Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Worktable Wednesday - Project Sewing 101

Nancy of N. Fallon Design Studio has been taking us on a wonderful ride through her experience in learning to use her sewing machine to create new and beautiful creations! She has challenged herself to complete all 33 projects in Ellen Luckett Baker's book, 1-2-3 Sew.


Above you can see two of Nancy's most recent projects...Quilted Pot Holders and Coasters.



And you can really see how far Nancy has come with her skills in this Craft Caddy! Inner pockets, outer pockets and interfacing...oh my!


You can read about Nancy's journey through the 33 projects HERE on her blog. Stop by and tell her what an awesome job she's doing!

******************************************************************************


Edi is the creative mind behind Memories for Life Scrapbooks (and Laser Engraving). She has been paper crafting for over 15 years and recently purchased a laser engraver that is keeping her creativity at an all time high!

Tuesday, March 27, 2012

Tuesday Treasuries

Treasuries on etsy are gallery collections of items for sale grouped under a theme chosen by the curator.  This is a fun way to showcase the talents and work of creative shop owners.
Blogging Business Artisans requires its members to curate one treasury per month.  Each week we will feature one of the past week's treasuries here on our team blog.

Many of us have been longing for Spring--warmer weather, birds singing, flowers gaily bursting forth.  Here are treasuries to make your heart sing with the joy of Spring!

This lovely treasury, Warm Spring Colors to Chase away the Cold Winter!, was curated by Kathy of tapestry316








What little girl wouldn't delight to twirl in this cute skirt by Erika of Little Andalucia?!






 
This crocheted and felted needle book by Judy of JN Originals looks like the earth at the very beginning of Spring.  Alternatively, it can be used to hold earrings!








More lovely treasuries from our teammates this week:
Dreams of warm weather and emerging spring! by Nancy of N. Fallon Design Studio
New from the BBArtisans by Deb of storybeader
A Touch of Lavender by Judy of JN Originals 
Dreaming in flowers by Margaret of Splendid Little Stars
Bring On the Spring Green by Rose of Random Creative

Be sure to check back here every week for more Tuesday Treasuries!
*************************************************************
Today's guest blogger is Margaret.  She is the artist/owner of Splendid Little Stars.  She loves many crafts and has been dyeing and painting fabric for more than 20 years.  Find her blog Splendid Little Stars HERE.


photos by the individual artists © 2011-2012   all rights reserved

Monday, March 26, 2012

March Monthly Challenge Link

The BBA team had a fun March Monthly Challenge posed by Random Creative to create using a hot color trend: turquoise and red.

What did you create? Link up with your post that links directly to the specific URL.


Friday, March 23, 2012

Friday Features - Black and White

What is Black and White and Red all over? (As the old joke goes)

An embarrassed Zebra!

Zebra print by clockworkghOst 

A newspaper!

French Newspaper Pillow by birdcrafter



A skunk with a diaper rash!

Diaper Cover with Pinafore by SherbetBaby


A crossword done in red ink! 

Crossword fabric by sewinggrammax


A penguin with a sunburn!

Hair Clip by damselsndragons


And a heart in love!

Love Charm necklace by Keytiques
This post done by BBA member Linda of PruittCreations, (also known as Abby).

Thursday, March 22, 2012

Artisan Spotlight -- JN Originals

 Seven questions is our spotlight of our favorite artisans. Please welcome...

Judy of JN Originals!
1. What do you sell in your shop?

I have three active shops, with a fourth shop, Dancing Thimble, in the works. At JN Originals, I sell crocheted and felted personal accessories. At Mister PenQuin, I sell paper-crafted gifts, accents and accessories. At 2nd Chance Treasures, I sell recycled supplies for crafts and stitching.


2. What is your favorite thing about Etsy?

Besides the fact that I don't have to leave my home to sell handcrafted items, I think the best thing about Etsy is the comradery that is available once you join a team. You can go it alone, but I believe that the best teams provide encouragement, challenge you to up your game, and create networking opportunities.


3. What is your least favorite thing about Etsy?

You cannot sell anything, obviously, if you don't list it. Sometimes I'll look in a corner of one of my studios, and realize that finished items are sitting there, unlisted, because they have not been photographed. If anything, it is the photography that I find most tedious. Because there is so much of it to do, however, I must say that I have learned a few shortcuts along the way. Practice makes perfect, or if not perfect, then certainly better!

4. What does your studio/workspace look like?

I took over two bedrooms in the house, and will use the kitchen table for larger projects when necessary, such as when I'm cutting fabric. The smaller bedroom is my sewing studio, where I have two sewing machines and a mission-style writing desk. The larger bedroom is my paper crafting studio. When my son graduated from college and moved to the greater Chicago area, he left behind furniture that I recycled for storage. His dresser drawers now hold paper and fabric, as well as paper crafting tools. The bookcase holds more paper, inks, stamping supplies and surface treatment tools, and my husband added more shelves to one wall for my Cricut® supplies, chipboard, markers, paper cutting dies, paper scraps and adhesives. I truly think paper crafting supplies can take over an entire house if you allow them to do so! I purchased a cubby-style wall storage unit where I keep small items that would otherwise clutter any available horizontal spaces. There is a small couch in the paper crafting studio where I can do hand-stitching or watch how-to videos from a laptop. In a sense, I take my work wherever it's most expedient to get the job done. Sometimes that's down in the basement family room, on the sofa, where I can crochet and watch movies with my husband at the same time.



5. What do you do to relax?

I know it sounds like a cliché, but working with my hands is relaxing. What started as a collection of relaxing hobbies (sewing, crocheting, hand stitching, paper crafting) eventually became work, but the work never ceased to be relaxing. Does that make sense? Aside from that, I enjoy reading and writing. I take my Nook everywhere! And both my husband and I volunteer pretty much year-round for Iowa's Destination ImagiNation® program that encourages creativity, problem-solving and teamwork for young people from primary age through university level. At the very least, it keeps us young. Once a year, we do a week-long cabin retreat at Backbone State Park in Iowa, where we disconnect from the rest of the world (or at least the electronic world), grill outdoors every day, and take long walks.



6. What accomplishments are you the most proud of?

Where handcrafted items are concerned, I am self-taught. I graduated with a degree in English and Communication, but the first class I took afterward was for basic crochet. And of course I learned basic sewing techniques in a junior high home economics classroom where I sewed (like many others) a gingham apron and kettlecloth jumper. Both classes left a lot of room for self-instruction! Aside from working with my hands, I enjoy writing poetry, and published my first poem at the age of 45. It took that long because I had convinced myself I could not write poetry. One day, after I finished giving my son feedback for a poem he had written, I asked myself why I thought I was qualified to provide constructive criticism for poetry but did not think I was equally qualified to write it. So, I started writing and publishing poems, and never looked back.

7. What are some of your goals for the next year?

Many of the items at JN Originals are seasonal, including crocheted scarves, hats, fingerless gloves and felted wool coffee cup cozies. My goal is to expand my offerings beyond these seasonal items. I have already made a start with crocheted spa cloths and felted wool bowls, needle books, and bags, but I'd like to add felted wall flowers for home decor. At Mister PenQuin, I'd like to increase the number of offerings to 100 items or more. I have discovered that small specialty books fill a niche that blank notebooks do not, so I plan to offer more of these. I'd also like to have a "grand opening" for Dancing Thimble, where I plan to sell functional fabric-crafted items such as eReader cases, bags featuring the Swedish weaving I love to do, fabric sewing weights, and craft aprons. To be honest, I think all of this will take more than a year!



Where you'll find Judy on the Web:

Wednesday, March 21, 2012

Worktable Wednesday and a Winner!

 This week's Worktable Wednesday features Sarah of Magnolia Surprise. Sarah created adorable cookies for my daughter's bedroom makeover; my daughter asked for a place for tea parties on a pink table. The cookies are thick, sturdy, precious and perfect for the new space!
cookies for a tea party
 In the Magnolia Surprise shop you will find crochet and needlework. Sarah is currently working on a large custom order for a repeat customer and it is interesting learning about the process.
patriotic washcloths

I like how Sarah dove right into the team's February Monthly Challenge and created a pretty cross-stitch piece.
all about love
 Be sure to visit the Magnolia Surprise blog and shop!

And now for the March Giveaway winner!!
I want to thank all of those entered Pruitt Creations giveaway for March. The winner is The Country Blossom and after I checked out her blog I have to say it is a great match!

Tuesday, March 20, 2012

Tuesday Treasuries

Blogging Business Artisans requires its members to curate one treasury per month. Each week we will feature one (or two) of the past week's treasuries here on our team blog. 

Spring is coming and I know I am ready for some sunshine.  Janet from Honey From The Bee created this lovely spring treasury.  So many wonderfully bright finds.



Don't fear if the sunshine hasn't reached you yet.  Linda from Pruitt Creations has the answer with her treasury called Birdies and Grey Skies


See something you like?  Give it a click to go straight to the item!

***********************************************************************************
Today's treasury post was brought to you by Jenny of A Bird In The Hand Art.  As the artist and owner behind A Bird In The Hand Art, Jenny spends her time creating unique jewelry and one-of-a-kind home decor pieces.  See her work in her shop or read some of her craft tutorials on her blog.

Monday, March 19, 2012

Monday Member Mini -- Pruitt Creations

It's Monday Member Mini time again and today's featured artist is Linda of Pruitt Creations!

Linda makes lovely fabric creations for the home including coasters, coffee cozies and pillows, and fabulous little zipper pouches designed to hold any and everything (great for keeping your purse in order)! She creates beautiful quilts and the loveliest nature-inspired embroidered hoop art. And for the kids, there are crayon rolls and the sweetest little cuddle blankies that can also keep dolly warm!

With a family of ten and grandchildren totaling 26 (the newest born just recently), Linda also keeps busy making household items for her daughters and daughters-in-law, as well as clothing and dolls for her grandchildren. There's a lot of family around the dining table on holidays, and I would say that Linda is truly blessed.

♥♥ Linda is also hosting our March giveaway! If you haven't already entered, just click on "Current Giveaway" at the top of this page for all the info -- but hurry.... the deadline is tomorrow, March 20! ♥♥




   To visit Linda's shop, just click on the Pruitt Creations Mini!

Be sure to check back here for more Monday Member Minis for a little sneak peek into our members' shops!

**********************************************************************************************

Sarah is the owner of Magnolia Surprise where you can find crochet toys and play food for the kids, as well as fun coasters, potholders and other items for the home. In addition to crochet, she loves needlework of all types, especially cross-stitch and embroidery, and also enjoys painting on wood and found objects.

Friday, March 16, 2012

Friday Features -- Serenity

I am covered in sawdust, paint, caulk, and am aching all over from home improvement projects. I am thinking of serenity this Friday...

These succulents remind me of my grandma.
Tall Poppy Gardens
Serenity prayer. I need this in a plaque.
I Heart It


Write it out and let it go in a journal.
Artful Rising
pretty in pink
Mystic Wynd
pretty in blue
Random Creative
 miracles of the sea
Madden Photography

 QUESTION: What relaxes you?

Thursday, March 15, 2012

Artisan Spotlight -- KAW! Studios!

Seven questions is our spotlight on our favorite artisans. Please welcome. . .
Kaili of KAW! Studios!



1.      What do you sell in your shop?
I sell original art & photography prints. Most, if not all of my work, is inspired by nature & wildlife. I do a lot of illustration work, with bright colors, patterns, and cute animals. I love the challenge of working in a small format, and so I create a lot of ACEOs (art cards measuring 2.5" x 3.5"). My photography primarily features natural scenes or tranquil landscapes. I also offer bookmarks, upcycled hang tags, custom work, and painted objects such as keepsake boxes & journals.




2.      What is your favorite thing about etsy?
It's a great platform for small-business artisans such as myself & this team! I love shopping there and knowing that I am supporting someone who made something by hand. It's a great place to find unique products, as well as a great place to sell your own handmade items.

3.      What is your least favorite thing about etsy?

There is an awful lot of stuff on there that would be more suited to ebay or garage sales. Nonetheless, there is more than enough relevant, original, & creative products to keep me interested in the site.

4.      What does your studio/workspace look like?

My "studio" is an art desk in my bedroom. I keep my supplies in labeled boxes on shelves nearby. Right now it is a mess, but maybe I will post a "tour" on my blog sometime :)


5.      What do you do to relax?

Drink tea and read a book. Or go on a nice walk with a dog. Or chat with friends. Music helps, too. 

6.      What accomplishments are you the most proud of?

Having more than a dozen sales in my shop! Also, I've recently been featured in two local papers, which is exciting.

7.      What are some of your goals for the next year?

I'd like to have more sales in my shop, grow & engage my blog readers, and improve my skills.

Other places to find Kaili:
Kaw Studios: Original Nature Art and Photo Gifts
Shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/clockworkghOst
Blog: kaw-studios.blogspot.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/kawstudios

Wednesday, March 14, 2012

Worktable Wednesday- Splendid Little Stars


Worktable Wednesday features something new happening with the BBA members 
or something of interest we spy online.  Today I'd like to note
that Margaret of Splendid Little Stars has been up to something.

Hand Dyed and Painted Wash Cloths

Detail: Hand Painted Rose Wash Cloth

As you may know, Margret is quite the expert in tie dying.  
This past February, prompted by our February challenge, she decided to try her hand with hand painting.
I think her first pieces came out lovely, don't you?  I found it quite fascinating
 reading over her process here.

Check out some of Margaret's other new shop listings:

4 Pastel Rainbow Wash Cloths
4 Bright Rainbow Wash Cloths

Tie Dyed Heart T-Shirt

**********************************************************

Today's guest blogger is Nancy of N. Fallon Design Studio.  Established in 2008, the shop houses a whimsical line of knit purses, wallets, and knitwear.  An artist at heart, Nancy also dabbles in watercolors, mixed media sculpture, and poetry.  You can read more about her life and work on her blog One Loopy Knitter.

Tuesday, March 13, 2012

Tuesday Treasuries

Treasuries on Etsy are gallery collections of items for sale grouped under a theme chosen by the curator. This is a fun way to showcase the talents and work of creative shop owners.
Blogging Business Artisans requires its members to curate one treasury per month. Each week we will feature one (or two) of the past week's treasuries here on our team blog.

This week we have two awesome BBA Treasuries! The first is by Nancy of NFallonDesignStudio. Nancy was recently married!!!!! So she has weddings on the brain :)



The second treasury is by Edi of MemoriesforLife. Spring is just around the corner and the flowers are popping up every where!



Both treasuries are fully clickable...so check out the listings as well as the curators for great finds!
*************************************************************************


Edi is the creative mind behind Memories for Life Scrapbooks (and Laser Engraving). She has been paper crafting for over 15 years and recently purchased a laser engraver that is keeping her creativity at an all time high!

Monday, March 12, 2012

Monday Member Mini -- Random Creative

It's the second Monday in March and thus time for another Monday Member Mini!  Today we're showcasing Rose of Random Creative!

Rose creates the most beautiful bracelets, pendants, necklaces and earrings made using beads and buttons. Her beadweaving designs are strikingly unique and her button bracelets are so colorful and fun! In addition to her beaded beauties, Rose also makes charm sets that can be worn alone on any chain, or added to one of her creations so that the look may be changed -- oh, the possibilities!

Random Creative is chock full of fabulous jewelry, but there's another of Rose's loves sneaking in -- greeting cards! She is just beginning to offer them and I hope to see more in her shop!

You can also find Rose at craft fairs where she sells the cutest button magnets, pins and hairpins. She is one busy (and talented) woman!! And here's something I just discovered about Rose -- she has been featured in three issues of Bead Trends magazine!
Congrats, Rose!




To visit Rose's shop, just click on the Random Creative Mini!

Be sure to check back here for more Monday Member Minis for a little sneak peek into our members' shops!


**********************************************************************************************

Sarah is the owner of Magnolia Surprise where you can find crochet toys and play food for the kids, as well as fun coasters, potholders and other items for the home. In addition to crochet, she loves needlework of all types, especially cross-stitch and embroidery, and also enjoys painting on wood and found objects.

Thursday, March 8, 2012

Artisan Spotlight - Fabric Fascination

Seven questions is our spotlight on our favorite artisans. Please welcome...


1.     What do you sell in your shop?  
 I sell fabric, kits, sewing tools, and pre-cut quilt blocks.

2.     What is your favorite thing about etsy?  
 I love the energy of having thousands of creative individuals sharing their work and ideas.

3.     What is your least favorite thing about etsy?  
 I would like to see the featuring of sellers on the front page and in articles be more democratic.  Maybe there could be a rotating group of sellers who would choose what shops to feature.

4.     What does your studio/workspace look like? 
I have a whole room filled with fabric, sewing machines, scrapbooking supplies, knitting & crocheting projects, stamps, all kinds of papers, and miscellaneous crafting supplies.  I am a craft dabbler.

5.     What do you do to relax?
 I sew, garden, swim, walk around the neighborhood, do yoga, and lately have taken up playing Words with Friends.

6.     What accomplishments are you the most proud of?  
 I don’t know if you would call them accomplishments, but my children and grandchildren, and of course my husband.

7.     What are some of your goals for the next year?  
 I would like to get more patterns and kits designed and listed in my shop, finish some sewing projects,and build up the advertising sponsorship on my tutorial blog.



Wednesday, March 7, 2012

Worktable Wednesday- Custom Wedding Items.


Worktable Wednesday features something new happening with the BBA members or something of interest we spy online.  This week I'd like to showcase Edi of Memories For Life Scrapbooks as she's been a busy bee lately, prolific with new listings & ideas.  Here are just a few of the new things she's been working on:

Engraved Wood Wine Bottle Stopper

Personalized Wood Wine Bottle Stopper

Edi has been brainstorming like crazy and come up with a wealth of new wood & glass engraved products for her wedding line.  I love these wine bottle stoppers- you can request custom engravings on any or her work, but I think adding a photo, name & wedding date to your stopper can really help to make the day extra memorable.  

Personalized Etched Shot Glasses

Personalized Etched Beer Stein

Edi also just listed these lovely additions to her engraved glassware line.  Of course you could personalize & gift these items for any occasion, but I think she's got it right: these shot glasses & beer steins would make the perfect gift for the wedding party, especially the groomsmen!

Well Wishes Book

Wooden Wall Words

Edi's latest addition is her new wooden words.  In line with the wedding theme, wouldn't it be a lovely addition to your reception decor to order your new last name?  Once the reception is over, you'd then have a great new reminder of your wedding and family name to hang in your home!


**********************************************************

Today's guest blogger is Nancy of N. Fallon Design Studio.  Established in 2008, the shop houses a whimsical line of knit purses, wallets, and knitwear.  An artist at heart, Nancy also dabbles in watercolors, mixed media sculpture, and poetry.  You can read more about her life and work on her blog One Loopy Knitter.