QuirkynBerkeley

Etsy Buy Handmade QuirkynBerkeley

QuirkynBerkeley is my featured etsian today:

http://QuirkynBerkeley.etsy.com
http://quirkynberkeley.blogspot.com

What she has to say about herself:
Love paper. Love color. Love Berkeley. Love Etsy.
Beyond that, my style is eclectic and I love to experiment. I get completely absorbed in engineering my varied creations for hours. Each one is a new and unique production, made of treasures from my collection of paper and ephemera, transfigured into a single piece held together by a little glue, a lot of ideas, practice and work, and most of all, a great amount of joy. Some of my custom work can be viewed at http://www.picturetrail.com/photos/quirkynberkeley. Everything is made in a smoke free environment.

Visit my other shop, http://quirkynberkeleytoo.etsy.com for DESTASHING and OUTLET.

My work is designed to be something that one person gives to another. I'm lucky to have a craft that has a personal role in people's lives, and that can so easily become a part of the story of people's lives together. Gifts are imbued with all sorts of symbolic significance in every culture, and I'm always interested in the stories that people tell me about how they've used my cards -- who it was for, why they picked that particular card, why it touches them in some special way. Giving a handmade card is an act of intimacy since it is touched by very few hands-- the hands of the maker, the sender, the recipient. Being its creator allows me a role in a beautiful ritual.

It feels good to be the recipient of hand-written correspondence: no matter what the occasion -- there's a strong emotional connection during the moments of anticipation, and when it is held and read; the mystery of what's inside the envelope, wondering what prompted someone to stop everything else in their life and focus for a few minutes on writing this note. Your full attention for a few minutes is a very special kind of gift to another person, in a hand-written note that moment becomes frozen in time.

A handwritten note and its words can be touched by both sender and receiver and is always intimate; a handcrafted card is one that is created with these things in mind, and it is very likely the only one of its kind. Its maker sculpts the card from paper and other elements into a montage that is simultaneously an act of self-expression awaiting an act of overlaying it with new meaning in the giving from sender to receiver and used for one, specific moment in time.

Ulixis

My featured seller today is Ulixis:


http://Ulixis.etsy.com
http://ulixis.blogspot.com

What she has to say about herself:
My name is Amanda, I'm 21 years old and I grew up in the middle of nowhere - Northern Ontario. My parents home is across from a river (separated only by our front lawn and a dirt road) and surrounded by fields. As such, I'm constantly inspired by the beauty of nature, particularly wild flowers, morning dew and flowing water.

I'm currently a fifth year (undergrad) Honours Biology and Pharmacology co-op student at McMaster University. This is my last semester, and it has been tough ~ especially since I was working for a whole year on my thesis. I investigated smooth muscle migration in real-time using videomicroscopy. It was fascinating, and I'm returning to continue my project for my Master's (and hopefully PhD). As such, I am quite a science geek... which is also a source of inspiration for me.

I've been crafty my whole life, and enjoy making a variety of things. When I was younger, it was drawing, then making wreathes and dolls and beading. Now, my focus has switched to making notebooks and jewelry. I love the range of colours, shapes and sizes that beads come in, and I constantly collect more and more. Buttons are also a huge favourite. I also enjoy cooking, reading, writing and problem solving.

Please check out my blog, ulixis.blogspot.com. I'm trying to keep it up to date, though I'm extremely busy. I always try to post on any Etsy purchases I make and receive. Additionally, I'm taking part in the 90 day blogging challenge, where I'm supposed to feature a wonderful Etsy artist once a day. Unfortunately, I've been too busy lately to be consistent, but I'm trying.

Go and take a peak at her cards and jewelry!

Delicious Paper

My featured esty artist today is vanessakimball:

http://vanessakimball.etsy.com
http://vanessakimball.blogspot.com

What she has to say about herself:

I'm a
graphic designer for a design company called Ekcetera Productions. www.ekcetera.com

I'm glued to my computer. I wonder if there's such thing as a design addiction. Oh and I'm also addicted to Lipsmackers lip gloss. Strawberry Kiwi to be exact. Don't judge. :)

I also enjoy interior decorating, tennis, music, painting, vintage, IKEA, listening to The Current,coffee table books and art.

If you need any custom work done please contact me. I'd be happy to work with you.

Be sure to go and browse the rest of her beautiful shop!

Stunning Handcrafted Cards

Today I am featuring MyCatLuLu

http://mycatlulu.etsy.com
http://mycatlulu.blogspot.com

About the artist:

About me:
Professional facts:
BA in Art
Day Job: Desktop Publisher
Trained in Photoshop, Indesign, gocco, my medium format camera, black and white darkroom, and the color darkroom.

I am:
I'm lover not a fighter who enjoys the company of people, the songs of birds, and an occasional Mia tai. Don't like mean people, but really who would. Don't own bowling shoes, but I did play in a league when I was in 5th grade. Other than art, my passion is traveling. My last trip took me to Kauai, Hawaii...lovely.

About the name:



✭✭MyCatLulu ✭✭
Lulu is one of the cutest cats out there. She has great big eyes and really soft fur. She reminds me of an anime cat, but only better–no crazy effects...though her purr could use a little more volume.

With all the cards you will need in the coming season, why would you want to give store bought?
Give hand made and show them how much you care!
Go and check out the rest of mycatlulu's shop NOW ! :)

Simply Said by Sarah

Etsy Buy Handmade SimplySaidbySarah

http://SimplySaidBySarah.etsy.com
http://SimplySaidBySarah.blogspot.com

About the artist:
"Sarah Orton is a graphic design student in North Carolina. Her flair for design stems from a lifelong interest in crafts and her pieces demonstrate a fun spin on a contemporary sense of style. Encouraged by the requests she’d begun to receive from fellow employees and friends, Sarah decided to combine her creativity with her business sense, and Simply Said by Sarah was born. Each piece is handcrafted and unique, and is sure to add a tasteful touch of originality to your home!"

Winter blues???

Escape into some beautiful art !!!
Today I am featuring Kala -Karen Jinks, Author and Freelance Illustrator.
http://kala.etsy.com/
http://chalkhillstudio.blogspot.com/

What she has to say about herself:
My name is Karen, I'm mum to two beautiful children and a professional artist and illustrator from the UK. I love to create and have trouble deciding what to do so I usually end up trying to a bit of everything from painting to jewellery making and crochet, which is why I opened an esty shop.

Here you will find my artwork, prints and cards,
my crafts and jewellery can be found in my new shop opening soon http://upwiththelark.etsy.com/


Peaceful is what her work says to me!!
She does a variety of work, here are a few that I really like, but, you MUST come and treat yourself to the rest of her store!!!!!!!


This is an example of an adorable custom drawing.

Ahhhh...Roses!