These are a few of my favorite things...

a) Saving lives during the day, and creating during the evenings, EMT Sweeetie makes intricate, yet delicate greeting cards.

b)Sadly, there aren't many items on the "Lucky Little Dot" page. But what does have are really cute. I can't wait to see the rest of her collection!

c) I can't say much about the amazing work of Sarah Jane that most of you wouldn't already know. Just when you think she's make the sweetest little print you've ever scene, a few days later, there's another on her site that takes your breath away.

d) Lindsay from "dot dot dot"makes really cute cards, wall hangings and wreaths. I was captivated by her sweet style last year, and have been intrigued since.

e) Holly from "Gollybard" makes really unique prints. Make sure to also check out her other shop too called "The Beehive Press".

f) I am a sucker for color. And these awesomely colorful bags and wallets from Lusitania were lovely for the eyes.

Paper-tabulos!!!

Ohh...how i have a weakness for paper goodies. But, when they are handmade paper products? Well, now there's my kryptonite. Asa has a BRILLIANT shoppe called Inky Livie. She has a wonderful drawing style and can create cards in so many different genres.



How long have you been crafting?

I have been drawing all my life, and have always loved putting my hands to work on paper. The very first invites I made though, were for my best friend's 18th birthday-- if I remember right, I handmade about 50-60 invites, all individually (and painstakingly)handcut, handdrawn and handwritten! Needless to say, I loved it :)





Did you always craft in this genre?

Yes. I love paper. Although many, many times I find myself wishing I knew how to sew or knit or crochet.



Who or what inspires you?

You will see a lot of artist's bios say that everything that surrounds them inspires them, and cliche as it may sound, it's true. Once you are in this world of art and craft, you cannot help but look around you with an artist's or designer's eye. I am inspired by the various forms of art-- from architecture to music to fashion design , and at the same time, by the everyday things that surround me.





What challenges have you found while taking your craft into the business world?

I think that the biggest challenge, as with any parent, has been trying to keep a balance between my homelife and my work. I am a full-time mom first, a businesswoman second. It was critical for me to create a work schedule for myself that will not take away from my taking care of my children (Inow do all my work at night starting at 8pm-- my kids' bedtime). It is especially difficult when you are running a business from home, because it is so easy to switch into "work" mode by stepping into my studio, or sitting in fornt of my computer. I am getting better, though, at NOT working during the weekends that I am just home :) And I am lucky because I have had the support of my husband ever since I started my shop-- i.e., he puts the kids to bed as I start my "workday", or rather, "worknight".



Although, i do think Asa has gorgeous images of her work, these small sizes don't do her justice. Head over to her Etsy account to really see her beautiful work! :)

Art by an Inspiration.

Naomi has a shoppe easily remembered as Art By Naomi. When i 1st saw Naomi's posie paper clips i was immediately excited. BUT when i saw all of the other amazing things she created, i knew i had to message her. Naomi is such an inspiration! All of her work has such great flair, and admire how many genres of art she creates in.




1) How long have you been crafting?

I can't really remember a time when I wasn't making or creating. As a child I loved paint, paper, glue and the snip, snip sound of scissors cutting paper. Both my mother and father were creative folks so our home was a very stimulating and nurturing environment to grow up in. I especially loved making my own paper dolls from the sears catalog. My creations were really quite organic, I'd cut out the models glue them to cardboard and create lovely crayon fashons for them.



2) Did you always craft in this genre?

I firmly believe that one genre very often leads to another so no I didn't always incorporate collage elements in my art, I started out as a painter and loved creating greeting cards. Collage and mixed media just naturally evolved from card making. It's only been the last five years that collage has been a major focus and outlet for me. I still love to paint and haven't put my paint brushes away yet.




3) Who or what inspires you?

Well the list could go on and on when it comes to inspiration. When it hits you it's more of a spontneous coming together then a well thought out formula or method, at least that's been my experience. It could be anything from the color and shape of a pear to the bigness of the sky or the smallness of a dew drop. Inspriation for me is usually made up of the things I love, am drawn to and curious about, color and texture play a huge part in that mix.



4) What challenges have you found while taking your craft into the business world?

Of course the biggest challenge at the start is believing in yourself and your product. It's been my experience that we tend to rely heavily on human approval. This is not bad or good, it's just a learning and growing phase of our creative development. Any serious artist tho, has to grow from this place to finding their own voice, trusting it and being satisfied with their own approval which includes giving oneself permission to fail.
The next challenge for me was in the area of pricing, not getting to caught up in the dollar value of my art but also not degrading it by underpricing myself. There's definately a huge learning curve in staying passionate about the art without seeing it merely as a product or a means for profit.



So, go up to the links above and check out her work. She makes even more goodies of all kinds on her etsy. Check um out! :)