6.18.2010

Feature Friday - Miss Daisy W


Today we feature paperarts and an interview with Gail Walker from Miss Daisy W (Creative Expressions).

How did you first hear about Etsy?

I first heard about Etsy when I was looking for a place to sell my handpainted items. I was a power seller on ebay for items which I purchased and resold but didn't like that venue for my handcrafted/handpainted items. I just started searching on google for a place to sell. Etsy seemed like a great place to be and I was right! Etsy is a fun place to buy and sell.


Tell us about a little about yourself and your favorite craft/art!

I am married with two grown daughters, the youngest just finished her first year of college. I am retired after having a daycare in my home for 22 years.

I love to paint! I have painted on everything from tissue boxes to vintage windows. My favorite painting is a beach scene. It is a very simple little painting; but it was definitely one of my "bucket list" things to do! I sat on the beach right after the sun came up and painted for hours! It was so peaceful.

I sell celebration banners on Etsy and I am having a blast doing it! Each banner is like I am celebrating life - birth of a baby, birthday, anniversaries. I love it when people write me after the party and tell me what a great time they had and how much everyone enjoyed the banner. Each banner is custom made, so each one is just a little bit different, which feeds my creative side.

During the Christmas season I sell handpainted ornaments which can be personalized. The ornaments are either wood or glass.


How did you get started as a designer or creating art/crafts?

I have been interested in crafts and painting since I was a child. I really got the bug when I was put in charge of our church's annual craft sale. I learned a lot that year about different crafts. That was when my oldest child was young. I put my creativity on hold for many years while I was raising my children, but now I am back!

What inspires you to create?

It comes from within. I feel driven to paint or create something almost everyday. When I don't create after a few days I start to feel empty inside.

How long have you been a member of Bluegrass Etsy and how did you hear about the team?

I was playing around on Etsy to see what was going on in the Etsy community and found the teams. The Bluegrass team sounded like the place for me! I have been a member for almost a year, but really just started being more involved in the last few months.

What is your favorite part about being on an Etsy team?

It's fun to be around people who are creative. I like to see what others are doing and get advice from them on how to make my shop better.

Any advice you would give to aspiring designers?

Don't give up! Be true to yourself and your work. If you like it, someone else is sure to like it too.


Anything else you would like to add?

I enjoy being a seller on Etsy and I am glad I joined the team! The team meetings are fun and informative. I like that the meetings are really more like getting together with friends and not formal and boring. I have only made it to two meetings but have really learned a lot both times and had a great time!

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Thanks for the interview Gail and we are so glad to have you on the team!

If you would like to be featured in an upcoming "Feature Friday" let us know in a comment below.

6.13.2010

Bluegrass Etsy at Craft Fair in Shelbyville

Several Bluegrass Etsy team members recently set up at the Celebrating Life Through Art Craft Fair in Shelbyville, KY. Although it was hot, team members promoted their work, enjoyed the live music and enjoyed spending the day with other team members.

Metalsmithing artist Carolyn Mallin of Fanciful Expressions.



Handcrafted clutch purses & accessories from Toni Johnson of Vernon Ave.

Creative Eye Studio booth featuring jewelry and greeting cards.


Incredible beadweaving creations by Joey and Kelly Graves of Whimsy Beading.

Team members, show us your craft fair pictures! We'd like to see what everyone is doing this summer! Send them to Kim for a future blog post. Or leave a comment if you would like to be in an upcoming post.

6.01.2010

Marching Ants Gardeners Apron Giveaway!

Our June giveaway is created and donated by Robin Wood of FacesAreFunny. Robin has screenprinted a cute apron that reminds us of summer picnics!

This little apron is the perfect size for your pruners, scissors and some twine plus your cell phone. I hand screen printed a small army of ants with black, water-based textile ink. It is machine washable in cold water and you know you'll get it dirty. I'd hang this to dry but it can be thrown in a regular dryer.


You certainly don't have to use it for gardening, it could also work at a craft fair for holding change, it could be used to hold your clothespins while you're hanging the wash out to dry in the summer sun or just wear it as a fashion statement.

One size fits most. Valued at $11.


Here are the ways to enter:

1. Visit the FacesAreFunny etsy shop and leave a comment here about any of the items in Robin's shop. Or tell us something you would like to see Robin create.

2. Follow the Bluegrass etsy team blog if you are not already a follower. Let us know you are following by commenting below. (one chance to win)

3. Subscribe to the Bluegrass etsy emails from this blog if you are not already a subscriber. Let us know you have subscribed in a comment below. (one chance to win)

4. Post about this contest on your own blog and leave us the link below for your blog. (one chance to win)

5. Tweet about this contest from your twitter account and leave us your twitter name. (one chance to win)

6. Make a purchase from FacesAreFunny for 3 chances to win. List the transaction ID in three separate comments below.


Our contest ends on June 30 so hurry and get entered!