Koala Bear Creations

I found this great shop on Etsy and asked Emily to tell me about it . This is her story :''I am a nineteen year old college student studying theatre at Tulane University in New Orleans, Louisiana. My shop, KoalaBearCreations, includes work by both me and my boyfriend, Dylan, who is a professional actor. We make jewelry and clothing that can be described as indie, hippie, bohemian, artsy and unique. Etsy is a great way for us put our creative talents to use outside of the theatre and explore some new artistic mediums.
Although they're very beautiful, I don't like to work with expensive materials like gemstones and precious metals. Instead I prefer to take everyday items such as antique keys, sea shells and old t-shirts and make them into something beautiful and wearable. Most of the materials come from thrift stores, junk shops and friends' attics and are recycled into something unique, lovely and affordable.
Our pieces make great gifts for friends or for those times that you just need to treat yourself. Most of our items are between $10 and $20 dollars though some are on sale for even less. Buying handmade, recycled products is great for you and for the environment! ''
Check out their one of a kind jewelry and clothing at http://www.koalabearcreations.etsy.com/.

Precious Quilts

I fell in love with the beautiful quilts and crochet in this shop and I know you will to ! The following is by the artist herself . Please read this and visit her shop , Precious Quilts by clicking on the title of this article or by going to http://preciousquilts.etsy.com . ''I live in UK with my husband, my four 'babies' have flown the nest and we have a beautiful grand daughter now aged 17 months!About 25 years ago whilst living in the Middle East where I was busy with two small children and therefore unable to go work I became interested/fascinated with patchwork quilts. After teaching myself from a variety of sources I made large queen/king size quilts for family and friends. Initially, I was of the opinion that all quilts should be hand sewn.... well, that has now changed as it really takes too long. I still do the odd one but prefer to concentrate of baby quilts now and use my machine to put them together.My favourite fabric is Laura Ashley, particularly the vintage fabric which is hard to acquire these days but looks and feels so special. Noteably in patchwork quilts for babies or cots. I am happy to make all size quilts from large to very small. In fact I have a doll's house quilt on Etsy at the moment!In addition, whilst relaxing in the evenings watching TV, what better way to spend my time but crochet baby blankets? It is not often I do not have a crochet hook in my hand. I find it very relaxing and theraputic!Christmas is coming so I am feverishly making quilts and crochet blankets for those cute pressies or just for baby showers. All my items are unique - and all the way from England!''

THISTLE CRAFT DESIGNS

Thistle Craft Designs is an Etsy shop full of bright beautiful light catching color . This is a portion of her interview : What is the first thing you can remember making by hand? How and why did you make it? The earliest vivid crafting memory I have is my Mom teaching us how to crochet – I was no older than 6 at the time. All I could manage at the time was a chain stitch, but I was really good at it! My Mom taught us a lot of crafts, for which I am eternally grateful!
Why do you create? Why not? It is simply a part of who I am. To not create is to deny a part of myself.
What inspires you? Where do your ideas come from? Everything & Everywhere! I love looking through magazines and catalogues (just ask my poor mailman!). Nature provides a lot of inspiration also. Oh, and flea markets, estate sales, thrift shops, and the like – I love going to them with my Mom and seeing what things could be, rather than what they used to be! Any tips on selling handmade stuff? Be patient and persistent, have faith in yourself and your products, and don’t undersell yourself just to make a sale. And stay in touch with your market – no matter how much you like making something, if your market doesn’t want it, it isn’t going to sell! But, this does not mean to go against your values/morals – you must remain true to yourself because if you don’t like what you’re making, no one else will either! [You may visit her shop by clicking on the title to this article .]

DSL Designs

If you love one of a kind original pieces of jewelry , then DSL Designs is the place to go . The following is her own words . How long have you been creating? ''My passion for beading began at 12 and I haven't been able to stop since. In 2002, beading lead me down other creative paths like scrapbooking and sewing. Since then, I have extensively explored the world of crafts and am now savvy in Wire Wrapping, Fused Glass, PMC clay, Polymer Clay, Peyote Stitch, Right Angle Weave, and Square Stitch. I never miss an opportunity to learn a new craft. I have always felt that you learn to appreciate others work by learning what it really takes to create it. ''
What inspires you?''What inspires me most is the ocean. Whenever I go to the ocean I am always inspired to go home and create. Unfortunately, I live far from the ocean, so I oftentimes I lack inspiration. During times like that I start reorganizing my supplies and find inspiration in them. .'' Just click on the title of this article to visit her shop .

Just Bead It !

This is another fantastic artist on Etsy ! She told me that she has been making jewelry for about two years . Her talent far exceeds what you would expect for only two years ! I asked her where she got her inspiration . This is her words , '' I am inspired by beauty and balance and femininity. I love creating a variety of styles. I love how designs can create 'feelings' and emotions. Color combinations can be subtle or dramatic depending on what kind of statement you are trying to make and what kind of mood you are in. '' Check out her shop , http://www.justbeadit.etsy.com/