Glimpsing a Crafter's Studio ~ Blog Carnival

This is my house in Littlestown, PA where I have
my studio. It's a beautiful setting that overlooks acres of farmland out the back. My studio is in the kitchen which faces the back so, as I am creating, I can look out on that gorgeous landscape.

I am fortunate that I have many cabinets in my kitchen so that is where I keep my paints, pencils, stamps, inks, and all the rest of my supplies.

Here is a section of my kitchen where you can see I have been baking but I also use all available space to make my handmade cards, as well as my painted pots, decoupage and collages.

The cabinets below and above this countertop house paint brushes, pieces of wallpaper, brayers, scissors and lots more.

I have an island in the middle of my kitchen where I do most of my creating. Luckily, the island has electrical outlets so that I can easily plug in my heat gun for embossing or my quilting iron when I am working with beeswax.


Here is a picture of my island where I do most of my creating. It is a great space since the top is granite so I can easily clean up anything that lands on it (and believe me that is alot!!!)

Also you can see part of the window (on the far right) and the sliding glass door where I can look out and see the beautiful farmland.

My studio is very conducive to creating and I love standing there stamping and coloring and painting.

Finally I want to show you the landscape that I see every day which in itself is inspiring!

I hope you have enjoyed having a peek at my studio! Remember to do something creative every day!

Interview with a Talented Artist ~ sixsisters

This is the fourth in my interview series with talented Etsy and other independent artists. Recently I had the privilege of interviewing Joan (Six Sisters ) Her artwork is spectacular. If you are looking for something unique with a bit of whimsy and magic, take a look at Six Sisters' shop!

1. Tell us a little bit about yourself.

I was born and raised in Philly. I attended the Univ of the Arts and got my BFA in Art Education. I marrieda few years later and moved out west. I started raising a family and art took a backseat. I moved back east after a divorce and I love being back in the city.

2. Tell us about your current work and anything else you have in the works.

I do a lot of watercolor and drawing. At present my shop has many fantasy centered works. I am startingto get into polymer clay. I want to make some fantasy pieces in a new medium. I sell at a shop in Philly called VIX Emporium.

3. What prompted you to open an Etsy shop?


I saw an article in the local paper about a artist who was selling at Etsy. So that day I decided I wanted to try it. I had tried another online shop but wasn't happy with the experience. This fit perfectly.

4. How long have you had your Etsy shop?

It will be a year on July 28th. It is hard to believe.

5. Tell us about your Etsy shop. What is the name of your shop and what do you offer there?

The name of my shop is Sixsisters. I am one of six girls so the name seemed to fit. It is easy to say and remember. I sell paintings, collages, cards, aceo's and drawings. I hope to have more candles and some items to support breast cancer awareness. My niece died of breast cancer at the age of 26. So I want to be able to raise some money for that.

6. Do you have a favorite medium? If so, what and why?


My favorite is pen and ink. I love the way the ink flows onto the paper It is so immediate. No erasures there! I do have some skill that I have developed in that area. I guess that is why I enjoy it so much.

7. Was there a Major influence in your life?

I loved the work of Kathe Kollwitz. She brought so much emotion to her prints. They were very political because of the times but they are so relevant for today too. Themes of women and children and war.

Learn more about Kathe Kollwitz.

8. What inspires you?

I get inspiration from music and reading. Everyday life and the people around me. I am an observer and like to watch people's gestures and the way they stand or move their arms.

9. What are your favorite materials?


Paper and pencil. Everything I do begins with drawing. I would be lost if I could not draw. I have learned so much from that.

10. Are there any materials you consider a MUST-HAVE for your art?


Good paper is a must have. It has to be of good quality or I don't think the work looks good.

11. How do you promote your goods?


This is one area I really need to improve on. I am afraid I am at a loss as to what to do to promote myself. I have tried several things. I need to be more aggressive about it.

12. What is the most important lesson you've learned since you started selling you own creations?


That the journey is the best part. Be present and enjoy everything and everyone you meet. You never know what will happen or where it will take you.

13. What advice would you give to others who are thinking about or have just opened an Etsy shop?

I don't like giving advice. One thing I would say is that you need to be honest with yourself and try to enjoy the people. There is more to life than money.

14. Do you have a favorite Etsy artist?

That is too hard to answer. I have many favorites and I wouldn't want to hurt anyone.

There is so much talent and creativity at Etsy.

For stunning aceos, watercolors and collages, visit Six Sisters Etsy shop. Joan's handmade items are so special!

Many thanks to Joan aka sixsisters for granting this interview and for sharing her designs and inspiration!

Pieces of April - "April is the Cruellest Month"

Tragedy struck us on April 19, 2000. "The real troubles in your life are apt to be things that never crossed your worried mind, the kind that blindside you at 4pm on some idle Tuesday." Mine blindsided me on an idle Wednesday.

Be kinder than you need to be. Everyone has their own sorrow. Here is a prayer for peace of mind for everyone who has sadness, especially in April.

Gorgeous Handgrown Pottery

Leesa of Handgrown Pottery made this gorgeous butterfly plate for me to give to my daughter, Vanessa! I am thrilled!

Check out Handgrown Pottery on Etsy!

Diamond Girl Thumbtacks by Joonbeam

Diamond Girl Thumbtacks
Originally uploaded by joonbeam

My friend, Joon, makes these adorable thumbtacks. They feature a 1950s theme and would be the talk of any kitchen! Oh so retro chic! To see more of Joon's very creative work, be sure to visit her Etsy shop.

April 7 Carnival

Hi all! This week we are featuring Daisies and Diamonds - April's flower and stone. Etsy has some great products and here are just a couple that represent our Daisy and Diamond theme:

Look at this cute little Daisy Flapper by The Portland Beanie Company
This darling Lil Diamond can be seen at Yard 'n Thread Things

Jessie's Art

J. B. Guess & Co.

This is an original ACEO art card, created using watercolor markers, prismacolor pens, and a fine point micron pen. It is an abstract view of Central Park in New York City at midnight. Jessie painted the buildings using bright colors to represent the colorful and exciting urban lifestyle. If you look closely, you'll see that the Empire State Building is celebrating Valentine's Day by displaying a giant red heart in lights on the side of the building.

Click the picture and visit my friend Jessie's shop on Etsy

New Handmade Cards

We are excited to be offering our new line of handmade cards from JoAnna Cool Carman Designs. These are luxurious 100 percent natural cards made using digital collage, swarovski crystals, chiffon bows, glitter, liquid pearls and various pieces of ephemera (decorative items vary). Each card varies slightly and is a gift in miniature. Visit our website at Serendipity Collections or see us on Etsy.