Amys in the Arts

Introducing Amy McCarthy of AmyOrangeJuice

2011-11-07T00:00:00.000-08:00

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Next up: Amy McCarthy of AmyOrangeJuice

How long have you been an artist, and how long have you been active as a business artist?
I have always been creative and studied art at college and university. I intended to become an art therapist after I finished university, but life took me on a different path and I was a mental health worker in London for a long time. I started a stained glass course in 2003 as a hobby and was soon addicted! I set up in business 3 years ago and I have never looked back. My work is very varied; from small gift items made with recycled and waste glass (which I sell on Etsy and Folksy) to large stained glass window commissions and public sculptures. My work is shown in galleries around the UK and I love being able to be an artist for a living, its like living in a lovely dream!

Are you an artist full time?
As full time as I can be with a 5 year old and a 3 year old! (lots of late nights and weekends make my hours up to at least that of a full time job)

Who or what inspires you to create?
I live in Devon, which is a stunning part of the UK with the high tors of the moors turning into rolling countryside which leads to the sea and wonderful beaches on 3 sides of the county; so inspiration is all around me in the natural world and the vast majority of my work reflects nature in someway; from landscapes to flowers to insects (and everything in between). My creative friends and children also give me a wealth of ideas and I am a bit obsessed with Art Deco.

Describe your work space.
My lovely dad built me a studio on the side of our house and it is 2m wide and 6m long with a clear plastic roof to maximise light and electrics and running water. This is essential to my work as I cannot work with lead, glass and chemicals in the house and being in my garden makes me able to work flexibly around my children. The walls are lined with jars of recycled glass and I have a purpose built rack so I can flick through my sheet glass stock. I have a light box for glass painting and I have to keep the space as clean and tidy as possible as I work with sharp, hot and poisonous materials The kiln is in the garage, so no hope of getting a car in there!

What kinds of things do you like to do in your free time?
Spending time with my family and friends is my most favourite pass time, we love messing about at the seaside and walking in the forests and moors a short drive away. When I get the chance I love to knit and embroider, but sadly there is not much time for that. I swim 3 times a week as working from home can be a sedentary life and I find this a great time to work though creative blocks and ideas.

What is your favorite handmade item, made by you or given to you?
Cheesy as it sounds the creations of my children are some of my most prized possessions an abstract expressionist piece by my eldest daughter and a jelly fish and 2 fish made from paper plates and tissue paper are my favourite of their art works presently and are framed and displayed in our home along side paintings, prints and photographs by fellow artists.

What does being an Amy to you?
I have always liked my name, its short and sweet and as I am dyslexic I have always appreciated this! I am Amy McCarthy and if you google that you find I share my name with a very famous porn star; which must have shocked several people looking for my artwork over the years!

www.amyorangejuice.co.uk
amyorangejuice.wordpress.com
www.facebook.com/amyorangejuice
www.twitter.com/amyorangejuice

Introducing Amy Barber of EllaSueDesigns

2011-10-31T00:00:00.000-07:00

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Next up: Amy Barber of EllaSueDesigns

How long have you been an artist, and how long have you been active as a business artist?

I have crafted since I was in the 5th grade when I taught myself how to cross stitch. I scrapbook, embordary, and sew. I started working with yarn about 4 years ago. My husband and I were trying to get pregant and the medication made me very sick. I needed something to take my mind off things I could do sitting on the couch. I got a Boye, Teach Yourself to Crochet Kit and the rest is history. Now I am addicted to yarn. I have since taught myself to knit. It has only been a business for me since the Spring of 2011. I started doing custom orders, then decided to go on etsy.

Are you an artist full time?

I am a wife and mother full time. In between doing that, I do my craft. Sometimes I forget and put it first; my husband helps remind me, lol.

Who or what inspires you to create?

My daughter, I make a great deal for her, hats, legwarmers, sweaters. She gets so excited when I make something new. I make a lot of my own designs so they fit her better. I also like to look at magazines and Pinterest and see what others are doing.

Describe your work space.

I have a craft room, but my husband says I have a craft house. I have a place it is suppose to go, but I like being with my family, so it usually ends up in the living room or our bedroom. I am very messy. I know where most things are, but I like to work and not be bothered by the clean up until a project is done. The problem is I have so many on going projects.

What kinds of things do you like to do in your free time?

I crochet and knit. I know that is my "work" but I love it. I do not go anywhere without yarn. My three-year-old daughter always ask if I have my yarn purse when we go out the door. I also like to watch old movies and read.

What is your favorite handmade item, made by you or given to you?

I have two crocheted blankets my grandmother made me when I was born. We used them when our daughter was born. I love the heritage of that.

What does being an Amy mean to you?

I always liked being an Amy. It was a popular name when I was in school, but I liked that it was simple and down to earth.

I live in the country, am learning to embrace my life as a stay at home mom. I was a professional for half of my life until this summer, but I like the simple life of making my own dish soap and cooking eggs from our chickens. Having my art and creativity has helped my make the transition this year. I am able to find purpose in simple things, even a string of yarn my daughter uses as a "rope" for her Barbies.

twitter: drabarber

facebook: ella sue's flowers

etsy: ellasuedesigns

email: aparmenterbarber@gmail.com

Please contact me. I would love to have everyone join me on facebook.

Introducing Amy Kephart of KPhotographyDesign

2011-10-24T06:48:00.000-07:00

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Next up: Amy Kephart of KPhotographyDesign

How long have you been an artist?
I started graphic design about 6 years ago when I designed for a local band. They broke up, I started college and started to get into drawing/painting . I also started doing photography about 6 years ago. I have always loved photography and gotten serious about it in the past 2 years.

How long have you been active as a business artist?
About 6 months on Etsy and Facebook.

Are you an artist full time?
Not full time, part time yes. I have another etsy shop with handmade items (knit/crochet, bows, headbands, etc.) plus 3 children, house work and college. But I do spend most of my free time designing or taking photography.

Who or what inspires you to create?
My children are definitely my main source of inspiration. Nature and music also inspire me a great deal.

My work place is my living room mainly, outdoors sometimes.

What do you like to do in your free time?
knit/crochet, photography, spend time with my husband and children, learn new songs on my guitar, hang out with friends, enjoy being outside.

What is your favorite handmade item?
Probably my owl hats that I sell and made for my children.

What does being an Amy mean to you?
As with anyone, we're all unique. Being an Amy to me, means that I'm unique and creative, I strive to make and create unique items that are sometimes personal and unique to me, which could prove useful and unique to other people .

Find more KPhotographyDesign on Facebook!

Introducing Amy Lund of aclhandweaver

2011-05-02T00:00:00.000-07:00

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Next up: Amy Lund of aclhandweaver

How long have you been an artist, and how long have you been active as a business artist?

I've been spinning and weaving since I was a teen, but started to pursue it more seriously after college. I tried to follow the academic route through study and work in museum settings, but eventually decided to work for myself and follow my dreams sometime in the late 90s, working for other craftsmen to find out how to be an artist and then hitting the shows. I fell into helping a friend run an open weaving Studio & Gallery about and took over the idea when she could no longer do it about 10 years ago.

Are you an artist full time?

Full-time and Over-time...

Who or what inspires you to create?

I enjoy the orderliness of weaving and the focus of creating, combining textures, colors and yarns. It's very tactile and just seems right when things come together. The process of making is what inspires me, when everything works together.

Describe your work space.

I just moved last Oct into a new space in an old Grange utilizing 2 rooms, one for the Studio workspace and the other for the Gallery, where I also showcase other local artisans in a cooperative-style manner. I have found that the mystique of weaving and seeing the studio helps to sell the work through visibility and interaction, though the drawbacks of an open/public studio space are sometimes unscheduled interruptions, higher overhead than working at home, and having to be open and ready to make and sell everyday. It's nice to be able to work when it's quiet, though, and not have to haul things elsewhere and set them up just for a weekend show. Sometimes the interruptions are also pleasant distractions.

What kinds of things do you like to do in your free time?

Free time? What's that? It's all about work, isn't it.... Well, sometimes I get a chance to read, take walks, or travel. I'm always thinking about work because I love to create and really have to make an extra effort to find ways that get me outside the studio or outside my head.

What is your favorite handmade item, made by you or given to you?

I really don't know. This question stumps me...I'm not sure I have any one favorite. I love to make and love handmade. For me things have to fit the moment, the mood, the use, the style. I admire things made well that speak to me, sometimes of things indescribable under the surface.

What does being an Amy mean to you?

I've always felt my uniqueness and individuality. Growing up I only knew one other Amy and it doesn't seem that common to me. I also find it odd or disconcerting to run into someone with my own name wondering if they are like me, even if I've never met them before.

Amy C. Lund, Handweaver Studio & Gallery 3964 Main Road Tiverton, RI 02878 401-816-0000 Regular Studio & Gallery Hours: W-Sun 10-5
www.amyclundhandweaver.com www.etsy.com/shop/aclhandweaver www.flickr.com/photos/aclhandweaver/ www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/pages/Amy-C-Lund-Handweaver/230208813084 aclhandweaver@gmail.com aclhandweaver.blogspot.com/

"Do all the good you can, In all the ways you can, To all the people you can, In every place you can, At all the times you can, As long as ever you can."

Introducing Amy Hutchinson of A Full Cup Design

2011-03-20T18:31:00.000-07:00

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Next up: Amy Hutchinson of A Full Cup Design

How long have you been an artist, and how long have you been active as a business artist?

My mom taught me to sew when I was young. I made pillows and sleeping bags for all my stuffed animals – I think I had about 30! I have been sewing ever since. Last year, my mother-in-law got me interested in making Nuno felt scarves, and I was hooked. I like to mix up my projects and try new things. About 10 or so years ago (pre-kids) I would make curtains, Roman shades, and pillows for friends. I took a big break, and last summer, I started to make purses and scarves for friends. I opened my Etsy shop this winter.

Are you an artist full time?

No. I have two young children and also work part-time as an editor.

Who or what inspires you to create?

Nature, travel, my family, or the person for whom I am sewing. My kids help me come up with fun names for the scarves I make.

Describe your work space.

I work at a big table in our dining room. It is a very sunny room and is nice to work in. I have to store my supplies wherever I can find space.

What kinds of things do you like to do in your free time?

I like to spend time playing with my kids. We especially like to go to the science museum. My husband and I like to go out to dinner or cook a nice dinner at home. My favorite bit of “me” time is to read and have a full cup of tea.

What is your favorite handmade item made by you or given to you?

My mom made my husband and me a beautiful quilt for our wedding.

What does being an Amy mean to you?

I have always thought that being an Amy, since it means “beloved”, was to live up to being the kind of person who is loved. I try to be the best wife, mom, daughter, sister, friend and person I can be!

http://www.facebook.com/pages/AFullCup-Design/156376321077451

Treasury Amys in March

2011-03-06T16:07:00.000-08:00

'Amys in March' by sewartsy

Talented Amys on Etsy - see more http://amys-in-the-arts.blogspot.com

Green Drop Earrings AREjewellery $14.00	Luck o' the Iri... rainestudios $23.00	Tequila Sunset (han... amyspishposh $22.00	Egg Ornament 42 Amooliakin $25.00
Joyous Handmade Lam... ahouston $42.00	Little Church origi... haveart $35.00	Human Vs. Machine 1... leesmith $30.00	Tropical Floral Hai... hawaiianpaperd... $18.00
The Pink Tuxedo Bra... alililly $13.00	Pink and Gray Skull... Amy305 $40.00	Purple Recycled Swe... bagsofblessing $40.00	Chocolate Flowers F... FlirtationRock $25.00
Viking Longboat Bra... arjarvis $35.00	6 Pack greeting Car... Aimeshad $18.00	Lace Cuff in Coral twentynine29 $15.00	HOPE and a FUTURE a... hiddeninheart $20.00

Treasury tool is sponsored by Lazzia.com A/B image testing.

Enjoy!

Introducing Amy Baber of AmySewsIt

2011-02-28T00:00:00.000-08:00

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Next up: Amy Baber of amysewsit

How long have you been an artist, and how long have you been active as a business artist?
I have been sewing now for about 8 years. I only recently opened up shop on Etsy in August of 2010.

Are you an artist full time?
I am a full time wife and mother of 3 beautiful girls. I usually end up sewing after the kids have gone to bed, or on the weekend while my girls sew along side me or play outside with their daddy. :)

Who or what inspires you to create?
That one is easy! Most of the items I make are inspired by my girls. They have so much fun with this and usually make so many requests there is no way I can keep up.

Describe your work space.
My sewing space is a separate building behind our house. Half of the building houses hundreds of yards of fabric, endless notions and all of my machines. I usually have more than one project going on at once so there is often a creative mess. :) The other part of the building houses a toy box, television, couch, and a bed for those late nights.

What kinds of things do you like to do in your free time?
We spend most of our weeknights at the dance studio where me and my girls take many classes like ballet, tap, jazz, modern, hip hop, etc.

What is your favorite handmade item, made by you or given to you?
I would have to say that I am most proud of my Sonic the Hedgehog costume. I made it from scratch, and after finishing, I felt like I could make just about anything.

What does being an Amy mean to you?
Being an Amy is being unique, creative, and unstoppable. I am always happiest when I am given a challenge. I love to push myself. When doing unique requests I find that I go above and beyond what I even thought I was capable of. I love to amaze myself.

www.amysewsit.etsy.com

http://www.facebook.com/pages/amysewsitetsycom/156126421101971

Introducing Amy Griffin of griffin229

2011-02-21T00:00:00.000-08:00

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Next up: Amy Griffin of griffin229

How long have you been an artist, and how long have you been active as a business artist?

I’ve been baking for as long as I can remember. My earliest memories are of baking in my grandparents’ kitchen when I could barely see over the counter.
I’ve been interested in arts and crafts ever since I was in first grade. I love cross-stitching, knitting, jewelry design, sewing, drawing, origami, and so much more.
I’ve given my baked goods and cards to family and friends for years, but I just recently joined Etsy.

Are you an artist full time?

I’d say I’m a part time artist. I wear many hats (wife, doggie mom, baker, organizer).

Who or what inspires you to create?

Everything and anything can be an inspiration (magazine ads, architecture, a collection of plants, clothing, music). I’m attracted to bold colors and interesting color combinations. There’s always something new to discover.

Describe your work space.

I have an office full of inspirational art (family photos, Disney art, and bold graphic patterns), but I have been known to work in multiple places. When baking, I’m in my gorgeous kitchen/great room complete with huge floor to ceiling windows. It’s bright and sunny and it puts me in a great mood. While working on my art and cards, I usually sit in my leopard print chaise lounge chair and watch one of my favorite movies. It’s a great way to spend an afternoon.

What kinds of things do you like to do in your free time?

--shop with my husband

--take our beagle for long walks (we can wander around for 2-3 hours at a time)

--watch movies/tv (some of my favs: How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days, Because I Said So, the Wedding Planner, Pirates of the Caribbean, the Big Bang Theory, Friends, and Gilmore Girls)

--take care of my huge plant collection

--daydream about vacations

What is your favorite handmade item, made by you or given to you?

I absolutely love the frozen key lime pie that my mother-in-law makes for me every year for my birthday.

What does being an Amy mean to you?

I’ve always liked my name. In K-12 I was the only Amy in my whole class and I really enjoyed that. It made me feel unique. Plus, I love writing my name. I’ve developed a crazy loopy writing style and these letters look fun together.

I use eco-friendly notecards that are tree-free (some are made from junk mail and others are embedded with wildflower seeds).

I bake with organic and all natural ingredients. I really believe in eating real food (food without the chemistry).

I was recently featured in another fun blog. Check out the review at: http://toesthattwinkle.blogspot.com/search/label/etsy

http://www.etsy.com/shop/griffin229

agriffin229@yahoo.com

Latest Amys Treasury from griffin229

2011-02-18T16:33:00.000-08:00

'Purple, Lime and a Splash of Pink' by griffin229

Grape Luxe (handmad... amyspishposh $14.00	Lemongrass Chunky L... bagsofblessing $36.00	DC Series -Metro 13... leesmith $40.00	Lime Green PEAR on ... haveart $65.00
Purple and Green Re... AREjewellery $39.00	Mermaid and Ocean G... ahouston $24.00	Handmade Wood Mount... leesmith $40.00	Bright Pink Rosette... foldingchairde... $10.50
Green Beaded Bracel... arjarvis $35.00	Purple Obsession T... Amy305 $15.00	Handcrafted Apple S... AmyJosCreation... $3.00	Unicorn Diamonte St... BlushingDoveBo... $14.99
Chaos II - copper a... CraftyWillows $28.00	Zippered Pouch, Cot... sewartsy $10.00	Vintage Purple Glas... findingsbyamy $2.00	Black and Hot Pink ... rainestudios $30.00

Treasury tool is sponsored by Lazzia.com A/B image testing.

Enjoy!

Gorgeous new Amys Treasury

2011-02-13T19:25:00.000-08:00

'A is for.....' by AREjewellery

Amy! Lots of lovely items from a fabulous group of Amys http://www.etsy.com/teams/5595/amys-in-the-arts

Love Cake Topper amymreisman $18.00	Celtic Visions Star... rainestudios $49.00	Pink and Grey Roset... foldingchairde... $12.00	Vintage Large Black... findingsbyamy $2.00
First Kiss Anime Ca... BlushingDoveBo... $14.56	African Violets on ... ahouston $16.00	Old Town New York 5... leesmith $12.00	Grape Bunch (handma... amyspishposh $22.00
Tote Bag, Twill, Gr... sewartsy $25.00	Winter Vine - sterl... CraftyWillows $23.00	Lavender Amiya Neck... amzcreations $15.50	Camouflage Green Ro... alililly $10.00
Polka Dot Batik Flo... suburbangraffi... $6.00	Geometric Beaded Ta... arjarvis $80.00	Chunky Gray Heather... bagsofblessing $38.00	Snowman Pearl earri... kittycatsnairp... $4.00

Treasury tool is sponsored by Lazzia.com A/B image testing.

Enjoy!

Introducing Aimee Had of Aimeshad

2011-02-07T00:00:00.000-08:00

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Here continues a series of getting-to-know-you interviews.
Next up: Aimee Had of Aimeshad

How long have you been an artist, and how long have you been active as a business artist?

It seems with this sort of question, being an artist is possibly what one has always been, what one always is, and is maybe less of a conscious choice, and more just an inert, simple truth. Art became a business in high school for me when a large group of my friends were travelling to Utah and Colorado for ski trips. As my parents declined to fund this, I decided to try and figure out what I could do to generate cash flow. At the time, in the 80's, wild earrings were the rage. I knew I could design, create, and build products to send me on my way to the big hills!

Are you an artist full time?

I work at, and produce art frequently. ~Hard to exactly pin point, but I'd say art occupies about 70% of my income, and the rest comes from teaching.

Who or what inspires you to create?

All sorts of thing inspire me, which is probably how and why I am spread so thin, and dabble in so many genres of art. I get pretty excited at new possibilities, tools, and materials. I get inspired by seeing what other artists are doing, especially when struck with an, "Oh, WOW! I've never even thought of doing that!" kind of a moment. I like to travel when I Iam able, and really immerse myself in those cultures when and if I am travelling, to see how others live, what a strange culture might produce, and to see my world in a new way.

I live the bulk of my life outside, and the sights nature produces never fail to inspire, and make me see life in the ways that nature intended, or wanted us to live and abide by. The natural laws of the universe are a big, guiding ship for my creations for sure. I have certain futuristic, wild, flowery, and somewhat apocalyptic paintings that were created under these universal, and natural ideas.

Describe your work space.

I have a studio set up in my home in what was intended as a bedroom. ~I really like my commute! It's important for me to be able to work from home when it comes to production because I really need to be private. I also love working out of my home because I feel safe, tend to work late, odd hours into the night, and do not believe I could do this freely in a more public venue. My dog comes in to my studio often, and just hangs out, listening to stories on tape or music with me.

What kinds of things do you like to do in your free time?

First and foremost, I live here in the Tahoe area because I am a skier. In summer we mountain bike a lot, hike on trails, and back pack with our friends, both human and canine. ~Going fast outside, immersing myself in the colors and conditions of nature is one of the more important parts to my life.

What is your favorite handmade item, made by you or given to you?

I have several items that were handmade, some of which that have been cherished in excess of 20 years now! Wow, unbelievable! Among my favorites are two dog bowls that are really elegant and beautiful, used daily, and were thrown on the wheel by the love of my life.

What does being an Amy mean to you?

Whoa, now this is a weird question!!! For me several answers immediately come to mind, ~one of which is a memory of a crazy, homeless guy I met on the street in my youth whom was on a tirade against Amy's.... but that was HIS weird story!

I am an "Aimee" which translates to "the loved one" in French. je t'aime yes? I like this, and feel lucky for that connection.

An interview online was published regarding a bit of what I do this past Oct. that I liked quite a bit. Here is a link to it:

http://www.tahoeculture.com/art/featured-artists/re-purposed-art-by-aimee-had/

Aimeshad.Etsy.Com

Amy's Lovelies Treasury

2011-02-06T11:45:00.001-08:00

'Amy's Lovelies' by sewartsy

Checkout these items, and the awesome Amys-in-the-Arts who made them! Go Team Amy!

Floral Glass Memory... MorningStarArt... $20.00	Fine Silver Gear Po... partsbync $90.00	Fiery Ladybug Earri... amzcreationz $14.99	Nature-5x7- fine ar... leesmith $12.00
Smiling Girl Bow Ba... FlirtationRock $30.00	Supernova Necklace AREjewellery $19.50	Skeleton Key Bookma... arjarvis $12.00	Valentine's Day... alililly $12.00
Lime Green, Pink an... suburbangraffi... $6.00	Tri Color Linked Ri... bagsofblessing $32.00	Not Your Grandmothe... Amy305 $10.00	Vintage five strand... kittycatsnairp... $15.00
Darling Bow (handma... amyspishposh $18.50	Textured HEART orig... haveart $20.00	Light Green Genuine... StudioDolores $37.99	Colors of Fall Skoo... snugglevillage $14.00

Treasury tool is sponsored by Lazzia.com A/B image testing.

Enjoy!

Introducing Ami of AMZCREATIONZ

2011-01-31T00:00:00.000-08:00

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Here continues a series of getting-to-know-you interviews.
Next up: Ami Ganguli of AMZCREATIONZ

How long have you been an artist, and how long have you been active as a business artist?

I have been an artist all my life. As a kid, I used to love painting. I still do. I enjoy watercolors the most. With time I got interested in different forms of art. Some years back, I started making jewelry, knitting & crocheting and have been hooked since. I am very passionate about what I do. I enjoy creating and redefining my designs, especially adding a touch of sparkle to the contemporary motif. I adore feminine elements and like to fuse them with stronger, bolder patterns. My love for colors shine through my work. I have recently turned an active business artist - about six months back. My creations were well received and appreciated, however, getting the sales I would like is another story.

Are you an artist full time?

I spend a considerable amount of my day studying and taking care of my home. Presently, I am doing research to publish. I would love to become a full time artist, I hope that will happen once I complete my studies.

Who or what inspires you to create?

Inspiration is everywhere... the one thing that always inspires me is COLORS. I love colors and they inspire me to create my own art.

Describe your work space.

I work at home. On the dining table, sometimes on the kitchen counter.. I always have my design book tucked by my bed side. Most of my drawing and designing happens there, in bed. :)

What kinds of things do you like to do in your free time?

I believe that human life is a gift and one must do everything possible to pass it on to those who are not as fortunate. I love animals, grew up with quite a few pets at home. I miss them a lot. My current situation does not allow me to have them at home, so I dedicate a few hours every week to the local shelter working with dogs, training them, sharing their lives and helping them find a loving home.

What is your favorite handmade item, made by you or given to you?

That would have to be a gorgeous fuschia winter dress and matching braided cap that my mom knitted for me. I was about 6 at that time. My Mom is a creative genius herself and she's the most wonderful person I have ever known. Mom travels and works very hard to make a difference in the lives of those who are struggling to fight poverty and hunger in developing nations. She showed us, my brother and I, the real joy of giving. She made me a lot of dresses when I was younger, taught me how to knit.. we have a lot in common. I dedicated my blog to her -- www.yarnilicious.blogspot.com

What does being an Amy mean to you?

Everything. Thats me... my thoughts, my karma.

I learned the art of cooking once I began living alone and had no help. Over the years, I have come to enjoy cooking and post my recipes here - www.dot.rannaghor-theke.blogspot.com

I enjoy the company of friends and love to make eveyone smile and laugh. My dream would be to own a working studio where people could just walk in and hang out... have a good time and relax. And I would spend my day working and sipping hot chocolate with them. :)

Facebook: ~AMZCREATIONZ~ Artisan Jewelry (FB Group)

ETSY STORES :

AMZCREATIONZ

AMZCREATIONS

The Amy's I Love Treasury

2011-01-29T09:48:00.000-08:00

Check out these Awesome Amys' items in this new treasury posted today by AmyCanSew

'The Amy's I Love' by AmyCanSew

A sample from the Amy's in the Arts team! Go team Amy. So talented!

Zippered Pouch, Clu... sewartsy $20.00	Personalized Hooded... FlirtationRock $25.00	DC Series -George W... leesmith $40.00	Bright Spotty Earri... AREjewellery $19.00
Autumn Cornucopia H... ahouston $28.00	One Hit Wonder ORIG... Amigami $13.00	Reserved for jhigg1... foldingchairde... $	6 Pack of Pugsy Gre... Aimeshad $18.00
Handcrafted Crown S... AmyJosCreation... $3.00	The Elise Bag DeAnneDeSigns $28.00	Korn Slate Etching ... ScrtSolstice $10.00	LITTLE SWEETHEART J... rosellaclaire $38.00
Vampire Girl Twilig... Amy305 $25.00	Beautiful Red Rose ... amymreisman $14.00	Like Venom and Bloo... amzcreationz $35.00	Sterling Silver Byz... partsbync $85.00

Treasury tool is sponsored by Lazzia.com.

Enjoy!

Introducing Amie Allen of Kitty Cats And Airplanes

2011-01-24T00:00:00.000-08:00

Want to get to know us Amys better?

Here continues a series of getting-to-know-you interviews.
Next up: Amie Allen of KittyCatsAndAirplanes

How long have you been an artist, and how long have you been active as a business artist?
Am I allowed to say I've always been an artist? I've always loved art, any and every form! In first grade I wrote a book about how I was gong to be an artist when I grew up. Though I graduated college with a degree in Elementary Education and a teaching license, I am still an artist at heart. However, I've only recently been active as a business artist, I just opened up my shop November 2010!

Are you an artist full time?
I wish, but no. I bring in majority of my bacon as a private, in home tutor.

Who or what inspires you to create?
Anything and everything. I could be driving to pick up groceries and see something beautiful to inspire my next creation. I also get a lot of inspiration from other talented folks on Etsy and my dear sweet husband.

Describe your work space.
An old kitchen table in the middle of my living room/study with a bookshelf full of crafting supplies. Gotta love basement living. :)

What kinds of things do you like to do in your free time?
My free time is primarily divided between being inspired and getting creative, and sometimes playing silly online games with my hubby. I'm constantly crafting my ideas into a reality and browsing around the interwebs and around town searching for my next idea. I also love thrift store shopping and playing with my cats.

What is your favorite handmade item, made by you or given to you?
One of my favorite handmade items has to be a simple beaded bracelet from my "not a baby anymore" sister. It's really the simple things that mean the most to me.

What does being an Amy mean to you?
I've always loved being an Amy, and I was lucky enough to be blessed with a unique spelling to make me love it even more. It is an empowering and uplifting name. Say it out loud...your mouth kind of smiles when you say it. :) Go Amys!

Week 9 of the Nine Weeks of Amy ... win a $25 gift certificate from AmyCanSew

2010-12-26T00:00:00.000-08:00

Hello all! I am Amy K of AmyCanSew. I create one of a kind birthday hats and applique T-shirts.

It’s the final week of “Nine Weeks of Amy”. I hope you all enjoyed your Christmas, time with family & friends and are looking forward to a wonderful New Year. I know I am! I always feel victories when I make it through another Christmas with my sanity intact! Well, most of it anyway. I never have resolutions. I just come up with a few things that I feel will add to my overall happiness and goal of being the best ME I can be. So January is a wonderful time of year for me.

I am a stay at home mom of 9 years. My husband travels for work, so 75% of the time I am on my own with two wonderful children. I am a Girl Scout leader, member of the PTA, science Olympiad couch, volunteer at school, chief cook and bottle washer, chief financial officer, lawn maintenance person, head of snow removal, dog walker, pool boy and lead chauffer for most sports and activities.

I took my first sewing class a couple years after my daughter was born. I thought it would be wonderful to be able to sew Halloween costumes for both my children. I was hooked immediately! I love that I can take a pile of fabric and make it into something wonderful.

My process is pretty simple. I collect patterns and ideas. I then combine both to come up with a unique item. Sometimes an idea comes from a certain fabric; sometimes a holiday brings a great idea. I know if my daughter loves it, my customers will love it!

My current goal for the New Year is put together a flicker account with photos of all my past projects that I have made for my kids as well as the current items that I am selling on my AmyCanSew site.

To enter my giveaway visit my shop, AmyCanSew, and come back and comment on your favorite item.

Earn extra entries by leaving separate comments when you have followed the Amys blog, Amys Twitter and/or Amys Facebook page.

This contest runs from Sunday 12/26 through Saturday 1/1. Good luck!

Week 8 of the Nine Weeks of Amy ... win a $20 gift certificate from AREjewellery

2010-12-19T11:31:00.000-08:00

It’s week eight of nine in the Nine Weeks of Amys and it’s nearly Christmas! So Merry Christmas to you all! I’m Amy of AREjewellery. I’m a UK based Amy (hence the English spelling of jewellery!). It’s great to be involved in a team with such a variety of sellers from all over the world.

I make bead jewellery and have done so for about 6 years now. Beads are my biggest weakness – the bigger and shinier the better! I just love browsing for unusual beads and love it when I find something that I have never seen anywhere before. I had these earrings in my shop for a while but they haven’t sold – I’ve decided I love the beads so much I’m keeping them for myself.

I also love using different materials: ribbon, fabric, wire, cord. I’m always experimenting with something new. I’ve just bought some tulle and am coming up with some ideas to incorporate it.

I make jewellery in my spare time as I have a full time job as a graduate surveyor. I just moved to a different part of the UK and am just settling in. Where I lived previously I was a member of an arts festival committee and one of my main roles was organising a handmade craft fair. Hugely rewarding but also pretty stressful – it’s an outdoor even and the weather in the England is highly unpredictable! I am helping out again this year – from a distance! I love the handmade community and support it by buying the majority of my Christmas presents on Etsy.

To enter my giveaway to win a $20 voucher in my shop, leave a comment on this page with your favourite item from my shop.

Earn additional entries by:

- following @amysinthearts on Twitter

- sharing this giveaway on Twitter by tagging @amysinthearts in your tweet

- following the Amys In The Arts blog,

- Follow me on twitter @AREjewellery

- Follow my blog

To get credit for your additional entries, please be sure to let us know what you’ve done. You can earn one additional entry by doing each of the above actions, up to 6 entries total. Competition closes 25^th December.

Week 7 of the Nine Weeks of Amy - featuring Amy Sews!

2010-12-12T00:00:00.000-08:00

I'm thrilled to be a path of the Amy in the Arts 9 weeks of giveaways! The largest outlet of my creativity is my shop on etsy. WWW.amy305.etsy.com. Goofy name I know but Etsy wont let you change your name. I prefer Amy Sews!

I can't remember not sewing! I started out hand sewing scraps from my mother’s projects when I was young, like 6 or 7 years old. I remember wanting to use the sewing machine SOOOO bad but my mom telling me I was too young! I think she finally let me at about 10 years old. I learned everything from her! I am the oldest of 4 girls in my family (out of 6 kids!) and my mom sewed to keep us in clothes. Dresses, Jeans, even panties! She learned from her Mom so I guess it's in my blood. She is still who I call when I need advise on a project! And I'm happy to say that I am teaching my 9 year old daughter to sew too! :)

I asked my husband how much time I spend in a fabric shop. He laughed at me! My four year old son starts to cry when we pull in to the Hobby Lobby parking lot! "I don't want to go to Hobby Lobby!!! It's so boring!!" I go to H.L. once or twice a week. I just moved to a town with a Hancock's Fabric in it too, so I'm there once or twice a week. My Wallmart has a fabric department that I go to at least 4 times a week! Sometimes I go to all three just to browse and see what’s new, sometimes I just need a spool of thread or a little more ribbon. I discovered Etsy about two years ago and can spend hours on it looking at fabric and even more hours looking at Twilight stuff!! I love Etsy!!! I have my go to sites online for fabric and patterns: http://www.fabric.com/, http://www.sewingpatterns.com/ and http://www.patternsoftime.com/. When I die, they will open my purse and find dozens of little swatches of fabric! So I guess the answer to how many hours is, Way too many!

I've been asked what my favorite thing to make was. That's a tough one. I made one of my sisters’ wedding dress and I've made 32 little pink tutu's for my daughters ballet class recital. I think my favorite thing to make is something I know the person I'm doing it for will love and appreciate! I love to see my stuff in action! My baby blankets may not be "Heirloom standards" but they will make it through being washed 600 times and still hold up!

I have a coupon especially for the blog followers. Enter AMYARTS12 and receive 20% off in my shop!

My give away will be one teddy bear of your choice from my shop!
-Tell me your favorite item off my shop.
For additional entries:
-Like me on face book. http://www.facebook.com/AmySews
- follow the Amys In The Arts blog
- become a fan of Amys in the Arts Facebook page
- post a link to this giveaway on your blog (please copy the link to your blog post)
- add the Amys In The Arts button to your blog (please copy the link where you've added it)

Win $20 SewArtsy Gift Certificate During Week 6 of the Nine Weeks of Amy

2010-12-05T00:00:00.000-08:00

Generally speaking I look at my sewing studio and see a giant mess. So how does such cute stuff come out of it all? Let me take you on a journey through my process.

I love color and detail, so I begin by choosing my base. I'll get stuck on one or two dark fabrics to use as foundational fabrics for my bags - most recently it’s been a dark charcoal gray and a deep blue denim. Once I feel my foundational fabrics, then I can hit my closet of cotton quilting-weight fabrics for inspiration of color and print. My stash is significantly smaller than it used to be as I’ve tried to use it up instead of buying more (very hard to do when you have a slight fabric addiction!), and because I’ve sold a bit in my Etsy store as a destash (not so hard when you know your fabric is going to better home where it has more chance to be used!). Very little of what I have is new, but there have been a few fabric lines that I haven’t been able to resist lately!

I have to then decide if I am going to do a cut out shape applique or do a stripe pattern, or work on a new idea. I love to lay out fabrics together and see what I can do with the combinations – perhaps a mushroom top and stem, or a more complicated design like an owl. Sometimes I just get struck by one fabric, and make it something more simple. All of my applique designs start out as my drawings, then are scaled and hand cut by me before being stitched onto the foundational fabric. Getting time to sit and draw is a real luxury for me, so it's always an exciting time when I get to debut something new!

Once the bag is finished it is time to dress it up! Right now my favorite embellishments are buttons and hot fix crystals. I think they add a bit of whimsy to my items, and they either add more color or enhance the color in the prints themselves. I try not to go overboard with the embellishments because I don’t want them to distract from the design. Sometimes adding a ribbon and/or bead to a zipper pull also helps me feel the project is truly finished.

Because I also have an affection for small and cute, in my shop you'll also find rings where I use up my scraps of fabric, some embellished and some plain, and I also dress up my buttons and turn them into rings as well. I hope you enjoy browsing!

If you’d like to learn more about me and how I got started, see this recent blog post on our Amys’ blog!

This week, to celebrate my giveaway and the holiday season, my prices have been reduced 15%. To enter the giveaway to win a $20 gift certificate from SewArtsy, first, go browse through my shop; then come back here and leave a comment on this page telling me what your favorite item is from my shop.

You can also earn additional entries by:
- following @amysinthearts on Twitter
- following @sewartsyamy on Twitter
- sharing this giveaway on Twitter by tagging @amysinthearts and/or @sewartsyamy in your tweet
- following the Amys in the Arts Blog

- following the SewArtsy Blog
- becoming a fan of Amys in the Arts Facebook page
- becoming a fan of the SewArtsy Facebook page

-sharing this giveaway on your Facebook page
- posting a link to this giveaway on your blog
- adding the Amys In The Arts button to your blog

-And, finally, a purchase from my shop this week will earn you an additional 5 entries to this giveaway!

To get credit for your additional entries, please be sure to let us know what you’ve done by leaving separate comments for each entry that you've completed.

This giveaway will end at 11:59 pm, Saturday, December 11. I will randomly pick a winner from all entries, and notify the winner on Sunday, December 12. I look forward to reading each of your comments!

Amy Roundtree

Week 5 of the Nine Weeks of Amy...win a $20 gift certificate from ahouston!

2010-11-28T00:00:00.000-08:00

Hi all, it's “Lampwork by Amy”, aka ahouston, here. My name is Amy Hall (confusing, I know, because my shop is ahouston – but I got married last year and changed my name, and Etsy doesn't let you change your shop name). I make handmade glass beads.

I get a lot of questions about what I do, so I am going to use my week of our Amy promo here to share with you all exactly what I do, and how it is done!

The process is called Lampwork. It involves a torch that is specialized for melting glass. My torch uses a mix of oxygen and propane – the propane comes in a barbeque tank that you can buy anywhere, and the oxygen is pumped in from an oxygen concentrator. The concentrator is the kind used for medical purposes. In fact, I have two of them now, and they both run at once. The more oxygen you have, the hotter your flame can be, and I am an impatient person. I don't like to wait too long for my glass to melt.

I buy glass rods from a variety of sellers both online, and locally. I tend to buy locally when I can, but there is some stuff that my local shop doesn't carry. Most of the glass comes from Italy (Effetre, Moretti, and Vetrofond); there are a few American companies I buy from as well (Creation is Messy and Double Helix). Most of my clear glass comes from Germany, because the best clear (at least, my favorite), is Lauscha, a German company.

My studio is in my garage, at my home in Victoria, BC (Canada). I have a little table in the corner, with the torch mounted on it, and a small bead kiln right next to me. The beads have to be properly cooled in the kiln (called annealing), so they don't cool down too fast. This makes them much more durable and less prone to cracks. The beads are made on metal rods called mandrels. I dip the mandrels in a clay product called Bead Release. This allows me to remove the bead once I am done.

Other safety equipment I have is specialized glasses that allow me to see more clearly into the flame, and protect my eyes, and a range hood fan that draws any fumes away from me, and outside. There aren't a lot of fumes in lampwork, at least not for me since I don't work much with enamels. I do sometimes work with metals such as silver leaf, or glasses that are fumed with silver, and this does produce a small amount of fumes.

My usual process is, get the torch and kiln going, fire up my iPod with either some tunes, or an audiobook or podcast, and then lay out my color palette for whatever it is I plan to make first. The actual how-to of making a bead involves dipping the mandrel in bead release, drying it, and then melting a glass rod around the mandrel. The mandrel becomes the bead's hole. I start with a basic bead, and then decorate it with other colors. I love polka dots and stripes.

I make a lot of bead “sets” - these are matching sets of usually somewhere between 6-12 beads (sometimes more), that are intended for jewelry designers to buy. Sometimes I use these to make my own jewelry, especially if they sit around and don't sell for a while. I also make focal beads, which tend to be really organic and unique. I make large goddess beads. I also make buttons. Just recently I have been making the Pandora bracelet style beads.

All of the different types of beads I create require different tools or bits of equipment. So as I have learned new techniques, I have slowly acquired a LOT of stuff. When people ask me how much it costs to get started with lampwork, it's hard to find a good answer, since I slowly built all that I have up over so much time. I have been making beads since the beginning of 2006, so almost 5 years now.

I sell my beads primarily in my Etsy shop, but I also do some local craft shows at Christmas time, and a farmer's market every weekend all summer long. I don't do this full time, in fact it often gets just barely squeezed in when the rest of my life gets super busy. I work almost full time, and I go to school part time. I am in the healthcare field, working for a nursing program (I am not a nurse, I do clerical work there). I am working on a science degree currently, which I am almost finished (should be done by Christmas!) I am also a pre-med student, and hope to become a doctor one day – although I don't plan to even apply to medical school until I have taken at least a year off from school. I am too burnt out from my undergraduate degree to jump in to another full program right away. I hope to keep working with glass, no matter how busy my life gets, because I find it very relaxing and a wonderful way to wind down. Also, since I am a creative person, I feel like I need something creative in my life to balance out all of the other stuff.

So that is pretty much it! I do have a website that talks about lampwork a lot, and I even have tutorials for some of my bead styles – so if you want to see more pictures of the process in action, or just learn more about it, you can go check me out at http://www.twoglassyladies.ca/

Thanks for stopping by this blog, and I hope you enter this challenge. Again, the winner will receive a $20 gift certificate to my shop!

Here's how to enter... First, go browse through my shop (http://ahouston.etsy.com) Then come back here and leave a comment on this page telling me what your favorite item is from my shop.

You can also earn up to seven additional entries by:

- following @amysinthearts on Twitter

- sharing this giveaway on Twitter by tagging @amysinthearts in your tweet

- following the Amys In The Arts blog

- following Amy's Lampworkbyamy blog at http://lampworkbyamy.livejournal.com/

- becoming a fan of Amys in the Arts Facebook page

- posting a link to this giveaway on your blog (please copy the link to your blog post)

- adding the Amys In The Arts button to your blog (please copy the link where you've added it)
To get credit for your additional entries, please be sure to let us know what you’ve done (don't forget to copy your blog links!).

Week 4 of the Nine Weeks of Amy ... win a gift certificate from arjarvis

2010-11-19T16:56:00.000-08:00

Be sure to come back every week through the rest of the year for another giveaway from another talented Amy!

Hello, I'm Amy. You've probably figured that out already, so I'll be a bit more specific; I'm the Amy behind arjarvis.etsy.com, which is where I list beautiful hand-beaded works of art and pieces of jewelry for sale.

My chosen beading technique is the square stitch, which is a tedious process by which one can create beaded cloth—something you can cut into and not have fall apart (although I'd appreciate it if you didn't). I've been doing this sort of beading on and off for close to a decade, and I can only say that my skills have improved over the years. It can be monotonous, but I really enjoy the things that I create, and I hope that others do, too.

I think my favorite part of beading is making patterns. I spend a lot of time on them, building the images, getting the shapes just right, picking colors that will work well. I love to make patterns of a fantastical or whimsical nature best of all—I have several patterns for dragons, a unicorn, a merman, pirate ships, phoenixes and even an airship. I'm currently most proud of and pleased with the airship, which ultimately turned out just the way I had envisioned it.

The prize for this week's giveaway is a $15 gift card for my shop, which you can put towards whatever you'd like to buy—pins, patterns, bracelets, mobius strips (endless one-sided fun) or tapestries. Give someone a beautiful work of beaded art or spoil yourself this holiday season!

To enter this giveaway, visit my shop (arjarvis.etsy.com), pick your favorite item and post a comment about it back here on this blog post. If you'd like to enter more than once, you may do any of the following:

1) Follow the Amys in the Arts blog (the one you're looking at now)
2) Follow @amysinthearts on Twitter
3) Follow my blog (amyville.blogspot.com)
4) Share this giveaway on Twitter by tagging @amysinthearts
5) Become a fan of the Amys in the Arts Facebook page
6) Post a link to this giveaway in your blog
7) Add the Amys in the Arts button to your blog

Make sure that you post a link back here for whichever of these you do—otherwise we won't know about it and your entry will be invalid. Also, if you've already done one of the above, please let us know by commenting on this post because it counts as an entry as well.

Week 3 of the Nine Weeks of Amy...Win 2 Pairs of Earrings from Alililly!

2010-11-14T00:00:00.000-08:00

Hi, I am Ami with AliLilly. I'm so excited to be here and I'm even more excited for y'all, because I have an AWESOME give-a-way! I create jewelry and I do it with a lot of love. I never sell or finish a piece I don't LOVE myself. First, let me tell y'all just a bit about me and how AliLilly was born.

My husband and I had a bit of a struggle getting pregnant. After 5 years, I finally was pregnant. I was put on bed rest throughout out most of the pregnancy. Since I can't help but share my story of our blessing named Alice Marie please click here if you'd like to read more. Bored and out of TV shows to follow, my sweet husband bought me several hemp jewelry making kits. I loved them. I had so much fun learning. After the first couple pieces, I began adding my own influences instead of following the set directions. I must of made three pieces of jewelry for every family member and each friend I have.

I made this Princess Costume for Alice. I think I maybe adding clothing to my shop soon!!

My precious Alice Marie

Now a little more than two years later I've opened an etsy shop and have expanded my jewelry making skills. I recently began including hair accessories to my shop. I love making jewelry. It's calms me and brings me such joy to see what my hands and mind create.

Autumn Beaded Dangle Earrings

Autumn Orange Rosette Hair Clip

Blue Dangle Earrings

Candied Apple Earrings

Fall Braided Bracelet

Fall Earrings

I run a blog as well. It's becoming quite successful and I have made many many new and wonderful friends from it. It's exciting to see what everyone has created or just read someones thoughts for the day.

My etsy shop and blog are both named AliLilly. AliLilly, is a title my friend Christine gave a picture of Alie. Alie was wearing a flower dress and therefore was named, Alie-Lily!

I'm really excited to be a part of this wonderful Amy group. These ladies are some wonderful creators and wonderful women. I'm equally excited to be a part of this great giveaway promotion. I'm am giving away WINNERS CHOICE of ANY TWO pairs of earrings in my shop. Anyone participating in this giveaway will also receive a 30% off discount and all purchases within my shop. Just use the code AmysInArtsPromo in your buyers notes.

NOW, what do you have to do to win a pair of AliLilly handcrafted earrings?

First, visit my AliLilly Etsy Shop and come back here and leave a comment telling us what your favorite item is in my shop.

Additional entries, please leave a comment for each:

Follow the Amy's In Arts Blog and leave a comment here telling us you did. If you already follow just leave us a comment that you are a follower.
Follow the AliLilly Blog and leave a comment here telling us that you did. If you already follow just leave us a comment that you are a follower.
Follow Amy's In The Arts on twitter
Follow AliLilly on twitter
Tweet, blog, or post on your facebook page about this giveaway. Make sure to include the link of your post in your comment.
"Like" the Amy's In The Arts Facebook page.
"Like" the AliLilly Facebook page.
Add the Amy's In The Arts button to your blog page. Make sure to leave a link to your blog.
Added the AliLilly button to your blog page. Make sure you leave a link to your blog.
Subscribe to the Amy's In The Arts blog via rss.
Subscribe to the AliLilly blog via email or rss.
If you make a purchase from my shop during the week of this giveaway you will receive an extra 5 entries.

That's 17 chances to win!! Good luck everyone!! Make you stop by every week for a new Amy and her awesome giveaway! Thanks for stopping by!

~Ami

http://www.alililly.blogspot.com/
http://www.etsy.com/shop/alililly

week 2 of the Nine Weeks of Amy ... win a gift certificate to Surburban Grafitti!

2010-11-05T12:15:00.000-07:00

Hi! This is Amy G from Suburban Graffitti. If you would like to know more about my shop and my "creative process" (that sounded fancy!) you can read my introduction a couple of posts down. Today I'd like to give you a glimpse into a typical day in the Suburban G life. (I'll also be giving you a chance to win something from my shop, but that will come later.)

A Day in the Glamorous Life of an Amy

4:30 a.m.: Wake up in a panic, thinking morning has come. Contemplate if there a better feeling in all the world than realizing you don't have to get up yet while blissfully nodding off again.

6:15 a.m.: Wake up in a panic as heinously loud mariachi music blares from the radio. Every. Single. Morning. Dang those kids! They've been messing with the alarm again. Contemplate peeling myself out of bed as the Dad heads upstairs to wake the hooligans.

6:25 a.m.: The bladder speaks louder than the pillow. Get up.

6:30 a.m.: Slap together three peanut butter and honey sandwiches for the kids lunches whilst hollering at the kids upstairs who are now contemplating peeling themselves out of bed.

6:35 a.m.: Send the dog upstairs to get those kids out of bed. Why, WHY, pray tell, does she have more success than my husband and I together? Those parents in Peter Pan really had the right idea leaving the dog to watch the children while they went out for the evening. Contemplate the practicality of that idea for our family.

6:37 a.m.: Sit down at the table in a stupor as children begin to roll in and get breakfast. Contemplate the earliest possible time to go to Circle K and get a 44 oz.Coke without seeming "trashy". 9:00.

6:40 a.m.: Remind youngest that Halloween candy does not a breakfast make. Holler up at eldest to get in the shower. Kiss the Dad good bye.

6:50 a.m.: Give the boys the rundown -- pack your lunch, get your agenda signed, put on shoes and CLEAN socks. Arrrrgggggghhhhh!!! Why are there never enough clean socks that match in the drawers?!

7:00 a.m.: Still looking for the socks in the baskets of clean laundry awaiting folding. Boys -- pack your lunches. Sis -- GET OUT of the shower!

7:05 a.m.: Boys, seriously! PACK YOUR LUNCHES!

7:06 a.m.: Miraculously boys are ready to catch the bus, only one minute late. Sis is out of the shower, too. Wow. We may actually have this school thing down. After only 8 years . . . Family prayer. Boys, run!! Don't miss the bus!

7:07 - 7:47 a.m.: Park it on the couch as Sis readies herself for school. Chatting all the while. Coke run may get bumped up to 8:30.

7:50 a.m.: Drive Sis to school so she can run into Circle K to get my Coke for me. This way I can go get another one later without seeming too sad and desperate.

8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.: Blessed silence. Punctuated by sips of Coke. Work, errands, chores.

3:05 p.m.: Boys are home. Chaos resumes. Who is cooking eggs? And why is the TV so loud?

3:40 p.m.: Sis is back. And so the conversation resumes. Phone begins ringing off the hook for her. Kids, eat your nachos at the table, not on the desk! Would anyone notice if I snuck out for another Coke? Contemplate resisting.

4:20 p.m.: Resistance is futile. I want that Coke. NOW!

4:30 p.m.: Now we're eating ramen. Seriously? And how did the entire contents of our pantry end up on the kitchen counter?! I was only gone 10 minutes . . .

5:00 p.m.: Kids, put the crackers and cheese away and start working on homework. I don't care if you don't have any homework. Read or something.

5:30 p.m.: The Dad is home. And making a peanut butter sandwich? Really?

6:00 p.m.: Dinner is served. And everyone is somehow famished. Again.

6:30 - 8:25p.m.: Bath, bath, Wii. Finish up homework. Watch TV. Idle chatter.

8:25 p.m.: Kids tuck into some peanut butter toast before being tucked into bed. Mental note to bake more bread tomorrow. And get more eggs.

8:30 p.m.: Family prayer, boys to bed. Hugs and kisses all around. The Dad runs out to get me an evening Coke. Contemplate "rewarding his kindness" while Sis squeezes the last few drops of chatter out of her day.

8:38 p.m.: Contemplate what could be taking those boys so long to brush their teeth. Holler up at them about it.

8:47 p.m.: Boys are finally in bed with lights out. Notice that Sis has made a mental note of how long it has taken the boys to get in bed. Brace myself for the fight that's sure to come.

9:03 p.m.: Yep. Cut Sis off mid story to tell her it's time for bed and she instantly melts into tears. It's not fair, etc.

9:07 p.m.: Kids ALL in bed. For now. Sit with the Dad on the couch, feet up, taking turns sipping the Coke. Bask in the glory of another *successful* day. Successful meaning all still alive and reasonably happy.

9:30 p.m. - 12:00 a.m.: Wrap up some work, maybe a few chores. Work on clearing out the DVR. Talk just enough. Laugh a lot. Say prayers and fall wearily into bed.

4:30 a.m.: Wake up in a panic, thinking morning has come. Contemplate if there a better feeling in all the world than realizing you don't have to get up yet while blissfully nodding off again.

And so it goes. I wouldn't trade all my family's frenzy for all the world.

Now, as we all begin to think about the holidays and gift giving and what not, wouldn't it be great to WIN SOME FREE STUFF?! This week's Giveaway is a $12 CREDIT IN MY SHOP, Suburban Graffiti. With everything from couture baby onesies to vintage book purses, there is sure to be something you'll love! We can even work together on a custom creation. It's totally up to you. Good Luck!

Here's how to enter... First, go browse through my shop. Then come back here and leave a comment on this page telling me what your favorite item is from my shop.

You can also earn up to seven additional entries by:

- following @amysinthearts on Twitter

- sharing this giveaway on Twitter by tagging @amysinthearts in your tweet

- following the Amys In The Arts blog

- following Amy's My 3 Monsters blog at amygregson.blogspot.com

- becoming a fan of Amys in the Arts Facebook page

- posting a link to this giveaway on your blog (please copy the link to your blog post)

Win a Set of Address Labels from Amyzo, aka Handmade By Amy

2010-10-30T19:47:00.000-07:00

Week 1 of the Nine Weeks of Amy Promotion! Come back every week through the end of the year for another giveaway from another talented Amy!

I love to decorate things: my home, my mail and especially my 18 month old son, Zach. Luckily for Zach, my Etsy shop is focused on the second: decorating mail. I design fun address labels and have been selling them on Etsy for three years. It has been a fun and rewarding experience selling my handmade paper goodies. And this week you can enter to WIN your choice of any set of labels from my shop. (Details below!)

But first, a little about me and my world. I am first and foremost a wife and mother. And I love that job! I used to have a "desk job," but being a stay-at-home mom with an Etsy business on the side is so much more rewarding.

I have always been "crafty." Growing up, it seemed we were always getting into something with fabric, felt, glue and glitter. From a young age, I really enjoyed drawing and used to sketch people, dreaming of one day being a fashion designer. I made clothes for my Barbies... and scrunchies (oh so many scrunchies!!!). My sister and I were so obsessed making scrunchies one year that we decided to sell them at our church holiday bazaar. We even made cool stands out of wooden dowels to string the scrunchies on for display. Over the next few years our little table at the bazaar evolved into painted wooden animals, jewelry and other crafts. I should have realized then that my life would always be attached to the arts.

So how did I end up doing address labels? In college I majored in Marketing but minored in Art "to keep me sane," I told everyone. I took some graphic design classes that I just fell in love with. Funny how I still don't consider myself a graphic designer. I have always enjoyed the "hands on" types of art. But, in this day in age, even my scrapbooking has gone digital! Creating address labels requires very little clutter in my house. The only supplies I need are my computer, a great printer, and my creative imagination.

ENTER to WIN a set of address labels from my Etsy shop! Here's how...

First, go browse through my shop. Then come back here and leave a comment on this page telling me what your favorite item is from my shop.

You can also earn up to eight additional entries by:
- following @amysinthearts on Twitter
- following @handmadebyamy on Twitter
- sharing this giveaway on Twitter by tagging @amysinthearts and/or @handmadebyamy in your tweet
- following the Amys In The Arts blog
- becoming a fan of Amys in the Arts Facebook page
- becoming a fan of Handmade By Amy's Facebook page
- posting a link to this giveaway on your blog (please copy the link to your blog post)
- adding the Amys In The Arts button to your blog (please copy the link where you've added it)

To get credit for your additional entries, please be sure to let us know what you’ve done (don't forget to copy your blog links!).

Introducing Amy Gregson, Suburban Graffiti

2010-10-26T09:54:00.000-07:00

Want to get to know us Amys better?
Here continues a series of getting-to-know-you interviews.
Next up: Amy Gregson of Suburban Graffiti.

How long have you been an artist and how long have you been active as a business artist?

I have loved to create in the form of drawing and painting for as long as I can remember. My mom taught me to sew when I was eight or nine and I spent maaaaaaany long afternoons designing and sewing Barbie and other doll clothes. In my teens I got into crafting and loved to learn (or figure out) how to make stuff. I remember wanting to make a Rapunzel wig for a skit at school and sitting down with my mom and a couple of skeins of yarn and figuring it out. (The most recent issue of Family Fun magazine teaches how to make a wig EXACTLY like we figured it out . . . ahem . . . 25 years ago!) In college I studied interior design and dreamed of moving to London after graduation and making it big. Then I met my husband the semester before I graduated and decided to change that plan a bit. I spent the next ten years or so "creating" a sweet little family -- a daughter and two sons. With little ones at home I did a few small decorating and sewing projects for friends and family. When the kiddos were all in school full time a couple of years ago I happened into a mural painting career almost by accident. I loooooved that, but it has been a little bit hard to leave my family and travel for a week or ten days at a time while working on projects so recently I decided to fulfill a long-time dream of opening a "boutique" where I could sell all my crafty creations. My Etsy shop Suburban Graffiti has been a wonderful adventure since I opened it on October 1st.

Are you an artist full time?

If by "full time" you mean all of the time I have left over after feeding and clothing 3 children and one busy man, cleaning my home, volunteering at church and school, chaufferring children, baking cupcakes, and generally making those around me feel loved and cared for, then Yes. Yes, I am an artist full time.

Who or what inspires you to create?

I'm not the only person in the world with a very verbose inner-monologue, am I? My mind is constantly spinning, trying to remember every single detail of every single thing that ever happens in my life. I agonize over decisions because I try to foresee every possible option and imagine how it will pan out, like a Choose Your Own Adventure Book. (I always cheated and peaked at both options before turning the page.) And I talk to myself constantly. I have trouble sleeping at night because I just can't turn it all off. Oh, and I'm a list-maker. But I'm not crazy. Because when I am creating something, I get in the "zone" and everything stops. It's just me and blessed, peaceful mental silence for a while. I create to stay sane.

Describe your workspace.

My workspace is a 1300 square foot house in the suburbs of Phoenix, Arizona that I share with 4 other people and a dog -- my husband and kids and our puppy, Cassie. I've never really had a dedicated "craft space". I was thrilled a couple of years ago to clear out a linen closet and commandeer it as my craft closet. When I'm working on projects, I tend to take over large areas of the house. Sometimes the coffee table so I can be with my kids while they play the Wii. Sometimes it's the kitchen table (which my kids LOVE because then we get to eat out). Lots of times it's the bedroom dresser top when I'm hiding my mess so we can have people over. It's my not-so-secret fantasy to buy the house next door, knock down the wall between the back yards and use it as my office. Someday . . .

What things do you like to do in your free time?

You mean aside from sewing, painting and crafting? I like to drink Coke. Lots of Coke. I enjoy digital scrapbooking and blog design. I love to blog about my kids and our family adventures at My 3 Monsters. I collect ribbon and vintage books. I bake cupcakes. And cookies. I wish I liked to work out.

What is your favorite handmade item?

Several years ago I started a huge (like 16x20) cross-stitch picture of Christ for my mom. I got about 6 square inches done before I threw in the towel. I just didn't have time with three little ones needing my constant attention. After the fact I showed it to my mom and apologized for not being able to do it. She took the kit from me and worked on it pretty constantly for about a year and a half. I was excited that she was going to get to have the picture after all, even if I couldn't make it for her. That Christmas I got a huge package in the mail from my mom. She had finished stitching the picture, framed it and given it back to me. It is one of my most cherished possessions. If time is money, that is the most valuable thing I own, but the selflessness and the love stitched into it are what make it priceless.

What does being an Amy mean to you?

Ooh, that's a tough one. When we would go out as teenagers my parents would tell us, "Remember who you are." I've tried to use that advice throughout my life. To me it means being a good friend and a great listener. It means doing your best and then trying to do more. It means keeping a positive attitude and laughing. Laughing early and often. Making the best of things just as they are. Mostly it means being grateful for all that I have and humble enough to acknowledge those who have given it to me.

Visit Amy's blog, My 3 Monsters and her Etsy shop, Suburban Graffiti.

Introducing Amy Roundtree, SewArtsy

2010-10-19T06:49:00.000-07:00

Want to get to know us Amys better?
Here continues a series of getting-to-know-you interviews.
Next up: Amy Roundtree of SewArtsy

How long have you been an artist, and how long have you been active as a business artist?
I have been a lifelong artist, from my first coloring pages, to painting at a local studio, art classes in school, and so so many arts and crafts in the in between times up til now. I started my sewing business in 2006 after my local friends began admiring my own bags. I started just by bringing in my friends who love me, and then slowly ventured out into the world. I opened my Etsy shop in 2007, and started attending arts and craft shows to get my wares out into the public.

Are you an artist full time?
I am first and foremost a full time wife and mom. My three little ones Caleb (7), Sammy (5) and Charis (2) require most of my time daily, but I steal away some evenings to work on my craft. My family is awesome, and they give me the time and support I need to keep my shop full of lovelies!

Who or what inspires you to create?
I'm inspired by completely random things, and once an idea pops in my head I try to get it down on paper. I love to make things that are happy and bright, and I'm inspired by other things and people who are happy and bright! I have tons of ideas that have never made it into physical form because I just haven't had time to work on them, but at least they are written down for the future.

Describe your work space.
I have a large space in our basement for my sewing table, drafting table, notions and supplies. Most of my fabric is stacked in a closet and on shelving units just outside the closet (I have way too much fabric!). Another shelving unit houses my notions and tools. I also keep my craft show folding table up, so I have a nice looking place to put my items once they are finished. It makes me happy to have a place at which to look over and see what I've accomplished! An enormous baby gate separates my area from the kids' play area. Otherwise we'd have big problems! When my schedule gets hectic, like when prepping for a show, I do my cutting and ironing upstairs in the kitchen and family room so my hubby and I don't miss out on watching our shows together.

What kinds of things do you like to do in your free time?
Hmmm...Little League games, soccer games, classes at the rec center, going to church with the family, getting together with my girlfriends, reading craft blogs, getting inspired by others' creations!

What is your favorite handmade item, made by you or given to you?
I have an acrylic on paper painting that I made in junior high art class. It was chosen to be shown at a regional art show for the public school system, and it was the first moment I really felt like I might actually be a good artist. It gave me the confidence I needed to step out and try my hand at other media.

What does being an Amy mean to you?
Most Amys I have met in my life have been super friendly. In fact, growing up I had two other Amys as best friends, and I wouldn't have traded them for the world! So being an Amy means to me that hopefully others find me friendly, and that if you're an Amy I haven't met yet, I'm probably going to like you!

Find SewArtsy Amy here:

http://sewartsy.com/

http://sewartsy.etsy.com/

http://sewartsyblog.blogspot.com/

http://artist.to/sewartsy

http://twitter.com/sewartsyamy

Introducing Amy Sellers, SnuggleVillage

2010-10-12T11:16:00.000-07:00

Want to get to know us Amys better?
Here continues a series of getting-to-know-you interviews.
Next up: Amy Sellers of SnuggleVillage

I don't know how long I have been an artist. I have always been making fun things that I love since I was little. I learned how to crochet a few years ago. I was at a concert at Red Rocks in Colorado and saw a crocheted koozie that had a strap to hang it around your neck. I asked everyone where I could get one because I thought it was the neatest little accessory for tailgating. I googled it and googled it. I finally went to the store and got a crochet hook and some yarn. I watched youtube.com tutorials until I was happy with the quality of my little accessory. My friends started asking me to make them for them in their college colors as it was a neat scarf like accessory that worked as a koozie. I decided to call them Skoozies. I was told about etsy and now I am here selling them through my snuggle village page and also through custom orders at drinkhandsfree@gmail.com.

I do this full time as I have moved to West Virginia for my boyfriend's job and there are not any jobs here for me. In Colorado I was working for the Integer Group - on sweepstakes for MillerCoors and promotions for P&G. Now I work in our spare room that has been made into a very girlie creative room with lots of windows with views of apalachia.

I also love to cook and I usually watch Aarti paarti episodes on youtube while crocheting because I love her cooking style and she is very entertaining. If you have not discovered her youtube videos yet, I highly recommend them if you love to cook new and interesting foods! Also in my spare time I like to quilt, hike, drink wine, go see live music, travel, hang out with my grandmother, thrift shop, tour old mansions, estate sales, run, ride my bike, and take afternoon naps.

My favorite handmade items are those I have saved from my mother. She passed away in 1982 of a rare lung disease and she was also a quilter/crafter. I have a lot of her handmade things. In fact, when I was 22 years old (now 34), I met my friend Katie. We felt as though we had known each other forever. It was strange how we began hanging out every day and were inseperable. She ended up mentioning it to her mother Sally one day. Sally couldn't believe that Katie and I had found each other. Sally and my mother were friends when Katie and I were babies into toddlers. It turned out we had played together as small children and then lost touch once my mother had passed when I was five. Sally gave me a box full of handmade items my mother had made for her as gifts. Now Katie is getting married THIS Sunday and I made her a quilt. This quilt is special. I asked her mother to give me the names and addresses of all women invited to be in or attend the wedding. Each woman made a quilt square with the directions I sent them. I got 90 of them and assembled the quilt; I am now working on the quilting of it. I hope to have it done by Wednesday as I fly out Thursday to be in the wedding with Katie on Sunday. I would have to say this is going to be my favorite handmade item made by me.

Being an AMY is super fun. I love hearing Amie, the Pure Prarie League song and the Once in Love with Amy song. I like that one letter is at the beginning, one letter in the middle and one is at the end of the alphabet. I am also in love with COWS... if you go two letters from the letter C you get A, two letters from O you get M, two letters from W you get Y. COW and AMY are pretty close. I know, I have had a lot of time to think about it. I also like that my address is 269 and that is A-M-Y on a phone. I was named after my great grandmother, Amy Elizabeth and I always ask every Amy I meet what their middle name is. As you can tell about me... I like finding similarities and coincidences; some call it syncronicity.

snugglevillage.etsy.com

A New Amys Treasury

2010-09-16T09:22:00.000-07:00

This just in! We've got some talented Amys on our team!

'A Little Amy Here and There' by sewartsy

Items from the Amys in the Arts Team...Enjoy!

Purple Pastels Silv... ahouston $18	FLEUR DE LIS origin... haveart $12	Offspring ORIGAMI M... Amigami $15	Beautiful Pink Flow... AmyCanSew $20
Peacock Family Momm... amyzo $15	Russian Nesting Dol... BlushingDoveBo... $5.5	Cole the lump of Co... peglegpoo $3.50	Earth Toned Moth Ne... alililly $30
Fall Carnival (hand... amyspishposh $18	Coin Dragon Beaded ... arjarvis $350	Honey Brown Genuine... StudioDolores $34.99	CLASSIC CHARM Jumpe... rosellaclaire $30
H - Mini Hippo Etch... ScrtSolstice $4	Button Adjustable R... sewartsy $10	Fragile Beauty - Fi... AmyRehnae $18	Emmaline with Poppi... petiteami $15

Generated using Treasury HTML code generator by Whale Shark Websites.

Enjoy! Amy

My Favorite Time of Year by Amy B, Amigami

2010-08-25T00:00:00.000-07:00

My favorite time of year is the half-weird month or so of summer warmth once school starts. Before the leaves turn and nights get cold again and fall officially begins. The ice cream truck still runs. Neighbors are still obsessed with lawn care rituals. But the pace of life is changing all around us, and it hangs thick in the air like the creeping morning dew. Needless to say, days become quieter. I think that's what I like most. After a childhood spent "going back to school," it's almost like being left in a theme park after hours, getting to ride that coaster one more time before you're kicked out.

This time is punctuated by Labor Day, the culturally observed end of summer. It marks the closing of seasonal day wasters such as swimming pools and the aforementioned theme parks. The drive-in limits its double features to weekends only, then ceases altogether. With the days growing colder with each passing sunset, and the children newly preoccupied with matters of education, these establishments begin to fade away. My birthday also comes at this point of the year, providing me with a justifiable excuse for one last celebration before summer disappears entirely. Pretty soon sidewalks will crinkle with dead leaves and life once again slows to a more hibernatory pace.

Amy B, Amigami.etsy.com

Click here to find the Amys' shops offering free shipping this week!

Fourth Grade by arjarvis

2010-08-24T00:00:00.000-07:00

I always remember fourth grade as a beacon of light and hope in an otherwise dreary time of my school life. Most of this can be attributed to fourth grade's location between grades three and five. That may seem like a reflective reason, but my third and fifth grade experiences were pretty dreadful by any ten-ish-year-old's standards.

In third grade my teacher was an overly-charismatic woman with an angry-black-woman attitude and a tendency to lecture the entire class for hours over some minor offense committed by one child. My chief memories from that year consist of vowing to read every book in the classroom—and then accomplishing that task well before the end of the term and thus living in the dire straits of having nothing to read (something I still consider a possibly terminable illness).

In fifth grade I was put into a class of combined fourth and fifth graders where I spent most of my time lonely, bored and wishing I had a desk so my book was close at hand—rather than in the cubby across the room. We spent several hours a day doing "CGI math" which was ninety-eight parts story problems, and less than two percent actual math. I was quite literally jealous of my friends in other classes who got to learn multiplication—from a book no less.

In fourth grade I had friends, three of them to be exact—one of whom remains my best friend seventeen years later. I learned things; spelling, basic math, Wisconsin history. I was encouraged to read (or I figured out how to hide my book in my desk so I could read but look like I was paying attention, which amounts to the same thing), and the teacher was enthusiastic, humorous and full of great new ideas about how to teach and what to teach.

A few weeks ago my best friend, Sarah, called me up to say that her mother had seen our fourth grade teacher somewhere and had gotten his email address. Sarah said she was thinking about seeing if he'd like to get together for lunch sometime; would I like to go along?

I said yes.

About a week after that the three of us met in a local Thai restaurant.

It was strange seeing my fourth grade teacher again after so long, because he hadn't changed all that much. He looked older, but not really. Perhaps my memory of him aged as I did, or perhaps seventeen years ago he was at the start of that long period of middle-age where you look almost exactly the same the whole time, although later, when I mentioned that the librarian had been old, my teacher was jokingly offended because he was the same age as her. I didn't have the heart to tell him I'd thought he was old back then, too. Of course, everyone is old when you're ten.

Either way, he's now retired and spends his time training and encouraging new teachers, and trying to push experimental education, like outdoor education—which is my field when I'm working. He says it's strange because he'd been so out of energy when he retired, but now that he's had a few years of retirement, he's got all the enthusiasm back again and is ready to take on the world—or at least to take on convincing teachers to teach their students about the Big Issues like global warming and the end of easy oil; issues that the kids will have to deal with when they are old enough to post things on Etsy and reflect on their fourth grade memories.

I learned a lot of things back in fourth grade. We went on a five-day-four-night field trip around the state to learn about it, and we preformed traditional dances from other cultures to learn about them. There were pet rabbits in the classroom, beaded Native American fans and making wooden cutouts of ducks. I remember fruit flies, spelling and story problems, all of them presented in a way that made me love school.

My teacher not only taught to us, but he made learning fun in a way that very few of my other teachers ever did. I'd worried before seeing him that he'd be less now that I was older; a polished diamond of a memory that turned out only to be glass. Happily, this wasn't the case and the longer we talked the greater my respect and admiration for my teacher grew—he was no glorified memory but genuine diamond of a teacher.

Towards the end of our conversation I remembered a question that had been bugging me for years. See, I've always had a bone to pick with my fifth grade memories over all that CGI math, but whenever I tried to explain it to people, they had a tendency to bring me up short with a simple "what does 'CGI' stand for?" question.

And I had no idea. I'd barely realized that the name was letters instead of a word—Cegeai, perhaps—and while I hated it immensely, and could passably explain what it was, I had no real conception of what the name meant. My teacher laughed when I asked him, and said that knowing what the letters stood for wouldn't help me understand it better, but he also told me what they meant; Cognitive Guided Instruction.

Turned out my teacher was right; that didn't help me understand it at all.

He also said that there was a reaction against CGI Math some time after I left fifth grade—after the retirement of the math teacher who considered it her life-duty to teach CGI Math to elementary students. The whole process was phased out and replaced by a newer method of learning math that incorporated some parts of CGI, some parts of what went before and some parts of entirely new things, which made for a wholly better method.

I don't think I have the words to explain how liberating it was to have my teacher agree with me over how foolish it was to teach CGI exclusively. I'd been unwittingly carrying a question about how justified my feelings against CGI Math were—had I just been a silly fifth grader who hated anything to do with math simply because it was math? But now, here was the proof that I wasn't, and never had been. Children don't hate learning when it's presented properly, they don't hate school when it's fun, interesting and challenging, and maybe—just maybe—they know more than they are often given credit for.

I can't remember much from before fourth grade, so I don't know if my kindergarten, first or second grade teachers were as amazing as my fourth, or if my love of learning started back then or waited until fourth grade to fully bloom. But I do know that fourth grade was a very formative year for me, I'm certain that most of that came from having an absolutely awesome fourth grade teacher.

Amy, arjarvis.etsy.com

Click here to find the Amys' shops offering free shipping this week!

Back to School with AREJewellery

2010-08-23T00:00:00.000-07:00

Generally School for me was always a bit of a bind. I liked to rebel as I’m not the best at being told what to do. I rebelled as much as I could get away with as my school was fee-paying and selective. In that way I was lucky and had a privileged education. That doesn’t mean to say I appreciated it at the time! My school was literally two minutes from my house but that didn’t stop me from always being late. I was never the worst and never the best. In fact in all the important exams I did I seemed to achieve a Grade B. For my exams that would get me in to university all my teachers were concerned. I wasn’t. I knew I could do what was needed in the exam, it was just my attitude to homework was to do as little as I could get away with! I think the problem was I never found my niche. In a way I’m still not sure I have.

My school was tiny, in fact in my last two years I was the only pupil studying Geography! We had a uniform which, obviously, I hated. What child doesn’t hate their school uniform? It was a tartan skirt, shirt, tie and blazer. I must have been told to tuck my shirt in a thousand times – there’s that rebellious streak again. Or as one teacher described me ‘belligerent’.

The only subject I liked was P.E. I was always on the sports teams and often the captain. I loved rounders, netball, football, swimming... all sports really.

Looking back, school is like the best of times and the worst of times. For a bit of a laugh I thought you might like to see this, yep, that’s me. Not a very flattering photo as I seem to be blinded by the sun! It’s the first day at my new school and it’s my brother’s first day of school – he went to a different one hence the different uniforms. That satchel looks nearly as big as me and I already seem to have lost my tie – great start!

Amy @ AREjewellery

Click here to find the Amys' shops offering free shipping this week!