Artist Series - Glisten by Erin

When did you become interested in art and did you choose art, or did it choose you?

I became interested in art at a very early age. It was always my favorite class in school, and my Mother enrolled me in summer art programs at a local university. By High School, I was in Yearbook class and took as many Art classes as they would allow me to. Art definitely chose me. No matter where I go in life, or how busy I am, I can always find that creative part of myself that is sometimes forced into hiding because of other priorities. I was also always surrounded by creative family members. My brother was an outstanding artist, and my Mom, an ex school teacher, could draw just about anything.

What do you like best about creating?

I think the biggest thing that prompts me to create is the control it gives me. Creating starts with an idea, and the fact that I get to plan out and attack that idea gives me great pleasure. I, along with the creative mind of my husband, practically handmade our wedding. It's awesome to be able to look back at that special day and know that we created many of the details.

What prompted you to open Glisten by Erin on Etsy?

I was a full time nurse on maternity leave when I stumbled upon Etsy. I know my husband still thinks I'm crazy. I pretty much said to him one day, out of the clear blue, "Hey! Check out this cool website called Etsy... I think I'm going to open up a shop on it!" I discovered Etsy by accident, and immediately felt cheated. How did this amazing land of wonderful handmade treasures exist so long without my knowledge? I looked at it and knew I needed to be a part of it.

What feature about Etsy do you like best?

Treasury. Period. It's genius to come up with an area of the website where they give artists their own blank canvas' to compile selections of there favorite items made by fellow shop holders. I love to make treasuries and I love to look at treasuries. It's become an addiction and I think my husband is starting to get jealous.

You get to spend one weekend each with three historical figures, an artist, a writer and one of your choice. Who are they and what will you talk about or do?

Claude Monet - I had two prints of his paintings in my room as a child. Girl With A Watering Can and Ballet Rehearsal. I would spend time just staring at the brush strokes. I would want to do nothing but watch him paint.

Harper Lee - To Kill A Mockingbird was my favorite High School read. I think if you can capture the attention of a bored student, your writing skills are outstanding.

Ludwig Van Beethoven - One thing I have been doing since I was 5 years old is playing the piano. Moonlight Sonata is THE song that inspired me to learn. His music is magical to me. I would not want him to hear me play... I think I'd leave the playing to him.

How has the popularity of the Internet affected your work?

The internet has allowed people all over the world to view my work. I get so thrilled when someone out of the U.S. hearts my shop!

Have you discovered any new technique to creating your work that you can share? How do you overcome artist block?

Not really. I don't even use the same technique every time. I do quite a bit of experimenting until I'm pleased with the outcome. I haven't suffered from artist block yet, or at least I haven't allowed myself to. When I feel the urge to make a pair of earrings, I sit down and play around with beads until I'm happy with what I see. If I find myself getting frustrated or starting over a lot, then I just walk away.

If I walked into your studio this moment what would you show me first? What would you want to hide?

Well, I don't have a studio... my studio is my coffee table and a basket of supplies that I get out between loads of laundry and during my 6 month old's naps. What would I want to hide? The

dog hair.

Describe something that comes up in your work because of a life experience?

My 9 year old definitely influences the names of my earrings. She'll say, "That bead looks like an apple", so sometimes it's just as simple as that. Just having children can help accelerate my creativity at times. If I take a minute to look at the world through their eyes, things become more colorful and fun.

Here’s $250 dollars, spend as much or as little as you like on Etsy.

Ok, so I went a little over, but I had to add the chocolate at the end! Also, I just want you to know, this question caused me to lose sleep:)

Beau & Stella

To Hold

My Lola Fashions

Patkas

Have It Confections

Describe what you do or who you are in a haiku

Mommy makes earrings

Healing nurse loves to give hope

Husband kids my strength

Is there anything else that you would like to share?

I live in a small town, I have a wonderful husband and two gorgeous daughters, two dogs, and my "real" job is being a nurse. I love music, photography, and creating, however sometimes those things don't get enough attention from me. I hope to start adding some of my photographs to my store sometime soon!

Thank you for allowing me to do this interview. I enjoy everything about Etsy! It makes the process of opening and maintaining a shop so easy. I have met a lot of wonderful artists on Etsy. The atmosphere is very friendly and giving.

Artist Series -- Hoganfe Handmade

Have you seen Hoganfe Handmade amazing bags? I love all of the fabric's that she chooses. Don't stand around and gaze at the stars or you might miss her newest bag design... I love the Origami bag and if I didn't love my teeny tiny bag that I've been carrying for (well I won't tell you how long) a while I would buy that bag! Ok, the other amazing thing about Mary is that she lives in Alaska! Seems I've made a friend with someone with the polar opposite weather as myself...There are time when I wish we could trade weather for a few hours...like today....


1. When did you become interested in art and did you choose art, or did it choose you?

I believe it was inherited. Going back thru my family history & also the current young adults; there are lots of artistic members in my family.


2. What do you like best about creating?

The creative discovery & the completed results of an idea are the exciting parts to me!

3. You get to spend one weekend each with three historical figures, an artist, a writer and one of your choice. Who are they and what will you talk about or do?

It is tough to narrow it down to just three but here goes:

Artist - Leonardo da Vinci we would discuss art, science & inventions
Writer- Shakespeare to see if he was a real person or a group of writers lol!
3rd choice is John Dee from the Elizabethan era - ask him loads of questions about his work for Queen Elizabeth, spying & a long list of other subjects!

4. How has the popularity of the Internet affected your work?

The internet made it possible to work directly from my home. This was not even a consideration prior to the internet.

5. Have you discovered any new technique to creating your work that you can share?

Yes but it is a tiny discovery but made my life easier. When threading a needle wet the thread as usual but also wet the needle-hole works every time!

6. How do you overcome artist block?

I have yet to get a block lol! I have a ton ideas & need more hours in my day!

7. If I walked into your studio this moment what would you show me first?

My newest creation!

What would you want to hide? My studio floor - loaded with scraps by the end of each day!

8. Describe something that comes up in your work because of a life experience?

COLOR! Love & need it especially here in Alaska!
You will probably notice my designs are colorful

9. Here’s $250 dollars, spend as much or as little as you like on Etsy.

It is funny I went to my etsy favs & all I have there is fabric!

Glare

Cliff Diver - Recycled Glass Beads

Queen Anne's Lace Hand Embroidered Pillow

Washout - Original Watercolor Painting

Cherry, Pistachio and Belgian Chocolate

Rose Petal Marshmallows

10. Describe what you do or who you are in a haiku.

FUN Handmade Handbags

Original & Quality

LOVE Custom Orders

11. Is there anything else that you would like to share?

Thank you Rose for this interview.


Your blog is unique & interesting!

Artist Series -- MAB Jewelry

Ohio. That's where this friendly Etsy seller is from. You say...so what....I say....hey Ohio is home for me and I miss it terribly! MABs tag line is No Naked Wrists. As you read this interview you will understand why. When you visit her shop....she has some lovely pieces to keep your wrists from becoming chilled....and in style! You can also find her on twitter and she is one of my favorites to chat with. She certainly makes me smile. Enjoy getting to know MAB Jewelry!

1. When did you become interested in art and did you choose art, or did it choose you?

I've never been an arts or crafts person. I did a lot of writing when I was younger, but I wasn't one to make stuff. About seven years ago, my mom decided to make herself a bracelet. Then she made me a bracelet. Then we went to the bead shop. Not long after that, everyone who knew me had a brand new bracelet. I've always loved jewelry and fashion, and I discovered my calling, I think. I am seldom happier or more content than I am when I'm sitting at my bead board with a bunch of shiny bits, putting something together.






2. You get to spend one weekend each with three historical figures, an artist, a writer and one of your choice. Who are they and what will you talk about or do?

Artist, Gustav Klimt. Writer, Walt Whitman. And Twenties flapper actress Louise Brooks. Can you imagine a champagne brunch with these three, talking about human nature and art? Oh, let's go now. I want Klimt to do my portrait!


3. How has the popularity of the Internet affected your work?Having an internet shop allows you to reach so many people. That, paired with the fact that you have such amazing access to any supply that you want from all over the world, really means that the sky is the limit in terms of what you can create. As soon as I started selling on Etsy, I began making jewelry that I never would have thought of before, just because it felt like the whole world was my market. It's liberating.



4. How do you overcome artist block?


I've been making these steampunk pieces with watch casings that are fairly new for me. They're a bit more labor intense, but I love them. I don't usually get artist's block. I always work in the evening, and sometimes I just don't make it to the beads at night. The bed is calling me. And any time I get in a rut, I order supplies. New supplies are instant inspiration.




5. If I walked into your studio this moment what would you show me first? What would you want to hide?


Heh heh. My studio is my living room floor. Everything gets packed up and put away in the hall closet every night when I'm done working. I'd want to show you the amazing new stuff I just got in the mail today from Artbeads, including these groovy Vintaj fish pendants. I would hide the poor boxes of beads up in the top of the closet that I don't even look at. Unless you might be able to use them?



6. Describe something that comes up in your work because of a life experience?
I love movies, art and vintage stuff.

I'm very visual, and I think all of that trickles down into my jewelry. Old movies, paintings, even the little antique bits that I use when I make pieces. I collect strange little vintage items because I have loved them since I was little. So much of my jewelry looks like little vintage items!




7. Here’s $250 dollars, spend as much or as little as you like on Etsy.

I have 371 listings and 1167 shops in my favorites. I could spend $250 in twelve seconds.

I really want this:

Carly Simon Record Album Purse8. Describe what you do or who you are in a haiku


Strangers on a Train
On TV, bead board full of
Bliss, cat in my lap

9. Is there anything else that you would like to share?

Can I just say how much I love Etsy? Not just because I can sell stuff there, but because I have met the most wonderful, inspirational, good hearted, funny, smart people there. Etsy and its community have truly made me a better artist. And you Rose are one of those delightful Etsy people making incredibly inspirational stuff. Thanks so much.

Artist Series -- a la mode

Have you seen a seat belt bag? If not, look below, then after you read this interview, go visit ... a la mode ! Linda also makes cool jewelry and switch plates! This is one of my favorite sellers and bloggers and you should make her blog a regular read as well. Linda is such a fun person and I enjoy talking to her on twitter and sharing information.

When did you become interested in art and did you choose art, or did it choose you?
Art definitely chose me. I've been designing and creating since I was a very little girl. It's in my blood.

How has the popularity of the Internet affected your work?
It has allowed me to sell my wares all over the world. My business has grown tremendously mostly from internet exposure. My network of friends and colleagues have also grown exponentially.

Shop ... a la modeHave you discovered any new technique to creating your work that you can share? How do you overcome artist block?

I don't know that I have any new techniques. I'm big on winging it. I've never followed patterns and often ignore rules. It doesn't work all the time but has empowered me enough to try just about anything once. Deconstruction is a great way to learn how to make something. The best way for me to get over artist block is to step away from the project. It may take me a day or a month, but I almost always come back to the project refreshed and able to move forward.
If I walked into your studio this moment what would you show me first? What would you want to hide?
Wow, I just cleaned my studio. Typically, I wouldn't let you come into it at all. I'd likely show you what I'm currently working on.

Describe something that comes up in your work because of a life experience?
Humor. I like to use it in some of my jewelry and my switch plates. No matter what, we should always laugh and not take life too seriously.

Here’s $250 dollars, spend as much or as little as you like on Etsy.
Can I have $800.00 because I really want this

Matte White Bottle Collection from Sara Paloma


Okay, these are just a few of the many items from my favorites that I’d buy with your $250.00 (BTW, I owe you $2.00)

Mary Janes by The Generations

Butterfly top by Tinge Design

Corsette belt by Duende

Painting by Leah Giberson

Pillow by Nesta Home

Describe what you do or who you are in a haiku
I design and make

Modern is my aesthetic

turning old to new

Is there anything else that you would like to share?
Just that I’m a true admirer of your work and am happy the internet introduced us.


Artist Series --Kim's Crafty Apple

I met Kim when we both joined the Etsy Treasury Team. Kim has so much energy and creativity and her Etsy shop, Kim's Crafty Apple, certainly shows it! Visit her blog as well....for lot's of interesting adventures!

When did you become interested in art and did you choose art, or did it choose you?

I guess my answer is the same as many artists out there – I’ve always been interested in art. My grandma always tells the story of me sewing my brother a quilt for his birthday when I was five. I used my material from my mom’s dirty rag bin including the fuzzy toilet seat cover. My brother, of course, LOVED it.


I don’t think I could get away from art if I wanted to. I’m always seeing things and creating something different with them or dreaming of things I must make. My best ideas come right before I wake up for the day.






You get to spend one weekend each with three historical figures, an artist, a writer and one of your choice. Who are they and what will you talk about or do?

AN artist – Georgia O’Keefe – she was born in a town close to where I live now, Sun Prairie, WI, which I find really interesting. I think it would be fun to paint with her see her methods, inspiration, and creations.

A Writer – John Steinbeck – East of Eden is one of my two favorite books (my other is Gone with the Wind). I can read it over and over and be enthralled by his writing skills each time. I think he would be interesting to sit and have coffee with.


My Choice – Scarlett O’Hara – I know she’s not real but she’s my favorite main character in a book. I remember staying home during High School on a Friday night just sobbing to the end of ‘Gone with the Wind’. In the movie, Scarlett is portrayed as just a ‘B*’ but in the book you can understand why she does the things she does. I would love to go to the bars and she what happens after a night with Scarlett!

How has the popularity of the Internet affected your work?

The internet has enabled me to show my work all over the globe. I am no longer limited to those that come and see me at my orchard or my craft fair. Basically, it’s enabled me to more effectively ‘support my habit' since I can sell more of my creations.

Have you discovered any new technique to creating your work that you can share? How do you overcome artist block?

I don’t think that I have any amazing technique with my work. I think my biggest asset in my work is that I don’t over think anything. I get asked the question, “How do you do it all?” all the time. I feel that I can accomplish as much as I do because I just do it. I don’t sit there and worry if this color will look good with this one or if this pattern is too much – I just trust my gut and go with it. It typically works.

I never have artist block – that’s why I create in so many mediums. If I don’t feel like sewing I make jewelry. If I don’t feel like making jewelry I paint. If I don’t feel like painting I blog. If I don’t feel like blogging I do one of the other hundreds of projects I have in my mind. There’s always some sort of creative release for me out there – it just depends on the mood I’m in.

If I walked into your studio this moment what would you show me first? What would you want to hide?

I would probably show you my sewing machine. It’s my baby. I love it…it even cuts it’s own thread! I don’t think I’d hide anything – my studio is a disaster but that’s how I create the best. My husband does not understand how I can make such beautiful things when I work in the midst of a disaster. That disaster is all my ideas out on the table ready to be made.

Describe something that comes up in your work because of a life experience?

I’m 27. I haven’t had much life experience yet. I would say that i really enjoy creating things for kids right now since I have two beautiful daughters: Mercedi - 3, and Capri – 2.


Describe what you do or who you are in a haiku
spirited artist
wild imagination fierce
ready to dive in





Is there anything else that you would like to share?

I wouldn’t be able to do what I’m doing today without my amazingly understanding husband. I was lucky that he grew up with the mom that he had who was very into the arts, crafts and quilting world as well (she’s who taught me how to quilt the proper way…). He spent many late nights cutting out wood shapes for the classes his mom would be teaching in the days to come. My husband doesn’t question when I come home with bags full of supplies or boxes full of fabric arrive in the mail day after day. I’m grateful for his support and encouragement.