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Ahhhh, Summer!

July 29, 2010 :: Posted by - Barbra :: Category - Artist Spotlight, Headline, Zibbet Spotlight

Much of the northern hemisphere has been melting this summer. I won’t get into the “Global Warming” debate but here in the USA it has been darn hot. Zibbet is headquartered in Australia where it’s winter and where I wish to be!
In an attempt to cool off mentally, here are some Zibbet sellers and their wonderful summer treats.

Aren’t these a feast for your feet from RealMcCoy?

And if you want be more airy, try this from RaigeCreations.

Your neck will be cool with a lovely necklace made from these found at FireSpirit Beads and Supplies?

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And on your wrist a stunner from Olive and Gold.

Let’s not forget having our home feel cool as well. Hang this wonderful piece from Art Prints. Sure to bring a smile to your face!

Need a gift for a special lady? The sun from 3FineDesign.

And at the end of a long day, these will be a relaxing style from MimiandCollette.

During the dog days of August about to descend upon us, stay cool and think Zibbet!

Slide Photo courtesy of Portable Graffiti

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Supporting Artisans Worldwide

July 21, 2010 :: Posted by - jill :: Category - Artists helping others, Headline

By columnist Jill aka: JillysStuff

I cried because I had no shoes until I met a man who had no feet. -Anonymous

Have you heard that quote before? It was brought home to me the other day.

As I scan my shop and many other shops on Zibbet, Etsy, Artfire and Folksy, I can see how blessed we are to have the freedom to sell our crafts. But as I was browsing the blogs, I found that there are women and men who aren’t as fortunate as we are.

I found a website called World Crafts Village, and stopped to have a look.

World Crafts Village is a nonprofit organization that imports crafts from impoverished artisans and sells them by fair trade. Not a new concept but one that deserves a little more attention. By supporting these artisans, they are assisting them to be productive, and make an honest living to support their families. No exploitation.

Amofavelas
Amidst the Brazilian slums, known as favelas, criminals and drug dealers run rampant and disease and dire poverty dominate. Yet, here, women gather and they carefully paint dishtowels, make soap, crochet clothes, and weave ribbon. Although these women live in shacks—without running water, electricity, or a sewage system—they use their skills to help provide a better life for their families. One woman—mother to three children—was able to move to a new town, purchase land, and give her family new opportunities by using her earnings from her handpainted dishtowels.

I can’t imagine, even in my wildest dreams, living like this. Do I feel spoiled? Yes.

Nanyok
Although the Maasai women of Tanzania who formed Nanyok are no longer nomadic, their lives revolve around livestock. The five-month dry season kills the grass, leaving the goats to die, meaning no milk for Maasai children. Each eight-strand beaded bracelet sold through Nanyok creates a savings fund for new goats. In the past year, the women saved $150 from the bracelets and bought 15 goats to nourish their children.

These are just two of the stories that got me going. I am not a strong advocate of anything but I feel that, by writing this, I am doing my part in helping this organization and the people they support. It’s not much, just a small contribution.

There are many more stories from countries all over the world. World Craft Villages have groups in –
Afghanistan, Armenia, Bangladesh, Brazil, Cambodia, China, Guatemala, India, Indonesia, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Laos, Madagascar, Mauritius, Mexico, Moldova, Nepal, Niger, Nigeria, North Africa, Pakistan, Philippines, Romania, Rwanda, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Tanzania, Thailand, Turkey, Uganda, USA, Vietnam, West Bank, Zimbabwe.

So, as we support each other we should also be getting the word out about all of those who are not as lucky as we are. Drop by World Craft Villages and help support this company in their effort to help those climb out of the oppression and depression of poverty. Even the smallest of gestures would help. A tweet, blog message or discussion is a start. Isn’t that what we are all about – Artisans helping fellow Artisans.

Photos courtesy of World Crafts Village

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Think Outside of the Box (Part 2)

June 17, 2010 :: Posted by - Linda :: Category - Artist Spotlight, Headline, LindaGJ

By columnist Linda aka LindaGJ

Photo courtesy of LuckySustainables

“Change the way you look at things and everything you look at will change”.

This is one wonderful quote you will find on Debra Reese’s Website Video of her fabulous new Purple Elephant Gallery. When I went to visit this place to see Deb Hill’s new studio, I had no idea I would be entering a world of dreams.

Back in the fall, Deb Hill of http://debhillart.Etsy.com, in my last article, was talking to her friend Debra Reese who had recently acquired a property that she intended to use as a gift shop/gallery. One would expect a little worn down shed of a house on a piece of land with a woodworking shop, but this was not the case at all! There were beautiful trees everywhere, you could hear the birds chirping away, and an adorable covered back porch with a darling little breezeway. So peaceful, so tranquil, and lovely, it was begging for attention. Just waiting for an artist to show off it’s beauty and share it to the world!

Debbie Reese continued to discuss her plans for this treasure, just waiting to shine.
She wanted to make the house into a shop and gallery along with refurbing the woodworking shop as an art studio for workshops and classes. There also was a tiny little shed in between the woodshop and the house. It obviously had been used as a tool shed. That is where Deb Hill decided to have her art studio, “The Laughing Crow” !

When the decision was made to turn the shed into “The Laughing Crow” studio, Deb Hill decided to have the ceiling raised to give it a feeling of more space. Unfortunately it housed the water storage tank, so after deconstruction the little shed was flooded and took quite a while to dry so the painting could begin. Jobs, such as these, always seem to have more to it than some easy task! It was so worth the effort though!!! This was such a difficult task, so Deb decided, “Why not flaunt it?” An all around construction guy put in some stained glass which added a third source of light and made a HUGE difference! Deb Hill cut a stencil with crows and a leaf motif to use on all four closet doors to make a folding screen that covers the holding tank for the well. She also added stencils to the ceiling, so that it brings the eye up when you step through the magnificent garden doors!

In the mean time Debra Reese, the owner, was moving at the speed of light getting “The Purple Elephant Gallery” as she decided to call her shop/gallery, in order! The house is even purple! She named the Studio for the art classes and workshops, “The Iron Butterfly”. She had her share of set backs as well, but finally “The Purple Elephant” had it’s grand opening on May 1, 2010. Deb Hill was one of the featured artists in the main gallery. It was a wonderful day, the weather was perfect and a huge turn out as well!

Go to www.thepurpleelephantgallery.com to see a magical place, with inspiring quotes and more enchanting pictures of this place, just to make you feel good!!! If you are ever in the Cypress, Texas area, please visit! The pleasure drive just to get there, alone, has a surrounding area which includes gorgeous horse ranches, along with fabulous and lush trees and beautiful large homes to add to this country part of our Texas scenery!

And remember to always……
“Think Outside of the Box”

Check out Indiesmiles: “Happy Made Tweets”

Editor Barbra aka All About The Buttons

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Fairy Tales Are Made Of This (Part 1)

June 13, 2010 :: Posted by - Linda :: Category - Artist Spotlight, Headline, LindaGJ

Article by columnist Linda aka LindaGJ

“My favorite subjects are drawn from nature, my imagination, childhood fairy tales, dreams, and occassionally a combination of all the above.”

Deborah Hill grew up in the Appalachian foothills of northern Alabama and she has been living and working in Houston, Texas since 1992.

“Art has always been a part of my world. My grandmother was a bird watcher and I enjoyed sharing that knowledge as a child. We would sit on her front porch and draw birds together, talking about the color of their feathers and the different calls each bird made, what color eggs they laid, and which one migrated. I found it all fascinating and still do.”

“My grandfather was a storyteller and could spin a yarn so well that my head would fill with images of talking animals, trolls and pixies.”

“My Dad is also quite the talented artist even though he never pursued it as a career. He would often sketch us at the table when we were doing our homework.
He’s especially good with the human figure. He knew so much about the natural world as well and would point out specific characteristics about trees, plants, animals, and their habits. He’d also talk about the changes that occurred with the seasons. I really appreciate having learned how to observe nature from my family; it has a huge influence in the art I produce today.”

Deb grew up in the country at a time when there were no computers or gaming gadgets. The television was black and white and there were only two channels, so naturally she spent a lot of time reading in the summer. She read in color!

“It was great fun to “redo” the illustrations in storybooks to me, Grimm’s Fairy Tales is and incredible source for the imagination. Authur Rackham remains one of my favorite artists/illustrators. I was enthralled with Frank Frazetta too. He did all those wonderful covers for the Edgar Rice Burroughs’ Tarzan series and I read them all! Then I would try and copy the art from the book jackets or paint pictures of other passages from the book.”

“You know when you used to ask children what they wanted to be when they grew up? The girls would say ‘a nurse’ and the boys would say ‘a fireman’. I knew when I was 5 years old that I would be an artist. It is my personal opinion that we are all born creators of some sort and as we grow older we forget that important part of ourselves.”

After Deb went to college, she began painting large outdoor murals, billboards, and faux finishing for two decades! She was also taking private watercolor classes with Wayne Spradley, which is now one of her favorite mediums!

“I enjoy working with acrylic in thin layered washes in much the same manner as watercolor. Mixing various water media, such as watercolor, gouche, inks, and acrylic continue to fascinate me. I’m most comfortable working with acrylic, but prefer the challenges that watercolor presents. I’m also a wee bit compulsive about adding ink to my pieces.”

Trees, with an unique quality of Deb’s, are actually her very most favorite subjects to paint.

“My preferred time of year to observe trees is in the winter. This time of year, when the leaves fall, I miss that. Oh I love the shade summer trees provide and the beautiful colors of fall, but there is something starkley majestic about a tree with all it’s limbs exposed and spread against the sky. I think I must have something to do with the feeling the quietude and patient anticipation of the coming of spring. Trees are my favorite subjects to paint. I have a few old friends I watch through the seasons around the neighborhood.”

Deb has participated in several group shows in Houston, has artwork and murals in private homes and public institutions. She lives with her husband, Greg, and a menagerie of pets, paint, and adult children flowing in and out of their home.

To see more of Deb Hill’s work please go to:
www.DebHillArt.com

or DebHillArt

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Articled edited by Barbra aka All About The Buttons

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Gelert Design

May 10, 2010 :: Posted by - amyorangejuice :: Category - Amy Orange Juice, Folksy Favs, Headline, Shops to Watch!, showboat features

By Contributing Columnist AmyMark aka AmyOrangeJuice

I have written lots of articles lately about business stuff and I thought it was about time I chose an artist from the vibrant Folksy community. Folksy has lots of high quality sewn and jewellery items, but hiding in the listings are also an amazing array of fine art artists and this week I have been chatting to Gelert Design.
GD primarily produces 3D works cast in a variety of mediums from his original sculptures; on Folksy, Esty and also for merchandise for a British rock band called New Model Army. So lets get to know this friend of the celebrities better!

Please tell us a bit about yourself:

As a child I was always drawing. I went to art school but it was such a disappointment that I gave up on the Romantic idea of the painter living in poverty in his studio. So I travelled around a bit, exploring the world and trying different jobs. I kept painting and sculpting occasionally but never seriously. It was a rewarding way of giving loved ones gifts and nothing more.
I was diagnosed with ME/CFS around 15 years ago and struggled to stay in employment for long periods. Then last summer, when I had to give up work yet again because I was struggling to get out of the house and approaching 40 I had to have a serious think about what I was going to do.
The creative impulse is always at it’s strongest with me when going through a period of emotional turmoil. Girlfriend leaves? Write a song. New girlfriend appears? Paint her portrait. Feeling useless, I started to make stuff again. I had some savings and a very supportive partner, so I took a chance and invested it all in materials with a view to maybe making some of it back. I’m not sure I have yet, but I’m getting close!
I’ve realized that with a worldwide recession, being nearly 40 and unable to commit to being in the office by 9 tomorrow morning, I would struggle to find work. So Gelert Design was born.

How did you come up with such an original name?

I took the name from the Welsh legend of Gelert. It’s a tale of fidelity and tragedy (which I won’t go into here).

What is the inspiration behind your work?

The aim is to create something just a little bit different to what is already available in whatever medium I use, to make things that excite me and that I think are beautiful; things that I would want to buy. I am filling a niche between art and craft. I want most of my larger items to be the focal point of your room. Being frequently housebound and staring at the walls, I endeavour to make things that will repay being looked at for long periods – objects that you won’t get bored with.

How did you get into casting?

I was always aware that making prints of my paintings was the best way to make money from art, as not many people were willing to pay me for the time it took to create something. When making things in the round, it was the obvious step to find a way of making “prints” of my sculpture.

What is the process you use?
I carve an original from plaster (or model in clay). Then I make a silicone rubber mould from it. From there I can cast very accurate copies. Most of my castings are in resin, and I like the coldcast process whereby powdered metals are suspended in the resin giving the look and feel of foundry casting but at a fraction of the weight and cost. Although I have tried other casting materials, I find resin to be best for price, strength, capturing detail, and most importantly, weight.

What was the first thing you cast?

I have a vague memory of casting a Beatrix Potter character in plaster from a latex mould as a child. I don’t think it worked
I decided at the end of 2009 to do something seriously with my art and it was then I made a lifecast bust of my partner. This was a very steep learning curve. I used alginate for the mould with plaster bandage to support it. An original was cast in plaster. This was then carefully altered and finished to a porcelain smooth finish. I made a new silicone mould from that and cast with bronze resin.
It was perhaps a foolish undertaking having never before done any lifecasting, used alginate, plaster bandage, silicone, resin, or metal! Still, the finished piece was amazing and I’m so glad I did it. It has opened so many doors for me – I can finally do something with my life that enjoy.

What is the hardest thing you have done?

It would probably be the bust. Just because it uses so many materials and techniques I have never tried before. The horrific expense, risk of killing my partner or myself, the danger of destroying our home…! If something doesn’t work for me, I can get very disillusioned and depressed, so to complete the bust was a real challenge and ultimately very rewarding.

What is the weirdest thing?

I tend to play it safe. As the ultimate goal is for my craft to support me, I always consider the marketplace. Having said that, I know there is a massive market out there for adult orientated goods. Since I’m only selling on handmade sites, I can’t really get away with creating some of the more bizarre ideas I’ve got floating around in my head. However, I did make a cute fridge magnet from a lifecasting of a nipple. It’s available from my Etsy store, but I’m sure there’s a proper market for it somewhere – I just need to find it!

What are you proudest of?

Sorry for sounding like a stuck record, but again it’s the bust; for all the reasons above plus It’s what I personally would be drawn to in a gallery. Then there’s my first wholesale customer. I’ve been a fan of the cult rock band New Model Army for over twenty years and when I started making fridge magnets it occurred to me that it was a merchandising opportunity. I made some prototypes, sent them to the band, and they immediately placed an order. It’s a great feeling when you can have some sort of involvement with your teenage heroes.

What’s next?

Next is more of the same: more plaques, more brooches, more items similar to the fairy door. I’ve got too many items that aren’t really Gelert Design somehow, so there’s going to be a rationalization of the range before too long. I’ve got a few outlets I need to contact about stocking some of the items that will be delisted. Then I’ll set about stocking my shop with items similar to my best sellers.

Also, I’m going to try a whole new craft. Being able to produce copies of my work is a dream come true in many ways, but there’s something I’ve always wanted to try and that is stained glass. People tell me my paintings have something of stained glass in them, and I see the inspiration in the cold enamelling I do on my brooches. So I’ll be trying that very soon. I have some grand ideas. But even if I really get into stained glass, I think casting will remain my main interest. There’s a little spark of excitement that comes with de-moulding a cast that doesn’t seem to diminish. Most other craft forms have the piece developing before your eyes, but when your original is plaster and you finally reveal a copy in bronze… wow.

Where else other than folksy can we find you?

Nowhere really. I like Folksy. I have a shop on my Facebook page www.facebook.com/gelertdesign

Any tips for success for people who want to try and have a go themselves?

Research, research, research! The range of materials and techniques is vast. There isn’t a one-stop-shop I have found that can answer every question. There are various ways of doing everything, but with resin there seems to be just one that is ideal for just what you are making. It’s expensive so you can’t afford to experiment. It’s dangerous, so you can’t afford too many mistakes. Alginate and some resins have a working time of just a couple of minutes. You need to know what you are doing.

Be prepared and be organized or you’ll run out of time. Without an expensive vacuum degasser silicone can be full of air bubbles. It’s incredibly expensive stuff and you don’t want to ruin your mould. There are tricks you can use to get by. There are different hardnesses on the Shore scale for rubber. Choose the right one.

Plaster, if used incorrectly, can result in 3rd degree burns and amputation. Polyester resin gives off very toxic styrene fumes the catalyst is corrosive. Get your mixing ratios wrong and you’ve got a poisonous fire going on! Metal powders are dangerous in their own right. Aluminium in particular is very explosive.
So yes, do your research and be prepared. YouTube is a great resource for mould-making and casting.

Thank you very much Gelert Design for offering us a window on your highly skilled area of art. You have given us a brilliant snap shot of the complexities of what you do!

http://www.folksy.com/shops/gelertdesign

Please go check out Gelert’s shops on Folksy, Etsy or Facebook and get a piece of art at an affordable price before he gets all famous and extremely expensive!

Edited by Bette Miles-Holleman aka BadMsM

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Crafty Men

May 08, 2010 :: Posted by - Connie :: Category - Artists helping others, Folksy Favs, Headline, Konnie Kapow, Shops to Watch!, showboat features

By contributing columnist Connie of KonnieKapow on Folksy

Where The Boys Are, Part 1

I recently had the pleasure of meeting some of the few male crafters and artisans of Folksy, charming gents they are!

Crafting is undeniably associated with women who pass their specialist craft down through the generations. Most people I know who knit for example were taught by their grandmother or mother. I know lots of people (all women) who learned to sew the same way or at school. Crafty women, especially now during the craft revival, are everywhere but where are the guys? I know men can knit! My Dad can, he told me! I’m yet to see the evidence but there exists a small and somewhat lopsided red dog made from buckram of which he is very proud!

Are fishing nets not a form of knitting? Were these not handmade at some point? I’m certain they were at least mended by hand on board. Surely it must have been men who did this? Obviously knitting’s not the only craft in existence but it’s a good starting point for discussion… I heard a rumour that Russell Crowe knits…..?

The purpose of this series of interviews is to try and shed some light on the men of Folksy, why do they do what they do and ultimately, why don’t more men craft?!

So kicking off my series of interviews in style is the lovely Dave a.k.a. The Nosuch Disco

Name: David Burgess

Age: 30

From: Stoke on Trent

Favourite colour: Black

Favourite animal: Cat

Favourite band: Queen (they rule so so so so so so so much)

Favourite movie: Highlander

Favourite book: Oscar Wilde – The Picture of Dorian Gray

How did you learn your craft?

I suppose I learnt my craft out of the ashes of a failed career as a Graphic Designer. I really wasn’t very good; I simply couldn’t design flyers for washing machines or take away menus. Eventually I got sacked and took up a role teaching design to disadvantaged kids, it was about this time that I was able to develop a style of illustration that I was happy with, and began to come up with characters that would be suitable for a book. From there everything seemed to flow quite organically. About a year later, Waldo the Worm was born.

Your eureka moment – what is your favourite thing you have ever made?

I suppose it would be the book, it was a long time in the making and it’s really something to be proud of. I hate blowing my own trumpet, but it is pretty good. That said, I do like one of my posters, the Toast one, the idea came to me and I made it in about 5 minutes. I really like how sometimes great ideas can just come to you and develop into something rapidly.

Your “D’oh!” moment – what was your biggest crafting disaster?

I bought 100 mugs and they were really poor quality, I fired a design onto them and it ending up looking really dull and was flaking in places. I tried to turn it into a positive – I knew I couldn’t possibly sell them – so before I moved out of my old house I went out at 4am one morning and planted loads of mugs on the door steps of the nearest 100 houses, sort of a mystery present for everyone.

Is crafting what you do full time or do you have a Clark Kent style alter-ego?

Unfortunately it is a part time thing here. I still have to teach during the day, it certainly gets in the way of crafting. I hope to one day go full time with my craft but until then I still have to look after unruly kids!

Where do you do your crafting?

Wherever possible, I might try to sneak in a crafty craft while at work, or when I’m on my dinner. Other than that Friday nights are good as I can work late into the night. I find that I work better at night; it’s difficult to do that on a school night as I really have to shut my brain off by a certain hour or I can’t sleep.

Tell us a bit about your crafting philosophy (e.g. environmental, heritage, family, therapy!)

Errrrrm, I’m not sure I have one, other than; it’s only good enough when you’re 100% sure about it!

Why do you think there are far more female than male crafters?

Its not something I had given any thought to until now, I’m not sure I could give an answer without sounding ridiculously sexist! I think guys should defo craft, its something that is open to all and if they have the talent it is something that is worth exploring.

Tell us something surprising about yourself (non craft related)?

When I was 19, I accidentally set my car on fire outside my ex girlfriend’s house.

What’s the manliest thing you make?

Erm. I guess everything I do is supposed to be aimed at kids and be a bit unisex… but the posters are perhaps manly? Maybe? No?

What’s the least manly thing you make?

I’d say the scarf, although a few guys have bought them, so that’s encouraging!

What would you say to encourage more men to craft?

Ladies love a guy that can make stuff*

*not strictly true.

You can check out The Nosuch Disco on Folksy or Waldo the Worm’s Website!

Edited by Bette Miles-Holleman aka BadMsM

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Wire Art: Jewelry & Sculpture

May 04, 2010 :: Posted by - flaurena™ :: Category - Artists helping others, Headline, Indie Newbies!, New Columnists

flaurena™ - Metamorphosis / Wire Lace necklace

By contributing columnist Lauren Cross aka flaurena™

Hello! I’m Lauren, the person behind flaurena™, and this is my first post in Indie Smiles. By way of introducing myself to the Indie Smiles community at large, I thought I would talk a little bit about wire art.

I discovered the joys of twisting wire in a wire-wrapped rings class I took a couple of years ago. The only ring I wear is my wedding ring, so I applied some of the techniques I learned in that class to create a necklace, my usual jewelry choice. Fast forward a couple of months and flaurena™ was born.

I made my first Wire Lace necklace from brass artists’ wire (although these days I almost exclusively use either gold fill or sterling silver) which I adorned with colorful beads and crystals:

To be able to use my hands to transform something as seemingly masculine and industrial as wire into a feminine and organic piece of wearable sculpture is a process that I am always thrilled by! It is this very characteristic of wire that gives it its strength and delicate beauty.

But the thing I love most about wire is its versatility: it can be bent, twisted, cut, crocheted, adorned with beads, and otherwise coaxed into any shape you can imagine. I also like that it’s hard to exactly replicate every little twist and turn because that makes each piece absolutely unique.

Here are some of my picks for wire artists around the world who take wire-wrapping techniques to a new level:

Kathleen Cavalaro / U.S.A.

The first wire jewelry I remember seeing was by Kathleen Cavalaro, who, at that time, owned a bead shop in Brooklyn, NY. I found her free-form jewelry inspiring and it is partly because of her that I do what I do today. Kathleen crochets with wire, threading beads as she goes, and even hammers it to form ear wires, as shown in her beautiful In Theory French Hoop Earrings:

Kathleen Cavalaro - In Theory French Hoop Earrings

• Kathleen Cavalaro – Official Site
• Kathleen Cavalaro on Etsy

Coralia Tasman / Australia

Simone Russell of Coralia Tasman is an all round creative type, but I especially love her wire jewelry and household objects – or what she calls Sculpting with Line. I think her Rock Anemone Table Sculpture is a spectacular example of how wire can be transformed into a beautiful object:

Coralia Tasman - Rock Anemone Table Sculpture

• Coralia Tasman – Official Site
• Coralia Tasman on Etsy

Grin Grimace & Squeak / U.K.

Run by goth duo, Karen and Rich, Grin, Grimace and Squeak offers a fabulous variety of Venetian masks. Karen and Rich live in Cornwall, which is located in the ‘toe’ of England. I’m originally from the U.K. and was in beautiful Cornwall a couple of months ago – so when I was on Zibbet recently I was happy to see wire art forms being made on the other side of the Atlantic! I love how the green wire used in their May Queen Mask has been curled to look like tendrils – it really makes the piece come alive!

Grin Grimace and Squeak - May Queen Mask

• Grin Grimace & Squeak on Zibbet

inaBAG / U.S.A.

And now for the absurd! I think the wire figure sculptures from inaBAG are fantastic. They remind me of Tim Burton in some way. Each creation is created with a sense of humor and an eye for detail – where on earth do you find such tiny roller-skates anyway?

inaBAG - Blade Runner figure

• inaBAG on Etsy

I’m feeling inspired, so I’m off to do a little wire-bending of my own now…

~ Lauren

Edited by Bette Miles-Holleman aka BadMsM

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Folksy Folk Who Zibbet, Too!

April 12, 2010 :: Posted by - Barbra :: Category - All About The Buttons, Headline, Shops to Watch!, Zibbet Spotlight

By Contributing Columnist Amanda aka GimmeThatThing

Unless you have been holidaying on the moon lately you are bound to have heard about Zibbet by now. Zibbet is a relatively new kid on the block as a growing online market place for all things craft related and has slowly been gaining momentum over the past few months. However, like all young kids it has experienced a sudden growth spurt in the last few weeks as sellers choose to expand their repertoire and take advantage of its great offer. As an incentive to its shop owners to promote the site, Zibbet gives each seller a referral link when they join, from which they can reap the benefits. With each Premium Account referral that they acquire they receive $1 off their monthly fee, and can even find themselves owning a free shop for life. Sellers can also opt for a Basic Account with no monthly fee, and a small commission on sales is all they pay. Either way, it’s a win-win situation with Zibbet growing on a daily basis and experiencing increased traffic to the site. It looks like Zibbet could soon become huge.

A forum has been established on the ning network. With the UK Zibbeters Group only a few days old, we already have nearly 20 members, many of whom I am already familiar with on the Folksy forum. Zibbet also has a growing forum and a chat facility meaning we can all get to know each other better on a personal basis if we so choose. The forum is informative, friendly and helpful, with many people having years of sales experience and only too willing to help any newbies who are still finding their crafting feet. Zibbet is simple to navigate and the item listing process is a piece of cake, even for the technology-challenged folk like me. Having more than one online shop is a great way to increase your exposure.

I caught up with a couple of Folksy sellers who have recently arrived to sell on Zibbet too. Annabella of Annabella Designs opened for business with Folksy way back in June of last year and initially heard about Zibbet which she joined just a few days ago, from a discussion on the Folksy forum. She specialises in wedding items and bridal wear such as garters, vintage and retro bridal petticoats and wedding skirts and corsets. Her favourite item features in both her shops is a satin ring pillow. Annabella promotes both her shops on the Zibbet and Folksy forums as well as with Craft Juice and many bridal forums. The particular features that she loves on Zibbet are the clean crisp and uncluttered look of the site and the fact that it is so user friendly.

Another seller I found on both Folksy and Zibbet is Caroline from Scape. She first discovered Zibbet via a Google search when she was looking for an additional online craft marketplace on which to sell her jewellery. She joined Zibbet in February. She is not keen on the self promotion that is required in order to get an online shop noticed but will promote new listings occasionally on Facebook. She is a keen fan of Stumbleupon as a promotional site. Caroline loves the fact that on Zibbet a seller can customize their shop in order to aid branding. She also likes the promotional coupons and gift certificates as a great way of plugging a shop. Her favourite item in her Zibbet shop is her Moonlight Ring Set which is also listed on Folksy.

There are many other Folksy folk who Zibbet too, including little old me at Gimme That Thing. I love the fact that I can list items for free in my Zibbet shop, so I do not have to think twice if I want to add or remove anything from my shop on a whim. My favourite item that currently appears in both my shops is the Temples of Siam Earrings. Check out Zibbet as a buyer or a seller. You won’t be disappointed.

Photos courtesy of:

http://www.zibbet.com/AnnabellaDesigns

http://www.zibbet.com/Scape

http://www.zibbet.com/GimmeThatThing

http://www.zibbet.com/portablegraffiti

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Yeti and Bigfoot Sightings – Part II

March 22, 2010 :: Posted by - Barbra :: Category - Etsy Spotlight, Headline, Little Toad, Shops to Watch!

Article by columnist Michelle aka: Little Toad

I had the opportunity to talk to some great artists on why they chose bigfoot and yeti for their pieces. Not only do I hope you get a kick out of their answers, I hope you will take the time to discover these great shops and add them to your favorites. I certainly have! Be sure to check out Part 1 for even more yeti fun.

katiekylie designs: Katie Kylie’s shop not only has a yeti but a Bigfoot as well. She creates amazing loveable monsters that are adorable while being totally one of a kind. Not only are her creations super cute, they are portable, like her Yeti keychain so you can have your yeti with you at all times. “I’ve never really thought of myself as a full-fledged artist – I’m just a goofball who has been sewing funny little monsters for my friends for years and finally decided to take their advice and sell them online. My shop is really just full of the things that live in my brain, each with their own “teenie” little personality.” She may not consider herself a full-fledged artist but after seeing her great work I disagree and I know you will too.

scientificculture: This shop is an eclectic blend of all things offbeat and geek, so it’s no surprise that we found a yeti lover in the shop’s owner, Kate. “I’ve always been a fan of all things mythical (yetis, jackelopes, anthropomorphic smiling pinecones) and thought no better way to spread my enthusiasm than to draw some up into buttons and magnets!” Her unique illustration creates a loveable yeti that you just want in your backyard.

brokesy: Sarah combines her unique characters on wonderful products that range from laptop cases to pillows. “The yeti was one of my first designs (originally as a pillow set with the yeti chasing a terrified lemming). I grew up in a forest surrounded by bears and wolves and other furry beasts. So I’ve always felt a connection with bigfoot – my husband actually jokes that I am a sasquatch and that they took me from the forest and shaved me and forced me to live in “civilization”. I guess all of this has culminated in my yeti.”

anatomyofaskirt: This store may have the widest range of subjects that I’ve seen. It’s not only a great shop, but each creation is really fun to look at. “I was doing a fair number of mythological creatures and Greek myths for my robot a day project, so it was a natural extension to do a crypto zoological beast- a modern day myth. I chose the yeti because I found this fabulous long white faux fur at the fabric shop; I just knew it was perfect! I’ll be doing Bigfoot eventually, as soon as I find the right material!”

orangetwist: Claire’s shop has wonderful, unique cards that I guarantee you won’t find on the rack anywhere in stores (but with her talent I wouldn’t be surprised to see them soon) “Happy Birthday Sasquatch” was inspired by my love of Squatch, the now defunct Seattle Sonics mascot. I couldn’t resist creating a card that featured a Sasquatch (in its iconic stance) carrying a group of balloons.” Her goal is to create affordable, useful items that are chuckle inducing, sweet, improbable and cheeky, all while being individually lino- or screen- printed.

gerishields: Geri Shield’s shop is the epicenter of all things cute with a twist. She takes creatures you wouldn’t normally associate with being cute and manages to render them in an adorable way and her painting of the Bigfoot is no exception. “I was listening to The Groovie Ghoulies and they have a song called “Running with Bigfoot”. While listening to that particular song, I started thinking about running barefoot outdoors, which I did a lot as a kid, and all the different crap that I would accidentally step on: thistles, nails, and bees. Then I thought if I was Bigfoot and ran around all day in the woods, I would have some pretty sore feet by the end of the day, and picking out giant splinters would probably be a nightly ritual. Thus, the idea of the painting was born.”

OrigN8 I randomly came across Nathan’s great shop and I was instantly addicted to it. His characters are drawn beautifully and rendered in a way that makes them instantly stand out. “The piece was partly inspired by the winter storms we experienced here in Charlottesville this year. I am currently experimenting with a short series of monster paintings. After a rough sketch, I realized that this one would become a Yeti wandering through town experiencing the winter wonderland like the rest of us, waving at snowmen and such.”

LemonCadet: Beth’s shop Lemon Cadet is another place where you’d never expect a yeti to be hiding but low and behold, there it was. ”I’ve always been a huge fan of the yeti. In fact, one of my first big school projects was in 4th grade. I did some research and constructed a Bigfoot out of newspaper, wire, tempera paints, and wallpaper paste. It was terrible. I remember hiding under a table and crying because it turned out so badly. I decided it was high time for some redemption and created the shirts. I’m working on a fabric design based on that same drawing.”

Becca26: Rebecca’s illustrations are so whimsical and full of wonder and I was so happy to see her interpretation on the Yeti. “This piece was inspired by a good friend of mine who loves daisies. So, I painted a daisy and stared at the canvas. I needed a creature who loved daisies and Carlos, the Midget Yeti was the creature that emerged! Carlos, the midget Yeti loves the simple things in life, food, sleep and flowers. This rarely seen but outgoing creature can be found in many a wood. He enjoys clearing the forest floor so that small plants and flowers can grow. If you should ever be lucky enough to see one, please don’t disturb his work, but a small vanilla cupcake would be greatly appreciated every now and then. Although Carlos has big feet, he has a big heart and would love to share it with you. He works wonders on home gardens.”

I was able to ask these artists two fun questions. Their answers were hilarious and really give you a great sense of their unique personalities.

What would you do if you ran into Bigfoot or a yeti?

“Give it a hug. I would think being the only one of your kind would be really lonely!”- katiekylie

“(Hope they recognize the fur-less me and) give them a big hug, catch up on all the bigfoot gossip, and tell them about my city adventures.”- brokesy

“As a scientist, fact and logic always seem to override any possibility of imaginary undiscovered North American creatures so if I ran into bigfoot or yeti I’d be sure to give him a killer high five and request a small fur sample for microsatellite genetic species analysis! Interestingly enough, during my undergrad I actually performed genetic tests on hair samples collected from scientists in attempt to identify the unknown species of Sasquatch. Unfortunately the fur ended up being black bear…but it was exciting nonetheless…” – scientificculture

“Hopefully shoot some non-shaky film, get some un-fake-able photos, and throw a press conference.”- anatomyofaskirt

“If I ran into a Bigfoot I’d ask he or she why they are so camera shy. I imagine they’d say it is because they are extremely vain creatures and hate having their pictures taken when looking anything but their best, and since Bigfeet always seemed to be caught unawares by people with cameras, they naturally try to run away. If I ran into a Yeti, I would invite them to tea to discuss their views on the world” – Becca26

“I would try to make a contact with it and then probably start up a game of kick the can or hide and go seek with him. I have a hunch that these guys are pretty stellar at hide and seek”- Orgin8

“compare shoe sizes”- gerishields

“Give the dude some space. I’ve heard they’re pretty smelly” – LemonCadet

“I’d probably be startled and hide behind a tree until I’d figured out if it was friend or foe!” – Orange Twist

Photo courtesy of PearsonMaron

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