Superstar Saturday: Uneek Glass Fusions

Let me introduce you to....Uneek Glass Fusions!

1. What is your business name and website/shop URL? What do you create?

Uneek Glass Fusions http://uneekglassfusions.com

2. What is the theme or idea behind your website/shop?

Art glass knobs and pulls, glass backsplash tile accents, and home decor

3. What makes your items unique?

My items are unique handmade art glass designs that are custom in size, color, and design to coordinate with my customers home decor. Custom screw placement is available on the drawer pulls for example. I work closely with my customers to create that one of a kind piece of functional art.

4. What is your favorite item on your website or in your shop right now?

My favorite item on my website is the Tahitian Waters Blue Pendant Light or Vase.

This blue glass is stunning! It's difficult to pick just one item. I love the vibrant colors of the tile, knobs and pulls as well.

5. What teams do you belong to? How do we search for their items?

I belong to Creative Glass Guild and Design Style Guide teams on Etsy.

Creative Glass Guild website is http://www.cgge.org

Design Style Guide website is http://www.designstyleguide.net

6. What is your favorite thing about handmade items?

My favorite thing about handmade items it the fact that someone took the time and created something with their hands. Also, everything handmade is unique.

7. Do you have any favorite finds by other handmade artists?

I love searching through the shops on Etsy and finding all of the talented artists.

8. Do you have anything else you would like to share? Other links?

I have another Etsy shop named JoanJewels that sells dichroic glass jewelry and items from Uneek's other Etsy shop. The link is http://www.joanjewels.etsy.com

This was my first shop in Etsy.

Wow 'Em Wednesday!: Julie and Co

Let me introduce you to ... Julie and Co.

1. What is your business name and website/shop URL? What do you create?

My shop is called julieandco and is found at http://julieandco.etsy.com I make hand-embroidered decorative thread balls. They are in the tradition of Japanese temari, an ancient Japanese folk art.

2. What is the theme or idea behind your website/shop?

I love all things handmade and particularly those things with threads -- pearl cotton embroidery thread is my primary fiber, but I also love metallic threads, silk threads and wool. I named my shop Julieandco because my family (my husband of 26 years and our daughters) are a huge part of my work and who I am. They are the "and co." of my work!

3. What makes your items unique?

Japanese temari has been around for thousands of years and is making a resurgence in modern culture and craft. I like to put my own modern interpretation to these ancient creations -- modern color palettes, unique design twists, updated forms.

4. What is your favorite item on your website or in your shop right now?

My favorite creation right now is a new temari pincushion, http://www.etsy.com/listing/53616411/temari-teacup-pincushion-hand , in a lovely porcelain Asian tea cup. I think it is adorable and so practical for a modern seamstress!

5. What teams do you belong to? How do we search for their items?

I am a happy member of the Etsy West Michigan team (etsywmi team) and the Homeschooling team (SHE team). They are great encouragers!

6. What is your favorite thing about handmade items?

I'm really into textures and fibers....I love things that have multiple types of fibers (I'm currently intrigued with nuno felted scarves) and textural delights.

7. Do you have any favorite finds by other handmade artists?

I love therainbowgirl's hand dyed threads ( http://www.etsy.com/shop/therainbowgirl ), and the gorgeous scarves of my friend Cathi in Portland ( http://www.etsy.com/shop/sassicathi ) and everything of one of my long-time favorite embroiderers, Waterrose ( http://www.etsy.com/shop/Waterrose )

8. Do you have anything else you would like to share? Other links?

I am planning on opening a new shop soon of my own fiber art! Please stay tuned as this is a whole new adventure for me!

Superstar Saturday: Kim Scherer

Superstar Saturday!

Let me introduce you to ... Kim Scherer.

1. What is your business name and website/shop URL? What do you create?

My website is http://kimscherer.etsy.com and I make sleep sacks, burp cloths, bibs, bows, pacifier clips, and crib teething guards.

2. What is the theme or idea behind your website/shop?

I started my website after my son was born and I wanted to make things that I used or needed! It started with the burp cloths and got bigger from there! I wanted to make a gender neutral looking site and offer cute patterns in both boy and girl items!

3. What makes your items unique?

I want to make all my items something I would buy and make the fabrics fun! I try to take things that moms use everyday and put a small twist to it, to make it something unique!

4. What is your favorite item on your website or in your shop right now?

Right now my favorite item in my store is the pink and brown damask teething guard. I really like the fabric and think it came together great! http://www.etsy.com/listing/53895416/crib-teething-guard-for-convertible

5. What teams do you belong to? How do we search for their items?

I am part of the Etsy West Michigan Team and you can search items for that team by searching for "etsywmi team."

6. What is your favorite thing about handmade items?

I love handmade items because they are unique and they can be made for what you need or want!

7. Do you have any favorite finds by other handmade artists?

There are so many great handmade items that I can't pick just one! I love handmade jewelry and of course baby items!

8. Do you have anything else you would like to share? Other links?

My sister-in-law and I started our websites at the same time and we help each other to grow and get better at what we we do! The link to her shop is http://marcellas3monkeys.etsy.com. We also attend craft shows together and have a great time meeting customers and other great vendors! Since I have started this shop I have been pleasantly surprised at all the support from my family and friends and the wonderful customers that I have worked with!

Wow 'Em Wednesday: Celebrate Today

Wow 'Em Wednesday!

Let me introduce you to ... Celebrate Today.

1. What is your business name and website/shop URL? What do you create?

My jewelry store is called Celebrate Today and can be found at celebratetoday.etsy.com on the wonderful Etsy site. I specialize in hand-stamped, personalized jewelry in sterling silver and gold.

2. What is the theme or idea behind your website/shop?

I enjoy making custom pieces that help you remember all you have to celebrate. High quality materials, attention to detail and excellent customer service lead to one of a kind pieces with initials, children's names, important phrases or dates that have meaning to you.

3. What makes your items unique?

My items are unique because they are designed by you! I am very flexible and I'll create whatever you're looking for! Want to add a birthstone or pearl?

Want a different shape or font? Need more charms? I love to work with your ideas and have found some wonderful new designs have been sparked by that collaboration.

4. What is your favorite item on your website or in your shop right now?

This is a very hard question. It is a serious perk to have all of these wonderful samples to wear myself! Right now, I am most enjoying playing with the fun crystal colors in the briolette designs. This particular necklace is my favorite color green and I wear it often:

http://www.etsy.com/listing/53624432/august-birthstone-personalized-gold

5. What teams do you belong to? How do we search for their items?

I currently belong to the Etsy West Michigan team. You can find beautiful items by this wonderful group of artists by searching EtsyWMI.

6. What is your favorite thing about handmade items?

I have always tried to purchase handmade items for gifts and special occasions. I love that each item is unique and so personal. I also enjoy supporting individual artists.

7. Do you have any favorite finds by other handmade artists?

There are SO many! I am constantly adding new things to my "Favorites"

section and love browsing.

8. Do you have anything else you would like to share? Other links?

Thanks for featuring my Etsy shop! It is so wonderful to promote handmade items and support the great artists on Etsy. I hope you and your blog readers have much to celebrate today!

Etsy Artist Feature: Doe Studio

1. What is your business name and website/shop URL? What do you create?

My shop name is doe Studio. I design and crochet scarves, baby blankets, full sized afghans and other accessories; I also sell my nature photography prints and have recently added pendants (both glass and scrabble tile). I love the instant gratification that I get from all of these forms of art ~ each is unique and allows me to get creative in so many different ways!
My website is http://www.doestudio.ca or you can find me on Etsy at http://www.auntiedawn.etsy.com.
I also have a blog (http://www.doestudio.blogspot.com/)and a facebook fan page (http://www.facebook.com/doeStudio)

2. What is the theme or idea behind your website/shop?

I wanted to give my shop a clean, crisp, fresh feel, even though my items are generally soft and cozy. I am currently working with a graphic designer to create a logo and branding for my shop and website ~ very excited! I have always tried to keep my color scheme calming and enjoyable!

3. What makes your items unique?

Since my addictions vary from crochet to photography to handmade pendants, I'd say it's my array of items that are as unique as the items are themselves! I usually don't use a pattern for my crocheted pieces, so each one is a little different from the next. That keeps my items looking and feeling fresh and unique; not only from other shops, but within the shop as well!

4. What is your favorite item on your website or in your shop right now?

Since spring is here in Canada (finally!!), I'm going to have to say this is my current favorite! It's also my best seller as far as my prints are concerned!
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=42331612
I actually have it enlarged to 16x20 and have it hanging above my bed. I love the color, I love the flower it's self and all of it's soft and textured details!

5. What teams do you belong to? How do we search for their items?

I am a proud member of the Ontario Etsy Street Team (http://team.etsy.com/profilest/ont.shtml) & EtsyMom Street Team (http://team.etsy.com/profilest/moms.shtml). Also, I am on a waiting list to join EtsyHookers ~ very exciting!

6. What is your favorite thing about handmade items?

I love that for each handmade item, someone has taken the time, care and love to create something from the heart. I think if you compare two similar items, you are going to find huge differences due to the fact that each artist has individual talents and an eye for their craft that sets them apart. There are so many talented artists out there, I could spend all day perusing Etsy sites and blogs!!

7. Do you have any favorite finds by other handmade artists?

I have so many!!! I love pottery, jewelry and skin care items! Here are some of my favorite shops!
http://www.etsy.com/shop/madhattersoap
http://www.etsy.com/shop/LesTroisGrenouilles
http://www.etsy.com/shop/CampanaCeramics
I have far too many favorite items to list but I will mention one! I recently purchased a gorgeous Pandora style charm bracelet from jpJewels. Her bracelets are beautiful and inexpensive! A nice treat for yourself or someone you love without clearing out your savings account!! http://www.etsy.com/shop/jpjewels09

8. Do you have anything else you would like to share? Other links?

I have recently opened a sister shop on Etsy called "Om ~ Organized Mom". I specialize in creating lists, trackers and time management tools. My goal is to help other Mom's make the most of their time and regain control of their homes!! It's still in it's infancy stage and I am excited about working on and adding new items in the coming weeks.
www.omonline.etsy.com

Etsy Artist Feature: IllusionsbyDonna

1. What is your business name and website/shop URL? What do you create?

http://www.1000markets.com/users/13070

http://www.etsy.com/shop/IllusionsbyDonna

http://www.artfire.com/users/Illusions

I create one of a kind knits and jewelry.

2. What is the theme or idea behind your website/shop?

In early 2007 I spent 3 mos in Maine painting a house for a friend. The house was mostly empty, so to give me something to do I decided I would try some knitting. I quickly became pretty much obsessed with it. Upon my return home to Indiana my best friend twisted my arm into making some jewelry. By the Fall of that year I was selling knits and jewelry to friends. I became involved with Ravelry and met a local woman on there who encouraged me to open an Etsy store and become involved with our local Farmers Market. After a few months I opened stores on 1000 Markets and Artfire also.

3. What makes your items unique?
I have a background in art and as a decorative painter so color is my life. I get a lot of compliments on my color choices. Trying to do most things one of a kind keeps me looking for fresh ideas. I love making things that no one else has.

4. What is your favorite item on your website or in your shop right now?
I made the Horsey Hat as a special order for a girl I was working with one evening. I love the way it turned out. She was ecstatic! In jewelry, the Organic Leaf earrings are one of my favorites. They are very simple and pretty. I’ve been very surprise that they haven’t sold. I made a pair of earrings for my daughter on those ear posts and she gets a lot of compliments on them.

5. What teams do you belong to? How do we search for their items?
On Etsy I belong to the INCrowd team. Items can be found by putting the tag incrowdteam in the search box.

6. What is your favorite thing about handmade items?
Finding things that are one of a kind and knowing that someone put a piece of themselves into each piece.

7. Do you have any favorite finds by other handmade artists?

Omigosh! There are so many. I get the Etsy Finds emails and I’m constantly finding things that make me go WOW!! The creativity that I see is just amazing. Some things I see I just would never have thought of myself.

8. Do you have anything else you would like to share? Other links?

One of my hats was featured in a handmade blog called Meylah for green things having to do with St Patricks Day. That is the first time I’ve ever been asked to do anything like this so it is pretty exciting for me.

http://meylah.com/blog/212/Going-Green-8-Products-to-Celebrate-St-Patricks-Day

Fabulous Finds: Wristlet for I-Phones, Cameras by janinekingdesigns

One of my favorite Etsy sellers is JanineKingDesigns. This wonderful shop features high quality handbags, laptop bags, wristlets and more. Last year, I made my first purchase from this shop and was pleasantly surprised by the quality and detail.

These little wristlets are heavily padded and extremely well crafted. They are the perfect size for the little cameras that are so popular and are also a great size for the IPhone or ITouch.

Available in a variety of fabrics, these products are a must have for us technology junkies!

Etsy Artist Feature: Nature's Favors

1. What is your shop name and what do you sell?
The name of my shop is naturefavors, I sell unique eco friendly favors and gifts that are inspired by nature. I specialize in earth friendly favors of distinction for weddings, bridal showers, baby showers and garden parties.


2. What is your shop URL?
www.naturefavors.etsy.com

3. What is your blog URL?
www.naturefavors.blogspot.com

4. When did you start selling on Etsy?
January, 09

5. What is your favorite thing about Etsy?
It is a close tie between convos and feedbacks. I believe my favorite would have to be the conversation link. My background is in customer service and I love the fact that I can stay in contact with customers before, during and after a sale.

6. What is your favorite thing about what you create?
Knowing that the end result of what I have created is going to put a smile on someone's face when they receive it and again when they gift it back to nature.


7. What is your favorite item in your own shop and why?
My favorite at the moment would be the Earthblooms, because they are so unique and fun to make. They are garden favors that include everything but the water and do not require planting or digging.

8. What teams do you belong to?
None at the moment, I just haven’t had the time.

9. What is the most fun thing you do to promote your shop?
Networking on facebook, twitter, and my blog.
http://www.naturefavors.blogspot.com/
http://www.facebook.com/wildweddingfavors?ref=profile
http://twitter.com/NatureFavors

10. What are some of your favorite finds by other sellers on Etsy?
I plan to add more as time permits.
blisscandles.etsy.com
celapiu.etsy.com
BlissCandies.etsy.com

11. What do you do in your spare time?
Spare time? Seriously, when I have spare time I spend it with my family. I also enjoy coaching softball, gardening and web designing.


12. What blogs do you follow?
monarchwatch.org/blog
bigblogofgardening.com/
www.farmersalmanac.com/blog

13. Do you sell anywhere else (websites, stores, etc)?
Yes, there are to many to list, but here are a few:
www.naturefavors.com
www.beau-coup.com
www.daisy-days.com
www.blissweddingmarket.com
www.naturegiftsandmore.com

14. Do you have anything else you would like to share?
Thank you for featuring Nature Favors on your blog. I want to welcome everyone to visit naturefavors.etsy.com. Send me your comments and suggestions, I’d love to hear from you.

Etsy Artist Feature: Knee Deep Originals

1. What is your shop name and what do you sell?

KneeDeepOriginals is my shop at Etsy, but my business name, and my other website, is Knee Deep Studio. I sell original oil paintings and one-of-a-kind handbeaded gemstone and glass jewelry. I sometimes list notecards made from my photographs and paintings.

2. What is your shop URL?

http://kneedeeporiginals.etsy.com

http://www.kneedeepstudio.com

3. What is your blog URL?

http://kneedeepstudio.blogspot.com

4. When did you start selling on Etsy?

I opened my shop at the end of January of this year. An artist friend told me about Etsy, and although I already had my own website, I decided to sell on Etsy too... greater exposure is always a good thing!

5. What is your favorite thing about Etsy?

The on-line community and teams, the support you get from other artists, and getting to know, though long distance, other artists and sellers, and buyers too, who've become friends. And I also love the treasuries!

6. What is your favorite thing about what you create?

I love putting paint to canvas. Sometimes I have a clear view of what I want to see as a final painting, and sometimes it just evolves into its own being. It's very exciting and inspiring when that happens. One of my more recent paintings, Morning Has Broken ( http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=32966637 ), began a couple years ago with the background, and then it sat buried in a corner of the studio for a long, long time. I did not know what to do with it at the time, but when I found it a couple weeks ago, I took one look and it came to me. That in-between time was very important; it was almost like the canvas told me how to complete it, and I'm very pleased with how it turned out. It pays to wait and not force a painting. The forced ones don't turn out too well, I think.

7. What is your favorite item in your own shop and why?

That's a tough question... it kind of changes with the seasons, which definitely affect my mood. Right now, I guess I'd have to say Waxwing Memories, Morning Has Broken, and October Fire... all paintings.

8. What teams do you belong to?

Etsyveg Team, Team EFA (Artists Helping Animals), Etsy for Autism, and TeamEPE (Etsy Project Embrace). These are all teams that support and promote causes which are personally important to me.

9. What is the most fun thing you do to promote your shop?

The treasuries... I'm fairly addicted to them! I love promoting the work of other artists, sometimes ones on my teams, and sometimes just other Etsians whose work I love and admire, and in this way, my shop gets noticed as well. And I really, really like it when items I've featured in my treasuries get sold during the treasury duration. That's so cool! Being on teams gets me featured in other treasuries too, and three times recently I've been in a treasury featured on the Front Page. It took several months of being on Etsy for that to happen, but it was very exciting for me!! I'm still waiting for one of my curated treasuries to make FP.

10. What are some of your favorite finds by other sellers on Etsy?

Gosh, there are so, so many. Typically, each Tuesday in my shop I feature Five Fabulous Finds by other sellers on Etsy, so weekly you can always check there. I really like the work of Art2ArtColorado, barefootweaver, and formydarling, but I could fill several pages with other favorite sellers! There is so much fabulous art and creative talent out there!

11. What do you do in your spare time?

I can tell you what I don't like to do... and that's housework! Right now I need to do some cleaning, but it's low on the list! I am also a musician, so when I'm not creating visual art or jewelry, I write songs and am currently working on recording my first CD of my originals. I'm very, very excited about that! I sing and play rhythm guitar in a band, so a lot of my spare time is spent practicing, and when we're lucky, performing!! I also volunteer in my community... I visit the local skilled nursing care facility a couple times a month and sing with and for the old folks there, and I also do adult literacy tutoring. I enjoying hiking with my dogs (we live in the woods with mountains around us), photography, gardening, and reading.

12. What blogs do you follow?

There are several of those, so I'll give you a few. EtsyVeg, Barefootweaver, LaTouchables, ArtAfterDark, LotusOutLoud, StayTuned, peaceofpi studio, Studio ArtOcrat ... other than the Etsyveg team blog, these are all individual sellers on Etsy whose work I admire.

13. Do you sell anywhere else (websites, stores, etc)?

I have my website at www.kneedeepstudiocom and I sell and exhibit through two local art organizations that I belong to.

14. Do you have anything else you would like to share?

A big ol' thankyou for featuring me here! Artists supporting artists is so very important, especially right now when so many of us are struggling to survive and to continue to create in this economy!