Featured Friday - Meet the Captain and the Leaders of your Amy's In the Arts Team

To kick off our first Amy's in the Arts features...I would like to introduce you to your fearless leaders and their Etsy shops



Please give a "WOOT WOOT" for our Team Captain:
Amy Dionne and her Etsy shop Heart of Autumn

How long have you been on Etsy?

I'll have my one year Etsyversary on Saturday June 23rd!

Describe your creations in your shop

Art quilts, bags, notebook covers

Are you an artist full-time?

Nope - I have a full-time day job.

What is your goal as our Team Captain?

My goal for the team is an active community of networking in a safe environment.

What does being an Amy mean to you?

Names are powerful, and sharing the name Amy creates an instant bond. No matter how different we are, or how different our shops are, we still have
a common element that brings this team together.

Where else can we find you?

Facebook
Twitter
Pinterest
Website and Blog

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Now can we hear a "YAY YAY" for team leader:
Amy Richardson and her Etsy shop Designami

How long have you been on Etsy?

 I have been on etsy since 2008, however just became actively involved in 2012. I have joined several teams to include Amys in the Arts, Wired Team, and 2012 Jewelry Making Challenge Team.

 Describe your creations in your shop

I sell jewelry. I really enjoy wire-wrapping tumbled glass, shells, and anything that has a "natural" feel to it. I focus on jewelry making, but have begun to expand my product line to include photography, corn bags, hair accessories, and my favorite: Scarf jewelry. I pride myself on selling my jewelry at reasonable, affordable prices. I sell online but also frequent craft fairs in southern Maine.

Are you an artist full-time?

I am not an artist full-time, but I wish I could be. I work in health care full-time and creating is my way of destressing and it is very much a part of my everyday life.

What is your goal as a Team Leader?

My goal as a leader on this team is to engage the members. I have begun treasury challenges that offers opportunity for members to be promoted by selecting an item from their shop to serve as an "inspiration" for treasuries. I would love to see more members get involved. I also hope to start themed threads for the Amys to showcase holiday items, seasonal items, etc.

What does being an Amy mean to you?

Being an Amy means being unique, being compassionate, helpful, and a friend. My shop name is Designami which is a french twist on "Designs by Amy" and "Designs for friends". "ami" in french means friend.

Where else can we find you?

I am not a social networking kind of girl, so you won't find me on facebook, twitter, etc. I focus on promoting on Etsy. I do have a website where I advertise my upcoming craft fairs. Visit my website at: www.designami.com


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Give a "ZING ZING" for your team leader:
Amy Averitte and her Etsy shop fAveritte creations

How long have you been on Etsy?

I joined Etsy as a buyer in 2009, but did not list anything in my shop until January of 2011.

Describe your creations in our shop

Fun, unique, bright, silly, custom and personalized decor and handmade toys for the young and young at heart!

Are you an artist full-time?

I am very blessed to be able to be an artist full-time and stay at home with my toddler son.

What is your goal as a Team Leader?

I will be featuring Amy's in the Arts team members on our team blog. My goal is to help provide another source of promotion and marketing to help broaden traffic to our shops and web presence.

What does being an Amy mean to you?

Strength. Creative soul. Caring. An abundant amount of sillyness and dancing. A passion for life and complete joy in the small things.

Where else can we find you?

Facebook
Twitter
Blog
Pinterest

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And finally a "YOW YOW" for team leader:
Amy Barber and her Etsy shop ellasue designs

We will have to catch up with Amy Barber later on...she will be in charge of keeping up with our team Twitter.

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Please check back every Friday to discover Amy's, Aimee's, Amie's, Amee's...ok you get the idea...and their stories behind their creations and shops!

Treasury Inspiration Creation & Last Weeks Winning Treasury

Hi Team! Here's a fun game we can play that will help increase our teams exposure and will support Amys in the Arts!

Here are the rules:
-Create a treasury including the inspiration item in the first 2 rows.
-Try to include other "Amy" shops in your treasuries to help promote each other
-Create as many treasuries as you wish - Post your challenge treasuries in this thread
-The featured shop will choose their favorite treasury as the winner of the challenge
-The curator of the winning treasury will pick an item from their shop to serve as the inspiration piece for the following week, and we play again.
-Please tag your treasury "GoTeamAmy"
-The challenges will run for 5 days beginning on Monday and ending on Friday evening. This will allow the winner 2 days to choose their inspiration item for the next challenge.

Check out the team thread and view other treasuries created around the inspiration item here.

This weeks inspiration item is...

Gypsy Earrings, MYSTIQUE, Big earrings, Colorful, dangle earrings, bohemian jewelry, gypsy jewelry by AJB Creations

Check out Amy Jo's treasury Eye Popping Color! from last week that was chosen with the inspiration item from fAveritte creations - a pair of bright custom peace sign pillows.

Introducing Amy Barber of EllaSueDesigns

Want to get to know us Amys better?

Here continues a series of getting-to-know-you interviews.
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 Amie Allen of Kitty Cats And Airplanes

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!

Introducing Amy Morris Pickens, Paper Moon Bookbinding

Want to get to know us Amys better?

Here continues a series of getting-to-know-you interviews.
Next up: Amy Morris Pickens of Paper Moon Bookbinding

How long have you been an artist, and how long have you been active as a business artist?
I’ve been a bookbinder for almost 20 years, although I’ve done different kinds of bookbinding over that time and have worked in libraries, different studios and for myself.

Are you an artist full time?
Well, I don’t have another job, but I wouldn’t say that I work full time. I work a lot, and aspire to be full time.

Who or what inspires you to create?
I am inspired to make books by the amazing assortment of beautiful cloth, paper and other materials out there. I want to have beautiful things available to me on a routine, everyday basis- not locked away in a rare book room or museum. I think everything from your shampoo bottle to your car to your pens and your checkbook should be a pleasure to look at, so I try to make ordinary things (journals, notebooks, albums, tags) that get beautiful materials into somebody’s hand everyday.

Describe your work space.
My new space (yippee!) is a downstairs bedroom in my house, into which I slid my heavy equipment: board shears, book press, guillotine, paper drawers, stamping press and workbench. It has windows that open onto my (very rural) yard, stone wall and dirt road. It has closets for all of my supplies and oddball tools, and a small couch for lunch and for the cats. It has lots of lights (adjustable-arm type and stationary), and a couple of folding tables hidden here and there to provide temporary work surface when I need more than the workbench provides. There are usually papers spread out in at least part of it, along with lots of very sharp pencils (I really love very sharp pencils) and cool hand tools.

What kinds of things do you like to do in your free time?
Garden, fix things, make things, re-do my house, write letters. I just started knitting a little, but I’m not good. At all.

What is your favorite handmade item, made by you or given to you?
My favorite handmade items are an oil painting done by the roommate of an old boyfriend, and a duvet cover made from heavyweight old flour and feed sacks.

What does being an Amy mean to you?
I didn’t use to like being an Amy because growing up there were so may of us (me, Amy Morello, Amy Spar, Amy Metzger, Amy Ingram…) but since I found out that my husband, had he been a girl, would also have been an Amy I’ve kind of warmed up to it a bit. Now I don’t mind.

www.papermoonbookbinding.com

http://www.artfire.com/users/PaperMoonBookbinding

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

www.facebook.com/pages/Paper-Moon-Bookbinding/86466602390

http://twitter.com/papermoonbooks

Introducing Amy Prehm, Art by Amy Prehm

Want to get to know us Amys better?

Here continues a series of getting-to-know-you interviews.
Next up: Amy Prehm of Art by Amy Prehm

How long have you been an artist, and how long have you been active as a business artist?
I feel like I've been an artist all my life, almost 36 years. I guess my first real serious endeavor into the arts was when I turned 11 and my parents gave me a painting set for my birthday. After creating art work as a hobby for a number of years, it came back to the forefront of my life when I was in college and decided I couldn't stand majoring in the program I thought I wanted to major in (business) and switched my major to art. I ended up graduating from the University Washington with a BFA in painting and a BA in general art. Since graduating I've kept creating new pieces, but have had higher priorities than trying to get them exhibited. A couple of years ago I was able to rent space at a print studio and had a show of my print work there.

I came across the mention of Etsy in an article on MSN this Summer and thought I would sign up in order to sell some older prints. I also got more involved in the business aspect this Fall when I went bead shopping with my sister and found some really inspiring skull/zombie head beads I wanted to make Halloween jewelry with. I ended up buying more than I could use to make jewelry for myself, so I made some bracelets for friends and to sell at work. I was so surprised that they sold like hotcakes, and people were asking me if I had any other designs to sell. That motivated me to start making jewelry and sell it in my store.

Are you an artist full time?
As you might have guessed from my answer above, the answer to this question is unfortunately, no.

Who or what inspires you to create?
Lots of different things inspire me to create. I have this creative urge stuck in my head, and when I see something really beautiful or striking it claws to get out. For my paintings and prints, I am most influenced by landscapes, food, and drink. I also have two cats who strike poses or do things to inspire me, but they're terrible models (they never sit still and have to come and see what your doing and why you're so interested in them).

With my jewelry, when I find a bead I'd really like to use I try to find other beads that will go with it. I've also been focused mostly around seasonal and holiday themes and try to find beads that match my ideas.

Describe your work space.
My work space is pretty much my whole house except the bedroom and bathroom. I have a utility room where I try to do my messier projects (painting, printmaking), but I pretty much make my jewelry wherever, the kitchen table, my office, and my living room.

What kinds of things do you like to do in your free time?
The other things I like to do in my free time are reading, listening to music, and watching videos.

What is your favorite handmade item, made by you or given to you?
I come from an arty crafty family. Both of my sisters have made and given me jewelry over the years, but I would have to say my favorite handmade item right now is the cabinet my Dad custom made for me for Christmas which hides my cats' litterbox. It has discreet cat entry on the side and the shelf that holds the litterbox, extra litter, and scoop slides out to make for easy scooping.

What does being an Amy mean to you?
When I was growing up, being an Amy meant that I had to share my name with several other girls in my class. I think this made me seek out ways to show my individuality. Now being an Amy means it doesn't take me too long to sign my name, and it's easy for people to spell.

ArtbyAmyPrehm.Etsy.com

Introducing Amy Bailey, Amys Body Decor

Want to get to know us Amys better?

Here continues a series of getting-to-know-you interviews.
Next up: Amy Bailey of AmysBodyDecor

I feel like I've been an artist my whole life. Art was always my favorite class in school. I've always enjoyed altering my store bought items to make them more "me"! For as long as I can remember I have made my own cards and feel they are more special and personalized coming straight from my heart! As a child I loved making friendship bracelets for my friends but have only recently been making jewelry using crystals, wire and chain. I got interested in this field of jewelry while pregnant w/ my third child and needed an object of all my pregnant creative juices! What started out as gifts turned into friends and family buying my pieces and everyone said, "you should sell on Etsy!" So here I am today, still a newbie on Etsy, trying to turn my hobby into an extra source of income as I am a stay at home Mommy of three. With two still in diapers every little bit helps!

My daughter is the biggest inspiration behind all my jewelry. She is very much a girly girl who loves to dress up and I enjoy decorating her! My kids are the reason for my being and I spend all my free time with them and my husband. We are a very close family and that is extremely important to me. I love playing with my kids and helping them learn and grow. My favorite handmade item would have to be all the art my daughter makes. She loves to draw and makes an awesome Spongebob! At her young age of 4 it's amazing to see how much close attention she gives to all the little details.

The name Amy is simple and sweet and I feel that sums up my personality! I love my family and friends and thoroughly enjoy seeing my pieces worn and loved!

AmysBodyDecor.etsy.com

AmysBodyDecor@yahoo.com

Valentines Challenge and Treasure Hunt Winners!

Thanks so much to all who participated
in our first team treasure hunt!
We hope you had a blast!

Here are the winners of the 12 prizes, picked using Random.org:
Alililly's custom item goes to: Jennifer S
Amarketcollection' set of felt die cuts goes to : Michelle M
Amybean's plush scarf goes to: Room Doodles
Amyliz's phone cozy goes to: Jodi
Amysonpie's urban chic wrist corsage goes to: Alisha W
Amyzo's set of address labels goes to: Kate M
Artbyamyprehm's $15 gift certificate goes to: Cary P
Papermoonbookbinding's mini composition notebook goes to: Lily H
Peacebird's silver sterling earrings go to: Kecia M
Rosellaclaire's monogrammed tunic top goes to: Meredith T
SewArtsy's $15 gift certificate goes to: Chloe L
Studiodolores' beach glass necklace goes to: Jackie S

Each shop owner will be in touch with their winner shortly to set up delivery of your prize - congratulations!

We hope everyone who participated will be back for our next exciting adventure - bring your friends! The Amys in the Arts Team

Go Team Amy!

November Amys Free Gift With Purchase!

This November, when you purchase from any of the Amys listed below, you can receive a free gift with purchase. All you have to do is enter "AmyNovPromo" in the comment section when you check out! When your purchased items arrive, you'll find a surprise inside, courtesy of your respective Amy. Check out our shops for fabulous items, and be the recipient of a little something extra this month!

Amy's Body Decor
Handmade by Amy
Room Doodles
SewArtsy

*Promotion runs 11/1/09-11/30/09

Team Amy Treasuries!

12 Gorgeous Amy's Exposed by VickDianeDesigns

Any Amy Will Do by AlsoAmy



Pretty in Pink by AlsoAmy



* Here are the latest Amy Team Treasuries!
* Listed as they are reported & updated throughout the day!
* Please take a look at these fantastic treasuries & comment on them.
* Then be sure to blog about them, Twitter about them, StumbleUpon them or whatever it is you can do to promote them!

SewArtsy Feature - Amy Singley

Another feature of my Amy teammates this week!

Adorn By Amy Singley: custom aritsan jewelry

Oh, what fun and gorgeous jewelry! And what an amazing lady! Adorn By Amy Singley's shop is saturated with incredible color and unique detail. It's just like a candy shop where you want to grab up every last morsel! Each beautiful bead full of color. Each design exquisitely unique.

Amy lives in Tennessee, and is a breast cancer survivor. It was during her period of surgery and chemo 5 years ago that she learned to love beading. Her first design was called "Survivor" as a reminder of strength, courage and hope! My favorite item of Amy's is the pair of Kyoto earrings. I love the curve of the hook and the beauty of the bead. They are darling, and understatedly glamorous! In her shop you'll find necklaces, earrings and bracelets. She also has a selection of sale items you won't want to miss.

Check out Amy's store today! AdornByAmySingley.Etsy.com

Happy Thursday! Amy

SewArtsy's Featured Amy

ARE Jewellery, handmade bead accessories

We all need a little sparkle, no matter what time of year it is. I love the sophisticated, yet textrual and artsy look of Amy's pieces. I'd wear her unique designs from day to evening, and always feel I was wearing the right stuff. Her mixture of bead sizes, shapes and hues add interest and flair, and are pieces you will sparkle in!

Amy hails from Leicestershire England. She strives to find beautiful beads of glass, semi-precious stones and crystals to make thoroughly wearable items. Amy is a fellow Amy in the Arts, and also participates in the Etsy Midlanders Street Team.

My favorite item is the Pretty in Purple Necklace. My birthstone is the amathyst, so I'm always drawn to purple jewelry. I love the smoky quality of the beads, and the mixture of the different shades - and, of course, that gorgeous tear drop commands my attention! Check out Amy's shop today! She's offering free shipping until the end of Monday, December 1 - you won't want to miss it!

AREJewellery.Etsy.com and AREHandmadejewellery.Blogspot.com

Happy Monday! Amy

Back Into the Amy Swing!

Back into the swing of things, I offer you the next featured Amy:

Think kitsch and harajuku, think fabulous and unique - think Wonderland Boutique

Looking for colorful fabulousness this season? Take a journey through the Etsy looking glass into Wonderland Boutique! Bold, vivid prints meet ribbons and bows. There's flair in every detail on Amy's totes and coin purses - you'll love 'em!

Amy is a new member of the Amys in the Arts Team, and has been on Etsy for only a few months. She adds a bit of love to each handcrafted accessory. I love her mixture of color and print, and the little additions like buttons and charms that make her items so eyecatching. Each piece has a truly original look. Check out her shop, and browse through the lush images of bags and accessories you'll definitely want to use day after day to bring yourself a bit of sunshine. Amy looks forward to making uniquely-yours, custom totes in whatever size, style and look you're going for - contact her today! And keep an eye on this talented seamstress in the future to see what else she brings to the world!

Personally, I adore the Liquorice Delish Mini Tote. I love allsorts, and carrying this tote would just make me smile from ear to ear. Having one of Amy's matching coin purses to accompany it would keep me very happy! If you're looking for an outstanding, stand-out bag, then this is your shop.

WonderlandBoutique.Etsy.Com - Spread the Wonderland word.

Happy Thursday! Amy

Treasuries! Two in One Day! Go Team Amy!!

Amy Feels Pink by WonderlandBoutique!





Here is an Amys in the Arts Street Team Treasury!
Amy, What You Gonna Do by Amy305!

Featured Amy: Amy Esther Ceramics

The next Amy in my Amy series:

Amy Esther Ceramics

I find that I instantly warm up upon entering Amy Esther's Etsy store. Warm and rich pieces of wheel-thrown pottery adorn the walls of her shop. Take a browse and you'll see what I mean!

This 25 year old from Rochester, NY who currently lives, writes and throws in Philadelphia, spends her evenings creating her beautiful pottery pieces with her own modern take on ancient African designs. Time spent studying abroad in Botswana led her to an apprenticeship which would instill a love for pottery she brought back to the states with her. You'd expect to find bowls, cups and vases in a shop like this, which you will, but you can also find gems such as pendants, magnets and votive holders. The deeper you look, the more you'll fall in love!

Having a love, myself, for all things African, I just adore the Elegant Gold Vase. I love the authenticity of the design, and the peaceful feeling I get looking at it. Amy is presently accepting custom orders for the holidays until October 20, so act quickly! Her pieces will make great gifts for any occasion!

Checkout Amy's Etsy profile to learn more about her, and check out her blog, too, In the Night Kitchen!

Happy Wednesday! Amy

Featured Amy: Handmade by Amy

Next up in my featured Amy series:

"cards they'll never want to throw away" Handmade by Amy

Elegant card-making doesn’t come easily! Here’s an artist who has painstakingly designed and constructed pieces that you truly won’t want to throw away. “It’s all in the little details” is her motto, and you can see it in her work. Amy’s designs are classy and streamlined, and filled with punch. Whether you are looking for note cards, wedding or baby announcements, gift tags, labels, or birthday cards, you can look no further. Check out Amy’s Etsy shop: Handmade by Amy. Amy started selling her handmade creations on Etsy in November of 2007, and pursues her passion for paper card-making full time from her home in North Carolina. Take some time to browse her shop today! Amy offers a loyalty program, so the more you buy, the more you save. She’s taking pre-orders for Christmas cards, so please contact her soon if you are interested in fabulous Christmas cards – which, in my opinion, would be a gift in themselves. Check out the awesome Peacock Family Mommy Cards – business cards for the hip, modern mom! A striking design, and a fabulous idea! See Amy here: www.handmadebyamy.com, www.amyzo.etsy.com, her Flickr page and on Facebook.

Sew Artsy's Featured Amy Team Member!

Feature by Sew Artsy


“Old jeans never die, they just go to…”

The Recycled Jeans Co.

“Old jeans never die…” Isn’t that so true? I love the look and feel of jeans. Denim is probably one of the most recyclable fabrics because its durable, great looking whether brand new or faded and shredded, and it only gets softer with age. Amy, from The Recycled Jeans Co., takes great care to offer you adorable, quality products that are made from mostly reclaimed fabrics. She’s an Army wife, a homeschooling mama, and a self-professed fabric-aholic (just like me!). 30 years ago her grandmother taught her how to sew, and now she loves to hunt down fabrics at thrift stores and yard sales to head on to the next challenge of making them new again! 10% of her profits go to local charities – gotta love that! Take some time to browse her shop today! My favorite: The Funky Denim Heart Pillow. I love the zipper pocket – so unexpected! You’ll find lunch bags, drink cozies, bears, totes,laundry bags, quilts and pillows, and much more!

Check out this Amy’s blog, website and Etsy store!

recycledjeansco.blogspot.com and www.recycledjeansco.com and www.recycledjeans.etsy.com