discovering the undiscovered: crackpots

I came accross another wonderful shop on Etsy that offers beautiful, artistic products for great prices, but could use a boost in exposure and sales. Come meet http://crackpots.etsy.com

Crackpots started last fall when Carla and Jen decided to take a pottery class. They loved it so much, they just kept making things! Now they've been taking more classes (and consequently have to make pootery items) and want to share the crackpot love. All of their pieces are hand thrown or built, which means they don't use molds. Every piece is unique based on the nature of the craft and their style. Sometimes the clay has a mind of it's own. Their pottery is great because it's fired up to 2400 degrees Fahrenheit! That means it's oven, microwave and dishwasher safe, not to mention lead-free!

Jen has been working with clay since college; she took an art class just for the heck of it (she had been in non-stop academic classes since high school) and she loved it! Jen would find herself throwing pieces in her head when she went to sleep at night. "Clay is such a cool medium it goes from being so soft and pliable to being tough and reliable(oven/microwave/dishwasher safe)", she says. She pulled Carla on board when she found a pottery class through the local adult ed. Carla was hooked and couldn't stop either. "We love love love to make pottery", they claim, "all the steps along the way are important and challenging". They strive to make things you'll use, they see things and think: "Can we make that out of clay? I need something to hold my stove top utencils! I'll make the perfect one at the studio, with colors to match just the way I want!". Their stuff IS art, but it's also cookware, dishes, vases, planters and a million other things, they're functional and that makes them all the more special. The problem became they had too many wonderful pieces for their homes (and that of their family and friends) so what better to do than share the love on Etsy?

Their pieces have a very organic shape and handmade vibe to them while still being modern and fabulously chic pieces of art. Crackpots has a little something for everyone but best of all, they serve dual purpose: they are decorative pieces as well as very functional. Come check out this fantastic shop, believe me, you will NOT be disappointed!

discovering the undiscovered: amberafternoon

Here is another "undiscovered" shop that I would love to share with you: http://amberafternoon.etsy.com/

This shop is run by Wanda Edwards aka amberafternoon. She is an Artist who likes to create Art Jewelry, Fiber Art, Fine Art, and crafts. Wanda doesn't have any set mediums in which she works. She loves working with several different types of mediums, and is always exploring new found Art forms. Mediums which she feels that she has mastered are: Printmaking (Relief Printmaking-wood cuts, Lithography, and Intaglio); Oils, Watercolors, Drawing, Clay, and Fiber. Wanda has been creating Art her whole life. It just comes naturally; she can't remember a time when she wasn't creating. It's just been a natural progression. She has created Art since she "was old enough to hold mud in her hand". She loves the whole creative process...from start to finish and just lets it flow through her very naturally. She claims to "just lets go and let it happen". However, she finds some parts of running a business to be a bit challeging. "I don't enjoy Marketing: I'd much rather create! I am seeking to license my work, or someone to manage the Marketing," she says. Her user name was inspired by a kind of zen moment one afternoon, when she was enjoying her work lit by the amber rays of the Autumn sun. Wanda's work is Traditional Fine Art: all handmade. It takes time...but she enjoys it! She hopes that her work brings much joy to the viewer. She feels that the best advice ever given to her has been:"Just do it."-Her Husband, "Surrender."-Deepak Chopra, "You have to become independent of the good and bad opinions of others."-Wayne Dyer, and "Follow your bliss."'-Joseph Campbell. Words of advice she would give to other artists are: "Do what you Love...what makes you happy". Wanda is always looking for new avenues to promote her work. She is currently at the following websites: http://amberafternoon.blogspot.com/

http://www.amberafternoon.etsy.com/

http://amberafternoon.imagekind.com/

http://www.RedBubble.com/people/amberafternoon

http://www.cafepress.com/amberafternoon

www.zazzle.com/amberafternoon

Wanda is very grateful for Vincent Van Gogh's creative genius. She feels his perspectives have helped form her own, in color, technique, expression of emoton, etc...Vincent Van Gogh Museum: http://www3.vangoghmuseum.nl/vgm/index.jsp. Read about her Cat inspiration in her Journal here: http://www.redbubble.com/people/amberafternoon/journal/258651-catshttp://www.redbubble.com/people/amberafternoon/writing/869020-bad-kitty

Read her Article about Lithography here:

http://www.redbubble.com/people/amberafternoon/writing/459302-lithography-the-masochism-tango

Make sure to check out her AMAZING shop, you are sure to find high-quality work and a little someting for everyone :)

discovering the undiscovered

Etsy is such a great site to find all sorts of things and talented people who create marvelous items but unfortunately have not had as much exposure as they deserve. I have decided to take it upon myself to feature these artists who need a boost in the right direction to kick off their business. Whenever I find an Etsy shop that needs a boost and that I feel is worth sharing, I will feature them here. For my first feature I would like to introduce http://littleworm.etsy.com/.

Littleworm is a shop that was started by Erica, a mother of three who found it difficult to continue working a full-time job while trying to raise a family. Erica, aka Little Worm, then turned to Etsy and her long-time passion for quilting as a source of supplementary income. Her husband and Mother had repeatedly told her to find a place where she could sell her beautiful work and Etsy seemed like the perfect place to do so. Now, Erica has the ability to do what she loves while also being able to stay home with her kids. Some of her quilted work has a traditional look, such as this lovely blue table runner ( http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=9511804) but her talent doesn't stop there! Erica creates lovely little purses (such as this http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=9106313), original quilted artwork (http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=9145778), and practical items such as this set of pot holders http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=9432071. Her work is very professional, all handmade, and inexpensive. Come support this artist and visit her charming little shop at http://littleworm.etsy.com. See you there :)

where you can find us

Our doggy clothing line is relatively new; we officially decided to start our business late last year. By "officially start", I mean start the process of going through all the paperwork, figuring out how to get our items online, picking and registering a name, and everything else you can possibly imagine one would need to start a business. So here we are, just a couple of months into this, and I must say, I'm quite proud of how far we have gotten in such a short amount of time. By the holidays of 2007, we were already producing clothing appropriate for the holiday season as well as warm enough for cold weather. Moving into this year, we immediately started working on our spring line and it has finally debuted. I admit, we are still playing catch-up (collections are supposed to be finished at least two seasons in advance and released with three months anticipation) but we have made quite a bit of progress. Anyhow, now that we are here, you may be wondering, "Where can I find this clothing line?" So far, we have obtained three places where you can shop. First, for your convenience, we have an online shop at http://designsbyone.etsy.com/. In California (which is where we are located) you can find our merchandise at two adorable and fabulously chic boutiques that specialize in clothing and accessories for dogs. "Jake & Lulu's Pet Boutique" is located in Sonora at 87 South Washington Street. The other, "The Pampered Pet Boutique" is located in Tracy at 1139 West 11th Street (we just officially closed our deal today, yay!). In the future, we plan on expanding and being able to offer our merchandise at several more locations, but don't worry, I'll keep you posted! You will always be the firsts to know where to find us!

As Promised...

The spring collection is here! I have been hard at work designing and making garments that are, if I do say so myself, COMPLETELY adorable! So far, gray mock turtleneck sweaters, hooded raincoats, and military jackets have been listed for sale on the online store (http://designsbyone.etsy.com/) but check back soon because this will be updated regularly and items will be listed often in the days to come. Things to look forward to are razor-back jersey printed dresses (they have little daisies on them and are SO cute!), screen printed tanks with cute phrases and some comfy tees. This is not all though, so you have to come back and see what else we have up our sleeves :) And, as usual, custom orders are always welcome, so hit us up with your requests, we are more than happy to tackle any challenge you can throw at us! (or at least try!) E-mail requests to designsbyone@yahoo.com

O the perks...

As you may or may not already know, I am Leo, the owner of the clothing line for dogs, 1+1=ONE. I am also the mommy of my precious baby, the love of my life, my gorgeous angel, little furbaby, our inspiration and top model, Miss Velma Kelly. Since I've had Velma, (since May 18th, 2006) she has not left my side for more than a couple hours at a time and has grown to be one of the most important things to me, both business-wise and personally. She meets clients with me, poses for our website (http://www.designsbyone.etsy.com/) , acts as my live model when we go meet shop owners (and possible consignment partners), cooperates during fit checks, and sports our newest items being released at the time (sometimes she gets them a season ahead!). However, it's not all work and no play for us; there are many perks to having her. I have a travel companion, someone to always make me smile, and a cute face with me at all times that draws TONS of positive attention. When we go to different cities, tourists ask to take pictures of her, when I meet new people, she acts as an ice breaker, and my absolute favorite, she puts BIG smiles on people's faces. I love walking down the street and giving a lonely old lady a reason to smile, I love walking into shops and seeing snobby, sour-faced women change dramatically, and I ADORE having little kids' faces light up and run over exclaiming "Can I pet your puppy?!". Some people ask me, "Why do you spoil her so much? She's just a dog!", but to me, she is so much more than that, and besides she deserves to be spoiled for all her hard work! I've met so many people, conversed with lovely strangers, and had some hilarious experiences all because of her. I once had a little girl come up to us and ask, "What's his name?". I replied, "HER name is Velma", and she asks "Can I pet her?", obviously I said, "Of course!". Then she said, "How old is she?"; my reply, "She's about five years old", her next question: "Does she like to play?", my answer, "Sometimes". Then the little girl stayed quiet, petting and smiling at Velma with an inquisitive (and perfectly adorable) expression on her face. She opens her mouth and exclaims "Is she a boy?". Priceless...

All Eyes on Roxy

Roxy is one of my absolute favoite dogs and customers in the whole world. She is the funniest little thing and absolutely adorable. She is one of my good friends' dog and I am more than happy to introduce her to you!

My name is Roxy and I am the adoration of my family. I always have to be the center of attention! I LOVE everyone, except small loud children, and will snuggle with anyone. Some of my other favorite things are sleeping in late, eating popcorn while watching movies, and giving kisses! I especially love to go bye-bye in my mommy’s car! I love wearing my 1+1=ONE outfits, like my pink camo jumper while running around and going out with my family. It’s super comfortable and makes me stand out! My warm and cozy santa outfit was perfect for the holidays! I even wore it in our family portrait! (aren't we cute? http://www.flickr.com/photos/designsbyone/2311297258/) If you want to look as cute as me, or at least try to, check this out: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=8559143