aprilmist

Get to know CREST member aprilmist. She creates beautiful jewelry using handmade paper beads! Have a look at the feature written about her on the DC Craft Mafia Blog.

penelopedesign

Penelope Designs
Wearable Art for Everyone

I am Penny (Penelope), and I like to call myself a ADD crafter. I learned to knit, crochet and needlepoint at the knee of my Bulgarian grandmother at the age of 8 or 9, and have been doing so ever since! I feel bereft when I don’t have a project going in my hands, and have been known to knit in front of the TV, in the metro, and even at stoplights while driving! I also design and make jewelry, decoupage, and am thinking about learning how to drill sea glass this spring! That’s why Penelope Designs has something for everyone!

I grew up overseas as the daughter of a US Foreign Service Officer, and lived in Korea, India, Pakistan, Ethiopia and Mozambique. The beads and textiles from these countries have influenced me greatly in my work, and I especially love working with sari silk yarn from Nepal, colorful glass beads from India, and recycled paper beads from Africa.

Combining my love of needle arts with beading, I specialize in crocheted wire necklaces. Using different gauges of wire with different kinds of beads, from pearls to glass to semi precious stones, I can achieve completely different looks with each creation.

Several pieces are currently on sale in my shop to make way for spring items. Please check it out!
http://penelopedesign.etsy.com
http://www.flickr.com/photos/penelopedesigns/
http://artist.to/penelopedesigns/

ForeverInStyle

In 1979, I began traveling with my husband to Asia, the Middle East and Europe, buying unusual porcelain, stone and glass beads for my jewelry business. "Beadles" was sold in Bloomingdale’s, Garfinkles, Saks Fifth Avenue, the Smithsonian’s mail order catalogs and museum shops, the Chicago Art Institute's museum shop and mail order catalog, the Seattle Museum of Fine Art, the Sackler Gallery, and many boutiques in the U.S. and Canada. My work was also featured in the Washington Post, Baltimore Magazine and in TV interviews.

I decided to open ForeverInStyle.etsy.com in Nov.2008 ( my 3rd Etsy shop) to sell some of my original Beadles pieces - all hand knotted vintage beaded necklaces and earrings -as well as newer more contemporary designs that incorporate chain and wire wrapping along with the vintage beads.
Many of these pieces can also be found on my own website debbyarem.com.

mloartwear

Somebody's trash is somebody else's treasure or...somebody's treasure is somebody else's trash.

My name is Maryse. I am French.

I am a professional painter and exhibit in the DC Metro area.
I studied art formerly; I have a Bachelor of Fine Arts in printmaking and drawing and a Masters in Fine Arts in painting and drawing. Previously, I had studied Biology and Chemistry.

I left Europe (I lived in France and Switzerland) when I was 22 to be a volunteer in Niger, West Africa. Since then, I lived in many places; Niger but also Mali, Senegal, Haiti, Egypt, Algeria, Oman and Indonesia.

I also lived in different states in the US, Delaware, Alaska, Washington, New Jersey, North Carolina, Georgia and now North Virginia.

Traveling made me aware of the environment in a big way. I believe in recycling and my art is focusing more and more on re-using products especially paper. I save paper materials and create collages to make tags and bookmarks.
About 15 years ago, I started to create my assemblage brooches using materials I found on my walks and materials people will donate.

I might be moving back overseas soon! Unfortunately my shop might not be able to go with me....

I have a sale right now in my shop mloartwear.etsy.com. Almost everything is on sale, some items are on clearance. Please, come and take a look! Convo me if necessary.

SewArtsy Handmade

SewArtsy Handmade – Custom-made Handbags & Accessories

I'm Amy, and I have a passion for fashion, fabric and color! These passions developed the creation of my home-based business designing and sewing original, handmade, custom-made handbags and accessories, called SewArtsy. I love designs that are clean and classy, yet aren’t the everyday bags you’ll find everywhere — in fact, you’ll probably never see the same SewArtsy bag made twice.

I've always called northern Virginia “home”, and have forever had an interest in art—taking art classes during high school, and in college, where I earned a B.A. in Art History. I love art, and see fabric as canvas that can be pieced together! I want my bags to be noticed, but for the wearer to be comfortable using them. I love pretty, sassy, bold, beautiful fabrics, but also know that a woman wants her bag to be functional and simple to use.

I am also the mom of two beautiful little boys and a baby girl who have joined our family by way of adoption. Adoption is something very close to my heart, and I'm most proud of those of my products that make an impact on supporting adoption, and those men and women facing a crisis-pregnancy - my Hair Clippy Caddies, and baby and kid items! You can find Hair Clippy Caddies at SewArtsy.Etsy.com, and you'll find more Hair Clippy Caddies and baby items at SewArtsyBethany.Etsy.com.

I'm a proud member of the Amys In the Arts Street Team, CAST, CREST, and Carried Away Bag Makers Team.

amy [!at] sewartsy.com
sewartsy.etsy.com
sewartsybethany.etsy.com
sewartsyblog.blogspot.com
twitter.com/sewartsyamy
facebook.com/pages/sewartsy/60867638520
flickr.com/sewartsy

Sale at BellaLunaDesign

BellaLunaDesign.etsy.com
Artisan Jewery Created With Nature's Finest

Former Graphic Designer and Web Master has transitioned to designing one-of-a-kind jewelry pieces using nature as the inspiration for color pallet and materials.

From now until St. Patrick's Day all things GREEN are on sale - 15% off with Free shipping. Discounts will be given as a refund in PayPal.

Artisan at ARTway - Nico Alexander Designs

Pamlita11.etsy.com

Notes about the Artist:
I started after my son was born and I wanted a mommy bracelet. This has grown into handcrafted jewelry designs of bracelets, earrings and necklaces made with semi-precious stones, Swarovski crystals and sterling silver.

My Craft Space:
I have a table setup down in my basement so I can work while washing clothes and watching my 3 year old while he plays.

This is 1 of 10 artists featured at Artisans at ARTway.

dottyral

http://dottyral.etsy.com/

Emery Pincushion - Red Tomato - Keeps pins sharp

Notes from the Artist:
Creating is something I do everyday. My hands have to be busy. I love to crochet, sew, play with beads, ribbons, wool, and paper. I’ve been focusing on creating pincushions for quite a while now. I make emery pincushions to keep pins sharp. They’re something that couldn’t be found in stores, so I started making them. I also make pincushion rings. These are super cute and handy. To keep things interesting, I’m always coming up with ideas for other things. I’m always planning the next project while working away on the current one. My latest “big idea” - vinyl jewelry. I’ve been enjoying coming up with designs using this unusual material. If only there were more hours in a day!

My Craft Space:
I have a sewing room in my basement. I love it! It’s a slightly disorganized haven of craft supplies. My husband would disagree with the “slightly” part. I do love to organize it. I find that it’s more enjoyable to work in an organized space. Someday, I’d love to really do it up with beautiful cabinets and counters. Until then though, it‘s a happy place that I‘m grateful to have.

This is a photo of a system that I created to keep my pincushion rings organized. At Christmas time, when things were busy, I had a hard time keeping track of them. They were all mixed together in a bin. It was difficult to tell which designs I was low on or out of. I tried to keep a list, but then I would forget to update it when one sold or I made a new one! Now, I can tell at a glance just how many I have of each design. Looking at that wall even makes me happy - a sure sign of a craft addict. :)

My etsy shop: http://dottyral.etsy.com
My blog: http://indiefindsonetsy.blogspot.com/

6060

http://6060.etsy.com

Cotton Dish clothes gift set - 4 pieces

Notes from the Artist:
I love to crochet. I started to crochet scrubby/ dish rag/ dish clothes because my sister-in-law told me once that hand-made crochet cotton dish clothes are the best dish clothes she ever had. Then I began to crochet my very own cotton dish clothes and tried them out around the house. Before I noticed, they were in my bathroom, kitchen and dining room! I chose pink and lime green for this set of dish clothes because these funky color are so cheerful and it looks like they will brighten the day when you are doing house chores! :)

My Craft Space:
Many hours I sit in front of my computer to do everything (including counting my safety eyes, I sell those too :) , especially after I join Etsy, I can't believe I am so addicted to Etsy. However, after my daughters go to bed, when I work with yarns (crocheting most of the time), I love to sit in my big old comfy chair, in that chair, I can crochet a lot of stuff!

Nylon Thread

Green Origami Cranes

These darling Japanese-paper cranes are about one inch from beak to tail. I folded the cranes myself from the most beautiful, colorful Japanese Washi paper with gold-ink accents; it feels like fabric and has traditional Japanese kimono patterns. It took me some trial and error, but I finally found the perfect size for wearing as earrings. I offset the paper with gold-plated wire/earwires and green faceted crystal beads.
These birds are magical creatures; the crane in Japan is one of the mystical or holy beasts (others include the dragon and tortoise), and is said to live for a thousand years.

Notes from the Artist:

I work by day as a graphic designer and as my job got increasingly technical, I found myself looking for ways to explore creative outlets with my hands. I first worked in bookbinding and illustrating, but about 12 years ago, a friend turned me on to making jewelry with beads and I was hooked! I have some training in metalwork, but haven't invested in the equipment it takes to continue that field. More than the monetary investment, however, I have two children (5 and 2.5 years) that occupy most of my spare time; the 5-year-old has recently been "helping out" with the beads. Regarding the recent origami trend, I've been fascinated with Japanese paper-folding since I was 7, so it's been exciting combining two loves of mine!

My craft space:

Up until last month, I was in front of the TV just like many of the rest of us. However, we just set up a projector TV that requires near-darkness to view, so I had to relocate to the home office. I'm actually pleased with the new space! I create on a low table, and sit on floor-pillows surrounded by bookshelves and supplies.

Bodil Lund Jewelry Design

http://bodil0331.etsy.com
Large Heart Stone Pendant

Notes from the Artist:
I have been fascinated with jewelry and gemstones for as long as I can remember. My second love is the beach, any beach, anywhere, anytime...... About four years ago I decided to put it all together and embark on a new journey of design and metalsmithing.

I work in sterling silver, fine (.999) silver, gold, and recycled metals. Incorporated into most of my work are natural gemstones and pearls.

Pictured here is one of my newest pieces: a naturally shaped Heart Stone pendant cast in solid sterling silver. It is a lovely three dimensional piece with the texture and feel of the original stone. I have several different hearts in my series, collected over the years from beaches near and far. Each is a unique treasure, comforting to hold in all its imperfections.

My Craft Space:
I attend workshops at The Art League School in Alexandria, VA on a regular basis, so the majority of my work is done there. The design and finishing touches are done in my home office. Nothing fancy, but it works for me.

Penelope Designs

http://penelopedesign.etsy.com"

Sari Silk Knit Purse

Notes from the Artist:
I am a self proclaimed ADD crafter - I love to knit, crochet, bead, decoupage, and usually have about 7 or 8 different projects in different media going on at the same time! I work in creative bursts, so while I constantly have a knitting or crochet project going on, I will be fallow with jewelry and then go crazy one day and make 10 or 12 new pieces in a span of a few hours! I am always looking to try out new things, especially yarn, and just loved the bright colors of the recycled sari silk and the story behind it. This yarn is woven from worn out saris (very eco-friendly) and provides a good income to the women who spin it in Nepal and India. No two skeins are ever the same, given the nature of the material, and you never know how the piece is going to look when you start, which is half the fun! I sort of made up the pattern for this handbag as I went along, and found a cool wood toggle button to give it an even more distinctive look.

My Craft Space: well, I don't really have just one space that I work! As a knitter and crocheter, I take my work with me just about everywhere I go - I even knit in the car at stop lights! It is a great way to fill up time when you are hanging out a doctor's offices as well....Most of my jewelry making is done in my family room (much to my family's dismay), and I usually have several different projects going on at the same time, as you can see in the photo. While I am usually a very organized person, this is one place where I just let everything go! I also do most of my photography of my Etsy items here, since the natural light is great.

Forgotten Beauty

http://www.xenya.etsy.com
Rotting Stairs 5x7 Fine art photography print Urban exploration

Notes from the Artist:
I'm a writer who has been exploring photography for a
while now. I love exporing forgotten and forbidden
spaces. Surprisingly, there are a lot of them, and I
like to try to capture the beauty I see in urban
decay. Most of these places have a long history, and I
do a lot of research into those histories before
exploring. I feel it gives me a deeper understanding
of what the place is, what it was and what went on
behind its walls. I very much enjoy photographing the
essence of these places, recording them before time
and progress erase their history.

My Work Space:
Obviously, most of my work is done on location. I have
to travel to these places, and exploring them can be
dangerous. However, it is something I love to do so I
pursue it. As of now, I haven't gotten into much
digital processing (no photo shop!), so what you see
is how I saw it, other than a bit of cropping and
touch up. In the future I plan to explore digital
manipulation a bit more and I have a lot of ideas
brewing. I would like to combine my writing and my
arts.

oblinaknit

http://oblinaknit.etsy.com
Sweet Ginger Handbag

Notes from the Artist:
Fabric and yarn are my addiction - my stash is growing day by day. I love to play with the different colors and mix them together to see what happens. Japanese fabrics are also a fav - I use them for my zipper pouches and zip its - its a great way to keep you inner child happ!
Recently, I took a fiber spinning class at a local yarn shop and was amazed at the combinations you can create - the colorway possibilities are endless - and of course, now I am coveting the entire shop of loop.etsy.com. Her rovings are absolutely fabulous so I cannot wait to start spinning up some lovelies soon. I also started blogging recently - so feel free to stop by and see what is new at http://oblinaknit.blogspot.com/.

My Craft Space:
I live in a 1 bedroom apartment and currently have my machine set up on my desk in the living room - looking out the window so I can enjoy the view! I also do my jewelry and knit in the living room area I have set aside as my 'studio space' . I also use a shoe organizer - with the plastic open pockets - hung on my door to organize my smaller supplies and knitting needles. Its a great way (and cheap) to organize your sewing notions, needles, and smaller knitting supplies .
You can see from the pic that my desk is surrounded by plants and other fun stuff - yes that is a can of bamboo shoots behind my loosestring (also of etsy) pincushion in the pic with the view - I have my wire that I knit with wrapped around it to keep it in place while I am working on the piece of knitted jewelry of the moment.
And of course, anyone who has been in my shop has met Ken - the guy in the banner in his fruit hat - he is one of my two cats and loves to model stuff for me; my other cat Dahlia, prefers to watch out the window for birds.
I would love to use my entire bedroom as a studio space - but haven' t come to terms with sleeping on the floor.




www.oblinaknit.etsy.com

http://oblinaknit.blogspot.com/

Hazel Designs

http://hazeldesigns.etsy.com
Victoria Earrings

Notes from the Artist:
I have a fondness for beautiful stones, and love working in all kinds of nifty materials such as semiprecious gemstones, glass, quartz, sterling silver, vermeil, pearls and crystals. My past work has included a lot of sterling silver, but lately I've begun incorporating gold in my pieces, as evidenced by this pair of green and gold earrings. There is just something luxurious and lush about gold, especially combined with an equally opulent color like emerald green. Finally, I am also fascinated with metalwork and hope to develop my skills in this area toward future designs.

My Craft Space:
I turned our spare guest bedroom into my home office, which also doubles as my craft space. For now, my desk provides sufficient space for all my craft work, which also contains my computer, printer, and a bunch of drawers that hold my beads, jewelry supplies, and mailing supplies all within easy reach. In the future I would love to get a bigger work table with lots of cubbyholes and storage nooks, but for right now my sunny yellow craft room is sufficient for my little business.

Purple Snow Peas

http://purplesnowpeas.etsy.com

Spring Ribbon Scarf

Notes from the Artist:
I would like to feature my light-weight scarves. They are a must-have when you are wearing a jean jacket on those cool Spring and Fall evenings. I have several of these in my ETSY shop PurpleSnowpeas. I have matching hats for many of these scarves that are great for the cooler winter weather.

I re-taught myself to knit about two years ago from the "Stitch and Bitch" book and have been making hats and scarves ever since. I also crochet but love to knit-in-the-round - thus my passion for cozy winter hats. My next project that I am embarking on is a line of felted bags. I have made a few for myself and plan to start adding them to my shop at the end of March.

My Craft Space:
As for my art/craft space, I knit in the living room usually while watching MSNBC, LOST, or The Wire:) Here are a few photos of my comfy couch and my recently organized yarn collection - there's a ton more yarn in my closet! I also attached photos of my first craft show with fellow CREST members at the Savage Snowdrop show.





Find me here:
http://purplesnowpeas.etsy.com
http://purple-snowpeas-shop.blogspot.com
http://www.indiepublic.com/profile/KathrynShort

Debby Arem Designs

http://debbyaremdesigns.etsy.com

RECYCLED CIRCUIT BOARD Merchant Credit Card and Memo DOUBLE Clipboard or KITCHEN COUPONS holder and grocery list NEW Geekery PRODUCT

Notes from the Artist:
I've been a jewelry and accessory designer for over 25 years and DebbyAremDesigns is my shop devoted to items made from recycled circuit boards. My shop currently features jewelry ( pins, earrings, mens' jewelry ) , green office products such as clipboards of various sizes including magnetic ones, bookmarks and keychains , clocks, magnets, picture frames and sun catchers at this time.
I'm always adding new products when the inspiration hits me. One such example of this is the item I've chosen to feature in the blog this week:
This is a new item that I made actually at the request of another Etsian who does craft shows. She contacted me to see if I made any kind of clipboard ( from the recycled circuit boards that I use in all my work ) that would accomodate a credit card slip! It seemed that she realized she needed a clipboard that her customers could use to lean on while signing their credit card slips.
I went ahead and did a custom order for her but then in designing it, my husband suggested it would also be great to have another clip at the opposite end of the clipboard to hold notes. ( this was based on the mini magnetic clipboards that we've sold so many of that you can stick on your fridge or for your child to put on his or her locker to hold notes ). My husband also suggested adding a length of ball chain so that a pen could be attached!
I then realized that this item could also be used in the kitchen to hold your shopping list and coupons and so this new item became something that could serve two purposes !
If it is going to be used for your fridge, for an additional $5 , I add a substantial piece of magnetic tape to the back so it will stay on your fridge without sliding.

My Craft Space:
My studio is in the basement of our home and at this point, I think the recycled circuit boards and vintage beads that I sell through my other Etsy shop - http://EurekaEureka.etsy.com are breeding at night! Whenever I'm lucky enough to find a source to acquire circuit boards that would otherwise be burned , my husband and I get all we can get on our 'rescue mission' which is how I've come to look at it, so we are really bursting at the seams. You can see in one of these pictures some of the circuit boards we recently acquired and in the other picture, you can see the containers where I store circuit boards that I've had cut into smaller shapes that I use in my recycled circuit board jewelry ( pins, earrings and mens' jewelry ). Because I also make clocks and picture frames and magnets ( to name just a few more items in my line ) I also have containers that store vintage cabochons, recycled metal from a local scrap metal facility, recycled metal findings from an old jewelry warehouse that went out of business in Rhode Island ( where I'm from originally ) and anything else I might use in my designs.
I also have my own website http://www.debbyarem.com

Moonlight Bindery

http://moonlightbindery.etsy.com

Coptic Bound Lego Book- Build your Own Cover Design

Notes from the Artist:

I have been working with books for 17 years. When I was just out of college I started
taking classes in bookbinding and book conservation. I have been working as a book
conservator on and off for the last ten years. I love what I do! When I found out about Etsy I decided to take all the paper I had collected over the years and make some fine bindings.

Recently I have been experimenting with making books out of alternative materials. I
made a couple of books with covers made of Shrinky Dinks and now I have the Lego book.
Maybe I am just getting in touch with my inner 7 year old! The book is made from two 5" square white Lego base plates. I drilled holes in the plates and created a coptic binding with about 80 pages (160 if you count back and front) of recycled white paper. I include 20 flat Lego pieces so that the customer can make the book cover any design they want. I am so happy with the way it turned out!

My Craft Space:

I make all my books in my home studio. My studio takes over two rooms in the basement
of my house. There is a little window and lots of space! I seem to keep creeping into the hallway and may take over the whole basement at the rate I am moving.

Miscelena Handmade Papercrafts

http://miscelena.etsy.com

Sailboat Baby Boy Congrats Card

Notes from the Artist:
Here's a one-of-a-kind card for the new parents (or grandparents!) of a much-awaited baby boy!

The front features a tiny message: "he's here", next to a cheery handstamped
sailboat in tones of blue and brown on blue cardstock. Background paper is a coordinating blue and brown polka dot; base of card is a speckled 'natural'
cardstock. The inside reads "congrats congrats congrats", handstamped in brown ink.

My handmade cards are *all* one-of-a-kind, never-another-one-like-it original
assemblages - and most are blank inside for your thoughts, musings, comments and
doodles.

My Craft Space:

My craft supplies are quickly filling my spare bedroom... but I'm continually
looking for new and better ways to organize them. I recently bought a
shoe-organizer to store my rubberstamps!

Jetsy

http://jetsy.etsy.com

Ode to Coffee Necklace


Notes from the Artist:
The thing I love about Etsy is that you don't have to
stick with one medium or craft. I tend to create items
that reflect my current tastes and interests. The Ode
to Coffee necklace was inspired by my addiction to
Starbucks coffee (not the caffeine, but the sugar!). I
also like to use found objects. I found the teacup
charms in another etsy shop and had to have them.
Then, I used the colors I associate with coffee to
make the necklace. And that's kind of how I make all
my creations.

My Craft Space:
I do most of my crafting work after my 2-year-old
daughter goes to sleep. And I like to have the
television on in the background. So, I mostly create
on the couch.