Etsy Store Featured Artist: Banana Showcase


Shop Name: Banana Showcase
Shop URL: http://BananaShowcase.etsy.com
Other Website: http://kellyvanvoltenburg.typepad.com/bananashowcase/

This shop is full of color and amazing work each item is made with care and love and it shows with every piece. Each item is quality made and the colors are absolutely amazing. They are so rich and vivid. The item pictured left Is called The Quilted Clutch in Red Flowers. She describes it as "This little clutch is such a great purse. It is the perfect size for those days that you just cannot be bothered with a big bulky bag. The outer fabric is a red flowered cotton print. I quilted this fabric to give it a little more pizzazz. The clutch opens up to a lining in a coordinating blue cotton fabric. The clutch closes a magnetic snap. The fabrics used in this purse are 100% cotton."

This is what she has to say about her shop, "Just one girl and a very loved sewing machine -- that is all there is to Banana Showcase. I have been a crafter since I was a very little girl. I love to make things with my hands and now having people use the things I make is so exciting. I have sewn since I was a teen but recently discovered that purses are so fun to create. I also love visiting thrift stores so you will find that some of my bags are created from vintage fabrics or other vintage clothing items that have been repurposed to become purses.

I will do custom orders, so feel free to contact me and we'll talk!!"


This item is my Favorite in her shop! I am so in love with the colors, the fabric, and the embroidery! It is called The Messenger bag in Teal Courderoy with Turquoise Flowers, she describes it as, "This is a great bag that will definitely keep you organized and hold just about anything you need to tote around with you. This bag is made from a rich teal corduroy fabric. It has turquoise and khaki flowers embroidered all over it. The lining of the bag is a coordinating cotton fabric in turquoise. There is an inside pocket that is divided into sections with one being a pen holder. The strap is attached to the bag with silver metal rings and should be long enough for most to wear across their body.

The front flap stays closed with a magnetic snap. The purse has layer of heavy duty interfacing to maintain its shape. The strap is made from four layers of fabric and has a layer of interfacing inside. The strap is triple stitched onto the bag for durability"

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Etsy Store Featured Artist: Lunachick

Shop Name: Lunachick
Shop URL: http://Lunachick.etsy.com
Other Site: http://lunachickdesigns.blogspot.com


All I have to say is WOW!! This jewelry maker is AMAZING!! Her pieces are absolutely fascinating, stunning and completely unique! She makes chainmaile absolutely fab! The piece pictured to the left is Called the "Blush Necklace" she describes it as "This simple design positively screams femininity.

Bright aluminum rings in various sizes are complimented by a single large Peruvian pink opal pendant centerpiece.

Lightweight and comfortable, this piece is perfect for both everyday wear and any special occasions that may arise.

This piece will not be reproduced, making it a true original!"

When you purchase from you can rest assured you are getting a true hand made masterpiece. Her favorite materials to use are "quality materials, including natural gems, precious metals, crystal and organics such as pearls, amber and shell, to make for a truly unique wearing experience." She also says "I make a point to use the most unique gemstones I can get my hands on: unique colors, cuts...the more unusual the better!"

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Etsy Store Featured Artist: Fancy Free


Name: Deanna Roux
Etsy Shop: http://FancyFreeMe.etsy.com
Website: www.fancyfreeme.blogspot.com








Upon entering this shop i was instantly surrounded by elegance and beauty! Like the pendant slide in the picture above. It is called Mothers Embrace Slide Pendant, She describes it "The image of mother and child together in warmth, love and comfort is part of the basic human condition. When you wear it around your neck, you are sharing that warmth with whoever is near you." The pendant Features art by Gustav Klimt (1862-1918; died at age 56) is one of her favorites. She says, "This precious embrace is just a small portion of his stunning "Three Ages of Woman" and oozes so much emotion."

This next piece shows elegance in fun and flattering colors! It is called Kimono Glass slide Pendant With Pearl Dangle...She describes it as "A soldered glass pendant holds a small piece of Japanese tradition – fabric used in making kimonos. Dangling from the bottom of this 1.5” focal piece is a sweet freshwater potato pearl."






Each one of her listings give you insight as to how she makes these gorgeous delicate slides! With a detailed description what the process! Her favorite mediums include "sterling silver, natural gemstones, seashells, leather and glass. Designs are organic in nature with vintage, Asian and oceanic elements."

If you have a jewelry lover on your holiday shopping list you must put Fancy Free Me on your list!

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Etsy Store Featured Artist: K By Kareen



Name: Kareen
Website:www.KbyKareen.com
Etsy Shop: http:// KbyKareen.etsy.com
Other Links: http://kbykareen.blogspot.com/
http://www.myspace.com/kbykareen
Find her on IndiePublic and WeLoveEtsy.


Her shop!

Upon entering this shop you are greeted with whimsical color and amazingly hand crafted pieces. These works are ALL created by hand up to the bead used! What an amazing artist! The colors remind me of walking through the woods such lovely colors!

If you love your jewelry COMPLETELY unique one of a kind and ALL your friend to ooogle your neck, ear, and arm candy You MUSH visit this shop!


This is from her etsy profile!

"Simple girl with dreams of being a jewelry designer in Paris. Finally have a life here; making jewelry and trying to break into the scene. Inspired by life experiences and daily beauty in Paris. Love of travel and adventure create a wide canvas from which to dream and imagine new designs.

handKrafted jewelry designs are my specialty. I use a high temperature propane/oxygen torch and fine Italian (Effetre) glass to make unique beads, then use those beads in hand created sterling silver pieces. All my beads are made free-hand, without a mold. All beads are kiln fired for strength and durability.

Prior to leaving Santa Monica, my jewelry and I were featured on HGTV's Crafters Coast to Coast.
My mother is from Tahiti, so you will find that many of my pieces include blues and greens....coming nowhere close to the intensity of the colors in paradise.

I spent summers in Tahiti while growing up in LA, and recently received my diving certification while there last year. I hope you enjoy what I create. "

Kareen

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Etsy Store Featured Artist: My heart 2 Yours

My Heart 2 Yours

Katie Lyn Sherry
www.myheart2yours.etsy.com
www.katiepaper.blogspot.com




Upon entering this shop you feel a very comforting and home like sensation. The creations in her shop are so down to earth and FUN! She incorporates a very unique style with very high quality materials. The prices are right The items are fantastic! The retro humor section especially makes me giggle! OUT LOUD!! I love it! You must check this shop out TODAY!

How did you get started ?
I have been crafting since I was a little girl. I am truly happy when I'm painting, or gluing or cutting or playing with glitter.

Where are you from?
I am originally from Oregon, I was educated in California, lived in Montana for 13 years and I currently reside in Kansas City Missouri

Are your creations seasonal?

Sometimes they are seasonal. I try to make my own Christmas cards each year, but get so busy making so many things that I rarely get anything finished. I try to keep current with scrapbook trends, I love embellishments and current paper. I spend a small fortune every month keeping up with the latest styles and trends. So to answer your question, I collect all the seasonal stuff but make whatever my heart desires.

How long have you been doing it?
I've officially been a scrapbooker for 25 years, remember when Creative Memories first came out? remember when people only put a picture on a white page??? That's how long I've been scrapping.

Are you a professional or is this a hobby?
This is a serious Hobby.
What inspires you?
What inspires me? sitting in my art studio and looking at all my goodies and thinking of something to create that hasn't been done yet.

How do you promote your business?
I try to post to message boards, pass out business cards, keep my blog up to date, list often on etsy and show my friends my current work. Friends are amazing at spreading the good word.

Where are you showing/selling your work?
I currently sell on etsy and ebay. Locally, I get commissioned orders from friends and acquaintances who want complete scrapbooks or cards.

What is your favorite product and why?
My favorite Product are the heat set Swarovski Crystals... because they make anything look good. I also love Prima Flowers.

What advice you wish someone had told you when you started?
Just don't start! It's too addicting! LOL! No, just kidding. I wish someone would have taught me to paint with oils, I wish someone would have taught me how to crochet more than a double crochet stitch.

Do you have any advice for fellow designers?
Be original! Create your own style and let it develop with out trying to be a copy cat.

Will I get a discount or freebies?
SURE! If you order through my Etsy shop, I always include Freebies! I also try to feature my purchases and other wonderful artists on my blog.

Anything else you'd like to add? Just that I realize that there is no way to ever recoup the cost of some projects. Paper is expensive, glue is very expensive, but everything I create, I do with love. I spare no expense. I wish people (on etsy especially) would charge a little more for their work, but it's hard with a saturated market.

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Etsy Store Featured Artist: Elle Belle

Elle Belle :

Your name: I'm Stacey, but I work with 3 other Moms and my Mom!
Check out all their profiles http://ellebelleonline.com/artistprofiles.html
Your site: http://ellebelleonline.com/index.html, http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5023533
Your blog: http://ellebelleblog.blogspot.com


From our Online Interview:


How did you get started ?
"It all started when I and a few of my friends started making things for our own children and realized that even though we each only had one or two things we specialize in, colaborating is more fun and makes for a shop full of things we all absolutely couldn't live without."

Where are you from?
"I'm from a really small town in IL. I grew up litterly in the middle of corn fields. I moved to St. Petersburg Fl when I was 21 and really love it here."

Are your creations seasonal?
"Some of the stuff we make is seasonal. I have some really cute "chubbies" in the shop right now that are for Halloween. We have a whole line of Christmas pillowcase dresses in the works right now too."





How long have you been doing it?
"My Mom, my friend Ann, and I have been crafting in some (and many) forms pretty much since we can remember, there's about 75 years of experience between the three of us. Jennifer has a really great eye for color and pattern, she comes up with super cute fabric combinations, so the design aspect of crafting is what got her started a year ago. Karie was a preschool teacher for several years and always had creative projects to work on with her kids there. Once she had her daughter, Ava, and decided to leave teaching, we expanded those ideas for Elle Belle."

Are you a professional or is this a hobby?
"I have a business license, we do lots of local events, and promoting, so I guess that makes me a professional... but it really is just what I love to do, so it doesn't seam so much like work."
What inspires you? "Our children inspire us."

How do you promote your business?
"I always have a mailing list with us anytime we do any type of local event. It's gotten pretty extensive over the year since Elle Belle's inception. I send out emails when we're going to be somewhere locally and any time we introduce a new product. I've gotten a good response from that."

Where are you showing/selling your work?
"We get good results participating in craft fairs at upscale malls. There's one locally that hosts Thur-Sun shows so we get to talk to lots of stay at home Moms with their children in the mall. We also do more traditional outdoor craft shows, baby expos, and even an open house at a couple of the local hospitals."

What is your favorite product and why?
"I really love Elle Belle slings. I think because it was such a huge help to me when I was a new Mom, I hope that other Moms will find it as useful and we can all spread the word."

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Etsy Store Featured Artist: Blue Baby




Artists Name: Amanda
Shop Name: Blue Baby
Etsy Shop: www.bluebaby.etsy.com
Artists Blog: www.bluebabyhomemadegifts.blogspot.com






From Her Etsy Shop Profile:
My name is Amanda and I live in a small town in Michigan. I am a stay at home wife to my loving husband Brien, and mom to our furry baby chihuahua Taz. I love all types of arts and crafts, from jewelry making to drawing to crocheting. I love to create things that are somewhat different and unique.

From Her Online Interview:
How did you get started ?: I have been crocheting since I was about 19. My grandmother always used to crochet, and I wanted to keep the tradition. I taught myself how to crochet and have been hooked ever since!

Where are you from?:
a small town in Michigan.

Are your creations seasonal? My creations are good for any time of year, but I do do special things for the holidays.
How long have you been doing it? Since I was about 19, so that would be almost six years.

Are you a professional or is this a hobby? A hobby, but if I could make it into a profession, I would! Creating things is one of my passions, and I am so lucky to be able to do something that I love.

What inspires you? God, my family, life! I like making things that people can use, or that will just bring a little smile to their faces. If I know I've made another person smile, then that only inspires me further.

How do you promote your business?
I find it difficult to promote. A lot of it is getting the word out through friends and family, sending them my shop-site to check out and hopefully pass on to people who might be interested.

Where are you showing/selling your work? The only place I am selling my work is on Etsy. I have yet to sell my crafts at a show. I also like to blog about my items on my blog page.

What is your favorite product and why?
I love yarn! I love the things I'm able to create with it, from huge comfy afghans to small cute little critters on key chains!

What advice you wish someone had told you when you started? To not let myself become frustrated when I don't get a sale. Actually, people really have given me this advice, it's just that I find it hard to follow!

Do you have any advice for fellow designers?
Find something you love and do that. Don't try to make something just because you think you will make money from it. If you don't love doing it, you will never be happy!

Will I get a discount or freebies?
I am still in the beginnings of my shop, so I haven't offered any discounts as of yet. But in the future, I'm sure I will have special discounts and other offers.

Anything else you'd like to add?
I appreciate anyone who gives my shop a chance, and if they go as far as to purchase something, I only hope they enjoy it as much as I enjoyed making it!

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Etsy Store Featured Artist: Plastic Pumkin







Name : Ren Adams
Shop name: Plastic Pumpkin
URL(s): http://plasticpumpkin.etsy.com, http://pirateking.etsy.com, http://plasticpumpkin.wordpress.com



Ren offers fun, philosophical, and intriguing artwork and crafts--for the discerning (and playful) collector. Her pieces reflect who she is, her spiritual path and her Childhood. She works in a variety of mediums: mixed media assemblages, pencil, marker, acrylic, Chinese brush painting, watercolor, oil pastel, pen & ink, etc. This gives her work an amazing unique quality. These beautiful works are versatile, beautiful and playful!


Taken From her Profile:

About Ren Adams
-------------------
I've been doing artwork my entire life (even scribbled in my own baby book) and for me, it's more than a "hobby" or "job" it's a state of mind and a fulfilling pathway. I can't NOT do it. I simply must. If I'm not drawing, painting, or otherwise expressing myself (however badly), I'm not in harmony with everything around me.

Art is a sensation, a sense of humor, a sense of elation, a tantalizing window... it's pure energy, pure thought, pure darkness, and pure light.

I explore themes, people, and places that intrigue me...

I'm also a Taoist and a lot of my artwork reflects my spiritual pathway (the art of compassion, simplicity, and patience). I practice Qi Gong meditation and enjoy artists who aren't afraid to be themselves.


To click onto her shop and browse around there is such an atmosphere of peace and serenity. There are so many pieces I would LOVE to have in my home. You can look at this piece and imagine your sitting on this rock listening to the pipe and feeling the crisp mountain spring breeze and instantly calming sensation comes over you.

Ren Adams is an amazing painter her works can take you away! Reading her profile and discovering how she creates these amazing works almost makes you feel as rested and relaxed as she is when she paints them.


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Etsy Store Featured Artist: My Fair Babies




Your Name: Hyla Waldron
Business Name:MyFairyBabies
Etsy Shop Name:MYFairyBabies
URLs as appropriate: http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5184529




From her Profile:
I have two boys ages 5 years and 18 months! And a daughter 6 weeks!

But I put a lot of love and time into my items and would love for them to get a new home where they can be appreciated!

See something you like but would like it in a different color or pattern? I can definitely do that, just convo me!

Hyla

~My Blog~ http://myfairybabies.blogspot.com/
~My Myspace: http://myspace.com/myfairybabiesetsy
~My Indie Page: http://www.indiepublic.com/profile/MyFairyBabies



My other shop is MyFairyBabies.etsy.com

From Our On Line Interview:



What do you find most challenging as an artist? Finding the time to create all of my ideas!
What do you find most challenging as an artist trying to do business? Keeping enough products stocked.
What do you love about your creations? I love that they are whimsical and encourage imagination.
Do you have a favorite piece you wish you could keep? I really like this piece, she won the Fall Fantasy contest for the Fae Etsy group!
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=7352714
Anything else you wish to say!? Always create something you would keep for yourself!

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Etsy Store Featured Artist: Earmark


From Their Profile:

We are here to create happiness. We strive to bring out the creativity and imagination in you. Our first and foremost goal is to make you, the client completely pleased, not only with our product but with our service. We will do everything we can to make this process a smooth and pleasurable experience for you. No matter what your request is we will work to accommodate everything your heart desires.

Their Shop

When you enter their shop you feel like you are in a hip cool and friendly place. One with every kind of gift you can imagine for any kind of occasion! If your getting married, sending a thanks, or sending an insult. Its all here in one place!

Need a gift? These great journals and awesome stationary is also here in this shop! Personalized items available as well as they LOVE to do custom orders! If you have a specialized gift idea send this team a shout your sure to get something you love!


From Our Online Interview:
Your Name: Bridgette
Business Name: earmark invitations
Etsy Shop Name: earmark
URLs as appropriate http://www.earmark.etsy.com and
http://www.earmarkinvitations.com


What do you find most challenging as an artist?
It can be difficult to come up with new, fresh ideas that have not been done before... but it is a fun challenge, most of the time.
What do you find most challenging as an artist trying to do business?
making enough money to stay afloat without sacrificing your style and integrity.

What do you love about your creations?
the variation of product that we offer. we are always trying to do something different, new styles, colors, papers, designs, it is fun to keep it mixed up!

Do you have a favorite piece you wish you could keep? http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=7174188 - since it is fairly easy for to me reproduce an item, i am happy to sell any of the items to people that love them. My favorite set is our Adventure set, with travel being my biggest passion in life, i felt the need to create something new and fun that had a travel/adventure feeling.



Anything else you wish to say!?
we love custom orders and can literally create anything that anybody wants. We are open to trying new ideas and designs. we really love what we do and hope that it shows, we really do try to create happiness!

check out our main invitation site for all wedding and party invitations!
www.earmarkinvitations.com

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Etsy Store Featured Artists: Creative Sundries




Your Name: Sarah and Carol
Business Name: Creative Sundries
Etsy Shop Name: Creative Sundries
URLs as appropriate: http://creativesundries.etsy.com, http://creativesundries.blogspot.com




From Their Profile:

We are a mother-daughter/friend-friend team in Minnesota. We love being part of Etsy!

We specialize in vintage treasures and unusual ephemera, as well as handmade ATCs, note cards, crocheted cuffs, and jewelry.

From our On-line Interview:
What do you find most challenging as an artist?
So many ideas, sometimes it's a challenge to choose one idea and go with it.
What do you find most challenging as an artist trying to do business?
Balancing creative time with networking and the business side.

What do you love about your creations?
We have fun making them, and hope that they convey a spirit of childlike wonder and also cuteness and kitschiness. :-)

Do you have a favorite piece you wish you could keep? I thought about keeping this tattoo bottle, but I'm not that much of a tattoo person:

Anything else you wish to say!?
**we really love being part of etsy; everyone is so creative, generous, and awesome!

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Etsy Store Featured Artists: Mineral Magic








Mineral Magic Cosmetics
www.MineralMagic.etsy.com
www.MineralMagicCosmetics.com
www.stores.ebay.com/Mineral-Magic-Cosmetics





From Her Website:
What are the benefits of using mineral makeup?

Well, it is actually good for your skin. Because they are pure minerals, bacteria cannot be supported. Therefore, there is no expiration date.

It is so good for your skin; you can actually sleep in it!

Surgeons and dermatologists worldwide have recommended it after chemical peels, laser resurfacing and to conceal acne, freckles, post-operative scars, rosaceous, skin discoloration and veins.

In fact, it has actually cured certain cases of acne, because it does not clog your pores. It also provides UVA/UVB sun protection up to 20% and is highly water resistant, so you rarely need to reapply it. There is virtually no allergy risk.

Why buy from our company?

Our top quality mineral cosmetic line is not out-sourced, and overhead is not an issue. Plus, we have the buying power that allows us to pass that savings on to you!

We offer custom made body scrub, lotion, lip balm, roll-on body oil, in a variety of fragrance, and the necessary applicators, all of which are affordably priced.

From Our On-line Interview:
What do you find most challenging as an artist?

The competition.
What do you find most challenging as an artist trying to do business?
Worldwide advertising.
What do you love about your creations?

That my makeup is safe for sensitive skin and has many uses.

Anything else you wish to say!?

See the following pure ingredients: Mica, Zinc, Iron Oxides, Titanium Dioxide. No oil, talc, fillers, fragrance or bismuth oxychloride (which is kin to arsenic).


Skincare, fragrance and air fresheners are now available. Please check out Made By Timmy/Awareness Section, too!


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Etsy store featured artists: Giftbearer




Business Name: Giftbearer
Etsy Shop Name: http://Giftbearer.etsy.com


From her Profile:
Pippit Carlington has been creating art ever since she was old enough to pick up a paintbrush. At age 5 she was
composing songs on the piano; teaching herself to play by ear. She often found herself re-designing things she saw around her, in 6Th grade she constructed the class mascot; a 4 foot-tall owl sculpted out of paper mache, and in junior high she began selling various art items she had made.

Over the years Pippit went on to receive formal art training at Callenwolde Center for the Arts, The Atlanta College of Art, and Atlanta Jeweler's School and
Studios.

Pippit works in several mediums; including acrylics, watercolor, drawing, clay sculpture, and jewelry. A multicultural influence is evident in her work reflecting a diverse heritage of Iroquois Indian, Hawaiian, Russian Jewish, and French Canadian. She is strongly influenced by nature, political and social issues, and uses her art to educate the public.


From Our On-Line Interview:

My work is currently available also at these other online stores:
http://www.smashingdarling.com/store/1882 http://www.mintd.com/stores/show/148-Giftbearer

and if you plan to be in the Philadelphia area, starting in November you can find my work at:

VIX Emporium
5009 Baltimore Ave.
Philadelphia PA 19143
http://vixemporium.com

What do you find most challenging as an artist?
One of the methods I use is bead weaving, and using a graphed beading pattern has not come easily to me, so I tend to do better without one, although I feel I miss a lot I could be creating. I have graphed some beautiful, intricate patterns that I would love to execute if I could wrap my mind around it. It is easy to lose count of where you are, and that can be quite frustrating, not to mention time-consuming when you have to take out an entire row when the count is off.

I would also like to take classes to learn some new techniques, but have had to put that off until I can afford it and can find more classes in advanced techniques taught in my local area. In the meantime I compensate for that by learning as much as possible from books and trade magazines.

What do you find most challenging as an artist trying to do business?

What I find most challenging about being an artist in business is making a steady income from month to month. The money has been good some years, and very slim pickings during others. The economy since about 2003 has been very hard on my bottom line and I've found that a lot of people are afraid to spend money on anything that is not a necessity because of the price of gas, the lay-offs that have taken place in a lot of companies, and since the War in Iraq. I am a sole proprietor, so I'm often staying up nights to make up for lost income.

What do you love about your creations?

I make a lot of really innovative lines of jewelry, and those who connect with them really feel them on a deep level. I treat each piece as if it were a living being with its own soul, and my aim is to be able to convey that to the viewer and the wearer. My pieces are more than mere accessories; they express an essence that is meaningful, and a gift that keeps on giving.

Do you have a favorite piece you wish you could keep?

Anything else you wish to say!?
I like to use symbols of regeneration, growth, and resilience in my work. I have one line called Hollowform Broken Hearts with a jagged opening in the front and a gemstone dangle on the inside like a seed sprouting from cracks in the earth or an egg hatching, signifying that for every ending there's a new beginning, making room for new and wonderful experiences in the future.

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Etsy Store Featured Artists: Kalicat Designs





From Her Profile:

Kalicat has trained in jewellery at Central St Martins and Hatton Gardens, in London. Mom of 2, she says: "I keep sane by painting and illustrating Fashion, jewelry-making and dreaming about all the things I will create in the near future".

Each item may be made in gold, sterling silver or base metal, with the stones of your choice when available.

Discounts & Sales...
From time to time, I will offer a sale or a discount on my jewellery, if you would like to be notified of upcoming promotions, please contact me with your email address

Custom Orders
Do not hesitate to contact me if you want me to create something special for you, need something to be customized, or like something already sold.

Please contact me with any questions or requests for bespoke pieces.
All purchases are packaged ready to offer. In addition, a hand written card addressed to the recipient can also be added. Just let me know.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - -
About me:
I am an artist and illustrator http://www.catherinemarche.com,
I am a member #20 of Etsy Eclectic Jewelry Artisans, visit us at http://eeja.org/
I am also a member of the Art Jewelry Collective http://artjewelrycollective.wordpress.com/
I am a Self Representing Artist Jewelry Designer - SRAJD #0551

Your Name: Catherine Marche
Business Name: Kalicat Designs
Etsy Shop Name: http://Kalicat.etsy.com
URLs as appropriate http://kalicatdesigns.blogspot.com
http://www.catherinemarche.com

What do you find most challenging as an artist?
Working alone, I find it quite isolating and lonely at times.
Otherwise, I really enjoy coming up with new ideas all the time, and dealing with commissions from a brief. I am happy taking commissions for jewelry and illustrations/paintings.
I also paint and illustrate http://www.catherinemarche.com, and my work has been exhibited internationally, is in private and corporate collections in several countries. I particularly enjoy creating jewellery or invitations for weddings and engagements.
It is the biggest satisfaction for me to see sparkles in the eyes and a huge smile of delight on a client's face when they discover my creation.


What do you find most challenging as an artist trying to do business?

Also, the constant promotion and lookout for new venues is a big challenge, as most jobs only are from 9 to 5pm, being an artist is a whole different way of life. You think it, you dream it, you make it, you are IT :)

What do you love about your creations?
The versatility of them. It is fabulous being able to change and adapt depending on the music I am listening to, the materials I am dealing with, the colors I am inspired by, the words that come to my mind.
Sometimes, I will thing of a word (like Temptation), and create a line around it.
Sometimes, I will be inspired by a gemstone and create a setting around it to enhance its beauty
And of course, I am thrilled by the fact I deal with precious metals and stones, my favorites being diamonds, tourmaline's, pink sapphires and Rubies (at the moment).
I have also just seen some wonderful Sun stone gems which I know I will just have to purchase and create something for, probably with 18K or 22K gold.

Do you have a favorite piece you wish you could keep?

Yes, I do, mainly all of them :)
More seriously, I like this one, with a pink Topaz, message image
and my Mercury Ringmessage image
Oh and some Peridot and yellow 18k gold earrings and and and....


Anything else you wish to say!?
Oh yes! Thank you so much for featuring me and my creations.
I am working on a new collection which should be ready in Spring.
In the meantime, In honor of this lovely feature, I have a special discount for all your readers! Enter the code "90days05" in the message space when shopping and I will give you a discount of $5.00 on all my items on the site!
This offer in valid until 01 January 2008.



I also have a crocheted bracelet in sterling silver with freshwater pearls which will be featured in the book 1000 Jewelry Details by Rockport Publishers.
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Moving on and up!

Time for me to expand and grow! I will be opening a new store on Etsy this month as well as adding some new lines to my current shop! I will add more accessories like Head bands bows barrets ect Also Clothing. My new shop will feature my cards and boxes and will also be adding paitings prints altered items and more! I am so excited to do this! I will also be purchasing a light box for better quality photos as well as some props and such. This is going to be a very difficult move and also very time consuming! I cant wait to get started on making my new things! Its going to be great!

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