Sunday Feature ♥ MadScientists Designs

ENTER SHOP

Can you tell us a bit about yourself and your shop?

Like me, my shop is quite eclectic. I love to try new things and have many interests so my inventory reflects that. I love the esthetics of Steampunk, I also love a good sense of fun and humor as long as it's not malicious. My work reflects all of my moods so you'll find fun, dangly, pink earrings right beside Gothic black rose earrings and everything in between. I also introduced art recently and have been having a lot of fun colorizing black and white copyright-free images. Take a look around... You can never be quite sure what you'll find.

What inspired you to open your shop?

I started out with some used vintage vacuum tubes that I wanted to find a use for... My shop is the organic evolution of that original idea of recycling or upcycling the vacuum tubes.

Besides designing & creating things, what do you do?

I enjoy photography and reading. We just got a new camera for Christmas, so there may be photographs entering the mix soon. 

Where, who or what does your influence come from?

Well, I must say that several of my adventures in creativity started with a team challenge or a custom request... it's been very influential in pushing me to stretch my skills and my imagination. I've also been influenced by Steampunk and Gothic elements.

What inspires you to be creative?

I find inspiration in everything and everywhere. I am very visual, so I like browsing and finding new ways to do things and new techniques to use... Interesting new ways to imagine an object into jewelry. I ask a lot of what ifs.

How do you get out of a creative rut?

I haven't really experienced a creative rut so much as a creative block at this point. I just let the problem roll around in my head until my subconscious solves the creative problem I've encountered.

When did you first discover that you were or wanted to be an artist?

I've always liked art and drawing. I had never tried jewelry as artistic expression until early in 2010. Then I discovered that I really liked making jewelry art and all of the different styles to explore.

What is your most cherished handmade possession?

On one of my Etsy teams, Artists For Animals, we had a Pay It Forward game and I recieved the most amazing personalized journal from Boitifole. It is wonderful! I love it!

Who are your favourite shops to browse on Etsy?

Wow. What a difficult choice. There are so many shops that have great things to look at. I love exploring MandarinMoon for the amazing mozaic and clay work, amechanicalmind because I just love the jewelry, RobotsAreAwesome because it is so true, they are! I also love reclaim2fame who makes amazing recycled robots, creaturesfromel who makes gorgeous sculptures, freeheart1 makes terrific polymer clay pieces, and TheVerificationCat for the most hilarious illustrated explanations of verification words around.

What is your best advice to newbie Etsian's just opening their shops?

Always be true to yourself. I know it sounds cliche, but you have to love what you do and have fun with it. Don't be afraid to try new things and stretch yourself. Find a good Etsy information team , for example, Etsy Success, to read up on all of the ins and outs of owning an Etsy business (you can also ask for advice or ask questions).

Where else other then Etsy can you be found on the net?

I have several social media accounts, but you can follow me on Twitter or visit my Blog I'd love to hear from you.

Do you have any coupon codes that you would like to share with our readers?

You can use EAWT2012 for 10% off your purchase.

Feature Friday ♥ Pearle's Pretty Pieces

ENTER SHOP

Can you tell us a bit about yourself and your shop?

I am a 37 soon to be 38 on February 10th self taught artist. I just learn as I go..which is a pretty groovy way to do things. I am a single mother raising a little girl named Reagan. 

I have no family..so it is just the kid & me. 

I love painting and creating things. I especially like to rescue pieces of furniture and give them a Pearle♥ make-over. 

I am a little obsessive...Once I start dotting something...I have a hard time stopping. 

I am usually bad at these interviews because I am a bit of an over sharer...and I tend to share as much about my personal life as I do with my art because in my world they are all part of the whole. 

My whole life right now is aimed at making it better...for myself, for my daughter and for our two cats...Free and Groovy. 

What inspired you to open your shop?

I have always been creating things..and painting everything I can get my hands on. For years I was trying to figure out what to do with it. People suggested I open an Etsy shop and so I did...in 2008 I opened it but I was not ready. It scared me to put myself out there. Finally January 2011 I decided to start listing my pieces. 

Besides designing & creating things, what do you do?

I am a single mother and I guess the only thing I do besides create is try to parent my 11yr. old daughter Reagan as best I can. I don't have any family to help me so I am quite exhausted all of the time. Reagan and I are quite a team so far...she is a great person and is very helpful w/ our business. She likes to run errands for me has even brings packages to the post office and ships them for me. She is a dancer and a dreamer...and well...we spend a lot of time trying to make our dreams come true. 

Where, who or what does your influence come from?

I have always had a need to do something w/ my hands all the time. I have always doodled or whatever...and my art sort of just comes from somewhere inside me. I am not sure if I am influenced by any one thing.

What inspires you to be creative?

I am inspired by the desire to better my life for my daughter and me. We have been struggling for so long and the idea that "real" life can just beat our spirits down is a real motivator to create things that bring beauty. I am inspired by the possibilities of true happiness. 

How do you get out of a creative rut?

When I am in a creative rut I just do the prep work on pieces I will work on when I get out of the rut. I try not to stop working. I will prime pieces and organize my work space (my living room) and just keep moving. Usually my ruts don't last long but no matter I try to stay productive on other things. 

When did you first discover that you were or wanted to be an artist?

I don't think I ever really thought about it. I just did it. I think there was a time a few years ago when I was asked if I was an artist and I may have responded with a yes...perhaps it was right at that moment I discovered it. 

Can you describe your creative process for us?

I don't really put a lot of thought into the pieces I create before I start. Usually I just start and it just goes where ever it goes. I love to listen to music or watch really bad TV while I work and I just get lost in the piece. I feel like I should be more poetic about my process but really...I simple prime the piece and then from there the piece takes me where it wants to go. 

What is your most cherished handmade possession?

I really Love the Upcycled Trader Joes Cookie box. It arrived in a box of stuff somebody shipped to me. I saw it and knew straight away what I wanted to do w/ it. 11 hours of dotting...and it is one of my favorite pieces. It was on display, with a bowl and Orb (in my shops banner) at a local Art Museum during the Members and Off the Wall shows. That is pretty cool...from somebody's basement, to me, to the Museum. I really dig that! 

Where do you see or want your shop to be this time next year?

I hope I can keep a steady flow of creations....This time next year I hope I will be on my feet showing my daughter that all of our hard work paid off. 

Where would you like to be in ten years?

In 1o years my daughter will be in her senior year of college (hopefully). I hope I am in a nice place. Maybe buy a townhouse and have an actual studio to work in. In 10 years I hope Pearle♥ is a name that is well known for Christmas Ornaments. 

Who are your favourite shops to browse on Etsy?

KarolinFelix

Knotwork

What is your best advice to newbie Etsian's just opening their shops?

Stick to it. Don't quit. It isn't enough to just list some items and wait around for sales...go after those sales. Bring people in. Be very pro-active w/ your shop. This is your dream...go after it. Catch it by the tail and hang on no matter the ups and downs...because I believe in the end all your hard work and devotion will pay off! Don't quit before the miracle!

Where else other then Etsy can you be found on the net?

I have a BLOG but it is neglected...Because I spend all my time on Facebook

Do you have any coupon codes that you would like to share with our readers?

Well...I actually do. You can use PRETTYPIECES and save 20% xoxox Pearle♥

Featuring 1 Tree Yoga

Enter Shop

~ Interview with Teresa of 1 Tree Yoga ~

Can you tell us a bit about yourself and your shop?

I have been practicing yoga for over 15 years. I wanted to share the joy of yoga with others. I picked the best way I knew making yoga accessories.

What inspired you to open your shop?

My yoga teacher encouraged me to sell yoga mat bags after I had given him one as a gift.

Besides designing & creating things, what do you do?

I have two part time jobs. A child care provider and a special events decorator.

Where, who or what does your influence come from?

Most of my influences come from my parents. They are catholic but studied Kriya yoga in their younger days.

What inspires you to be creative?

Nature inspires me to be creative, especially the beach. I also love trees. From the beautiful green summer tree to the bare grey winter tree.

How do you get out of a creative rut?

Yoga, meditation and walking in nature.

When did you first discover that you were or wanted to be an artist?

I loved to make crafts as a young child. I would give handmade gifts for birthday and Christmas gifts. When I was in my twenties I worked at an arts and crafts store. It seems like I have been doing this as far back as I can remember.

Can you describe your creative process for us?

My process is not always the same. It's hard to explain. Most of the time I can tell right away if something is going to work or not.

What is your most cherished handmade possession?

A drawing of Jesus by etsy seller x0dance0sweete0x . I gave it to my father-in-law when he was in the hospital. The print is amazing. Jesus' eyes are intense and although it is a sketch it feels real.

Where do you see or want your shop to be this time next year?

In the next year I would like to have double my sales.

Where would you like to be in ten years?

I would like 1treeyoga to be my full time job.

Who are your favourite shops to browse on Etsy?

- Talk2theTrees ---- awesome hats

- DownShadowLane ---- love the fabric

- ellembee --- t-shirts are outstanding, I have about 10.

- ABeadSea --- great to buy supplies from

What is your best advice to newbie Etsian's just opening their shops?

- Don't forget that the images of your products should be just as compelling as the descriptions. 

- Join a team --- Teams have truly helped my shop.

- and RELAX

Where else other then Etsy can you be found on the net?

Facebook

Do you have any coupon codes that you would like to share with our readers?

20% off all items use coupon code LOVEYOGA

Feature Friday ~ Typomaid

Enter Shop

~ Interview with Kat of Typomaid ~

Can you tell us a bit about yourself and your shop?

My name is Katie and I have always loved art and drawing since I was young - especially at school...Back then I was pretty unsure about what to do with "art", becoming an artist wasn't really an option - at 19 years of age I was pretty clueless and couldn't think of anything I wanted to do FOREVER! Such a scary thought - but well, I guess it is not the same in the century we are living in - people change jobs, start studying with 40 years of age and change careers much faster than 20 years ago where everything seemed to be set in stone!

After a detour into German Literature, I became a graphic designer - and I have never regretted it. The possibilities are boundless.

I started my shop just one month ago. I had had the idea for a while in the back of my mind: Creating prints  that look great framed and turn a wall into an eye catcher. 

I love looking around for meaningful quotes and sayings that make me laugh or think and I have collected quite a few, and I love love love typography - both go well together if enough attention to detail is put in. 

I also love drawing and designing the accompanying graphics that support the message and creating one flawless art work out of multiple components. I try to make it look as if there was just this one way of doing  it... 

What inspired you to open your shop?

The shop was a project waiting to happen. When I found Etsy I thought "This is amazing" and spent hours looking through all the products. I have since opened up my own online shop for my t-shirts too. When I had the idea for Typomaid it took me under 30 minutes to finish off the first design as I knew exactly what I wanted to do.

Also the idea of doing something completely self-directed was a great prospect!

As a designer you mostly design for your clients, and in my day job as Lecturer in Design in a College I get to help other budding designers. My own shop in contrast is a way to realize my own creativity and ideas.

Besides designing & creating things, what do you do?

I probably like to do things in a bit of an extreme way - I am a little crazy like that...at times..(My husband is nodding) And I also try to do too many things at once....

For example, I was always interested in Psychology, so I decided to study it and now I am in my last year of my Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology - it's exhausting though!!!

I am also working 2 days a week, have a super cute 4 year old daugther - that always comes first.

For fun I am getting into running at the moment and would love to do the half marathon in May, here in Sydney...

Where, who or what does your influence come from?

Pretty much from everywhere although I do find that European design is quite sophisticated especially design coming out of the Netherlands - I love Amsterdam!

What inspires you to be creative?

I think Design is a very powerful art form. It is all about communication, clarity and the visualisation of an idea. 

It makes me sad when I see a beautiful fonts distorted by someone, or with

way too little tracking applied. Fonts are very sensitive, little creatures with

a soul :)

Generally I find, that design is not valued enough and people don't realize how much power good design can have.

Design is in everything - and it cannot be created by everyone! Often when I walk through Sydney 

(not to mention some suburbs) I see so much bad signage, creepy color choices and ugly logos that I wonder,  how someone could have admitted this...Design can change a room, a city and even a country - it affects everyone...

How do you get out of a creative rut?

I only design when I have inspiration, otherwise I do something else. 

When did you first discover that you were or wanted to be an artist?

Since I can remember I was always drawing which in my case I developed into graphic design and writing.

I remember drawing butterflies in kindergarten and I was so keen getting all the shapes right while the other

kids only spent 5 minutes on those details...:)

Can you describe your creative process for us?

I would read through my collected quotes and sayings or maybe search for more

and imagine how I could visualize it in the funkiest, interesting way! In a way that talks to YOU!

What is your most cherished handmade possession?

Probably ALL cute drawings drawn by my daughter that are hanging around our house (with my prints)

Where do you see or want your shop to be this time next year?

Having more than 3 sales on etsy would be great!! ;) And also selling on markets, which I haven't

tried out yet. 

Where would you like to be in ten years?

I would love to make a name for myself (or Typomaid) around Manly - that would be

a fantastic accomplishment. I also hope to be able to spend more time promoting my Kids Shirts

on www.latteonesugar.com - after my final exam :)!!! 

Just a couple of days ago I have ordered my first promotional pieces - 

business cards with my art prints on the back and little magnets as well...

Can't wait to receive them!

Who are your favourite shops to browse on Etsy?

I think the Iphone covers from HavokDesigns are super cute

also TheTinyFig 

and very pretty screen printing at DutchDoorPress

What is your best advice to newbie Etsian's just opening their shops? 

I am probably not the right person to ask this question as I am such a newbie! I think joining treasury teams seems to be a good thing!

Where else other then Etsy can you be found on the net?

Like my page on
Facebook

As mentioned before I also design textiles for a Kids range - my label is called: www.latteonesugar.com

Do you have any coupon codes that you would like to share with our readers?

I haven't used coupon codes on etsy yet - BUT: 

Contact  me through etsy

and the first 10 emails ( I will announce the winners at the top of my etsy shop) can purchase a print for 50% off --> $6.50 plus postage!

Feature Friday

 

  A slight deviation from normal this week...

Since we featured MostlyBlackAndWhite on Wednesday, I thought that we'd feature some warm browns on Friday. Enjoy!

 

Small Cat Print by PetsandAnimals

 

Dexter by OddballArtCo

Baby Sock Monkey Outfit by HappyCapatiller

Balloon Fish by JewelRenee

Me and My Balloon by MandarinMoon

Tiki Style Earrings by HavokDesigns

I hope you enjoyed today's featured items!

xoxo  Mad

Feature Friday ♥ Starfly Creations

Today's Feature Friday is fellow Etsian Artists Team Member Starla from Starfly Creations.  

~ Starla's Story ~

I've been blessed with a wonderful family and a love of art. I've been married almost half my life. We have two wonderful children. A young teenage son who thinks he knows everything and a three-year old daughter who probably does! We have a dog, a turtle, and have been known to nurse injured green anoles back to health. My son has great promise as a photographer and my daughter has great promise of being an adorably cute, walking, talking, dictionary!

When not on Etsy, my favorite activity, outside of spending time with family, has to be art. I love creating! 

I've always loved creating, even at a very young age. I remember disassembling my father's racing trophies and reassembling them into "modern art". Dad wasn't too happy about that. LOL. And my mom wasn't too pleased to have her Audubon book on birds embellished with crayon either. When I was young, my parents put up with a lot in support of my art from paint on the carpet and clothes to the "altering" of many personal effects of theirs. If it wasn't their encouragement, even with such frustrations, I would probably have been a foreign language interpreter! 

I believe as an artist, you should always keep the "awe" in everything you see. I love discovering our world through a variety of avenues, seeing beauty in minute details that are often overlooked.

My inspiration comes from life. Every tactile, tangible and not-so-tangible element that makes life, life. It could be my daughter's expression at trying something new, the way the wind catches long hair, the detailed pattern of an insect wing, or the stories I've shared with my kids. Life is inspiration.

Life is a beautiful chaotic mix of very special and very different moments. I try to reflect that in my work. To me, creating the same type of art every day is like having the same emotion every day. My art is a journey, just like my life.

My eclectic love of all things art is reflected in what I create for my Etsy shop. I have everything from custom cut silhouettes and cut paper note cards to abstract art and miniature paintings.

I am the volunteer leader for art and computer science/graphic design for our local 4-H. I've been the volunteer teacher for drawing, jewelry making, and polymer clay sculpture. Three of my students entered the state fair in polymer clay and all three won! In graphic design, I am currently teaching Adobe Photoshop and have Illustrator and InDesign classes slated for this school year as well. I also volunteer with our local PTA and our church.

I have a BFA in Graphic Design with emphasis in communication arts. That's where I met my hubby. I've spent many years in advertising in the roles of graphic designer, art director and creative director before going back to freelance to grow my family. Now that my daughter is three, I will be gearing up the reigns to increase my activity, once again, in the commercial field too. My commercial portfolio may be viewed at www.starflycreations.com

I was inspired to open my Etsy shop through a friend of mine, Andrea. She sells adorably cute, whimsical paintings and children's decor within her Etsy shop, Andralynn. If it wasn't for Andrea, I would have never known about Etsy, nor would I have met such wonderful people through the teams that I am now fortunate to call my friends.

I love exploring Etsy shops. My favorite shops to explore would have to be shops specializing in sculpture (polymer clay, clay, paper, glass, wood,...). I love sculpture and have plans to include polymer clay sculpture within my Etsy shop, StarflyCreations, soon.

When I get into a creative rut, I step away and find another task to occupy my time. Not a problem as there a numerous activities and projects I have in progress, too many to accomplish in a life time! Or we head out and do something as a family. My interests are so varied from anything to do with creating art to writing children's stories, finding the time to accomplish everything and be a work-from-home mom is my biggest challenge. I wouldn't change it. I love my family and I love my work.

My creative process is a bit unorthodox, in that it never stays the same. Part of my creativity is being a bit spontaneous combined with a bit of forethought. LOL! There's an oxymoron! But seriously, I am notorious for leaving little yellow stickies or any piece of paper laying around the house filled with doodles and thoughts on my next project. 

My favorite handmade possession is a quilt that my great grandmother made and my grandmother passed to me. The fine detail within the aged cloth reminds me of family and of all the little moments in life that makes one's life uniquely theirs alone.

The best advice that I could share with Etsy newbies would be PERSEVERANCE. Don't give up. There will be times that you will be frustrated from how much you need to learn to your shop's lack of traffic/sales. We all go through it at one time or another but it's especially difficult with new sellers that are not confident that IT WILL HAPPEN. To borrow a quote from one of my favorite animated movies, Meet The Robinsons, we just need to remember to "keep moving forward!" 

Happy New Year! Please feel free to use coupon code SAVE10 to save 10% off your purchase within my shop.