By Contributing Columnist Ashley Pahl aka AshleyPahl

Every day, countless new shops full of beautiful art and handmade items open on Etsy.com. Among those shops are artists who think outside the box and fill their online store with amazingly creative and unique ideas. Shops to Watch, a monthly article, highlights these artists and the works that fill their shops.

This month features the art of Melissa Wagner-Lawler, shop owner of Red Thread Letter. Wagner-Lawler, a printmaker, sculptor, and book artist, has trained at both the Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design and the Minneapolis College of Art and Design, where she earned her Master of Fine Arts in Visual Studies. Her portfolio of prints, sculpture, and books are available for viewing at her website, www.RedThreadLetterPress.com. Currently located in Milwaukee, Melissa Wagner-Lawler exhibits locally, nationally, and internationally.

Melissa’s Etsy shop, however, focuses on handcrafted jewelry inspired by natural and organic forms. In particular, her series of cellular-inspired necklaces stands out. The necklaces are inspired by irregular and organic patterns found in nature. They come in many different colors and no two are alike. Wagner-Lawler shared with me her thoughts on running a shop an Etsy shop and creating a focused collection, receiving an education in art, and her biggest inspirations.

What led you to your decision to get an education in art?

For me, there was never any decision that had to be made; it was really the only thing
that I ever wanted to do. It was the natural progression. The real decision was what
did I want to do after receiving my master’s. I debated about whether or not I wanted
to teach, and in the end, I just kind of fell into it. Currently, I’m teaching art at two
institutions and I couldn’t be happier.

Where did your love for organic forms come from?

It’s hard to pinpoint. Overall, I’d have to say that I like mimicking or attempting to
mimic natural forms. I’m more attracted to other people’s representation of organic
forms than the actual forms themselves.

What else inspires you?

Most of my inspiration comes from subtleties in texture and pattern and slight shifts in
color; this is why the majority of the pieces in my shop are somewhat monochromatic.
Keeping the colors very similar or the same allows for the focus to be put on the design,
pattern, or texture and maintains simplicity, in that respect.

Also, contrasts in materials and forms, such as organic versus industrial, continually
interest me as well.

What is your favorite piece, current or sold, in your Etsy shop?

The larger asymmetrical pieces with the chain are definitely my favorite. They embody
the contrast of the materials – the beauty of the beaded form versus the industrial, rock
‘n roll side of the chain.

http://www.etsy.com/view_transaction.php?transaction_id=21955640

This piece was definitely hard to part with as well:

http://www.etsy.com/view_transaction.php?transaction_id=22341273

What work of art from your portfolio means the most to you?

On some level, I am attached to all of them. It would be difficult for me to pinpoint one
over another, but typically my sculpture items I can never part with simply for the
amount of time that it takes to create them.

Is there an art technique you not yet tried, but would like to?

I’ve always wanted to try blown glass, but have not yet found the resources to do so.
I’ve tried nearly everything that is art and crafty, especially when it comes to my
professional artwork.

What piece of advice would you give to another artist wanting to open an Etsy
shop?

Producing high quality items that you can stand behind is of the utmost importance. It
can be a daunting task to decide what you want to focus on in your shop, but having
one type of item that you excel at producing will get you further than trying to dabble in
multiple areas. Overall, I believe that buyers want to see an Etsy seller that is
committed to their product(s) and have taken the time to refine them. The old adage
practice makes perfect definitely applies!

What are your long term plans for your artwork?

Well, one can never show their work in too many exhibitions! Being a cross‐disciplinary
artist (printmaking and sculpture), I find myself often being pulled in one direction over
the other and then a few months later that direction flips back again. Currently, I am
focusing on printmaking and making some small‐scale etchings and larger collagraph
pieces. However, in a few months, I’ll be interested in sculpture again and then I’ll be
working on expanding a piece from my MFA Thesis that I’ve been continuously putting
on hold.

Thanks so much to Melissa for taking the time to talk to us at Indie Smiles, and may your success continue!

By contributing columnist Andy aka Incredible Angels.

If you want to do something special this year for your sweetheart, why not put your heart into it?
Something handmade shows your sweetie that you are not just going through the motions.
While we can’t always come up with a great crafting and creative idea when we need to. And sometimes we don’t have the time to make them even when we do come up with that great idea. but … we can still create a special one of a kind moment this Valentines day.

Here is a fun way to find an awesome gift for that special someone.

Start with a visit to Etsy.com (or your favorite online craft website).
In the search window put in a word that reminds you of your valentine. Words like sweet, ornery, darling, cheerful, helpful, brave, different, dark, elusive, firey, amazing.

If you have some idea of a type of thing add that word too (but it’s more of an adventure if you just use the adjective)

Browse through the results, you will be amazed at what comes up.

Select a 3 things that might make your sweetheart glow. Now, don’t leave it at that, for each of the items tell a story of how that item relates to your relationship. One of the stories will be THE ONE! You will K N O W when you have the right one.

Buy the item, then write a note, card, or letter that tells the story. When you give the gift and the story together there will be no doubt, that you and your love are truly One Of A Kind!

Here are some examples of the unique items that came up when I searched for “Brave”:

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By contributing columnist Megan Eckman aka Studiomme

Many of my friends graduated in May and this will be their first Christmas truly on their own. As such, this means I’ll be sending them all ornaments to decorate their trees or wreaths or the bundle of pipe-cleaners they’re calling trees.

My mother started a tradition when I was little to buy my brother and I an ornament a year so that when we move out, we will have enough to fill our first trees. That’s why I think it’s so important to buy unique, handmade ornaments that will become keepsakes.

When choosing an ornament for a friend, their household, as well as their personality, must be taken into account. Do they have small children? If so, make sure the ornament won’t shatter and has no sharp edges. Do they have pets? If so, shy away from ones made with edible or smelly materials. I had a gingerbread man ornament made from cookies that my cat decided to try and eat last year, so I’m one less decoration now. Are they vegan? If so, what materials went into the ornament? Small considerations like this will negate any incidents that could come up once the tree is decorated.

Etsy can certainly meet any and all of these needs and guarantee you a unique and creative ornament that will bring smiles for years.

You can also check out the Indiesmiles Coupon Directory for some great sales and discounts on many Holiday gifts!

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Pictures courtesy of:

“Live Moss Glass Ornament” by ShaneLilyRain

“Recycled circuit board ornaments” by DebbyAremDesigns

“Red plaid chubbikin ornament” by Erinaellis

ADD A C A P T I O N……

Read more…

By Brandy aka Knittaddiction

Can you believe it is already fall?! Where did the summer go?
Here in Colorado, the Oak brush is alive with wild tones of gold, orange, rust and bronze. Like looking into an old jewelry box full of antique treasures…
The Aspens, with their tall white bodies, are topped off with beautiful shades of gold, yellow, orange and fading green leaves, shimmering in the warn sun and falling around you when the cool wind blows.
Also at this time of year, the Pine, Spruce and Ponderosa trees are so much more noticeable.. Perhaps they stand out more because the other trees are baring all. The landscapes open up to reveal thick, coarse barks, and wild spiky branches. Reminiscent of a funky men’s haircut, and a rugged chunky wool scarf with old jeans.
As you can tell, Fall is my absolute favorite time of year.
So I’ve gathered up some of my favorite items from the world of “internet window shopping” and put them together in 3 collections that remind me of the Landscapes of Colorado and the beautiful leaves and fall schemes that saturate them. I also added a little battle, The Department & Online Retail Stores Vs The World of Handmade. A little comparison of sorts.

Colorado

I also added a little battle, The Department & Online Retail Stores Vs The World of Handmade. A little comparison of sorts.

Oak Leaves by knittaddiction featuring YOANA BARASCHI

Don’t you hate it when you find that perfect Scarf… The best pair of knee high boots… That wool coat that fits just right… And then you see – the price tag, the fabric content, the big nasty stain on the hem or the back, or it doesn’t fit right! Either too big, too small, too long, too boxy…. There’s some aspect of it that ruins it for you completely. And oh how it hurts when it was ON SALE and you can’t justify buying it. Ouch. Or perhaps you looked at it and said, “I can make that, better and less expensive.”
You’ll notice, I slipped the department and online stores right along in there with the lesser priced Handmade and Boutique items. Laying alongside one another they work so well, and you cannot tell the differences between them. Without looking at each item individually on it’s own site, you would never guess one from another. There are so many Handmade gift options and treasures out there waiting to be discovered. And likewise, there are many many wonderful bargain items out there, that rival the price, beauty and quality of handmade.
You can search for your perfect find anywhere. (Even yard sales!) Stores are so obvious. Online clearance, also obvious.

Don’t forget the handmade sites.
Even Etsy.com has promotionals and sales, and IndieSmiles.com is gearing up a coupon directory, where their sellers can offer discounts for you to take advantage of.

These are not just there to generate more business but to give You, the shopper, a chance to get something you might otherwise hold off on.
Utilize these opportunities, it will save you time and money, and prevent last minute teeth grinding, hair pulling, nail biting and nasty looks at the ladies hogging the isles in the stores at Christmas.

So my challenge and question for you today is: Why let yourself be limited to the department or online retail stores?

I mean hey, I love a good sale as much as anybody and I’m a self professed bargain hunter myself. I love comparing my amazing deals with my family and friends to see who got a more awesome sale, or deal, or “practically-for-free-it-was-so-discounted!!” items.
But I am also willing to pay just a little more for something handmade. I am also willing to put my money towards a stay at home Mom or a budding artist.
Perhaps a vintage item preserved for decades in Grandmother’s closet or Grandfather’s study.
Something handed down and lovingly preserved, now collecting dust in the antique shop.
Something sewn with a needle and thread, with little imperfections and well hidden or brazenly visible mending, adding character and charm.
Something knit with 2 needles and loving hands, with fiber collected from their beloved pets or salvaged from Great Grandmother’s sweater.
Something vintage, it fits perfectly, is the perfect color and looks like it came from a high end boutique.
Something 50 years old that looks like it was never worn, or even so worn that you know if it was that good then, it HAS to still be good now.
Retail Stores vs Handmade.
New vs Old.
Purchases vs Treasures.
Thoughtless Shopping vs The Thrill of the Hunt.

I encourage you to search out those items you really love. Compare those high end items to a handmade item or vintage item. Enjoy the hunt, revel in it. Search for that long lost treasure waiting to be found. That handmade item lovingly formed with 2 living hands and old fashioned tools. Or even that bargain that you can’t pass up.
You don’t need me to remind you that Christmas is 2 months away. Perhaps something I’ve put here inspires you to either find, or possibly even create that perfect gift for your loved ones this year.
Special thanks to IndieSmiles for giving me the opportunity to hon my writing skills again, and to the Etsy artists for allowing me to feature their loverly items!
Inspired by Fall, my first set, and my first time guest blogging, I present to you, the Oak Brush..
Enjoy,
Brandy
My Shop: knittaddiction.etsy.com
My Blog: just4knitsandgiggles.blogspot.com/
Or find me on Facebook and say hello!

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