NGjewelry

"
My name is Nubia Gonçalves. I am a Brazilian from sunny and warm Rio de Janeiro, where I live with my husband and lovely daughter. My son is already married and lives with his darling wife quite near our apartment.I love being close to the beach and all the beautiful natural landscapes we have around the city.I am a Translator and Simultaneous Interpreter, working in conferences, seminars or meetings. Arts have always been one of my passions, and I studied painting at the Visual Arts School of Parque Lage, in Rio de Janeiro. Currently I am studying jewelry design and making in one of the best known jewelry schools in Rio de Janeiro, Atelier Mourão, where I am developing my new work, which I am happy to present you here in my shop. I hope you like it as much as I enjoy making it!
You are also welcome to visit my other shop at etsy, where I have my jewelry collection made with organic dried products, wood and seeds."
bio written by Nubia via her etsy profile
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stasia burrington

"Cup of Tea"

"Hello! I'm a freelance artist currently living in Aurora, CO with my husband and imaginary pets. I'm influenced by art nouveau, ukiyo-e, comics, manga, textile design, Egon Schiele, Rodin, Kiki Smith, and Shel Silverstein, among many others. I love lines, freckles, stars, tea, toes, fingernails, sighs, whispers, food, paper, ink, stones, kisses, daydreams, etc., etc., etc. I love to cook, walk, read, create and love. I believe in visual art’s power to communicate the nuances that we haven’t yet learned in words. I believe in the imperfect, the cracked, the broken, the aging – the quiet beauty that is so subtle that it could easily be overlooked, but when noticed, stops time. I know we all crave a simpler, quieter way of life, a more accepting attitude towards existence, and I know we all crave beauty; our definition of beauty needs only to be pried a little wider. The stains in our favorite teacups – the wrinkles around our eyes – the uneven stitches in a hand-knit quilt, these are full of the energy of age, the power of being loved over and over again. A reclaiming of heritage is in order in this world where it’s easier to throw away than to mend. An embracing of our “flaws” is in order, to be kinder to ourselves, and to be kinder to the world."
bio written by syb via her etsy profile
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super ninon

"Delphine Wee Pirouette"
"I just love making stuff with fabric and inventing new little creatures. I have been doing it almost everyday for the last 4 years.
I can't be bothered to make 2 things the same.....I am interested in failures, imperfections and in what is possible to obtain after some "mistakes".
I believe that sometimes a couple of button
eyes can be a lot more expressive than the eyes of many human
beings... sometimes I also make little drawings.
I enjoy the fact that when I start making someting I never know how it will come out. Oh, and I miss the dinosaurs."
bio written by ninon and taken from her etsy profile
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jewels by l designs

"The Lemon Meringue"
"JEWELS by L Designs is a truly unique, chic, alluring and feminine collection of exquisite artisan, wire-wrapped, gemstone and glass lampwork jewelry. Each and every piece is handcrafted and designed by me using the finest quality of materials.
The glass beads are the JEWELS used in my pieces and are handmade by my husband and I using a centuries old technique known as glass lampworking in our home studio in Sacramento, CA. Our work has been published in the national publications Bead Trends Magazine and Bead & Button Magazine as well as the online Magazine, Kanchi. Bring some color and sparkle into your life...We hope you find something you can't live without!
~Laura & Aaron"
"GLASS ♥ BETTER THEN DIAMONDS!
How Jewelry Became My Passion♥
It all started in 2003 when my sister-in-law purchased a gift certificate at a local bead store for my birthday. I used the gift certificate to take some basic classes and started spending every extra moment playing with designs. In 2004 my husband and I took a trip to Italy. There we visited the island of Murano where I fell completely in love with glass and decided to take a Lampworking class to learn how to make the glass beads. After attending my first glass lampworking class at the UC Davis Art Center I was hooked! I brought my husband along one weekend so he could try his hand at it. I was thrilled to learn he too enjoyed working with glass. He still amazes me with his creations to this day. Soon thereafter my husband built a studio for us at our home in Sacramento, California, where we continue to make glass beads and pendants together.
My husband uses mostly Borosilicate glass to create beads and pendants while I use a Moretti (or soft) glass for beads and pendants. The differences in the glass add yet another dimension and variety to my jewelry. Borosilicate glass is a very dense glass with metallic properties. One color can produce multiple colors when heated in the flame. The metals in the glass are very opulent and rich. Moretti glass (or soft glass) offers a much broader range of color. Both types of glass are equally beautiful. All of our beads are properly annealed in a kiln and carefully cleaned to assure a lifetime of beauty. I use our glass beads to make one of a kind pieces of jewelry. I believe in using only the finest materials in my designs. As my grandma always said, if you are going to do something, do it right! In addition to our glass lampwork beads I use semi-precious gemstones, solid sterling silver, gold fill and gold vermeil in my designs. I love making jewelry as much as I love making the glass beads. Jewelry designing is my passion and I hope you find my pieces to be unique and beautiful as well as fashionable.
More recently I have become addicted to wire- work! I studied for several months in 2007 with Eni Oken and learned so much in such a short period of time. I am pleased to marry my addictions to glass, wire-work and semi-precious stones. I am inspired by everything; colors, nature, architecture, animals, etc. My wish is that all of my pieces find a special home and are treasured for many years!"
bio written by LDesigns and taken from their etsy profile
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naomi lingerie

"A little bit about me: I'm Japanese.I live in Melbourne.I grew up in country side of Japan.I had been fashion designer in Tokyo for 7 years.(I designed women's casual wear)But I was sick of [the] fashion indutry!Because lots of mass production and copy commodity....So,I quit job.Now I'm making lingerie in here.Why am I making lingerie?Because I couldn't found any good lingerie in here.It's too sexy or too casual.I'm making innocent,warmth,pleasant lingerie.It's like your friend.I love antique.Antique is precious things for many years and inhering from generation to generation.I wish my lingerie became like antique."
bio written by naomi via her etsy profile.
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SweetPCrafters

"My name is Le'ci. I live on O'ahu in Hawai'i. I am a craft fiend. I am always making things, wire wrapping, jewelry, paintings, bikes, wooden furniture, clothes, accessories, knits.... my life is magical.
I put a lot into my crafts, and spend way too much time trying to make everything perfect, and make my pictures turn out well! I love etsy, and I will never stop creating!!"
bio writen by le'ci & taken from her etsy profile.

shanna trumbly

"The Unforgettable Kiss"
"Third generation Oregonian Shanna Trumbly began her life as an artist at a very young age. She was born into a family of very creative individuals who always encouraged her passion for art.
At the age of seventeen she began her studies at the Art Institute of Seattle where she studied the many aspects of graphic design, anatomy, illustration, and life drawing. Upon graduation at the age of nineteen she moved to Portland, Oregon where she soon became a member of the Portland Saturday Market and began her career as an artist. Over the years she employed many different mediums and styles for her artwork such as clay sculpture, glass torch work, mosaics, leather sculpture, and more recently a clothing line.
Until October of 2007 Shanna's choice medium for her illustrations was colored pencil. Upon completion of her first painting, "the Unforgettable Kiss" she realized her new found love for acrylic paint on canvas.
The series "Daydream" explores the playfulness of wakeful dreaming and honoring the creative muses within. Her works can be found online, at a variety of shows on the west coast and at the Eugene Saturday Market which is open from May through December.
Artist statement
Daydream-
This series explores the playfulness of wakeful dreaming and honoring the creative muses within.
Each painting is meant to tell an open ended story, one which evokes curiosity while also inducing a sense of calm. I believe that when we daydream we are inviting and allowing possibility. We daydream our past and our futures but in the heart of the daydream we are open to pure creativity.
Thus far, Daydream is a 18 piece series in which acrylic paint is applied to stretched canvas. The abstract background in each piece consists of a variety of textures, stamping and a blend of bold yet earthy tones. The stamped images are produced from a variety of carved vegetables. Conversely, the focal point of each piece is very detailed and lifelike. Characters in this series are given human qualities which often generates a connection with the viewer.
I believe that creativity is contagious and when we share our ideas and dreams we awaken each others muses. When I share my paintings my hope is to ignite the imagination of the viewer and inspire the daydream."
bio written by shanna trumbly via her etsy profile.
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desira pesta

".:.Desira Pesta Design/Build/Wear.:. is a women and men's clothier that specializes in dresses, blouses, skirts, vests, outerwear, bags, and pillows that showcase the artist's drawings and artwork.
Desira Pesta Design/Build/Wear started as a silkscreening venture making painterly prints on tshirts after Desira received training in serigraphy from a tiny artisan school in Italy. Since 2004, it has grown to much more. Now, couture garments are created in this tiny studio, which are made to order with perfect tailoring. The term Design/Build is usually applied to architecture whereby the architect not only drafts the plans, but also goes about partaking in the actual building of their work, all "in house". This practice and concept is relatively reborn in this day and age, as architects only commandeer the design and planning and the construction is done by lesser paid individuals. Design/Build/Wear is something of the same vein, but applied to fashion. In fashion design, the designer also usually only plans the garment, and a seamstress thereafter constructs it somewhere overseas. Less outsourcing equals the ability to "stay local", "guarantee quality", and make less of an impact on fuel consumption and helps eradicate the need for cheap overseas labor.
{ W O R K }
All wearable art has been handmade and/or silkscreened with completely original patterns and designs with a strong belief in preserving the beauty and quality of vintage materials, while simultaneously thwarting new production of fabrics and materials. Desira Pesta uses top quality designer overstock fabrics sourced from the best makers and natural fabrics such as bamboo, organic cotton, silks, satins, and beautiful cottons.
She also uses materials acquired from estate sales and antique shops.
Each piece has been professionally-constructed using industrial machines and perfect sewing, ensuring longlastingness and beautiful craftswomanship. A firm believer in egalitarianism, Desira opts to charge nothing more than a fair price for a handmade, unparalled, quality wearable good.
Desira Pesta specializes in couture, so if you see something you like, past or present, she can most likely make it in your size, unless materials are limited or scarce.
SOCIAL IMPACT
Going back to the days of artisans and craftspeople, this collective handmakes each item sold with longlastingness and true quality in mind. We as human beings need to reclaim craftpeopleship and artisan work and rekindle the true connection between ourselves and our possessions and environments. The world of handmade thwarts evils. Truly. We are stealing back the people to avoid sweatshop labor and the theft of creativity and the loss of true quality. We the people of Etsy and handmade are making a difference in how things are made, how business is run. You can see a real person in my work and the work of my peers. I have made many a friend through selling my wares. What better "world" to be in than that? What better business? This is happiness. Let's keep it up.
Socially, it's effects lie in clothing manufacturing that abstains from using sweatshop or factory labor, as almost all of clothing manufactured worldwide is. Employees are paid a fair and living wage and working conditions border on accommodations."
Bio written by Desira pesta via her etsy profile.
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intres

In Intres native language, Intres mean moments. And this is how she started gradually to make brooches, bags, fun toys, impossible towers and houses... in little moments. At first they were all for her family and friends but now she shares them with all of us.
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blush envy

"Secret Garden Bib Statement Necklace"
about blushenvy: So I'm eclectic just like my mother. That really does sum it up just about right. I like everything, whether it be style or materials-and I've worked with lots of them over the last 12 years.
My product range has covered holiday, children's, bed, bath and home, jewelry and accessories and more. I love what I do, and I don't see myself doing it different any time soon!

raw hemline

RawHemline's Bio:
I have been making/altering my own clothes since I was 14 or 15 years old...
I used to complain that there was nothing in the mainstream shops that I liked...everything seemed too crisp, neat, and, well... ordinary. My mum always said that the clothes I wanted didn't exist!!
I realize now that she was right...
Having gone through various phases in my own personal journey, the pattern that I see emerge when I look back- and obviously which has touched every aspect of my life- including the way I dress- is one of recovery from tremendous pain to increasingly more wonderful levels of restoration and joy.
This relatively new found freedom has released my creative abilities to a much higher degree and there has been such a profound overflow of life pouring out of me, that I can't help but create.
Each art work is simply a 'sound' or reflection of my life at present.
When I am creating a piece, I feel utterly lost in wonder and awe, much like a child...
I have a beautiful husband and 2 little ones, and wear my vintage ethereal dresses down to the supermarket, because I believe everyday can be celebrated. Everyday is remarkable.
My wardrobe ranges from 50s, 60s, 70s and 80s clothing. I favor bold orangy reds and teals, and silver and gold lurex. I also love - of course- the traditional ethereal colours of soft dusty pinks, creams and earthy tones.
If I see something I like and can't afford to buy it, I'll just try make it.
I love the awkward balance between the 'delicate' and the 'overstated'.
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janet hill studio

"henrietta snd the sunday radio"
Janet Hill discovered her passion for painting as a teenager. With the support of her family and teachers, Janet earned a degree in Fine Art from Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario, where she specialized in oil painting and graduated with honors. Following graduation, she spent several years working in fields unrelated to art. Deeply missing her creative life, she decided to take a leap of faith and paint full-time. She has never looked back.
Janet enjoys painting the beauty of women, interiors, and still-life. Her choice of subject matter ranges from a duchess satin gown to a humble bowl of cereal. She seeks out glamour and beauty in everything that surrounds her. Her work is displayed in private collections throughout North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia. Janet lives in the beautiful city of Stratford, Ontario, Canada. She paints in a small in-house studio where she lives with her husband John, and their cat and dog.
WEBSITE * ETSY * BLOG

amber alexander

"fox art - mademoiselle"
Amber has been selling on etsy since December of 2007. It's really just an inspiration to turn on the computer and see new etsy items. She's constantly amazed.
Amber lives in Vermont with her husband and two crazy poodles.
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I am in love with this video!

ps: today is my birthday!

annkelliott

Bokeh of blossom
Originally uploaded by annkelliott

"Bokeh of blossom"
PHOTOGRAPHER'S COMMENTS:
I noticed this blossom growing in the gardens at the Calgary Zoo recently. Just thought the colours and bokeh were pretty and soothing.

sarah ureshii

"Electric Hearts"
sarah ureshii paints some amazing pieces of art! very fun and whimsical, check her out on ETSY.

polkadile

"party of three"
polkadile draws her inspiration from nature, and her surroundings. A conversation can get her mind sparking with images. She loves working in silver clay & loves to sculpt in such a minute scale. It’s a challenge, it’s a perfect way to carry a statement with you. she is also most attracted to natural materials: metals and gemstones, but also seed beads since they offer so many possibilities. polkadile has been all over the place with my art. she is always on the lookout for the most appropriate media to express herself. Jewelry as a medium seems natural, so accessible as a personal expression.
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biscuit tutorial

biscuits are a great alternative to bread, are so yummy & super easy to make:
1. Ingredients:
2 cups flour (white or whole wheat)
4.5 tsp baking powder
.5 tsp salt
3 tbsp butter (or margarine)
1 cup milk
2. preheat oven to 450F
3. mix all the dry ingredients really well
4. add the butter; I like to melt it first (in the microwave) to make it easier to mix
5. first, mix with a wooden spoon,
6. then with your hands,
7. until it's all mixed together well.
8. make a hole in the center of the bowl, with your fingers, and slowly pour the milk in the hole
9. mix. sprinkle some more flour in, if the dough seems too sticky.
10. put the glob of dough on a floured wooden surface, like a cutting board.

11. knead the dough for a minute or so; then press out flat (use your fingers if you wish as opposed to using a rolling pin) approx .5 to .75 inch thick
12. spray your cookie sheet with cooking spray (spray butter), and rub it so that the entire sheet is coated. you can use your hand or a piece of saran wrap or wax paper, if desired
13. use a regular drinking glass to cut out your biscuits. dip it in flour and twist it so that the rim is almost covered

14. cut out circles of dough, with the cup; be sure to dip in your flour before each cut.
15. lay each biscuit on the cookie sheet. when you have 11 biscuits made, I like to take the remaining dough and form it into a round shape, similar to the others.
16. put in oven,
17. for 12-15 minutes; set a timer if you have one
18. remove from oven when they are golden brown and have raised

19. cool on a wire rack
20. and you are finished! what will you put on yours? butter or homemade strawberry jam??

sandy mastroni

sandy lives in Connecticut with one wonderful husband, Michael, and four amazing cats: Juliette , Baby M , Buddy and Holly. sandy has been a professional artist for over thirty years. her work is in galleries in the United States . google her name to find these galleries. she was in the top 40 two years in a row at The Greenwich Workshop Small Works contest / exhibit . Also, her paintings have been in Raw Vision magazine and Folk Art Messenger. she has illustrated book covers, two recently published by Antrim House Books. Through out the years, her work has been in catalogs and gift shops. sandy works at home, in her studio, surrounded by too many books, sewing machine, paints, etc! She loves having her Etsy shop. Here I can make fun things in different mediums. she has met the most wonderful people because of Etsy.
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joystrings

joystrings was fortunate to have learned how to sew as a child. As an adult she discovered a way to combine sewing and creativity by making art quilts. Creating art is a fascinating process that consumes her from start to finish. The final product is the answer to a mystery that she has spent hours and hours trying to solve. she never knows what she have created until the process is completed. This unknowing keeps her interested and driven. she strives to push myself in new, often uncomfortable, directions because this builds the suspense and makes the final reveal of the piece even more of an exciting surprise to her.

the generation

Motherhood and the fondest love to animals and the nature have led Christy to the creation of these vegan shoes. She loves crafts and arts in all forms and can always be inspired by simple and beautiful things. It gives her alot of satisfaction and motivation when sharing her crafts with like minded people.
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how to embroider words onto fabric

it is, really, a simple process to embroider text or words onto fabric. You could do this on anything from children's clothes, a tote bag, towels, bed linen, etc. Today, I have decided to embroider on a quilt I am making.

supplies needed:
- fabric
- embroidery hoop (wooden or nylon)
- ruler (optional)
- pencil (optional)
- embroidery floss
- sewing needle
- paper & printer
- tweezers (optional)

1. Find the spot on the fabric where you want your words to be & get your embroidery hoop ready. If your fabric does not already have lines on it, it may be helpful to lightly draw a line in pencil with a ruler.
2. add the embroidery loop,
3. loosen the clasp, slightly, and pull the fabric so that it's tight in the loop, re-tighten the clasp. The fabric should be almost "springy" when you tap on it.
4. be sure that the line(s) is as straight as possible
5. go onto a document program on your computer, such as Word, and find a font that you like & print out the word(s) you want to embroider. remember: the more fancy the font, the more you'll have to stitch. a thinner font is better than a wide, or bolded one. trim the paper, leaving a little room around the words.
6. using lots of straight pins, pin the paper onto the fabric, using your line as a guide
7. choose your embroidery floss in the color you want to use. if stitching on light fabric, use a darker color and vise verse. i chose a yummy grass green.
8. cut the floss to length (approx 15 inches), and split in half. you will be using 3 threads to embroider with. be careful to take your time so that the string does not end up in a knot
9. thread the needle and knot the end with 2 or 3 knots, cut the tail
10. start stitching using small stitches and working from one end of the letter to the other, then working your way back to where you started to complete the letter. while embroidering, you are perforating the paper to make things easier later on
11. when stitching on a light colored fabric and using darker floss, i like to tie off each letter, when finished, so that a "line" does not show through the front where you went to your next letter. you can skip this step, if you are using dark fabric and light thread
12. when you are finally finished all of your letters, remove the straight pins

13. very carefully, tear away the paper. be sure to get all the little pieces in between the letters. if you don't have small fingers, sometimes tweezers will also be helpful to get those little pieces out

14. remove the embroidery hoop and you are finished!