Meet Susan from Melasdesign & enter to win a free pair of earrings!

Can you sum yourself up in 3 sentences? Give it a go!
Art is a necessity for me. Otherwise I am a devoted wife, and dog owner. My influences are diverse, which comes through in the various media I work in.

Tell us about what you sell:
I sell polymer clay jewelry, oil paintings, textiles (weaving and felt), prints and greeting cards.

What is your favorite thing about creating?
My favorite thing about creating is the colors that I get to work with and create. I get sucked in by anything with colors I like. You should see me in front of Kitchen Aid Mixer displays! :) But seriously, I’m mainly identifiable through my color use and it brings me joy.

Where do you find your inspiration?
I find inspiration in many things – from the mundane (my morning coffee) to great art (Chihuly as of late). I’m also very inspired by industrial landscapes and urban architecture. It comes through in the geometry of my work. Lastly, I hope, that I find some inspiration from humor.

Do you have any advice for other sellers?
Stay true to yourself. The folks I read about on Etsy who have the greatest success have made their own niche that is true to who they are.

Do you have a coupon code for us?
MEGANS10

Where else can we find you?
Etsy
Facebook
Web Site
Twitter

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Susan is being very generous and offering you all an easy chance to win a pair of her fantastic earrings! Check out all of the way you can drop your name into the hat below:

1st Entry:
Subscribe to the Megan’s Beaded Designs e-mail newsletter.

2nd Entry:
Visit Susan’s website, Melasdesign, and let us know which listing is your absolute favorite in the comments below!

3rd Entry:
Heart Melasdesign on Etsy, and let us know you’ve done so in the comments below.

4th Entry:
Buy something from from Susan, either from her website or Etsy shop. Let us know what you purchased in the comments below.

5th Entry:
Like Susan’s page on Facebook, letting us know your Facebook username here afterwards.

6th Entry:
Follow Susan on Twitter, letting us know your @name here afterwards.

7th Entry:
Share this giveaway on Facebook.

8th Entry:
Pin this giveaway on Pinterest. Share the link to your pin here afterwards.

No entry is mandatory before you are able to do any of the others, you can pick and choose and add as many additional entries up to the 8 as you want to maximize your chances of winning! Your comments do not all need to be separated for each entry as long as it’s clear how many entries you are adding. You have until midnight on May 29th to enter! (Also, make sure it’s easy for me and Susan to contact you if you win!)

Winner will be random.org chosen and contacted on May 30th. GOOD LUCK EVERYONE!

Brooch Winner

In case you missed it, we were able to meet the fantastic Linda of StudioLTD for last Friday’s featured artist. She showed us some of her sweet ray gun pieces, and offered all of you a chance to win one of her handmade circuit brooches.

…and congratulations to Mary Preston for winning this lovely piece! Stay tuned, as Linda will be contacting you shortly for your mailing address and all that good stuff.

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If you’re feeling bummed for missing out on this great giveaway, stay tuned my friends. There will be another awe-inspiring artist interviewed in Friday’s post. PLUS! Another exciting giveaway you’ll get to enter. See you then!

Meet Sue from A Word Fitly Spoken

Can you sum yourself up in three sentences? Give it a go!
*I love to be creative. *I never met a piece of fabric I could not love. *I find great fulfillment in being able to use my creative juices to make something of lasting value, especially something that represents memories of a loved one.*

Quilted Coaster Card, Heart Shaped Mug Mat Patchwork – $12.50

Tell us about what you sell:
I sell all kinds of quilted items, but my main focus is Memory Quilts and Pillows. This is the most rewarding. It is all custom work, of course, but I get to know a little something about the people I design for, and I derive great satisfaction in knowing that I have given them something to cherish.

Cotton Quilt Fabric – $4

What is your favorite thing about creating?
Wow. I eat, sleep and breathe creating, I think. I even have to get my mind to shut down at bedtime because I am still envisioning something I want to do tomorrow. I guess I would have to say that for me it is a little like giving birth. I enjoy the whole process of hearing what my customer wants, deciding on the right layout and style, fabrics and any other materials, all the way up to the joy of finally seeing the finished product.

Where do you find your inspiration?
My journey with my quilting is a pretty spiritual one actually. My inspiration comes from truly wanting to bless my customers with a keepsake treasure that will comfort them and bring them joy. Every quilt is new – completely different from any other – and that is because every customer is unique.

Grammy’s Sweater Memory Pillow – $36

Do you have any advice for other sellers?
Do what you love and love what you do. Don’t let yourself wallow in discouragement if your sales are not as high as someone else’s. I did a lot of different things in the sewing and craft world before I landed on Memory Quilts. I’m in a very small niche of a market, but I finally know that I am exactly where I am supposed to be, and it suits me.

Do you have a coupon code for us?
WELCOME2013 That’s a 15% off coupon for new customers, and if they convo me before making payment, mentioning this article, I will even add free shipping on any purchase over $25.00.

Bible Themed Inspirational Blank Note Card – $4.95

Where else can we find you?
On Facebook: www.facebook.com/astitchintimewithsue
My Informational Website: www.awordfitlyspokenonquiltedtreasures.com/
My WordPress Blog: sueswordfitlyspoken.wordpress.com/

Easy way to win a $15 Gift Certificate to Sue’s shop:
I will give a $15 Gift Certificate for my shop to the 15th person who drops by my Face Book page and posts a non-promotional post mentioning this interview. (Please note that if you choose to spend the certificate on an item under $15.00, no balance will be carried over.)

Enter to win $15 to spend at A Word Fitly Spoken, easy & free!

Meet Nichole from AshtonAtelier

Today’s Friday Featured Artist is Nicole E. Ashton. You can visit her website at www.nicholepaints.com, or her Etsy shop at www.etsy.com/shop/ashtonatelier. Learn more about Nichole by checking our her work an dreading the interview below:

Can you sum yourself up in 3 sentences? Give it a go!
I’m a small town girl who was born in raised in Louisiana — west of New Orleans. I love to make my own jewelry and baking desserts. Superman is my favorite superhero.

Tell us about what you sell:
I’m making art fashionable. Really! My shop, Ashton Atelier, is currently all about custom hand painted shoes. I hand paint characters onto the soles of shoes that customer’s provide. Sending the shoes themselves ensures that they get the size they need and a style they love. They can choose almost any character, color, have something written (painted) like their wedding date, or even have a portrait painted all on the bottom of their shoes. It certainly makes every step they take unique. I’m happy to take requests for the more traditional, wall-hanging art too. :)

hand painted Sleeping Beauty shoes – $45

What is your favorite thing about creating?
I have so many favorite things! I love providing specific requests. Seeing new styles of shoes that customers send. Hearing about their or the recipient’s reactions. The list keeps growing.

Custom hand painted Jem shoes – $50

Where do you find your inspiration?
Childhood memories. I think about what some of my favorite things were growing up, or what the classics are and include them in the collection.

Custom hand painted Little Mermaid pumps – $45

Do you have any advice for other sellers?
If your product is something that’s wearable, then wear it. It’s the best free advertising!

Confidence is Sexy, Being a Douche is Not

I’ve written here before about what a difference being confident about our own work can make for our business and our bottom line. Confidence is sexy after all, and it attracts followers, fans, and buyers.

As artists, our natural instinct is to feel insecure about our work, at least until we feel it’s been validated. And by validated, we mean ordained by someone super-important, published somewhere super-recognized, or making us so much money we can afford a dozen mansions and a yacht to boot. The oxymoron of this kind of thinking is, of course, many of us won’t get that kind of validation until after we start to exhibit confidence in our own work.

A lack of confidence from the maker instills a lack of confidence from potential buyers. We can’t expect our customers to think our stuff is awesome unless we do. While this makes sense, it’s still hard to actually practice in real life. So we fake it ’til we make it. (As you should.)

However, I feel like I need to warn everyone here that there is a vast difference between being confident in our own work, and criticizing the work of others. Sometimes handmade creators do this to try to make their work look good by comparison. It doesn’t make your work look any better, it just makes you look like a douche.

Negatively criticizing other artists, especially newbies who are just starting out and trying their best to learn their way, reflects poorly on you.

One of the many jobs I’ve had was working in a big-box department store. When it came to new employees, my co-workers often treated them in one of two ways. The first group would complain about having to work with them, as it meant more work for them and having to train someone who didn’t know the ropes yet. The second group gladly took up the challenge, and was happy to show the new face the how-tos, knowing very well that proper training in the beginning prevents bigger mistakes from occurring later on. Plus, this second group knew that positive relationships all around make for a better work and business environment.

So if you want a boost of confidence in regards to your own work, create better, higher-quality products that you can feel proud of and confident enough to brag about. Using your social networking platform to put other artists down, no matter how much “better” your work actually is, makes you look low and sleazy. Don’t do it.

Meet SillyK from SeriouslySillyGirls & Enter to Win a Free Custom Mini Fridge Magnet

SAD, CUTE AVOCADO Pendant on Brown Velvet Necklace – $28.75

Can you sum yourself up in 3 sentences? Give it a go!
I am a 27 year old, self taught, Artist from Germany, who found the Passion for Sculpting about 3 Years ago. I used to draw and paint a lot and now enjoy the Beauty of both Skills combined. My Work expresses pretty much the Person I am – shiny, happy, colorful all the Way. ^_^

Tell us about what you sell:
I sell whimsical big eyed Owls, Chameleons and other Animals in Form of Resin Figures/Designer Toys, Sculptures & Home Decor Playful wearable Art, like unique Rings, Earrings, Pendants/Necklaces Also Magnets to pimp up anyone’s Fridge. All my Items are handmade, truly unique, colorful painted and with Love to the Detail.

Chameleon, Lizard, Sculpture, Resin Figure, Designer Toy – $180.00

What is your favorite thing about creating?
When i begin a Piece, I don’t know, how its outcome will be. All I have in mind is usually an Idea, which is never fully visualized until my fingers and tools start creating. I love this kind of “surprise” at the End of the Day when I hold a finished piece in my hands. Vibrant and bold color combinations are an absolute Must when giving my creations life, because the purpose behind my work is pure joy and imagination without boundaries and THE INTENTION TO MAKE THE BEHOLDER SMILE!

Where do you find your inspiration?
I am fascinated with the Beauty and countless variety of Mother Nature, mythology/fantasy and magical creatures. And this reflects most often in my work.

Purple Sad Onion Magnet – $21.00

Do you have any advice for other sellers?
The first impression of your shop is very important!!!! Take good, clear photos of your items from many angles and be UNIQUE with your creations!

Do you have a coupon code for us?
Made one just for the Readers of this blog :) BlogReader (10 % off any purchase)

Where else can we find you?
twitter.com/SeriouslySillyK

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SillyK is being very generous and offering all of you blog-reading friends a chance to win a custom mini fridge magnet for free. You’ll be able to take your pic, depending on what savory vegetable is your favorite. See below for all of the easy ways you can claim this kitchen decor!

YOU PICK! Enter to win your own custom fridge magnet from SillyK

1st Entry:
Follow this blog. Leave a comment below saying that you’ve done so (or already do so, cuz you’re fabulous.)
~Required entry before any others can be applied.~

2nd Entry:
Heart SeriouslySillyGirls on Etsy.

3rd Entry:
Buy something from the SeriouslySillyGirls Etsy shop. Show us what you snagged here so we can all squee at your fun purchase choices.

4rd Entry:
Follow SillyKon twitter. Let us know your Twitter ID here afterwards.

5th Entry:
Blog about this giveaway, dropping a link to your post here afterwards.

6th Entry:
Tweet about this giveaway. Let us know your twitter ID afterwards.

7th Entry:
Share this giveaway on Facebook.

8th Entry:
Pin this giveaway on Pinterest. Share the link to your pin here afterwards.

Only the 1st entry is mandatory to enter, you can add as many additional entries up to the 8 as you want to maximize your chances of winning! Your comments do not all need to be separated for each entry as long as it’s clear how many entries you are adding. (Also, make sure it’s easy for SillyK to contact you if you win!) Thank you for entering and thank you SillyK for the great giveaway! You have until midnight Pacific Time on March 6th to enter. Winner will be random.org chosen and announced on March 7th. GOOD LUCK EVERYONE!

Naughty Winner ;-)

I just love being able to use the word “naughty” in unusual places. (Thanks Rhonda!) Rhonda from Odd Artist Studio was very generous and offered all of you fantastic readers a chance to win her sweet “naught bit” necklace. One of you lucky beotches was the Random.org selection. The rest of us: our jealousy is reaching a boiling point.

And the winner is… dun, dun, dunnnnn…

…Mateja! Congratulations darling, Rhonda will be contacting you shortly to find out where to mail your prize.

Thank you everyone for entering, and stay tuned for yet another FANTASTIC artist interview and giveaway tomorrow.

Meet Rhonda from Odd Artist Studio & Enter to Win a Free Necklace

Happy Friday everyone! Today I’m excited to introduce you to Rhonda Brewer-Chaparro of www.oddartist.com. You can read her interview before, and find out how you can win one of her “Naughty Bit” necklaces!

Can you sum yourself up in 3 sentences? Give it a go!
I don’t need 3 sentences. All I need to say is that my motto is “Weird is Good’.

Turquoise Hand Painted Recycled Tape Core Art Cuff – $45

Tell us about what you sell:
I am an experimental artist so the goods I offer online or at shows vary depending on whatever is ringing my bell at the moment. This has been the year of the hand painted recycled record. Last year it was my Original Naughty Bits. Next year I’m going to be getting back in to ceramics. That’s not to say I won’t still be painting records or shredding romance novels, it just means there will be yet another WePay shop added to my website. I think I have ADHD when it comes to creating.

What is your favorite thing about creating?
I can’t look at something without wondering how I could use it and all those little ideas bounce around in my brain screaming to be let out until I finally do something about it. Sometimes the ideas fail hugely, other times they are a resounding success. Creating stuff helps quiet my brain.

Recycled CD Mini Disk Choker – $50

Where do you find your inspiration?
I find inspiration EVERYWHERE. It drives my hubs crazy that I have such a hard time throwing anything away. He claims I’m a hoarder, I call it accumulating supplies. I even collect stuff when I walk the dog – bits of moss, interesting branches, cool rocks, etc. I’ll look at something and visualize what it wants to be. It pops into my head as a fully finished creation. All I do is follow it’s instructions.

CROSBY, STILLS & NASH Wooden Ships, Helplessly Hoping – Hand Painted Recycled Record Bowl – $30

Do you have any advice for other sellers?
Some people find one thing they do well and stick with it, others are all over the map like me. You have to do what makes YOU happy. There’s nothing worse than having to keep doing something you don’t enjoy. Doing shows is a great way to get feedback on what you do. If you keep overhearing the same comment then you want to explore it.

Green Breeze Hand Painted Wooden Plate – $40

Do you have a coupon code for us?
You can use the code WEIRD in my Etsy shop for 20% off. If you find something in one of my WePay shops simply ask for a discount via email/messaging and I’ll refund you 20%.

Where else can we find you?
You can find me on FaceBook as Rhonda Brewer-Chaparro (I have an art page but I never use it anymore). You can get first shot at calling dibs on new stuff because I usually post pics on FaceBook long before I list it online. Just add me to your friends and newsfeed. I have links to all my WePay shops as well as my blog at www.oddartist.com. My Etsy shop is www.oddartist.etsy.com

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Rhonda is being very generous and offering all of you awesome peeps a chance to win this seductive pendant necklace for FREE. See below for all of the easy ways you can claim this flirtatious piece of jewelry!

INSATIABLE CRAVINGS – Naughty Bits Pendant Necklace

1st Entry:
Follow this blog. Leave a comment below saying that you’ve done so (or already do so, cuz you’re awesome-possum.)
~Required entry before any others can be applied.~

2nd Entry:
Heart oddartist on Etsy.

3rd Entry:
Buy something from Rhonsa (either from her Etsy shop or any of her WePay shops). Show us what you snagged here so we can all turn green with envy.

4th Entry:
Blog about this giveaway, dropping a link to your post here afterwards.

5th Entry:
Tweet about this giveaway. Let us know your twitter ID afterwards.

6th Entry:
Share this giveaway on Facebook.

7th Entry:
Pin this giveaway on Pinterest. Share the link to your pin here afterwards.

Only the 1st entry is mandatory to enter, you can add as many additional entries up to the 7 as you want to maximize your chances of winning! Your comments do not all need to be separated for each entry as long as it’s clear how many entries you are adding. (Also, make sure it’s easy for Rhonda to contact you if you win!) Thank you for entering and thank you Rhonda for the great giveaway! You have until midnight Pacific Time on February 27th to enter. Winner will be random.org chosen and announced on February 28th. GOOD LUCK EVERYONE!

Meet Kristiann from LoveJoyPeaceCreate

Today’s featured artist is Kristiann from lovejoypeacecreate.com.

Can you sum yourself up in 3 sentences? Give it a go!
I’m an artist. I’m an optimist. I’m a dreamer.

Tell us about what you sell:
I sell fine art designs for everyday people. I want great art to be acceptable to everyone. Not just people that have enough money to buy original artwork. I create invitations, business cards, save the dates cards, greeting cards, along with custom commissioned pieces.I use my artwork usually watercolors or colored pencils for the cards so the customers can share and enjoy a piece of me.

Custom Painting of you and your significant other – $250

What is your favorite thing about creating?
I have a need to create, when I am not creating I am thinking about what I will create next. If I am not utilizing my creativity I feel lost and bored.

Where do you find your inspiration?
I draw inspiration from nature and the world around me. Everywhere I look I see new and beautiful shapes and colors. I take photos of things that interest me and work from those.

Personalized business cards – $12

Do you have any advice for other sellers?
My advice is to just do what you love and out of that you will find something that others will love and want to buy. If you would be doing something anyway, why not try to share it with others.

Where else can we find you?
www.lovejoypeacecreate.com – blog
www.facebook.com/LoveJoyPeaceDesigns
www.twitter.com/LJPcreate

Meet Shelly from Company Forty Two

Friday’s featured artist is Shelly Nakabayashi from the Etsy shop, Company Forty Two. Learn more about her and her products in the interview below.

Can you sum yourself up in 3 sentences? Give it a go!
I am a wedding addict. I love all things wedding. From the big impacts to the little touches, wedding decorations are my favorite items to create.

Tell us about what you sell:
As of right now Company Forty Two is focusing on table decor for weddings and special occasions. We are in the process of adding to our line but right now we create table numbers, place / escort cards, menus, cupcake toppers and wedding props.

20 Peacock Colored Place Cards – $60

What is your favorite thing about creating?
My favorite thing is seeing a happy client. When a client loves their design it is truly worth all the hard work and effort that I put into my products.

Where do you find your inspiration?
I get my inspiration from color palette combinations, vintage finds and antique shops. I try to keep my eyes open when I am just out and about because you never know when inspiration will hit you.

Set of 10 Wedding Favor Bags – $30

Do you have any advice for other sellers?
Don’t give up! Running your own business is difficult. There is no else but you to do the heavy lifting. Weather your business is a success is all up to you. When you hit a rough patch try to work through it. If that doesn’t work try taking a break and then come back to your problem with fresh eyes. Sometimes a little break is all you need to recharge your batteries and give yourself a new outlook.

Embroidery Hoop Table Number – $10

Do you have a coupon code for us?
MCB10 This will give customers 10% off anything in the Company Forty Two Store.

Where else can we find you?
http://www.facebook.com/CompanyFortyTwo
http://companyfortytwo.blogspot.com/
https://twitter.com/CompanyFortyTwo