Friday Features: ArtisticWill Studios

Glitter Rose Paperweight by ArtisticWill

Welcome to the latest edition of Friday Features. This week we meet Haruka of ArtisticWill Studios on Etsy. Read on to discover more of this beautiful art!

My name is Haruka and I run ArtisticWill Studios on Etsy: http://www.etsy.com/shop/ArtisticWill . I create

 Sparkling Glitter Art and keepsakes. Hand painted with multiple layer of sparkling glitter in a stained glass style.

Years ago, I started painting with glitter when my mother had Alzheimer’s, being a full time caregiver I needed an outlet to relieve my stress. Now, I paint in her memory and to share her love of things that sparkle. I also create 

Illustrations, scrapbook and photography.



ArtisticWill Studios was first my husband’s company where he sold photography. I took over the name to keep it in the family, and “studios” represents our family of artists. My daughter is into anime/ manga, my son builds and creates with online buildings programs, my husband photographs, and I paint with glitter.

Stained Glass Pansys Pendant by ArtisticWill

Best selling piece: Stained glass style Iris pendant, I’ve sold several pieces. See it here: http://www.etsy.com/listing/77449922/stained-glass-irises-pendant

I sell my work on Etsy, Zazzle and a local art gallery.  

artisticwill.etsy.com   www.zazzle.com/artisticwillstudios



 I blog about my glitter art, events I’ve been involved with and supporting talented handmade artist and crafters, occasionally placing the spotlight on those deserving.artisticwillstudios.blogspot.com/ 

Glitter Decorative Gold Cross by ArtisticWill

I also have Facebook pages: Facebook: www.facebook.com/ArtisticWillStudios.Art
Facebook Zazzle page: www.facebook.com/pages/ArtisticWill-Studios/115132341899570 

I’m a member of The IndiExhibit, a global group of talented artists enhancing our brand with Hollywood celebrities for large award shows as Emmy’s, American Music award, Golden Globe, MTV, etc.. and charities. 

Several Hollywood stars own my glitter art and seen by big wigs in Hollywood. I’ve participated in charities by donating for raffles and fundraiser for their cause. We are constantly look for new talent to enhance their brands. I donate a percentage to Alzheimer association and other charities. 

Amazing! Please be sure to visit Haurka's shop and see more beautiful art! http://www.etsy.com/shop/ArtisticWill

Would you like to be featured? Visit this post for more info (and Yes! It's FREE!) http://meglittlestudio.blogspot.ca/2012/02/friday-features-i-want-you.html

Friday Features: Fattidame

Martino the Camel Bookend by Fattidame

Hello and welcome to today's Friday Feature, which is going to take you all the way over to beautiful Italy to meet Paola. Read on to discover more about her and her delightful creations...

My name is Paola and my shop's name is Fattidame  http://www.etsy.com/shop/fattidame  I create soft art…my puppies are really soft and funny ( I hope)! 

I got started when I thought it would be nice to see on the wall a portrait of my cat, so I decided to make it with fabric, and then I decided to go on with my soft art ! 

In doing other crafts... Some years ago I did découpage, furniture restauration, bijoux (jewelry)…I love everything I can do with my hands. 

Nina the Snail Soft Brooch by Fattidame

When I decided to start my adventure with Etsy, I had to choose a shop name! So I chose “Fattidame” that in italian means “Made by me”.  I think it’s a simple name, that remind to Italy ;)

I sell more brooches than wall art…and I hope that more and more people know and like my soft puppies ;) See my brooches here: http://www.etsy.com/shop/fattidame?section_id=7793649

I only sell my work on Etsy.com. A few years ago I took part with Filippo (my love!) in some craft markets, but now I prefer to sell my items on my etsy shop.

Diego the Scotty Dog Headband by Fattidame

Oh yes I blog….;)  I’ve just opened my new blog site: www.fattidameworld.blogspot.comand I’m on Facebook:  www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100002322407249

I usually take care of animals in my daily life…but opening my blog I descover a really interesting website: www.doveconviene.it/co2neutral/ I posted this iniziative on my blog and I invited everyone to partecipate! It’s really important to do something for our planet!!

Thank you so much Paola, your shop is beautiful :)
Please make sure to visit her shop and see more of her wonderful work: http://www.etsy.com/shop/fattidame


...Do you want to be featured? Leave a comment below with your website address so that I can get a hold of you via email or conversation.

Friday Features: Deronda Designs

Shades of Blue Handmade Lampwork Beads by DerondaDesigns

Today's Friday Feature post is about an amazing lampwork glass bead artist, DerondaDesigns. Read on to find out more about her incredible beads...

My name is Deronda and because it's not a common name, we decided ti would be perfect for my glass. My etsy shop is www.etsy.com/shop/derondadesigns 

I play with glass and metal. The beads are the big part of what I do, but the etched copper is something that comes and goes as the mood hits. 

How did I get started? Curiousity....my mom gave us the love of creativity and the encouragement to play with all kinds of stuff.

Pretty Pink Flowers Handmade Lampwork Beads by DerondaDesigns

 Do I have any other arts/crafts? Oh wow, have you been sneaking into my closets? The curiosity has led me into all kinds of things from woodwork, to sewing, to painting, to scrapbooking, to ceramics and on and on it goes. But glass is still my first love.

A story of my shop name? Nope, it's just my name...nothing exciting there? 

Every set of beads I make is different so it's hard to pick a favorite anything. A lot of what you might see in the shop depends on my moods. The glass has always been a way for me to express things that I can't say outloud. 

Right now I am selling on Etsy and Artfire and I have finished jewelry pieces and other things that have nothing to do with glass or jewelry at our little store here in my hometown.

Ivory and Amethyst Lentil Lampwork Beads by DerondaDesigns

Sometimes I blog a lot, and then I get busy and forget...now that you have reminded me, i will probably blog soon. It'sderondadesigns.blogspot.com/

I do the FB thing: http://www.facebook.com/deronda.designs and you know that I am an addicted Plurker: http://www.plurk.com/Deronda

Her beads are incredible...I happen to have purchased the above beads, but you can find many more in her shop here: http://www.etsy.com/shop/DerondaDesigns
Have a great day!

Friday Feature: Colt Pixy

Filigree Egg with Flowers by ColtPixy

Today's Friday Feature is about an amazing polymer clay artist Angelina of ColtPixy on Etsy. Read on to discover more of her outstanding creations...

My name is Angelina Star but people who know me call me Star. Online I am ColtPixy and my shop is athttp://ColtPixy.etsy.com Sculptures and miniatures are my main focus but I do also create other things.

"How did I get started doing my art?" That is like asking, "how did you start breathing". I have been creating since I was big enough to hold a pencil. My mom said I was born to create art. 

I do quite a few other arts, actually. Until an injury forced me to stop working it full time I was a stained glass and mosaic artist. My work was sold in four stores in two states and I taught stained glass mosaics in both Tennessee and Alabama. I still have a fully stocked glass studio even though I work mainly with polymer clays now. 

Love Struck Snail Figurine by ColtPixy

I have collected fairies for many years. A colt-pixy is a mischevious fairy. I took out the - and ColtPixy was born.

At the moment my favorite pieces are snail sculptures. Each has it's own character and personality. See them here: http://www.etsy.com/shop/ColtPixy?section_id=10365423

I currently only sell on Etsy http://ColtPixy.etsy.com

Handmade Mosaic Keepsake Jewelry Box by ColtPixy

http://ColtPixy.com is my blog. 

I'm on several social networks here: http://coltpixy.deviantart.comhttps://www.facebook.com/coltpixyhttps://twitter.com/ColtPixyhttp://gplus.to/ColtPixy

I also support several different charities but only locally and in person (not online). 

Thank you Star! Please go to her shop and see more of her absolutely enchanting snails and other pieces here:  http://www.etsy.com/shop/ColtPixy 

Friday Feature: Nicole Portlock

Smoke Fired, Wheel Thrown Porcelain Vessel by NicolePortlock

 This week's Friday Feature comes all the way from Ireland, with Nicole Portlock's beautiful porcelain work. Read on to find out how she makes these beautiful creations...

Hi my name is Nicole and my shop name is nicoleportlockwww.etsy.com/shop/nicoleportlock?ref=si_shop

I make handmade vessels using a potter’s wheel, and porcelain clay. I use a process called ‘Smoke Firing’ to decorate the surface of my pieces. This process is one of the most basic and elemental ways to create marks on the ceramic surface. My vessels surface is totally unglazed. 

I feel that smoke firing is a good counterpoint to my control freak tendencies whilst creating on the potter’s wheel. Porcelain is just fabulous to use on the potter’s wheel, but it does take skill and patience. For me there is no other clay like it, because with a blunt tool you can then burnish (polish) the surface much more than any other type of clay. I burnish or polish my porcelain so that the finish surface has a satin feel and shine, which also makes the piece tactile.  

One of a Kind Smoke Fired Porcelain Vessel by NicolePortlock

I absolutely love smoke firing! I think that smoke firing speaks to the kid in me as well as to my pyromaniac needs (most potters are closet fire-nuts we just have a legitimate outlet). Fire is my paint brush and smoke is my ink, but this suggests that I have control over where the marks will be made, and I don’t. I can use recycled metal wires and various combustible materials to try and influence the smoke marks, but ultimately is it up to the weather and atmospheric pressures that day as to how fast my smoke kiln burns, what direction the flame takes and what marks are left. 

My love for clay begins when I went to a pottery evening class at a local school whilst still working and living in England. I was looking for a hobby and something to do with my hands. I had always loved handmade things, but the main drive was because I didn’t have any outlet for my creativity during the day. I was inspired by the teacher on this night class, but also by the clay process. At this stage I had no formal art training, so I was fortunate enough to be able to go part-time as the company I was working for was reducing head count. This allowed me to follow an access to higher education course two days a week at the local college. Although on this course you try every imaginable creative process, my love for clay had not changed. Amazingly just as I was finishing my access course, the company I was working for made me redundant, which was brilliant! I don’t think I would have had the confidence to take on a full time degree and move to another country if the lure of a regular pay slip had been there. 

Unique Smoke Fired Porcelain Vessel by NicolePortlock

I don’t do any other craft, but I do make some of my own decorating tools out of recycled materials. 

My shop name is my maiden name, and I’m often asked why I haven’t changed it to my married name. There isn’t any feminist agenda, only the fact that my partner and I had bought that domain name and set up my website before we decided to get married. 

My favourite pieces out of my shop are the black ball topped vessels, but I have found that the more archaeological looking pieces are selling at the moment. 

I only sell through Etsy currently, as I only have a few pieces left in this range. I am working on a new range and I plan to have a few pieces in some of the local galleries as well. But Etsy will be my main point of sale as I like the customer interaction. 

I don’t blog at all, mainly as I try and spend as much time as I can in the studio, and I prefer to keep interested people updated using Twitter @NicolePortlock and Facebook. Facebook/nicoleportlockceramics

Isn't her work amazing? Please visit her shop for more beautiful ceramic pieces: http://www.etsy.com/shop/nicoleportlock

Friday Feature: Banana Orange Apple

Blue Patchwork Twirly Sunfrock by BananaOrangeApple

This week's Friday Feature is Hannah of BananaOrangeApple on Etsy. She's from Canberra, Australia and makes the most playful, cute clothing you could ever imagine. Read on for more...

My name is Hannah and my shop is called BananaOrangeApple. It is www.etsy.com/shop/bananaorangeapple I sew sweet little dresses from recycled fabrics. I love taking something no-one else wants - an old pillowcase or some dressmaking scraps - and making something new that will bring joy.

Mum taught me to sew many years ago, and gave me a sewing machine for my wedding present. I kinda went into overdrive ten years ago when my daughter was born. 

As a high school teacher I sew as a way to relax after a busy day at school. But the things I love to sew don't fit on my darling daughter anymore, so I opened the shop to share them with the world.

Pastel Patchwork Twirly Dress by BananaOrangeApple

I love to do patchwork, and sold a beautiful patchwork quilt I named "Sawpit Creek" (you can see it here www.etsy.com/transaction/63829122). I am an "old school" quilter in that I like to reuse material rather than cutting up brand new stuff. I think of it as a way to make old fabric last a bit longer. I was also hopelessly addicted to cross stitch for years. 

They're not bestselling just yet, but I love the two patchwork twirly dresses I have made. So many different fabrics, each with its own story, and they look sooooo pretty. All 100% repurposed fabrics.www.etsy.com/listing/92113295/girls-patchwork-dress-patchwork-twirlywww.etsy.com/listing/89948290/upcycled-patchwork-twirly-dress-size-6-8

Say Hello to Hannah from BananaOrangeApple

Currently, My only shop is on Etsy:  www.etsy.com/shop/bananaorangeapple

I try to blog. My blog is bananaquilts.blogspot.com.au/ Also, you can find me on facebook:  www.facebook.com/bananaorangeapple1 and twitter too @banoranapple

Most of my fabrics come from the charity shops round here, so my products do support their good works. 

What a great story of a great woman and a great shop. Thank you Hannah! Please visit her shop for more adorable fabric goods here: http://www.etsy.com/shop/bananaorangeapple They'd make great gifts for any occasion.

New on Tuesday: New Earrings!

Black Lanterns Copper Hammered Drop Earrings

As promised, here are a few of the newest earrings in my shop on Etsy! Click on the photos to go to the site and get all the details!
Above are the Black Lanterns Copper Hammered Drop Earrings, just added to my shop today! Sexy, shiny and full of swing, it's no wonder that these earrings are one of my best sellers! Also available in Gold (below) and I have another, similar pair in sterling silver that are awaiting photographs.

Black Lanterns Gold Hammered Drop Earrings

I also make them with different dangling beads: crystals, crystal pearls, and gemstone beads. If you would like something custom made, just contact me!

Long, dangling earrings are very in style right now, as is evidenced by just about every star wearing some form of long, graceful earring.

Jessica Gold Treble Clef Celtic Swirl Earrings

 Back in stock are the Celtic Swirl Treble Clef Earrings. I make them in 14 karat gold filled wire (above), sterling silver (below) and copper with sterling silver ear wires, though they are waiting for photographs.

 These are very light and graceful, and wear well with jeans, as well as a nice dress (great for date-night!).

Jessica Sterling Silver Treble Clef Celtic Swirl Earrings

Please visit my shop on Etsy to see these, and more fabulous pieces of jewelry: http://www.etsy.com/shop/LittleStudioJewels

Friday Features: Element Arts and Crafts

Hand Turned Bubinga Sapwood Candlesticks by  ElementArtsandCrafts

This week's Friday Feature is a woodworking couple from Ottawa, Ontario. Say hello to ElementArtsandCrafts of Etsy. Read on to learn more about this outstanding duo and their remarkable craft...

We are Juanita and Kevin Hopkins and the name of our business is Element Arts and Crafts. Our URL is www.elementartsandcrafts.etsy.com
Right now we're concentrating on wood-turning, creating things like Christmas ornaments, shaving sets, candlesticks and soon some wooden-handled hors d'oeuvres sets, as well. We are also trying our hand at turning wooden bowls, so hopefully we will have some for sale soon.

I (Kevin) had always wanted to try wood-turning. A couple of years ago we moved to our first house, out in the country and we had a nice large garage and empty, unfinished basement. Last year we went to the Ottawa Wood Show, where I suggested we should try wood turning, and shortly after we ended up buying a lathe. Little did I know Juanita would like it so much! 
Kevin and I both still work in the city, so it was a big decision to move so far out to the country, knowing that we'd be commuting 3 hours each day. The trade-off has definitely been worth it--we bought an older farm house on a couple of waterfront acres, which means we can fish from our backyard, or put the canoe in right after dinner without having to drive anywhere.

Hand Turned Wenge Wood Shaving Set by ElementArtsandCrafts

We both do some painting in acrylics and watercolours, and we have done some stained glass projects as well (our unfinished basement is also great for cutting and grinding glass). Kevin has done both soapstone and wood carving. Juanita has worked in lino-cutting, fabric-painting and completed a few sewing projects. Juanita also makes great baked goods, and Kevin is great at eating them.

The name of our business came from working in wood, glass, stone and other natural elements. We also appreciate and relate to the Arts and Crafts movement.

We're still relatively new to selling on etsy, and we missed the Christmas sales season (D'oh!), so we would say our favourite item in our shop right now is the pair of bubinga sapwood candlesticks. This is such a beautiful wood; it has fantastic colour and grain. Unfortunately,it's hard to find "sapwood"--most shops only carry the "heartwood." Unless we find some more, these candlesticks could be one of a kind! Here is a link to them:www.etsy.com/listing/92010625/hand-turned-bubinga-sapwood-candlesticks

Currently we are only selling on etsy, but we plan on going to the Cumberland Farmers Market late next summer, and hopefully some of the other local craft shows. 

Hand Turned Cocobolo Wood Wine Bottle Stopper by ElementArtsandCrafts

In terms of blogs, we're not really the blogging types. We don't own cell phones or anything, and technology isn't something we really prioritize in our lives. When we aren't working or making sawdust in the basement, we are usually out canoeing or fishing in the summer, or snowshoeing in the winter. That being said, we appreciate the people who are willing to blog on our behalf!

We're not currently on any social networks, I really wouldn't know how to set one up. Still not sure what tweeting is or why one would want to do it...or read it.

We don't have too many items up right now, but are planning on getting more up in the near future.

Thanks again for this feature, it is nice to find people who are willing to help others out with their life ventures.
Our hobbies, especially the wood-working, are our creative release. When you spend a third of your day at the computer, it's nice to be able to go home and create something with your hands. We take turns making dinner so that one of us can go make some dust in the basement. It's a true partnership.

I think our tastes and styles complement each other well. Kevin is definitely more dramatic and willing to take risks...his items tend to be more elaborate and vibrant. I prefer simpler designs with subtler lines and natural tones. I think together we come up with a little something to please everyone.

We definitely place a lot of value in handmade crafts. I'd much rather produce (and purchase!) something that's one-of-a-kind...that shows the care and attention put into it and that becomes an heirloom item.

Aren't they just the nicest people? Please stop on by their shop and see more of their incredible work at http://www.etsy.com/shop/ElementArtsandCrafts (and maybe help them to get a blog or Facebook page!).

Friday Feature: Zachaliz!

Teddy Bear Leg Warmers by Zachaliz

As promised, here is a fabulous feature of artist Zacha, of Zachaliz on Etsy. Read on to learn more about her beautiful art...

My name is Zacha and although I had a difficult time choosing a name for my shop, intially selling vintage items only, when I decided to offer my own designs I changed it to my name.www.etsy.com/shop/zachaliz It was easier than trying to figure out something cute and quirky, I'm not very good at it :)
Right now I'm working on accessories. That includes hair accessories, bags and a line of leg warmers I did for kids this winter. But I enjoy offering pretty things for the home as well. 

Aged Muslin Scroll for Art and Craft Projects by Zachaliz

I've always been a creative soul, I think we all know this at a young age but how that translates into the rest of your life could be very different. For me I neglected it and tried to fight it. Eventhough I was encouraged in high school to go to art school I went to state college instead and graduated with a degree in Anthropology. It wasn't until I lost my job last year that I was able to reconnect with this part of myself. Since then I've studied costume design and taught myself how to sew. I couldn't be happier with where this new route has taken me. I'm enrolled in some fine art courses now, drawing and painting and working as a freelance costume designer. I'm always looking to expand what I know and continue to draw inspiration from other mediums. 
My favorite item in my shop right now... hmm... I love my chevron tote bag because I have one myself and use it everyday but I would have to say the muslin scrolls. Its something so simple but I was able to play with fabric in a way that wasn't constructing a wearable product. But I have found that my teddy bear leg warmers are a favorite of customers. These were sold at a local boutique and is the only other place I have sold my items other than my Etsy shop. 

Large Canvas Tote with Chevron by Zachaliz

I like to communicate with others mainly through my facebook page at :www.facebook.com/pages/Zachaliz/147745055328613February 3, 2012 I held my first game/contest. I think its a great way to interact with others. 
Supporting handmade and local businesses is very important to me. I hope that as my duaghter grows up and I continue to work on my craft that she is able to walk away knowing that was a big aspect of what I what I offer. I would love to some day be able to offer what I have learned and what I make in a boutique/studio in my little upstate NY town. 
Thanks so much for this opportunity!

There you have it, a great artist, with amazing items and great ideals. Please visit Zachaliz on Etsy today for beautiful handcrafted items.

Tuesday's Treasures - Newest Necklace Inspired by Boudica

Lamp Work Glass Boudica Celtic Sea Necklace, From my NeoAmour Collection

I am so thrilled to show you my latest necklace today, as today is Tuesday's Treasures, where I will aim to show you one completed jewelry piece per week. This necklace has been in the works for quite some time; almost a year, as that was when I bought this beautiful focal bead from my friend, incredible lamp work glass artist Louise, from Fireseed . It is a special bead, being one of a kind, and I knew it needed special treatment to do it justice. It took a while, but this is the fantastic result (if I do say so myself!).

Inspired by Boudica and the Ancient British Seas

I've long been inspired by the ancient Celts, as I've spoken about many times here on this blog, and beyond. When I recently took this bead out again and started turning it over in my hand, I was immediately reminded of the sea. I love the colors in this bead, as they are so vibrant yet still manage to be natural. I love how Louise managed to get so many different shades of brown, topaz, silver, black and blue into one bead, yet the whole bead does not look too busy. In fact, as I looked at it, I thought of the ancient English sea.

Simple, Yet Bold

Thinking of the ancient English sea, with its white foam, sandy stones and beaches, and vibrant blue of water and sky, I was suddenly, clearly inspired to create this necklace. I thought of, long ago, a young Celtic warrior Queen, Boudicca, as she prepared to take on the Roman Empire. She knew how important reserve forces would be for the Romans as they came over the channel from the Roman empire to Britain. I could see her planning her strategic attacks on British soil, against the usurping Romans, and thinking of how quickly reinforcements would come over the sea if the battles lasted too long.

This necklace was created for her. I used the stunning bead Louise had made, and then created a hand-blended mix of glass seed beads in shades to complement the focal bead. This necklace was made in a lariat-style so that you can wear it either choker style, with the bead hanging farther down your chest, or looser, with the pendant closer to your neck, depending on what you're wearing and how you like to wear your necklaces.

Please visit my Etsy shop to see the necklace here: http://www.etsy.com/listing/90201685/lamp-work-glass-boudica-celtic-sea and please let me know what you think!

For more stunning glass beads by Louise, please visit her Etsy store here: http://www.fireseed.etsy.com
or her website here: http://www.fireseed.ca

Have a great day,

Thoughtful Thursday

I was going to do a quick blurb about online marketing and networking tools, but this popped up and I had to show you!
I was on Mishkat's blog this morning, just clicking away, when I saw her post on "The
Story of Stuff". It intrigued me. I am always trying to figure out how to be more efficient, more frugal (one of my favorite words, said with a Scottish accent), but I didn't know all that Annie Leonard had to say. If you click on the image above, you'll go to the site where there is a video on "The Story of Stuff". It'll get you thinking. While I don't agree with everything she says, it makes a really good set of points about how we live our lives in a disposable manner. Check it out, you'll be glad you did :)
We need to be conscious consumers. We need to think about why we are purchasing the items we want. We need to pay what the items actually cost, and stop thinking that cheap, disposable, toxic products from giant factories making children work long hours is okay.
Buy responsibly. Buy handmade. Buy consciously!
Okay, today's sermon is over!
Meghann