When did you become interested in quilting/sewing?
I was taught to sew by one of my grandmas when I was 9. I loved sewing at an early age, so it was just the matter to get the knowhow. But the talent and love for sewing I inherited from my other grandma. Of course I sewed my own clothes; I also knit, crochet and embroider. 

Tell us a little about yourself?
I'm a quirky, former teacher, stay-at-home mom, who loves to sew. I detest chick flicks and heels; but, I love pink, polkadots--and given the opportunity, I would live in flip flops and dresses. I can't pick up a book, because once I do, I can't put it down (that's probably why I was an english teacher :). And if given the choice between a vacation at Disney World or a secluded beach, I'd pick the later.

Wait For Me by jpgphotography

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

Hi, I'm Julie and I currently I work as a full time graphic designer in northern San Diego. I grew up in many places due to my father’s military job, so I had the pleasure of living in Seattle, San Francisco, Virginia Beach, and an unbelievable 5 years in Japan as a teenager. But San Diego has always been my home town. I also have a Japanese bobtail cat that I adopted while in Japan, and he continues to be my photographic muse. (although usually unwillingly!)

Tell us a little bit about yourself:

My name is Brandon Addis, and I am a native to a small town in northeast Georgia, named Tiger. My town has a four-way stop and around 1800 inhabitants. Growing up in a small town, I learned a lot about knowing those around you and building strong and meaningful relationships. After college I relocated an hour south to Gainesville, Georgia. I reside in the downtown area with my partner and enjoy in partaking in locally held events in the downtown area and learning my local area with its history.

Tell us a little bit about yourself.
I currently live in Austin, Texas. I have been married for almost 11 years, and we have two little girls, ages 4 and 5. I was a Social Worker in Child Protective Services before I had my kids. I can't imagine doing that type of work again and I am hoping my art leads me somewhere.

Tell us a little about yourself?
I'm a mom of two children, my daughter is 10 and my son is 3. I work full time, but love to craft and have lots of different projects going on at a time. When I see something interesting, I want to make it - I think that's half the fun for me. Trying to figure out how something is made and doing it my way :)

Who or what has been most influential in your craft?
I think fashion and colors are the most influential tool I use in creating my flowers. What's hot at the moment and the colors for the seasons.


When did you know you were an artist?
I've always been this way! I took art lessons growing up and drew ever since I can remember. It's my first love. My mom sewed a lot of my clothes and we always crafted together.

How would you describe your creative process?
I throw all of my fabric out and see what jumps out at me. I research great color combos and start going at it. Some of my flowers never make it... I have bad days. My crochet creations are inspired my patterns I find and alter :)


What made you decide to start selling on etsy?
I would make things and people would always want whatever I made, so I'd make them one. Usually for free, so when I stumbled across Etsy I was thrilled! I never knew such a site existed.

What handmade possession do you most cherish?
The drawings and painting I did when I was in art school. My first "real" ones when I was around the age of 10 that my mom matted and framed.


What would I find in your refrigerator right now?
Oh, no! I just moved, so it's highly minimalistic. A huge jar of pickles, half a watermelon, and a crap ton of condiments.

Where would you bury hidden treasure if you had some?
In my 3 year old's sandbox :)


Visit AnnieDees
Etsy: anniedees.etsy.com
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Blog: anniedees.com
Facebook: facebook.com/anniedees
Twitter: twitter.com/anniedee83

Tell us a little about yourself.
The best way to start is to tell you my name. My name is Tammy. I've been happily married for 25 years (still hard to believe). I have two children, Tony 23, and Morgan 21. Those three things are my biggest accomplishments.
I grew up in north central Pennsylvania, with six brothers and sisters. We were all involved in 4-H. My brothers learned to sew and cook. My sisters and I learned to take care of engines and change tires. This is were I fell in love with sewing. When my daughter asked for an American Girl doll, I got my sewing machine out and started making clothes. Now that the doll, and my daughter have packed up and moved on, I sew for my nieces dolls. And with an empty nest, sewing is my way to relax.

Where does your inspiration come from?
My inspiration comes from interviewing my nieces. I love to find out what fabrics they like and to hear what clothing combination they come up with. I usually try to make more trendy clothing, but enjoy the period clothing that can be made for 18 in. dolls.

Who or what has been most influential in your craft?
My parents are most influential. They both enjoyed sewing. I remember my dad making homemade, life size, pop up campers complete with the cloth walls. I still have the homemade dresses that my mom made for my sisters and I when we were girls.


What does handmade mean to you?
Handmade means to create something that is uniquely imperfect, yet desirable. It means to have the ability to take a raw material and turn it into something that is useful. It doesn't matter what is created or what raw material is used, it's simple the act of creation.

When did you know you were an artist?
I don't think I've ever thought about being call an "artist". I simple enjoy making doll clothes. I enjoy the look on the faces of the children who dress their dolls up in something they helped create. Most people will look at their creations then look at the creations of others and still not see their ability to create; to be an artist.


How do you get out of creative ruts?
I get out of creative ruts by going to fabric stores. I don't have to buy anything, I just have to see what's available. I also check out the internet. There are plenty of ideas. Sometimes I just get out the pictures of the outfits and remember how much fun it was to make it. Sometimes a simple message on facebook, "Aunt Tammy, I really, really liked............". That will fix any rut.

Describe my work space.
Right now, I work in the middle of my living room. Why? Well, I'm an empty nester who's downsized and moved in the past year and will be moving sometime in the future year. The living room seems to be the perfect place right now. Besides, when we downsized, I had to get rid of a lot of things. I kept my sewing fabric and I want it close by.


What did you think you would be when you grew up?
I haven't grown up yet! I'm still dressing dolls!

What do you do for your day job?
Before I moved, I worked as a Teaching Assistant (Teacher's Aide, PCA) in a primary learning support classroom. I am now a substitute Teaching Assistant at a near by school district. I absolutely love the primary grades, Pre-K through 3rd grade. I'm often asked why I didn't become a teacher. The answer is easy. A Teaching Assistant helps the Teacher become the best that she can be by implementing strategies that allow students to shine without having to do all the paperwork involved in teaching. The Teacher shines, the student shines, and since I'm a helper, I shine.

Visit NammysCloset
Etsy: http://www.etsy.com/shop/NammysCloset
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Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Nammys-Closet/195439183826100

Tell us a little about yourself?
My profile on Etsy sums it up, lol. I’m married to the perfect man because he is the one God sent to me. I’m blessed with 4 kids, the youngest in diapers and the oldest behind the wheel. I started sewing and crafting as a child. I fell in love with vintage and design as a teenager. I used to wake up early on Saturday mornings to watch Style with Elsa Klensch and stay up late to watch classic movies.

Where does your inspiration come from?
Vintage! I Love many so many era’s.

Who or what has been most influential in your craft?
My grandmother and my love for vintage. Many of my childhood memories of my grandmother are of her sewing. She had a 1950’s Singer with a blond wood cabinet, before my grandfather passed he gave it to me.


How would you describe your creative process?
I design it first in my mind. Sometimes I have to jump out of bed and sketch something that comes to mind. After drafting my pattern I then treasure hunt for the most perfect fabric. I have many designs I haven’t made yet because I haven’t found the perfect fabric. Once I have a picture of what it should look like nothing else will do.

How do you get out of your creative ruts?
Sometimes I will watch gorgeous classic movies that take place in historical era’s, there are so many lovely details to inspire.


What does handmade mean to you?
Something made from the heart.

Apart from creating, what do you do?
Spend precious time with my family. Saturday is a good day for all of us but my oldest who doesn’t tap (but secretly thinks it’s cool) to put on our tap shoes. Gardening is fun too while my youngest finds ways to get muddy.


What celebrity would you most like to wear your items?
Shirley Temple, but she’s not a size 4t anymore!

If you had to use only one word to describe yourself, what would it be?
It’s just not possible. :)

Visit VintagePrecious
Etsy: www.etsy.com/shop/vintageprecious
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Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/VintagePrecious
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/vintagepreciousboutique
Blog: http://vintageprecious.blogspot.com/
Tumblr: http://vintageprecious.tumblr.com/

Tell us a little about yourself?
I am a mom of (3), two raised and out of the house and one daughter left at home. We live in a very small town (population 436) in western MA and life is peaceful here. Love being surrounded by nature and beautiful starry nights.

Where does your inspiration come from?
I have always liked to create things in one form or another. It does not take much to get my wheels moving. Sometimes something as simple as a color scheme on an outfit can send me to doodling a sketch in that color palette or sometimes it can send me off to redo an entire room. I am a very visual person so I guess it is easiest to say that the things I see around me are the greatest source of inspiration for me.


Who or what has been most influential in your craft/art?
There are two people who I would say have been the most influential in my creative career. The first was my mother. She was an artist and all around creative person who could not only paint a fabulous picture, she could make her own designs then sew them, needlepoint, restore furniture, garden etc. She was also an avid reader… always wanting to learn, which is one of the greatest gifts I inherited from her. My mom thought outside the box so the things she made were very unusual what we today consider OOAK. Her desire to forge her own style and not be concerned what others thought about it certainly inspired me to be the same.

The other person who had a huge impact on me was the brother of my SIL. He was a designer in NYC and had a wonderful home in Danbury CT which was featured in a Home Beautiful spread. This incredible home was a tri-level modern home set in a gorgeous park like woodland. I was only about 10 when I went to the house for the first time but I fell in love instantly. Having grown up around artists I had already come to know how eccentric and “different” they can be but Jasques was THE king of eccentric. He was all about creating moods. When we walked up to the house and were greeted by twin Great Danes wearing scarves and berets I knew I would like this guy! Walking through the basement floor I entered an incredible English Pub. Brick floors, stone walls, antiques everywhere including surrounding a usable stone cooking hearth complete with cast iron kettle hanging there. Each floor and every room was designed in a different style creating a very worldly ambience. The entire home was antiques or very modern pieces. There was a Russian room complete with a settee that was upholstered in Russian Sable. (Hey this was the 60’s and real fur was cool to use). A massive casual dining room on the 2cnd floor was decorated in a Japanese style with antique low tables, gorgeous goose down pillows in luscious Asian silks, antique Japanese painted case goods and the room was all glass with sliding soji screens. One such wall opened up to the inground pool that had an Asian landscaping and design that was the perfect place to get your Zen on! So much more to say about this home and this person but for times sake let’s just say my eclectic taste and my own venture into interior design in my later years was certainly a direct result of having met and been inspired by Jasques.


What does handmade mean to you?
This can be a sensitive topic lol. I have read posts on forums from people who have very particular views on this who are ready to fight to the death to win the argument. So I will tread lightly here.

For me handmade is when various raw goods are brought together and combined thus creating a final product that is much more than the sum of it’s parts. That sounds safe and I am sticking to it! Seriously though it is a little like what came first the hen or the egg. By this I mean consider assembly art… if someone takes just raw goods, does not alter them in anyway but arranges them in such a way that something beautiful is created with very little “addition” to them, is this not art and handmade? I think it is.


How would you describe your creative process?
It totally depends on what I am making…what medium I am using. For altered art, I have to have a ton of supplies all around me so I can pick and choose. Mosaics are the same way. For painting I have to have a clean area with all my brushes, knives, fabrics lined up and ready to grab. Once everything is there I just have at it. My best work has come from not thinking about what I am doing and just doing what I feel at that moment. When I stop to think about how to proceed I sometimes lose my way and become permanently stuck. I have an entire room of canvases in various stages of completion because of stopping to think about it. Rarely will I go back and try to pick up my chain of thought. I will only do this to pieces that I have spend a ton of time on and are far enough along in the process that I can complete them within a day or two. Normally though it is simple…I gesso over what I started and start from scratch. I have many canvases that are ready to be gessoed!

How do you get out of your creative ruts?
The best way for me to do this is to get outside and doing something physical. Walking, gardening, mowing the lawn…all these things seems to drive the demons away, clear my mind and allow for me to purge the negative thoughts (which are always a bummer when you are trying to be creative) and be tired enough to get a good nights sleep. Tomorrow is another day. I never sit around worrying about it. That accomplishes nothing. At 52 I know that things are cyclical and being in non-creative moods is just part of being human. Perhaps Gods way of saying stop and go enjoy life.


Do you ever dance even if there’s no music playing?
Hehehe….all the time! More so when I was younger but I still do these days. It used to drive my son out of his mind when he was a teen. He had some CD’s I liked and when his friends would come over and they would be hanging playing music I couldn’t control myself and would be out in the kitchen kickin it old school! HA! His friends used to think it was great and think I was a very cool mom. My son was horrified and thought I should be more like June Cleaver I guess :/


What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given?
I have to say it is not so much advice as a concept. My mother was big on personal responsibility. She instilled in me the understanding that I am creator of my own destiny. My life will be good or not so good as a direct result of the choices I make…so take the time to make wise choices. I did not always follow her advise as I was quite impulsive growing up (and can be still :P) but at the end of the day if things did not work out as I had planned I have always been able to say to myself and to others I am responsible for this and am willing to take my licks. I wish this simple concept would be engrained in every child growing up. The world would be so much different if people all accepted responsibility for their actions. Hey we can dream right!

Where can people find your work?
Currently I am selling my work online at Etsy and Yessy. I will soon be selling at Fine Art America as well. For anyone in the western MA area I will accept appointments to view my canvases available.

Visit TwigsAndLace
Etsy: http://www.etsy.com/shop/TwigsAndLace
Yessy: http://www.yessy.com/twigsandlace/
Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/TwigsAndLace
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/twigsandlace
http://www.facebook.com/ArtbyCindyColumbia

Tell us a little about yourself
My name is Danielle, and I'm from Long Island, NY. I'm a single mother of four (3 cats and 1 rabbit) who enjoys birding, playing guitar, and photography. I'm a vegan who loves animals, music, and being outdoors in any kind of weather.

Where does your inspiration come from?
Much of my inspiration comes from dreams; especially my photography and post-processing. I think many people have experienced that -- waking up with ideas in your head that seem to come from nowhere.


Who or what has been most influential in your craft?
I'm involved in many different crafts, so it's hard to say what has influenced me most; I'm self-taught at much of what I do. I've been crocheting for several years; getting more serious about photography for about 8 years; playing guitar for about the same amount of time. I think the online communities I'm involved in have played a huge role in giving me the motivation to improve and be more creative, for sure.

How would you describe your creative process?
My creative process is far from exciting. An idea comes to me and I try to make it a reality. Sometimes it just becomes a lesson in patience, lol. Many times, I'd scrap an idea after trying to make it work without success. Other times, things just seem to fall into place.


What makes your items “unique”?
My Etsy shop is fairly new. At the present time, I am only selling statement bracelets (and a few necklaces) solely for the purpose of spreading positive messages while donating funds to charity. I think my "vegan" items are unique simply because there aren't many bracelets and such available that state "vegan". I do have other items that state "love", "hope", "peace"... and all are sold for the purpose of charity fund raising. :-)

Tell us more about the charity you donate your proceeds to.
Donations will be made to the Woodstock Farm Animal Sanctuary (www.woodstocksanctuary.org) in Willow, NY. Ever since I visited the sanctuary in 2008, I've been making small donations each holiday. The place is a haven for animals who have been rescued from deplorable conditions of abuse and neglect. It's a place of peace and hope, and I encourage everyone to visit them at least once. You won't forget it.


What celebrity would you most like to wear your items?
Oh, I would love to see Ellen DeGeneres wear one of my bracelets!

What's you favorite childhood memory?
One of my favorite childhood memories is climbing a tree right outside our kitchen door, with my favorite stuffed animal in my backpack. When I got as high as I could go, I just sat there watching the birds, feeling the breezes, and hugging my stuffie for the whole afternoon. If that tree was still there, I'd go back and do it again.

Visit Thedryad
Etsy Shop: www.etsy.com/shop/thedryad

Tell us a little about yourself?
My name is Taylor Lynn, but you can call me Taylor or even Tay. I’m an overgrown hobbit attending Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, with a closet it my dormitory that leads to Narnia, where I’m queen. "TheForestFaery" is just a pseudonym so the White Witch, RingWraiths and Death Eaters don't find me.

Of course, you muggles would just know me as a fourteen year old homeschooled vegan pursuing my dream of becoming a best-selling novelist. I love reading, writing, history, English and Language Arts, interesting words, blogging and taking photos, and someday (someday soon, I’m sure!) you’ll be able to walk into any bookstore and buy my novels. Until then, you can buy my photography and some handmade items in my Etsy shop, TheForestFaery!

Where does your inspiration come from?
My inspiration comes mostly from nature, and from fantasy. For instance, after watching the new Alice in Wonderland movie, I went outside to lock up our goats and chickens for the night. It had just rained, the air was cool and the sun was setting. When I came inside I got ready for bed, sat down with a notepad and pen and wrote down ideas for photos that had popped into my head out of nowhere while I was outside, still caught up in Wonderland with the soundtrack running through my head. It was rather fun! So if you ever want to give me photo inspiration, make me watch a good fantasy movie and then send me outside.
Who or what has been most influential in your craft?
My camera(s). Or whatever camera(s) are available at the time. Oh, we’ve been through so much together. They never complain when I kneel, squat, stretch, reach or lie on my belly/back in the grass to catch a good shot. They don’t mind getting up close and personal with mushrooms and toads. My dear camera(s), I couldn’t have captured those shots without you!

What does handmade mean to you?
That someone sat down and put something together using their own skill, own imagination and own two hands. (Or own two feet. Whatever works.) The small imperfections don’t matter, because they show that a human made it, not a robot. Handmade means that gifts are better quality and more meaningful, and handmade also means more personal.

When did you know you were an artist?
Can I tell you a secret? Before TheForestFaery, I had an Etsy shop called abenevolentbookworm. I sold bookmarks, and my shop FAILED. Why? Because while I’ve done crafts my whole life, I’m very fickle and don’t have much stamina for them. Knitting, quilting, scrapbooking, collage-making: been there, done that. I was once slightly obsessed with each one; now I do them occasionally, if at all. So even though I sold a few bookmarks, I got bored of making them and closed down abenevolentbookworm.

However, ever since I was a little kid I’ve known I wanted to be a writer. And in 2008 I discovered how fun photography is. So I’m creative, just not in the way many Etsians are – my creativity is expressed in writing and photography rather than handmade items, which is why TheForestFaery is all about photography. To keep it stocked up, all I have to do is relist and occasionally go outside to snap a new picture! No long-term stamina necessary.

How would you describe your creative process?
Step 1: The mood strikes. “I feel like taking pictures!” I think.

Step 2: I turn on the camera and no doubt have to switch the rechargeable batteries. Once that’s done, I’m good to go.

Step 3: I go outside and wander through my yard and my Grampa’s next door. If I see a photo opportunity I stop, drop and roll, or whatever it is that’s necessary to capture said photo.

Step 4: I import photos onto my laptop. Then I eliminate the bad ones, save the good ones, and they proceed to sit around for days or weeks in my computer until I get around to listing them.

Of course, sometimes this entire process is skipped if I walk by a window and see a totally amazing photo opportunity. Then I tear through the house, find the camera, burst outside barefoot or in someone else’s shoes, and proceed to snap ten or twenty photos of the same thing from different angles, provided the opportunity hasn't passed by already. True story.

If you could trade places with any other person for a week, famous or not famous, living or dead, real or fictional, with whom would it be?
If I was in a serious mood, I’d say Anne Frank so that I could see what it was really like for her in the Secret Annex.

But if I was in a random mood, I’d say Kate from the TV show “Lost” so that I could tell Sawyer not to fall in love with ‘me’ because ‘I’ will just end up being a complete jerk and using him.

Or Alice Cullen, because she is simply the most awesome character in the Twilight Saga. I’m starting Team Alice, who’s with me?!

Do you have a strange talent not many know of?
I wish I could say yes, but… no, not really.
That’s not to say I’m normal, though. I’m not really what you’d call “normal”, I don’t really try to be, and I don’t really want to be. Because the way I see it, where’s the fun in being like everyone else?

Visit TheForestFaery
Etsy Shop: www.etsy.com/shop/TheForestFaery
Blog: www.dreamsoffae.blogspot.com

Tell us a little about yourself?
I was born and raised in the Montreal area (Quebec, Canada).

I have travelled a bit, but I am in love with my city and get my inspiration for its streets. I love to draw, love art but I do not work full time in this field...yet! My dream is to one day become a children's book illustrator. That is definitely my favorite kind of art.

Where does your inspiration come from?I am inspired by the everyday people that cross my path, other artists, picture book illustrations, insects and plants.

Who or what has been most influential in your art?
I think my childhood has inspired my art tremendously. To me it was a magical time. Plants had feelings and felt pain when you uprooted them, clouds bore secret messages, and you could keep a pet ladybug in an empty margarine jar and was convinced that with the right equipment, you could fly a little when you jump off a tree branch.



What does handmade mean to you?
The beauty in imperfect uniqueness. Every piece is different and has a soul.

When did you know you were an artist?
I have been quite insecure about using the term artist but I guess in the last few years, after studying graphic design and getting a few illustration contracts I started to let people call me that.

How would you describe your creative process?
I just wait to get that feeling, rising in my belly that says: Oh man, I really feel like drawing!! I grab my lead pencils and just any scrap of paper lying around and let the images flow through the tip. Then I either use coloured pencils to fill in the spaces or use Photoshop to color it in.

How do you get out of your creative ruts?
I just don't stress about it. Leave it alone for a while. Taking walks around an unknown part of town helps.

What made you decide to start selling on Etsy?
I started looking at other shops, other artists and thought; maybe I could do this to! I felt I had nothing to lose and a few years later I had enough material to start posting it up.



What makes your work “unique”?
I really think that my creatures humanoids or animal...oids? Have a special look about them. I like the look of the bigger head on a round belly and longish limbs, I like to bring out the beautiful side of textbook unattractiveness.

If you had to describe your art as a fruit, what fruit would you choose and why?
Ummm I guess I could go with wild strawberries. The little kind, the one that you find unexpectedly on the side of a road, because I think my art can be like a sweet little surprise that makes you smile for a while.

If you could have dinner with anyone (living or dead) who would it be and what would be served?
I would love to have dinner with Daniel Johnston (of the: hello how are you t-shirts.). We would sing his Casper the friendly ghost song and eat European hotdogs, the ones with the huge sausages, sauerkraut and fancy mustard.

Visit Scarableu:
Etsy Shop - http://www.etsy.com/shop/scarableu
Facebook - www.facebook.com/pages/Scarableu/140235972695333
Blog - www.lizzyzilloz.blogspot.com

Tell us a little about yourself?
My name is Ruti and I'm 26 years old. I was born and raised in Jerusalem. I am currently studying Occupational Therapy in the city of Haifa, Israel. I have always loved art – painting, sculpting, photographing, designing, beading and more. In most recent years I have been drawn to the magic of folding recycled paper and creating various works of art with them. This kind of art combines my passion for shaping and color-matching, with my love for nature, while attempting to preserve and reuse pre-existing materials.

Where does your inspiration come from?
My inspiration comes from nature, colors and music.

When did you know you were an artist?
Ever since I remember myself I create things using many kinds of arts.




How would you describe your creative process?
I use paper from many sources like magazines, prospects, tea bag paper wraps and more. I've learned this kind of art from my grandfather's Philippian caregiver about 7 years ago. Since then I always carry a few paper pieces in my pocket.

First I cut the paper to the right size, then fold it to triangles and separate them by colors. Then I decide which colors to use and what the pattern and shape would be like, then build the structure. I also use glue for making it durable and a low bottom made from cardboard.



Apart from creating, what do you do?
I study and work with a child with autism. I like travelling, reading, watch movies and listen to music.

If you could be a superhero, what would you want your superpowers to be?
I wish that I could move things using my thought only.



Visit RutisRoots:
Etsy Shop - http://www.etsy.com/shop/RutisRoots
Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/pages/Rutis-Roots/178675108809665?sk=wall

I am always searching Etsy for new and unique sellers. I ran across this amazing shop with awesome mosaic art.



Tell us a little about yourself?
I'm 38 years old. I've been making mosaics for 15 years. I'm obsessed with art, science fiction and motorcycles. In fact, I just purchased a motorcycle with funds primarily acquired on Etsy.


Where does your inspiration come from?
Where does anyone's inspiration come from? It's a total mystery to me.


Who or what has been most influential in your craft?
The biggest influence in my craft has been my mother, who supported us as a stained glass artist as a kid, and has always supported my art (and given me access to her scrap glass!)


What does handmade mean to you?
Handmade means designed and executed by the artist, what else?

Life-size Dia de los Muertos Skull

When did you know you were an artist/maker?
I started approaching visual art with seriousness when I was about 17. I'd always been creative, but that's when I decided to pursue art to the exclusion of everything else. That's also when I discovered (not coincidentally, in retrospect) that girls dig artists...


How would you describe your creative process?
My process is two-fold. In the long run, I'm always pursuing virtuosity. With each individual piece, I'm pursuing that "zone" where time slows down and new ideas and techniques manifest themselves seemingly out of thin air. That's a strangely detached and powerful feeling.



Mosaic Skull made with tumbled stained glass tiles

When you were a kid, what did you dress up as for Halloween?
I was raised hardcore Jehovah's Witness, so I was prohibited from dressing up for Halloween. As a result of that upbringing, I've spent my entire adult life jaded and faithless, and obsessed with faith, religion and spirituality; but always as a perpetual outsider looking in.


What was the first concert you ever attended?
AC/DC's "Razor's Edge" tour, 1991. It was deafeningly loud and my ears were ringing the whole next day, but it was so worth it!


Visit Jiveworks:
Etsy Shop - http://www.etsy.com/shop/Jiveworks
Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Art-of-Matthew-Alexander-Mosaics-Drawings-and-Paintings/257380511780

I have the privilege to meet some very talented people in my life. It is always wonderful to see people put these talents to work.

Below is a brief interview of my friend Tracy Turner who makes and sells her very own line of skin care products called Amariah Naturals.


Where are you from? Tell us a bit about yourself.I grew up in Northeast Ohio, but have lived in various places around the country.

How did you decide on your business name? How did you originally get into starting you own business?The name of the business is actually a combination of my children's names that my husband came up with. After further research, we also discovered that the word Amariah means "God has said"

I got started doing this as a result of my children's bout with Eczema. Both my husband and I have it, and we passed it on to our children. My oldest had mild bouts with it, but when I had my daughter, at 2 weeks old she had a horrible outbreak all over her face, neck and chest. The pediatrician told me it was eczema and said that the only thing he could do is give me a prescription for a steroid cream. Even though I had used the cream on myself before, I was too afraid to use it on a brand new baby, and I began to research things that I could do that would more naturally help her.

I found through my research that most commercial products exacerbate dry skin issues like eczema, and the synthetic ingredients often keep moisture from helping the areas. I learned that most commercial soap is not actually soap at all, but detergent in bar form and this detergent are drying to skin. The first two things I learned how to do was make soap and body butter, so that I could bathe my children and moisturize their skin. In the beginning I only did it unscented, but being the "girlie girl" that I am, I had to have something that smelled pretty too, and began looking for fragrance suppliers that would not compromise the mildness of the soap and butter. My sisters began "taking" them from me, and letting their friends use them. We got so many requests for soap and skin care items that the rest is history.


Please describe your creative process. I can't say that I necessarily have a creative process. I love developing formulas and so I often can't sleep thinking of things that I want to try.

Which item do you enjoy making the most and why?I absolutely love making soap. It is fascinating to me that I can combine these fantastic ingredients, and through a chemical transformation can have an awesome, useable soap!!!!

What are the most effective ways you have promoted and marketed your business? What's your best marketing tip?Word of mouth works, and if you offer a good product and good service, people WILL promote your business to other people. Likewise, if you provide bad service, they will tell that too! I am very conscious of providing the best service possible at every opportunity.


Please show your support by visiting Tracy's sites below.

Website: http://www.amariahnaturals.com/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/?sk=ff