Meet Japanese Artist Kazumi

This week's featured artist is Kazumi, a versatile Japanese based artist. She does everything from age old sock monkeys to wedding message boards. I especially like her whimsical drawings. Her sock monkeys have been sold around the world, and she has t-shirts and other items that go with them. To see her sock monkeys: http://sockyworld.com/
In her Etsy shop, Kazumi welcomes visitors to "East Meets West" designs. Everything she does is handmade, but, for her fabric pieces, with fabrics from around the world. To visit K & K Crafts and Designs: http://www.etsy.com/shop/sockysworld

Sandi's Handmade Art

Sandi, of IKnitQuiltSew, expresses her passion through her knitting and quilting. Her items are handmade, one of a kind blankets, booties, bears, etc. According to Sandi, " I truly love what I do... whether it's knitting that perfect pair of booties or hand-quilting my latest creation, it's a labor of love." Some of Sandi's designs were handed down from her great grandmother to her grandmother, and then to her "before color TV was invented." Sandi is an artist with fabric and yarn as her media. To see more of Sandi's wonderful work visit her Etsy shop:

http://www.etsy.com/shop/iKnitQuiltSew

Sonata

This is my latest, "Sonata." The Botswana stone beads are combined with Mother of Pearl and "Crystal Copper" Swarovski crystal beads. I wanted the look of the metal without actually using Copper, and the think the crystals did the trick. They also add a bit of a shimmer. As a whole, the necklace reminded me of a lovely melody, hence the title. I have now used up all my Botswana Agate beads, and I guess I will have to buy some more because I have come to love this stone. To see this and other items, visit my Etsy shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/Raedawn

Featured Artist ~ Haffina

Haffina is a busy mother of five who lives and creates her wonderful polymer clay beads in Australia. Haffina's creations include beads, pendants, toggle clasps, and more. In addition, the artist also makes jewelry, using her own beads, and creates fantasy creatures, such as dragons. According to Haffina, "Polymer clay fascinates me, it is so versatile, and I want to show others just some of the possibilities." To see more of her work, visit her Artfire Gallery: http://www.artfire.com/users/beadsbyhaffina

Sante Fe Tequilla

I was a bit homesick for the southwest when I made this one. I recall sitting at a small, streetside cafe, sipping Margaritas and watching the passing people as well as the rolling mountains in the distance. Turquoise is always a good bet when thinking southwestern, but I was surprised at how much I liked combining it with the Serpentine. And, of course, a spiral (pendant) is almost always a must have, to add that sense of mystery. To see this and my other jewelry work, visit my Etsy site: http://www.etsy.com/shop/Raedawn

"Girlie's Bling" by Joanne

Joanne, under the Etsy shop name, "Girlie's Bling & Things," showcases her wonderful jewelry. she also loves to do other types of crafts, including painting, jewelry, to macrame and a bit of woodwork. Her jewelry work runs the gamut from necklace sets, to earrings to keychains, and everything is made with love and a fine attention to detail. The diversity of her work is incredible, but most of it has a feeling of light and openness. To see her work visit her Etsy page:
http://www.etsy.com/shop/joanne79

Seaside Dawn


As spring moves along, thoughts turn to summer and beaches, sea and sun. "Seaside Dawn" reflects the colors of the sea in the Montana Agate rondelles, while the Freshwater Pearls evoke the dawn. In between each pearl is a 24K Gold Vermeil "Daisy" spacer, adding a bit of shimmer. I haven't been to the beach yet, but I plan to visit Plum Island (MA) soon. Dogs are allowed to run free on the beach there, and it's a great chance for me and David to be near the ocean and my wonderful dog, Pepper, to run free and mix with other dogs.

To see more of my jewelry, visit my Etsy shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/Raedawn

Nala is the Featured Artist of the Month

Nala is a self taught crafter who is a member of the Handmade Artist's Forum (HAF). (For more information about HAF, scroll down to article). Her jewelry is featured on Etsy: http://www.etsy.com/shop/jewelrybynala and on nin.com: http://jewelrybynala.ning.com/
She likes to make jewelry that is "dark and mysterious" as well as jewelry which is light. All of her work shows her incredible attention to detail and to color and composition. She is a jewelry maker par excellence. To view her work: http://www.etsy.com/listing/46040706/leaf-pendant-necklace