Showing posts with label Featured Artist. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Featured Artist. Show all posts
Today's featured artist is Geannie Bush owner and creator behind A Crafting Heart

Mr. Snowman Pillow

 Tell us a little bit about yourself.
My name is Geannie Bush and my shop name is A Crafting Heart.
I live in northeast Kansas--home of the Jayhawks.
I have 2 sons and a daughter, 7 grandchildren and 1 grandchild.

Vintage Square Ball Mason Jar


How did you get your start on Etsy?
A co-worker told me about Etsy.  I have sewn and done needlework all my life and strive to glorify God with the gift He has given me.



Stitching With Thoughts

What does a typical day look like for you?
A typical day for me is very busy--I live with my son and 2 grandchildren caring for them and work on my sewing etc and keeping up with my shop.

Notecard - Scarecrow for Autumn and Thanksgiving

If you could be anywhere in the world for one day, where would it be?
For one day I would choose a quiet and peaceful place wherever that might be.
Raggedy Ann Doll


What is your favorite Bible verse?
I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength. Philippians 4:13

Counted Cross Stitch Decorative Pillow



What is your favorite item in your shop?
My favorite items to feature are my notecards.

 
Christmas Moose Notecard


You can also find Geannie on Facebook






My name is Felicia Cannon. Felicia wasn't a common name when I was a child, but you see I was the 14th child to my Mom and Dad. They were very happy I was their last (coincidentally my name is Latin for happiness) go figure! I made it into this world just in time, my Mother was 46 my Dad 50.
 
A friend who is a web designer said she would create a web site for me, if I narrowed down what I chose to create. Ha, no website, because I never could limit myself. So that's where Etsy comes in...I create furniture and furnishings out of re-purposed wood, especially Architectural wood when houses are torn down or renovated. My husband used to say,"why are you saving that junk?" now he is one of my primary sources. I am more excited when he picks the trash, on his way home from work, than if he bought me flowers or diamonds!
 
My niece, who is very hip and happening, lives and works in N.Y.C. said Etsy was the place to be! So in my free time whilst juggling the schedules of 5 children and husband, a job as a substitute teacher at an school for Autism, a leader in a worldwide Bible study (B.S.F. International, Google it if you never heard of it.This study on the Bible is literally the best thing I have ever done!). I finally started my diverse collection on Etsy as...FMC(my initials)furnishings(because everything I make falls sort of in this category).


Summer Surf Jump

Ok, I am not sure what a typical day would be? I have never had one! Our days always start early, getting children out the door to school (uniforms on, breakfast, homework and lunches in book bag, do hair, out the door). I am called to substitute 3 days a week, and I never know what school in the district I am going to end up in. (not always a positive thing for a CONTROL FREAK), or I go to Bible Study Fellowship as a group leader (my sanity time I call it,developing my relationship with my God. He is sooooo amazing!!!).
 


Two Door Wardrobe Painted White for 18' Doll

God lets me know when he wants me to change my schedule, and he is All Powerful. He doesn't have to beg, or give me puppy dog eyes! One beautiful spring morning I was driving a back road to the grocery store. It wasn't unusual to see a woman walking on the side of the road talking on the phone. I passed her and a clear voice in my head said,"Turn around and pick her up." What!!!! Sure I will. I drove another mile before I gave in to the wishes of the nagging voice. I drove back, asked her if she needed a ride. I could see her face was swollen and she was crying. She was thrown out and abused by her husband that morning. I drove her to social services. She asked me why I came back?...God loves all of us so much!!! That's part of the reason why I don't really have a favorite Bible verse.
 
God inspired the entire Bible. I can't believe that he would stoop sooo low to use even me. Every word of the Bible I study, brings me closer to him!!!
 


Handpainted Angel With Star


Where in the world can God use me??? That's where I desire to be. Right now being in Southern Delaware, being a Christian woman, wife and mother is where I am supposed to be! Where I want to be!
 

18' Doll Wardrobe



I am Felicia Cannon's custom furnishings on Facebook, but I don't update that site very much. I am sort of busy. In my free time, I create stuff with my cool tools!




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!
by Cheryl Allison of On the Grain Fabrics



It is a pleasure to introduce you to this week's featured artist, Chari Twitty of ChariT's Inspirational Creations. This stylish jewelry artist is giving away a beautiful "Tree of Life" bracelet to one lucky winner, chosen from among those who participate this week. For a chance to win the bracelet pictured below, visit Chari's Etsy shop, then come back here and comment, telling us which item you like the best. The winner will be chosen at random on random.org. Be sure to leave your e-mail address so we can contact you if you are the lucky winner. The winner will be announced in next Wednesday's Featured Artist post.
Win This Gorgeous Bracelet
Introduction: I am a stay-at-home mom of one year old twins. I have a passion for the arts and inspiring others. After the birth of my babies, I was laid off, but I had decided before this if I could I would be a stay-at-home mom (SAHM), which I am blessed to still be doing today.

The life of a SAHM of twins can be very chaotic, and it is easy to get pulled into just being a ‘mother’ and nothing else. This began to wear at me and I started to search for a purpose to regain my sanity. Having been a performer and writer my whole life, my creative side began to pull at me. I somehow thought of jewelry. I love bright and unique jewelry and thought, Why don’t I create my own but with a purpose. Jewelry to inspire the beauty inside and outside of us! So ChariT’s Inspirational Creations was born!

How did you get your start on Etsy?  I was searching for something unique and original and came upon Etsy. I was like ooo this is cool; a website with custom and handmade items. I love it!! I became a member instantly.

How did you choose your shop name? The name is twofold; of course my first name and last initial (Chari T) lol. But seriously, I create to spread charity (n. Christian love; agape) to all.

What does a typical day look like for you?
A typical day? LOL. Wake and feed the babies and myself. Check my emails and social media outlets for updates while trying to stop the babies from crawling all over the house. Feed the babies, make a little bit of jewelry . . . and so goes the day, lol! On Mondays and Fridays they go to grandmas when I get to have strict work time and I do more creating, running errands to the crafts stores, and corresponding with customers.


If you could be anywhere in the world for one day, where would you be? Some nice beach where it is relaxing and warm near the water . . .

What is your favorite Bible verse? I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. -Phil. 4:13 This verse reminds me to be confident in myself and God. Knowing that no matter what all things are possible.

What is your favorite Etsy item listing to feature? I love to feature this beautiful ‘Don’t Be Jealous of Me’ Green, yellow, and white necklace! I love the bright colors and the message of going green and loving yourself!

Where else can we find you on the Internet? You can find CIC at the following:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/chariTs.inspirational.creations
Twitter: www.twitter.com/CICINSPIREME
Blog: www.charitsinspirationalcreations.blogspot.com
Youtube: www.youtube.com/CTCreationz

Thanks SO MUCH for featuring me as an artist on your blog! I am so flattered and will continue to create as God leads me to inspire you. ~Be beautiful, blessed, and inspired!
Please welcome our featured artist of the week!
-Your name
My name is Cynthia Summers-or Cindy for short
-Your shop name(s) Cindystreasurechest

-Introduce yourself Cindy!
I was born in San Diego, California and raised in Point Loma and La Jolla.  La Jolla high school had a great art department and I found my love of art early and got to learn from some very good teachers in both La Jolla High and UCSD.  My art teachers encouraged me to experiment and try everything and not be discouraged when I didn't like the results but to learn from the mistakes as well as the successes.   Art seemed to form the way I saw things and God had given me a gift which I loved to use.

 After college I moved to Hawaii-I have surfed since I was fifteen-and lived on the North Shore of Oahu which is known world wide for it's amazing surfing beaches and it also has a wonderful art colony.  I asked Christ into my life when I was nine years old and found North Shore Christian Fellowship was the church that would change my life and make Christ the center of my life.    I was surrounded by Christians on the North Shore along with professional surfers and fantastic artists.  I got accepted to University of Hawaii, Manoa, Art School and learned from some exceptional art professors.  With this experience I was able to get my art into several galleries in Hawaii and later in Los Angeles. I loved living in Hawaii and the life there, surfing, the Christian friends that I will have for a lifetime, the beauty, the difference in culture, the freedom to do art.  It was so amazing!
  I had to move back to California in the early 80's and soon after that I was diagnosed with a rare blood cancer that destroyed my liver.  The results were that I had to have a liver transplant, but the first transplant rejected immediately and within three days they found a new liver for me.  I had the second transplant and it has been successful and I have had that liver for over 20 years.  Unfortunately, the medicine that a transplant patient has to take to keep the liver from rejecting also puts down the immune system and so I got cancer several years ago.  The cancer is very virulent and the doctors have tried to get rid of it but just can't and so I have still have cancer and it changes my life drastically as I have had surgery to remove it and several bouts of radiation to try and back it down.  But I have learned compassion for others through this and patience for people who hurt and feel like they have no hope.  God is so good and He teaches you with the different trials that you go through

-How did you get your start on Etsy?
 I have a really good friend who has a silver shop in the mall near where I work.  I have had my handmade jewelry in her store for years and she started a shop on Etsy.  She just loved Etsy so much that she encouraged me to see if Etsy was something that I wanted to do.  I love making jewelry and vintage jewelry, painting, vintage clothes and have so many interests that I just couldn't decide what to do.  So I started with the vintage jewelry and my handmade jewelry and went from there.  It has been so much fun and you meet so many people on Etsy and almost everyone is so nice.  I wanted to find a way to help pay my medical bills and really got a bonus in Etsy!

-How did you choose your shop name?
How I decided on my name for Etsy is that I didn't want to do just one thing, I wanted to put several different kinds of items on the site.  So it seemed like CindysTreasureChest would indicate that you could open it up and be surprised and excited about what you found on the site.  And I have found that people really get a kick out of the different kinds of things they find in my treasure chest!
-What does a typical day look like for you?
I work a forty hour work week and have a wonderful husband besides having an Etsy site.  Oh yes, and a darling four legged friend too!  My husband's name is Steven and Kiva is the dog that you see on the picture.  I work all kinds of hours-no set hours in retail-and so sometimes I get up really early and go to work, come home and work on my jewelry, then take pictures and list it and sometimes I do just the opposite because I will work late.  I walk with my husband and Kiva whenever I get the chance or we take long walks on the beach and get in the ocean.  I tend to stay up rather late and so you can find me convoing with other Etsyans late at night or listing some treasure that I know someone would just love to have.  I don't have a typical day but I do never stop! 
-If you could be anywhere in the world for one day, where would it be?
If I had only one day that I would like to spend somewhere I would like to be back on the North Shore of Oahu.  My heart tends to yearn for being there and I really love Hawaii.

-What is your favorite Bible verse?
My favorite bible verse is Proverbs 3:5-6   Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.  In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your path.   When I was having the transplant I held onto that verse with everything I had.  I died between the transplants but God wasn't through with me.  I trusted God that He promised me my father would become a Christian and my Dad did-about  seven years after the transplant.  I believe that he promised God that if I lived he would go back to church and really listen to what the pastor had to say. I lived and my Dad went back to church and he accepted Christ into his life!   So I trust the Lord with all my heart!
-What is your favorite Etsy item listing to feature?
The favorite item I like listing is the jewelry that my relatives have left to me.  As I list I remember the special times that they wore the jewelry and I see their faces and remember their voices.  It really is neat and I love giving the stories of the jewelry to the people who are going to buy them and hopefully wear them for a long time! 
-URLs to where else we can find you on the internet (Facebook fan page, Twitter, your own dot.com, your blog, etc)
You can find me on Etsy-I have different shops that my handmade jewelry goes to here in San Diego County but Etsy is the place to look for my goods.  CindysTreasureChest.etsy.com


Thank you for allowing us to feature you Cindy! Everyone please head over to her shop and give it a peek (and some love.)
The winner of last weeks Carrytheword giveaway is Miss Sarah who said "It's so nice to "meet" you! I LOVE your Bible covers and someday when I have some extra money, I want to purchase one!" Someone will be getting in contact with you soon!
by Colleen Conrad of Conrad Designs

Introducing Lynn Caldwell of Got U Covered
Lynn is hosting a giveaway.  The winner will receive a glasses case, pictured. To be entered to win, visit Lynn's shop and then come back HERE and leave a comment with your favorite item in her shop.  Please include your email so we can contact you if you are the winner. The winner will be announced on next Wednesday's Featured Artist post.

Introduction:  
 I am a 50 year old mother of 2 daughters, ages 7 and 21.  I love to create using different materials.  I was born and raised in Maryland and now live on 6 acres in the country in western North Carolina.  I am very active in our church.

How did you get started on Etsy?
My sister-in-law told me about Etsy.  I started Caldwell Creations and now have started Got U Covered to sell aprons, handbags and other items I like to sew.



How did you choose your shop name
Got U Covered came out of a desire to create a line of clothes for smaller women who are too "mature" for the teen look but cannot find clothes to fit in the women's section.  

What does a typical day look like for you?  I am up at 5:30 am to let out our 4 small dogs.  Then I pack lunch for my 7 year old, get her ready and drive her to school.  Back at home I do housework and sewing and on Wednesday and Thursday I work for 2 hours a day as a secretary for a Methodist Church.  I pick up my daughter in the afternoon and it's soon time to start the evening meal for the family.  Evenings are spent helping with homework or sewing or other projects and on Monday and Wednesday evenings we are at Church.  Then it's time to go to bed and start all over again the next day!
 
Where would you like to be for a day?
Lying on a beach in Destin, Florida.


What is your favorite bible verse? 
John 14:3 - to think, Jesus has gone to prepare a place for me!


What is your favorite Etsy item listing to feature?  
Olive Bag, I love the vintage material.

  
Thanks so much to Lynn for sharing with us.  Please take a moment to visit her shop. Be sure to return to this blog post to leave a comment about your favorite item for a chance to win the glasses case.

WINNER!!
The winner of the Guitar Pick Cross Necklace from Carrie's Custom Designs, chosen by random.org, is Art and Sew Forth . . . two weeks in a row.   Congratulations!  Enjoy the beautiful necklace.  Thanks Carrie for giving away such a beautiful piece.

by Cheryl Allison of On the Grain Fabrics (onthegrain.etsy.com)

I am honored to introduce this week's featured artist, Carrie. This talented jewelry artist has a giveaway item for those who participate. To win the stylish Guitar Pick Cross necklace pictured here, visit her shop, then come back here and comment, telling us which item you like the best. The winner will be chosen at random on random.org. Be sure to leave your e-mail address so we can contact you if you are the lucky winner. The winner will be announced in next Wednesday's Featured Artist post.
Your name: Carrie Botkin
Your shop name: Carrie's Custom Designs


Introduction:  How blessed I am to be able to work from home and be a full time mom to my children.

Hello! My name is Carrie, and I have never seen an art form that I didn't like! I have a wonderfully supportive husband and 3 amazing kids who come into my studio often, saying "What's that? . . . Who is it for?" My 2 love junkie dogs lay on my feet as I design.
I don't remember a time when I wasn't creating or thinking about creating something. I crochet, quilt, rughook (yep, the old-fashioned kind with wool strips), and create jewelry. I have always been drawn to things bearing my name. Probably because my name can be spelled so many different ways. That's what led me to designing hand-stamped jewelry.

How did you get your start on Etsy? 
I was a buyer on ETSY long before I opened my own shop. Being a crafter/artist, I have the terrible/fun habit of looking at things and thinking..."Hey, I can make that!!" My studio is strewn with a variety of crafty and found objects that seem to not go together at all, except in my head! I'm always trying something new. But that's why I fell in love with ETSY. It's always inspiring me.


Whether I'm seeing a new art form for the first time or simply a treasury of beautiful colors, ETSY artists bring out the best in me. Having said that, I decided to open my store before I knew what I was getting into. I was passionate about hand-stamped jewelry and realized if I wanted to keep making it, I needed an audience for it because my friends and family only needed so many things with their names on it!

How did you choose your shop name? 

Actually the naming part was easy. My kids came up with it! I think they believe I'm famous! lol

What does a typical day look like for you? 

My days start early. I turn on the computer at about 6 a.m. and then wake my kids for school. I get them off to school and answer conversations from overnight. ETSY never sleeps! 

I'm usually in my studio by 9 a.m., creating custom orders before packing everything up and preparing it for shipping. I answer more convos and try to make time to work on new designs. I also like to work on my personal crochet or quilting projects. I find I'm more productive when I'm involved in several different artistic outlets. That way nothing ever seems like work!

If you could be anywhere in the world for one day, where would it be? 
Oh, my . . . anywhere? My first thought is on the shore with my family enjoying an evening of collecting shells and sea glass. But a day in my own backyard swimming pool with the kids doing cannon balls and hotdogs cooking on the grill is hard to beat.
 

What is your favorite Bible verse? 
"If you have faith as a grain of mustard seed, you will tell this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move; and nothing will be impossible to you." (Matthew 17:20)  My grandmother shared this verse with me when I was 7 years old and my mom was sick. She gave me a mustard seed necklace, which I still treasure. This verse has popped up in unexpected ways throughout my life, reminding me to choose options that honor my faith.

What is your favorite Etsy item listing to feature? 

Well, I LOVE everything I make! *lol* If I had to pick one thing, though, it would probably be the I AM LOVED necklace.  I think it's an important message for everyone.


Where can we find you on the Internet?
Etsy: www.etsy.com/shop/CarriesCustomDesigns
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Carries-Custom-Designs/117792774950397

Don't forget to visit Carrie's Etsy shop and come back here to enter the giveaway. We look forward to your comments.
Last Week's Winner
The winner of Emily's "Follow Your Dreams" handmade greeting card from Invitations by Emily has been chosen at random using random.org. And the winner is . . . Art and Sew Forth. Congratulations! Enjoy the greeting card, and share it with someone special. (Thank you, Emily, for giving away this lovely card!)

Karen is hosting a giveaway: If YOU are the lucky winner of Karen’s giveaway, you will receive your choice of one of her pincushions. The winner can pick either a wrist pin cushion or a regular pin cushion. To enter, visit Chocolatedogstudio and then come back HERE and leave a comment on this posting with your favorite item in Karen's shop.  Be sure to include your email so we can contact you in case you win. The winner will be announced on next Wednesday's Featured Artist post.

Introduction: I have been married to my best friend and husband since 1988. We have four kids ranging in age from 21 to 12. I have been creating in one way or another since childhood. My father worked for an oil company and I spent my childhood living in international cities. We moved home to Colorado and then Oklahoma in time for me to start and finish high school. I was in an incredibly bad car wreck in 1984 two weeks before high school graduation. It was God's blessing and miracle that I survived. They used the jaws of life to extract me from the car. I suffered two broken legs and internal bleeding. I went off to college in a wheel chair and then crutches for 9 months. I met my husband the next year. We dated and then married after we graduated from college. Our kids have been in school, and home school. Right now, we are homeschooling again, after a 4 year stint at a local private school where I taught art.

How did you get your start on Etsy? I got started with Etsy when I was knitting all the time and running out of people to give things to. This was in 2008 and I didn't do too much with Etsy until last year in June. We were needing a second income and I had just been diagnosed with Fibromyalgia. Etsy crafting became therapy of a sorts and a way to stay connected with the world. I found a world of kind people that were helpful, interesting and encouraging.  

How did you choose your shop name? My shop is named after my 90 lb chocolate Labrador that we got from Labrescue. He was my Mother's Day gift when he was not quite 2 years old. He is now 9. He often sits right behind my chair as I create and I have to be careful not to roll my chair over on his tail.   

What does a typical day look like for you? A typical day includes checking e-mail and Etsy first thing every morning. Posting a few new listings first thing in the morning while I drink my coffee and chat with hubs. I then wake the kids and get them started on their day. I trade off work between three rooms; the sun-room, the studio, and the living room. Our youngest follows me with her work in case she needs help. We have lunch and then if the kids have classes, work, or dance we head out to their activities or we spend time cleaning and doing whatever needs to be done. I try to get another hour or more of work done in the evening. Everyday has its own rhythm and I really don't have a typical day.

If you could be anywhere in the world for one day, where would it be? If I could be anywhere in the world for one day it would with family, where ever they are. IF I had more than one day it would be London, England or Scotland. There is no way to visit there and only take one day. I love the history and the people in England.   

What is your favorite Bible verse? My favorite Bible verse is: Jeremiah 29:11 
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
  I have had to lean on this verse many times in the past as I have had to deal with different things that have happened in life. I know where my hope is and with whom my future lies. It is Christ alone that gives us the strength to do what he for us to do.

What is your favorite etsy item to feature? My favorite item to list on Etsy is quite simply one I have listed before because then I can just copy and paste the listing, or something brand new. I like to see the response to new and different items that I list. Which is why I always post my new items on my teams! I need the encouragement to keep going.  

Where can we find you on the internet?
You can find my blog at www.chocolatedogstudio.com 
On Facebook at www.facebook.com/chocolatedogstudio  
On Twitter at www.twitter.com/chocodogstudio 

Don’t forget to visit Chocolatedogstudio and come back here to comment to enter to win the give away.

We have a winner from last week's featured artist. Chin-Lu won a 2 oz jar of WONDERFUL Healing Creme w/Grapeseed and Camelina and a 2 oz jar of DECADENCE Jasmine-Neroli Whipped Crème 
from BathAndBodyBoutique. You will both receive a convo from me. Congratulations!