Friday Features: Milusha Design

Children's Animal Nursery Art by MilushaDesign

Welcome to this week's edition of Friday Features, where today we meet wonderful artist Milusha, of Milusha Design on Etsy. Read on to discover more of this wonderful artists works and a great discount coupon code that you can use in her shop!

My name is Milusha and my shops name is MilushaDesign.  www.milushadesign.etsy.com  I am a graphic designer and illustrator and a mother of a wonderful 2.5 year old. I realized that I had a new desire to illustrate fun, bright and colourful art prints for children's nurseries using my obsession of patterns, specifically wallpaper patterns. Also, I illustrate and design unique prints for adults and their homes which are available in my shop. There are a million other creative ideas I have brewing…

Being brought up in a very artistic family, it seemed only natural that I'd fall into that profession/career. Both my maternal grandparents were "commercial artists" (designers) and my grandfather had a very successful design agency. I drew from the time I was 2 and it was more than just doing arts and crafts with my mother. It was something I truly enjoyed doing and my parents and teachers realized that it was a natural talent and encouraged me along the way. I went to school to be a designer and have been creating for 10 years now! It's great to finally be a part of the Etsy family. 

My sister is a pretty awesome crocheter and knitter and has taught me a bit. I do occasionally sit down and knit or crochet, albeit not very well. I greatly admire all those who can; but I am a very energetic "I want it done now" person and cannot seem to sit still to complete a knitting/crocheting project! I do draw (on paper) a lot. 

Giclee Blue Mountain Print by MilushaDesign

Since I have a very unique name, I decided to brand my shop after me. I realized that people would recognize it and most likely remember the name if they saw it again. It works very well.

My bestselling item is in the "Ode to India" series and is the Ganesh Limited Edition art print. I started out as selling children's art with a few adult pieces and they seem to be doing really well. I will continue exploring this.

I sell my work locally at a Children's Boutique in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada as well as on Etsy.

Owl ABC Children's Wall Print by MilushaDesign

I don't necessarily blog, however, I do a few posts weekly on my tumblr account. For those interested: www.milushadesign.tumblr.com  Here's my facebook fan page www.facebook.com/MilushaDesign If you really dig my work and would like to support me…  

My work is my passion. I take great love, care and thought into each piece that I create from scratch. I do it because I love it and I hope that people can see that. My pieces are uniquely me and I'd love to see more and more people support me and my work. My goal is to leave a mark and become a successful designer and entrepreneur. I'd also like to say thank you to all those wonderful people that do and will support me! There is nothing like encouragement! 

Also I'd like to offer the readers 15% off ALL ITEMS in  http://www.etsy.com/shop/milushadesign . Use the coupon code COMPLIMENTS15 at checkout.  This coupon code is valid from May 25- June 8th 2012

What a great story, and fabulous art! Be sure to visit Milusha's shop on Etsy to see more delightful and affordable art for every room in your home, and make sure to use that great coupon as well:  http://www.etsy.com/shop/milushadesign 

Would you like to be featured? Leave a comment below with a way to contact you and I'll send you the details!

See you soon!

Friday Features: Fattidame

Martino the Camel Bookend by Fattidame

Hello and welcome to today's Friday Feature, which is going to take you all the way over to beautiful Italy to meet Paola. Read on to discover more about her and her delightful creations...

My name is Paola and my shop's name is Fattidame  http://www.etsy.com/shop/fattidame  I create soft art…my puppies are really soft and funny ( I hope)! 

I got started when I thought it would be nice to see on the wall a portrait of my cat, so I decided to make it with fabric, and then I decided to go on with my soft art ! 

In doing other crafts... Some years ago I did découpage, furniture restauration, bijoux (jewelry)…I love everything I can do with my hands. 

Nina the Snail Soft Brooch by Fattidame

When I decided to start my adventure with Etsy, I had to choose a shop name! So I chose “Fattidame” that in italian means “Made by me”.  I think it’s a simple name, that remind to Italy ;)

I sell more brooches than wall art…and I hope that more and more people know and like my soft puppies ;) See my brooches here: http://www.etsy.com/shop/fattidame?section_id=7793649

I only sell my work on Etsy.com. A few years ago I took part with Filippo (my love!) in some craft markets, but now I prefer to sell my items on my etsy shop.

Diego the Scotty Dog Headband by Fattidame

Oh yes I blog….;)  I’ve just opened my new blog site: www.fattidameworld.blogspot.comand I’m on Facebook:  www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100002322407249

I usually take care of animals in my daily life…but opening my blog I descover a really interesting website: www.doveconviene.it/co2neutral/ I posted this iniziative on my blog and I invited everyone to partecipate! It’s really important to do something for our planet!!

Thank you so much Paola, your shop is beautiful :)
Please make sure to visit her shop and see more of her wonderful work: http://www.etsy.com/shop/fattidame


...Do you want to be featured? Leave a comment below with your website address so that I can get a hold of you via email or conversation.

Friday Feature: Lucilight

"The Lord Will Protect You" Print by Lucilight

Today's Friday Feature is on great, multi-talented artist Lucilight on Etsy, who makes beautiful jewelry as well as inspiring prints. Read on to learn more about this fabulous artist from the Netherlands...

My name is Lucinde, shopname Lucilight, URL: www.etsy.com/shop/lucilight. I make prints with a biblical message and jewelry. 

I'm a Graphic Designer by profession, that's where my interest for the printed media comes from. I've always been a very creative child. I liked to draw, write and make cards. Combining these two (graphic design and creativity) resulted in making prints and other creative things for my Etsy shop.

 I make cards (by hand and digital) and I customize T-shirts (maybe this becomes a part of my shop)

Dark Grey Pearl Bracelet and Necklace Set by Lucilight

 My name is Lucinde. When I was brainstorming for a name for my shop my father came up with the name 'Lucilight'. We already knew my own name means 'bringer of light' what is a beautiful meaning. So he said; why don't use this in your shop name? And it fits really well for my shop. I want to shine a little light with the messages from the Bible, so that's the story behind my shop name.

My Favorite or bestselling items? They would be www.etsy.com/listing/89097397/psalm-1215-shade-from-the-sun-print?ref=v1...

and www.etsy.com/listing/81357478/alpha-and-omega-print?ref=v1_other_1 These are the prints that get a lot of admirers and get pinned on pinterest.

I sell in a local bookstore and online. I used to have a (dutch) webshop on my own site, it's temporarily offline but will be back soon. I hope to make it available in English soon. 

"Do All Things Through Christ" Print by Licilight

I don't blog yet, but I'm working hard to get a blog online. It will become a part ofwww.lucinde.nl, my Dutch website. When I'll get a blog it will be available in English and Dutch.

I'm just starting so I don't make profit yet. But I'm thinking about promoting charities in the future.

Thank you Lucinde! Please make sure you visit her shop to see more of her beautiful work:  http://www.etsy.com/shop/lucilight


P.S. Would you like to be featured for FREE on this blog? Visit this post and leave a comment: http://meglittlestudio.blogspot.com/2012/02/friday-features-i-want-you.html
or contact me through my Etsy shop for details.

Friday Features: Memorable Imagery

Army Boots and Baby's Black Shoes by MemorableImagery

This Friday Feature is full of great photography from Memorable Imagery on Etsy. Read on to learn more about this great artist...

Hello, my shop is Memorable Imagery - memorableimagery.etsy.com and I create Digital Photography. 

My passion for photography dates back to my early childhood with a strong admiration for my family's photo's and the historical value they hold in my heart. Over the years I developed an interest for creating my own photography and it has led me to further schooling and ultimately Etsy.

Occasionally I create hand made items as gifts or for the holidays, but no other art seems to interest me as much as Photography. 

I chose Memorable Imagery as my shop name because it explains exactly what I want my photo's to portray.

Soft Pink Shadow Heart by MemorableImagery

My most popular photograph is "In a Soldier's Footsteps". A little over a year ago it was on exhibit at the Bakersfield Art Gallery "the Foundry" as part of the Wounded Heroes Fund. The personal nature of this photograph touches the hearts of so many who can relate and for those who support the sacrifices the military and their loved ones make.

I sell my work on Etsy here: http://www.etsy.com/shop/MemorableImagery and through word of mouth.

My blog consists of both my Photography and Vintage shop. I write about new items, treasuries, features, recipes, and anything else I find interesting enough to share with others. You can see it here at: memorableimagery.blogspot.com I'm not on any other social networks at this time.

Loving Leaf by Memorable Imagery

I'd like to thank you, Meghann, for the opportunity to be featured in your blog. I love being a Photographer and hope that others will enjoy my art as much as I enjoy creating it. 

As for charity, I have offered assistance in a range of areas, from helping the homeless to organizations such as the Salvation Army. I've been blessed in many ways and enjoy sharing such with others.

Such a great artist, and a wonderful person to match! Thank you for reading about Memorable Imagery, and be sure to see their amazing shop here: http://www.etsy.com/shop/MemorableImagery

Friday Features: I Want You!

Features always include photos, so show us what you've got!

Every Friday I aim to do a feature of a handmade artist, or someone (or something - animals are welcome too!) who is incredible in some way.

The only problem is, I need new people to feature! I'm looking for a wide variety of craftspeople - jewelers, textile artists, paper artists, woodworkers, you name it. The more variety the better. I'd also love to have a few knockout photos of your items, so get those cameras clicking!

If you're interested, please contact me by leaving a comment below with some way to contact you (your shop url is great) and I'll send you a short list of questions. The faster you answer them, the sooner you'll be featured.

You'll be able to get some great publicity for your shop (Etsy, Artfire or otherwise), show off your awesome talent, and best of all, it's FREE.

Of course, if you wanted to promo me in return, well, that would be the icing on my cake, though it isn't a requirement ;-)

Please do let me know if you're interested, I'd love to have you on my blog!

Saturday Squee - the Cutest of Etsy, AlexWijnen

My Little Joker by AlexWijnen

Today's Saturday Squee comes from the shop AlexWijnen on Etsy. Not only is the image adorable, but it is also raising money for charity! This shop is also a member of Etsy for Animals, an Etsy group devoted to loving animals of all kinds!

Hope you like it!

That Was Fun...Part 3

Well here is the last installment of my office redo until I get my new workbench and last set of shelves. At that point I'll move our giant laser printer onto the shelves and transfer my jewelry making supplies to the new workbench, move my cork board above my reading area (see below), and then relax! Here are my shelves, totally organized! I was able to fit all of my jewelry books and magazines, business books, painting inspiration photos, frames, sewing machine, general office supplies and junk, board games and some of my favoriteEtsy artists' artwork.
Here is my beautiful new desk! I got it from Ikea and it is fabulous! I was able to fit one of my filing cabinets right under the desk, with room for a storage box full of old computer stuff behind it (old hard drives, etc.). It is wide and deep enough to hold my laptop, stereo, water glass, to-do binder, scrap paper binder (I told you I'm into the 3 R's,lol ), my pen pots (recycled from old tea-leaf cans covered in scrapbook paper), and my "freebie box" - all of my materials that go into making freebies for you when you order more than $10 from my shops. I like to keep it in front of me so that if I have a little extra time I can fill it by makinggifties for you! Even better is that my desk is in front of my window so that I can see outside when it is light and be inspired by my forest. The desk is also over my heating vent, which has turned out to be quite handy in keeping my perennially cold toes nice and toasty!
Here is my temporary work desk. It is clean! I have my tools in the storage drawers to the left, with my vice and anvil in front. Then I have my 2 bead and finding storage drawer sets (they are overflowing, so the next time Canadian Tire has a sale on these "Parts Drawers", I'll be getting ANOTHER one,LOL ! I also have room to work, which is great, as well as being able to store my various-sized plastic baggies (in the white boxes next to the bead storage) and my photography light is on top of a box to better light up my light box, which I now have room for! See the last photo for my new light box.
Here is what will be my reading corner. I have Arwen's bed so that we can be near each other, I have my tall bookshelves with some books, and many pieces of Etsy Artisans' art - from Epic Farms, Crazy Bliss, Art By Marilyn, Visual Smiles Gallery, Bunnies and Hares by Dragon House of Yuen (not pictured, but I now have them on my small bookshelf), and more! I'm going to put more of my books on the smaller shelf and eventually find a comfy armchair/reading chair to put right beside it that I can curl up in to read a good book for hours on end. I also had room for one of my yoga mats and light hand weights, so that I am able to get in a few good vinyasas or arm curls when waiting for things to load :)
Here is my fabulous light box! Constructed from a standard cardboard filing box, I lined it with plain white paper to bounce the light around in it. I have a white background for dark pieces, and for lighter pieces I have this grey background (it looks brown here, but that is from all of the different light sources hitting it in the photo). This allows me to have more even lighting and get more consistent photos of my jewelry. I finally have room for it, and room to store it when not in use, so I am very excited about this!

Well, that is all for now, I'll keep you updated on the new workbench and shelves as they become available. I'm also starting to (slowly) purchase metalsmithing equipment to expand my jewelry knowledge and techniques, so I will be sure to show you the new tools as I get them :)

For those interested, the heavy duty shelving units (Spacemaker Brand) are from Canadian Tire and cost $45.99 each. They are 36inches wide, 70inches tall and 16inches deep. The desk is from Ikea and is Mikael model in beech/white and was $69.99. It is approximately 55inches wide, 29inches deep and 29inches high. The filing cabinets were fromZellers, on sale for $39.99 each (I got 2) and are for standard, letter sized documents. The black storage boxes were also from Ikea and were the Kassett series, both the CD boxes and Magazine boxes. They came in sets of 2 per kind and were $6.99-$17.99. The parts drawers and storage drawers on my work desk are from Canadian Tire and ranged from $13.99-$29.99 at regular price, but I waited until they were on super-sale. The workbench (still to come) is a stainless steel-topped workbench from Canadian Tire and is regularly $199.99 but I got it on sale for $89.99. The total office overhaul (7 years overdue), cost about $550. Prices are in Canadian Dollars, not including taxes.

Have a great day, I am off to enjoy my nearly finished, and SO much better, art space!

Tuesday's Treasures: My Healing Quilt is Here!!

~Working in My Office With the Healing Quilt~

Back in the spring, my mom and I went to her Quilter's Guild's Quilt Show in Ottawa, Ontario. We had a great time, I was amazed by all of the art (my mom's included), and saw some really neat vendors. I found my mom's birthday presents of a really neat book on quilting landscapes and some special fabric paper she needed, and she found my birthday present of an 'Easy' quilt kit. I liked the fabrics, plus, I figured that as it said 'easy', it would be easier for my mom to fit it into her already busy quilting schedule. We were only about 6 months early for our birthdays, but it was great! Fast forward through the summer, and my mom found the quilt kit's instructions to be fairly backward, it didn't include the borders or backing, and despite the fact that my mom is an advanced quilter, it was making her life tough (sorry Monna!!).

~Cuddling on the Couch With the Healing Quilt~

However, it is now finished, and I LOVE it!! It was made with so much love and kindness and issooo comfy and warm. It has come just at the right time as well - the heat is now on full time in our house, and we just got less than 1/2 tank of furnace oil....for $324!! Needless to say, with prices like that the heat will be a little lower in our house this winter, and I will be curled up under my healing quilt, nice and cozy, and happy that I am surrounded (quite literally) in love. I have now discovered that I need to bring it with me everywhere in the house, as nearly the second I put it down....

~Usurped! Arwen Takes the Quilt~

...Arwen or Brennan takes it!! Here I got up to get a glass of water, and, sure enough, Arwen(with the seal if you notice) has usurped the quilt. At least it is easy to get it away from her - when Brennan takes it, he can hold on to it!! Not that I blame them...something made with this much love is hard to ignore (my dad even helped draw the hearts that my mom quilted)!

Thank you Monna and Daddoo, I LOVE my healing quilt!

I hope you all have a great day, see you tomorrow!

Fabulous Friday Feature: ArtbyMarilyn!

Welcome to the next installment of the Fabulous Friday Features, where I feature a different Etsy artist each week! If you know of a great Etsy artist who should be featured (or if you want to be featured yourself!) please leave a comment with a way to contact you (Etsy store, email address, blog site, etc.).

~One of Marilyn's Ads~

Enough of those details, let's get to know our newest artist! This week's artist is a fabulous artist who really defines the term "triumph over adversity". Marilyn of ArtbyMarilyn has had some very frightening ordeals with even more frightening injuries, caused by very serious car accidents. Despite serious, permanent injury (she can't feel most of the fingers in her right hand - her painting hand, and has a serious head injury), she manages to paint the most whimsical, beautiful, captivating art. So inspirational and talented is she, she was even featured on a large news program on 27News! Please read on to learn more about this amazing artist and see some of the delightful (and very affordable) art she creates.

~Marilyn with Two of Her Phenomenal Paintings, Prints of These are Available in Her Etsy Store~

My artwork reflects my life. Therefore, I want to share my story with you to help you better understand my work and my inspirations. My paintings are an exploration of observation and storytelling. Sometimes the inspiration comes quickly and other times if resides in my mind for some time. My inspiration are my feelings with regard to a subject.

~Two More Beautiful Paintings, One of Her Beloved Pastors, and Her Trademark Sunflower (Sunflower is Available in Her Etsy Store)~

Whether I capture the mental image or the digital photograph of a subject, I first sketch the picture and then use oil paint to explore a variety of color contrasts and depth to give substance and meaning to my work. I start with a blank canvas which allows the completed piece to be a reflection of my intelligence, research, hope, values, and trust in myself and God. The end result, is my mind, heart and soul expressing themselves.

~Some of Marilyn's Bookmarks for Sale~

I continue to work on my style that merges personal experience with images of world peace in order to bridge the gaps in humanity to build a stronger foundation built on compassion, inspiration, and faith. My use of variance and relevant subject matter provide an overall sense of peace and empathy between myself and the viewer.

~A Selection of Marilyn's Jewelry Featuring Her Art~

A Budding Artist~ My interest in art began when I was a girl growing up in the Madison, Wisconsin, area. When I was 13 I bought my first camera, an old Brownie. I took it everywhere looking for special moments to capture on film. My dad, August Meier, would often surprise me by laminating some of my pictures. It makes me smile when I think about how my dad enjoyed my talent. It helped us form a very special bond. I still carry some of those old pictures with me today. I even have that old Brownie, safely tucked away.

~A Book About Marilyn's Dog, Fritz~

Art Follows Me~ Throughout my life I’ve found many creative ways to express my artistic talents. At one point I worked as an interior designer. It’s still a hobby of mine. I also danced for “Arthur Murray.” I was actually chosen to travel as a dancer but had to turn it down because of my job. I haven’t been able to dance since my accidents but I hope to again soon.

~One of the Squirrels Marilyn Has Made Friends With - Prints are Available Here~

My Parents Influence~ While my father never saw me paint he was the reason I first picked up a brush. My dad died in 1965 when I was 20. To help get past the grief I decided to paint a portrait of him. I poured all my feelings into that painting as a form of therapy. The joy on the faces of those who saw it gave me the encouragement to continue painting.

~The Ever-Present Squirrel, Hoping for a Nibble~

An Artist’s Suffering~ Like many artists I’ve dealt with a lot of suffering in my life. My sweet daughter, Robin Lyn, passed away when she was just 4 months old. I had a difficult time moving on after her death until I found The Compassionate Friends, a support group for grieving parents. There will always be a very special place in my heart for Robin Lyn. My step-son, Christopher Thomas, was taken from me when he was just 8 years old and I’ve been searching for him ever since. I miss Christopher and hope to see him again someday.~A Postcard~

In 1993 I fell and tore my rotator cuff. I was reduced to 25% use of my dominant right hand and needed several operations. In 2001, a truck rear-ended my car, severely injuring my hand and foot. Six years later I was involved in another crash. This time a semi hit my car leaving me with a brain injury and more injuries to my back, hand, and hip. I am now stricken with severe head pains, I have two numb fingers on my right hand, and electric shocks jolt up my hand and shoulder. I can only paint for short periods at a time because of the pain. Luckily, I found a wonderful chiropractor, Dr. Inda. He adjusts my fingers each week so I can paint. Doctors say I’ll be disabled the rest of my life but I refuse to believe that. I hope to someday regain the use of my hand, arm, and shoulder and put an end to my head pain.~A Sneak Peek at a Collage in the Works~

Special Thanks to Family & Friends~ I’ve survived a lot of hardship but in the midst of my sorrows the Lord has also provided me with tremendous blessings. Many people have provided me with great support and encouragement throughout the years. (Please visit her site HERE to see the many people she thanks for their support)

~Another Beautiful Painting~

A Final Thought~ I pray my art will continue to be an outlet for my happy, positive feelings. I know that I am very blessed and my greatest hope is that you will find beauty in my work. May they bring smiles to your faces and lift your hearts.
Have a beautiful life,

Isn't she wonderful??? I hope you go and visit her shop and give her some love.

Until tomorrow, time is running out!! Sign up for my newsletter to try and win a pair of magnificent earrings from my NeoAmour Marie Antoinette collection (You have to sign up for the newsletter first to be eligible to win!!), see the full contest details here.