Artist Feature - BELLA DIO

Bella Dio means "beautiful God" in Italian. Robin, an Indianapolis, IN based jewelry designer, creates wonderful designs in polymer clay and beads.

The piece, featured above, is titled, "Let Romance Fill the Air" and is comprised of a sculpted polymer clay rose supported by a hand formed silvertone wire heart. It is available in Robin's Etsy shop for $25 USD and would make a lovely Mother's Day gift!

Artist Feature - THUMBELINA CREATIONS

Hailing from Alberta Canada, Jonquil Thiessen is a stay-at-home mom of three boys who loves to be creative in many different ways. She loves to sing, knit, crochet, draw, scrapbook, write music, and make jewelry.

Simplistic, yet enduring, the Teardrop Earrings featured above, can be purchased in Jonquil's Etsy shop for $8 USD. The earrings are shown in orange, but are available in other colors as well. Just drop her a note and she'll make a custom pair just for you!

In addition, she is a member of EtsyBEAD, ETSYMOM, and ETSYAlberta! To learn more about Jonquil, visit her blog today.

Artist Feature - MARY HAMILTON

An award winning artist, Mary Hamilton is the artistic force behind DreamOn. Mary is heavily influenced by her travels and the many cultures she has experienced.

Mary describes her work as impressionistic in nature because she "love(s) it when the center of interest appears in the midst of background objects that aren’t so well-defined. I want watercolor to look like watercolor, and I want my paintings to have a painterly look, not a photographic copy."

One of my favorite pieces in her Etsy shop is entitled, "Rare Bird" and features a white Egret investigating the sand dunes. This original watermedia painting is available for $39 USD.

In addition, Mary is a member of Studio 1212 Gallery, Artists' Guild of Anna Maria Island, Creative Artists’ Guild, the Beach Art Center and Glenwood Springs Art Guild.

To learn more about Mary and her art, go to http://www.mary-hamilton.com/ or http://www.dreamsaboutart.blogspot.com/

Artist Feature - CIGAR BOX BEADS

Hailing from Seal Beach, California, Marilyn is the creative force behind Cigar Box Beads. Beadweaving has been her passion for over 20 years and it all began with a simple purchase of a cigar box full of beads at a flea market. Additionally, Marilyn enjoys crochet, knit, sew and decoupage.

The piece featured above, is a hand-woven Amulet Bag which is comprised of hundreds of tiny seedbeads, red jasper gemstone chips, and a wooden fetish lizard. It is available in Marilyn's Etsy shop for $80 USD.

Marilyn is a proud member of the Etsy Beadweavers Street Team and the California Craft Club of Etsy (CCCOE).

Artist Feature - CAT'S PAW ARTIFACTS

Judy Richards resides in Portland, Oregon where she makes lampwork beads and designs jewelry - unique and hopefully artful jewelry. She is always striving for new ideas and new shapes in glass. Judy is inspired by nature (flowers, birds) depicted in glass. She loves abstract lampwork most of all with layers of glass and complexity. She is always striving to meet that goal. She has done the work of reasonably exact glass beads - but yearns to break out of that toward something more complex and deep in an artistic sense.

Furthermore, Judy is a member of the Portland Bead Society, the ORBS (Oregon Regional Beadmakers Society) and the ISGB (International Society of Glass Beadmakers).

The bracelet featured above can be purchased in her Etsy Shop for $60USD.

Artist Feature - REGAL BEADS

Kim has been crafting for as long as she can remember, though for the past five years beadweaving has been her main focus. Kim revels in the challenge of weaving a new pattern and the satisfaction felt by completing a piece of woven art.

The necklace featured above is titled, "Sunny Skies" and is available in her Etsy shop for $80 USD. The piece measures about 19" in length and was created using thousands of tiny seed beads. Each piece takes several hours to weave!

If you are looking for a custom piece of wearable art or are looking for a particular color, just contact Kim through her Etsy shop! She enjoys custom orders. Kim is a member of the Etsy Beadweaver Street Team.

Artist Feature - GEORGE MCKIM

Hailing from Raleigh, North Carolina, George studied art in college and has a Masters Degree in Painting and Drawing. His artwork has been shown in galleries and museums in the Mid-Atlantic region. George's day job is working as a pre-press graphic artist for a printing company and he makes art in his "spare time."

Featured above is an original collage painting is based on the image of a flower. It is titled, "Springtime Explosion." The painting is available in George's Etsy shop for $75 USD.

Other works include: Sunflowers, 5isms, and other abstract artwork.

Artist Feature - DARJEELING PAPER, LTD.

Situated in Largo, Florida, Michael Gresh is the co-founder of DemiGod Studio and started Darjeeling Paper, Ltd. as a way for him to hone his skills and try out new techniques, all while presenting his works to the world.

A sample of Michael's work can be seen above in this four-pack of blank-inside notecards which feature four distinct patterns and come in four vibrant colors. The cards are approximately 4" x 5 1/2" and are packaged together in a resealable cellophane pouch, along with four blank white envelopes. The set is available in his Etsy shop for $6.00 USD.

Feed your inner paper addict! Or maybe that's just me ;)

Artist Feature - ULIXIS CRAFTS

Hailing from Hamilton, Ontario, Amanda Giesler is the creative force behind Ulixis Crafts. Amanda has been crafty her whole life and enjoys making a variety of things. When she was younger, she was into drawing, making wreathes, dolls and even beading. Today, her focus has switched to notebooks and jewelry. Amanda also states that she also enjoys cooking, reading, writing and problem solving.

Amanda's "Lemon Cream Button Bracelet", featured above, can be purchased in her Etsy shop for only $5.00 USD. In fact, she has quite an assortment of button-themed jewelry in a variety of great colors!

Wait a minute. Did she say, "Problem solving?" Well, Amanda is a 5th year honors Biology and Pharmacology co-op student at McMaster University! She is also working in the Janssen lab on her thesis. She concurrently does real-time videomicroscopy of smooth muscle cell migration. Fascinating!

To learn more about Amanda, her craft, and other Etsy crafters, go here: http://ulixis.blogspot.com/

Artist Feature - MINERAL MAGIC COSMETICS

Kelly Peterson is the driving force behind Mineral Magic Cosmetics, a thriving business headquartered in Pennsylvania.

Admittedly, I don't know much about mineral make-up! This is what Kelly has to say about her products, "I take great pride in my makeup line and guarantee 100% satisfaction. Mineral makeup is pure, crushed minerals from the earth, that improves your skin condition. It provides an SPF (sun protection factor) of up to 20, depending on how much you apply. It is an anti-inflammatory for your skin, as well. My makeup does NOT contain bismuth oxychloride, which is kin to arsenic, and is most likely the reason for skin discomfort and bad skin reaction.Since these minerals are 100% pure, bacteria cannot be supported and there is no expiration date. There is also virtually no allergy risk. It won't clog your pores and is used as a mineral supplement for your skin."

The set featured above, "Vegan Mineral Makeup Kit", is available for $30 USD in her Etsy shop (http://mineralmagic.etsy.com/) and contains foundation, blush, eye, makeup brushes, a carrying case and mineral veil. This set is a great way to introduce yourself to Minreal Magic or be given as a gift (hint-hint).

Artist Feature - LAZY CAT

Lazy Cat is comprised of three good friends who met in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Kelly, Allison, and Stasia began their venture by making gifts for family and friends. Crocheting, which each had learned from their grandmothers, is Lazy Cat's specialty. The group works with not only yarn and fiber, but fine-gauge wire as well. They focus on wire-woven jewelry, scarves, hats, baby and pet items.

Oh, how I envy those who can sew, knit and crochet! Being a jeweler myself, I especially appreciate wire crochet. The piece featured above is titled, "Broadway" and is a princess length necklace which was created using black wire, carnelian gemstones, and multicolored glass beads. I love how the black wire really adds drama and contrast to the piece.

Broadway is available in their Etsy shop (http://lazycat.etsy.com/) for $55 USD.

Artist Feature - PERSONAL TREASURES

Phyllis Mufson is the creative voice behind Personal Treasures.

Earlier in her life she was a textile artist and that sensibility influences her designs. Phyllis is concerned with how the jewelry drapes and moves when worn on the body. Phyllis is also inspired by her customers. In addition to her Etsy stores she sells through private jewelry shows. During these shows she gets to see how women respond to the jewelry. Phyllis talks with them about what interests them, and finds out which designs are particularly flattering to wear.

The necklace featured above is a strikingly beautiful Phrenite gemstone necklace, measuring 18" in length and is accented with vermeil beads. It is available in Phyllis' Etsy shop (http://personaltreasures.etsy.com) for $185 USD.

You can learn more about her coaching practice at: http://phyllismufson.interfaceias.com/

Phyllis also has a blog where she writes about creativity and creative people at http://personaltreasures.blogspot.com/.

Artist Feature - SHOOZLES

Michelle, aka Shoozles, is the mother of 12 year old triplets and a St. Louis Missouri resident. She has been creating art jewelry for 18 years and has worked on many different mediums, including: shrink plastic, polymer clay, paper. clay, plastic, and glass.

Eight years ago Michelle discovered her love for glass fusing and it has been the focus of her creative and artistic outlet. The Fused Glass and Brass Pendant featured above, is available in Shoozle's Etsy shop (http://shoozles.etsy.com/) for $20 USD.

Michelle is also a member of the Etsy Glass Artist's Street Team and WWAO (Worldwide Women Artists Online). In addition, you can learn more about Michelle and her creations at http://shoozles.wordpress.com/

Artist Feature - CRAFTY MOOSE

Debbie, aka Crafty Moose, has been crafting for as long as she can remember. Debbie is self-taught and has enjoyed painting, needlework, quilting, polymer clay and jewelry making. Most recently, she has found herself drawn to beads and has returned to the art of french beaded flowers. Debbie enjoys making original, one-of-a-kind butterflies and dragonflies. She is also introducing a new line of one-of-a-kind beaded art dolls and sun catchers to her Etsy shop.

I personally love Debbie's beaded art dolls and beaded flowers. The piece I have featured above is titled, "Ikebana Freestyle French Beaded Flower Arrangement" and is available in Debbie's Etsy shop (http://craftymoose.etsy.com/) for only $15.99 USD. The flowers are comprised of tiny Czech glass beads and are arranged in a cut-glass bowl.

Artist Feature - CREATIVE SUNDRIES

Sarah and Carol, the mother and daughter team behind Creative Sundries specialize in vintage treasures and unusual ephemera, as well as handmade ATCs, notecards, crocheted cuffs, and jewelry.

I know I really enjoyed peeking through their shop at all the vintage and ephemera items. I think it is funny when I happen upon something I recall from my childhood. (but of course, that means I must admit that my childhood is now considered VINTAGE!)

A fun piece of nostalgia, pictured above, is a pair of game playing cards from 1968 called "Funny Bones" and are ideally suited for mixed media art or collage. The cards can be purchased in their Etsy shop (http://creativesundries.etsy.com/) for only $1.50 USD.

Sarah and Carol are also members of the Etsy Minnesota Street Team and IndiePublic. You can learn more about Creative Sundries at http://creativesundries.blogspot.com/

Artist Feature - BECKI'S DESIGNS

Becki (aka Entyqua) is a stay-at-home-mom to a beautiful daughter and resides in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Becki creates both costume jewelry and genuine gemstone and precious metal jewelry as well as finished jewelry boxes, greeting cards and other paper crafts. Soon she will be adding clothing as well!

Becki loves to use a lot of natural stones and beads for her creations. Her favorites being wood and gemstones. She also loves to use freshwater pearls and faux pearls because they have a very elegant feel to them and always and a touch of class to every piece they are used in. All of Becki's jewelry designs are handmade with care.

The necklace featured above is available in Becki's Etsy shop (http://entyqua.etsy.com/) for $35 USD and is adorned with silver beads and a mother-of-pearl cameo pendant.

Artist Feature - MOMMY AND ME BOUTIQUE

The Mommy and Me Boutique features many one-of-a-kind items created from the finest fabrics, ribbons, and workmanship. Corine works and lives in California and has a passion for making aprons for adults and toddles alike. Her other specialty is creating little skirts and baby items, including apparel for American Girl dolls. She describes her work as fun, funky, traditional, and vintage.

The adorable child's apron (pictured above) is available in Corine's Etsy shop (http://mommyandmeboutique.etsy.com/) for only $21 USD. It is reversible and features a ruffled edge and a little pocket too! I think it would be the perfect treat for any little girl!

You can learn more about Corine and her craft at: http://themommyandmeboutique.blogspot.com

Artist Feature - CRYZTAL VISIONS

Beth Alexander (aka Cryztalvisions) has been creating with stones and crystals for as long as she can remember. Beth comes from a long line of crafters and artisans. "My great grandmother was a very talented artist who started painting late in life. She left behind some amazing oil paintings that I will always treasure. She also painted and fired china, she had a fantastic eye for detail and could paint tiny pictures small enough to fit on a thimble. My father was an accomplished, well rounded artist and crafts person and spent many years teaching art in the public school system." It must have been quite an interesting and exciting childhood to be surrounded by artistic talent!

Beth has been creating unique jewelry for over 20 years and has an insatiable appetite for learning new techniques that push the boundaries of her creativity. Along the way she has also been drawn to studying and practicing various energy healing arts, like Reiki, chakra balancing, Earth based energy medicine, shamanic practices, and Angel Therapy. Beth has have found combining her love of minerals, an artistic eye and skill in jewelry fabrication and design, along with her heightened sensitivity to energies creates a powerful synergy. She loves to immerse herself in the creative process and is fascinated when some pieces seem to magically design themselves.

One of Beth's newest pieces, "Circle of Life" is a handcrafted fine silver pendant/amulet necklace and is available in her Etsy shop (http://cryztalvisions.etsy.com/) for $48 USD and is featured above.

Artist Feature - PAULETTE INSALL

Portland Oregon resident, Paulette Insall, is an artist. A painter, if you will. Though, she never thought of herself as an artist until a few years ago. For many years Paulette dreamed of painting, but could never bring herself to pick up a paint brush until October of 2006. That's when her love of creating stories with paint and paper began!

This is what Paulette had to say about her art, "My art is about the search for connection…to self, to like minded spirits, to family, and to God. Most of my work depicts a sole woman because these are the stories of my own personal search and the emotions they invoke within my soul. My hope is that the visual stories I create with my art touch people from all walks of life and let them know that they are not alone…and find comfort in that knowing."

Beautifully and so precisely said. It is obvious to me the emotion and depth Paulette has put into the many faces of her characters. One of my favorites (pictured above) is titled, "Follow." The woman's flowing hair seems to be pulling her in a direction she isn't quite sure she should go, but she is curious as to the path it may lead her down. To me, butterflies are a symbol of hope, rebirth and transformation. Perhaps the path is the path from adolescence into adulthood? Perhaps she is on a journey of self-discovery? You decide!

For more examples of Paulette's art, go to http://pauletteinsall.etsy.com/

Images copyright Paulette Insall

Artist Feature - COCONUT PALM DESIGNS

A Canadian residing in Belize, Joanne is a graphic designer who has fallen in love with woodworking and painted signs. Joanne also creates ACEO (Art Card, Editions and Originals), which I love! I have a growing collection of ACEOs and am always looking to add to my collection. One of my favorites from Coconut Palm Designs is "Orange Wildflower." This particular flower is grown in Belize. Joanne drew it with pencil crayons on watercolor paper. It is an original work of art and is signed on the back.

Another favorite piece in her Etsy shop (http://coconutpalmdesigns.etsy.com/) is this Custom Butterfly Sign (pictured above, left) for only $35 USD. Joanne explains the process of making this sign, "This Welcome sign is hand painted in purple. The words, butterflies and fish on the main part are carved out using a dremel and then the butterflies and fish are painted back in. Sign measures 10" x 3.5" with the butterfly measuring almost 3" x 3". It is hung with ribbon braided with wire for durability and sealed against the elements with an acrylic spray finish. This sign is customizable with your name, city, or country in place if the 'Jamaica' or that part can be left blank."