Yaroslav and Natalka make amazing Jewelry and accessories with real circuit boards, motherboards, memory cards, processors, CPU etc. You do not need to be a geek to wear some of their designs…
Here are couple of their pieces to stir your interest:
This is a blog about creative fashion, art, interior, graphics, and handmade products. Zoica Matei and Susan Newberry share their tips, experiences, and invite you to join the conversation. There are DIY projects, pictures of handmade art, and links to shops.
Friday, August 22, 2014
Remembrance of Summer: Ice Cream
Welcome to this week’s Friday Finds! The theme was “ We Love Ice cream” and we selected a lovely pastel themed treasury curated by Yaroslav and Natalka Pavlysh from ReComputing. Their treasury is called Ice-Cream and is a soft remembrance of the summer passing…
Yaroslav and Natalka make amazing Jewelry and accessories with real circuit boards, motherboards, memory cards, processors, CPU etc. You do not need to be a geek to wear some of their designs…
Here are couple of their pieces to stir your interest:
We hope you have enjoyed this edition of Friday Finds. Next week’s treasury theme is “Autumn Gold”. If you have a treasury you would like to submit, just send me or Susan a link via Etsy convo by Thursday afternoon and we will take a look. Remember, if your treasury is featured, we will feature an item from your shop.
Thanks for stopping by!
Until next time…
Zoica
Yaroslav and Natalka make amazing Jewelry and accessories with real circuit boards, motherboards, memory cards, processors, CPU etc. You do not need to be a geek to wear some of their designs…
Here are couple of their pieces to stir your interest:
Monday, August 18, 2014
Artist Spotlight - Coco and James
Welcome to this week's edition of Artist Spotlight. This week our spotlight is on Etsy artists Coco and James. Here are some of Coco & James wonderful prints.
Tell us a little about yourself and your creative business.
Coco & James was created after our daughter, Kate, was born. We couldn't find the right wall prints for her nursery, so we decided to design them ourselves. Voila, a business is born! My husband and I design the prints together, always looking for inspiration all around us for new ideas. He's the really pro in graphic design, so I leave the technical aspects to him but I'm very opinionated about our designs and our approach to nursery art. My husband also works a full-time job in business strategy and I work part-time as a family nurse practitioner. We are busy!
Where do you get your inspiration?
We love taking colors from nature and turning up the volume. We also take inspiration from media, movies, books . . . we love art, culture, cinema, theater, so all of that plays into our designs. Inspiration is everywhere, and we often complain that we have too many ideas and not enough time!
What has been your biggest successful moment so far?
Our biggest success so far was hitting the milestone of selling at least one print per day. That was a big moment for our little shop, and now it's really taking off!
What challenges do you face selling online?
Selling online can be challenging because people can't meet you, see your passion for your work, or see how eager we are to share our work with others! We love doing custom work and designs to give someone just the right, special thing for their home. We try hard to express our personalities online, but this can be difficult.
What advice would you give someone just starting out on Etsy?
Tell us a little about yourself and your creative business.
Coco & James was created after our daughter, Kate, was born. We couldn't find the right wall prints for her nursery, so we decided to design them ourselves. Voila, a business is born! My husband and I design the prints together, always looking for inspiration all around us for new ideas. He's the really pro in graphic design, so I leave the technical aspects to him but I'm very opinionated about our designs and our approach to nursery art. My husband also works a full-time job in business strategy and I work part-time as a family nurse practitioner. We are busy!
Where do you get your inspiration?
We love taking colors from nature and turning up the volume. We also take inspiration from media, movies, books . . . we love art, culture, cinema, theater, so all of that plays into our designs. Inspiration is everywhere, and we often complain that we have too many ideas and not enough time!
What has been your biggest successful moment so far?
Our biggest success so far was hitting the milestone of selling at least one print per day. That was a big moment for our little shop, and now it's really taking off!
What challenges do you face selling online?
Selling online can be challenging because people can't meet you, see your passion for your work, or see how eager we are to share our work with others! We love doing custom work and designs to give someone just the right, special thing for their home. We try hard to express our personalities online, but this can be difficult.
What advice would you give someone just starting out on Etsy?
For someone just starting Etsy, I would say you need to understand some basics about SEO (search engine optimization), as well as being prepared to spend a lot of time working on your business. Join Etsy teams, and be involved in the Etsy community. It's time consuming, but hugely rewarding!
Thanks Jennifer for sharing your story and your beautiful nursery prints with us. Want to see more of Coco and James?
Next week we'll select another Etsy artist to spotlight. If you are interested please contact Zoica or myself via Etsy convo.
Thanks for stopping by...
Until next time,
Friday, August 15, 2014
Friday Finds- End of Summer
Welcome to this week’s Friday Finds! The theme was “End of Summer” and we selected a treasury curated by Stephani G Miller from TiStephani. Her treasury is called “Keeping Summer” and she has compiled some ways to keep memories of summer alive and fresh in your mind, heart and home.
Stephani makes crochet, knit and fabric accessories that are unique, fresh and fun.
Here is one of her handmade designs:
We hope you have enjoyed this edition of Friday Finds. Since we are close to end of summer, but not ready to let go to all fun that comes with it, nest week’s treasury is called “ We Love Ice Cream”. If you have a treasury you would like to submit, just send me or Susan a link via Etsy convo by Thursday afternoon and we will take a look. Remember, if your treasury is featured, we will feature an item from your shop.
Thanks for stopping by!
Until next time…
Zoica
Stephani makes crochet, knit and fabric accessories that are unique, fresh and fun.
Here is one of her handmade designs:
Monday, August 11, 2014
Artist Spotlight Designs by DME
Welcome to this week's edition of Artist Spotlight. Our artist this week is Donna Marie of Designs by DME. Donna Marie creates beautiful wedding bouquets.
Tell us a little about yourself and your creative business.
My name is Donna Marie. I've been a floral artist/designer for 30+ years. I design and make custom artificial wedding bouquets, corsages and many other floral items. I love to work close together with people and make something special for them.
How did you get your start?
I started out with painting and sculpting as a student and took many classes at the Institute Of Art in Cleveland. I then worked at a flower shop and discovered that I could paint with flowers. I took my career to the top and traveled around the United States learning from the best designers and then traveled and taught floral design for many years. I have worked for many floral shops over the years and here I am 30 years later with my very own Etsy Shop. I also work at a local florist part time. I still love my job!
I started out with painting and sculpting as a student and took many classes at the Institute Of Art in Cleveland. I then worked at a flower shop and discovered that I could paint with flowers. I took my career to the top and traveled around the United States learning from the best designers and then traveled and taught floral design for many years. I have worked for many floral shops over the years and here I am 30 years later with my very own Etsy Shop. I also work at a local florist part time. I still love my job!
Where do you get your inspiration?
I have always been inspired by being unique. I love all different textures, colors, shapes and materials. Art is amazing!
What has been your biggest successful moment so far?
I would have to say that joining teams and social media has made my shop a success.
I have always been inspired by being unique. I love all different textures, colors, shapes and materials. Art is amazing!
What has been your biggest successful moment so far?
I would have to say that joining teams and social media has made my shop a success.
Where do you get your inspiration?
I have always been inspired by being unique. I love all different textures, colors, shapes and materials. Art is amazing!
What has been your biggest successful moment so far?
I would have to say that joining teams and social media has made my shop a success. In addition, I won designer of the year for the state of Ohio in 1990 and I won third place in a world wide contest for FTD magazine. I was thrilled to be featured in their magazine. I'm also honored to be a member of The American Institute of Floral Designers since 1990.
I have always been inspired by being unique. I love all different textures, colors, shapes and materials. Art is amazing!
What has been your biggest successful moment so far?
I would have to say that joining teams and social media has made my shop a success. In addition, I won designer of the year for the state of Ohio in 1990 and I won third place in a world wide contest for FTD magazine. I was thrilled to be featured in their magazine. I'm also honored to be a member of The American Institute of Floral Designers since 1990.
What challenges do you face selling online?
Learning how to use my computer more creative. I can't believe how much I have learned in a short time so far. But everyday there seems to be something new to learn.
What advice would you give someone just starting out on Etsy?
Believe in yourself and don't give up! Put your heart and soul into it. You have a talent and the world needs to see it. Ask questions so you can learn and join teams on Etsy. I have made some amazing friends on Etsy. Promote yourself all the time.
Want to see more of Donna Marie?
Thanks Donna Marie for sharing your story and your beautiful bouquets with us. Next week we'll select another Etsy artist to spotlight. If you are interested please contact Zoica or myself via Etsy convo.
Thanks for stopping by...
Until next time,
Friday, August 8, 2014
Friday Finds Fun Lunch Boxes and More!
Welcome to this week’s Friday Finds! The theme was “School Fun” and we selected a treasury full of beautiful lunch items curated by Kari from MaravillosaJewelry.
Kari and her team design unique jewelry with a touch of unexpected. We picked one from many. Check out her shop for many more interesting pieces.
Here is her design:
We hope you have enjoyed this edition of Friday Finds. Next week's theme will be “End of Summer”. If you have a treasury you would like to submit, just send me or Susan a link via Etsy convo by Thursday afternoon and we will take a look. Remember, if your treasury is featured, we will feature an item from your shop.
Thanks for stopping by!
Until next time…
Zoica
Kari and her team design unique jewelry with a touch of unexpected. We picked one from many. Check out her shop for many more interesting pieces.
Here is her design:
Monday, August 4, 2014
Artist Spotlight - Art by Julene
Happy Monday! Welcome to another edition of Artist Spotlight. This week's artist is Julene from Art by Julene. Julene is from Arkansas and her shop is full of beautiful prints and original pastels. Here is one of Julene's beautiful items:
Tell us a little about yourself and your creative business.
I have been a professional full time artist since 2001. I specialize in the pastel medium, but do branch out into watercolor, and occasional acrylics. I love doing pet portraits, and have done quite a few of them! I love spending time in my studio that I have set up in my home; it's my sanctuary. With a little good music I can spend hours in there. Art is such an amazing thing. I love when my art touches someone in some way. I especially loving the reaction of people who have their pets painted, especially those that have passed. It's such a great remembrance of their family member. That gives me great satisfaction and is very rewarding. I also love that art, and I love all art, brings beauty and joy into someone's home. I also enjoy doing art festivals where I can meet my customers face to face. I do several a year.
I started painting around 5 with lessons from my mom who was an artist and my great grandmother. They both painted in pastel. I have a pastel painting that my great grandmother did of El Capitan in Yosemite National Park, probably painted in the 1920's. It's in the original frame and is still beautiful. I went into graphic arts after high school and stayed in that field for 20 years or so. I loved graphics and design work, as it was a way to make a steady paycheck and be somewhat artistic at the same time. I also feel my years in the graphic arts helped me with my fine art. I decided in 2001 to see if I could make a living off my art and it has amazed me I have done so well! I made the decision to treat my art as a business from the beginning and that has made me stay focused on the business aspect of my art, which takes about as much time as painting, and really just as important.
Where do you get your inspiration?
Spending time observing the art made by others, whether it's in an art book (which I have many), or going to art shows, or browsing the art on line. Etsy has some amazing artists that have shops from all over the world.
What has been your biggest successful moment so far?
Tell us a little about yourself and your creative business.
I have been a professional full time artist since 2001. I specialize in the pastel medium, but do branch out into watercolor, and occasional acrylics. I love doing pet portraits, and have done quite a few of them! I love spending time in my studio that I have set up in my home; it's my sanctuary. With a little good music I can spend hours in there. Art is such an amazing thing. I love when my art touches someone in some way. I especially loving the reaction of people who have their pets painted, especially those that have passed. It's such a great remembrance of their family member. That gives me great satisfaction and is very rewarding. I also love that art, and I love all art, brings beauty and joy into someone's home. I also enjoy doing art festivals where I can meet my customers face to face. I do several a year.
How did you get your start?
I started painting around 5 with lessons from my mom who was an artist and my great grandmother. They both painted in pastel. I have a pastel painting that my great grandmother did of El Capitan in Yosemite National Park, probably painted in the 1920's. It's in the original frame and is still beautiful. I went into graphic arts after high school and stayed in that field for 20 years or so. I loved graphics and design work, as it was a way to make a steady paycheck and be somewhat artistic at the same time. I also feel my years in the graphic arts helped me with my fine art. I decided in 2001 to see if I could make a living off my art and it has amazed me I have done so well! I made the decision to treat my art as a business from the beginning and that has made me stay focused on the business aspect of my art, which takes about as much time as painting, and really just as important.
Where do you get your inspiration?
Spending time observing the art made by others, whether it's in an art book (which I have many), or going to art shows, or browsing the art on line. Etsy has some amazing artists that have shops from all over the world.
What has been your biggest successful moment so far?
I've had several:
- The award I won in the Pastel Journal Magazine art competition in the Still Life and Floral category, and some of the Best in Show awards in different art competitions.
- The article the Pastel Journal wrote about my art.
- Getting my signature status with the Pastel Society of America, which is difficult to do.
What challenges do you face selling online?
Time mostly, of promoting my shop, and keeping my shop fresh.
What advice would you give someone just starting out on Etsy?
Find some good teams to be associated with, I learned so much from some of the veteran Etsy shops and have made on line friends from people all over the world, which is so awesome. Spend time with the look of your shop, get active supporting others, whether it's making treasuries, or favoriting other's work, and you will usually be reciprocated. The more your product is out there and visable, the chances are you will be getting sales. Also, photograpy is so very important. Unfortunately, I have seen ; light or white shows off your product better. Also, don't give up. It took me awhile to start making somewhat steady sales, and I do have slow periods, as I know everyone does.
Thank you Julene for sharing your story and some of your beautiful artwork with us. If you would like to see more of Julene's work:
Next week we'll share another Etsy artist. If you'd like to be considered, please drop Zoica or myself a note via Etsy convo.
Until next time...
Thanks for stopping by,
Friday, August 1, 2014
Friday Finds Ride a Bike
Welcome to this week’s Friday Finds! The theme was “Ride a Bike” and we selected a creative collection curated by Art.Work from DeraTrustShop. She makes jewelry using different materials like beads and lace. Here is one of her colorful tribal handcuffs:
Zoica
Here is the treasury called "Ride a Bike". Enjoy!
Zoica
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