FIVE recent creations by Etsy Columbus team members

Enjoy these lovely designs and be sure to click the shop links to view more wares by each of these talented artists!


Red Smoochie Mini pouch by Artsi Bitsi http://artsibitsi.etsy.com/

Night fox handpainted silk scarf by Megan Mac http://missmeganmac.etsy.com/

Vintage denim butterfly market tote by Mary Moon http://marymoondesigns.etsy.com/

8 Tags - Tragic labels by Space Dog Sarah http://spacedogstudios.etsy.com/

Pale iris rufflette scarf by Shirley of Maidenhand http://maidenhand.etsy.com/

Wednesday Item of the day from Gardenia's Garb

Today we are focusing our spotlight on a truly unique new addition to our team: Gardenia's Garb creator Patty. We simply had to share this yellow pirate/peasant shirt for men from her shop. Seriously, the guys are always getting overlooked in the handmade universe...so BRAVO for this bold foray.

Here, in her own words, is a peak into the designs and inspiration behind Gardenia's Garb.

"All of our products are handmade in non-smoking homes by my mother and myself. We have been involved with Renaissance festivals for over 12 years. We make clothing specifically designed for performers. We try to keep our patterns, styles, and color of fabric appropriate to the time period, but we occasionally take flights of fancy when the mood strikes us."

"Being a performer and a Scottish country dancer, I understand what is required of garb that is going to be lived in and worn more as clothes rather than a costume. Our clothing is designed to be worn, danced, and played in."

Check out more cool fashions from the past via this link:

http://gardeniasgarb.etsy.com/

Also, look over her blog:

http://gardeniasmiscellany.blogspot.com/

Wednesday Item of the day from On a Limb

Team member Melinda has 173 people who "heart" her etsy shop! She is the creative mind behind On a Limb Paper Invitations and Social Stationery. Her designs are classic, clean and contemporary. Changes in color, font and personalization are all available. So, if you are in the market for thank you cards, wedding products, or birthday invitations, etc., you should definitely check out her links below. Namaste!

http://onalimb.etsy.com/

http://onalimbpaper.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/

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

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/

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/

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

Monday's Featured Item of the day from BabyGee's

Good morning everyone! Today we shine the spotlight on a core team member with her self-penned introduction...

I am Michelle T., a stay at home mom with 2 great kids. My little business, Baby Gee’s, is home-based and all sewn by me. I offer items for babies, such as blankets, burp cloths, bibs and hooded towels. I can embroider names and dates on items to make them even more special. I also have ventured into making bags and totes, which you can never have too many of I think. Stop by often for new handmade items. If you are looking for something handmade and cannot find it, let me know - maybe I can make it for you.

*The items pictured are the Green Sunburst bib and burpcloth. They are appropriate for a girl or a boy and are generously sized. Note the tie closure which prevents your little one from pulling it off easily. Both are machine washable.

To get to know Michelle and her creations better, please visit any of the links listed below. Thanks!

http://babygees.etsy.com/

http://babygees.com/

http://babygees.blogspot.com/

A Fun Weekend of Art Shopping!

If you have some free time this weekend and happen to be in town, plan on a trip to the....

It’s NOT a “starving artist” sale! It’s over 100 Ohio Designer Craftsmen artists from across the country bringing you new work, discontinued designs, overstock and slightly imperfect items at reduced prices. Find bargains in ceramics, glass, jewelry, wearables and more!

January 24–25, 2009
Sat. 10 am–6 pm • Sun. 12 –5 pm
admission: $6, free return
12 and under free

Lausche Building, Ohio Expo Center
Columbus, Ohio