Artist Spotlight - Shulamit Raanan

Welcome to another edition of Artist Spotlight.  This week's aretist is Shulamit Raanan.  Shulamit lives in Israel.  Her shop is called Shuli Designs.  Shulamit makes uniques handmade beads, artistic gifts, home décor, accessories, and jewelry using polymer clay.  Here is one of shulamit's beautiful items.

Handmade lovebirds

Tell us a little about yourself and your creative business.

I live in a small country community named Timrat in the lower Galilee in Israel with my husband and three wonderful kids.

I am a creative artist in nature since I can remember myself in the fields of painting, ceramics, paper works and graphic design. In the last few years I am fascinated with Polymer clay endless options to combine colors, shapes, designs and products using mainly the Millefiori technique that combines different surface textures. You might say I'm addicted.

I teach Art and Technology. I have a B.ed degree in Technology, Drama and Art and a Master's degree in Humanities.

I have an Etsy shop in which I display a variety of my original designs, products and supplies. Among them you can find Wall décor (love birds, owls, HAMSAs…), unique colorful spinning tops, rich variety of beads and more…

Spinning Top

How did you get your start?

For many years I had been working with materials as an art teacher and always had the urge to prove to myself that I can promote my artistic ideas and capabilities to a professional and commercial level.

Where do you get your inspiration?

Living along the Mediterranean Sea and especially in the Middle East is very inspiring.

The colors of the sun and the sea, the green of the mountains and valleys alongside the yellow desert, the taste of wine, the smell of local spices, the cultural variation and the rich history of the region are all rooted in me.

Since I remember myself, I was inspired by our beautiful nature. I always had the passion to create with my hands and to experiment different crafts and materials. I am very optimistic by nature - That's why I have chosen to concentrate in Polymer clay designs which allow endless colors and shape combinations.

Black and White Flower Necklace

What has been your biggest successful moment so far?

 I have many big moments when I sale internationally on Etsy. I have customers all over the world most of them from the USA and Israel. My favorite customers are the returning customers that are happy with what they got and come back again to buy another piece. These customers give me a good feeling about myself and my art. Usually they feedback and tell me about the complements they get when wearing my necklaces, earrings and so on.  

What challenges do you face selling online?

Marketing and maintaining my business is the most difficult part of my work. It consumes a lot of time at the expanse of creating new designs. Promoting my designs in the social networks and on line requires time in front of the computer and in photographing and editing it for the media. 

ElegantBrooch

What advice would you give someone just starting out on Etsy?

My best advice is persistence and consistency together with renewing the sources of inspiration from different art fields. To learn from one own mistakes which may lead to new ideas.  Never give up when things get tough and frustrating and believe in yourself. 

Blackand White Elegant Necklace

Thank you Shulamit for sharing your story with us today.  Want to see more of Shulamit?  You can visit Shulamit here:

Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/ShuliDesigns

Pinterest:
http://pinterest.com/shulidesigns/

Wanelo:

http://wanelo.com/shuliraanan

Twitter:

https://twitter.com/ShuliDesigns

Well that wraps up another edition of Artist Spotlight.  We try and run this column every Monday and we’re always looking for artists to spotlight.  So if you are interested or know someone that we’d enjoy reading about please pass on the information.

Thanks for stopping by,

Until next time…

Friday Finds- All About Cooking

Welcome to this week’s Friday’s Finds! We had a fun theme for the treasury called “All About Cooking”. Today’s kitchen is the heart of a home and this treasury should inspire you to cook or to decorate, or both… The items were curated by Daniela Garofalo who sells fashion handbags and clutches handmade in Italy with re-purposed leather, recycled rubber, and natural stones. Here is one of her bags:
                                                                     Red Women's Handbag

'C o o k i n g A r o u n d ' by DGhandmade

Engraved cutting bo... MilkandHoneyL... $25	Grill glove an pot ... lalunadianna $10	NEW Flamin' Hot... CraigsMarket $15.95	Vintage Stube Kitch... FORGETheFUTUR... $21.45
Little Chef, Culina... AnnieGees $2.5	Happy acorn, wooden... violinoviola $5	Vintage 60s White A... WitchOfVintag... $25	crochet pot holder ... vumap $6
Lemon n. 2 - Origin... BarraganPaint... $55	Chef Hat Mustache A... DChaseDesigns $2.5	Kitchen Art Fork Sp... TimberArtSign... $29.99	Cooking/Grilling Ap... YellowBugBout... $27
TREASURY LIST - Ver... LaCroixRosion $35	Pastel macarons gal... Inmyc $23	Vintage kitchen whi... Andolinaswish... $39	Wall wine rack ChipsOfFantas... $35

Treasury tool by StylishHome.

Next week’s theme is “Love Is In The Air”.” You are more than welcome to submit a treasury and if your treasury is selected we will feature an item from your shop. Just convo Susan or myself. We’ll let you know if your treasury is selected. Also feel free to pin any of the items on our blog and follow our blog with bloglovin’.
 Thanks for stopping by!
 Until next time…
Zoica

Artist Spotlight - Cindy Brockway

Welcome to another edition of Artist Spotlight. This week’s artist is Cindy Brockway.  Her shop is called Pine Branch Designs.  Cindy’s designs include Magnetic Therapy, Nature Inspired Decor, Soap Dishes.  Here is one of Cindy’s beautiful items:

Black Hematite Magnetic Therapy Bracelet

Tell us a little about yourself and your creative business

After more than 20 years in the classroom, I still love working with children every day! My students (most with moderate to significant disabilities) motivate me to embrace life's little treasures! In this quest, I have cultivated my creative side and defined my personal goals as an artisan and entrepreneur! I am growing an online business and am very active in our local Outdoor Market as well as area Art Shows, where handmade & homegrown supports old friends and forges new relationships!

 

Turquoise Copper Carved Bone Earrings

How did you get your start?

In an effort to design effective and fashionable therapy jewelry for my mom (who suffers from rheumatoid arthritis), I began researching the concept of magnetic energy. This research led me to conceptualize a line of Triple Power Magnetic Jewelry with a "twist"! My pieces are unique and engaging with designs ranging from bold and sophisticated to classic and simple.

DIY 25 3-3.5" Reclaimed Branch Slices

Where do you get your inspiration?

My professional inspiration comes from the overwhelming response I get from customers regarding my jewelry. They are intrigued by the concept of using magnetic energy to address health issues! Additionally, they swoon over the beauty and strength of each piece. Who wouldn't be inspired to keep going?

My personal inspiration comes in small, simple things~ a quiet walk, an exciting "teachable moment" in my classroom, a phrase from God's Word!

Matte Black Onyx Earrings

What has been your biggest successful moment so far?

My success is more formative in nature. Each customer who shares their story regarding the relief they experience from wearing my therapy jewelry reinforces and energizes my passion for creating each piece!

What challenges do you face selling online?

With the help of some key professional colleagues, I am realizing that getting found online requires efficient "branding" for your business, an extensive marketing plan, and LOADS of time!

One LARGE Cedar Natural Wood Spa Soap Deck 4 X 8

What advice would you give someone just starting out on Etsy?

Reach Out!!! In my personal experience, Etsy is a marketplace where networking, collaborating, and offering support to other artisans is paramount to successful!

I love making Etsy TREASURIES, sharing other shops on PINTEREST, and utilizing social media!

Here are some links related to Cindy's shop:
My newsletter!
tinyletter.com/Pine-branch-designs
My FB!
www.facebook.com/PineBranchDesigns
My Pinterest!
www.pinterest.com/pineb/

 

Natural Wood Hand-stamped Woodland Branch Mason Jar Gift Tags

Thank  you Cindy for sharing your interesting story with us.  It's always great to learn how others got their start and what inspires them, don't you think?

that wraps up another edition of Artist Spotlight.  We try and run this column every Monday and we’re always looking for artists to spotlight.  So if you are interested or know someone that we’d enjoy reading about please pass on the information.

Thanks for stopping by,

Until next time…

Friday Finds A Happy New Year

Welcome to this week’s Friday’s Finds! This week's theme is “ A Happy New Year”. Our featured Etsy treasury  is full of bright colors and was curated by Lutita who has an unique shop that bares the same name. Here is one of her beautiful bead embroidered jewelry pieces:
                                                        Statement Beadwork Embriodered Pendant

'Bright and Happy New Year!' by lutita

silk scarf color ... HelenaArtSilk $40	Coin Purse - Tribal... sewandtellhan... $14	Vintage Blouse, alf... RedefiningSas... $15	Polymer Clay beads ... ShuliDesigns $10
Striped bunny HandmadebyFie... $15	Leather Rose Brooch... maycily $20	Large Contemporary ... DLaurasArt $149	Wall clock orange p... ArtisEverythi... $49
Dachshund acasadoguaxin... $12	MOON - Not Seen Thi... PixelGallery $25	Pinocchio boy - toy... atVintage $22	vintage metal tin c... gennamaria $50
Varnish red shoes Vandoma $40	Cat, Christmas, Wi... 8daysOfTreasu... $10	Women's handmad... DGhandmade $42.7	Geometrical Print P... MyDreamHome $18

Treasury tool by StylishHome.

Next week’s theme is “All about cooking.” You are more than welcome to submit a treasury and if your treasury is selected we will feature an item from your shop. Just convo Susan or myself through Etsy shop. We’ll let you know if your treasury is selected. Also feel free to pin any of the items on our blog and follow our blog with bloglovin’. Thanks for stopping by. Until next time…

 Zoica

Artist Spotlight - Diane Babin of Cruisin' Creations

Welcome to another edition of Artist Spotlight. This week’s artist is Diane Babin  and her shop is called Cruisin’ Creations! Here is one of Diane’s beautiful items:

Jewel Beaded Scarf

Tell us a little about yourself and your creative business

Crafting began at a very young age as my mother, grandmother, and aunt taught me how to sew, knit, crochet, and embroider. I was drawn to all of it immediately and over the years honed skills in the crafts that I enjoyed the most. At the age of 9 my mother enrolled me in a 4-H club. While not the most popular club to belong to at the time I thoroughly enjoyed it and believe it had a lot to do in forming me into the person I am today. I also taught myself other crafts that interested me. Some people are simply born with the talent to create in different ways. I believe I am one of those people.

What I enjoy most about crafting and working with my hands is being able to see what I have accomplished in a given period of time. It is so rewarding to visualize the amount that has been completed in a project.

My career has been varied. I have been a teacher, interior decorator, business owner, clothing designer, and tailor. In 2012, as retirement from teaching was approaching within the next year, I realized that it was time to find another avenue for my creativity and my Etsy shop, Cruisin’ Creations, was born!

Blue Beaded Knitted Nylon Waterfall Scarf

How did you get your start?

In October, 2011 a friend told me about a new craft called loom knitting. After much discussion I realized that this wasn’t new at all but a variation on a craft I was doing at the age of 4. I purchased a set of looms and began knitting hats and scarves which I donated to various local charities. I loved the speed with which I could complete these simple items and the ease in working with the looms.
A couple of months later a colleague showed me a beautiful wool scarf she had knitted with seed pearls on the ends. That got me thinking about adding beads to the yarn I was working with.

After much experimentation with beads and yarns I began creating the traditional, infinity, and short beaded nylon scarves that are found in my shop. Adding the beads slowed down production time, but added so much to the design that I had to keep making them. Realizing that the cost of the scarves would be prohibitive for some and that a scarf is not always the right accessory, I began designing a line of necklaces and bracelets which are very popular.

Vibrant Rainbow Acrylic Beaded Winter Scarf

I’ve always had a desire to be a business owner. It seems to be in my blood. I don’t know where it came from because no one in my family while I was growing up had owned a business. I think I just love the challenge of growing a business and thrive on the thrill of it all.

When I started creating these beaded scarves I wasn’t sure where I was going to sell them until another friend showed me the Etsy shop of a former colleague. I was immediately drawn to Etsy and all that it offers and after some research opened my shop in April, 2012. Soon after opening Cruisin’ Creations on Etsy I began participating in craft shows which are where a bulk of my sales come from.
So, while all of this was developing I realized that I had to come up with a catchy name. After much discussion, my husband and I decided to combine two things that I love to do – go on cruises and creating; hence, Cruisin’ Creations!

 

 

Fiesta Rainbow Beaded Scarf

Where do you get your inspiration?

My inspiration for my creations comes from nature, observing people, fulfilling needs and wants. Some of my designs have come from my interpretations of ideas from friends and relatives. These “designers” are always rewarded for their help with one of the originals!

What has been your biggest successful moment so far?

 

Beating 2012’s sales by four times in 2013! This was accomplished through Etsy and local shows that I participated in. While we always want to make more, if I can continue this trend I will be very satisfied with the success of Cruisin’ Creations.

 

Pink Nylon Beaded Scarf

What challenges do you face selling online?

Being discovered. Marketing. The economy.

There are so many talented artists online today and so much competition on Etsy that sales seem to be an exception rather than the norm. I spend a lot of time promoting Cruisin’ Creations by developing treasuries, posting on team pages, posting on facebook, pinning items, etc. Marketing seems to take a major portion of my day leaving little time to create. This can be frustrating but is necessary for business success.

 

Black and Gold Beaded Chunky Stack Bracelet

 

What advice would you give someone just starting out on Etsy?

Find a way to set yourself apart. Develop your own brand. Create something different from what is already out there. Take clear photos and provide detailed descriptions of your items. Find other outlets for selling your product because, at least in the beginning, Etsy is not going to pay the bills. Good luck!

 

Thank you Diane for sharing your interesting story with us! 

 

Well that wraps up another edition of Artist Spotlight.  We try and run this column every Monday and we’re always looking for artists to spotlight.  So if you are interested or know someone that we would enjoy reading about please pass on the information.

Thanks for stopping by,

Until next time…