Le super important blog of Silja Erg

Alternative Cher Dolls - Needle Felting

2011-09-26T23:05:00.000+04:00

Cher's official fanclub asked me to make them six different Cher dolls! Definitely one of the most interesting tasks, I got to look through a lot of beautiful inspiring pictures of her and got to decide what to make the dolls wear.Oh joys of doll making, it is like setting up a mini fashion show and you have to try to figure out the person, it's very cool.

P.s. You can get your personalized doll too, via etsy.com/shop/5erg or you can e-mail me directly and tell me about your idea: "siljaerg AT gmail . com".

Painted a Few Portraits

2011-08-14T19:12:00.000+04:00

I've been painting with acrylic paint lately, yesterday I drew a couple of people who I like and have known for a while now. It's Fernanda and Johanna. Both are very artistic and fun to talk to, those two characteristics are probably related.

When you meet new people, what is secretly your favorite subject to talk about?

Suhkrumass (gum paste, fondant) ja tort

2011-08-13T22:36:00.000+04:00

Leidsin vahukommidest tehtud suhkruvõõba retsepti ja kuna ma olen alati tahtnud taoliste kaunistuste tegemist proovida ning see konkreetne retsept tundus katsetamiseks isegi piisavalt odav, siis katsetasin ära. Mu köögiprojekt kulges kolm päeva ja tulemuseks valmis väike roosa ja väga magus tort. Täiesti sobiv, et kuuel inimesel silmapilkne siesta tunne peale ajada.

Mis mul lõppkokkuvõtteks vaja läks:
1. 300g vahukomme
2. 800g tuhksuhkrut (u 200g sellest kohe kõrvale panna varuks ja sõtkumiseks ja lillede vormimisel jne on abiks)
3. 40g vett
4. kakaovõiet 1 väike potsik - see mis määritakse võileiva peale. See on liimiks tarvilik, et suhkruvõõp jääks tordi külge kinni. Sobivad ilmselt kõik sarnase paksusega toidud. Näiteks tundub, et palju kasutatakse võikreemi (retsepte leiab otsides näiteks "buttercream frosting" või "buttercream icing").
5. 40g võid - seda ma eriti ei kasutanud kuna ei läinud vaja, aga põhimõtteliselt ta peaks vist tegema võõba kergemini töödeldavaks, sest see tuleb küllalt kõva.
Värvaine ja vanilliekstrakt- neid ma ka eraldi ei ostnud, kuid ma ostin ühe paki värvilist tuhksuhkrut, seda mis on piparkookidele mõeldud. Lisaks mulle ei meeldi eriti vanilli, nii et ma heameelega ei paneks seda igale poole.
6. läks vaja õde, kes teeks šokolaadikeeksist 1 tordipõhja (Lõikasin keeksi pooleks ja vahele panin apelsinimahla immutamiseks ja suhkruga hapukoort)
7. Muud asjad: mikrolaineahi vahukommide sulatamiseks, mikroka jaoks sobiv kauss, tainarull võõba rullimiseks, pitsanuga(see rattakujuline) servade lõikamiseks,

Õpetus:
1. pane vahukommid mikrolaineahju kaussi, mikrokas lase 30..60 sekundit, et need ära sulaks vahuks. Võib ka segada nt iga 20 sek tagant vms.
2. Sega vesi ja maitseaine kuuma vahukommilödina hulka ja sega kuni segu muutub ühtlaseks. Sega sisse tuhksuhkurt tassi kaupa. Sega kuni sul on kleepuv tainas. Jäta alles 1 tass tuhksuhkrut hilisema sõtkumise tarvis. Tainas tuleb väga kõva.
3. Sõtku. Mass peaks muutuma töödeldavaks ja pehmemaks kui sa lisad võid? Ma siiski ei kasutanud seda, kuna ta tegi kleepuvaks kõik ja mul sai tol hetkel tuhksuhkur otsa... Jätka sõtkumist kuni võõp on ühtlane ja paks ja töödeldav ja pole enam kleepuv, see võib võtta 5 kuni 10 minutit.
5. Tee võõbast pall, pane see kilesse ja jäta üheks ööks külmikusse.
Enne kasutamist las ta läheb tagasi toatemperatuurile (võib ka panna mikrokasse 7-10 sekundiks vms). Rullimise ja muu juures läheb veel tuhksuhkrut vaja, sest ta natuke ikkagi hakkab kleepuma kui kaua käes hoida.

Kokku tuli üle 800g massi ja minu väikse koogi peale kulus alla 300. Õnneks see väidetavalt ei lähe halvaks eriti kiiresti, sest see on põhimõtteliselt suhkur kuhu on suhkrut lisatud. Kui võid panna palju, siis võibolla ei säili igavesti.

Lõppkokkuvõttes sain teada, et kuigi kõik algab väga kleepuvalt ja masendavalt, siis 24h külmikus istumist ja 10 ja rohkemgi minuteid sõtkumist täitsa aitavad ja saab valmis umbes plastiliini taoline mass millest on vägagi mugav kujukesi teha. Hinna poolest tundub, et suurt võitu ega kaotust ei ole valmistoote ostmisega võrreldes, hind tuli täitsa sama lausa.

Lõikusin 300g vahukomme tillukeseks, et nad mikrolaineahjus kiiremini sulaks, kuigi tegelikult vahukommide puhul eriti vahep pole vist, nad niigi sulavad väga kiiresti.

Soojendasin maksimumi peal 60 sekundit. Vahukoore moodi tuli veidi, mitte täitsa vedel. Lisasin siia kohe vee juurde ja segasin ühtlaseks. Kui vanilli tahad panna, siis selleks ka sobiv aeg.

Valasin sula-vahukommid teise kaussi kus all oli juba umbes 500g tuhksuhkrut. Seda ei ole eriti hea segada, aga aegamisi läheb segi küll. Ilmselt oleks seda võimalik teha ka köögikombaini tainasegajaga, kuid see võib nõrgaks jääda nii kleepuva ja paksu toidu puhul.

Värvainet poest ei leidnud, kuid seal oli paar pakki piparkookide jaoks mõeldud värvilist tuhksuhkrut ja ühe roosa. Leidsin ka ühe väga hea postituse mis räägib martsipani värvimisest. Arvatavasti sama jutt sobib ka suhkrumassi kohta.

Segasin tükk aega ja siis veel tuli sõtkuda pikalt. Tegin kaks eri värvi, valgele panin võid juurde, roosale ei pannud ja minu arvates välja tulid üsna samasugused tekstuuri poolest. Sõtkumise jooksul läks veel 200 g tuhkruhkrut juurde. Nad istusid mul külmikus kaks päeva ja pärast välja võtmist ei jõua neid painutadagi, siis panin 7 sekundiks mikrokasse, et oleks parem rullida.

Vahepeal tegi Triinu tordipõhja valmis. Vahele panin hapukoore, suhkru ja koogi immutasin apelsinimahlaga. Eesmärgiks on võimalikult mahlane ja mitte-magus vahekiht saada, sest pealmine osa on ikka vääääga magus. Pealt ja ääred tegin ka Nutella sarnase šokolaadikreemiga kokku, et suhkruvõõp jääks servadele ka kinni.

Koogipealise katmiseks võtsin umbes 300 grammise roosa massi tüki ja seda tuleb rullida üsna õhukeseks. Keskelt-väljapoole suunas.

Ta tundub küll õrnake kui peale vaadata, aga mul ta murduma ei hakanud kuskilt. Pärast koogi peale tõstmist tuleks pealt keskelt alates siluma hakata. Nurgad tuleks siiski ettevaatlikult siluda, kuigi nii väikse tordi puhul nagu ma tegin ei ole suurt murdumisohtu, siis suuremate puhul ilmselt võib kergemini lõhenema hakata. Alt ülejäägi äralõikamiseks on väga mugav pitsalõikur, aga tavaline terav nuga sobib ka väga hästi. Eriti kui teha veel alumisele äärele ka kaunistusi, siis ei ole hullu kui veidi sakiline jääb.

Lillekeste jaoks tegin hunniku ümmargusi õielehti valmis, võtsin tassi vett kõrvale ja kleepisin veega lehed õiteks kokku ja siis koogi peale. Võib ka kaunistused juba varem valmis teha ja kuivama panna, siis saab näiteks allapoole rippudes kuivanud lilli ja muid asju asetada nii, et harud on laiali ja täitsa kõvad.

Nüüd mul on üle poole seda kraami veel alles ka, saab veel katsetada ja lausa roosi moodi roose proovida teha ja selliseid uhkeid asju :D

Movies: Tron - Legacy

2011-08-10T03:36:00.002+04:00

I'm very much surprised that I liked it, but seriously - it has such cool graphics and soundtrack that even the couple of times the cheesy lines made me laugh out loud didn't leave a bad feeling after watching the movie.
Well Tron is a very usual action movie (Disney) but if you happen to like graphics then you will like this. It's like watching a cool 90 minute long car commercial. In addition, the way it begins drew me in too, the 'tone' of the movie is pleasant and good to watch but at the same time it's not a life changing movie so don't watch it if you only like thoughtful movies. But I liked it

I found this scene particularly cool, with the music (Daft Punk - The Game Has Changed) and everything. I WISH I had seen it in 3D but I thought I wouldn't like the movie so I didn't go check it out earlier.

Light cycle race

What was the last movie you saw? Was it any good?

Find Me on Facebook

2011-08-08T21:59:00.000+04:00

If you have a Facebook account it would be suparduparcool if you subscribed to my page:

www.facebook.com/SiljaErgArt, because at the moment that is where I'm most active at.

Don't forget to leave your page in the comments!

What is the site you use most on the Internet and is it useful?

Octopus Wall Painting

2011-08-05T05:12:00.000+04:00

I think I never showed you the almost-final result of my new wall painting. It's a little floral monster octopus eating my door.

I made it with regular water soluble wall painting pigments because the last time I used oil spray paint indoors it felt really toxic and the water based spray paints have gotten old so I had to throw them away. And since I paint with oil paints and needle felt, I got enough eye irritation anyways. I have a little problem with the background because I'm out of yellow pigment so I can't fade it just yet. It looks terrible but I can't paint the entire wall white because I would get a brainfreeze just looking at it when the winter comes.

If you would paint something on your wall, what would it be?

Tweeters Describe the Person They Would Never Date

2011-08-03T23:29:00.002+04:00

The hashtag #undateable was trending on Twitter today. Meaning people would describe people they would never ever date.
Here are a couple of tweets I found. IF they were being serious so they would mean that if they met a person they would otherwise have fun hanging out with and got along great, they would still break up if:

Girl: "#undateable If I can play connect the dots with the acne marks on your face. Be #PROACTIVE baby!"
Girl: "If your a Justin hater, your #undateable"
Girl: "If u cant fight ur #undateable i wana see battle wounds and old stab marks"
Girl: "If you don't wear cologne, don't have a car, don't have a legal source of income.... you're #undateable"
Guy: "If you can't dress. Or have no sense of style, sorry boo. You're #undateable"
Guy: "You don't know the difference between there, their, and they're #undateable"
Guy: "your #undateable when you wear the same shirt two times in the same week"
Guy: "#undateable if you don't have perfect teeth and good hygiene"
Guy: "#undateable if you are blonde, sorry no offense, I like my brown hair brown eyes"
Girl: "you are #undateable if you have a van with no windows because you are a PSYCHO!"

My Favorite Estonian Singers

2011-08-02T21:06:00.000+04:00

I wanted to share some of my favorite Estonian musicians with you. If you can't take accents or foreign languages then I'm sorry :P

Ott Lepland, Margus Vaher, Uku Suviste singing "Koit" (it means "Dawn")

Mari-Leen singing "Who Knew" by Pink. Love the second half so much X)

Probably one of my all time favorites to go see live, but they ended this project a long time ago and they didn't even make that many song :C The band was called Depoo and the singer is Kene Vernik. They do make new music though, the new project is called Mimicry I think.

Metsatöll is probably the one I've seen most live. One million hundred times I think but not anymore so much because in the good old days concerts were really cheap. Like for one cinema ticket you could check out three live rock concerts haha.

They are a folk band. Here is Metsatöll performing with a choir RAM.

Viljandi

2011-08-01T22:57:00.000+04:00

I went to a little concert the other day and my ears were ringing until the evening of the next day. I swear I'm getting too old for speaker phones. Usually the ringing goes away when I wake up the next day but this time it felt like it's never going away haha. When you go listen to music, do you like being in the first row or do you go take a nice seat further away?

And there is this very pretty place in Viljandi in the country of Estonia in North Europe. It's the ruins of Viljandi castle from 13th century. You can read more about it at Wikipedia. It's up on the hills and you sit on the edge there and look down on the lake.

I went to the GoogleMaster and looked some lighter photos for you:

If I happened to be a tourist coming to Estonia, especially if it was summer then this would definitely be a place I'd like to check out and it's pretty much in the center of the Viljandi town. This hill on the photos here is called Kaevumägi but there are other ones.

Red Autumn Painting - I Got Myself Acrylic Paints

2011-07-31T04:46:00.000+04:00

Someone awesomely decided to give me a freebie on something I didn't expect at all so I decided to go and buy acrylic paints. Tried them out and made this little autumn painting. I am actually starting to like the whole drying-fast thing. I can't remember why I used to hate it so much.

I have been listening to Marina and the Diamonds because I just recently found them when I was browsing through related artists to Florence and the Machine on Last.fm.

I hope all is well with you,

I'm off to chase a centipede.

Creepy Cute Bunny Plushies

2011-07-29T17:49:00.000+04:00

Sneaky little needle felted bunnies.

They are new in the shop, the first one is here and the second one here.

A Baby Squirrel

2011-07-29T00:02:00.000+04:00

A baby squirrel drinking from the pond we built. Nature, betches!

No but seriously I was so stoked to see it, too cute.

I have to say sorry for the blurry image, the animal was sitting there for a full minute or two but I just didn't find a photographer even though I was yelling for one real loud.

Project Movie T Shirts - Snatch and City of God

2011-07-11T21:15:00.003+04:00

Wanted to make me some new shirts. I'm actually planning on making five different ones, the first two happened to be the movie ones (two of the best movies I've ever seen Snatch 2000 and City of God 2002) so lets call it a theme.

I borrowed some plastic sheets, you know the ones that are used for projecting stuff on the wall. I needed something transparent to put over a photo and copy the outlines. And then cut it out with a knife.

Taped the stencil on a t shirt (the shirt is previously set on a piece of cardboard so it would be fixed, tape helps) and dab white paint on it.

Pull the stencil off carefully because the paint may smear but also if it's dry then you may rip your stencil if you pull it off wrong.

I made a mini stencil for painting the frame, it's just easier to do it that way I think. Not start drawing the lines and then ruin everything. Also, I decided I want to change the color from white to yellow, I kind of wish I had decided that earlier but we'll live...

Since I don't have a printer at the moment I just put the plastic sheet over my computer screen and really carefully drew the outlines with my shaky hand. I actually don't suggest doing this for obvious screen-breaking reasons, the next time I will make the magical ten minute trip to the library and make it rain (6 cents per page yea) and get the rest of my three pictures.

The City of God T shirt was more difficult to make because it is colorful. I made a stencil just to mark some of the outlines and then painted the rest freehand. I guess I could have done two or three stencils for separate color layers and do it that way.

And this is the result. I haven't ironed them yet, hopefully that won't turn the colors darker.

Yay I have two new tees. They cost 2 euros each by the way. The paint set was 5.

Stuff I used:

*plastic sheets (for copying the images from my computer screen, I don't have a printer lol. Also, stencils.)

*a CD marker for drawing on plastic

*a knife for cutting out the stencils

*tape for taping the stencil on the shirt

*firm cardboard for wrapping the t shirt around it

*textile paint (black, white, blue, red, yellow)

*two brushes (thin and 1/3 inch)

*will need an iron

Baby Owls

2011-07-10T08:53:00.000+04:00

I can't stop laughing when I watch them sitting there, too cute.

Clay Animation

2011-07-04T04:42:00.000+04:00

Did a short clip the other day just to try out how to animate a speaking clay-bear.

Took almost the entire day to prepare the mouths and eyes and to find the programs I need for remote shooting (taking pictures when the camera is connected to the computer, so you can set the shutter speed etc from the computer). And oh ho ho the wonders of life, discovered that Canon actually has a remote shooting program that comes with the camera.. It was called EOS Utility I think. Dragon Stop Motion is better for animation though because you can use the view where the previous frame is also showing. It's called onion-something-something or the backlight option in some programs I think. I could be wrong.

Anyways, I was done with preparations and could take around 70 shots when the camera's battery died and I couldn't use it anymore or charge it. That was funny sort of. But maybe just maybe I can continue with this some other time.

Flower Art Contest Winners

2011-06-22T23:21:00.000+04:00

I started a little art contest over at Fineartamerica. It was just for fun and the theme was flower art in traditional medium(drawn, painted, sculpted). People had 2 days to submit their work and 5 days to vote. In that time there were 343 pieces of artwork submitted by 105 members and here are the top three! They actually all got equal amount of votes. Click on the images to see the artist profiles to find a whole bunch of other beautiful pieces of artwork! :)

Water Lily by Brenda Owen

Diamonds by Barbara Keith

Life On Thrones by Farah Faizal

Movies

2011-06-21T19:08:00.001+04:00

Watching movies and eating sunflower seeds, isn't that perfect. I wanted to check out some good movies for a change.

Black Swan 2010 is a good movie and it was definitely worth the time but the frame they chose to tell the story (ballet), in a way it was suitable for my previous understanding about this art(sort of painful to watch them jumping around on their tiptoes and the big empty theater houses creep me out) but overall it wasn't my type of thing I guess do I didn't really enjoy it that much. This is going to sound stupid but the swan thing made me giggle (when they dance like birds I just can't help myself) and the music was getting annoying because it's overplayed so it was hard to stay focused every now and then.

Inglourious Basterds 2009 is also a great movie, I like this one more. Quentin Tarantino makes everything look beautiful and builds up the movie so every minute of it is interesting to watch and everything seems to be in its place. It's pretty amazing. I couldn't understand what Brad Pitt was talking every now and then so I had to rewind LOL, but I guess it won't be a problem for native English speakers.

Watched The Other Guys 2010 again. It's so hilarious, I can't believe it. The other night I couldn't fall asleep because scenes from that movie came to mind and I couldn't stop laughing. It was a mixture of that and the fact that I had to try to not laugh, so it made it all worse. Will Ferrell is brilliant, and him with Mark Wahlberg make a great duo. Bathe in easy comedy originality.

When I get a chance I want to watch the Banksy movie that I think Laura suggested me a million years ago, that should be interesting. I also tried to watch Burlesque 2010 but that didn't work out so well. In theory it's all great, I mean singing and dancing for two hours that is great but I just found it annoying and fake. Not the scenery but the story and people in it and 3 seconds in the movie they give away the entire storyline. Watch Moulin Rouge! 2000 or Dreamgirls 2006 instead!

Tell me what did you think about these movies and suggest something to watch maybe? :)

Chris Lilley

2011-06-11T19:09:00.001+04:00

He makes these very politically incorrect comedy shows and characters and plays most of them, they are absolutely hilarious but also touching in a way.

Angry Boys is currently running, a new episode comes out every Wednesday. (Or well Thursday morning our time)
Summer Heights High ran 8 episodes in 2007
We Can Be Heros is a bit different than the later ones, it follows different characters in less connected parallel stories in 6 episodes. The characters are mostly the same as in later shows. So if you wanted to check the shows out I say check this one out as the last one.

New Portrait (For Sale)

2011-06-02T18:41:00.003+04:00

I had a little break so I decided to FINALLY use one of Twiggx's stock photos, she is the model too. Her photos are just beautiful, especially with the turquoise hair.

Luckily I got her permission to try to sell it, so if you would like then you are very welcome to check it out in my Etsy store, hearts are also very much appreciated(well obviously haha).

40x40 cm,
oil painting on stretched canvas

P.s. if you happen to get any ideas for the title for this painting then post a comment!

Portrait of Adam Lambert

2011-05-27T22:43:00.003+04:00

Oil painting on stretched canvas.
Click on the image to view it in my Deviantart gallery.

Prettyful Adam Lambert and prettyful black shiny feathers, what more is there to want if you're making a painting. The painting is made from a cover photo of Frontier.
Noone ordered this painting but I just couldn't resist drawing it.
I think I have a thing with big awesome eyebrows. And of course, shiny things.

♥
Facebook: www.facebook.com/SiljaErgArt
Twitter: twitter.com/5erg

Happy Blanket and Other Pretty Things

2011-05-04T19:22:00.013+04:00

I stalked my FB subscribers for a second and found some awesome craftwork that I wanted to share with you.

Mirjana Cesar makes these embroidered accessories and fiber art and they're all in her Etsy store too. Wonderfully creative and pretty too.

Found this cute crochet blanket on Homebodycrochet's blog. It's for sale at the moment.

I think this is a brilliant setting with pink and dull lime green, love the colors a lot! Made by EcoLecticEvents.

Swirls and stone jewelry from Pixestreasurechest on Etsy:

Pyrography by Sunfire: a Celtic knot wall plate. For sale on www.breathofthedragon.com .

Here you go, this is it for now. But you can always go and check out more from these artisans from their websites! :)

I hope you are all well,

Silja

My Venus Flytrap is Blooming

2011-04-24T20:35:00.005+04:00

It started with one blossom and now has a whole bunch. I'm feeding it fish food, I gave it some little bits mushed with water and it seems to be eating them, because the traps have been closed and fine about a week already.

I asked on my Facebook what should I name it and then gave it a very long long and awesome name using the names people suggester. But in short we named it Jack the Ripper aka Rippy.

I was wondering what is this growing under the blossoms, this red thing.

Bunny and the Cat

2011-04-15T21:07:00.005+04:00

Needle felted a newbie creepy-ish bunny and an oldie orange kitty.

They are both for sale on in my shop: 5erg.etsy.com
I have a few more scary exams ahead but I took a little break from cramming, I think it was helpful. It's good to have some stress but when you get overwhelmed, taking a little break is useful in the long run. I think.

Easter is coming soon, do you have any special plans? So far my plans are drawing stick figures on boiled eggs with a pen, eating boiled eggs and raking outside. It'll be awesome.

500 Meters High Tsunami

2011-04-11T19:43:00.003+04:00

This really happened last century, a giant 500m high wave hit the shore. This instantly reminded me of The Day After Tomorrow. (Well any weird geological thing makes me think of that movie...)

Lituya Bay mega-tsunami was the biggest wave recorded.

It happened in Alaska in July 9th, 1958. You can read the details here in this article.

"The giant wave stripped completely all trees and vegetation in the Gilbert Inlet area to a maximum elevation of 1,720 feet (U.S.G.S photos)."

Dallol Volcano - Landscapes In Africa

2011-04-11T00:44:00.003+04:00

A volcanic explosion crater filled with salt landscape in Ethiopia. Pretty but deadly.

Large hot spring on Dallol Mountain, 2002

About Doing What You Always Wanted To Do

2011-04-10T21:51:00.005+04:00

Featured Artisan: JulieVisionDesign

2011-04-07T17:10:00.000+04:00

Today I want to show you these custom made clutch purses by Julie! You can contact her if you want one made for you only and just how you like!

Her craft shop on Etsy: julievision.etsy.com
Blog: julievisiondesigns.blogspot.com
Twitter: twitter.com/jvdesigns

Who are you and what do you do?

I’m Julie, I’m 28, and I’m a recovering high school English teacher. (I left teaching to work for a University about a year ago). I’ve been sewing handbags as a hobby for about two years and am totally addicted, which is why I started my etsy store. I Like a true English teacher, I love literature—I’m a big Steinbeck fan, and also have an embarrassingly deep love for the Harry Potter books. I love to travel and just returned to the US after a two year stint in England.

What did you do 10 years ago on this day?

Ten years ago today I was a freshman at Indiana University. I was probably stressing out over Spanish class and eating cafeteria pancakes.
What do you like?

Cupcakes, dogs, sewing, fun fabric, traveling, spending time with friends. I’ve learned to crochet recently and I’m pretty obsessed with that for the moment.

What don't you like?

Salad dressing, condiments (including ketchup and mustard), mean people and being bored.
Where do babies come from?

I’ll tell you when you are older.

If you could hold one charity event, for what would it be?

I would fundraise to open my own school. I dream about one day opening a high-performing, independent school that is non-fee paying and open to people from all levels of the economic scale. (I could talk about this forever….don’t get me started!)
Pants or a skirt?

Climbing a mountain: pants

Going to work: Skirt
Tell us about your creative process.

Think of a cross between Gonzo firing a chicken out of a cannon and Hillary Clinton giving a campaign speech. Then dump chocolate on it.
Where do you find your ideas and inspiration?

Good question. I’m not really sure…sometimes it is a piece of fabric that inspires me to sew something, other times it is a story or character. I give all my handbags names and a lot of them come from plays or books. Sometimes it can be as simple as something someone says at work that inspires me to work on a new piece. Recently, I’ve been starting at pictures in fashion magazines while at the gym because I’m one of those people who can’t read on the treadmill- I’ve gotten some pretty solid inspiration from looking at high fashion and then putting my own spin on it. I have a few new things coming that should be in my shop soon!

Dogs or cats?

Dogs. 100%.

What is what you haven't done yet but would like to do?

I want to travel to each of the continents. So far, I’ve been to two. : -) (Almost three….I looked at Morocco from Gibralter, but I didn’t cross the water!)

How do you gain courage when something needs to be dealt with?

I rally my friends. They are fantastic.

What is your advice to a seller, shop keeper or blogger?

Be honest and be yourself! The first time I tried etsy I tried to make my shop look like other shops. Eventually, I threw that idea out and designed a banner out of a goofy vacation photo and started making bags with silly names that really reflected me. I’ve had much better response since then.

Quote to live by?

If it be now, ‘tis not to come; if it be not to come, it will be now; if it be not now, yet it will come: the readiness is all. — Hamlet

Your idol(s)?

Fellow teachers who go to work each day and do their job well. Great teachers are hard to come by. If you have one, say thank you. : - )

What would you never do?

Eat sushi. (I hate fish)
What is "in" at the moment?

I’m hoping it’s handbags.

If you were to start a trend what would it be?
I’d bring back “I Love Lucy” era dresses, white gloves and cocktail hats.

Featured Artisan of the Day: BlueHeartBoutique

2011-04-06T19:00:00.000+04:00

Craft shop on Etsy: www.etsy.com/shop/BlueHeartBoutique
Blog: blueheartlove.blogspot.com
Twitter: twitter.com/blueheartlove
Website: pinterest.com/blueheart

Who are you and what do you do? My name is Jessica and I am getting married this summer to the best guy ever. I am currently a full time college student and during my breaks I also handle a full time job so getting my etsy shop started has been difficult to say the least. I have always had a love for creating, its been there my entire life. I was so excited to find etsy almost a year ago and immediately fell in love with the community and variety of craft. I opened my shop in the Summer 2009 and it has been a lot of work trying to get it started and the way I want it, but it is coming along. I like to find inspiration for my clothing designs from the fabric themselves and I am a completely self taught seamstress. The journals also fill my love for paper and vintage things. I love going to flea markets and estate sales and searching for different papers and embellishments, its always an adventure. And last year I added handmade jewelry to my shop and it has been so much fun to create different things.

What did you do 10 years ago on this day? Ten years ago I was still in grade school, and was doodling fashion designs in the margins of my notebooks.
What do you like? I love vintage things, chocolate chip cookies, warm blankets fresh out of the dryer, family, and God.
What don't you like? I can't stand the sound of a fork scratching a plate and I really don't like water that isn't clear enough for me to see my feet.
Where do babies come from? From the love of two people but they are ultimately God's creation.
If you could hold one charity event, for what would it be? That's a tough question but I would want to do something involving orphans and being able to give them love and the companionship that they need.
Pants or a skirt? Dress and boots. :)
Tell us about your creative process. I like to turn on music and just go at it, trial and error is much more liberating and has also helped my to learn so much.
Where do you find your ideas and inspiration? From the materials themselves.
Dogs or cats? Dogs, I'm allergic to cats unfortunately.
What is what you haven't done yet but would like to do? Travel to Italy.
How do you gain courage when something needs to be dealt with? I pray about it and also turn to my family and close friends for the support, they always lift me up even when I have doubts about myself.

What is your advice to a seller, shop keeper or blogger? Try to keep an open mind and sell or blog about things that you care about, or that you love. Be true to yourself and you will recieve followers, but don't try to be something else just so that people will purchase from your shop or follow your blog. But also, don't be afraid to branch out and discover new things that are different from your norm, you may discover something about yourself in the process.

Quote to live by? "Don't let your lights go out, Don't let your fire burn down, 'Cause somewhere, somebody needs a reason to believe" (Lost Get Found lyrics by Brit Nicole).
What would you never do? Ignore a dream, no matter how impossible it seems you just can't let go that easy when it's something you really want.

What is "in" at the moment? I think the "in" thing is pieces that have a history behind them, that have their own unique stories. Vintage has made such a comeback, and I love it. There is a lot of lace, ruffles, and true femeninity in the fashion world and I hope it is here to stay for a while.
If you were to start a trend what would it be? I like to think that my personal style is a mix between Vintage-Bohemian-Feminine-Cowgirl-Chic.
Thank you for the interview!

Source Code 2011 and Jake Gyllenhaal

2011-04-05T00:21:00.007+04:00

Movie time!

It's possible you have noticed my little crush on Jake Gyllenhaal that never went away after seeing his movies some ten years ago already... Anyways, you can see why I would be biased about the new movie Source Code and of course it would have made me giggle even if it was the worst movie of all times, but it was not! I'd even say it was good. But not life-changing good. People of www.imdb.com rate it 8/10 but I think that is too high. I mean, if they give Donnie Darko an 8, then Source Code can't be in the same category. But Source Code is somewhere above mediocre for sure!

To be honest I was a little sceptical every now and then and found myself thinking oh come on this is too obvious (*rolls a list of movies in her head and picks the ones the scene reminds her and rolls her eyes*) and then the movie takes you somewhere else in your mind and you wish you had given them some credit, I like when movies do that! So, I think it is worth to watch and can even be exciting to watch, if you switch off the hipster in you and just enjoy the movie.

Featured Artisan of the Day: LittleWrenPottery

2011-04-04T17:14:00.006+04:00

Pottery shop on Etsy: www.littlewrenpottery.etsy.com
Website and blog: www.littlewrenpottery.co.uk
Twitter: MoominMidge

Who are you and what do you do?

I'm Victoria and I produce functional hand thrown pottery, all these pieces that I throw at the moment are in stoneware clay. I work predominately with white stoneware from Devon.

I tend to like to make pieces that have a rustic style to them, I like natural colours and sometimes I incorporate animals into my pieces.

What did you do 10 years ago on this day?

I would have been 14 so I probably would have been in school learning something. I was always quite an attentive well behaved student and I still love to learn.

What do you think about global whining?

Generally I think rather than moaning about things you should be proactive and do something, complaining never really gets anything done!

What do you like?
I like gardening, growing vegetables, cooking. Generally I enjoy doing new things since I tend to find routines don't suit me well.

What don't you like?

I don't like listening to the radio since I tend to find most music that gets played on there repetitive and boring. I also don't like chick flicks, again I just find them too dull sorry!

Where do babies come from?

Storks didn't you see that cartoon… I mean documentary.

If you could hold one charity event, for what would it be?

I think I'd host a massive gig for cancer research, quite a few of my family members have sadly died from the disease.

Pants or a skirt?
Pants, honest I'm too shy to show my legs in public.

Tell us about your creative process.

Usually I have an idea in my head of something I want to make I take a bag of clay and cut off pieces to the size I need. I prepare the balls of clay I'm going to throw and then put one on the wheel head.

I'll then throw the shape I want to make by hand, it'll then get cut off and left to go leather hard. Once its gotten to that stage I turn the pot by removing excess clay and if its a bowl I'll put a foot ring on the bottom at this point.

The pots will then go in for a first bisque firing, then they'll get glazed and finally glaze fired.

Where do you find your ideas and inspiration?

I tend to get inspired by nature, I love earthy colours - greens, browns and reds. It helps to bring the outside in. I also really like to go to museums and look at ancient pottery old styles of pots are often more elegant than our modern ones.

Finally I tend to look at the work of other potters both in my local area and internationally, I think you've always got to keep an eye on what other people are doing.

Dogs or cats?
Both, it'd be too hard to choose!

What is what you haven't done yet but would like to do?

I'd really like to travel to Asia, its somewhere in the world I've never been. I'd also like just to improve my pottery skills, being mentored by someone else would be really useful to me at this point.

How do you gain courage when something needs to be dealt with?

I tend to spend a day or two thinking about it trying not to get worked up. Eventually I'll get round to it once I've made up my mind as to a course of action, sometimes things are unavoidable and you just have to get it done.

What is your advice to a seller, shop keeper or blogger?

The internet it something that takes time to develop a presence on, its not really enough to build a site and expect people will just find it. It takes a lot of work from you but over time these things snowball, try and improve constantly what you do. Look at the work of other people and try and learn from their successes too, the craft scene is a very sharing place so don't worry about asking for help!

Quote to live by?
"You must be the change you wish to see in the world" Mahatma Gandhi
Your idol(s)?
Vincent Price, Audrey Hepburn, Dante Gabriel Rossetti, my Dad.

What would you never do?

I would never be naked in public, I just don't do nudist beaches...

What is "in" at the moment?

Cupcakes, whoopee pies, purple, crazy hair

If you were to start a trend what would it be?

Probably something stupid like wearing curtain tiebacks as belts or buying jeans that are intentionally too short. I'd hope that perhaps my pottery would become trendy someday though.

Would you like to add something?

Thanks for having me on your blog!

Thank you!

Brilliant Tutorials

2011-04-04T17:00:00.002+04:00

For your everyday life. http://trollscience.com

But also some advanced techniques:

Featured Artisan: Catchalljewelry

2011-04-04T00:07:00.006+04:00

Meet the talented and crafty 17 year old Sonia from New Jersey, who makes interesting Indian inspired jewelry.

Craft shop on Etsy: catchalljewelry.etsy.com
Blog: junkshopgirl.blogspot.com

Who are you and what do you do?
Hi! My name is Sonia, I’m 17 years old and I live in New Jersey. I love love love music, my favorite bands are Nada Surf, Coconut records and Val Emmich. I love to read, but I don’t get that much time to do so… my favorite books are about a boy by Nick Hornby and Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck. I don’t watch too many movies, but I would recommend Little Miss Sunshine and About a Boy. My favorite food is sunflower seeds… I guess that is pretty much it =)

What did you do 10 years ago on this day? Probably going to school
What do you think about global whining? I don’t think I think anything about that.
What do you like? My mommy.
What don't you like? Carpets.
Where do babies come from? People, females in particular.
If you could hold one charity event, for what would it be? Children
Pants or a skirt? Pants

Tell us about your creative process. I sit down in front of the TV and make something.
Where do you find your ideas and inspiration? I guess colors and patterns of Indian/South American clothing.
Dogs or cats? dogs
What is what you haven't done yet but would like to do? Fly
How do you gain courage when something needs to be dealt with? Remind myself that no one cares
What is your advice to a seller, shop keeper or blogger? Try to list an item a day, or if you can’t list on Fridays and Sundays
Quote to live by? Every man is an island. I stand by that. But clearly some men are island CHAINS. Underneath, they are connected... (taken from the book about a boy)
Your idol(s)? my mom
What would you never do? Get a carpet in my house
What is "in" at the moment? Ummmm… I really don’t know… hopefully baggy jeans and hoodies will be in, because that is all I wear
If you were to start a trend what would it be? Baggy jeans and hoodies, for everyone!!!
Would you like to add something? Thank you =D
And if you would like a basic wire-wrapping tutorial, check out the November issue of BeadStyle magazine. My wire-wrapped cuff is one of the projects!

Sometimes I feel like people are missing the point...

2011-04-03T04:12:00.004+04:00

...and the attention span is literally two seconds. Do you read stuff, is it for trolling or for your personal interest? Maybe it is just me but from the advice people give to others....it seems like a lot of people's reading doesn't go beyond titles, photo captures and facebook updates no longer than two rows...

If Benjamin Franklin had posted his world changing discoveries on the interwebs for the first time ever, the comments would have probably been:

1. FIRST lololol!
2. There is a comma missing in the second sentence.
3. This is FAKE! my mind doesn't capture it and I have read a book, so it must not be true and it's a prank
4. cool story bro
...

And then it will be all washed down by a flood of videos of boys with emo hair holding baby kitties playing piano inside a cow inside a cow and noone even sees the article ever again, because it is not from two seconds ago.

Actually I know for sure that there are people who read a lot and get into the thoughts put down by others and don't only seek for "new" stuff, but do I know more than a few for sure? Nope.

Rant over!
:)

Featured Artisan of the Day: Nanasue

2011-04-02T07:00:00.000+04:00

Meet Nanasue and check out her epic crochet brooches and appliques!

Her craft shop on Etsy: www.nanasue.etsy.com

Blog: suebowers.blogspot.com
Facebook: facebook.com/nanasues.crafts

Who are you and what do you do?

As my name suggests I am a Nana to 5 of the greatest grandchildren. I am in my fifties now and feel I was born in the wrong era. When I was younger and with a lot more time on my hands, I crafted, sewed, knitted, painted and crocheted. Even made wedding dresses. As a teenager I managed to design and make my own clothes. If I was invited to a party, lunchtime was spent at the material shop and after work I would just run up an item. Marriage and children saw my party days disappear . After divorce I supported myself selling at craft markets with hand made soft fur toys and crochet antique lace items . There was no internet connection, no online shops in Melbourne that I knew off. I trudged the markets with my daughters and only stopped when full time secure work allowed me. My daughter has continued my love of craft and she encouraged me to sell my items online. No more sitting in the rain all day. My problem with online selling is you must really be able to brag about your items and because the web is huge you must promote..promote ..promote. At least at the markets people saw your crafts and if they liked they purchased and ordered more.

For me I must admit the design and creation is greater pleasure than the sale so I continue to fill the house with items and forget to sell.
What did you do 10 years ago on this day?
This time 10 years ago i was probably sitting playing games on the computer- I had by that time become a computer addict.

What do you think about global whining?- Global whining is an essential part of today, does it help? maybe not but if we continue to be the throw away society we have become , our world and our children will be poisoned from all the contaminants. I do have a problem with the polliticians blaming the animals for producing methane. Realistically they were here first and there is more hot air in Parliament/congress than anywhere else.

What do you like?
I like rain on the roof top,a baby's smile as they pass bye, the innocence of children , natural products, fresh grown veges, water conservation,

What don't you like?

Apart from constant pain, Lack of innocence in children- information is available everywhere but do children need so much information?

I don't like hearing in my day....My youth was not perfect, things were not simpler, problems were just different. I don't like the violence that seems to be increasing, but is it really or is the media beating it up. People forget the population is also increasing. We need the media for advertising and information but do we need the media for the sensationalizing of every thing.
Where do babies come from?
Couple of glasses of drink, pills or a joint and Arghhh what did I do last night(joking).
They come from innocence and love where love will conquer all without a thought for the future but it works most of the time.
If you could hold one charity event, for what would it be?
cancer- I have lost too many family and friends to cancer, too many too young.

Pants or a skirt?
Pants at my age and arthritis these knees need to be hidden for the sake of the rest of society.

Tell us about your creative process.
No idea how I get there, I do seem to think better without sleep, take 2 pain killers and some very strong black coffee. A picture will come into my head and bug me for weeks until I wake at 2.00am one night and it is there- to get the pattern then is quick and easy.
Where do you find your ideas and inspiration?
Wow Have you seen my work?, childrens coloring books, internet, books etc, sometimes I see something on a web site and that creates a totally different idea for me. For me it doesn't have to be the latest fashion just colorful.

Dogs or Cats?
Dogs, I love Cats but have developed an allergy to them.

What is what you haven't done yet but would like to do? I would love to climb the great wall of china. I have some health problems that prevent it but that and sitting all day in every European Art gallery are my 2 goals in life. Do they allow you to pitch a tent in the Louvre?

How do you gain courage when something needs to be dealt with?
I always do the hard way first, stew over it, make myself sick etc then when I am about to give up I meditate go to a different place and it just happens so easily after that. You would think after all these years I would go directly to option 2 but option 1 always comes first.Affirmations , meditation and relaxation sometimes are all that gets me through the day.
What is your advice to a seller, shop keeper or blogger?
Persevere, if you truly believe you have something to contribute and you stick to it you will get there but be flexible and willing to bend, that request for a silly item you think is below you could be the wholesaler testing you and your responses. Remember most overnight successes took years to get there.

Quote to live by?

Well when things start to get overheated I stole part of my favorite quote from a bush ranger but "such is life and life is such does anybody care that much." Really sounds worse than it is ,means forgive, get over it and get on with it.
Your idol(s)?
My father, he was one man that I can never remember saying a bad thing, raising his voice or judging anyone. He really did believe everyone was equal in this world even though he was not a religious man.

What would you never do?
Never is a big word and ones circumstances can change every day... I would never say never.
What is "in" at the moment?
Bright and bold colors after the recession- I like bold and bright.
If you were to start a trend what would it be?
That's easy buy my appliques - I would love to say to buy my Paintpot Pals as these are my passion but the plastic eyes etc must all be tested and in Australia we don't have that requirement so until I perfect crochet eyes etc I can no longer sell some of my items in the USA.
Would you like to add something?
If you are interested in crochet then join some groups- Crochetville Central, Ravelry to name a couple, practice on easy stuff till you get the hang of patterns- I was 8 when I taught myself to crochet, I was entering shows by the time I was 12. Dont start with the hard- try some basic crochet- maybe some squares for charity.
Forums are great, most members will gladly share their knowledge with you.

I do usually publish my patterns but they are not all suitable for beginners,I did include a pattern for my little appliques at http://suebowers.blogspot.com/2009/07/small-applique-butterflies.html
For free patterns try http://www.crochetpatterncentral.com/directory.php not only are there patterns for free ( always contact the designer before selling an item- it may be copyrighted) there is also an instruction tutorial http://www.crochetpatterncentral.com/directory/instruction_directory.php.

Thank you.
Ps if you really feel sorry for this senile old nana why not make her day and purchase from www.nanasue.etsy.com

Featured Artist of the Day: Jojo la Fargue

2011-04-02T00:12:00.005+04:00

Meet Jojo from www.jojosart.etsy.com and www.twitter.com/jojosart !

Hi, my names Jojo la Fargue and I'm an artist/poet from the deep southern region of Mississippi. I've been into art all of my life and have started seriously focusing on it since 2001. I've been writing poetry since 1991 but its taken a back seat to my artwork for now. I'm a 34 year old male who enjoys listening to all types of music from Beastie Boys to Nirvana. The literature I like would have to be poems especially Emily Dickinson poetry.
MOVIES: "There will be Blood" and "Dazed and Confused"
Favorite Food: homemade chilli and veggy soup
Pets: I have two dogs, foxy(fiest) and littlebit(dachsun)
Hmmm, a self description of me would be that I'm laid back mostly, easy going, rooted and imaginative.
WHERE WAS I AT 10 YRs ago this day? I was 24 just moved back in with my parents after living and working for awhile in Gulf Shores AL.
Global Whining???? I don't really think of it much.
Charity event?? It would have to be a charity event that would help orphans find good homes.
I'm a man so it'd be PANTS!..lol
My creative process is different every time..sometimes its when I'm about to whind down from a long day ...and other times I just sit on the couch and force something out.
I find my ideas and inspiration from everything around me..I find it in the breeze that rustles the leaves outside..i find it in a dragonfly that passes by..I find it in the memory of a loved one now dead and gone....I find inspiration in a babys smile ..or childrens laughter...its everywhere and anything for me.
Dogs or Cats?? dogs definetly
I would like to go Jewel hunting in the Spectrum Mines in Oregan..haven't done that yet..saw it on the Travel channel..it looked like fun to me.
hmm how do i gain courage when theres something that needs to be dealt with?..i look in the mirror and i tell myself you are a man arent' you?..then i go deal with it.
MY ADVICE TO BLOGGERS OR SHOP OWNERS would be to promote promote promote..and be as nice as you can to people..because you never know who's actually taking notice of you.
My Quote to live by *Love thy Neighbor...not thy neighbors wife*
My idol?? I don't really idolize people..I admire my parents for they've both worked hard to give me and my siblings a good life..i admire Jesus and his teachings..i admire dedication, loyalty, and hard work ethics as well.
What would i never do? I would never run my fingernails across a chalk board..lol
What is in right now? hmm i've seen so many different trends come and go..Skateboard wear is always in..Art doesn't seem to be in right now..but maybe my art can change that.
If I were to start a trend..hmm..I'd try to bring back the tight rolled pants..(if u know what I'm talking about then you're always cool in my book..lol)
Just wanted to say thanks for the feature and good luck in all that you do.

Featured Photographer: Lauren Bishop

2011-03-31T01:23:00.008+04:00

I was browsing though these heaps of stunning photographs by Lauren Bishop and got happier by the second! You get your arty thoughtfulness fix and they are all beautiful at the same time, what great work! Am I using too many exclamation marks? Sorry, but it is easy to get carried away in this case.
You can read her interview below.

Her websites:

www.laurenabishop.com

www.flickr.com/streamlet

Who are you and what do you do?

- Well, for starters, my name's Lauren. :) Technically, I'm still in my teens. I live in Marietta, GA, USA, in the 'burbs. My favorite bands are Pink Floyd and The Killers. I love to read any type of fiction. I love movies and I admire Pixar Animation Studios more than you will ever know.

Now for the important stuff... I've been taking pictures here and there since I was about 12. As time progressed, I became more and more meticulous about composition, etc. Then, my parents bought me a DSLR for Christmas last year; that was when my real passion for photography began. Ever since, I've been going out on mini-excursions and snapping pictures of just about everything I see. It's my vice.

What did you do 10 years ago on this day?

- I probably did what I do every Sunday; lounge around like a bum. Sunday is my relaxation day.

What do you think about global whining?

- I think that people constantly crave something to obsess about and pick apart. In my opinion, before people fix the environment, they need to look within and fix themselves.

What do you like?

- I like many things. I like Twilight Zone marathons, cheap horror flicks, papaya lip balm, studying WWII, analyzing literature, turtles, flowers, insects, writing notes in all of my books, taking candid photographs, crunching ice, and melon mango tic tacs.

What don't you like?

- Musicians who can't sing live, catty females, egocentrism, and people who constantly use the wrong "your".

Where do babies come from?

- From the toy store, of course. Down the Barbie isle or the toy car isle.

If you could hold one charity event, for what would it be?

- It would probably be for pancreatic cancer. My great grandmother and a close friend of the family both died from it.

Pants or a skirt?

- Pants! I think they can be just as glamorous.

Tell us about your creative process.
Where do you find your ideas and inspiration?

- I find my inspiration all around me. For me, all it takes to find it is holding my camera in hand and taking a walk through the woods, or even my front yard. I also find inspiration from photographers that I admire.

Dogs or cats?

- Dogs. :)

What is what you haven't done yet but would like to do?

- I want to travel to the Himalayas.

How do you gain courage when something needs to be dealt with?

- I wrap my head around the good things that will come after that.

What is your advice to a seller, shop keeper or blogger?

- I know it's quite trite, but really, don't ever give up. That's the biggest mistake anyone can make.

Quote to live by?

- "Three may keep a secret if two of them are dead." - Benjamin Franklin

Your idol(s)?

- Mark Twain

- The Dalai Lama

- Pope John Paul II

What would you never do?

- I would never discourage someone's dreams.

What is "in" at the moment?

- Boys wearing skinny jeans... WHY?!

If you were to start a trend what would it be?

- Making homemade presents for friends and family.

Thanks for the interview!

Featured Artist of the Day: Julia Finucane

2011-03-30T17:30:00.000+04:00

Website & website Store: juliafinucane.blogspot.com

Etsy shop: http://juliafinucane.etsy.com

Ebay Store: myworld.ebay.com/missjuliaart

Fanpage: www.facebook.com/missjuliaart

Zazzle merchandise: http://www.zazzle.com/juliafinucane

My name is Julia Finucane and I am a painter. I love fantasy, fairy tales, lowbrow, and dream art. My art represents these themes as well, with a story behind each piece. I paint in acrylics on canvas, wood, paper, and fabric. A lot of my art has metaphoric symbols and colors that represents emotion. I have been creating art since I was a young child. My parents would encourage me to draw and color. I started painting my Freshman year of high school and have ben doing it ever since. I am from Buffalo, NY but go back and forth right now from Buffalo to NYC. My favorite books are Angela's Ashes and the Harry Potter series. My favorite movies are The Princess Bride, Harry Potter, and A Bronx tale. I love all animals. I have a Rottweiler, 2 ferrets, and a Russian Blue cat.

What did you do 10 years ago on this day?
I was 16 and if it was a weekday, I was in school. If the day was a weekend, I was either with my family, my friends, or with my high school sweetheart, who I am married to today =)

What do you think about global whining?
I think it is a big problem that not enough people care about or are not educated on the subject. I try and do my part in my household as best as I can, but everyone needs to do their part.

What do you like?
I like cooking, taking care of my animals, hanging out with friends, going out to eat with my family, taking photo's of everything, watching movies at home with popcorn, exploring Central Park with my dog, and much much more.

What don't you like?
I don't like a cluttered or messy house, it drives me nuts. I am constantly reorganizing my art supplies because that is usually where the mess comes from.
Where do babies come from?
The stork =)

If you could hold one charity event, for what would it be?
For homeless and abused animals.

Pants or a skirt?
I love dressing up in skirts, but for everyday life pants.

Tell us about your creative process.
I start by writing ideas down in my sketch book, usually so I don't forget what I am thinking. I then do a fast sketch next to my thoughts. I usually have so many idea's that I have to come back to them later. When I start a painting, I draw the whole image minus some detail on sketch paper the same size the painting will be. I then trace the finished image with trace paper and transfer the image onto the surface I am using. Once the image is on the surface, I start to paint.

Where do you find your ideas and inspiration?
From fantasy characters, fairy tales from childhood that my Dad read to me, my sister, my girl friends (many of which have been friends with me since elementary school), my dreams, and pop culture.

Dogs or cats?
both

What is what you haven't done yet but would like to do?
Go to Ireland and Italy
How do you gain courage when something needs to be dealt with?
I talk to my husband, my dad, or my friends.
What is your advice to a seller, shop keeper or blogger?
Never stop doing what you love.

Your idol(s)?
My mother, father, and sister.

What would you never do?
Anything that would hurt my body.

What is "in" at the moment?
You would have to ask my 17 year old sister because I have no clue.
If you were to start a trend what would it be?
Pajama pants in public.

Thank you!

Etsy Artist of the Day: Dirksen Dabbles

2011-03-29T17:45:00.000+04:00

Today I wanted to start with featuring artists again.

Meet DirksenDabbles from Etsy!

Blog: DirksenDabbles.com

Shop: DirksenDabbles.etsy.com

Who are you and what do you do?

I'm a 26 year old married girl who currently lives in Europe (moving around) with my husband. I paint and sell my artwork online and write a blogy to go with it. Boston is where we lived before Europe, but we are from Portland, Oregon and have plans on moving back to that area soon. There is a piece of paper in my wallet that is a book list. I am slowly working through some of the classics most people read in high school. The current read is Treasure Island. That list may or may not be laminated. I hope to someday have a dog. I would like it to be a size that is small enough to pick up, but too big to throw.

What did you do 10 years ago on this day? I was just getting home from school in the 10th grade. I was most likely making a snack and getting ready to watch the Rosie O'Donnell show. I watched it everyday.
What do you think about global whining? I recycle and don't litter and try not to leave my lights on. That's about all I think about.

What do you like? Those automatic hand driers - I seriously get excited every time I see one
What don't you like? Selfish conversationalists - please, just ask about the other person
Where do babies come from? Mommies & Daddies who love each other very much
If you could hold one charity event, for what would it be? We are having a christmas party to raise money for water buffalos, they are helpful to so many people...and their cuter than you'd expect

Pants or a skirt? Pants, but skirts are fabulous now that I rediscovered thick tights
Tell us about your creative process. I have an incredibly crappy studio that I go to paint in. It's actually in a mechanics shop. I take along my baby spiral notebook that I have been drawing ideas and sketches in throughout the week. Then I paint! Color is the biggest inspiration.
Where do you find your ideas and inspiration? My own photos, walking around the city, travels.....color, color, color
Dogs or cats? Dogs
What is what you haven't done yet but would like to do? I would like to be one of those random people walking on a busy street in a movie. Then show it to all my friends. Twice.
How do you gain courage when something needs to be dealt with? Constantly putting things in perspective. It's usually not that big of a deal when you sit back.
What is your advice to a seller, shop keeper or blogger? Do good work. Then photograph it fantastically. Nothing will help you more.
What is "in" at the moment? Birch trees and birds....it's all I can think to paint sometimes
If you were to start a trend what would it be? Big huge hats, like the kind women used to wear to church.

Weird Mushrooms

2011-03-25T04:18:00.000+03:00

I have been studying for my mycology class for the last nine hours straight and come across some interesting stuff too, so I figured I might share these two precious mushroom families with you.

Stinkhorns form these awesomely weird shapes, perfectly round nets or something that looks like a sea monster or a mushroom with a beautiful princess dress, pictures are at the end of the post.

Lattice Stinkhorn (Clathrus ruber)

And this one glows in the dark! They grow in Japan and Brazilia and they are not too common anymore. Wouldn't it be amazing if you walked into the forest and they were everywhere?

Mycena chlorophos

More Stinkhorns:

The Dragon Tattoo Finished

2011-02-18T21:33:00.000+03:00

She tattooed my drawing on her ankle! I think whoever put it on her leg, did a great job! I posted the sketches in my previous post. I couldn't be more happy about it, I was totally stoked when she even asked me to draw her something!

She asked me to draw her a dragon
and then someone else tattooed it on her.

Dragon Tattoo Sketches

2011-02-13T13:29:00.000+03:00

Someone requested this so I was trying out different dragons. Sketching is way fun, I have a little cold but this made it all better. Also three cups of Teraflu.

The Most Colorful Portrait

2011-02-10T12:00:00.000+03:00

Another portrait of an Estonian girl. Her braids are a million meters long, I seriously only drew half the lenght. I used oil colors, like always. I think color is good sometimes. Even though my usual preference is full dullness in colors, low saturation and monochrome gets boring sometimes.

Baby Panda and Octopus Plush Dolls

2011-02-03T22:52:00.000+03:00

Made these plushies for my own entertainment, was taken over by a little need for needle felting the other day. Listed them in my Etsy shop www.etsy.com/shop/5erg with some other felties, like the kitty and the mermaids.

I haven't really been active on Etsy for a while, but I think it is slowly coming back. I have even sold a couple of things lately, like the owl painting and the creepy bunny plushie for example :) So listing new stuff has paid off traffic wise at least.

Tootles! :)
♥
http://www.facebook.com/SiljaErgArt
http://twitter.com/5erg

Walking in -20

2010-11-30T20:30:00.000+03:00

Took some photos of Tartu, South Estonia :) It was beautiful because it was snowing and the sun was shining at the same time. Leaving everything pink-silverish. As the day went on the river started to vaporize, creating some more pretty places. I don't even feel like I got it on the photos how pretty it was, but I got few shots anyway.

How are you liking the winter so far?

Closed My Earring Shop on Etsy

2010-11-26T10:38:00.000+03:00

Said byebye to my earring shop on Etsy: 2dollarearrings.etsy.com. :) I figured this year is the time to try to spend my time on more perspective things, like school and artwork. I just spent two hours on making calculations and it looks like the earring business actually paid off starting from the first month and as people heard more about it, the overall stats improved over the year. So maybe I'll return to it when the time is right.

Reasons I opened this shop in the first place: To get rid of my bead pile that I had gathered over the years and I loved shopping and finding the best deals on supplies (so= getting my money back). I like making a lot of earrings and then meeting new people through Etsy and playing shop:) It's exciting kind of like the lottery - to see IF someone buys something and WHAT did they choose.

Decided to put it on a long vacation 13 months and 1000 sales later. I found that the shop gets busier by month but my base supplies are ending and re-ordering didn't seem to help so much. My time spent on the shop that was supposed to be my side project was increasing, stealing time away from school and other stuff like painting. Also, I got bored of the whole supply thing, it's fun trying to find your best deals all over the world but not when it's always in the back of your mind.

What I won't miss:
1.) going to the PO every day
2.) douchebags (yeah you know who you are -.- F) P.s. There were only a few and I let them know, so don't think it was you XD I mean scammers and other people who are just really off.
3.) always keeping my fingers crossed for packages not getting lost in the mail

What I will miss:
1.)Traffic the shop brought, not only reflected in the etsy sales.
2.)The money :P
3.) Having an outlet for my babbles - I really enjoyed writing notes to customers and drawing scribbles to them, whenever I had time
4.) Those people who were really cool and supportive :D If you were one of those, I hope I did let you know!! Actually most people are really nice who come to Etsy, you'll be surprised.

Portraits I Paint

2010-10-04T19:53:00.000+04:00

and sunsets I photograph:

and that is about it:)

Oh and spending a ridiculous amount of time eventing the wheel. I mean doing my biochemistry protocols without necessary instructions -.-

Byebye!:)

Jake Gyllenhaal

2010-09-26T04:15:00.001+04:00

My today's oil painting.

I watched Prince of Persia yesterday....so Jake Gyllenhaal was relevant.

If you happen to be interested in more frequent updates,
check my Twitter: http://twitter.com/5erg
or Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/SiljaErgArt
or http://dailybooth.com/5erg

To Nigula

2010-08-06T20:51:00.000+04:00

Will go to Nigula Nature Reserve in West Estonia for five days. For the second half of the zoology practical work for the Uni. Not even sure what we are going to do there, but I guess it will be lots of hiking and doing random animal studies related tasks. Like ...."Go to the forest, catch a mouse and do a dissection on it" or "study these skulls and tell me what animal is it" and "look at this living area and tell me what animal was here".

I got my two cans of corn and .....HOLY SH*T I FORGOT TO BUY CEREAL BARS! I am now officially doomed -.- But don't worry, I can buy my hazelnut Corny AND HOLY SH*T I FORGOT TO BUY BATTERIES FOR MY MP3 O_O. Now we need to just shut up and put on some woolen socks because I think the hell just froze over. Oh well the nearest bus stop is 7 miles from the camping site...I bet there are lot's of lots of shops all over that massively crowded place and I can buy my food there...:) By 'buy' I mean 'catch'.

My camera isn't working properly so I figured I will post some photos from google since I probably won't be taking a whole lot of photos myself. Looks like it's going to be pretty. I just hope we will find the right place and I'm really keeping my fingers crossed that the weather and everything will be bearable. But you never know. Gadflies, here we come. DINNER :D

NB! I didn't take these photos!!
But they're oh so pretty:) And you can click on them to go to the original source.

Have you ever been to a bog, where was it and how was it? Do you like places like that?
Talk to you later! :)

Felt Bees and Red Hair

2010-07-30T18:09:00.000+04:00

Made these bees out of lamb wool. They are for sale too in case you like buying random stuff for fun. I also made a fly plush but I'll blog that later.

And I got new red hair. And I love this gunmetal grayish ivory gold-ish dress. Sorry I don't know how to describe the color properly haha, but it's somewhere between silver and gold and black and ..... Ohh this doesn't help...

Anyways, hope you are doing well,
talk to you all later on Twitter and Facebook:)

Bug Fun in Tartu

2010-07-26T23:21:00.000+04:00

Peacock Butterfly (Inachis io)
Entomology practical work this week. YOU RUN AND YOU CATCH THAT BUG! DO ITTTTT. Fun and games. We would drive outside Tartu and catch bugs and kill them with chloroform and then come back to the University and sort them, put needles though them and try to figure out their names and put them in the collection. The +33C weather makes it a little sleepy though. The process reminded me the movie House of Wax the entire time. Not sure why. But I have an idea -.- That was my inner hippie talking.

But alright, let's talk about the prettyful colorful butterflies and dragon-flies now. And about how a bunch of grown ups run around on a meadow with a butterfly net and chase butterflies. AWESOME. Once again I was a lazy photographer, the heat and the "Target-Locked" state of mind really didn't make me think about going around taking pictures.

This practical class was more relaxed compared to the last practical work. We had no exams, we just had to have all the 100 bugs from certain taxons collected and they had to be named right and needled/set right. We were busy the entire time anyways but we didn't have a massive amount of stuff to learn by heart. It did make me see a lot of bug related dreams though. Believe it or not, I didn't enjoy them. BUT I did enjoy how pretty most of the little creatures looked close up, amazing colors and patterns and .... It's just pretty. And I finally know a little more than two bugs by name. *Biologist* I am....

My friend needling a butterfly on the straightening board, you put the paper ribbons over the wings and needle the paper on the board. You have to put them on there for a few days so the wings would dry nicely.

Oh well, this was interesting at least. I have never done this so properly before, usually it's just catching a few and then studying here and there and that is it. But this time it was way more specific.

Aeshna sp. Big big dragonfly:

The butterfly part of our work:
Have you ever collected bugs?
Do you like bugs or do they make you itch all over when you see them?

Botany Fun at Saaremaa Island

2010-07-12T18:06:00.001+04:00

Saaremaa is the biggest island in Estonia, I've only been there once before to chill out and this time I was there for 10 days to study plants. It wasn't my most favorite thing to spend all my money on but it could have been wayyy worse, so I'm glad I went. Our group happened to be pretty chill in my opinion and Saaremaa is a cool place to be, especially with this nice weather.

And it deserves a entirely separate paragraph that I went entirely with the money I had made with art/crafts and I'm hella proud and big thanks to everyone for that X)

We stayed at a schoolhouse last used in the 1980s. It was nice but a little creepy at night hahah, I'm pretty sure it was haunted! And on the last day I found a little door that almost took us to the attic but there was a bucket full of bats on the doorway and we didn't want to disturb them any more. Yes...that is why we didn't go up there....
Some things I lovedddd about the schoolhouse was that on the last few days we had to shower in the candlelight (oh oh romantic haha), everything leaked and there was always water on the floors. It was lovely to find out that it came from the water system... By that I mean that the toilets and pipes leaked. Lovely. Just lovely. But who cares hahhaa. To be noticed the trashed windows of the schoolhouse. But seriously, I like rugged looking buildings so I liked it for real. For cereal even.

We went on hikes/walks a lot but I didn't take my camera along except one time when I took pictures with my friend's camera. I hate carrying around stuff and I had to write stuff down the whole time anyways so I was busy. My friend had a car though so we could go to the seaside on our own to take pictures. We didn't have much free time, there were 3 exams and only 10 days. Ohh ohhh ohhh I got a B for the subject. So proud! I didn't even think I would get an E.

This is the only hike I took photos at, it's when we walked to the beach.

Omgomgomg horseeess. I totally didn't fly over there in 4 seconds...
Prettyful animals X)
We had to collect plants for our herbarium and for studying and put them between this folder. At first I even wrote the descriptions in my notebook for the exams but later during the week it was kind of hard to even try to keep up where and who talked about what so I just walked around and looked busy and looked at bugs and annoyed my friendo.

Some people seemed to just absorb everything the teacher talked and know EVERYTHING. At least it looked like that. I guess being in the hearing range helped too.
The seaaaa.

This is an 'easy' forest, it's near the beach. But most of the forests were either muddy or really low and dark. Like walking in a freaking hedge hahah. And in one forest we were walking in 4inch muddy water. It was cool though because it was really hot and we got to cool off a bit. Others got to laugh when someone mentioned leeches and I instantly got tears in my eyes haha. No no...they were laughing WITH me......Good for me I was wearing my converse the whole time not rubber boots like most people... At least I had something interesting to do later picking water snails out of my shoes while our little lunch break.

Most of the people were packed and wearing hats, wellington boots for the snakes/ticks(ticks carry diseases that can kill you that is why it's not good to meet them)/mud/ branches but this one guy was barefoot the whole time in all those type of forests and places. So cool don't you think.
Everyone had to take 250 newspapers along for drying the collected plants. The changed ones were drying under the ceiling. Beautiful decorations huh? Me and my friend were lucky about this.... I thought about newspapers the evening before the trip and OF COURSE ours was taken to the recycling bin a few hours before. My friend was short of newspapers too so I and she went dumpster diving for newspapers around midnight before the trip. What a lovely night....But no actually it was fine haha, waste paper isn't really gross. It's only a little bit gross hahaa.

Studying Latin by heart.

.....Still..... This is pretty much what I was doing the whole day, at least the second half of the practical work. It wasn't so much of a practical work, it was just memory training haha. Around 300 moss and plant spieces in Estonian and Latin and 3 exams and a herbarium to make. We would stay up until 2am and wake up at 8. Only to keep writing, taping, studying. And I wasn't aiming for an A at all(even though I totally got one which was a miracle).... I can't even imagine how stressful it was for the people who were planning an A. Lots of work and too little time.

Sedum acre. BAM!

Checked the west beach one day on our own. Collected a bunch of plants too, seaside plants are kind of easier because they are different and easy to remember so it was great we went. But of course... we collected them and then sat down for a little break and oh so chill was to sit there and then walk to the car and drive back...without taking the collected plants with. Haah. We went back for them though and got to see the sunset. Me like.

Look I found a boat X) A lady like I am I had to climb in there as gracefully as possible...

....and was surprised I wouldn't step right through it because the insides of the boat looked like this.

The lighter green plant is Crambe maritima. It's eatable. So if you are starving at the beach you can eat it. It's like cabbage.

This is Vicia something something... Ohh I'm starting to forget. Awwww :( I already started liking knowing stuff around me.
Oh our favorite, Glaux maritima. It's pretty and it grows on the beach.

Ride back to the old schoolhouse.....and then back to the beach again to pick up the forgotten plants.

Omgosh someone is sitting on my stone fence and taking pictures and NOT studying :O BLASPHEMY!

The ted days of floristics is over....a whole lot of nerve cells gone but a whole lot of minutes added to our lives because of the constant laughing.

On a boat back to the mainland.

Our roommates and car-mates. It was nice to meet them.

Ohh ohhh only blue-black-whites, such a patriotic weather and boat.

Back on the mainland looking for a nice beach near Pärnu where we could eat and swim.

Found one! This is Uulu. The water was kind of gross because you can't see through a foot deep water... but it was sooooo warm and it looked pretty anyways.

Starting the drive home.

Dropped the others off at Tartu and thennnn went to Elvaaaaaaaa/home. Oh saw so many deer and foxes running near the road and across the road and it was foggy and rainy, it was hard for the driver I think, she said she got a head ache trying to spot/avoid them all. I've neverrr seen so many animals near the road before.
Oh and did I mention..... I didn't need this subject I only went because I promised my friend in the winter that I will come so she wouldn't have to go alone.

On This Rainy Day I Post Yesterdays Sunny Pictures

2010-06-19T19:37:00.000+04:00

Always stoked to see creatures when we go biking, I don't take my camera with so often anymore and usually animals just run away instead of staring at us like this stork did. We never make any efforts to look like a tree or a bush and they would be stupid to not run away. Because in case of a collision... after beating us to death they would have all this guilt you know.

Kids, this bird brings you babies so watch out.
Ciconia ciconia is what we call them and they are even more common than doves.
Still great to meet them though.Also, little tip for über friendly and helpful people. If you happen to be two truck drivers seeing two girls biking in a quite lonely place, don't pull over and tell them to get in the back of the truck. Unless your intention is to be creepy as heck :)

I think I should use this blog more

2010-06-16T19:16:00.000+04:00

...every day. I update my Facebook often, you should check that if you want to:) facebook.com/SiljaErgArt

My backyard the other day, green as ...

Jewelry by Artibility / Anna

2010-05-16T21:48:00.000+04:00

I want to introduce you a jewelry artist and one of my very fave Twitter people - Anna/Artibility!ou want to check her out because her craftwork is really pretty and she is such a nice lady!:))

She is on Facebook Facebook.com/pages/ARTIBILITY/48817127169 and Etsy Artibility.etsy.com and Twitter: Twitter.com/Artibility .Check her out and follow! :))

Her beautiful flower necklace:

Anna at work in her studio:

Everything is cute packages:)

Stamped customized charm:

Motivational Letter

2010-05-14T15:47:00.000+04:00

I love my job!
I love my job so much!
I am in love with my job!
I SOoOOoooOOOooo love my JOB!

Doll Giveaway Results!

2010-05-02T14:40:00.000+04:00

Had a giveaway on dailybooth (click here for the giveaway thread), the winner got a needle felted doll (like I usually make on my etsy: 5erg.etsy.com) made by his photo.

There are more than one winners by the way, because I decided to award people who posted MOST comments and retweeted the most:))
details on my dailybooth.

Thank you for joining the doll giveaway, your entries were awesome and it made me feel like I want to give you all a shout!!!:)))

THE WINNER IS http://twitter.com/DavidRck, who posted several entries on Dailybooth and also tweeted, so YAY! :))) The lucky number was 237 ! :))) Chosen by Random.org number generator.
CONGRATS! :)) You totally made me believe you want this doll, with all the comments X) So I am really really hoping it came out ok :)))

Here is the doll I made by the photo:

Watercolor Bookmark Tutorial by Corinne Aelbers

2010-04-27T00:54:00.000+04:00

I was able to get the amazing Corinne Aelbers to write a watercolor painting tutorial for my blog! I asked something for beginners, so everyone would be able to try if they wanted to (Including me. Watercolors is such mysterious medium for me, I can't do anything with it! But I want to learn). Anyway, check it out!

***
CORINNE AELBERS:

Years ago I started painting miniature watercolor paintings when I found that I would sometimes spend a great deal of time on a large piece and in the end not like something. I would often wish I had spent more time planning in preparation for doing a larger painting. I discovered that I actually love painting miniatures.

I use archival quality materials in all my watercolor paintings including Windsor and Newton artist quality watercolor paints, Arches watercolor paper and archival ink to sign my work.

Colors used in this Loon bookmark include, Cobalt Blue, Windsor Blue, Cadmium Red, Hookers Green and Payne's Grey.

First I do some sketches in black and white, often three or four from various angles to work out the composition. Doing this also allows me to work out where the darks and lights will be in the painting before I start. I refer to these sketches often while I am painting.

Then I trace my image onto the watercolor paper, in this case for a bookmark 300 lb Arches coldpressed natural white watercolor paper.

I lay down my watercolor washes usually from background to foreground and also from light to dark leaving the white of paper as my lightest area.

In the first watercolor wash I use Cobalt Blue. As I paint I try to soften some of the edges with water. I also paint the eye with Cadmium Red leaving a small dot of white paper visible in the eye.

I then let the work dry completely before doing the next wash.

In the second wash I add the green band on the neck using Hookers Green and add a touch of Windsor Blue while the green is still wet. I am always careful not to overwork my paint when I work wet on wet, instead I drop the color in and let the paint spread without too much help from me. I put a wash of green reflections in the water softening some of the edges as I paint. I use a clean brush and clean water to soften edges.

I then let the work dry completely before doing the next wash.

I add the Payne's Grey to the body and head and add some Hookers Green around the head while the grey is still wet. Notice how I do not lay down a solid color on any of my washes but vary the paint so that in some areas it is thinner and some areas thicker. I like that transparent effect in my paintings. I put a wash of grey reflections in the water softening some of the edges as I paint.

I then let the work dry completely before doing the next wash.

The painting is almost done. I add a little Cadmium Red mixed with Payne's Grey to make it a bit darker then apply this darker red to the eye in the shadow areas. I add some darker details in the beak to add some definition. Rework anything I think needs some tweaking being very careful not to do too much reworking, overworking can ruin an otherwise nice painting. And finally I paint some darker reflections in the water using Windsor Blue.

I then let this dry completely.

I sign the art with a pen.

I photograph the final art and either, take it along with others, to one of the local galleries here in the Pacific Northwest that sells my artwork or post it on etsy for sale.

The watercolor miniatures I paint are great exercises in staying loose and painting quickly. I find I am able to find time to paint daily.

Dusty Spring

2010-04-23T06:21:00.000+04:00

Most of our streets are dug up, so it's dust everywhere! It makes the sunsets pretty awesome though :) I haven't photographed the actual red colorful sunsets yet, but those looks pretty awesome too when it looks like it's foggy all the time:)

Facebook Fun

2010-04-16T23:14:00.000+04:00

I decided to feature everyone who posted something on my Facebook wall here on my page:

facebook.com/SiljaErgArt.

Join the fun and post something too:)
And if you post a random funny video or a picture and I will post it on my blog, I will definitely link your website too if you want to:)
I'm really bored lol :D
Anyways,

Here we go:

1.
First I want to show you an awesome artist painter designer www.jenoaoceane.com

It's a pretty cool site, you art loving people are definitely going to want to check it out:)

2.
Then we have Tara and these cute coffee cup cozies, all available in her etsy shop: www.etsy.com/shop/cuppajozy

3.

Caitlin crochets awesome stuff, like these pixie slippers for example:)))
Here is her Etsy shop: www.etsy.com/shop/caitijo

4.

Connie is a wood-burner. "It's fun to use my love of burnt-wood smell for something that people like to buy! :)" http://www.etsy.com/shop/turnpeacearound

5.

You can find this centerpiece and more beautiful decorative items in her Etsy shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/divinelionesss
And no wonder it's been featured on the front page of Etsy.

Meet an Etsy seller: 6catsart

2010-04-12T13:24:00.000+04:00

Got to interview the watercolor artist 6catsart from etsy!

Etsy shop address: 6catsart.etsy.com

Who are you and what do you do?
I am a Pacific Northwest artist and I love to do all things creative. On Etsy I feature my floral, bird and landscape original paintings.

Bookmark - Original Watercolor Red Poppy

For how long time?
All my life been on the Westcoast and been creating and painting since I was a child. Being creative fasinates me.

More about you:
Got cats and a indoor bunny rabbit. Read lots, just finished Seven Years in Tibet.

What did you do 10 years ago on this day?
Watched the rain come down in buckets just like today. It's been raining hard all day long here on the Pacific Northwest.

What do you think about global whining?
Hope for the best outcome. Try not to think about the worst outcome.

Flower Art - Light Yellow Poppy Watercolor

What do you like?
Love summer, spending time with good friends and doing anything creative.

What don't you like?
Negative attitudes and people who are not forthright.

Where do babies come from?
They are little miracles.

If you could hold one charity event, for what would it be?
Hard to decide . . . probably an event in support of single mothers who wished to get a post-secondary education.

Pants or a skirt?
Summer skirts, winter pants.

Tell us about your creative process.
Starts often with either a visual trigger or verbal trigger. Then a incubation period where I "think". Then usually several attempts to create. Evaluation of results. Possibly more attempts to create. And finally if happy with the outcome a test launch in a few retail locations. And finally if it passes that test a full introduction to all my retail locations.

Where do you find your ideas and inspiration?
Sometimes its a visual trigger. One time I was walking on the beach at low tide and in front of me a large flock of seagulls suddenly took flight it was a dramatic visual. I didn't have my camera, darn! Ever since then I have re-occuring flash backs of that visual and urges to explore ways of creating it.

Watercolor Painting Horse - The Morning Drink

Dogs or cats?
I love dogs. But presently have cats and a bunny. Which is OK too.

What is what you haven't done yet but would like to do?
I do have a ongoing to do list. Visiting Greece is on that list.

How do you gain courage when something needs to be dealt with?
I usually require time to digest things and usually solutions present themselves. Often in the middle of the night. I keep a note book and pen by my bedside.

What is your advice to a seller, shop keeper or blogger?
If you have the desire to try something the only way you will know if it is worthwhile for you is to try it. I also try to remember periodically to re-evaluate where I am, where I want to go and how I plan to get there. Coming up with the plan is the hardest part.

Quote to live by?
I love the author Robert Fulgham. Anything he has written strikes a chord with me.

Your idol(s)?
Anyone who has the courage to take a chance.

What would you never do?
Do something I felt was unethical.

What is "in" at the moment?
Lately I have seen more and more craft products using felt in new ways and also more copper items being used in new way here on the Pacific Northwest.

Original Watercolor Fine Art Card - Pigs in the Sun

If you were to start a trend what would it be?
I remember reading, it was more than a decade ago but it stuck with me, that people would become more and more interested in hand-made items as mass produced items became more and more prevelant in the market place. Based on the growth and sales at Etsy I believe that may be the case.

Would you like to add something?

If someone didn't know anyhing about your craft - where should they start?
I can tell you I started as a child by being totally fasinated with the creative process. I took many, many classes over the years because I enjoy being creative. I learned a great deal from the instructors as well as from fellow students. I tried several times in the past to sell my work, got no response, took more classes. Thought about and learned from those past attempts. Tried again with a different approach. Until I was able to find a foothold in the local retail art scene. I continue to learn, look for opportunties and most of all enjoy what I do.

6cats

Thank you!:)

Meet an Etsy Seller: FunktapusDesigns

2010-04-11T22:23:00.000+04:00

Etsy shop address: www.FunktapusDesigns.etsy.com
Blog/Website/Twitter address: www.Funktapus.wordpress.com

Who are you and what do you do? My name is Becca Tippens, and I'm a 20 year old Physics Major at the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign. I am a HUGE science nerd, and an amateur astronomer. I hope to do my graduate studies in Astrophysics. My favorite authors are Kurt Vonnegut, Richard Dawkins, Ayn Rand and Shirley Jackson, and my favorite musical groups are The Smiths, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, The Arcade Fire, Sneaker Pimps, Interpol, Xiu Xiu, Radiohead and Sonic Youth. My favorite movie is probably "Fight Club" or "V for Vendetta", but the movie I would most recommend would have to be "The Science of Sleep" -- a beautiful, surreal film by the director of "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind". I also adore French films (I'm a French minor) and would definitely recommend the movie "Delicatessan" if you have not seen it! I do not currently have any pets, but I really want a snake. Or a hairless cat -- they are irresistably ridiculous-looking! My favorite snack is Nutella, which I devour happily with a spoon. :)

Scherenschnitte Papercutting and Decoupage Scissors

What did you do 10 years ago on this day? Hmmmm, I was pretty young ten years ago. I think I was really into trying to invent Rube Goldberg machines at the time.
What do you like? Tree cozies. My ultimate knitting goal is to make a huge tree cozy. I also really like climbing... Good thing my "likes" seem to be compatible!
What don't you like? Food that comes from animal butts or faces.
Where do babies come from? Slimy places.
If you could hold one charity event, for what would it be? Heifer International! It's a wonderful organization that provides people in third world nations with livestock and other much needed animal life, but generally for their useful byproducts rather than food purposes.
Pants or a skirt? I am notoriously bad at wearing pants...
Tell us about your creative process. My creative process varies from item to item, but for my starfinders it initally involved my holing myself up in my workspace with a celestial map and my computer to work on a digital design for several days on end. Later, I did an awful lot of test printing on different paper weights and colors to optimize the appearance and durability of the starfinder, and eventually started experimenting with ways to recycle my flops. I have loads of new items utilizing said rejects coming soon!
Where do you find your ideas and inspiration? I am inspired by science and nature, and I love recycled and vintage materials.

Printable Vintage Chic Starfinder Digital Kit (PDF)

Dogs or cats? Dogs -- I like the company!
What is what you haven't done yet but would like to do? I would really like to travel. I'm hoping to eventually study abroad at the Large Hadron Collider!
How do you gain courage when something needs to be dealt with? I suck it up! I'm not a huge fan of drama...
What is your advice to a seller, shop keeper or blogger? Like what you make and others will too!
Quote to live by? "Just because some of us can read and write and do a little math, that doesn't mean we deserve to conquer the Universe." - Kurt Vonnegut
Your idol(s)? Karen O from the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Richard Dawkins
What would you never do? Eat something that fell on the floor or use an airplane restroom. Germs! Ugh!
What is "in" at the moment? HANDMADE! Duh... :)
If you were to start a trend what would it be? Worm composting... Definitely.

Featured Crafter: Cruzchic4crafts

2010-04-11T21:24:00.000+04:00

I am continuing with featuring Etsy sellers,
meet Cruzchic4crafts who is into cute paper crafts and you can see more on her Etsy shop: cruzchic4crafts.etsy.com and also you can add her facebook page to follow her updates: http://www.facebook.com/pages/cruzchic4crafts/167359434914

Wish Big

Who are you and what do you do?
I am a 36 year old female who still believes you can have cake and ice cream for dinner! (and don’t even get me started on breakfast for dinner as well!!) I am a Virgo born on 9/11 and yes, birthdays feel a little different now. I have been teaching PE to 6th graders for the past 12 years in sunny Long Beach, California and love the fact that I am teaching kids how to have fun and be fit (as long as you all don’t tell them what I eat for dinner!). I have been married to my beloved husband for over a year but we have been together for the past 13 years. I give everything a shot and I think my friends love me for that. I listen to all kinds of music but grew up in the 80’s so that would be my music of choice! I love to travel, read, cook (or at least attempt to!), work out, and hang out with friends. Most of all, I love to craft and at times, there will be a crafting frenzy at my house where I can craft like a maniac for 2-3 days straight! I believe in showing someone I appreciate with something that I made with my own hands and took the time to craft it. I have learned to bake cookies from scratch (cookies that are a little more sophisticated than your typical chocolate chip or snickerdoodle!), make chocolates/truffles, make candles, made soaps, knit, crochet, make jewelry and the one I enjoy the most is making scrapbooks and cards.
What did you do 10 years ago on this day? Hmmmm… that would make it November 15, 1999. I was in my early stages of dating my now husband and Sundays are game days so we were probably on the couch in the living room watching football (just like we are doing right now!). I lived with three other room mates at the time and I thought I had the best room in the house: I had a sliding door that lead out to the pool! I loved it! Oh and we were probably eating Pizza Hut because that’s where he was working at the time! Haha-the good old days!

What do you think about global whining? I think the squeaky wheel gets the grease so if you don’t speak up, you’re not going to get help or be heard!

What do you like? If you ask my friends what I like, they will all say, ice cream and cake. Specifically, red velvet cake and it can come in a cupcake. I love all flavors of ice cream! I like all foods but right now I have a hankering for some good Korean bbq right now! I love going to Vegas for gambling, shopping, eating and just plain “r & r”. I love going on cruises and my husband finally went on his first one and can’t wait for the next one. I love the food network channel. My favorite show of all times (don’t laugh!) is The Golden Girls with The King of Queens coming a close second!

What don't you like? I don’t like people who don’t take responsibility for their actions. I don’t like people who are dishonest and cheat people so that they can come out on top. I don’t like celery. I think that is it.

Where do babies come from? From the land of love because all babies are filled with love and it the responsibility of the caretaker to foster and nurture this love so that babies can grow up to be responsible and loving members of society.

If you could hold one charity event, for what would it be? I would hold an event where all artists show their crafts and sell it for cancer research. I have lost one too many loved ones due to various forms of cancer.

Pants or a skirt? I teach PE so on the weekends, instead of lounging around in casual wear, you’ll see me in a fancy dress or skirt!

Tell us about your creative process. It always starts off with a theme, then colors, then images. Sometimes I think of a scene and work with that. For example, right now it’s Christmas and I love snowmans! So I worked different ways, colors and images of snowmans on my cards. Shouldn’t I have said snowmen????

Where do you find your ideas and inspiration? Books, magazines, websites, blogs , friends, and experiences (colors and themes)

Dogs or cats? I heart dogs! I miss my Chaplin, Cookie and Cylo (our family dogs who have passed away).

What is what you haven't done yet but would like to do? Jump off a plane.

How do you gain courage when something needs to be dealt with? Go through the event in my mind the way I want it to happen.

What is your advice to a seller, shop keeper or blogger? Promote, promote and promote!

Quote to live by? If at first you don’t succeed, try, try, try again (I tell my 6th graders this all the time!)

Love Bug

Your idol(s)? My father who taught me to be a work horse: and if you are going to do a job or anything else, do it right! My husband because, being a musician, success doesn’t always come so quickly but when it comes, it is much appreciated. My students who always reminds me the zest for learning and when something clicks in that little mind of theirs….. well, no words can describe the joy I have for teaching!

What would you never do? I probably would never be on a show like “Fear Factor” not because I am scared to try different things but there are some things I would not eat like blood.

What is "in" at the moment? OWLS!!

If you were to start a trend what would it be? More fashionable clothes for the female PE teacher-enough already with sweatpants and sweatshirts! It’s just so darn hard to look cute in workout gear!

Would you like to add something? Support the American dream and buy something handmade!

It's My Birthday! Giveaway time!

2010-03-17T20:00:00.000+03:00

I just jumped here for a second to tell you that I have a special one day giveaway
and I'm hosting it on Dailybooth this time. Will be picking a winner on Thursday (March 18th).

Btw this drawing is currently the top 2
at my DeviantArt gallery (by comments/views/faves)

http://dailybooth.com/5erg/3707319

Three prizes:
A drawing
A needle felted creepy froggy
A Socialvibe stress ball

To enter: Leave a comment on my Dailybooth pic.

And happy St Patrick's! :D
I'm not wearing anything green,
hope you have done better in that sense! :D

Byebye,
Silja :)

MARCH!

2010-03-01T07:02:00.001+03:00

The spring weather is here! Look at this snowdrift! It's like.....you can even see me when I stand there! Got to love the spring in Estonia haha:D

Well actually I don't have a whole lot to write about but I discovered I haven't updated my blog the whole MONTH of February!!!!!!! Wow. Where did THIS time go?

The snow is getting dangerous. Like the whole winter there were not any thaw days so the snow kept piling up on the roofs, so now it's around +1 and the snow is falling off the roofs and some of the snow drifts are pretty heavy, smashing cars and turning them into junk cars and smashing balconies and *fingers crossed- no people anymore*!
Even at our house the snow broke our iron fence, totally bent it down and broke it. Never EVER knew that would happen.
They say it's the snowyest winter of the last 50 years.
Only thing I regret is taking so little pictures!!!
This reminds me,
I need a new battery for my camera.
Ok sorry,
weather and batteries, just keeping it interesting haha:D

Oh and I'm sorry for the hat haha:D But I rather keep warm than look like a real girl haha:D

I'm going to see if I have sth to write about tomorrow and post some drawings I have done in February. SEEE YOU LATERRRRRRRRRR :)

7 Random People Got My Earrings For Free

2010-02-01T07:44:00.000+03:00

Shout out Sunday #8 is hereee and Brittani picked the giveaway winners and will be sending 7 pairs of my earrings (5erg.etsy.com ) to 7 random fans of hers(you can read about the giveaway itself in my last post). Click here to check out her new video.

To enter this jewelry giveaway people had to post random comments under her Shout Out Sunday #7 and there were 16,477 comments posted and the video got 139,674 views in one week! :O And I am telling you one day I am going to read all of the comments to see what everyone wrote. I have already noticed some interesting comments haha :D

Jewelry GIVEAWAY! :)

2010-01-25T21:43:00.000+03:00

Seven people get a pair of my earrings from my etsy http://5erg.etsy.com :) The jewelry giveaway is on BrittaniLouiseTaylor's channel on youtube.

To enter you have to comment her video saying 7 random things or post a video response. You have a chance to win one of my 7 pairs of earrings on her Shout Out Sunday nr7 :))) Seven seven seven seven... :))

Comment/rate this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cnNx42Ih5ig

These are the earrings she will send you. One screencap got lost somehow so I only got pictures of 6 pairs of earrings haha:

Good luck!:)

Needle Felted Wolf Miniature Doll - Tutorial

2010-01-23T14:54:00.001+03:00

Wolf doll made out of lamb wool. Now when I think about it.....don't tell the lamb haha! :X

Some of my felt dolls are for sale here: http://5erg.etsy.com

I guess it's not like a real tutorial but you can see from the progress pictures what I did and maybe it's helpful.

So if you started totally from the scratch with the whole needle felting thing,

YOU NEED to buy/find:

♥bunch of lamb wool (I used light gray, black, white and brown and a little yellow for the eyes. About the prices: Marino wool is the finest quality, it's about 100$ a kilo. Merino wool is great for details but if I felted bigger things with it I would go crazy. Wool with thicker fiber is usually around 40$ a kilo. Cheapest I have seen is 25$ a kilo and that is really really cheap.)

♥needle felting needle (I used the 'thick' one. One costs about 3-6$, 2$ is the cheapest I have seen)
♥hairy craft wire (I used about 40 inches = 1 meter. That was about 3$)
♥wire pliers (I use the tiny crafting ones, but you know, every tool that has a "crafting" or "for jewelry" in it is more expensive. A regular pliers will do just fine too.)
♥needle felting mat (I use porolone they use for padding seats. A regular shower sponge will do too, but it costs more and it's too small and it's usually colorful which can be a problem if you want to felt white things )
♥photo of a wolf (google!)

It took me around 11 hours to finish this doll. The thing about needle felting is that it takes time, but I love making things out of wool because you don't have to think it through that much (like for sewing) and you can pretty much make anything - any shape and you can mix colors and make the ornaments yourself and so on.

PROGRESS

Four step summary:
♥build the wire armature
♥needle felt a thin layer around the wire
♥add muscles
♥add details

Building the armature. I cut 3 pieces of wire and bent them separately. 2 for legs and one longer one for tail-spine-skull. I bent back the tips so they wouldn't be sharp.

Put the legs on the tail-spine-skull wire. Just twisted one piece of the wire around another one.

Took the light gray wool and felted it around the wire. Pretty shapelessly. Try to put more wool where the ribs are.

Continue felting wool around legs and the head. Used white wool for one pair of legs. The wool layer is not very thick, it's just the base.

Covered the tail and the right leg gets the thicker layer of gray wool to build the muscle.

It's still white if you look from below.

Cover the inner side with thicker layer of white wool.

Downside of the tail can have a little white in it too. Also the chest area.

Added more white wool and made the nose and the jaw white.

It doesn't have ears yet or any other smaller details. Some people use a thinner felting needle for details, but I don't think you need one. I think attachments made with the thinner needle aren't that strong. But I guess the thinner needle is OK for making smoother surface for little things.

I think it's good to make animal dolls a little asymmetrical, it gives them a pose and gives a little motion to the miniature.

Added ears. I felted a little gray triangle and added a little black on the tip of it. Then I folded it into and ear and attached to the head. Also added black wool in it's mouth and tip of his nose.

Black base of the nose is connected to the black part of the mouth.

Added black and brown wool to the sides and to the tail. I left some wool partly unfelted to make it look more hairy and fluffy. Especially under the neck and on the cheeks.

Added black base for eyes.

Added yellow eyes and then a little black pupil. Made the eyes thinner so it would look angry.

Added black toes under the paws. If you are looking at the wolf photo time to time you can find new details to add and you don't have to wait until the end to add them. Sometimes just look at your doll and the picture and see what would make your doll have more character or make it look like a wolf.

This is it:)
If you happen to use this tutorial it would be awesome if you showed me your miniature doll and I could add your picture to this post:)

Help Me On Socialvibe:) !

2010-01-16T14:46:00.001+03:00

This is how it goes, you join and do activities (answer daily question, play a game etc etc) and this way you collect points. And later the sponsor company donates in real life for the cause you support. It doesn't cost you anything, but real people get real help out of the points you earn! My current cause supports people who suffered from the devastating earthquake in Haiti.

Without logging in or joining you can still help me and do these activities on my profile: http://www.socialvibe.com/5erg and come back later, because they add more activities time to time!:)))

If you would like to also join the site, then click here:

Silja invites you to SocialVibe.com

Have a nice day!:)))

Featured Etsyan: Gilliauna

2010-01-14T13:21:00.000+03:00

Here is the interview with jewelry artists from http://gilliauna.etsy.com!:) I found their answers really REALLY interesting, I think you will too!:) Here it goes:

Etsy shop: http://gilliauna.etsy.com
Website - http://www.bitsandbeads.com
Twitter - http://twitter.com/gilliauna
Blog - http://gilliauna.blogspot.com

Who are you and what do you do? For how long time?
Bits n' Beads by Gilliauna consists of two crafting friends (and a third that does our math for us!) The answers to the questions are written by Zoie with occasional input from Leal.

Zoie - I'm a 35 year old woman who grew up in Washington state and moved to BC, Canada to live with my husband a few years ago. When I was younger I mentored for pagan parenting but the last few years I've become a social shut-in. I enjoy music, beading, the occasional movie and doing a variety of different crafts.

Leal - Leal is a 21 year old college student in Washington state. Unlike Zoie (who is all over the board when it comes to crafting), he focuses solely on the jewelry-making crafts and techniques. Leal has a twin, and I first met them both when I was contacted to mentor for their family about 12 years ago. Leals sister along with her girlfriend, Heidi, do the mathematics and financial tracking for our shop since neither Leal or I are good with numbers.

What did you do 10 years ago on this day?
Ten years ago I was homeless and living out of my car (and occasionally on Leal's parent's couch).

What do you like?
Chocolate! I like to keep things simple in life. I think it makes my life richer that I am able to do the things I love (like my craft, learning new things, reading and writing, etc) and have found ways to "outsource" the things I don't enjoy.

What don't you like?
Close minded stubborn people. Rudeness.

Where do babies come from?

Well you see, there's this little troll that lives under the couch......

If you could hold one charity event, for what would it be?
Food for the homeless.

Pants or a skirt?
Pants (that goes for both Zoie and Leal)

Tell us about your creative process. Where do you find your ideas and inspiration?
I am drawn to and love color. I enjoy toying with different shades and color combinations. I find a lot of my ideas and inspirations come from that as well as nature and the weather.

After working with Leal for a number of years making jewelry, I know that he too is drawn to nature and color but he often leans towards more earthy tones than I do.

Dogs or cats?
Either.

What is what you haven't done yet but would like to do?
I would love to learn glass sandblasting

How do you gain courage when something needs to be dealt with?
I take a deep breath, shut down my emotions and do what needs to be done.

What is your advice to a seller, shop keeper or blogger?
Selling online takes a lot of work. You have to be willing to put in the time.

That, and... make sure you're using good photographs. If you don't like your pics? No one else will either. So take an honest look at your pictures and if they need to be redone... DO IT.

For bloggers? Add Pictures to your posts. It helps break up the blocks of text so that reading doesn't seem so daunting and the appearance doesn't come off so severe.

Quote to live by?
Zoie's: We are not human beings having a spiritual experience, but spiritual beings having a human experience. ~ Teilhard de Chardin 1881 - 1955

Leal's: Never underestimate the power of denial. - American Beauty

Your idol(s)?
I can't think of any.

What would you never do?
I will never eat caviar.

What is "in" at the moment?
Trueblood and Twilight, apparently.

If you were to start a trend what would it be?
Honesty and the art of Being Genuine

Would you like to add something?
I have no idea. I'll just copy my shop info here and you can use it or omit? *Smile*

Bits 'n Beads is an online store ran by Gilliauna that specializes in uniquely beaded and gemstone jewelry and accessories from necklaces and chokers to earrings and bracelets, charms, lanyards, eyeglass chains and more.

Each piece offered on the site is a unique, hand-crafted piece of art lovingly created by Gilliauna to be enjoyed for both its beauty and functionality.

-- Custom orders and lengths are Available --

If you see something you like but the size needs a bit of adjusting, I welcome requests and I'm happy to work with you.

If you would like to order multiples of an item or want different colors of something you see, please convo me. Discounts can be made on multiples.

New items are added daily so please check back often!--

"Creativity is a type of learning process where the teacher and pupil are located in the same individual." -Arthur Koestler

We Had a Funny Little Guest

2010-01-10T11:35:00.001+03:00

I am showing Estonia to our little world traveling doll-meerkat guest. You can read all about the touring meerkat here. The project was started by and the meerkats (there are 2) knitted by Heather Leavers from Niftyknits.etsy.com. Check out her shop, she can knit anything!:)

Comment and rate if you can! :) Thanks!:)

P.s. the thing about the rainbow, I heard it for the first time in this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dYTAtDRGmFs

P.P.s. Thank you, Sandie, for posting my video on Etteam's blog!:)

Random Snow Fun

2010-01-08T19:31:00.000+03:00

Walked around for 3 hours and took some pictures. There is a lot of snow this year! Wow, I don't know if I have ever seen January being this snowy. If you look at the first picture you can see how deep the snow is at some places. It's -10C so it's not super cold but I guess it could be warmer haha. It's nice to have proper winter for few weeks :)

Funny Mermaid Doll

2010-01-03T21:35:00.000+03:00

Made a new chubby mermaid art doll few days back:))) It is needle felted from lamb wool. I will put it on my etsy shop in a week or so http://5erg.etsy.com.

(if you click on it you get to my DeviantArt gallery)

She has red hair and it's not in spikes and has new type of earrings. I have been planning on making more of these in different looks. I have another one that is currently in my shop:

I'm out of wool currently so I need to find time to go shopping for supplies. Oh I wish they had wool for sale in our town! I think I need to check that too. It's -23C currently so I don't feel like going on random walks and I got my first 2 chemistry exams on Thursday and Friday so I guess I just need to forget about crafts this week.

Are you busy this first week of 2010 or do you have time to enjoy winter (if that is even possible haha)?

Planning on Featuring More Etsy Sellers Soon

2010-01-03T08:58:00.000+03:00

I have some features scheduled but I need to check them twice before I can upload, but I will upload them all! :) You can still submit your shop for a feature, see the orange circle on my blog's sidebar for more info:)

Also I want to go out and take some pics but the temperature is too low, my camera's battery can't take it. It's very snowy, for example a friend http://twitter.com/littlefoxphotos showed me a pic of her car yesterday haha :

Also whats new is that I have listed new 2$ earrings, here are some of my favorites. You can click on the pictures to get to the etsy listing:

Talk to you later! :)
-5erg-

Awesome and Shitty of 2009

2010-01-01T02:41:00.000+03:00

In January 1st 2009 I had a really good feeling about this year! I felt like it is going to be AWESOME. But it was hard to keep that attitude up and actually it was the total of 45 days in 2009 that were awesome, a bunch of SHITTY days and a lot of time that went by as the GRAY DAYS trying to make even for the 45 awesome days and figure out ways to get money, get healthy or stay in school.

In January I started buying this little monthly crossword puzzle zine and taping a coupon on this form, it's for entering a drawing at the end of the year. It's just something that I did every month and now I can think back at what happened when I look at it, I needed something stable haha. It's a bit ridiculous, I know:P

SO. IN GENERAL:
2009 spring was shitty all the way. Even though my bday wasn't that bad and 2 times more people showed up than I expected/invited, I was really sick and staggered around and I don't even remember most of it.
I almost dropped out of the University because of 0.4 points. I kind of did drop out for a week, but I guess it worked out.
A most awesome person died. I was afraid to tell anyone because it was hard for me, but I didn't have to worry about that because noone who had to know called me for a month.

The first half of summer 2009 was AWESOME, at least the month of June. Hitch hiking around Europe, trying new awesome things like bungee jumping and being on the road outside Estonia and seeing almost all of my personal A list bands performing live.

The second half of the summer 2009 was not great. I was sick for 7 weeks I think, I was hoping I would get better by my own because it was SUMMER, but I didn't. All that time I was trying really hard to make even for the hitch hiking trips. You might think it's cheap even when you camp out on the street and eat a couple of corn bars a day and get free rides, but it's still over my budget lol. In August I got an exciting news though, a local gallery had a free slot for my art show in Sept so I got busy collecting all my paintings back from all over Estonia - I had no time to make new ones with just a month.

September 2009 was AWESOME!!! :))) The thrill of my new exhibition and kind of a random fan painting that was meant for sitting in my drawer for eternity got the right people's attention and it's been some time and it's still out there and people sometimes come to me with their positive thoughts. Also, the open reception to my art show went so much better than I expected! I expected it to be awesome anyways, so I was so surprised it went even better. I got to show off what I have been doing and I think I was actually able to surprise people who already knew me and random people told me they were happy for me:))) And I think some people were proud of me and that's the greatest compliment anyone can give you:))

Autumn 2009 not good. One good person died of cancer and one got really sick. I fricking hate school. I found a subject that I liked though - microbiology lab work. Absolutely no money. Some open doors though and all in all things start to fall in place.

BUT ALL IN ALL:
WITH FEW EXCEPTIONAL MONTHS, 2009 IS ONE OF MY FAVORITE YEARS, BECAUSE A LOT OF GREAT THINGS HAPPENED:) Can't wait to see what 2010 brings us!:) Have a nice New Years Eve tomorrow!:)

Merry Christmas, Dear Blog Reader!:)

2009-12-24T16:34:00.000+03:00

Drew a Random Follower and She Drew Me Back!:))

2009-12-23T12:45:00.000+03:00

I drew Inamusement

And few hours later she replied me with a drawing of me! HOW COOL :D

If you click on the pictures you get to the dailybooth images.

Featured Artisan: Mrd74

2009-12-20T23:00:00.000+03:00

Meet Mike and Dianne Doyle from Mrd74 and see their skull jewelry!:)

Etsy: www.mrd74.etsy.com

Who are you and what do you do? Mike Doyle full time artisan
What did you do 10 years ago on this day? Can't remember that far back wish I could
What do you think about global whining? No to much
What do you like? Self made people
What don't you like? Global whiners
Where do babies come from? My children
If you could hold one charity event, for what would it be? Kids for Cancer
Tell us about your creative process. Happens mostly at night when I should be sleeping
Where do you find your ideas and inspiration? Nature
Dogs or cats? Both
What is what you haven't done yet but would like to do? Teach my grandson my skills
How do you gain courage when something needs to be dealt with? Suck it up an do it
What is your advice to a seller, shop keeper or blogger? Always do you very best and never ever let anyone tell you that you can't do it
Quote to live by? Be nice or leave
Your idol(s)? My son
What would you never do? Lie to my wife
What is "in" at the moment? To me, animal skull jewelry
If you were to start a trend what would it be? Not to carry a cell phone
Would you like to add something? Be nice to others cause karma is a bitch - what goes around comes around I do believe in that
Thank you so much
Mike and Dianne Doyle
Thank you!:)

(Click on the images to get to the listings.)

Featured Crafter: Buddhakittyglass

2009-12-20T20:00:00.000+03:00

Meet Buddhakittyglass from etsy!:)

Etsy shop : http://www.etsy.com/shop/Buddhakittyglass
Blog : http://buddhakittyglass.blogspot.com

Who are you and what do you do?
I am a fused glass artist. I have worked with glass of all types for over ten years. Currently I live in Seattle, Washington but prefer to be traveling…

What did you do 10 years ago on this day? I was preparing to get married. Now I am preparing for my tenth anniversary.

What do you think about global whining? I don’t like whining of any sort.

What do you like? I like fused glass, travel, trapeze and canoeing. Maybe not in that order.

What don’t you like? I don’t like talking on the phone, olives or Barbies.

Where do babies come from? You should ask your mother that question.

If you could hold one charity event, for what would it be? I would hold a charity event for PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals).

Pants or a skirt? It all depends on what I am going to do that day.

Tell us about your creative process. I don’t have a process to speak of. I get ideas and try to translate them into glass as quickly as I can before they disappear.

Where do you find your ideas and inspiration? I love to travel and see glass creations in everything around me. Visiting new places brings new sights, sounds, smells and experiences which provide a deluge of new ideas for me.

Dogs or cats? I am a cat person.

What is something you haven't done yet but would like to do? I want to take surfing lessons.

How do you gain courage when something needs to be dealt with? Remembering that I am the one in charge of my life.

What is your advice to a seller, shop keeper or blogger? Make the art you like not what you think will sell. Your art will find its audience.

Quote to live by? The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page.

Your idol(s)?I like to set my own standards and not idolize others.

What would you never do? Lie or cheat to get ahead.

What is "in" at the moment? I have no idea, I don’t much follow what is “in” I can barely keep up with my own life!

Thank you for the interview!:)

Featured Etsyan: Bobbieandlola

2009-12-20T12:37:00.000+03:00

Meet Bobbieandlola from etsy!

Etsy : www.bobbieandlola.etsy.com
Blog : woollytwoshoes.blogspot.com

The Lorna Cowl

Who are you and what do you do?
Well, my parents call me Joyce, and together with Em we make up Bobbie and Lola. They're our flapper-era secret agent names (couldn't you tell?). We met in art school about 6 years ago and have been collaborating on artworks pretty much since day one so it seemed natural to start an Etsy shop together! We used to make crazy pictures and videos together but since I have relocated to London and Em is in Sydney we send each other snail mail to come up with ideas for our Etsy shop together!

What did you do 10 years ago on this day?
Pretended to study for my exams while reading music magazines.

What do you think about global whining?
Don't whine about it, do something about it.
What do you like? Leopard print

What don't you like? Apple stickers

Where do babies come from? Not from here!

If you could hold one charity event, for what would it be? Are starving artists considered a charity event? If so, then I'd hold one for Em and I. Failing that, I used to work for Oxfam and I like what they do, so Oxfam.

Pants or a skirt? Pants under a skirt?

Tell us about your creative process.
Walking, talking, sitting, and yelling. Bike riding. Then eating Nutella and ice-cream while waiting for inspiration to strike.

Where do you find your ideas and inspiration? Everywhere. From Robo-steve the cat, from inside my pockets, from documentaries about UFOs, from people-watching, from walking in the park...

What is your favorite or best selling item? Favourite items right now are the geeky memory chip and mixtape necklaces, but bestselling items seem to be the half-aprons.

Little Tardigrade Brooch

Dogs or cats? Cat-Dog! (Like the cartoon)

What is what you haven't done yet but would like to do? Ride a unicorn into the sunset

How do you gain courage when something needs to be dealt with? Eat a spoonful of Nutella (a spoonful of nutella helps the medicine go down..)

What is your advice to a seller, shop keeper or blogger? Spend as much time as you can on promoting and updating your websites. Take great photos.
Contact others with the same interests, so you don't feel like you're doing this all alone.

Quote to live by? 'I pity da fool!'

Your idol(s)? Joseph Niecephore Niepce - he took what is widely regarded as the world's first photograph, and spent his life furthering the development of photography.

What would you never do? Forget to wear underwear

What is "in" at the moment? Well, I'd like to say owls and squids because we're selling them, but a friend who reckons he's got his finger on the pulse of youth culture told me waffles are in at the moment. So, yeah, waffles are apparently in.

If you were to start a trend what would it be? I'd like scale models of tardigrades (aka water-bears) to be the next trend.

Roxanne - A Knitted Hair Bow (Small)

Would you like to add something? Well, this is my first interview...ever, so I'd like to thank you for giving me this opportunity! And also, a big thanks to your readers who have put up with me going on and on. As a thank you gesture, I'd like to offer 20% off any item in our shop to you and your readers, just type in '5erg' when you checkout, and we'll refund the difference in Paypal.
Thank you once again!

Thank you!:)

Awesome Nature Photos

2009-12-16T21:50:00.001+03:00

National Geographic's picks for Best pictures of the year. I got these in a chain mail and I wanted to share with you:))) Each of these pictures made me smile even though I was checking them out in a row:) And if you can't see it right away, look for details. And OMG that turtle hahhaha :D:D:D