Sparkle galore

This Friday I participated in a blogger event at Michal Negrin's visitors center in Bat Yam. The place is target of visits from all over the world, where people can enter the world of this super sparkly designer and witness her creation process as well as the inside of her factory - manufacturing jewelry, fashion, and home wear that is sold around the world. 

We started by having a nice breakfast, then headed to a tour of the factory and finally had a wonderful workshop where each of us got to create her very own She Shy doll. That part was simply heaven for me, and ended up in me bagging Michal to let me live in the puppeteer's studio filled with every embellishment I ever dreamed of working with. It was such a fun day!

I took about a gazillion photo to share with you, hope you will enjoy them.

Doll house on the visitor's center hall

Breakfast awaits!

Even the water cooler is fully Negrined!

Tour of the factory

I met this little guy on my way to the ladies room

Inside the puppeteer's studio

Moomins!

I never considered myself a huge Moomin fan. I mean, I read the books when I was small, but I never found myself romancing about them as a grown up. I usually prefer a good Willo the Wisp (preferably, Moog) or a nice Smurf. But when I saw this entry, on Loobilu's blog, I was like

SHOW ME DA MOOMINZ!!

And so, I went to Hapsitukka's wonderful little Etsy shop. Hapsitukka from Finland, sells items handmade of vintage Moomin fabric. It took me a while to decide, but I finally chose a Moomin pouch for my tiny laptop and a Moomin pillow cover for my bed. The package I received was a feast to the eyes, with amazingly wonderful Moomin stamps!

A friend from work, who collects stamps, tried all sorts of shenanigans to get his filthy hands on them, but all in vain. I would have gladly be satisfied with just these stamps, but no! The perfectly soft and lovely items I ordered arrived with a complimentary postcard and the sweetest piece of vintage Moomins in love fabric. Joy, I name thee Moomin.

And now, I'm off to bed but I shall leave you with a little Moomin clip I found. Ta ta dear readers, and sleep tight.

I am proud!

Happy weekend all! I plan to do absolutely nothing this weekend. In fact, It's after 4pm and I'm still in my pajamas.

I wanted to introduce to a new Etsy shop I am especially proud of -  Orit Hadad's handmade jewelry shop.

Orit opened her shop after purchasing my Etsy for Hebrew readers - Everything you need to know on opening and maintaining a successful Etsy shop guides pack.  And what a great student she is! Check out her crisp photos and accurate item descriptions. She is already making successful sales, and I am sure she will have great success with her shop. Yay Orit!

Crochet knitting fine silver lava stones necklace

אני שמחה להציג לפניכם את החנות של אורית חדד, תכשיטנית מוכשרת שפתחה את חנותה אחרי שרכשה וקראה את המדריכים העבריים שלי לפתיחת וניהול חנות מוצלחת באטסי. יש כבר כמה וכמה חנויות ישראליות שנפתחו בידי אנשים שקנו את הדריכים שלי, אבל אני חייבת לומר שזו החביבה עליי. צילומי המוצר החדים והבהירים והתאורים המפורטים שלה תרמו ללא ספק לעובדה שכבר עם פתיחת החנות יש לה 2 מכירות.

אם גם אתם רוצים לפתוח חנות למכירת תוצרת ידכם באטסי, אתם מוזמנים לרכוש את המדריכים בחנות שלי או ישירות דרכי. אני מקווה שהם יעזרו לכם כמו שעזרו לאורית! במילותיה שלה:

רציתי להודות לך על המדריכים שקניתי אצלך.
הם היו לי לעזר רב ואני עדיין קוראת בהם מידי פעם.
עיקר העזרה בשבילי היתה בעיקר בפתיחה וזה היה הזרז בשבילי.

Rubber stamp

Every aspiring dictator needs a rubber stamp. I already have one for my Etsy shop, but it is in English and I have plans for Israel too. So I was shopping for a Hebrew stamp and that brought me to the amazing, talented and oh so nice Mekoopelet.

After I initiated contact ("Hello I plan to control the world, and need a rubber stamp") Mekoopelet and I started a correspondence where I described what I am looking for, she sends me a draft  and so forth. We worked on several options, including either my website address or my phone number. Combining both would create a big stamp, and I wanted a relatively small one. She also suggested several illustrations, based on photos I sent her. It was quite clear from the get go, that Pinky would have to appear as my logo.

 

An advanced draft

Eventually, I decided I want to go with the smaller stamp, with my name and the Pinky sketch only and asked Mekoopelet to create two separate mini stamps - one with my URL (for business purposes) and one with my phone number (for stamping my books and taking over the world) and so she did! Yesterday, I received this wonderful wrap in the mail.

Next Pinky and I did some test stamping. Needless to say, he was very excited. Mekoopelet also sent the beautiful mounted stamp card you can see on the photo.

Finally, when we agreed we are satisfied, Pinky called Shafani (Pinky's stuffed bunny) to help with an official rubber stamp portrait. Remember this portrait well, for it may flutter on the flags of our proud nation one day soon (you would expect my portrait wouldn't you? But I know Pinky, and I know who is really having the last word around this house).

Are you a megalomaniac freak or a handmade artist? Do you sell vintage clothing you need to label or maybe would simply like to get your books back when you lend them? Email Mekoopelet today, order a stamp and tell her Pinky sent you.

Meet the Artist - With Ieva

Last week, while taking one of my Etsy strolls (which I like doing when I'm bored and there's nothing nice on TV, which happens quite often) I stumbled about a lovely shop of whimsy polymer clay jewelry, quite unique and full of imagination - I was drown into the artist's world quite instantly. I immediately hearted her and sent her a convo asking to feature her shop. She was nice enough to agree (she was actually quite pleased!) and so I am proud to introduce the lovely and talented Ieva!

Tell my readers a bit about yourself

My name is Ieva, I‘m 17 year old Lithuanian girl who will soon move to study in Italy. Art is my hobby and hopefully will turn into job as well. Other than art I like Asian culture, wind, whispers, trees, and colors.

I made a similar face when I realized she is almost half my age

When and how did you begin to create polymer clay accessories? Is this your only creative medium?

I first saw polymer clay (Fimo) two years ago at an international camp, but back then it wasn‘t sold in my country. Once being in Poland I bought some color blocks, tried to make various canes, that were so popular among people working with polymer clay. It didn‘t work out for me and after some time I decided that I can develop my own style. That‘s how I started making little colorful characters I make now.

I‘m an explorer, I work almost with all materials I can find,I try different styles. From my inside I‘m definitely a painter (I also graduated from Art school, painting course), I draw cards, photography is one of my biggest passions, I cannot live without crafts, I like writing poems, one of the most beautiful languages for me is Japanese. Having such a varied personality I join my different hobbies into one. This turns into brooches with my own photographs, painting on furniture and umbrellas,cards with texts in Japanese on them.

You just started your way on Etsy, and are still waiting for your first sale. Where else do you sell your art? Is this your day job?

Today I got my first sale! One nice Australian bought three items and I‘m very happy about it. My Etsy is the only shop I sell my art in. I usually sell my art to friends, friends‘ friends, my mother‘s friends, etc. Sometimes I participate in fairs. Fairs are the best way to get the feedback an artist needs to see that he is not working for nothing.
You are yet to add your and whisper line to your shop. Can you tell us a bit about the difference between your lines, and maybe share some photos as well?

My accessories from polymer clay are funky, funny and cute, whereas and whisper line is more for special occasions, sophisticated and luxurious items. Since all of and whisper line items disappear everytime my mother‘s friends come, I haven‘t added them to my shop yet.

Hard to blame mom's friends..

Can you tell us a bit about your work process? Your inspiration, the creation process..

As for being an artist I fail at one stage – I never make sketches. I know it would be useful, but the vision in my head always looks better than on paper. So I write it down instead of drawing. My inspiration comes literally out of nowhere. Sometimes I inspire myself, even though this might sound ridiculous. I can‘t count the times I painted something looking at my own photographs and these paintings I like best. Of course, I surf the net and see amazing things made by amazing people and they inspire me a lot, but for the ideas - they just pop into my head. And I can‘t sleep till I make those ideas come true.

Beaded eye charm

What is your favorite item of all times?

This question took me a while. I chose a painting that is so precious to me that I can‘t even find nice frames for it – all of them seem too plain :)


Such talent at such a young age, ahh! Where have all the years gone by? I cannot imagine what wonderful creations she will create in what promises to be her very bright future. Yay Ieva!!

If you want more of her work, visit her blog and her website.

Meet the Artist - With Neta Amir

Neta Amir is a very talented textile artist, I had the pleasure of meeting as well as take one of her sock puppet workshops, which I enjoyed immensely. She is a highly intelligent lady, whose creation is innovative and ingenious. She is so talented, that my Pinky got a puppy from her (and those who know Pinky, know he is very choosy).

Pinky taking his doggy shopping

Tell my readers a bit about yourself

I am 32 years old woman living with my boyfriend in Tel Aviv. In my work I explore the fields of art design and craft.

I graduated from Fashion Design College in 2003 but after a year and a half in the industry I understood that it is defiantly what I don't like to do. At the same time I began to create dolls, and I understood that this is what I do like. At first I created handcraft dolls, but during the last four years it branched out to different directions including art installations and accessory collections.


When and how did you begin to sew? Is this your only creative medium?

I began sewing around second or third class of elementary school; I was always making things with my mother and grandmother during childhood. When I was 15 I moved to art high school, I was painting and sculpting. From time to time I was sewing and crocheting for fun too. Later on, as I already wrote, I attended the fashion college and there I developed my sewing skills much more.

At my current work I fill that I combine both disciplines.


Where do you sell your art? Is this your day job?

I sell my accessories collection in my Neta Amir designs store and my dolls at my new Bobilina Studio store, both on etsy.

It is my day job but besides selling my creations I do many other things, especially teaching. I teach kids and adults in different programs, sometimes I give workshops at home. Sometimes I have freelance projects in dolls design and pattern making for others, so my day job is quite diverse.

You recently opened a second shop on Etsy, where you sell your art dolls. Why did you decide to split your work into two shops and do you think it was a right move?

I felt that there was too much mess in my first store; I assumed that it was less appealing that way. Was it a right move? I am yet wondering.


You take outstanding photos. Can you give my readers some tips on improving their Etsy listing photos?

Wow this is a great compliment thank you.

I am spending much time in taking photos, and taking many photos for each item, many of the photos are awful, sometimes I even have to take more photos after I was downloading more then 80 frames.

I try to get 15-20 good edited frames to choose from 4 or 5. I also make a lot of experiments, during shooting with different angles, displaying and styling. As I have no knowledge in lighting I use only day light.


What is your favorite item of all times?

It is like asking mother who of her kids she likes best. But OK if I must I assume that so far this girl is my most favorite.

Read about the process of making this brilliant doll here

I hope you have fallen in love with Neta's work as much as me. I highly recommend following her amazingly creative and fun blog (with tons of wonderful photos) here.

Meet the Artist - With Sadik

On this weekend's Meet the Artist I would like to introduce you to a gifted jewelry maker from Turkey - Sadik from FIGistanbul.

Sadik makes bold, colorful, and highly detailed jewelry, which captured my eye a while ago. I fell in love with his earrings (I am into bold earrings now days) and his bird earrings were on my wish list for a while. Now that they are here - I have to tell you, they are absolutely sticking. People notice them immediately and fall in love with them just like I have. And now you can fall in love too!


Tell my readers a bit about yourself

I have always loved jewelry - especially ethnic earrings - as women have managed to use and wear almost any material as earrings to adorn themselves for some thousand years, which again I believe is the most important type of jewelry among all. And the first thing I look at at a woman is her earlobes :-)

Ashgabat ring

When and how did you begin to make jewelry? Is this your only creative medium?

I started making jewelry 5 years ago and I also have a liking for ethnic fabrics and embroideries.

Samarkand necklace

Where do you sell your art? Is this your day job?

This is my day job. Besides Etsy, I sell my jewelry at 2 other art and jewelry stores in Istanbul.

Could you tell us about your creative process? Where do you find your inspiration, where you go to look for embellishments, and so on.

My greatest inspiration is the Grand Bazaar of Istanbul as it is full of all kinds of beautiful jewelry,textiles and other crafts with its 4000 stores. I visit the Grand Bazaar at least 3 times a week to inhale that atmosphere.

A classic Chinese silver neck ornament of Miao tribe,
which Sadik have always loved and is inspired by

Do you have any tips you would like to share with other Etsy sellers regarding photography, marketing, customer service, and so on?

I recommend all Etsy sellers to exhibit their items as much as possible with detailed pictures.

What is your favorite item of all times?

My favorite item is my Large Spade Earring - both the original that I have in my collection and the ones I replicate. It embodies the spirit of ethnic, ancient, and modern at the same time.

You don't say!

Each year I have the same trouble, trying to come up with a birthday gift for my brother. This year he will be 39, and I needed something special (after all, if he is 39 God only knows how old I am getting). Much to my surprise, it ended up being incredibly easy this year.

Well, every Israeli around my age knows this opening theme:

According to Wiki, Kishkashta is a "talking cactus" (the cactus is the iconic nickname for the native Israeli, prickly on the outside and sweet within). There isn't an Israeli child, who grew up in the 70's, who didn't suckle from his thorny breasts, so to speak. That is why, when I saw this article, I just knew I have to order one for my brother's birthday. Today, after about a week of waiting, I went to pick them up from the lovely and smiley Hadar, who is the artist behind this ingenious item.

What a (prickly) pair!

I tried (and will continue) to convince Hadar to open an Etsy shop for her amazing crochet. I am not sure if there is a huge ready made international market for Kishkashtas, but I am positive that once they see his cute face they will want to have one. Plus, she makes other wonderful designs, like this commercial she made for the Israeli telecommunications provider Bezeq

I hope she will come around eventually, and open a shop. In the meanwhile, you can contact her via her Facebook.

Thank God I planned ahead and ordered one for myself as well
or else Eran would not be getting a gift this year

Meet the Artist - With Krize

It's been a while since I wrote a Meet the Artist. It's been crazy at work (and life) these past two weeks, but here I am ready to introduce you to an amazingly talented lady you may already know - The multi talented, always innovative Kristina Sabaite aka Krize.

Tell my readers a bit about yourself

I am children´s book illustrator, hand crafter, and dreamer. I live in a little town near the river, with a beautiful cathedral, many trees, and birds. I live with my husband Karolis (he is a pianist) and our dog Boogie.

I suspect those freckles are not real..

When and how did you begin to draw?

As I remember, I began to draw as soon as I could hold a pencil in my hand. When I was a child I was drawing everywhere: walls, papers, clothes… Drawing was and still is my favorite game! :)


Where do you sell your art? Is this your day job?

My day job is as a children's book illustrator and also painting. I am very happy about it. As the profession of an illustrator differs from the office work - some months I have lots of work, and some months - no, so I began to make little things and crafts… and this way how and thanks to my friend Claudia* I began my journey on Etsy.

* Claudia Moya, who passed away this year, was an illustrator and Etsian. You can see her beautiful work on her old Etsy shop.

I love your jewelry and bags! When and how did you make the move from illustration to these new formats?

I always try to search new formats to use the illustration, to show that the illustration can find it´s place not only in the book for children. It became a very strong art form and more popular thanks to the artist who create jewelry, bags, clothes from illustration.

Cute and useful!

I have this necklace, and I plan to ask for matching earrings one of these days.

Can you tell is a bit about your work process? Your inspiration, the creation process..

I don´t know from where the inspiration comes from, but she is very welcome in my home :) When she comes, I make her a cup of green tea with a little bit of chocolate. We sit down, begin to talk, and create things. She is so funny! Last week she told me not to cry when my favorite pajama was broken and to make a cute bunny! And so did I.

A bunny

The creation process is like a game for me - I don´t even think much of what I will make, I just begin to draw, to sew, to cut… and suddenly I finish with a lot of bunnies and cats on my table!

What is your favorite item of all times? Please send me a picture too.

I have several, but I think that these two bandit cats have stolen my heart and 109 hearts of other Etsians. They always make me smile.

They look quite dangerous to me!

If you liked what you saw here, you will be most pleased with Kristin's smiling shop and bag shop. And while you're at it, buy me a little gift as well!