Featured Artist Shelly Simpson from Cool Steel & Warm Images
by Cheryl Allison of On the Grain Fabrics


Introducing Shelly Simpson of Cool Steel & Warm Images 



Shelly is hosting a giveaway this week. To be entered to win this set of note cards pictured below, please visit her Etsy shop coolsteelwarmimages, then come back to this blog post and leave a comment about your favorite item in her shop. Please include your e-mail address so we can contact you if you are the winner. The winner will be announced in next Wednesday's Featured Artist post.


Introduction
It is my pleasure to introduce Shelly Simpson of Cool Steel & Warm Images. This creative artist lives in Washington State, and also works as a part-time receptionist in a nursing home. Her favorite tools are her camera, chalks, and colored pencils.
Shelly explained that she has been married to her best friend for twenty one years. "We met in Alaska when he was stationed in the Coast Guard. We have two kids: a son, 19, and daughter, 16." Shelley said she has cerebral Palsy, and added, "But [I] live life very independent and forget most of the time that I use a cane to walk."

How did you get your start on Etsy?  
I was on Blogger, and from my friend Tammy was shown this great team called Inspiration Avenue where I started doing the challenges.  They encouraged me to join their ETSY team. I did, and it has been great! I do not make millions but I have a blast.

How did you choose your shop name?
My husband and I wanted to do this together a year ago in November, so we came up with the name because he does metal art and I do photography. Our daughter joined us soon after that with jewelry making.

What does a typical day look like for you? 
Some people think I am nuts and ask, "Where does the energy come from?"  I say "the Lord."  I work at a nursing home every other weekend at the front desk, and just had my ten-year anniversary. I also work there every Wednesday. I lead a fun Bible study group every Wednesday night, and Thursday night I help a group with a fun thing called Seeds of Hope--a night where people come together, [not] in not a church setting, [but] in a vacant restaurant. We have a light meal together, we sing (I am on the worship team), and there is a short message--all under an hour. It is great to see people that are shut-ins coming out and finding faith in God.
I am on the board at my church [and also help] in woman's ministry. Every October we take a group of ladies to Portland Woman of Faith.

If you could be anywhere in the world for one day, where would it be?
Hawaii, I think. [I have] never been there and want to go. I have bad arthritis and think the heat would be great for that. We also support a boy through YWAM, and [it] would be great to travel to Africa and meet him and his family.

What is your favorite Bible verse?
One of many [is] Luke 18:27: "Jesus replied, 'What is impossible with man is possible with God.'"

What is your favorite Etsy item listing to feature?
Pictures I take and can see the art in them.

Where can we find you on the Internet?

Thanks so much to Shelly for sharing with us. Please take a moment to visit her shop. To be entered into the giveaway drawing, be sure to return to this blog post to leave a comment about your favorite item. Leave your e-mail address in the comment so we know how to contact you if you are the winner.

And the winner is . . . 
The winner of last week's Featured Artist giveaway is Maria S.! Maria has won the Fairy Tale Toad House from ClaySoul. Congratulations, Maria!
1:48 PM | Category: | 10 comments

Comments (10)

On May 25, 2011 at 2:19 PM , Helen said...

So pretty! I used to live in Washington and now I miss seeing those pretty sights! I LOVE the Tulip, Purple in Color picture! Reminds me of the tulips fields in WA. So pretty!

helen_ono(at)hotmail(dot)com

 
On May 25, 2011 at 2:32 PM , Crafty Mommas said...

I love the purple tulips!

 
On May 25, 2011 at 2:59 PM , sue anderson said...

This is my favorite.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/74797675/tulips

♥♥♥
Sue

 
On May 25, 2011 at 3:06 PM , sue anderson said...

Hi Shelly - so nice to meet you!

You are so blessed♥

♥♥♥
Sue

 
On May 25, 2011 at 4:30 PM , janet Long said...

I liked Shelly's Dahlia photograph a lot. They al are beautiful, tho'. http://networkedblogs.com/ij6Br
I just joined this team and tagged my Etsy items with castteam.
My Etsy shop is here http://www.etsy.com/shop/unrise

I can also be found here www.janetlongarts.com
on Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Janet-Long-Arts/192517394097105
Email address is unrise@hotmail.com

 
On May 26, 2011 at 1:10 AM , Loretta said...

I love the photograph of the purple & orange tulips together. The colors are so rich, and for us in the Northwest, they are also cheerful - helps brighten the grey days we have. Nice article Shelly.
My email address is nana2r7k@msn.com

 
On May 26, 2011 at 8:07 PM , Anonymous said...

Very nice to learn more about you Shelly! Your photography is gorgeous. My favorite is the Dahlia pic. It's so soft and elegant. Many blessings to you :) Vanessa | email: lvgallerycreations@msn.com

 
On May 26, 2011 at 11:27 PM , Art and Sew Forth said...

YWAM!! How cool! I have had many friends go through that school and even attended some teachings there when it was in Bozeman, MT years ago.
I love the color in your shop! It's all very bright and cheery. I hope you add more soon! I love the purple field of tulips photo. So beautiful and the angle it was taken at emphasizes it even more. Enjoyed reading about you!
Patty from catcalls

 
On May 27, 2011 at 10:51 AM , Sue Runyon said...

Wonderful to meet you, Shelly. You are an amazing lady!

 
On May 28, 2011 at 12:28 AM , Shelinwa said...

Thank you so much for all the awesome welcomes and greetings!!

I am blessed
Shel

 

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