Local Featured Seller: Sookiedog

Who are you? I'm Jenny Lewis with etsy shop: Sookiedog

Where are you located?  Holly Springs, North Carolina

What do you create?  mainly vinyl cut decals designs, or something dog related.

What is your favorite place to visit in the "triangle"?  farmers markets, thrift stores for ideas, supplies... The Scrap Exchange in Durham is wonderful place for crafters.

Treat Jar Canister

When did you start creating?  I started crafting a few years ago, the more I do, the more I'd like to learn.

Why did you choose your shop name?  Got my store name from my dog, Sookie. She is my little helper, always happy, I'd be lost without her.

What inspires you? My inspiration is usually dog/pet related, or something I've seen at a store that gives me an idea for something.

Dogs are family vinyl wall decal

 What are your goals?  My goal is to craft and learn more, to increase revenues, and therefore increase donations to pet rescues,charities. I've volunteered years ago at rescues and would like to find time to volunteer again.

  What do you do when you are not creating?  When I'm not creating I enjoy, Pinterest, watching favorite shows, or movies, sitting outside reading with pets close by.

Big Brother Dog Lover's Shirt

After you've found the super cute doggie related items in Sookiedog on etsy, you can also follow Sookiedog on twitter!

Handmade Happenings, October 26-28, 2012

Soft Hand-Knit Pumpkin Hat
by Poppy & Purl

The weekend before Halloween offers some Spooktacular events in Raleigh, plus family-friendly fall fun in surrounding communities! Local creative talent is on display in a variety of settings - See you there!

Friday, October 26 
Fall Extravaganza Craft & Vendor Fair - Wake Forest 
Items will include candles, toys, jewelry, cookware, and hand-crafted gifts!
Where: Bartham Place Clubhouse, Bartham Hollow Drive, Wake Forest, NC 27587
When: 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Artists to visit: Tracey Gurley Bath & Body, Poppy & Purl, A Stitch Niche
More info: http://barhamplace.com/events.asp

Saturday, October 27
Galleria Craft Fair - Raleigh
Handmade art, crafts and vendor items of every variety, hosted by St. Raphael Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus.
Where: 5801 Falls of Neuse Road, Raleigh, NC 27609 
When: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Artist to visit: Bordeaux Lane Studio
More info: http://galleriacraftfair.com
 
Hollyfest - Holly Springs
The Town of Holly Springs joins with local organizations and businesses to present this annual community celebration. Includes: Arts & Crafts, Entertainment, Kids Corner, Food for Every Taste, Costume Parade, Pumpkin Carving Contest, and much more! 
Where: Womble Park (Across from 301 Stinson Ave.), Holly Springs, NC 27540
When: 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Artist to visit: Heebie Jeebie Designs, Piecefully Home
More info: http://www.hollyspringsnc.us/index.aspx?NID=356

Mommy & Me Jewelry Making Class - Cary
Mothers and daughters are invited to a fun afternoon of jewelry making, taught by Jane Robertson! Create a bracelet or necklace with matching earrings! Cost per couple is $25, including materials. (Additional family members - $15 each.) Sign up in the store, on Facebook, or give us a call!
Where: Gifts with a Heart, 2889 Jones Franklin Rd. Raleigh, NC 27606  (919) 858-0755
When: 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Hosted by: Alvelo Quilt Art
More info: http://www.facebook.com/events/107627912727734/

Kindred Grand Opening - Raleigh
Celebrate the opening of Kindred Boutique - a unique shop that will incubate emerging North Carolina artisans through mentorship and a boutique.
HEAR great tunes from our DJ, ENJOY champagne and a candy bar, MAKE a masquerade mask, TAKE 10% of everything in the store + participate in our costume contest raffle!
Where: 131 S. Wilmington Street, Raleigh, NC 27601
When: 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Artist to visit: Freshly Given 
More info: http://www.facebook.com/events/350098398414103/

Redress the Dead Fashion Show - Raleigh
Talented makeup artists and local fashion designers bring you the most beautiful and terrifying performance you've experienced in your lifetime! Part of the Raleigh Living Dead Halloween Festival -- Raleigh's first-ever Halloween party featuring live music, zombie olympics, zombie dance camp, kid activities, tasty food trucks and thirst quenching beverages!
Where: City Plaza, 400 Fayetteville Street, Raleigh, NC 27634 
When: 8:00 pm - ? 
Artist to watch for: Rocket Betty Designs 
More info: http://www.facebook.com/events/442852099089998/ 

Wednesday, October 31 
Wake Forest Farmers Market
Fresh-off-the-farm produce; pasture-raised beef, poultry, and pork; free-range eggs; honey, jams, and preserves; delicious baked goods; knits & fiber, and more!
Where: 110 S. White Street, Wake Forest, NC 27587
When: 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Artists to visit: Poppy and Purl, A Stitch Niche
More info: http://www.wakeforestfarmersmarket.org/  

We hope you'll visit our NC Triangle Etsy Team members and say hello.  Check in each week for more handmade arts & crafts festivities throughout the fall season! 

(Members, if you have an event or sale coming up, send your information to Orange Cat Art to get onto the calendar! )

Where We Create: Designed by Val's Space

I am Val Swanson, jewelry designer for Designed by Val. I have an online shop and I am located at Holly Springs, NC. I design one-of-a-kind jewelry using precious gems, semi-precious gems, Swarovski crystals, lampworked beads, and more.
How would I describe the space in which I create?
I have a wonderful set up in our bonus room. The workstation is made out of a desk, credenza, table, and two cabinets. In addition, I have 2 boxes, 1 bin, and a sewing basket. I primarily design on the desk using a variety of beadboards. I use the table for overflow. The cabinets were built by my fabulous husband. One cabinet has all precious gems, semi-precious gems, and Swarovski crystals. The other cabinet has all of my metal beads and findings. My space is organized in a giant circle so I can sit in my chair and reach everything except for the metal beads and findings. Periodically, I have to stop and dig out from under a mess and clean off my work space.

What is my favorite thing about my space?
My favorite piece in my area, after the cabinets built by my husband, is my sewing basket. In the sewing basket I keep all of my stringing wire, metal chain, and overflow tools. I also recently just obtained a complete set of the Wubbers specialty pliers which I highly recommend. I have seven lamps surrounding my work area which gives me many different options in ambient light.
How do I keep my space organized?
My metals are all organized by type – so all sterling silver beads and findings are together, same for gold filled, vermeil, etc. My stones are all organized by color and so are my Swarovski crystals, Czech glass, and lampwork beads. All stringing materials are kept in the sewing box. Chains are bagged together by metal type. I have a separate box for all wire which is bagged by metal type. It’s important to be able to lay your hands on your materials quickly; this also makes it easier to make a supply order because you can quickly determine what is missing.

Do I have inspiration pieces in my space?
I have a notebook full of techniques, color lessons, and jewelry from the trade magazines. When I am stumped, I open the notebook and flip through it looking for a color scheme or feeling to strike me. Once a feeling grabs hold, I close the notebook and start to create.
In addition to my etsy shop, you may find me on facebook, on Twitter @DesignedbyVal, and on Linkedin at Valerie Swanson. Facebook fans receive a special monthly coupon code to use on any item. I also run a Featured Item of the Day which will be one special item highlighted in my shop and on sale for 24 hours.

NC Triangle Team members who wish to be featured, please contact Shore Debris.

Local Featured Seller: Designed by Val

I am Val Swanson, jewelry designer for Designed by Val, and I am located in Holly Springs, NC. I design one-of-a-kind (OOAK) jewelry using precious gems, semi-precious gems, Swarovski crystals, lampworked beads, and more. My favorite place in the Triangle area is the Rare Earth Beads shop in Durham, North Carolina. It has excellent gems and findings, great staff, and caters to jewelry designers.
When did I start creating?

Approximately seven years ago, my best friend Ann took me to a local bead store. I was convinced it would be a total disaster but, to my amazement, I was quite good at making my necklace and bracelet. This led to my making jewelry to give to friends and family which eventually led to my Etsy shop.


What is my most cherished handmade item?

My favorite necklaces I have created are in what I call the “private collection,” in other words, I kept the necklaces. First, a ruby necklace I made to coordinate with a ring my husband gave me and second, a blue opal, London blue topaz, and sapphire necklace I made to wear at my brother’s wedding. I did make a derivative of the blue opal necklace which is available in my shop.
Why did I choose my medium?

As a young girl I would play in both of my grandmothers’ jewelry boxes. I loved the crystals and diamond rings. I thought the jewelry was very glamorous. I still have and wear my one grandmother’s diamond ring. This play gave me a love for anything sparkly and beautiful. When I became older my boyfriend, who became my husband, liked to give me jewelry on holidays. Through these gifts I developed a love for gemstones. There are so many naturally created gemstones; only a small fraction of gemstones appear in a “mall” jewelry store.

Where do I create?

I create my jewelry at my studio in my house. I have a wonderful work center created by a desk, credenza, table, and two cabinets. My fabulous husband constructed the cabinets for me; one contains gemstones and the other contains my metals.
What do I do when I’m not creating?

When I am not creating new designs, I am taking pictures of my jewelry (I have a mini photo studio set-up in my library), listing new jewelry items for sale, working on SEO (search engine optimization), and finding other ways to promote my Etsy shop – such as this blog.

In addition to my shop on Etsy you may find me on facebook, on Twitter @DesignedbyVal, and on Linkedin at Valerie Swanson. Facebook fans receive a special monthly coupon code to use on any item. Starting October 4 is the Featured Item of the Day which will be one special item highlighted in my shop and on sale for 24 hours.

NC Triangle Team members who wish to be featured, please contact Shore Debris.

Triangle Holiday Arts & Crafts Calendar (Week 5)

Wintry weather has arrived in the Triangle, to get you in the mood for holiday shopping! We have several events in & around Raleigh this weekend, plus we've expanded our reach to the Triad, too! Hope to see you out & about!

Friday, December 11
Art After Dark & Main Street Christmas
Where: Holly Springs Cultural Center
When: 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Seller to look for: AlloverArt

Saturday, December 12
ELF Arts & Crafts Fair
Where: The ArtsCenter, Carrboro
When: 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Seller to look for: Gilded Lily Glass

Garner Christmas Shopping Spree
Where: 1005 Poole Drive, Garner
When: 10:00 am - 3:00 pm
Seller to look for: LindaSearcyJewelry

Holiday Marketplace
Where: West Millbrook Middle School, Raleigh
When: 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Seller to look for: OldBroomStreet, ShoreDebris

Saturday & Sunday, December 12 & 13
Carolyn & Friends Artist Affair Craft Show
Where: Carolyn's Bead Addiction, Raleigh
When: Both days - 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Sellers to look for: Ellesbeads

Sunday, December 13
Holiday Arts & Crafts at the Market
Where: Farmers Curb Market, Downtown Greensboro
When: 11:00 am - 5:00 pm
Sellers to look for: Orange Cat Art, Gilded Lily Glass


We hope you'll visit our NC Triangle Etsy Team members and say hello!


(Members, if you have an event coming up next weekend, send it to Orange Cat Art by Wednesday night to get onto next Friday's calendar!)

OldBroomStreet in Holly Springs Arts Council Show

Dear Etsyers,

This is my first time attempting a post (thanks to Erin). I wanted to show you my Icon of Everlasting Peace that was in the September PEACE OF ART exhibit at the Holly Springs Arts Council.

This work incorporates both Hans Memling's Angel with an Olive Branch, Symbol of Everlasting Peace with a Jean Goujon window element from Paris. I attempted, in this decoupage piece, to simulate charoite, malachite, and lapis. The Peace symbol necklace is fashioned of malachite beads suspended from a brass chain and can be worn by the "viewer".

Sincerely,
Donata Lewandowski Guerra
OldBroomStreet

Local Etsy Seller in the News

Jonathan Daniel, a local artist on Etsy, was featured on WRAL's Tar Heel Traveler.

In the video you can see just how amazing his work is and he has a few items available in jdwireart on Etsy.

Featured Seller: Allover Art

Who are you?
Ruth Jones, the owner and artist of Allover Art.

Where are you located?
Holly Springs, NC

What do you create?
I create fine art oil paintings on canvas. The majority of my paintings are commissioned custom works.


What is your favorite place to visit in the "triangle"?
I have two; I can't choose just one! :) My two favorite places to visit are Harris Lake County Park in New Hill and Carolina Pines Dog Park in Raleigh. Both places are relaxing and we can let our dog Kasey run free and happy without her leash.

When did you start creating?
In high school I took a generic visual arts class and discovered that I had a natural talent for art and painting. I continued to paint in my spare time while I studied Art History at Rutgers University in New Jersey. I would have liked to study Art instead, but it was a very time-consuming major and the majority of my time was dedicated to swimming. After college I continued to paint on my own and teach myself new techniques. It wasn't until February of 2008 that I decided to officially turn my love of painting into a business.

Why did you choose your medium?
I chose oil paint because it allows me to show great detail. I've found that oil paint enables me to create the most accurate representation of my subjects and generate the greatest satisfaction from my clients. I have been at a few shows where people have exclaimed that they thought my painting was a photograph. Oil paint satisfies the perfectionist in me.

What is your next project going to be?
My next project, or projects, will be working on Christmas commissions. I have already completed a few custom paintings for clients to give as Christmas gifts, and I have more lined up.

Where do you create?
I work from my studio in our home that my husband and I share with our dog Kasey in Holly Springs.

What is you most popular item that you create?
The most popular item that I create is the custom pet portrait. My business actually began with a former coworker asking me to paint a portrait of his pets for him to give to his wife for Christmas. Ever since then I have had numerous requests for custom pet portraits, whether it's to construct a Christmas gift for someone or to memorialize a pet who is no longer with us. I think that my pet portraits are popular because my clients see their pets as members of their families and want a way to recognize that relationship, as well as to honor the loyalty and love that their pets have for them.

--To see more of Ruth's work and read more about her life, check out her personal website and her blog.

Featured Seller: Blue Cuddly Designs

Who are you?
My name is Carolyn Kesler and I am the owner of Blue Cuddly Designs.

Where are you located?
Physically in Holly Springs, NC, but I can be found online via my Etsy shop and my own web-site. I also have some embroidered onsies at Padoodles Trendy Kids Boutique in Fuquay-Varina. I am a sponsor for Pink Christmas this year.

What do you create?
I make custom children’s clothing. My clothes are created by sewing one of a kind items, or embellishing ready-made items with appliqués and/or hand embroidery. My clothes have more of a classic style than a trendy one.

Why did you choose your company name?
I wanted my company to be a reflection of my son. He is the true inspiration behind it. He is the reason I am designing children’s clothes and not roadways and waterlines anymore. Blue Cuddly is his lovey. It’s a little blue dog with a blanket for a body. He has had it since he was about 3 months. Blue Cuddly has been through everything with him. He has comforted him on rides at Disney World, airplane trips, even a couple of late night ER visits. He is just a part of our family.

What is your favorite place to visit in the "triangle"? I enjoy visiting the libraries and bookstores. I am a bookworm and read voraciously. I will read almost anything. And I get great ideas from looking through books.

When did you start creating?
My mother and grandmother were always making clothes or afghans. In fact, I have an afghan and a sewing bag that my grandmother made for me 30 years ago. I suppose I grew up seeing people sew and stitch.

I learned to crochet and embroider when I was in Girl Scouts. I tried to teach myself to knit when I was in college, never got past the knit one purl one thing. I have always enjoyed needlework. I still have several embroidery projects in progress that I may finish someday. I think I like cross-stitching the most because it appeals to the engineer in me. There is nothing like seeing perfect rows of X’s.

I began making clothes for my son about 3 years ago. I was frustrated with the typical sports designs and drab colors that were available for boys. I wanted clothes that reflected his interest in space, dinosaurs, and all things science. I taught my self to sew and began by appliquéing overalls and tee shirts for him. The first thing I made for him was a pair of train overall. I appliquéd a train onto some great engineer striped overalls.

What is your next project going to be?
My current project is preparing for the upcoming holidays – Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, Fall and Winter. This is my first holiday season and I am very excited about it. I have been sewing everyday to increase my stock of appliquéd tee shirts and jumpers for etsy and a craft show I’ll be at in October. I can’t wait to get some of the gorgeous Christmas fabrics and begin working with them. I have lots of ideas for cute Christmas overalls and jumpers.

My next project will probably be learning to smock. My grandmother used to smock matching dresses for my sister and me. I didn’t appreciate it then but now I see it as being a natural extension to what I already do. I don’t know when I will learn but it is definitely something I want to do.

What inspires you?
I am inspired by lots of things. Often my son will make a request for a shirt. It may take a few days but I will make it like he wants it. He has inspired me to make dinosaurs, pirate maps, volcanoes, and astronauts for tee shirts.

Sometimes I get inspiration from a piece of fabric. It may become a perfect skirt or fire for a volcano.

Since I joined etsy I have been getting inspiration from alchemy requests. Sometimes a buyer will request an item that I would not have thought of. Even if I don’t get the bid, I have a great design that will probably show up in my shop.

What do you do when you are not creating?
I am a full time mother and wife, so a lot of my non-creating time is spent with my family or at my son’s school. Our family enjoys having a weekly Family Fun Night. Each week is different - homemade pizza and a movie, a night at Frankie’s playing mini golf and skee ball, or just playing board games and working puzzles. An upcoming FFN will be at Crazy Glaze so we can have a craft night together. This is our time for no computers, no work, no school….just family and fun.

I really enjoy being with children. I volunteer at my son’s school, Southern Wake Montessori School. I can be found substituting in a classroom, listening to the beginning readers, or helping with whatever is needed. I am also the Vice President of the Parent Teachers Together. It’s pretty much a given that if I am not at home, I am at the school.

Featured Seller: CCrafters

Who are you?
Richard & Rochell Selvey, Karess Krafters

Where are you located?
Holly Springs, NC

What do you create?
Handmade bath and body

Where do you create?
We create our products in our home. We handcraft soaps in our garage that we have converted to our work space. We utilize our kitchen to create lotions, body butters, sugar scrubs, bath bombs and our foot and facial care line.

Why did you choose your shop/company name?
We selected the name Karess Krafters because initially, Richard was the person who was in need of “karess”. He has very sensitive skin, which is why we began researching and formulating wholesome products that are good for the skin. “Krafters” refers to Rochell who is the one who does the research, formulating, and testing. The two together makes “Karess Krafters”. Since the start of our business, Karess Krafters now applies to both because we both need “karess” and we both are “krafters”

What is the most time consuming part of your craft/art?
The most time consuming parts of our craft is the researching and formulating. It takes weeks to research the benefits of each ingredient we use and how each ingredient will react together. In addition, the time that goes into pulling all the ingredients in correct percentages to make a quality product adds even more time to the finish items.

What is you most popular item that you create?
Our most popular items are our soaps. They are the most popular because of its high content of olive oil that creates a very mild bar that is good for those with sensitive skin to those with normal skin. In addition, the premium essential oils lend therapeutic properties along with the quality fragrance oils that perk up the senses.

What types of things do you do to turn first time buyers into repeat clients?
In order to turn first time buyers into repeat customers we first give exceptional customer service by offering fast shipping if online or very pleasant interaction when in person. Along with providing customers with quality products, we provide each customer with either samples or coupons for a percentage off of their next purchase. At the present time, we have heard comments such as “Karess Krafters gives you a lot for your money with the many samples that are included with your order”. This strategy not only makes customers feel appreciated, it also offers us a chance to cross sell items, which has happened on several occasions with the inclusion of samples.

--If you'd like to read more about Richard & Rochell's life and work, check out their blog. You can also shop online on their personal web-site and see more pictures of their work on Flickr.