Meet Gary, the owner of Etsy shop MyButtonMonster, who makes fun buttons and key chains.

When did you first start creating?

I first started creating at a very young age. I always liked design work and my background is in illustration. It's pretty cool because it has trickled down onto our kids and it's very awesome to see what they come up with now as well.

What made you decide on buttons?

One of my good friends had suggested it. He is also a seller on etsy (he did buttons"white-space: pre-wrap;"> for 2 years before going to T-Shirts). He simply asked, you like making graphics and creating right? I responded and he suggested opening a button business.

Artist Feature & Giveaway by Verre Luxe

An Interview with Leesa of Verre Luxe

How did you discover your talent?

Curiosity. I found myself looking at various styles and wondering if I could create a more affordable version while making it my own. I started experimenting through tutorials and learned bit by bit. 

How did your Etsy shop come about?

Encouragement from friends, mostly. It was a new world to me but seemed like a logical first step into the crafting world. It was also a good fit for my introvert personality to be able to work from home. 

The name is pretty cool, what made you decide on this?

I'm horrible at picking names and probably spent entirely too much time obsessing over it. The shop actually used to be called In Bloom Gallery as I had originally had my charcoal artwork listed too, which is mainly floral themed. Since I've moved sites I took the opportunity to change the name to focus the shop just on jewelry; most of the jewelry I use features glass beads, so my sister suggested the new name which is french for luxurious glass. 

What drives you to create?

Anything, really. It could be a certain color I see, a new fashion, or even just a new type of bead. 

Artist Feature & Giveaway by CreativeTsurera

An Interview with Tamara of Creative Tsuera

When did you first start your craft?
I started sculpting and casting jewelry a little over a year ago (2013). I've been sculpting since I was a kid but it wasn't until a few years ago that I found out about Polymer clay and realized I could pursue sculpting seriously.

How did you discover your talent?
Well first I'd say that my talent lies in the fact that I'm a ridiculously tenacious and stubborn when I want to be. I've always played around with sculpting; from making small monster figurines out of Play-Doh when I was a kid, to taking pottery and sculpting classes in school. 

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Artist Feature & Giveaway by Paintspiration

An Interview with Michelle of Paintspiration

When did you first start your craft?
I've always loved art, but I discovered painting after taking a class in high school, and haven't stopped since. 

How did you discover your talent?
For as long as I can remember, I've been 'drawn' to art. :) It was something that came easy for me, and I absolutely love creating something beautiful with my own hands.

How did Paintspiration come about?
I was working in the mental health field in Washington DC. My job was really stressful and tough, as was working and living in the city. After 3 years, stress began to really take its toll on my mind and body, so my boyfriend and I made the decision to move from Washington DC to the (much) more relaxed beach community of Wilmington NC. While I was between jobs, I decided to start selling my art. I started devoting less and less time to job hunting and more time to painting- and now I'm selling paintings full time!

The name is pretty cool, what made you decide on this?

Usually when I'm deciding on a title for something, I agonize over it for days. Paintspiration just sort of came to me, though, and I went with it!

What drives you to create?

I love to make things for people, so the thought of making a special gift for someone, or a painting that will hang in their home, excites me

How do you get inspired?
I draw inspiration from all over the place. Ideas tend to come to me while listing to music, sitting on the beach, hiking, or doing things in nature. I always carry a notebook or something to record ideas with, because ideas seem to strike out of nowhere!

How would you describe your style?
My style is fun and whimsical. I try to incorporate “feel-good vibes” into all my work.

What is your favorite part about your creative process?
I love those days that I can just get lost in painting and work all day. When I'm covered in paint at the end of the day, I know it's been a good one!

What are your favorite items?
My favorite items are the paintings that include beach themes. I love aqua blue ocean colors, and the fiery red, orange, and yellows of a sunset. 

What environment do you like to work in?
I feel most comfortable in a bright, sunny environment, so I tend to do my best work in the morning. 

Do you listen to music while you work, and if so what do you listen to?

Absolutely, music is a must-have! I usually listen to Pandora. My music choices depend on my mood and what I'm painting, but my favorite stations are Reggae Rock, Classic Indie, and a Dave Matthews/Jack Johnson blend.

How much time do you spend in the studio?

Well, my studio is my home, so it’s hard to get away from! Right now painting is my full-time job. On a “work” day (5-6 days out of the week) I'm working on Paintspiration in some way, shape, or form for 12+ hours. On an “off” day, I tend to work for at least a couple hours. I guess you could say I’m obsessed!

Who are some of your biggest influences, artistically or personally?

Artistically, I am very inspired by music. Looking through my shop, it’s obvious that I get a lot of inspiration from Bob Marley and reggae music, as well as artists like Dave Matthews. Personally, I have been greatly influenced by my boyfriend, Scott. He has supported me every step of the way with Paintspiration. I couldn't do it without him. 

What are you currently working on?

Right now, I am working on catching up with custom orders. I have a couple large oil paintings I am working on, as well as some smaller acrylic paintings. I've got lots of ideas for new projects to include in my Etsy shop, it just feels like there are not enough hours in the day!

What are your plans for the near future?

Right now, I am trying to build my shop and inventory. I plan to continue living in Wilmington through 2013, at which point Scott and I plan to do some long-term traveling and humanitarian work in South America. I am currently exploring ways I can continue running Paintspiration while traveling. 

What was the best advice given to you as an artist?
The best advice I have received is to follow your dream and do what makes you happy.

Who would play you in the movie version of your life?
I would love to see Kristen Wiig play me. I think she could accurately portray some of the ironic comical moments I encounter in life! 

Describe your work in three words.
Inspirational, uplifting, and fun!

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Artist Feature & Giveaway by Tagawa Pottery

An Interview with Dawn of Tagawa Pottery

When did you first start your craft?
Officially I began creating pottery for sale in 2001. I took classes in high school and later at the Cultural Center in Greensboro while working in Advertising.  

How did you discover your talent?
In high school I remember my teacher asking if I would help a fellow student on the wheel and I was amazed. I loved making a bowl or whatever at the time, but I think that’s when I realized "Hey, maybe I'm good at this?!"

How did Tagawa Collection come about? The name is pretty cool, what made you decide on this?
Tagawa is my family name. In Japanese it translates to “field” and “stream” or loosely “river farmer” which to me is very appropriate as earth and water are the two main elements of pottery. I chose "collection" in case I ever wanted to expand beyond pottery as I love photography & painting as well.

What drives you to create?

I LOVE opening the kiln! Every once in a while everything will just come together to form this beautiful piece of pottery and to me that is just magical.

How do you get inspired?
Sometimes I look through photos of my past work. Sometimes I sit and sketch. Taking little trips, even if directly unrelated to art seem to help return to the studio with a fresh perspective. Also, I've been very lucky to visit the Met a couple times in the last year and the pottery section in the Americas is very inspiring!

How would you describe your style?
That’s a tough one! I’d like to say “organic” but that word is over-used. I love color and I do a lot of nature, beach & sea life carvings so I would say “fun, colorful pottery in the spirit of the earth”.

What is your favorite part about your creative process?
Carving. Technically I believe it’s called piercing. That is my absolute favorite. Everything I do is completely free-hand carved. I am asked this all the time so I would like to emphasize I work using my trusty X-acto without the use of patterns or stencils!

What are your favorite items?
My staples that I use daily are my colander to keep fresh fruit, a celadon leaf lidded luminary to burn a candle on the deck, my yellow hibiscus luminary in the bathroom for our toothbrushes and of course, my cattail coffee mug (black with honey)! :)

What environment do you like to work in?
There’s an ebb and flow to everything. I think I work best in solitude. I used to work in a shop with a lot of commotion. I always had a great time but I feel now that I do work alone I’m more easily able to get in the creative zone. However, I wouldn't mind finding a co-op or somewhere similar to work in occasionally.

Do you listen to music while you work, and if so what do you listen to?

I listen to music while I glaze & I listen to podcasts while I carve. I love to listen to anything funny like “Car Talk”, “Wait, Wait”, & “Stop Podcasting Yourself” to name a few. “Freakonomics” is great, those guys are so smart and I love their dialogue. With music it’s generally my Jack Johnson station on Pandora.

How much time do you spend in the studio?

I have the sweetest little cutie-pie who just turned three. I work before he wakes up in the morning and during naptime. So I'm a part-time potter, full-time mom for sure! :)

Who are some of your biggest influences, artistically or personally?

My Grandmother. She dabbled in all sorts of artsy ventures and was a supporter of the arts. She had beautiful pieces that she passed down to her grandchildren. I was always very impressed by a porcelain piece made by Hiroshi Seuyoshi who is now resident potter at Cameron Art Museum in Wilmington, NC. I describe my favorite piece of his in the Tagawa Pottery “Welcome” section on Etsy.

What are you currently working on?

My focus these last few months have been special orders. I have been stacked up, which is fantastic!!

What are your plans for the near future?

Saturday August 24th I'm participating in the Lazy Daze Arts & Crafts festival in Cary, NC. This is always a fun, big show so I work towards that for several months prior.

What was the best advice given to you as an artist?
This is totally indirect but I love Andy Warhol’s famous quote, “Don’t think about making art, just get it done. Let everyone else decide if it’s good or bad, whether they love it or hate it. While they are deciding, make even more art.”

Who would play you in the movie version of your life?
Man, that’s something I've never ever thought about in my whole life! Mila Kunis, she seems fun and a little quirky – and gorgeous so that would be totally flattering.

Describe your work in three words.
Bright, light & fun.

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Artist Feature & Giveaway by JB Ranch

An Interview with Brittany of JB Ranch

When did you first start your craft?
I started developing my products in October 2012 and then started selling them in December 2012 on Etsy.

How did you discover your talent?
I have a Vet Tech background and my life has always involved animals. My friend and I heard about the "No Poo routine" of not using shampoo in our hair because of the harsh chemicals. Long story short, we tried it, loved it, then I realized my animals didn't need all of those chemicals either! 

How did JB Ranch come about?
JB stands for Jay and Brittany (my husband and I) and Ranch is because we moved to our dream house in October 2012 on 5 acres where we can now help more animals. We have 7 dogs, a mini pig, 2 goats, 2 horses, and 2 barn cats...

The name is pretty cool, what made you decide on this?
RESCUE Pet Products became the name of my products because each one "rescues" a common pet need such as your dirty dog, dry skin, cracked paws, etc. and also because 10% of our profit goes to local animal shelters and other organizations dedicated to saving animals lives. My long term goal is to open my own animal rescue where I can save animals on a daily basis.

What drives you to create?

My love for animals. I tell people that because my passion for animals is unstoppable, I am unstoppable. I will not stop what I'm doing until I am able to achieve the goals that I know I was put on this earth to achieve. 

How do you get inspired?

Any time I have a bad day my animals can still make me laugh. They are always by my side no matter what and I know that every animal on this earth deserves to feel the love that my animals share with me.

How would you describe your style?

Maybe a little "in your face" or "alternative". I have never been the one to go with the norm or blend in with a crowd.

What is your favorite part about your creative process?

I love designing my labels and photographing my products. It's the part where I can 100% be myself. 

What are your favorite items?

I love the Paw & Nose Balm because it has so many different uses - some of which a few of our dogs benefit from. I also love the bracelets I started making because it feeds more of my creative side.

What environment do you like to work in?

Since I work in my kitchen for the most part, I like to have it to myself. That doesn't normally happen though because all 7 dogs want to know what I'm doing and I trip over them on my way to the other side a lot...

Do you listen to music while you work, and if so what do you listen to?

Sometimes I do. I have one of those iphone docks where I can turn up Pandora stations of my choice. Lately I've been listening to songs that make me dance while making my products...

How much time do you spend in the studio?

Kitchen - about 2 hours per batch of products which gets me around 5 shampoos or 5 leave-in conditioners, 5-6 Paw & Nose Balms, and usually some cologne or anti-itch spray. 

Photographing - at least an hour and that doesn't include editing or creating listings in my shop.

Whoa are some of your biggest influences, artistically or personally?

Pretty much anyone that is successfully running an animal rescue. I watch Animal Planet a lot and have a thing for Pit Bulls so I do love the show Pit Bulls and Parolees. 

What are you currently working on?

Right now I'm working on marketing because I feel like I have some unique items in my shop but because they are unique, no one is searching for them specifically. One of my plans is to design some post card type flyers to pass out at dog parks and other dog friendly places around town.

What are your plans for the near future?

I work on my shop and listings every day but know I need more items in my shop. I think I will start developing products for cats next because it was never my intention to have dog only items. 

What was the best advice given to you as an artist?

It wasn't necessarily as an artist, but as a person in general - positive thinking has always been a struggle for me but as soon as I really understood and accepted it into my life, it actually worked. Not everyday is easy but it's one step closer to my end goal. 

Who would play you in the movie version of your life?

Zooey Deschanel (Jess in the show New Girl) - because she's strange but has a great heart

Describe your work in three words.

I love animals

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Artist Feature & Giveaway by Sparrow Foot Stamps

The secret 'custom carved rubber stamp sauce' is devotion to custom art and service to people. I started to carve about ten years ago, not realizing that it would become something that I could not put down! 

An Interview with Michelle of Sparrow Foot Stamps

When did you first start creating?

I have always loved/done some type of art. But carving is something I have done for about 12 years now. Started with wood and went to rubber about 9 years ago! I have always known that I was in love with art, even as a young child. The talent that God gave me keeps evolving and expanding with different mediums.

How did Sparrow Foot Stamps come about?
I heard about Etsy in 2008, opened an account but was so busy with kids that I didn't actually put anything in it until 2012!

The name is pretty cool, what made you decide on this?

Sparrow Foot Stamps got it's name from the name of a small town that I saw whilst on vacation! I love birds and just loved the way it sounded. The business started as card selling using my stamps, but quickly became a custom carved stamp business, focusing on weddings and detailed fine art stamps.

What drives you to create?

The drive to create is just within me. It is just the way I look at the world, also, I think when you are given a talent you should use it and not waste it! Creating something that helps someone make their wedding or other function extra special is also what drives me, making that person feel special.

How do you get inspired?

I love drawing and it is a huge part of what I do. so I actually get to do two things for a customer the art and the carving from that art! The customer actually inspires me by asking 'Can you create something with these ideas?' Or asking me to come up with something I had never thought of before, it is like a grand adventure, in my opinion!

How would you describe your style?

My style is most likely eclectic in just about every aspect of my life! I am drawn to bright colors and might lean a little toward an artsy look!

What is your favorite part about your creative process?

My most favorite part is the end when I get to see the image I have just carved, printed, and then the customers response!

What environment do you like to work in?

I don't have a studio right now. I prefer to work at my kitchen table where it is nice and bright! I have all of my supplies in a wood tray right at my fingertips! I do my work at all times of the day. I carve about 4 to 6 hours a day. The only thing I don't like about what I do is all of the sitting! So, I make sure to get up and move around frequently, which isn't hard with kids still at home ( we home school ). 

Do you listen to music while you work, and if so what do you listen to?

I don't listen to music all of the time but I do prefer classical, also there is a song called 'How could I be lonely' by Stacey Marcus that is very uplifting. But is only available on YouTube, so I just keep is up and listen to it from time to time to inspire and cheer me!

What was the best advice given to you as an artist?

The best advice I ever heard was to just keep creating art, no matter what type, or how good you think you are at it. Sooner or later you will find that you are getting better and better!

Describe your work in three words.

Creating, Joy, Sharing

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Artist Feature & Giveaway by Craftyy Allie

An Interview with Allie of Crafty Allie

When did you first start your craft?
My grandmother taught me how to knit when I was 8. I've been off/on with it since then (mostly off until recently). I started knitting with frequency during my freshman year of college.

How did you discover your talent?
I kind of just realized I had a knack for it and that I love creating things!

How did CraftyyAllie come about?
A friend of mine had asked me to make her a Harry Potter scarf in lieu of the 7th movie. After I made hers, I realized that this may be a great marketing opportunity. I posted on facebook that I would be selling HP house scarves, and I got an overwhelming response! I ended up making 40+ HP scarves that year. During and after that, I continued to take custom orders for random things. If I didn't know how to make it, I sought after that skill and taught myself how. 

What drives you to create?

My inability to sit still, and the fact that I'm an OCD knitter. I always have creative juices pumping, and I always have to have a ball of yarn (or 12) with me, and my needles. 

How do you get inspired?

Pinterest, etsy, vintage clothing, etc.

How would you describe your style?

Girly, playful, useful, convenient. 

What is your favorite part about your creative process?

The finished product! I'm definitely what we knitters like to call a "product knitter", whereas some are "process knitters". I don't necessarily get a lot out of the physical act of knitting, but seeing the finished product is great!

What are your favorite items?

Boot cuffs / sock and headbands. You can never have enough!

What environment do you like to work in?

Any environment is good for me. I work during lectures at my university (it helps me focus), while watching Netflix, when friends come over, outside, at work, etc. That is what is so great about knitting---you can do it anywhere!

Do you listen to music while you work, and if so what do you listen to?

I love listening to music while I knit or crochet. I almost always have it on the Andre Bocelli radio station. *swoon*

How much time do you spend in the studio?

Almost none officially "in the studio", but I'm working on something during almost every free moment of my day. I couldn't even add it up (and I'm kind of afraid to)

Who are some of your biggest influences, artistically or personally?
Artistically: no one really. Personally? My mom and dad, but especially my dad. He has always brought out the business side in me. 

What are you currently working on?
I currently have over 10 works in progress. Hats, socks, cardigans, blankets, etc. Like I said, I'm an OCD knitter.

What are your plans for the near future?
Right now I'm just hoping to expand my brand and really get my Etsy shop going. It's my dream to make it to the front page this year!

What was the best advice given to you as an artist?
Do what you do for you, and not for anyone else.

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