Friday Spotlight: Palimpsestic

Welcome to our next Friday Spotlight! Every other week, we feature a new interview from one of our TeamBPAL members.

This week, we interviewed Jenn of Palimpsestic. Let's go!



Tell us a little about the items in your shop. What do you make?
I make original collage art, including bookmarks, art cards, and square inch art. I work with real vintage ephemera (usually from the 1940s or 50s, but sometimes even earlier), never with photocopies or reproductions. I also make pennant banners and garland from vintage maps.


What is your creative process?
I was an English major in college, so I'm inspired by books, paper, and words. I work a little at a time, adding and removing layers as I see fit. As I work, I construct stories in my head and, often, those become a part of the works. All my full-size collages include storylets that add depth and meaning to the pieces.


Which Etsy Teams do you belong to?
In addition to Team BPAL, I belong to two treasury-building teams. Northwest Treasure Chest is a regional team for shops in the Pacific Northwest, and Team Discovery is a team that seeks out and promotes shops with fewer than twenty sales.



ExtraLong Personalized Mini Pennant Banner from Vintage Maps

When you are not creating things, what do you do?
I'm mom to a 9-year-old son and I volunteer teaching art in the school to his class and several others. I'm also a published short-fiction writer and I try to balance my visual art with writing and submitting.


Tell us two random, interesting things about you.
I collect vintage stereoscopes and Viewmasters.
I have always loved dance and I was part of a tribal belly dance troupe for four years before moving to Washington.


What has been your proudest moment since opening your Etsy shop?
Last week, I curated a treasury that put many, many shops on the front page for their first time. I loved having given new shops the opportunity for that kind of exposure.



The Raven Bookmark Collage (No. 2)

What advice would you give to artists who are new to Etsy?
Use the treasury! Etsy mines the treasury, not only for the front page, but for most of their email and web features. I had six sales in my first six months on Etsy and more than forty in the two months since I started avidly building treasuries.


What handmade possession do you cherish?
My son's kindergarten handprint. I'm sure every parent has one, but I love it anyway.


If you could have any item on Etsy regardless of price, what would it be?
I am in love with this tweed coat from 13threads

What other skill or talent do you wish you could possess, if you had not taken this creative path?
I always wanted to be a ballerina.




Where else can we find you on the web?
Web site: jennifertatroe.com
Blog: jennifertatroe.blogspot.com
Twitter: twitter.com/jhtatroe

That's all for this time! May you have a cozy, healthy, happy December as we hustle to prepare for the holidays.

Friday Spotlight: Panopoly Creations

Welcome to our next Friday Spotlight! Every other week, we feature a new interview from one of our TeamBPAL members.

This week, we interviewed Lynae of Panopoly Creations. Let's go!



Tell us a little about the items in your shop. What do you make?
I make a variety of ceramic wares, both decorative and functional, and including housewares, jewelry and gifts. Most of my work includes cheerful colors and whimsical touches.


What is your creative process?
I'm honestly pretty haphazard. Many of my sculptures come from images in dreams or stories. Because I'm a 3D artist, I have the luxury/burden of conceptualizing things either as a shape, form, or function first, which I then decide how to decorate, or as a design or image that I can then adapt to adorn a form.


Which Etsy Teams do you belong to?
In addition to Team BPAL, I'm a member of two regional groups, California Crafters' Club of Etsy (CCCoE) and San Francisco Etsy (SFEtsy), as well as the Etsy Mud Team, for ceramic artists.



freeform bowl -- woodland tones

When you are not creating things, what do you do?
I collect a lot of different things--animal figurines, interesting rocks, My Little Ponies, for example. I love to take long aimless walks and explore new places. I'm a voracious reader and a habitual thrift store/garage sale shopper.


Tell us two random, interesting things about you.
I've been cutting my own hair since I was 15.
I spent time living in the Caribbean as a child.


What has been your proudest moment since opening your Etsy shop?
Seeing my work for sale and on display in a cafe that was featured in Sunset Magazine.



pigface -- hand-carved plate

What advice would you give to artists who are new to Etsy?
Seek mentors. Look at shops you like and/or that are selling well and see what they're doing right.


What handmade possession do you cherish?
The burlwood coffee table my grandfather made me when I was just a toddler.


If you could have any item on Etsy regardless of price, what would it be?
I'd get one of these gorgeous lamps.

What other skill or talent do you wish you could possess, if you had not taken this creative path?
I wish I could carry a tune, or play an instrument. I love music, have been told I have good taste, but am apparently tone-deaf when it comes to playing or singing.




Where else can we find you on the web?
twitter.com/panavatar
Flickr
panopoly.org
Facebook (still under construction)

That's all for this time! Have a wonderful Thanksgiving and we will return in two weeks!

Friday Spotlight: Nightshade

Welcome to our next Friday Spotlight! Every other week, we feature a new interview from one of our TeamBPAL members.

This week, we interviewed Jesse of Nightshade. Let's go!

Tell us a little about the items in your shop. What do you make?
I make jewelry from semiprecious stones, vintage beads, copper, brass, ribbon and any other elements that inspire my imagination.


What is your creative process?
I like to start with a focal element and build around it. I may begin with a color, a texture, a shape or a gemstone, but once I have my foundation in place, I try to take it in an unexpected direction. This has led to rustic antique keys on whisper-light gossamer ribbons; refined moonstone briolettes with distressed copper; and sparkling quartz with dark gunmetal. I try to connect to a fantasy world when designing my pieces, considering what mysterious amulets you would find in a woodland grove, a foggy beach or even a dark alley.


Which Etsy Teams do you belong to?
I’m a proud member of Teambpal!



Night Magic I

When you are not creating things, what do you do?
I am a culinary publicist promoting chefs, restaurants and cookbooks. I am also a bellydancer who focuses on American Tribal Style.


Tell us two random, interesting things about you.
Switzerland is my favorite country to visit, and fondue holds a special place in my heart. There is something about being in the mountains listening to the cowbells bouncing around in the air like windchimes that just brings me to happy tears.

I am a native Kentuckian, and I think the beauty of my home state is one of the best kept secrets around. I wish everyone could experience camping in the Red River Gorge or viewing the moonbow at Cumberland Falls at least once.


What has been your proudest moment since opening your Etsy shop?
My first sale…that wasn’t to my mom!



Sunset Pumpkin

What advice would you give to artists who are new to Etsy?
Promote your shop outside of Etsy-start a blog, link to your Twitter and Facebook page-drive traffic to your site to make sales!


What handmade possession do you cherish?
My mother made my wedding dress-a simple cocktail length number inspired by Audrey Hepburn. The silk dupioni has a gorgeous rustic texture.


If you could have any item on Etsy regardless of price, what would it be?
The Under the Apple Tree canopy bed by attiladesign.

What other skill or talent do you wish you could possess, if you had not taken this creative path?
I am amazed by the passion and resiliency of the jockeys who run the horse races that are iconic in Kentucky. They have such a connection to the horses, and their courage out on the track is inspiring. I think it would be amazing to train for that-it’s not just a career, it’s a lifestyle that challenges your fear and determination.




Where else can we find you on the web?
Facebook
Blog

That's all for this time! Have a wonderful autumn weekend and we will return in two weeks!

Friday Spotlight: Gala's Gourmet

Welcome to our next Friday Spotlight! Every other week, we feature a new interview from one of our TeamBPAL members.

This week, we interviewed Jessica of Gala's Gourmet. Let's go!



Tell us a little about the items in your shop. What do you make?
I make jams, jellies, butters, pickles, and hopefully in the near future some baked goods also.


What is your creative process?
Reading food blogs, and cookbooks. Looking at what's in season. Taking my favorite things and adding them to the local selection of fruits.


Which Etsy Teams do you belong to?
Just TeamBPAL!



Double-Spiced Apple Butter

When you are not creating things, what do you do?
Chase my little girl around, do some catering on the side, and work in the family business (light manufacturing of therapeutic magnetic products).

Tell us two random, interesting things about you.
I double majored in History and Psychology in college.
I love playing old school games (ie board, card, physical type – not really video or rpg kinds)

What has been your proudest moment since opening your Etsy shop?
Being sneakily promoted by my friend and author Cherie Priest on her blog.



Pear and Vanilla Butter

What advice would you give to artists who are new to Etsy?
Take good pictures! I have a hard time with this myself though. Jars of jam just tend to look visually boring to me no matter what I do to make the picture look better. But, when I'm shopping etsy, if you don't have adequate pictures of the product, I'm on to look for something else.


What handmade possession do you cherish?
I have quite a few actually, a quilt from my grandma, blankets from friends for my daughter, a purple hat from a friend, an art quilt from a family member, photography from other friends, a handmade board game based on the tv show Firefly, hand carved goddess statue and pottery from Nicaragua. All of them have very special meaning to me.


If you could have any item on Etsy regardless of price, what would it be?
Right now it's not something terribly expensive, but it's something I would like to have to complete my steampunk costume for a con next spring: Green Velvet Steampunk Button Tab Corset.

What other skill or talent do you wish you could possess, if you had not taken this creative path?
I have a fist full of hobbies, I could happily spend my time doing any of them. Plus, I want to learn to play mandolin.




Where else can we find you on the web?
Gala's Gourmet on Facebook
twitter.com/galasgourmet
Galatea's Glamouries blog

That's all for this time! Have a wonderful autumn weekend and we will return in two weeks!

Friday Spotlight: Ocean Street Spa

Welcome to our next Friday Spotlight! Every other week, we feature a new interview from one of our TeamBPAL members. Alicia's gone this week, so I'm posting this in her place. I hope I get it right!

This week, we're chatting with Amy of Ocean Street Spa. Let's go!




Tell us a little about the items in your shop. What do you make?
I make hot process soap in small batches. I love the flexibility of
it. I am impatient, and having to wait six weeks to use my soap would
drive me crazy! I also have room sprays. I love to create a
different ambiance to my living space depending on my mood. With two
inquisitive (read: nosy and pushy) cats, candles aren't a good match
for my lifestyle. I also will be offering more glossing oils. When
one of my favorite soap companies closed, my favorite product was no
longer available. I had the list of ingredients, so I tinkered with
recipes until I came up with a close match.
I'm also in the process of creating a new line for Ocean Street Spa.
The new line will feature the scents of my favorite microbrews. It
will be a departure from my normal line, as this will be glycerine
soap, but I'm very excited about it.


What is your creative process?
My creative process really varies. I can be inspired by a word, a
fragrance or a place and time. My Carver Pond products are based on
my college years and the parties I'd go to in the woods. (Typical New
England college party!) The scent of autumn leaves, bonfire smoke and
the touch of spilled beer bring me right back to when I was 19.


Which Etsy Teams do you belong to?
TeamBPAL




Loup Garou Soap


When you are not creating things, what do you do?
When I'm not creating soap, I'm usually doing something else creative.
I love to cook and make great jelly. Last weekend I made grape
jelly, bread and butter pickles, pumpkin butter and chardonnay jelly.
To unwind, I love to relax by reading.


Tell us two random, interesting things about you.
1. I grew up doing ballet and Scottish Highland Dancing. My sisters and
I were very focused and for many years we danced with two different
ballet companies. I still love the smell of rosin and being
backstage. We also competed in Scottish Dancing all over the world.
When I was 17, I was ranked 3rd in my age group and competed in the US
National Championships for Scottish Dancing in Seattle. 3 dancers
from each region of the US got to go the the US Championships.

2. I work full-time as a Town Clerk and am a Notary Public, Justice of
the Peace, and a Passport Acceptance Agent, among many other duties.
I never thought I'd work in an office, much less excel at it.


What has been your proudest moment since opening your Etsy shop?
Definitely my first sale. My friends and family loved my soap, but to
have a complete stranger pay for my soap was a huge deal for me.




Carver Pond Room Spray


What advice would you give to artists who are new to Etsy?
Don't stop marketing yourself. Try to stay visible as much as
possible and get as much advice from other Etsy people as you can.


What handmade possession do you cherish?
I have a blanket my mother made me when I was about 2. It's a
hideous orange gingham, and I love it. It was on my bed all through
childhood, it went to college with me, and I still use it during the
winter and when I nap. (Love naps!) Feeling it on my cheek when I
wake up brings me back to childhood, a much simpler time in my life.


If you could have any item on Etsy regardless of price, what would it be?
http://www.etsy.com/listing/48936684/dingle-bed?ref=cat2_list_1
I love how funky it is.

What other skill or talent do you wish you could possess, if you had not taken this creative path?
I've always wondered if my life would have been different if I had
majored in Theatre Arts in college. I'm happy with where I am, but
seeing one of the girls I took acting class with on TV sometimes makes
me wonder, "What if?"



Where else can we find you on the web?
I'm on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/pages/Lynnfield-MA/Ocean-Street-Spa/87231972755?ref=ts

That's all for this time! Have a wonderful autumn weekend and we will return in two weeks!

Friday Spotlight: Elements & Artifacts

Welcome to our next Friday Spotlight! Every other week, we feature a new interview from one of our TeamBPAL members.

This week, your trusty blogger is finally up for her own Friday Spotlight! I'm Alicia of Elements & Artifacts. Let's go!



Tell us a little about the items in your shop. What do you make?
I create inspired artisan jewelry and artwork based on various myths, legends, histories, cultures, and customs. I tend to release my work as collections with overarching themes, while also including items that reflect the seasons and elements for that particular time of year. For instance, every year I reinterpret the months of the year (in Latin), the pagan Sabbats, and various symbols that reflect the ebb and flow of the four seasons. I adore the aesthetics of the fin de siécle and Art Nouveau movement and my favorite time of year is Autumn and Halloween.

My jewelry work has a very strong focus on ornate/filigree wire work, hand-forged wire elements and earwires, textured metalwork, precious metal clay (in fine silver, bronze, and copper), and of course sparkling gemstones.

I love the added challenge inherent in difficult materials and advanced techniques and I find it very rewarding on a personal level. As an artist I always strive to evolve my work and, in turn, myself. Elements & Artifacts will always be a work in progress. My ultimate goal in this is to tap into each concept in a way that best evokes its feeling and mood. I draw upon my inspiration, research, and personal style—as well as reaching into new materials and techniques—to offer what I hope are unique, wearable artifacts.


What is your creative process?
My work is very conceptual and my creative process with jewelry mirrors the creative process that my art professors taught. At any given moment, I am brainstorming for upcoming collections. My creative process involves an ever-rotating medley of research, reading, and sketching ideas in my idea book. There are times that ideas for collections will percolate years before I ever start the actual work on the jewelry. Even so, most of my planning and sketching involves one or two key design points per item. When it's time to create, I sit down and open myself up to see what sort of spontaneous inspiration comes to me in creating the rest of each piece. I love having a balance between planned elements and spur-of-the-moment creativity.


Which Etsy Teams do you belong to?
TeamBPAL, the California Crafter's Club of Etsy, and the San Francisco Etsy Street Team.



Late Autumn Rustlings: Bonfire

When you are not creating things, what do you do?
Most days, I am wrangling the chaos that is parenting an energetic toddler. I also take ballet and pointe classes with Western Ballet Company and do freelance graphic design, illustration, and tattoo design. I love to travel, visit the ocean, fire dance, play WoW, and find new/cool places in the city.


Tell us two random, interesting things about you.
1. I have spent the better part of my life in art classes. However, I absolutely cannot stand the feeling and texture of charcoal and dry pastels. It literally raises the hair on the back of my neck until it's off of me and I can no longer hear or sense the way it rubs on the paper. I have had to struggle through numerous semesters of 3-hour studio classes with my hair standing on end, goose bumps on my arm, and the occasional body-wide shudder.

2. Forget dinner and a movie! I can eat inhuman amounts of movie theater popcorn, and would choose it over many other things. I also carry a miniature salt shaker in my purse for my popcorn.


What has been your proudest moment since opening your Etsy shop?
It's so difficult to pick. I will never, ever take for granted all of the lovely notes that I get from happy customers. I still recall the first sale I made to a stranger. I am still over the moon that Gail Kops of Beadles offered me a designer page on her website. I am also very excited about having my work shown at Modern Eden, a fine art gallery and studio in San Francisco.



Enchanted Oak Forest

What advice would you give to artists who are new to Etsy?
Be consistent in your efforts and creative output, remember that you are your own best marketing tool, don't be shy about getting the word out about your work, always strive to improve your photography since that is the most important selling point for online sales, be honest about your inspirations, be supportive of other creative friends and teammates, and most of all have fun!


What handmade possession do you cherish?
There are countless that I'd like to name, but I'll go with my sacred talisman which holds a magical symbol on the face of it. It was hand-carved by a dear friend of mine and finished into a pendant.


If you could have any item on Etsy regardless of price, what would it be?
It is so difficult to choose only one, but lately I've been fascinated with the art of lost wax casting, so I'll link to these Smoke Wing Cicadas. I'd probably go with garnet, and possibly a pendant rather than a ring.

What other skill or talent do you wish you could possess, if you had not taken this creative path?
While I would not trade anything I have in my life right now, I have always wondered where I'd be if I had pursued a performing career in dance. I've also had many daydreams about getting a culinary degree.




Where else can we find you on the web?
facebook.com/elementsandartifacts
aliciadabney.blogspot.com
twitter.com/alicia_stardust

That's all for this time! Have a wonderful autumn weekend and we will return in two weeks!

Friday Spotlight: Nevermore Bits & Baubles

Welcome to our next Friday Spotlight! Every other week, we feature a new interview from one of our TeamBPAL members.

This week, we interviewed Naomi of Nevermore Bits & Baubles. Let's go!



Tell us a little about the items in your shop. What do you make?
I make necklaces and earrings using silver, pewter, brass, and other metals. Primarily, I work with polished and faceted stones to create my pieces. Sometimes the stones determine the design, meaning I see a stone which catches my fancy and I build the jewelry item around the ‘feel’ of the stone. Other times, the metal piece determines the design. Soon, I hope to work with Precious Metal Clay and to incorporate my interest in Sumi-e painting and miniatures.

What is your creative process?
Like my personality, my sign, and the items in my shop, my creative process tends to be a bit unpredictable and multi-faceted. Sometimes a piece of literature will form a picture in my mind which I seek to bring to life. Sometimes the slant of light on an autumn afternoon inspires me to attempt to render that feeling in jewelry. Other cultures and peoples inspire my designs, as do artists. Finally, I would say I am inspired by all that I find beautiful, as I would happily own and wear any of the pieces I make.

Which Etsy Teams do you belong to?
Just TeamBPAL at this time.


Nyx Goddess of Night

When you are not creating things, what do you do?
I sing, paint, dabble in photography, hike, dance for fun and exercise, expand my children’s horizons (attempt to, at any rate), try to stay healthy, volunteer, learn how better to love and care for all children, dj, read, rail about the inequalities in the world, spend what little free time I have with good friends, copy edit, write, cook, and a few others I’ve surely forgotten.

Tell us two random, interesting things about you.
1. In a broad sense, I have linguistic talent. If I study an accent for a little while, I can mimick it well. My range is from the mid-range of soprano to the mid-range of bass. I make cartoon voices and noises (this comes in terribly handy in my work with children). I can understand a good deal of written (and a wee bit of spoken) French, Italian, and Latin, though I have never studied those languages. My slight grasp of Spanish has opened that door for me.
2. I sense I am becoming the exact opposite of who I was when I was younger. This is a good thing, but it makes me wonder IF I ever ‘was’. This line of thinking twists my head in knots. I don’t suppose that is terribly interesting, but I couldn’t top #1.

What has been your proudest moment since opening your Etsy shop?
I am tickled pink when friends ask me to design items for them for special occasions!


Le Danse

What advice would you give to artists who are new to Etsy?
Promote, promote, promote! Also, be willing to hear constructive criticism. Ask trusted friends or acquaintances, not just in an open forum. Set aside any stings and listen to the crux of things. Finally, try to market your goods to local shops and at fairs and bazaars. This will open up more doors than Etsy alone can!

What handmade possession do you cherish?
I cherish items others have hand-made, and simply enjoy things I have made. With that said, probably my most prized hand-made item is a gorgeous bit of intricate, Victorian-style woolen embroidery crafted by my dearly-departed great aunt Winnie. Additionally, a friend gifted me (for no reason) a stunning painting of an ethereal angel. I am delighted to own an original work of art! That it is also amazingly-rendered is the cherry on top.

If you could have any item on Etsy regardless of price, what would it be?
How about this bed? I haven’t owned a nice bed ever in my life. This would totally fit the bill! And I can’t resist also listing this ring and this ring. I do love shiny things!

What other skill or talent do you wish you could possess, if you had not taken this creative path?
Oh my goodness, what a cruel question. One thing I will always regret, sometimes bitterly, is that I was unable to stick with professional vocal lessons. I would also love to be able to cook Ethiopian and Indian foods well from scratch. Finally, I would love to be a talented and trained actor and dancer.



Thanks for the interview, Naomi! We'll return once again in two weeks with another interview.