18 October 2010

Wednesday Wishlist :: Week One

As mentioned previously, every week I am going to share with you some of the items from Etsy I'm currently lusting after! Starting this feature, Wednesday Wishlist, with a bang...

Check out these ten pieces
I'd dieee to have (in no fancy order)...


001.
This artist's work is truly captivating! Each piece makes me want to dress up and attend a fancy ball or rock out in some steampunk attire!


002.
"Maddie" by Romantic Garden won my heart, although this piece was a close second. I ADORE the asymmetrical style and simple & dainty colors!


003.
This "Ceremony Necklace in Blue and Hot Pink" by Thief & Bandit has such a unique design. I've really been into fabric jewelry recently, and this shop is full of braided headbands, bracelets, and more!


004.
This "Mermaid Pinup Posable Paper Doll" by Illustrated Ink is fantastic (along with this piece). It combines three great things (1) a some-what "adult" theme - pinup, which I ADORE, (2) childhood fun - paper dolls, and (3) mermaid - which is my favorite! I actually have a tattoo of a pinup mermaid on my ribcage :)


005.
"Hope Fibre Art Necklace" by LoveandDream is so fun! Purple is my favorite color, and grey seems to fit for the upcoming winter months! Again, I'm really into fabric jewelry right now (see number three).


006.
"Poison Apple" from Mud. Need I explain? I mean, comon', who wouldn't love a stone poisoned apple?! :)


007.
This "Sun Ripened Tomato Sea Salt" by Salt House No7 would be ever so tasty on top a Caprese salad or over some homemade bruschetta!! The espresso blend was a close second (I am an espresso addict). When I came across this artist, I was just thrilled to see something different from anything else I've seen on Etsy. Plus, I always prefer salty over sweet :)


008.
"Luna" by Yeevon has so much detail; I could stare it this print for hours. I love the artist's style, all the little dots and lines. I can't even imagine how long each piece must take, and how steady her hands must be!


009.
"A Touch of Nature Bracelet" by Sweet Findings 4 You is an elegant and statement piece all in one. I love the boldness of the brass leaf pairs well with the soft olive pearls. For this artist, I had two close seconds: this twig bracelet and this busy orange blossom piece.


010.
"Specimen 6: Barn Mouse/Frog/Sea Flora on old botany book pages" by WonderCabinet is so fascinating. The screen printed design of the animal hybrid is thought provoking and it's perfect set on an old science book background. Such an original idea!


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And there you have it... the ten things I'm currently lusting after. Be a doll and buy one for me? :) Now it's your turn: Which items are you lusting after right now? What are your favorite items from the shops I listed?

xox ~ Margaret

16 October 2010

Wednesday Wishlist :: Introduction


There are soooo many great, handmade items around Etsy, and I WANT THEM ALL! For this reason, I've decided to create a weekly post called Wednesday Wishlist. Each week I will compile a list of items I'm lusting after. Please take some time to browse through the artist's shops and leave me a love note (aka a comment) with your favorite items from them. Holiday season is creeping upon us; you made just find that perfect gift among these artists.

Follow my blog so you'll be the first to see this coming week's wishlist to be posted on October 20th!

xox ~ Margaret


Artist Interview :: NorthStreetStudio

001. Tell me about yourself: What’s your name? Where do you live? Do you have a family or any pets? What is unique or special about you? Hi there! My name is Brittany and I live in Central Pennsylvania. I’m married to my wonderful husband, Jas, and have a 15 month old daughter. We have two cats that we’ve rescued to complete our little house hold.

002. Tell me what you create: What type of art do you do? How did you get into this type? How long have you been crafting? Where do you get your inspiration? What makes your art stand out from others? Is this your full-time job or just a hobby? Crafting has always had a special spot in my heart, and it’s something I’ve done all my life. Right now I’m really into creating hair accessories and brooch pins from fabric. I get my inspiration from what I see online, the fabrics and buttons I select, and my family and friends. I love putting together different colors and patterns and seeing what I can come up with. Everything I make is hand stitched and 100% handmade, so I pay extra attention to the details. Besides being a stay-at-home mom, I consider this my second “full-time job,” and I love them both!


003. Tell me about your handmade art business: What is your shop’s name? How did your business start? My shop name is North Street Studio. I had contemplated starting a business on the side in 2009, but with a little one it didn’t happen right away. This summer, with some gentle pushing from family and friends I finally made it official and opened my own shop on Etsy.

004. Tell me about your customers: Who is your target audience? What type of people do you consider when creating your art? My target audience is women and girls. I make hair accessories that anyone can wear, like head bands, bobby pins and hair combs. My brooch pins are perfect for adding a splash of color to a cardigan, sweater, winter hat, jacket or purse. I really consider everyone when I’m creating my pieces - I pick a wide variety of fabrics that will appeal to everyone, and if they can’t find something they like I’ll custom create pieces for them. I make all of my items affordable…I think it’s important to make sure that everyone can have something that makes them feel special without breaking their budget.


005. Tell me where I can find your art: What sites do you sell your product from? Do you write a blog or run a website? Can your product be found in any brick and mortar stores, markets, or bazaars? Right now my products are just on Etsy, but I’m hoping to expand to some small local stores in the next few weeks and maybe do some craft shows in the spring. I also have a page on Facebook where I post sneak peeks of new items before I post them on Etsy, and also use that to post advanced notice for sales and special promos for my shop.

006. Tell me about your support: Are you a member of a team or guild? Do your friends or family help you? Or do you work alone? Right now I’m working entirely on my own. Occasionally I’ll have help from family if I need some inspiration for pieces or helping me spread the word about my shop. They’ve been a great support system since I’ve opened my shop and I’m really grateful for them!


007. Tell me about your favorites: What blogs or websites do you enjoy following? List some of your favorite artists and their shops. Which piece from your shop is your favorite and why? I have a lot of arts and crafts blogs that I follow on a regular basis. I love seeing what other people are coming up! I follow websites that keep me up with the current trends on colors, patterns, things like that. I frequent the Arts section on NYTimes a lot, they’re always featuring the most beautiful and innovative things. I LOVE browsing all the beautiful jewelry shops on Etsy. The creators are so talented and I would love to claim so many pieces for my own collection.

008. Tell me anything else: What else would you like people to know? Any advice you’d like to offer other sellers? What’s your typical work day like? I would definitely tell people not to get discouraged if you don’t see that you’re getting views or sales right away. Do everything you can to promote! Open a Twitter account, get a Facebook page and ask your family and friends to help out. You don’t have to spend a ton of money to promote, there are a ton of free options! Also remember the forums and look there for help - plenty of people will give you their opinions and they will really help. Make sure your photos are simple and really showcase your items, and don’t be afraid to try something new!

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Well, that concludes this great interview! If you like what you see, please leave a love note (aka a comment)! Interested in getting featured like this artist? Click here.

[♥] Margaret


15 October 2010

Artist Interview :: HeavenBakedSweets

001. Tell me about yourself: What’s your name? Where do you live? Do you have a family or any pets? What is unique or special about you? Katie Carter. Hemet, California (southern California).

002. Tell me what you create: What type of art do you do? How did you get into this type? How long have you been crafting? Where do you get your inspiration? What makes your art stand out from others? Is this your full-time job or just a hobby? I have a talent for cooking and baking. I also sew, and hand embroider. I can cross-stitch & crochet as well. I got into cooking and baking by getting married. It sounds silly, but I wanted to eat good food that didn’t cost much. I was tired of pre-boxed foods and desserts that tasted bad. We didn’t have the money to eat at restaurants, so I started learning to cook so we still got that taste. I remember being a young girl making my “Fruit Cobbler” dessert for my family. I strive to use the best ingredients. To make them as healthy as possible. By making mixes, it makes you be able to have the dessert when you want—but still have the yummy taste! Right now its just a hobby. I have 2 little children, and I know that I can’t devote full time with my boys at home.


003. Tell me about your handmade art business: What is your shop’s name? How did your business start? Heaven Baked Sweets. I started by business, because I was baking and giving my desserts to friends and they kept telling me I could sell them.

004. Tell me about your customers: Who is your target audience? What type of people do you consider when creating your art? My target audience is anyone who loves to eat sweets. I was selling pre-baked cookies for a while, and still do upon request, but my life has gotten too hectic for that. I started the mixes, because they’re ready when you are. If you’re in a hurry, you have most everything ready to go for a pretty quick dessert.


005. Tell me where I can find your art: What sites do you sell your product from? Do you write a blog or run a website? Can your product be found in any brick and mortar stores, markets, or bazaars? At this time I have an etsy shop and I have a blog. I’ve been loving writing and supporting other etsy members.

006. Tell me about your support: Are you a member of a team or guild? Do your friends or family help you? Or do you work alone? I have the support of family and friends who love to taste my newest creations. I pretty much work alone, in my spare time raising my kids. I stay up late and make up mixes.


007. Tell me about your favorites: What blogs or websites do you enjoy following? List some of your favorite artists and their shops. Which piece from your shop is your favorite and why? I enjoy may different crafting blogs. I love making pretty much everything handmade. A few are www.howdoesshe.com, http://www.theidearoom.net/, http://www.knock-offwood.com/, and http://www.bakerella.com/.

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Well, that concludes this great interview! If you like what you see, please leave a love note (aka a comment)! Interested in getting featured like this artist? Click here.

[♥] Margaret

Artist Interview :: SewnInspirations

001. Tell me about yourself: What’s your name? Where do you live? Do you have a family or any pets? What is unique or special about you? Hello! I’m Cheryl and I live in beautiful northern Virginia with my husband, two elementary school-aged boys and two hermit crabs. I love the outdoors, so you will find me playing sports with my boys or weeding and reseeding my vegetable garden. I also spend numerous hours volunteering in my boys’ school and in our community.

002. Tell me what you create: What type of art do you do? How did you get into this type? How long have you been crafting? Where do you get your inspiration? What makes your art stand out from others? Is this your full-time job or just a hobby? I design and sew decorative pillows in small collections to ensure a quality one-of-a-kind pillow. I also have a children, tween and teen line. I discovered a passion for pillows after searching store after store for pillows for my sofa. The pillows were uninteresting, weren't the right color and of poor quality. So, I decided to make my own. I received so many compliments that I began a business creating one-of-a-kind decorative pillows. The fabric I purchase inspires me. I love working with many types of fabric from decorative to soft fleece and flannel. My process starts when I place all of my fabric on my cutting table and start matching up the complimenting fabrics and begin dreaming up its design. I like to have some traditional sizes and styles and end up with a few “wow” pillows per collection. I make my pillows stand out by choosing to add a complimenting decorative fabric on both sides, in many cases. I want my customers to get a “two for one” type of pillow. When they tire of their “look”, they can simply turn a few of the pillows over to give the room a new look. My family comes first so I work my business part-time with full-time intentions for the future as my children grow.


003. Tell me about your handmade art business: What is your shop’s name? How did your business start? My shop’s name is Sewn Inspirations. I started this business after receiving many compliments on the pillows I designed for my own home. (see story above)

004. Tell me about your customers: Who is your target audience? What type of people do you consider when creating your art? My target audience ranges from young children to retirees since I provide many products from Tooth Fairy Pillows to Decorative Pillows. I also make sure that I have a wide range of fabric selections; modern, casual, formal, animal print, etc.



005. Tell me where I can find your art: What sites do you sell your product from? Do you write a blog or run a website? Can your product be found in any brick and mortar stores, markets, or bazaars? You can find me on my own website, on Etsy, and on my new home décor blog. I also sell at Reston market on Saturday mornings and various craft and art shows throughout the year. I have had my products in numerous boutique home décor stores and in a chain of family owned toy stores (unfortunately, because of the economy, they have closed) over the years.

006. Tell me about your support: Are you a member of a team or guild? Do your friends or family help you? Or do you work alone? I don’t officially belong to any teams, but have groups of support online and in person with whom we bounce ideas off each other. My wonderful friends offer their opinions on my new product ideas, price points, etc. My adorable boys help with various small jobs and are “learning the ropes” on how to run a business. My supportive husband is an angel for putting up with fabric and pillows tumbling out of my studio when I become “overstuffed” with pillows.


007. Tell me about your favorites: What blogs or websites do you enjoy following? List some of your favorite artists and their shops. Which piece from your shop is your favorite and why? I occasionally read blogs that I have bookmarked when I can find a moment. Websites I visit are home décor based that may show the newest trends or colors. I also read Southern Living. All of my pillows own a piece of my heart but if I am to choose one, I would choose my original design, the Sleep-n-Stash Pillow, with the complete internal “secret” pocket, because of the story behind it. This was originally made for a soldier’s return to Iraq to keep his letters and photos inside. Now it is popular for children to teens to stash their special items inside - trading cards, music players, retainers ( that is what a Mom found in her son’s pillow recently), etc. Going back to the original roots as to why this pillow was created, I now have a link on my website where a portion of the proceeds will go to the USO for every pillow purchased.

008. Tell me anything else: What else would you like people to know? Any advice you’d like to offer other sellers? I want to make a difference in the way you view your home. I believe that by adding a few pillows to your sofa, bed & chairs, you can create a whole new look without the high cost of buying new furniture. I design, sew and deliver the pillows right to your doorstep, all without the hassle of searching numerous stores for the "perfect" accessory. All you need to do is decide which style and size best suits you and the quantity needed to make your room look distinctive.
Bits of advice that I have learned along the way (I am still learning every day):
~I would suggest that anyone thinking about starting a business, choose a venue that makes you truly happy. I design and sew pillows because it makes me happy, when I step into my studio, my stress just melts away.
~Stay strong. It is very difficult to operate a business where you are in complete control from making the product, marketing it, etc. You will hear negative comments, make sure you find a strong support system to get you through.
~Photos. As you hear over and over again, clear, sharp photos are important. I am in the process of retaking all of my photos because I discovered a new way to make them crisper.
~Keep adding to your shop. I have a running list that has new ideas. Keep a notebook handy to jot down these ideas.


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Well, that concludes this great interview with Cheryl of SewnInspirations. If you like what you see, please leave a love note (aka a comment)! Interested in getting featured like this artist? Click here.

[♥] Margaret

14 October 2010

Artist Interview :: StormieAndMel

001. Tell me about yourself: What’s your name? Where do you live? Do you have a family or any pets? What is unique or special about you? Hi! My name is Melissa Martinez. I live in Philadelphia but am originally from NYC. I currently live with my boyfriend Joe and cat Stormie. I love creating things and you'll seldom find me not tackling or brainstorming about some project or other.

002. Tell me what you create: What type of art do you do? How did you get into this type? How long have you been crafting? Where do you
get your inspiration? What makes your art stand out from others? Is this your full-time job or just a hobby? I do mostly illustration which is then digitally colored. I recently got into this type of pop art having previously done only paintings in watercolor, oils or drawings in colored pencil. I get my inspiration from everyday life. Nature, food, cool people, my cat all inspire me. I think my art stands out from others because it is bold and striking. It is also rather humorous at times. I'm still a kid at heart and I think that comes out in the pieces I create. Fornow the art I have listed on "Stormie and Mel" is a hobby however I also have a full-time crafting job in addition to it.


003. Tell me about your handmade art business: What is your shop’s name? How did your business start? My shop's name is "Stormie and Mel." I started it at the beginning of this month because I thought it would be fun to display and sell my artwork online.

004. Tell me where I can find your art: What sites do you sell your product from? Do you write a blog or run a website? Can your product be found in any brick and mortar stores, markets, or bazaars? I have a shop on Etsy. I also have a blog, "A Day in the Life of Stormie and Mel". I don't currently have any work in stores but hopefully that will change soon.


005. Tell me about your support: Are you a member of a team or guild? Do your friends or family help you? Or do you work alone? My friends, family, boyfriend and cat definitely inspire me but I actually work on all my pieces alone. In my other crafting business I owe a great deal of thanks to my wonderful boyfriend who helps me ship packages as well as provide me with the emotional support to keep me going.

006. Tell me anything else: What else would you like people to know? Any advice you’d like to offer other sellers? I am very excited to announce that I will be screen printing my artwork and designs onto T-shirts in August. I would just like to remind sellers to keep going and to never stop evolving and perfecting their shops and marketing techniques. There will be slow times followed by hectic periods so don't get discouraged. Keep your eye on the prize and keep on creating.



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Well, that concludes this great interview with Melissa of StormieAndMel. If you like what you see, please leave a love note (aka a comment)! Interested in getting featured like this artist? Click here.

[♥] Margaret

Promote Your Sale!

Having a sale in your shop?
Share your deals with M&GA!
Just fill out the form below and email to me at meetandgreettheartists[at]gmail[dot]com.
Please make sure the subject is "Promote My Sale."
Once I have received it, I will post it & let you know.
(Sales are deleted after they are over.)



001. Your name ::
002. Your business name ::
003. Sale name (if applicable) ::
004. Sale url ::
005. Start and end dates of sale ::
006. Describe your sale (Free shipping, BOGO, percentage off, scavenger hunt, team sale, etc) ::


**NOTE :: You must email me the form above. Comments on this post will not be considered.

Promote Your Giveaway!

If you're having a giveaway,
M&GA is a great way to promote it!
Just fill out the form below and email to me at meetandgreettheartists[at]gmail[dot]com.
Please make sure the subject is "Promote My Giveaway."
Once I have received it, I will post it & let you know.
(Giveaways are deleted after they are over.)



001. Your name ::
002. Giveaway name (if applicable) ::
003. Giveaway url ::
004. Start and end dates of giveaway ::
005. What is being given away (include item description and artist) ::


**NOTE :: You must email me the form above. Comments on this post will not be considered.

Request an Interview

Are you looking to be featured here on M&GA?
Then you've come to the right post :)
Here are the details:



• Send me an email at meetandgreettheartists[at]gmail[dot]com.
• Make sure the subject is "Interview Request."
• I will then email you back with the interview questions.
• To be eligible, please fill out the questions and return them promptly via e-mail.
• Interviews are posted on the site in the order the answered questions are received.
• Along with your interview I will choose and include at least four photos of your work.
• I will make sure you are notified when your interview is live on the blog.

02 July 2010

About M&GA

The mission of Meet & Greet the Artists (M&GA) is to create a place for handmade art makers and potential buyers or enthusiasts to connect. This site will showcase the talents of multiple crafters in several areas of handmade art. There will be artist interviews regarding what and where they create. There will be places to find current giveaways or sales. There will be opportunities for artists to advertise. And monthly there will be an artist chat as a chance for you to ask multiple artists about their work. This site is here for the artists to promote their work and get their name out there. This site is here for the handmade lover as a way to learn about artists and chances to win their work or buy it at a discounted price. It is to be a place for the artist and the interested, alike.

[♥] Margaret Vincent