to make shipping boxes, envelopes or promos for your Etsy shop. Perhaps you want to take it to the next level to create unique paper sculptures, pop-up books or custom vinyl stickers.

Thursday's Featured item of the day by Miss Megan Mac

Welcome friends. Today we are shining the spotlight on a long-standing team member with "mad skills." Doesn't her sunny yellow silk chiffon scarf make you want to smile??? Allow us to introduce Miss Megan Mac....

I’m an artist and weaver who has been creating art and objects since I was a very young child. My first formal art classes were at The Ohio State University, in a program for children. There I explored drawing and painting, and began learning ceramics. While still in elementary school, I began to do embroidery and learned to sew, all of which started me on my fiber path. I was fortunate to have an art teacher in high school that encouraged me to explore a variety of mediums and taught me strong technical skills. I then moved to New York City to attend college. I graduated from Parsons School of Design with a BFA degree in product design, specializing in textile design.

I’m now pursuing my artwork full time, working from my home based studio. I create large hand woven art pieces, some of which also utilize techniques such as appliqué and embroidery, and I hope to have some of those in the shop soon. I love to work in different mediums, as it keeps things fresh, and often, what I am working on in one area will inspire another piece elsewhere. I think you should pursue as many things that interest you as you can. There are so many beautiful things in this universe to be inspired by; I find inspiration all around me.

*You can view the results of Megan's inspirations by visiting her etsy shop and also reading her blog. Links are provided below.

http://missmeganmac.etsy.com

http://missmeganmac.typepad.com

Wednesday Item of the day from Maryeb

Greetings friends. Today we would like you to meet newer team member Mary. Her etsy shop is called Maryeb. She creates and sells utterly feminine gemstone jewelry that begs to be touched and held up to the light. Here, in her own words, is her profile:

As a stay-at-home mom who taught health and fitness based classes part-time I had few special dressy occasions. So I wore my jewelry every day, everywhere. A playful little wink of sparkle, a flash of color and I felt beautiful no matter the state of my hair or my dress for the day.

I have been fascinated with rocks, crystals and gemstones for as long as I can remember. The need to create has been with me just as long, evolving through many forms. So when you see my pieces you see my lifelong passion for craft, art and COLOR. You will also see my perfectionist tendency. I love using high quality materials and give careful, detailed attention to each piece. Jewelry making has evolved from an interest to a full-time passion.

If you buy one of my pieces please wear it, live in it and enjoy!

*Take a moment to browse her offerings via the following links (and remember Mother's day is not far off):

http://maryeb.etsy.com/

http://maryeb-blog.blogspot.com