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Handmade Spark Writers
Check out our great writing team!!
If you would like to write for Handmade Spark … Here is more info!!
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An emerging artist living in Brisbane, Australia. Her work features in private collections in Australia and the USA. Kirsten enjoys working with watercolors and acrylics, and draws inspiration from science, nature and imagination. Her paintings range from microscopic images to scenes from outer space; from whimsical scenes of swirly trees to peaceful landscapes. She also creates jewelery featuring prints of her artwork.
Kirsten is passionate about buying handmade, and believes that artists should support and promote one another. She loves to collect artwork, unique jewelery and vintage clothing.
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This designer started her company because she wanted to provide pet lovers with a unique line of greeting cards and invitations – artistic and upscale, yet fun, personal, and whimsical – different from what was currently offered in the marketplace. She designs and makes the cards herself. Many of the designs feature vintage Victorian illustrations of dogs and cats, and are enjoyed by people whether or not they own a pet. Laura adores Victorian imagery and illustrations. She collects them, fixes them up where needed, and combines them into digital collages for her greeting cards. Pet Scribbles cards are made to order in Little Egg Harbor, New Jersey, USA. Laura’s first card of note was one she made for her mother (when Laura was a little girl) for Mother’s Day. Her mom saved it and now Laura has it. The back of the card says “Whole Made Cards” written in crayon. Obviously Laura knew the importance of handmade way back then…she just got the words wrong!
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I am a very crafty young lady, completely self taught. At a very young age I picked up on sewing, and a little later began beading. I soon discovered crochet, and fell in love with it immediately! I began designing my own patterns, and selling my work online.Since then it has developed into a wonderful business that continues to grow over time. I am also a photographer, play the piano, do a tad bit of web design, gluten free cooking (since I’m allergic to gluten), and more recently developed a love for writing.. My hope is to someday be able to pass my skills down to my own children.
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I have been creating things since I was a very small child, I would even walk around to neighbors trying to sell things from woven dishcloths to handmade cards. This desire to create and sell stuck with me. Eventually I accidently stumbled on Etsy while hunting for tutorials and began the huge process of creating an online identity. I started by selling art and eventually landed on my current product: custom promotional and party favor gear (Tagsandbuttons). Amongst all the creating I have done over the years, I found blogging way back when I first started high school. It happened by accident while I was making small graphics for an online game I still sometimes play, Neopets, I happened to discover a blog. I bounced from one blogging site to another making graphics and layouts while writing about life and writing stories. I am an addict blogger which makes it no surprise that I love running my blog (By Hand Giveaways) just as much as I love creating and making things for my shop! I could never be happy in life if I wasn’t allowed to create things or write. But, I also love the business, promoting and networking side to what I do. Even if I was forced to never make anything ever again, or type a single word, I would still be doing it in my mind: dreaming about words coming onto the screen and paper being cut up in my hands. You can’t take this love away from me; it is impossibly engraved, forever attached.
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Hi there! I am Tania, the “maker” behind indo bay, inc., a small design company. Actually, really small…it’s just me! After stifling my creative energies for way too long, I recently went full throttle into the creative & always inspiring hand-made world. I create out of my sunny studio in downtown, Orlando where I live with my always funny eight year old little boy, the most amazing partner who supports my creative energy unconditionally, a super sweet yellow lab and an equally sweet yet precocious Beagle named Snickers!
indobay, inc. grew out of a desire to create perfectly “imperfect” hand-printed textiles and goods. There is a charm and beauty in the process and in the tiny imperfections of hand-printing & designing that give each piece originality and character and which cannot be duplicated by machines. I am always in love with the process and the slight variations that you’ll find from piece to piece.
I am absolutely smitten with what I do and love sharing my creations! I also am quite passionate about sharing the work of other artists & makers whose creations knock my socks off. I’ve learned so much and have discovered such incredible talent along this creative journey that I want to yell it from the rooftops, well…at least share it here with you all on Handmade Spark!
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Greetings!!!! My name is Sarah and I have been making soap for the last 5 years. I live in central Pennsylvania in a small college town with my husband, my 16 year old son, and our wild husky dog Sitka. I came to soapmaking through my interests in herbs, essential oils, and cooking. I graduated from art school with a degree in photography(my first true passion). I have pursued my interests in photography working jobs from wedding photography assistant to photo labs, but most of my interest have been directed toward fine art photography, mostly black and white infrared and hand colored images. I started soapmaking as a sideline to my photography but it has currently taken over my life. I tend to fully embrace my creative endeavors filling my my life with every aspect of it. I really enjoy creating products that are not only beautiful to look at but healthy for your body. It is very important to me that my products are as natural and healthy as possible. I use essential oils for the most part, using only a few fragrance oils mostly when the essential oils are cost prohibitive.
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I’m an Australian crafter currently living in Asia (Hong Kong mainly, Seoul next!). As a kid my step-dad taught me to knit and my step-mum taught me to sew. I’ve always loved handmade, and in the past few years I’ve started playing around with felt and fabrics and ribbon again, finally opening an Etsy store in 2009. I have a slight obsession with owls, teapots, vintage buttons and dachshunds. Being a crafty ex-pat has forced me to learn the skills needed to make connections, and I’ve come to realize the immense value of social networking: twitter, blogs and collaborative sites such as this. I love the sense of community that comes from being a part of the handmade world – it’s an endless source of motivation and inspiration.
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A Philippine-based designer, Lin Javalera, is the owner of SweetestCharms.Com. Designing and building a business is her passion. Drawn by the array of the website’s colors, 2006, was the moment she discovered Etsy. A portal to sell all her creations internationally where there is an actual true market online. And after 4 years of studying and accumulating information, she has gathered enough courage to pursue her dream and make this small craft shop into a real business. Although she is truly not an expert in her field yet, but it is her goal to strive and learn together with fellow artisans on the ways to sell online and having one’s own business.
“Our childhood dreams and hobbies reveals who we are suppose to be today. And if we listen to these childish desires, we find out our true passion in life.” – Lin
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Delight Worthyn is a self taught artist, seamstress and milliner. Her work has been featured in ALTERED COUTURE MAGAZINE and HAUTE HANDBAG MAGAZINE as well as shown in many galleries around the United States. Born in the Midwest she has lived in California, New Jersey and the United Kingdom. She currently resides in New Haven CT.
When not working on her own projects she teaches sewing and embroidery to youngsters at a local school.
She lives with her cat, Igor in an otherwise empty nest. She goes to the thrift store once a week, at least.
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Hello, back in the summer of 2004 my sister took me to a card making party. I was a bit skeptical, but I went. Within an hour I was hooked and by the end of the night I had emptied the local craft store. It was there that I started making my greeting cards. What started as a hobby has turned into a business. Throughout the years I’ve found ways to incorporate my love of photography and recycling into my merchandise. My dogs are my “children” and my favorite subject to photograph. With those photos I’ve created an adorable line of dog themed cards. I enjoy experimenting with new papers and products to create a wide variety of cards. In October of 2008, I joined Etsy and life hasn’t been the same. I enjoy connecting with other sellers to chat and promote one another. In the future, I look to expand my inventory to include organic t-shirts and home furnishings.
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I am Julie, a French Canadian from Montreal with a Film background who now lives in The Great Southern Land that is Australia.
I am greatly influenced in this artistic path by my French roots along with a wild spontaneity that urges me to create; I will sketch while grocery shopping! I take the utmost care in the making of all that I do. I stand by my craftsmanship and only use the finest quality natural textiles and fibers. At the moment I am creating “One of A Kind” pieces but like to have fun with my ”gnomalicious” crafts. Our little house is full of warmth and soul with an eclectic decor of both French country and Australian antiques… I sit daily at an old oak church pew overlooking the water to think, draw, make…
I am ecstatic to live in Australia, such exquisite beauty all around, so inspiring. I’m a proud member on Etsy to the fabulous Down Under Street Team, (DUST).
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Ellie is the owner and creator of My Little Chickadee Creations. She has been rubber stamping for about 12 years. She has taught rubber stamping and has been published in several crafting magazines. In February 2009, she started My Little Chickadee Creations on Etsy and has been enjoying selling her painted tile creations. She specializes
working with unfinished travertine tiles in various sizes to creative useful, artistic and inspiring creations such as tile coasters, tile magnets, trivets & soothing stones. Ellie was born and raised in Minnesota and currently lives just south of the river, in Farmington, Minnesota with her husband and 2 little boys, Sean and Alex (her angels!).
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I’m a semi-retired teacher of college-level French and English. I currently work from my home as a book editor as well as a passionate designer of beaded jewelry.
For the past twenty years, I have been designing with beads made of a wide range of materials. Many pieces include vintage or handmade beads, and some have
handwrapped wire accents. Each design is completely unique: one-of-a-kind pieces that you will not see anyone else wearing.
My love of design, color, and shape started with painting and drawing and blossomed when I discovered the wonderful world of beads. I especially enjoy using an
unusual mix of materials to create a unified and harmonious pattern.
When I’m not working in my studio, posting in my blog, or adding to the more than 300 items in my etsy shop, I’m busy with freelance editing from my home, flower
gardening, reading literature, enjoying music and movies, and playing with our six cats.
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Megan Eckman is an illustrator and writer of children’s stories. Born in Rapid City, South Dakota, she subsequently moved to flatter and flatter places, ultimately ending in Moorhead, Minnesota, where she received her BA in art and creative writing from Minnesota State University Moorhead in 2009. She currently resides in Fargo, North Dakota, where she runs a freelance business, Studio M.M.E., which sells prints and originals of her work. She also writes freelance for such national magazines as Backpacker, MN Trails, and North Dakota Horizons. In her free time, she reads children’s fantasy books and explores the photographic possibilities of antique cameras.
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Hi there, I’m Pepe (and in case you’re wondering that’s short for Penelope). I’m a Sydney-based jewelry designer. It still feels a bit odd saying that because I only got serious about my craft a year ago when a friend offered me a stall at a school fair. So I built up some stock and put it on display and a few hours later I was $300 richer – profit! It was the birth of a new business, I got onto etsy and did a few more markets and my beading and jewelry making skills are improving all the time. And the
best thing of all is: I love, just love! making things. I’ve been doing it since I was a teenager and my kids and I are always creating stuff at home. My head is constantly filled with new designs and ideas and I hope to share some of the processes we go through (among other interesting titbits) with you in this blog.
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Tiffany Vaillancourt
I am a stay at home with three kids- 2 boys and 1 girl- who also has a deep love for fabric and sewing. I really got the bug to start sewing when i was pregnant with my daughter but didn’t decide to start selling my creations till a lady on the internet suggested that Etsy would be a good way to showcase my products. Mimi’s Dress Shop was born from that suggestion and i am having so much fun with all the designs.
Articles: 1
Connect with Tiffany:
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I live in Massachusetts with my husband (just married in October!) and although crafting is not currently my full time job, I am convinced that one day it will be. My Etsy shop helps me stay on track by providing me with the motivation to keep coming up with new and innovative designs!
My favorite projects include making fun and funky jewelry, knitting and crocheting scarves, sewing wristlets and I’m just starting to experiment with graphic design. I love to work with different kinds of materials to get unique, one of a kind looks. Some of my creations have been sold in boutiques as well as nationwide high-end department stores.
I really enjoy being involved in the crafting community. I have a business background and like to help other crafters with advice on marketing their items, branding their shops and other business related issues whenever I can.
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I am just a regular high school student from Northeastern Ohio. I’ve been writing since I can remember and I’ve always enjoyed fashion. I love the arts, specifically performing arts. I’m involved in both concert choir (which is our elite choir) and show choir in school. The stage is my favorite place to be. However, although I am a fan of the theatrics, quieter arts entertain me as well. Writing is a passion of mine, as is reading. I’m always looking for a new book to read. I come from a family of 8 people (I am the oldest of 6 kids) and 2 adorable dogs. I love sharing my passion of the arts with my family, both immediate and extended.
Articles: 2
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I’ve created for as long as I can remember. Looking back, I remember a childhood full of crayons and paints, colored pencils and paper, fabric and beads. After majoring in art in college, I can tell you little has changed; for me, creating is not an impulse, but a lifestyle.
I started Catie’s Blue in 2007 when I rediscovered my love of handmade jewelry. I was on vacation and stumbled (literally) into a bead store. One look at the walls and tables full of sparkling beads and I was smitten. Catie’s Blue was born.
I’m inspired by a great many things. Some days it’s just a matter of waking up and looking around. I feel passionate about creating art and connecting with fellow artists and art lovers. There is nothing more inspiring than being around creative people!
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Robin Norgren is a military wife and mother. Her most recent hats include growing as a fiber artist and placing her toes in the home school water through integrating children’s literature with creativity. She is mom to 2 and step mom to 1 ages 21, 17 and 4. She has been married 7 years to a guy who loves serving in the military (Navy) and is determined to take his family on his adventures whenever possible. We currently reside in Ramstein, Germany.
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Hi! I am an independent boutique owner just north of New Orleans, Louisiana with a background in interior design. I love handmade goods as my store is comprised of my own creations and those of several talented artisans. I have a unique perspective of being both buyer and seller and look forward to blogging practical advice for both the designer and retailer. If I am lucky to have a little free time between running my business and creating new stock, you will find me either renovating my farm cottage, nose in a book, or playing with my three rambunctious Chihuahuas.
Articles: 2
website:
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Anna Attard
I am a stay at home mother, faithfully tending to my muse and baby daughter, Amelie Jo. I enter the world of altered couture while my sweet Amelie sleeps and create small pieces of handmade, wearable art for children. Inspiration comes from my child’s enchanting face, a stroll through an antique shop, browsing a magazine or simply the beauty of nature in the Great State of Michigan in which I was born and raised.
Articles: 2
Connect with Anna
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Amber Jordan
I’ve been described as a “Jack of All Trades”. With a degree in Interior Architecture and a career that slowly evolved to include: online marketing, branding, product design and project coordination. I think I’m addicted to learning new skills. Seriously, it is a problem. However, I prefer to think of it as finding the balance between my brain and my heart.
I am very passionate about Art, Philosophy and humor! I try to express my own view of the world through what I describe as the “soul nature” of my manipulated photos. I can’t look at anything without seeing more than what my eyes are transcribing to my brain, so my weird little ways take over and try to make sense of images by “adding further details” and making them seem right to me.
Away from Etsy I am a stay-at home mom and dedicated blogger for the purpose of helping fellow artists, particularly new businesses on Etsy. An unknown fact about me is that I completed a course in NLP some years ago, have a background in sales and pretty open minded on the journey to self discovery. It’s something that I never made much use of before, but I find being able to share information in my blog is one way I like to apply myself when helping others.
My full name is Brenda K Salzano. I am a Multi Media Artist with a strong emphasis on Nature, Wildlife, and living well. I was born in Bend, Oregon, a third generation artist. My customers are those who love truly unique, some what eclectic Originals. I am a leader in ideas, and look for a different paths of artistic expression. Remaining true to harmony and peaceful reactions of artwork. Going Green and saving, up-cycling is important to me also in my materials.
I grew up on homestead in Alaska, and Ranches in Eastern Oregon. Thus, my art and writings will reflect the true pioneer spirit, the depth of authenticity in who I am. I love animals, and currently have two dogs. Married to a professional Musician.
I am currently working full time at home. Designing art/jewelry, writing, creating inspirations from the Ocean I live near, the forests and wildlife. I also work with a team of artists here in my home town of Coos Bay, Oregon. Called O.C.E.A.N. Oregon Coast Etsy Artist Network. We have a program called, “adopt a window” for our local towns, where we are starting to fill empty windows of downtown stores with our art. Using different themes, we have been doing this for almost a year now. Helping keep our areas looking alive and not vacant from so many stores closing in this economy.
I have won numerous awards with my sculpture art, designs, and am starting to win
some awards in writing. I love to express in words my passions, art tips and living well.
I keep up three blogs, one for handmade art, and new artists I find. One for tips on saving money and time, called Adapting in todays economy. And, one for encouraging spiritual living.
Articles: 2
Connect with Brenda:
Art/Handmade blog http://artistbrendasalzano.blogspot.cm
Adapting in todays economy Blog
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Let’s see, I love to create, with words, with photos, with…well, everything & anything that I see & um, I’m easily distracted by shiny objects! My grandmother taught me to crochet, to sew & to embroider. I’ve also learned from a number of amazing & creative teachers, as well as from a book or two. I been to many places & several other countries, I even lived in Germany for several years! There are so many other destinations that I hope to visit someday. I’m originally from Arizona & currently reside in Washington state, with my lovely family but sadly, no pets. My interests are diverse & my influences global. Besides writing & crafting, I love photography, music & art. I look forward to meeting & hearing from everyone here!
Twitter: samsstuff http://twitter.com/
samsstuff (Etsy) fan page or http://www.facebook.com/pages/samsstuff/92469033584
samsstuff (ArtFire) fan page or http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/pages/Sams-Stuff/142215829544
Blog: Random Stuff by SAM or http://samsstuff-samsstuff.bolgspot.com
samsstuff Etsy shop: http://samsstuff.etsy.com
samsstuff Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/33168625@N02/
samsstuff ArtFire: http://www.artfire.com/users/samsstuff I do have a little blog in this studio, as well as my “main blog.”
samsstuff ThisNext or http://www.thisnext.com/by/samsstuff/ I often mention the Etsy items that I really like, here.
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Holly Dare is a former film and t.v. producer and worked on “The Carol Duvall Show” learning about all kinds of crafts and falling madly in love with glass. While working on the show, Holly learned of lampworking. However, her desire to delve into glass was cut short when she found herself in a wheelchair due to debilitating plantar fasciitis. Holly manufactures food safe rubber stamps and does a number of cake shows for her day job. It was there she discovered a market for beads shaped like pastries and candies. She also enjoys making really large focals such as seashells, hearts and leaves. Besides her Holly’s Folly Bead Blog, Holly also writes about hiking in the foothills of Southern California in her Creekhiker blog.
Articles : 1
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Having articles by writer/crafters who share — their stories, their techniques, their tips — is such a terrific idea! This kind of writing is not only informative, it’s inspiring!
I know that, in my case, I am as passionate about learning more about beads and beading as I am about designing and creating beautiful jewelry. I also love writing my blog posts (and other writing, as well — I’m a semi-retired teacher of English and currently a freelance copyeditor). In my blog, I try to balance the number of posts about beading with posts about other topics.
What are the requirements (procedures) for becoming a writer for this site? I’m really interested. I’d love to contribute a series of articles about (1) collecting and organizing beads; (2) design guidelines for creating beaded jewelry; and (3) a primer about different kinds of bead materials and how the beads are made.
@Susan
I will be posting info on how to become a Handmade Spark writer. Be looking for it in the next few days!
Thanks,
Tim
I Just love the articles on the artists! Each story is very unique and individual. They inspire me to look deep into myself and express my inner creativity.
I currently work part time at my day job as the client services director in a veterinary clinic, but fill almost every extra free moment creating. I’m an artisit that loves many medias…I love to paint, crochet, sew, create jewelry & throw pottery. So at times, my life becomes a juggling act. Right now most of my focus is on pottery-throwing in my small home studio.
Hooking up with Etsy has been a wonderful thing. My goal was to make 100 sales in 2009. I far exceeded that goal and look forward to an awesome 2010.
Kim, Thanks for sharing your story, and congratulations with your success thus far on Etsy! Here’s to an awesome 2010!
So excited to see new writers on here, now I need to go read all the articles. Yeah!