Thursday, March 31, 2011

Member Spotlight - Dough Roses

Tell us a bit about yourself I am a wife, mother of three, grandmother of six and the creator of the Dutchess County bread dough rose. My actual business name is Rose Petals but on Etsy, it is "Dough Roses". By the time I got on board with Etsy, someone else had chosen that name for their business.

What is your professional background? I worked as a bookeeper in my husband's business for twelve years before he decided to give it up. I was left with an empty nest and the question of what to do with the rest of my life. I wanted to develop a business that I could do from hme. I started to make and sell dolls which lasted for four years until Cabbage Patch came along. I couldn't compete with the marketing and adoption certificate which was the rage at that time. About the same time, I found a recipe for salt dough ornaments and taught myself how to do them, giving up my doll business. After a couple of years, I found a recipe and instructions for bread dough roses which became the basis of my business for the next twenty five years, giving me more pleasure and experiences than I could have ever imagined!!! Although the recipe stated that the roses couldn't be large because the dough was too soft, my challenge was to develop a large 2" rose that actually looked like a rose. I accomplished that after three years of trial and error! One of my fondest memories was when a butterfly landed on one of my roses, flew off and then came back. I was thrilled to think that I had fooled a butterfly into believing that the rose was real!


What led you to your current craft? Someone saw my work on the internet and wrote to me saying that if I liked working with bread dough, I would really love working with cold porcelain and she was kind enough to send along the recipe. She was right! I can work smaller and with more detail with cold porcelain which has led me to the creation of cold porcelain floral jewelry, a craft that I truly love!


How do you feed your creativity? Deal with a creative block? I gather ideas from photos that I take of actual flowers growing in my garden or flowers that I see in gardening magazines and books. When I feel that I've reached a stalemate, the best thing for me to do is to walk away from it all for a while and do some heavy housecleaning and organizing. I am then able to go back to my work with a sense of enthusiasm and well-being.


Describe your work area. My work area consists of a small table in front of the tv where I make my flowers, usually while watching a movie at night. The next afternoon, I move out into my studio which is in another building on our property where I have a workroom with another room for displaying and storing my work. There I can create to my hearts' content not worrying about having to clean up the mess that I make every day! There does come a reckoning though when it gets too bad! I like to work at night because my husband goes to bed early while I'm a nightowl!


How did you end up on Etsy? I discovered Etsy when surfing the internet for places to sell my work.


Other than your supplies & materials, what do you want with you on a stranded island? If I was stranded on an island, I'd be perfectly happy with my supplies and materials watching my husband fish for our dinner.........I couldn't go without him!


Any guilty pleasures? My guilty pleasure is butterscotch ice cream but it's hard to find these days!


Words of wisdom for aspiring artist? My words of wisdom for aspiring artists are "don't give up, develop a niche market, work to perfect your creations and after all of that, if it isn't working for you, try something different before closing the door on your creativity."

Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Spring Fair Sneak Peek 2

Week two of our Spring vendor sneak peeks...





The Spring Artisans Fair will take place on Saturday, April 23rd at The Howland Cultural Center located at 477 Main Street, Beacon, NY from 11 am to 5 pm. Free Admission!

Monday, March 28, 2011

Have You Seen This?


I have been eating sushi since I lived in Los Angeles in the 70's. It was the new, great thing. Could have been a food fad - but it wasn't. It's more popular than ever!

One of my favorite things about sushi and Japanese food in general is the ceremony. The plate just so, the designs of the dishes, bento boxes. Paraphernalia that is just perfect and irresistible. Now, with fantastic take-out sushi and those of us that try our best to wrestle that rolling mat into submission, having your own sets of sushi dishes are as key as highfalutin' corkscrews and fancy bottle stoppers are to wine enthusiasts.

You can go to an Asian specialty store for you accouterments but check this out! Beautifully fused glass plates and dipping bowls. Red, black and white, one of my favorite color combos composed in blocks and lines and dots. Textures and colors that coordinate with any selection of your favorite sushi. They invite the sushi but they are distinct, modern and western in style and design. I just love these pieces. Check them out! Compai!
http://www.etsy.com/listing/62166683/red-and-black-sushi-set
Get Glassy/Patti Ursel

Friday, March 25, 2011

Spring Fair Sneak Peek 1

Now that you've saved the date, it's time to start sharing who from the group will be vendors at our first Spring show. We'd like to give you a weekly sneak peek of their shops and give you a head start on preparing your gift-giving shopping list (or maybe a gift to yourself?)


From top to bottom: Karmabee, A Girl & Her Dog, Gnorasaurus, Anjali Creations

The Spring Artisans Fair will take place on Saturday, April 23rd at The Howland Cultural Center located at 477 Main Street, Beacon, NY from 11 am to 5 pm. Free Admission!

Where to find us this weekend!


Traveling to Connecticut? If you are, make sure to stop in Hartford to see Owen Art at the Sugarloaf Crafts Festival at Connecticut Expo Center on the 25th-27th.

http://www.sugarloafcrafts.com/festivals/hartford/spring/




This Saturday and Sunday, Felt It will be at the Pink Ribbon Craft Fair in Poughkeepsie Plaza on Route 9.

The Poughkeepsie Plaza is sponsoring a “Pink Ribbon Craft Fair” being held to help three local area nurses raise the necessary funds to take part in the “Avon Breast Cancer Awareness Walk” on the 15th and 16th of October in New York City. In addition to vendor tables, there will be a silent auction, a 50/50 raffle, and a “Pink Ribbon” quilt raffle.

Location: 2600 South Road, Poughkeepsie
Time: Saturday, 10:00 am - 5:00 pm & Sunday, Noon - 5:00 pm



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Thursday, March 24, 2011

Member Spotlight - Cocodelay

Marti's shop, Cocodelay features very cool Chalkboard jewelry, paper mosaics and much more. Let's learn more about this great talent!

Tell us about yourself....
I was born and raised in Southern California and have been a bit of a gypsy - lived eight years in Memphis (didn’t see Elvis) and am in New York for the second time. Although I am single with no children, I have a godson who lives near me and loves to tease me about the fact that I know nothing about football, or most sports, for that matter.

What is your professional background?
I was in advertising or related fields for many years. For the past eight years, I managed the photo studio and personal life of a lifestyle photographer. This involved everything from dealing with the likes of Martha Stewart to tending chickens to picking up the kids from school when they were sick.



What led you to your current craft?
I work in various mediums and my current favorite is paper. I guess it all started when I was about eight years old - my mom taught me how to fashion a little box from an old Christmas card. From then on, I was a paperaholic and am always in search of interesting ephemera.

How do you feed your creativity?
Intuition plays a big part in my life and I listen to my inner voice and let it guide me. So, whether I’m walking in the woods or visiting a museum or pumping gas into my car, I am always listening to my inner guidance and it always serves me well.

Describe your work area
I have always been a big floor sitter so that is where I do most of my work.




When is your favorite time to work?
Now that I have quit my day job, I work all the time - probably put in 12-15 hours per day. However, it doesn’t feel like work. It’s all fun, all the time. Even when I’m doing taxes or seemingly mundane tasks. I love being my own boss.

How did you end up on Etsy?
I can’t remember when I first heard of Etsy but it is such a great, creative marketplace. And, if anyone is interested in the origin of my company name of Coco Delay - it is my “stripper” name - where you take the name of your first pet and the first street on which you lived. That becomes your stripper name. What is yours?

Other than supplies and materials, what do you want to have if stranded on an island?
I am a student of spirituality and metaphysics and I would want my A Course in Miracles book. And Mallomars and macaroni and cheese.


Any Guilty Pleasures?
My favorite things to do: make art, hike in the woods, beach comb, dance, cook, meditate, laugh, love, watch old movies.

Words of wisdom for aspiring artists?

It’s been said a thousand times, but it’s certainly true for me - follow what is in your heart.

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

Treasury Tuesday

Etsy treasuries brought to you by the team this week, click images to check them out!


Monday, March 21, 2011

How does your garden grow?

My green thumb came only as a result of the mistakes I made while learning to see things from the plant's point of view. ~H. Fred Dale




Spoon Jade Succulent in Antique Asian Brass Bowl by WiltsieBridgeCS



Custom Mosaic House Numbers by NellsBelles



You Draw Chalkboard Blackboard Eco Chic Ring by CocoDelayInc



Girl in the Garden Victorian Flower Necklace by PulpSushi




Midnight Garden - Gunmetal Orchid and Kelly Green Biolette Drop Earrings by BlondeChick




Pendant, Dandelion, Handmade Decoupaged by Retropage




Custom TOMS Shoes - Wildflowers on Ash by Shandke




Turquoise Garden Dress by Janum




Mini Flowerpot Pin Cushion - Orange and Red Flower by Felt It




Cold Porcelain Daisy Barrette by Dough Roses




16 in. Square Throw Pillow - Kelly Green with Honeysuckle print by Wicked Mint



Friday, March 18, 2011

Have You See This?

This column will be a new feature on our HVNY Etsy Team blog. Shining the spotlight on, one of the more than usually eye catching items, made by one of the talented artisans on this team.


There is something visceral about pin cushions for me. I grew up with Grandma's red strawberry pin cushion with little baby strawberry tassels dangling from its green leaf top. It was faded and made of that old type of cotton that was almost like muslin. I don't know what it was stuffed with but there was alway a faint sound, like sticking something in sand, that was made when you stuck a pin or a needle in it. I personally use a wrist cushion when I am sewing - but it is red!

When I saw this adorable eco-felt pin cushion I was swept back to childhood as my modern eye was delighted by it's whimsy. Half flower pot, half cupcake I just feel giggly at the idea of pins in this pincushion sitting on someone's sewing table. It comes from our own Muppetloon in Poughkeepsie, NY.

You have to see this! http://www.etsy.com/listing/61432805/flower-pot-eco-felt-mini-pin-cushion

Thursday, March 17, 2011

Member Spotlight - Stelladottie


Tell us a bit about yourself.
Hello! I'm Mary, I was born and raised in Newburgh, NY, lived in Albany, NY for a few years and am happily living back in Newburgh. I consider myself a very lucky girl. I recently got married "to a saint" as my family says, have a very supportive family, couldn't love my friends more and am hell bent on living on what I love. Crafting, designing and creating, that is. :)

I'm known on etsy and professionally as Stelladottie. I believe everyone deserves some fun, and that's what I create. I make it FUN, whether it's sewn, stuffed, cut, pasted or thrown. I love bright colors, simple patterns, solid design, sharp lines and creating things people love. In years to come I hope to be doing the same thing I am now, but on a much higher level.

What is your professional background?
A BA in Art, hope and determination :)



What led you to your current craft?
I am a potter at heart. Ceramics is my "thing". I have and still do love all types of art and craft, but I was lucky to have ceramic classes offered in my high school and that's where I simply fell head over heels. It was if I finally found my true art calling. When I moved onto college, for my first two years, I was in a liberal arts and humanities program. I still took all the art classes they had to offer, but when I transfered to my next school I thought it was time to get a "real" career major. So I was a Childhood Education major for a semester, but when I found out they had an art program with ceramics, I could go no further! I quickly changed programs and ended up with a BA in Art/3D studio. Then I didn't know what to do. So I went home and worked at a daycare for a year, then went back to school to get my Master's in Art Education. That lasted a year. I did well, but had a gnawing feeling this wasn't what I really wanted to do. After a couple years of daycare, retail, crying, and pouting, I realized I wouldn't be happy doing "someone's else's job". So I am (with the help of supportive others!) throwing myself into full-time crafting. It's an everyday challenge just to fight myself to do it, but I am determined and working on it everyday! A lot of "I CAN DO IT" chanting goes on. ANYWAYS....my current craft is sewing pillows and things. To fully do ceramics you need money and space, with I have neither of, so I took up sewing in it's place. I also have been known to make papergoods, but they are tedious and time consuming, so sewing it is, and I'm beginning to enjoy it. :)

How do you feed your creativity?
Keep my eyes open for inspiration, sketch concepts and designs, go to craft stores, go through my supplies, books, etsy, and coffee. :) I've also started doing yoga in the morning and I'm working on drinking more water and going back to the gym! :) Anything helps! I take great inspiration from Jim Henson's determination, extraordinary visual craft, wonderful sense of whimsy and philanthropy. I live by his quote - "My hope is to leave the world a little better for having been there."


How do you work deal with a creative block?
You can find inspiration in everything. I'll opt for a change of scenery, surf the web, watch TV, call my friends, or look through books and magazines. But I usually turn to my sketches. Anytime an idea pops in my head, I draw or write it down. I also started compiling a binder of magazine, book, and web images I find inspirational.

Describe your work area.
It's my dining room table with (supply-filled) storage items around it :)


Favorite time of day to work?
I'm definitely a night owl, but if I get myself up, I like to work in the morning and also enjoy the late afternoon. Most of my ideas come at night.

How did you end up on Etsy?
My sister! I've been a member since 2006. She's a "cool" librarian and one of those people who are great at finding things online. She told me I should make a shop, so I did.

Other than your supplies & materials, what do you want with you on a stranded island?
My family and friends - for help, fun and comic relief! But if I was really stranded - sunblock, snacks, and a pillow! :)

Any guilty pleasures?
Reality TV! Real Housewives, Teen Mom, Jersey Shore, Intervention, etc.

Words of wisdom for aspiring artists?
My sister gave me a birthday card, and it said this - Always remember your brilliance (Alexandra Stoddard) I am trying harder everyday to remember this, stay positive, and work as hard as I can.

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Save The Date!

After the success of the Holiday show, the Hudson Valley Etsy Team is working with The Howland Cultural Center in Beacon, NY once again to bring you a fun and unique shopping experience!

Holiday Craft Fair with Hudson Valley Etsy Team


The team's 1st Spring Craft Show will be held on Saturday, April 23rd from 11 am to 5 pm. Our team of diversified Artisans will be showing & selling their handmade goods at The Historic Howland Cultural Center on Main St in Beacon, NY. There will be over 20 local artisan and craft vendors from the Hudson Valley. You will find everything from bath and body, to housewares, to children’s clothing. There will be something for everyone (including the sweet tooth!). We'll start sharing who the vendors will be starting April 1.

Friday, March 11, 2011

Where to find us this weekend!


The rain is set to end today, so make sure to get outside and breathe the fresh air this weekend.

Margaret from Owen Art will be in Somerset, NJ at the Garden State Exhibit Center on Friday, March 11th- Sunday, March 13th from 10-6.

Link

Thursday, March 10, 2011

Member Spotlight - Inner Sasa

This week we bring you Alison Ciarlante, aka Sasa from Inner Sasa from Amsterdam, NY and currently lives in Salt Point, NY.

What is your professional background?
I was a membership coordinator at Gold's Gym for 11 years and quit in 2009 to become a full time artist and to spread Peace Rocks.


What led you to your current craft?
I have been painting randomly for years and occasionally selling my art on ebay. Then on 4/1/09 I had a really bad day. So I picked up a rock and painted a peace sign on it and it made me feel good. I gave it to my husband to spread and when he came back, I decided to spread a million Peace Rocks all over the world. So I quit my job and became a full time artist.

How do you feed your creativity?
I like to read inspirational quotes for inspiration. Also, sometimes I get a really nice email from someone saying they found a Peace rock and it inspires me to keep on painting them.

How do you work deal with a creative block?
If I get a creative block, I will look at pictures online or in a magazine and then I get the urge to make sometime or paint something similar.

Describe your work area.
My work area is kind of messy. I have a huge desk with all my paints and paint brushes and that is where I paint. Then I have a desk with my mac computer and printer. Then behind me and on the side are huge shelves loaded with rocks and cards and paintings. Then on the floor in bags, I have rocks that will soon be painted.

Favorite time of day to work?
My favorite time of day to work is from 4pm - 10pm.

How did you end up on Etsy?
My twin sister introduced me to Etsy. She is an artist and loves buying things on etsy. I fell in love with the awesome company.

Other than your supplies & materials, what do you want with you on a stranded island?
I would want my pug dog, cat and tea with me on a stranded island.

Any guilty pleasures?
Dark chocolate, riding scooters and hanging out in coffee shops.

Words of wisdom for aspiring artists?
My words of wisdom: If you are consistant, people will know you are serious and will be drawn to your artwork. If you know what you want, it's only a matter of time until you get it.

Spreading Peace one Peace rock at a time. ~ http://www.sasa-peace-rocks.blogspot.com/ and on Facebook

Wednesday, March 9, 2011

Rejuvenation

rejuvenate riˈjoōvəˌnāt
verb [ trans. ]
make (someone or something) look or feel younger, fresher, or more

We must always change, renew, rejuvenate ourselves; otherwise we harden” - Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

As the weather gets warmer, the rain falls and green buds appear on the trees. We begin to look towards ourselves for new growth as well. Now is the time, we look to change our homes, our appearances, and our mindsets. We shake off the winter and dance into spring.


Pretty Pretty Please, Don't You Ever Ever Feel, Like You're Less Than Perfect..... Sterling Daughter's Necklace

Pretty Pretty Please, Don't You Ever Ever Feel Like You're Less Than Perfect by Charms of Faith


Soul Searching Necklace (Gray)

Soul Searching Neacklace by Pulp Sushi


WINGS OF LOVE Necklace Religious Icon Cross Crucifix

Wings of Love Necklace by Coco Delay Inc.


Love Rocks Original Art Print

Love Rocks Original Art Print by Inner Sea


Matcha Tea - Castile Soap

Matcha Tea - Castile Soap by Lulu Soap Co.

Breathe Easy Goat Milk Soap

Breathe Easy Goat Milk Soap by 1846 House Soaps


Pendant, Vintage Music Sheet, Handmade Decoupaged, FREE SHIPPING

Pendant, Vintage Music Sheet, Handmade Decoupaged by Retro Page

Ultimate Spa Hand and Body Cream

Ultimate Spa Hnad and Body Cream by Beyond the Picket Fence


Virgin of Tenderness Card

Virgin of Tenderness Card by Gemini River Rocks