What Really Grinds My Gears 2-9-08

This edition is about those loveable friends who come to visit and insist their cars are not leaking and in great running condition. They then proceed to park in your driveway instead of the street. When the drive off your realize they were full of BS but they still insist it wasn't their car. Thanks buddie!

Dealing with Copying

We all know how frustrating it can be to feel ripped off. I have made a few decisions regarding this.
I never check my category, that way I won't see anything I don't want to. Either something I think was copied from me or if I have an idea I won't think that I look like a copier myself.

I try to focus more on my work and less about others. It can be frustrating but it keeps me sane. I try to keep this quote in mind:
"Inspiration can be derived from those who have come before us, however an artist never copies the work of another for it is against the very spirit of what feeds our creativity"

Election 2008

Now that Super Tuesday is behind us I felt like writing about politics.
I was first eligible to vote during Ronald Reagans second term. I voted for George Bush Sr., Ross Perot, I can't remember next ( not Clinton) George W Bush ( ugh), John Kerry and now it is election time again.

I find politics fascinating suddenly. I was originally on the McCain train being that I loved in AZ and he seems likeable but then I heard about Ron Paul so I went that direction. I did cast my vote for him but it looks like that isn't going anywhere.
Now I find myself really liking Barak Obama. I tend to focus on who appeals to me and need to be a bit more informed about the issues.

I love talking politics so feel free to leave comments :)

Freebie Wednesday 2-6-08

Congrats to last weeks winner http://contrariwise.etsy.com/ of the Shift key Necklace

This weeks goodie is a spoon ring. I really like these. I don't make them but they sell like crazy on my website. Someday I will tinker some more with spoons but they area little bit harder to work with than I thought.

This is an antique goldplate ring with a pretty pattern. Something fun and funky :)

Etsy Picks 2-3-08

I love eye catching colors and http://boulderglassmonkey.etsy.com/ takes care of that!

She specializes in lampwork glass and her talent just rocks. I love all her bright colors.

Great customer service as well :)

Etsy Talent

This weeks in depth feature is http://immortallongings.etsy.com/

Tell me about yourself: I'm a designer living in London. Outside of my Shakespeare series, I work as an animator and theatre/film designer, and storyboard artist.It comes out as a multi-tasking, productive cyclone that makes messes, fueled by tea., then needs much sleep and book reading.I'm very silly and clutzy, mixed between OCD and haphazard impusiveness.

What do you create?- Whatever is needed: Drawings, paintings, product designs, animation, scenery (for stage and music vids), props (anything from upholstry to antique books, to realistic beating hearts, to corn and ham, to dead people, to holy relics), and my latest umbrella and fabric designs.In the past, I've done stained glass scuplture, lathe, carved print work, architectural drafting, roughly sewn things- curtains and costumes, and even done a little scriptwork for performance.

What inspires you?-Lush visuals like art nouveau designs, french graphic novels, beautiful bits of architecture, and espcially travel (favorites: Italian colors in Rome, buildings in Prague, Paris in general , Rhodes and Barcelona thick old walls, Irish countryside, NY skyscrapers, seaside, good food, pretty doors and windows).

How do you feel about Etsy as a venue?-As a seller it's great, very easy to use, and a supportive community. As a shopper- I hate shopping on the streets, and ebay makes me OCD with bidding worries, so Etsy is fantastic-I can give the sale to a working artist, and is really fun to use, and it's inspiring to see what folks are making. I love their graphics, and the laid back friendliness.

What is your favorite word? "fwaaar!

What is your least favorite word? "Eighths

What turns you on? Half a glass of wine.

What turns you off? Styrofoam

What sound or noise do you love? -Sound: Violin, Noise: "thwak

What sound or noise do you hate? -Loud screechy things- especially higher pitched.

What profession other than your own would you like to attempt? -Burlesque/nightclub singing star by night, secret agent by day.

If Heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the Pearly Gates? "Oh, Good! You're here. Right this way, we've got loads for you to do."

Etsy Undiscovered 2-1-08

I have been late getting on the Pounce bandwagon. I know many of my friends are addicted to it so I decided to check it out again this morning and realized that it had changed. Now it includes shops with no sales. so I am going to pick an undiscovered shop for today.

These caught my eye fromhttp://potterri.etsy.com/

*Wheel thrown mug with hand built dragonfly applique. Multiple glazes give it that impressionalistic look. Each mug may vary just a little in shape and color because each is handmade.*

I love purple and dragonflies.I love this hummingbird feeder as well.