Featured Etsy Artist: karenfaulknerart

Karen Faulkner's original watercolor paintings are inspired by color and nature. Each one is like a little poem on paper, with its startling simplicity and freshness of style.

"I strive for simplicity, serenity and heartfelt emotion with a minimal amount of brushstrokes in each painting, like watercolor haiku," Karen says. "Color, nature and emotion are my primary sources of inspiration."

I can't help but feel mesmerized by Karen's poetic splashes of color and shape. Her paintings are abstract and modern, fresh, and compelling in their bold simplicity.

"I’m almostly entirely self-taught as an artist," the artist says. "My professional background includes an MBA and I previously worked in marketing communications. Painting is restorative for me and I hope that a peaceful yet uplifting quality comes through."

"See You Soon" (pictured here) is an original watercolor painting inspired by a favorite song, "See You Soon" by Irish folk singer Luka Bloom.

"My customers tell me they love the freshness and simplicity of my work. I use only professional artists' quality pigments and acid-free, 100% cotton watercolor paper for my original paintings."

Karen offers original watercolors in several sizes on her Etsy shop. She also offers giclee prints of her paintings.

For more information on Karen's art, visit her blog and her Facebook Fan Page.

Featured Etsy Artist: soulyyours

I have always been a fan of hand-sculpted fine silver pieces. When I first saw Barbe Beaty's work on Etsy back in 2008, I immediately fell in love with it. Here is a photo of the piece I purchased; it's called Chuka, which is Swahili for "carry." (I just couldn't resist including this photo of my own piece.) Like her other work, these pendants illustrate the cross-cultural inspirations that influence all of her stunning silver designs.

"I am a self-taught precious metals artisan," Barbe says, "and owner of Njia Studios (Njia means "path" in Swahili). My works are inspired by my cross-cultural experiences, brought to life through self-expression and symbolism. Each organic piece is hand-etched, or hand-sculpted of fine silver creating wearable works of art."

One of my favorite pieces in her current listings is "Gaia: Mother Earth." Each element of the design is hand sculpted. The final piece is fired, and then oxidized to bring out the rich highlights of the fine silver.

Barbe's silver designs are both organic and symbolic. Each piece is handcrafted from precious metal clay. "In designing my pieces, I use eco-friendly metal clay (a "green" product), which is comprised of real fine silver particles, recycled from old film negatives, combined with organic binders and water. Once formed, the clay is fired, burning off the binders--creating 99.9% pure fine silver."

This piece, called "Kijani," means "growth." As in all of her designs, each element -- each leaf, the stem -- is carefully hand sculpted. Her style is rustic and each piece is lovingly burnished to give it a rich patina.

"Through my business, Njia Studios, I am Founder and Facilitator of a community based workshop, "Promise Project" (http://www.promiseproject.com), for girls and women from various populations. During these sessions, participants engage in the design, handsculpting, and hand-finishing of a fine silver token which symbolizes a personal pledge made to themselves reflective of where they‘ve been, where they are, and where they wish to be on their path through life. We are all artists in the sense that we each have a story unique to tell, and we each have the ability to "design" (shape and influence) our existence."

Barbe is a proud member of Etsy Metal Clay and a juried member of Trunkt. You can also find her in many other places on the internet. Here are just a few of the spaces she inhabits:

Jewelry website :: http://www.njiastudios.com/
Community workshops website :: http://www.promiseproject.com/
Tidbits of her life :: http://www.soulyyours.blogspot.com/
Follow her on Twitter :: njiastudios

Featured Etsy Artist: wannabes

Prepare to take a journey to a secret, ethereal world. I'm talking about the breathtaking photography of Deborah Brackenbury, "wannabes" as she's known on Etsy.

Deborah's photography, inspired by the natural world around her, captures images of delicate beauty.

When I first saw one of Deborah's photos, I couldn't believe my eyes. Her camera captures images that seem unattainable. Her eyes seize on objects that are otherwordly.

"Many of my images on the Wannabes Etsy site come from a series which was spawned by my love of gardening and hiking," Deborah says.

"Looking macroscopically at flowers and their seeds constantly reminds me of the beauty and efficiency of the architecture of various flora. My intent in these images is to bring to the viewer the same sense of awakening to the cyclical nature of plants, soil, insects, and animals. When I walk on this earth and study its inhabitants I cannot help but be reminded of the biblical verse 'Our Flesh is Grass'."

Deborah received her MFA from the University of Florida in 1994 and a BFA from Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan in 1987. In 2001, she left her position as Professor of Art at the University of Oklahoma, in Norman, OK. Now she teaches periodically at Penland School for the Arts in North Carolina.

"My photographs and installations have been widely exhibited, both in Florida, where I lived for nine years, and elsewhere in the United States. The exhibited works have included both documentary studies and images that have been posed, designed and manipulated in various ways."

Here is one of Deborah's favorite photographs: "Plastic Flowers, Plastic Bag."

"Forgive me for patting myself on the back, but I love this image," she says. "Taken at a small pond near a cemetery, strange algae grows amid plastic and fabric flowers blown from nearby graves."

When I look at Deborah's photographs, I think of faerie worlds and the hidden mysteries of nature. For some reason, Deborah has a special gift for peering into that world and capturing its secrets in her photography.

Before we leave this post, I have to tell you about Deborah's other etsy site: impurevessels. As if this woman wasn't already talented enough, she also creates concrete vessels that will defy your expectations. "Yes, it's true," she says, "concrete bowls, plates, and trays are unusual, but that's the beauty of them. Enjoy them as serving vessels, birdbaths, or decorative additions to your home or garden."

"Impure Vessels are multi-colored concrete vessels made through a unique process of layering hand-rolled and hand-cut colors of concrete in molds and wet-carving the green concrete. All the color in the pieces is integrated into the concrete through a concrete colorant, no paint is used. Each piece is finished with a food-safe waterproof sealant and all pieces are water tight."

You can visit her companion website, where her concrete vessels are showcased.

Featured Etsy Artist: MamaPatrice

I instantly fell in love with the amazing couture offerings by MamaPatrice on Etsy the moment I first saw them. Her creations are whimsical, fresh, and hip. She is clearly on top of her game, and in more ways than one, as you'll soon find out.

When Patrice Mitchell graciously agreed to be featured on Extraordinary on Etsy, I perused her Etsy shop, collecting the photos I wanted to showcase on my blog. Narrowing down my selection to just a few photos was very difficult, because they are all gorgeous and oh, so tempting. It didn't take me long to realize what an incredibly talented photographer Patrice is, as well. But first, let's talk fashion.

"I have always been an artist at heart, using one medium or another. Six years ago, I decided to teach myself to sew clothing for my daughters (and my sons as well) and soon after launched my clothing name, Mamapatrice."

"My inspiration for my work comes from many things. Sometimes it is just seeing a fabric I fell in love with, or colors, sometimes playing with colors I see. I just have to put certain colors together. My most recent design is made of silk and playing with the swatches I just had to make this ruby red silk dress with black and silver flower accents...and even hints of bronze. I am inspired with style that has a timeless, vintage feel. Sometimes a retro mood takes over."

One of her most stunning creations, I think, is Holly Jolly (shown above). "Holly Jolly" is a two-piece custom boutique set that features a sweet vintage retro apron blouse made with charming holiday prints and a hand-stitched Christmas Tree apron featuring the sentiment "Holly Jolly" in hand stitching. The blouse is completed by a pair of double ruffle pants fashioned from a vintage children's holiday print. This is definitely a once-in-a-lifetime outfit to be cherished by one very lucky little girl.

But not all of Patrice's designs are geared toward children. She also has a number of offerings designed for a teen or young adult market, as well, shown here.

Accessories round out her line of boutique items, as illustrated by this gorgeous flower hair clip below.

Now, in case you haven't noticed, there's a whole lot more to Patrice than just brilliantly executed clothing designs. She's also an incredibly talented photographer, as you can clearly see from her product photos above. As most Etsy artisans know, great product photography is one of the keys to success. And not only does Patrice do her own photography, but she has elevated those skills to a whole new level, ultimately leading her to launch a professional photography business.

"This year I have also launched a photography business, which has been a perfect blend with Mamapatrice. I am able to take my photography skills to new levels, and able to offer unique perks, other photographers can not. I offer little girls a mini Mamapatrice wardrobe to choose from, for their session. I also offer a session called the Mamapatrice Experience, where I make an outfit for my client and then they are photographed in this outfit, much like I do for my listings. It's been a wonderful marriage of my worlds. I love designing highly whimsical designs for children...with my touch of vintage and dash modern."

For more information on Patrice's clothing designs, as well as her photography, visit her website where you will find links to her blog, her Etsy shop, a Mamapatrice Website, and her Patrice Mitchell Photography website. Be prepared to get comfortable because you'll be spending a lot of time perusing her amazing photographs of her equally amazing, charming vintage and modern creations.

This woman has more talent in her little finger...

Featured Etsy Artist: BlueClara

Few images are quite as classic and nostaligic as that of a child's silhouette. Jamie, of BlueClara, started drawing silhouettes when she decided to make one as a mother's day gift for her own mom.  Now, drawing silhouettes is her obsession.

"I'm a former graphic designer and now I stay home with my two darling children. I finally reached that point where I needed an outlet for my creativity, so I established BlueClara. Silhouettes are currently my main obsession. I started drawing silhouettes when I decided to make one as a mother's day gift for my mom. Seeing my child's features in black and white made me a little misty-eyed and tugged at my heart strings. I figured other people would have a similar reaction when they saw their own loved ones in silhouette form and I liked the idea of being able to provide that sentimental feeling to other people. I love it when clients tell me how Grandma cried when she opened the silhouettes, or some other sweet story."

There is something inherently precious in the silhouetted image of a loved one. Through the stark black and white image, our mind can interpret and recognize a beloved face, a familiar little nose, the sweet turn of a pair of lips, or the wayward curls we love to brush and caress.

These images are captured for all time by Jamie's keen eye and gifted touch. Her Etsy shop makes it possible for anyone to commission a silhouette of their own loved ones, an image to be cherished, capturing one moment in time that we will remember for years to come.

But Jamie's work is not limited to capturing only children's profiles, of course. She can create her magical images from customers' photographs of children, adults, even pets!
 
"Since launching Blue Clara, I have drawn countless faces, pets, wedding couples, etc. and it never gets old. It is truly remarkable how something as simple as pure black can still show off the unique character of every individual I have drawn. Every face is different, which makes drawing each new silhouette a fun experience. I absolutely love it and can't wait to do more!"

 

Jamie has begun a series of silhouetted alphabet animal prints, featuring a silhouetted image for each letter of the alphabet. The series is a work in progress, but already many prints are available in her Etsy shop. These charming prints are perfect for kids' rooms and nurseries. Here is one of my favorites: "W is for Whale."

Colors can be changed to suit customer needs. The 8x10 silhouette prints are printed on high quality paper with archival pigment inks, and larger sizes are available. Just ask Jamie. Another favorite of mine is her "G is for Giraffe."

Visit Jamie's BlueClara Etsy shop for more images of her work, and for great gift ideas for the loved ones in your life. Jamie's talent

Featured Etsy Artist: TheBobbinsNest

When I first saw Elisa White's pictorial quilt called "Wee Three Birds" on Etsy (pictured here), I was blown away. This striking twin-sized bed quilt features a bold graphic design highlighted by a crisp white background. Her quilting on this piece accentuates the design without overpowering it. Not surprisingly, Elisa is a professional longarm machine quilter, but more about that later. Right now, let's take a look at some of her pictorial quilts.

Here is "Wee Three Birds." This same design is available on Elisa's Etsy shop in both twin and crib size.

The next photo shows a close-up of the rick rack she used to complete the appliqued motifs:

This darling twin quilt features "Oliver Lil Hoot on a Limb" - perfect for a little boy's first quilt. Like her other pictorial quilts, this one features dramatic visual impact with its combination of a clean color palette on a solid, crisp background.

Again, as you can see in the close-up, her choice of quilting motifs blends perfectly with the design, adding texture and fluidity to enhance the image, mirroring the other round shapes in the applique, such as the owl's large eyes and the leaves on the tree.

Not to leave the little girls out of the picture, Elisa also has a feminine version of her "Out on a Limb" design. Here is a close-up of "Abigail Lil Hoot Out on a Limb."

"I have been designing ever since I can remember. My mother was very supportive in this process as I had free reign of her sewing room (something I am still in awe about now having children of my own). I love the creative process. I know it's been a good day of designing when you can't see the floor through all the fabric in my studio. I am addicted to fabric, how-to books, and thrift stores. I try to create things that will make people happy every time they see one of my items. All of my designs are original work inspired by the people and things around me. I proffesionally quilt all of my quilts on my long arm quilting machine."

In addition to maintaining her shop on Etsy, Elisa also has a full-service quilting business. You can find her website here: http://www.thebobbinsnest.com/. She provides nationwide quilting services using her Gammill longarm machine, including all over edge-to-edge designs, basting for hand quilters, custom designs, and binding. She has the Statler Stitcher computerized system, which eliminates many of the inconsistencies inherent in hand guided quilting work.

Featured Etsy Artist: raminthethicket

I don't know how she does it. But somehow, Melissa, of Ram in the Thicket, manages to care for her four children (with another little one on the way!), homeschooling them to boot, and she still finds the time to produce darling little doll quilts and hand-knitted mini ornaments for her Etsy shop.

Melissa makes an assortment of Waldorf-inspired play things, including doll quilts, play aprons, children's gnome hats, and play oven mitts. And on top of that, she actually spins her own yarn!

"Hi, my name is Melissa and I am a happily married, stay-at-home mom of 4. I live in Southern Vermont where I homeschool my children and squeeze as much creative time into my days as I can. I have been sewing since I was a little girl, and have made many different things for my home including curtains, quilts, pillowcases, clothing and play things. I purchased my beloved spinning wheel almost 5 years ago and began spinning. I really love to bounce back and forth between fiber and fabric as they are my 2 creative passions. I have enjoyed making things to sell on etsy for 2 years now, and it really has helped me to realize a dream of sharing my handcrafts with others."

Her doll quilts are absolutely charming, with their fresh, vibrant color palette, offset by crisp white blocks. Her quilts are tied, rather than quilted, which only adds to their vintage appeal. In her listings, she often photographs her doll quilts with Waldorf style dolls, adding to their charm.

This little quilt below showcases a number of delightful Japanese prints.

"This sweet little doll quilt is made with a special selection of fabrics, including Japanese prints, retired Heather Ross prints, and fun polka dot prints! You will find a scattering of gnomes, mushrooms, apples, squirrels, strawberries, tulips, birds, trees, and a generous helping of dots. Fabrics are 100% cotton, as is the cotton flannel lining inside, so it is machine washable should it need it. A perfect size for waldorf dolls, it measures approx. 16 x 19 inches."

 

"This is a pair of little oven mitts for a child to play with. They are perfect for pretend play with a play kitchen, or for helping mom or dad in the kitchen. They will fit any child's hand and measure approximately 5" x 8". I have used some cute Japanese deer and mushrooms fabric on this pair and have made my own quilted fabric. I used a piece of natural cotton batting sandwiched between the print and a layer of muslin, then quilted it at random widths, giving it a unique look. Same design on front and back. It is trimmed with handmade polka dot bias to complete the cuteness."

Melissa also spins and dyes her own yarn. Below is an example of a 250-yard skein of hand dyed and hand spun sport-weight merino/tencel yarn that recently sold in her Etsy shop. Her yarn is super soft and has fabulous sheen and drape. She spins her yarn on a Schacht spinning wheel.

Here are her handspun, hand-knitted mini mitten ornaments. These are available in her Etsy shop in a wide range of yarn colors. This little pair of mittens is hand knit from some of her handspun wool yarn. They are 2-3 inches in length and are strung together so that you can drape them over a branch or a hook, perfect for display!

For more information and images of Melissa's designs, visit her Etsy shop or her flickr site.