Oh The Craftiness Of Me!

I am a Canadian living in Belize, Central America and also a graphic designer. Woodworking and sign design is my newest crafting passion but art has been in my blood since birth.

Sign making has turned into a great outlet for my creative energies and finally I am using my graphic design training for something exciting.

Custom orders are welcome. Please feel free to contact me if you have a particular sign you would like me to make for you.

Also, please visit my blog at: http://coconutpalmdesigns.blogspot.com/

Like many other artists, Paulette has been creative from a very young age. From making knotted bracelets and hair accessories as a child to taking photos for her high school year book when she was older. She never thought of herself as an artist until a few years ago. For many years she dreamed of painting, but could never bring herself to pick up a paint brush until October of 2006. That's when her love of creating stories with paint and paper began.

These days when she’s not busy entertaining her very busy four year old son, you will find her stealing any moment she can in her home studio pouring her thoughts and emotions out into the visual stories she creates through her art.

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Please visit my website to view more work or my blog to see what I'm up to and chat.

http://www.pauletteinsall.com

http://www.pauletteinsall.com/blog

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ARTIST STATEMENT

My art is about the search for connection…to self, to like minded spirits, to family, and to God. Most of my work depicts a sole woman because these are the stories of my own personal search and the emotions they invoke within my soul. My hope is that the visual stories I create with my art touch people from all walks of life and let them know that they are not alone…and find comfort in that knowing.

I am a newcomer to Etsy. I have loved jewelry and gemstones all my life. My travels to Greece and Greek background have influenced my love of 18k and 24k gold and my choice to work with gold vermeil.(24k over sterling silver) I make one of a kind jewelry pieces to accommodate many different styles and fashion trends.
Although I began working with stones over 10 years ago, the demands of a full time teaching job and childcare did not allow me the time to follow this passion. Finally, the timing seemed right and I have started creating and selling my pieces. Now that I have started a business, I devote most of my time and energy into creating pieces that can be worn and enjoyed for years to come.
I work primarily with gold vermeil, Bali sterling silver,semi-precious stones and vintage glass beads. Please be on the lookout for new pieces in my Murano Collection. The colors of these beautful Venetian beads are so exceptional,they add another dimension to my jewelry.

Adornments By BJ is an amazing jewelry shop with some amazing unique features. Take the piece pictured at left It is one of her chinese knot series Necklaces she describes it as -
"This is fourth in my Chinese Knotted Jewelry Series and as much of a challenge as the three before!

This necklace is a long piece and begins with a navy blue and light gold silk cord double Prosperity Knot with a decorative bronze earring with four bronze daggers dangling from the loops. The two cords on each side of the knot then split to form each side of the necklace. A large 10x10mm bronze designed barrel attaches then travels up to another single knot Prosperity Knot, then the silk cord travels up to a connection knot, two decorative 12mm bronze disks, another connection knot and then another single cord Prosperity Knot, continuing to another connection knot before it ends with a cord silvertone hook clasp. The matching earrings contain a bronze dagger with a beaded drop, hooked to a bronze french earwire."

From her Profile -
"Creativity in Jewelry Involves Passion for the Art

When an artist puts passion into their creativity, it often leads to striking results! Come browse and see for yourself!

My shop contains a diverse collection of handcrafted, unique, quality jewelry sets to adorn even those with the most discriminating tastes. Consider visiting my shop and browsing through the 140 photos and descriptions of my creative style. I will custom make a design and create a one-of-a-kind piece just for you. You can use the 'Conversation' function, located at the top of my shop page to describe what you would like."

A Rose By Name is another shop that I am absolutely amazed by! This Jewelry artisan again has some amazing attention to detail and some incredible patience! These again are seed beads the smallest beads you can work with! I myself find very little patience in working with these intricate beads.

The item pictured Left is called Blue Moon - Tealight Candle Holder. All I Can Say about it is WOW!!!! She describes it as -
"his playful looking, 2 1/2" glass votive holder is completely encased in peyote stitched Delica beads. The pattern is my original design. I've always loved the deep cobalt blue and these beads really glow when a tea light is burning in this candle holder.

These votive holders take many days to create as every bead is individually stitched into my own original patterns. There are well over 4,000 beads in each piece."

From her Profile -
"I am a self-employed wife and mother of two teenage daughters. I enjoy beading and find that it is my therapy for stress!

My daughters and I first tried beading many years ago. Over the years, the beads have gotten smaller and the designs more intricate. Although my girls no longer bead, they enjoy wearing the pieces that I have created.

My youngest creates cards. She thoroughly enjoys creating the original greeting cards that you will find here in my shop. She will also create custom cards...just let us know your preferences!"

So and Sew Crafty Has been sewing for over 30 Years! With that kind of experience you know you will be getting a GREAT quality item!

The Item featured at left is a onesie or todler t shirt called Take me to your Jungle! What a cute little monkey! This along with several other amazing other items are available in this amazing shop! From remote caddies to baby bibs you are sure to find what you need for EVERY occasion!


How about some holiday baby bibs SO cute! If I had a baby they would be mine!!! They are made with care and are absolutely perfect to go over that holiday outfit you dont want stained!






Another onsie or todler shirt This is a cute little michevious dragon! Perfect for the holidays! It has the imortal "I didnt do it" attitude!

Yaslani: An artist and unique. Items are colorful and retro! Great shop!

The item to the left is called Moonlight, she describes it as:

"This 4x4 mixed media canvas is made with a hand painted wooden elephant and layers of paint, paper and modeling paste. I sprayed it with a non-yellowing varnish so it will be beautiful for many many years!"

From her Profile:
"I was born and raised on the Jersey Shore and then moved to Los Angeles where I studied Fine Art -Painting at Otis Art Institute. Before long I found myself back in New Jersey where I detoured from art for a while and settled into a normal life fully stocked with a corporate job. Turns out normal isn’t for me. Making things is an addiction. A packrat by nature, I believe all items have a second life and I love using recycled items and supplies that are gentle to the environment.

My work consists of bamboo pendants and mixed media paintings. I use found objects, bamboo, ephemera, old paper, acrylic, goauche, pencils, pens, ink, glitter… and anything else within my grasp. I’m influenced by pop culture, color, music, animals, fashion, movies, magazines and too many artists to mention. There are no heavy messages in my work. I consider my art to be an aesthetic conversation. A lovely chat between friends sometimes relaying a story or an inside joke. The only judgement I make with my art is “am I feeling this or not.” The “not” pile gets recycled for another day.

Yaslani is the brainchild for all my creative outlets. There is so much more I plan to do. There are so many more beautiful conversations I plan to have and I’m still planning my escape from normal. Stay tuned."

Sparkly Strandz
http://sparklystrandz.etsy.com

This shop is gorgeous and has a very broad spectrum of jewelry styles there is something for everyone. The item pictured at left is:
Black crystal wire crochet necklace; her description of this item:
"This beautiful necklace is made by crocheting delicate wire and black glass crystals. It has a lobster clasp closure, and measures about 18 inches. You can have it in any length you need, however. Just tell me the length you need in the special instructions section when making payment.

This necklace is very light, and looks delicate, but is very strong and comfortable to wear. It really dresses up and adds sparkle to any outfit, and would be great for holiday parties. "


From her Profile:

"I've had a love for crafts, especially crochet for over 25 years ever since my grandmother taught me at age 5. It was probably the best thing she could have done for my parents because it would keep me busy for hours. During college, i developed a love for beads--not just because they're sparkly, but because beads have such a rich history to them from around the world, and can be made from almost anything imaginable. Also, as an occupational therapist, I am able to use a variety of crafts and activities in my therapy to make it more fun!

I combined my love for crochet and beads and began making jewelry, baby onesies, hats, and all sorts of gift items about 10 years ago. "Sparkly Strandz" is an online store that you can visit and create your own jewelry by choosing the right color bead, wire, and length you want for that perfect piece!!

Member of the SRAJD (Self-Representing Artist Jewelry Designer #1106)"

Alilsumptinsumptin

PASSION:
"An artisan Lampwork bloom with brilliant two-toned petals in vivid orange-red and honey gold is the bold centerpiece for this femininely delicate necklace. It is embellished with finely detailed Turkish sterling silver, a meticulously crafted Bali silver cone, tiny Karen Hill Tribe silver stick beads, a handmade sterling tassel and a sparkling Swarovski Crystal.

Seductive when worn next to your bare skin, this alluring necklace gently tapers to a lovely sterling silver rope chain. "

This piece can completely describe this shop with one photo and one word! She uses her personal passions and turns them into fashions! Great shop! Here is what she says about herself!

From her Etsy Profile:
"Whimsy brings me great joy and touches that little girl within me. Most of my creations reflect this aesthetic and frequently incorporate two things I love and enjoy: flower gardens & dogs. All my pieces are one-of-a-kind, oftentimes containing handcrafted Artisan Lampwork glass beads - wonderful little works of Art in themselves.

All of the Artisan Lampwork beads I use in my pieces have been properly kiln annealed by each respective glass artist to ensure long-lasting durability."

The earrings pictured left are so gorgeous! I love their look! She describes them:
"This piece was created for the Weekly Creative Challenge, where participants are to create a new item which fits the weekly theme. This week's theme is PIRATES. Well, when I think of Pirates, I think of GOLD and PEARLS! Though, I doubt any pirates were lucky enough to wear earrings as chic as these!

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These Triple Ring earrings feature three texturized 14/20 Gold-filled* rings gracefully suspended from hand-formed 21 gauge 14/20 Gold-filled ear wires. The smallest ring measures 1/2” in diameter (1.3 cm) and features a 5mm white Swarovski faux pearl. The largest ring measures 1 7/16” (3.7 cm) and is coupled with a 3/4” (1.9 cm) ring.

The ear wires have been lightly hammered to add strength and are meticulously filed smooth for comfort and feature a tiny Argentium Sterling Silver bead."



About Elements By Dawn:

From her Etsy Profile
"*<>*
Element - refers to the shape, form, mass, line, texture, pattern, light, and color of a design.

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Dawn is particularly drawn to creating pattern and texture in her pieces. Through pattern and texture, her designs take on movement, visual and tactile interest. Through the use of color and form, she communicates emotion and energy. Dawn's pieces range from simplistic shapes and lines, evoking a sense of calm; to heavily textured with bold colors and lines, suggesting passion.

Her obsession with circles, spheres, disks, and symmetry is expressed throughout her designs.

Dawn is constantly learning new techniques, as well as perfecting traditional methods of metalworking and design.

Additionally, she is a full-time student, wife, and mother of two boys. She enjoys listening to music of all types, especially industrial, techno, a little ska, and classical. Dawn is a self-diagnosed coffee and cheese addict."

OH MY GOODNESS....One cannot begin to use words to describe the lovely works in Tiffany Teske's Shop! They are so lovely and so risque with a vintage charm about them! I cant stop looking at them!
The item at the left is "A Journey for Many Souls" It is an Original Polaroid Image Transfer in 8x10 Archival Mat, Her professional and very technical description!
"To begin this unique photographic art I capture an image on slide film. The slide is then projected onto Polaroid pack film which is peeled prematurely. The “waste” side of the film pack, which contains processing chemicals, is then placed face down onto wet watercolour paper and brayed (rolled over with a print making brayer). The result is a one-of-a-kind hand-pulled photographic transfer of the original slide image. The original image can be transferred an unlimited number of times but the resulting transfer will always vary from the last. Each transfer is approximately 3 ½” by 4” in size and is hand signed (both on the image and the mat). This transfer comes with a hand cut, acid free, museum quality archival mat, which has outer dimensions of 8x10.

The first photograph is of the image as it shows through the mat opening. The second image is an example of a matted transfer (it is a generic image so may not match the image in photos 1 and 2). The third image is an example of the matted transfer in a frame (it is a generic image so may not match the image in photos 1 and 2)."

Bagitup4me's shop:

This shop is full of fabulous items Bags made of lovely materials of all colors SHAPES and sizes! As well as unique and lustrous earrings!

The bag to the left is so beautiful it is called Tapestry 5 she describes it as; "Handcrafted and one-of-a-kind. This bag is made from imported tapestry and fully lined inside. With a vintage buttons (mother-of-pearl inset) it measures approx. 11x8x1. It has an approx. 44 inch strap. Opens and closes with Velcro. Very roomy and light weight."


In her shop you will find many more of these very unique and lovely bags. With a variety of colors and textures its a purse lovers DREAM!! If you have one of these purse lovers on your list you better get into this shop!

From her profile:

"Sylvia: was born in New York City and resides in Chicago. She comes from an artistic family. Brought up in the vivid sights and sounds of Manhattan's art community,I have always been mesmerized by small pieces of everyday life which most people don't realize have the potential for becoming wearable art. My creations incorporate elements from bygone eras into original designs. Using my collection of antique buttons, rich fabric and other findings from various parts of the world, I try to explore the use of shapes and colors to capture an era or evoke an emotion. There has been a gradual and natural evolution in my work, from hand-painted leather belts to three dimensional mosaics to tapestry bags. When designing tapestry bags, I enjoy working with shapes: simple rectangular shapes rich in color and texture and adorned with vintage pieces. The colors I select: mustard, black, red, orange and olive green, among others, are reminiscent of the 1920's and 1930's. From serious to whimsical my creations are correct for every occasion: season after season and can be worn morning, noon or night."

Summersea's shop

Welcome to a magical realm where all thing natural are procured! This shop is so colorful and wonderful! I am so taken by the colors and images the items bring to my mind. I can imagine the smells as I "cyber walk" into her shop!

The item pictured to the left is a protection pouch I think this is great because in my shop I use the magical properties of stones and in this shop its the magical properties of herbs and stones! The item is called "Magickal Journey Protection Pouch" Its an item made to protect your journey! This is her description of the item; "A magickal blend of organic herbs and stone made to get you where you're going as easily as possible! This Journey Protection Pouch is charged to promote safe, comfortable travel. You can carry it with you in your purse, briefcase or backpack. You can also put one in your vehicle! I have mine hanging from the turn signal stalk in my car. They also make great gifts for friends and family who are going on a trip, commute long distances or those who serve in the armed forces. The pouches come in several different colors. Please specify which color Journey pouch you would like to purchase: Royal Blue Bright Lt. Teal Blue Chocolate Brown Red Purple Ivory Black The pouches come wrapped in a recyclable re-usable cellophane bag. The herbs and stone are charged, then put into a muslin bag,inside of a colored flocked pouch. Each pouch contains 1/2 oz. of herbs and one large stone, a piece of green adventurine. The pouch measures 3-1/2" X 3". I make each batch of Journey blend, by hand, with my mortar and pestle. I use whole herbs to keep the individual properties of each herb as intact as possible."


This shop embodies all things holistic and magical about our earth with healing remedies and protection mixtures! After reading her profile biography you can tell that this is something she is passionate about! This is her life her work and her path in life!

Read on!

From her Profile:

Welcome to Summer Sea Herbs! Making herbal products is an absolute joy for me, and I know that my love of Nature comes through in my work! I'm a certified Herbalist with over ten years of experience healing with herbs. I make my herbal products with the finest organically grown and ethically wild-crafted ingredients available. Why Organic? Because I believe that my products are truly better when I use ingredients which have NOT been irradiated, treated with pesticides or sprays. Your body and spirit needs good, clean energy! Making every product with only organic ingredients costs a little more, but it's worth it! Summer Sea Herbs is a small company, and I personally make all of my products in small batches, by hand. This ensures quality control and product effectiveness. With many years experience as a medical Herbalist, and many more as a practicing Green witch, all my products are made with great care and skill. Whether you want a delicious tea or need an incense blend to assist in magickal workings, you can be confident that I have taken great care in blending your item. All my medicinal and magickal formulas are tried and true, developed from the personal needs of my community over the years.I keep my product packaging to a minimum, re-usable and recyclable, to have a low impact on the environment. It makes me very happy to help people through the use of herbs!Thanks for shopping at Summer Sea Herbs ~ Tracyw.

SilverDragon's shop

I cannot say enough about the amazing work that is in this shop! As a beader I know for a fact that these intricate works take long hours to complete. The tiny beads used in the item shown at the left are a bit bigger than a pen point, and hand sewn into a very unique design! This artist has an immense amount of patience and is very passionate about her works!

The item is called "Coral Reef Beaded Earrings" She describes them; "She liked to make a dramatic entrance, reveling in the spotlight of center stage. She could carry off the unlikely combination of subtle whimsy and brilliant elegance and it didn't matter if she was at work or at the theatre. These are the earrings that blend all these attributes in fanciful style. There is no coral in these earrings but the branched fringe technique is often called corralling. And, as coral itself often grown in reefs, so is this fringe emerging from a reef flat body woven in the Russian variation of Peytote that I use for my Shawl Style earrings. These earrings are approximately 3 inches long (about 7.62 cm) with sterling silver Slip less French ear wires. The two focal beads are vintage Swarovski faceted bi cone beads. they come wrapped in colorful tissue and ensconced in a silver satin gift pouch."


Reading her profile you can tell the passion she has for life for creating and for color! This is one artist you need to put on your shopping list!

From her Profile:

"I have always been an artist and one of my earliest art memories is also one of the influences that has stayed with me from the very start. I was four years old and my nursery class had a field trip to a local museum in Rochester NY. I was completely mesmerized by the textiles and bead work of the native Americans. I don't know how long I stood there just gazing at the work and absorbing all that the creator had to say. My path as an artist, however, was a duet of both fine and performing arts. I am a (retired) ballerina as well as a published artist, having done illustrations for a CD picture book, "Papa Cardinal Finds Breakfast" by Sandra Wellborn. One of my paintings accompanied and essay I wrote for an Astronomy textbook. (I also hold a Masters Degree in Astrophysics from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy NY and have worked as an astronomer and still teach astronomy as an adjunct professor for University of Maryland University College.) My work has continued to grow and expand and I now also count myself as a mistress of the art of bead weaving. My paintings and drawings are as important to me as ever, though, and I don't find enough time to do all that I want! All of my work is one of a kind (with occasional limited editions -- I have a hard time doing things more than once!). I like to play with color and texture, experiment with shape and drape and form. Human beings, I think, are happiest when they are allowed to create. I know this is true for me."

THATS HEADLEY!!

ThatsHeadley's shop

This is one talented artisan! These jewelry pieces are so incredibly unique! This item to the left is "Dewdrop Earrings in Sterling Silver and Aquamarine" Her description of the item
"These earrings harken to cool morning dew, with handfaceted aquamarine rondelles dangling in hoops of wire-wrapped sterling silver (core of earrings also sterling silver). Hoops are 3/4 inch (2cm) in diameter and dangle a total length of 1 inch (2.5cm) from bottom of hand-forged, sterling silver french earwires. FREE shipping in the US: please see the profile in my shop for full details, international shipping information, and all my customer satisfaction policies. Thanks for stopping by! made in my smoke free home and studio"

Looking at the work in this shop you can see the amazing quality craftsmanship in witch this shop is known for. As a jewelry maker myself I can say that what is made here takes alot of time and very intricate work to accomplish! The Jewelry in this shop is more than just accessories these are works of art they are well designed and well planned out! This shop is one that needs to be on your MUST shop list!

Reading This sellers profile says alot about her style and her professionalism READ ON!


"Self Representing Artist Jewelry Designer (SRAJD) #231 Member Art Jewelry Collective Member Etsy Texas Crafters (ETC) Smoke-free, kitty-friendly home and studio That's Headley! Jewelry Designs is about a journey in wearable art in semiprecious gemstones, wire, and glass. Color, texture, balance, and richness are my design goals. I've been "beading" since junior high, and for the last couple of years have expanded my use of wire wrapping. I've also added silversmithing to my techniques. Silver is always bona fide sterling at the least, and sometimes fine (99.9% pure) silver. I rarely make two pieces alike, because I like to have fun wearing jewelry, and seeing myself coming and going is not fun! Sometimes, though, when something comes out especially wonderful, I might make just a few to share the fun. I love to do custom work, too, so if you have something inspirational you would like to have a custom piece to wear with or to, send me a picture or description of what you would like, and we can be creative together! My blog, where I put my newest creations and comment on life, the creative process, and other fabulous Etsy artists can be found at http://thatsheadley.blogspot.com"