Florida Artist Robin Maria Pedrero

I am in a group of wonderful artists known as FEST or Florida Etsy Street Team and I want to take the opportunity to highlight a very talented woman who blows my mind with her amazing talent.

I think I have mentioned before that I would love to be able to paint like this so I am always drawn to people with this particular area of expertise.

I just love the bright and cheerful colors Robin chooses for her work too.  As you may have noticed many of my favorites that I post on my blog are loaded with color.

Etsy: Your place to buy & sell all things handmade robinmariapedero.etsy.com

Featured Artist "Makin' the Best of It"

Kim is the multi-talented artist behind Makin' the Best of It, a shop where you will find an array of gorgeous hand painted glassware, home decor and special occasion gifts as well as some of the loveliest jewelry you have ever seen made with only the finest sterling silver.

Kim and her husband Andrew live in New Jersey along with their two boys. They teamed together and started the Handmade Artists Forum because they have a real passion to keep all things handmade from becoming a dying breed of art. If you check out their site you will see for yourself a group of positive, upbeat people supporting and encouraging one another in their endeavor to keep "handmade products" alive. I have been a member of this group for some time now and I can honestly say they care very much about each and every person who comes their way so I hope you will take the time to visit.

Here is a sneak peek at some of the pieces created by Kim. She has a very special gift in that she is blessed with many talents.

This sweet little pendant is so original. The sterling silver cage houses some sea glass that Kim found right on the Jersey shore. I really love the curly loops on the top and the bottom. I am sure there is a fancier name for them, but they really make the design.

This next piece is very intriguing just because of the bell shape. It is actually an old bottle stop that has been frosted through time from the salt water of the ocean. It just doesn't get any better than this. Nature at it's best.

Kim kept the design of sterling silver delicate so as not to take away from the overall affect of the natural lines. That is what makes her jewelry very special in my opinion as she always works with the natural flow.

Painting like this is something I have always wished I could do and I admire artists such as Kim who can just sit down and make something like this butter dish spring to life with these cheerful sunflowers.

Kim can paint anything and I do mean anything. She has some wonderful patterns she offers that can be put on glasses, vases, dishes, stemware. The list goes on. You really must check out her shop and see them as these are just a sampling of her work.

Of course I had to show you the adorable pink flamingo because I am a Floridian and therefore consider myself a connoisseur of flamingos and this one is right at the top.

Wouldn't this make a great gift? Just too cute.

Kim can also work up some beautiful special occasion gifts such as you see in these two examples below. These are custom pieces but they give you an idea of what she can make. Wouldn't you like to have your Mother's Day card preserved? Maybe you have a wedding invitation that you would like displayed? Kim will work with you on the pattern and design and do what she can to make it a very special and personalized gift.

HAFTeam Artist of the Week

I am a member of the Handmade Artists Forum and am proud to be sharing another talented artist for my post this week.


My featured shop is Creative Minds owned and operated by Sara. This is an online store where you can purchase quality jewelry and crafts for a very reasonable price.

This pair of earrings (pictured above) are done in a leaf design that is just darling. These would be great with your jeans.

This adorable necklace has little flowers a dolphin and a little silver colored butterfly. I really like the combination of the beads with the pink flowers.






These pink ribbons are also handmade and would be a great way to show your support for breast cancer awareness.

They are made from polymer clay, but they look like real ribbon.
Sara donates 50% of the profits on these. You can't go wrong with this as you are helping a very worthy cause and getting a nice pink "ribbon" that can be worn again and again.

Be sure to check out her store as she also has handmade note cards and other goodies.

Hafteam Artist "Jewelry by Janelle"

Janelle of "Jewelry by Janelle" is a fellow Floridian and Hafteam member and an amazingly talented woman.


Like so many of us, she found it difficult to find exactly the right kind of jewelry for herself and started playing around with scraps of wood. Not just ordinary wood, but exotic American burled woods. What started out as an idea of making pieces for herself quickly became a passion that has turned into a full fledged business that has expanded to include foreign exotic wood as well.

Janelle's shop boasts a wide variety of jewelry using gemstones, Swarovski crystal, all kinds of beads and there is even a selection of vintage. There is definitely something for everyone.

This stunning Zebrawood (just the name sounds exotic) was made into a donut shaped pendant which can be hung on a sheer black or brown ribbon. I just love the contrast between the hard woods and the softness of the ribbon.

This pandora bead is aptly name "Apple Pie Spice" because of it's yummy colors with the buttery yellow, pumpkin orange and carmel. The center has been cored with 925 sterling silver and a 925 sterling silver snake chain has been added.

You can visit Janelle's blog at http://jewelrybyjanelle50.blogspot.com/

Artist of the Month and Giveaway!

The artist I am featuring for the month of December has become a good online friend so it is a great pleasure to introduce Felicia Kramer of Another Bright Idea.

Felicia and I became acquainted in the DSG (Design Style Guide) forum on Etsy but I soon recognized her wit and talent and began following her blog, Felicia Kramer has Another Bright Idea.

She is a multi-talented, multi-tasking individual with a high energy for life and a real love of art. Her shop is a perfect example of the many facets of Felicia. And, she has generously donated one of these wonderful vintage blocks of distressed red oak with Burgundy ribbon and vintage images of children from her shop as a giveaway today.

All you have to do to enter to win this lovely prize is to comment on this post. A name will be randomly chosen and the winner will be announced on Wednesday, December 23rd.

So, without further ado I would like to give Felicia the opportunity to share some of herself with you through this interview.

Tell me about yourself

I’m the quintessential middle child – right smack in the middle of nine children.
I am single (previously married), no children of my own, but I have a huge extended family and tons of nieces and nephews that I adore. I love being “Auntie Felicia” to all of them! No pets – I used to travel too much. I think about getting a cute little puppy sometimes, but … not yet.

What led you to selling online?

I’ve been on Etsy just over a year. I found Etsy while recuperating at home from yet another back surgery (I have had four, and that’s a story for another day). I had plenty of time to surf the net so I started investigating Etsy, made the decision and opened my shop about a year later.

What is your favorite kind of art to do?

What day of the week is it? Seriously, though, I absolutely love doing digital collages and altered photographs, although I don’t think I’ll ever learn everything there is to know about Photoshop and Illustrator. Lately, though, I had the urge to work more with my hands instead of the computer, so I really enjoyed making the Christmas wooden blocks, pine cone wreaths and other Christmas items. I have some great ideas for some home décor items and nature collages to work on after the holidays.

The above piece is called "In the Light of the Moon". It is an 8 x 10 Limited Edition Digital Collage.

The wooden blocks in the picture below are painted, distressed, and decorated with vintage Christmas letters spelling out “LOVE” on one side and rub-on decorations on the back.

What is your favorite piece currently in your shop?

Awww … that’s like asking a mother which child is her favorite! However, I do love my Robin’s Egg Blue Pinecone Wreath. It’s quite large (24” diameter) and the color is just delicious! The delicate beaded garland and white bow soften the look.

This digital piece is also a favorite, maybe because lilacs remind me of my childhood home and my Mom. Lilac (Tinkerbell) Buds Digital Photo Collage Print

What was the most difficult piece to make, and why?

Most difficult? I think in general the digital collages and altered photographs are the most difficult, simply because there’s so much to learn about Photoshop and Illustrator. The creative possibilities of those programs are infinite.

Aside from your business, do you have any hobbies?

When I’m not doing my art, thinking about my art, or thinking about doing my art, I love to garden (in the summer, of course!). I like refinishing furniture (several projects await!) And I have a huge project in line after the first of the year: family genealogy charts and a huge family album with all the photos, ephemera, and letters left to us by our parents. And if I think my bionic back will let me, I would like to do some traveling.

Who or what inspires you?

No question, nature inspires me. I enjoy living in Michigan because the change of seasons is so striking and breath-taking here. And even though I don’t like the cold of winter, I have to admit a newly fallen snow day is beautiful, especially at Christmas time.

This stunning Autumn Scented Wreath is one of my favorites in Felicia's shop as you can see I have it on the side of my blog.

It can be hung on a door or wall and also used as a centerpiece. It really is a beautiful wreath and would be a wonderful accent anytime of the year.

What would you like people to know about you.

I always wanted to be an artist, but I was never encouraged to pursue it seriously. I finally enrolled in college at the ripe old age of 30 and graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Michigan State University. And now, finally, after having gone through several other careers to pay the bills, I’m retired and can devote all my time to my art. I consider that a thoroughly enjoyable luxury.

I chose 3 more pieces from Felicia's shop to share, but it was a very difficult choice as I truly admire all of her work. You can see her love of nature is ever present in her work. She has an eye for the details that many of us would miss.

I encourage you to stop by her shop and see for yourself the endless talents of Felicia Kramer.

Tell me about your work area.

About 15 years ago I bought my first home – a 1-bedroom condo. A very small loft area was the only room available for my studio, and I knew it would not be enough space. So I had the floor extended as far as I could – although it’s still a small space - and then worked with a designer at a big box store for the built-ins. I found a cabinet style that had matching pieces for kitchen, bedroom, and office so I was able to design it specifically for my needs. There’s a desk station with file drawers, a sewing area with fabric storage, bookcases, large pantry storage for art supplies, and two custom storage/work tables on wheels. And I have every bit of it filled! I could still use a bigger work area because I pull EVERYTHING out when I’m working. The first four photos were taken when the remodel was first completed. It’s quite a bit messier right now – as you can see in the last photo!

This has to be the best studio I have ever seen and I have seen a few.

All the cupboards and shelves and divided work areas are an artists dream.

Felicia has so many varying interests that it only makes sense that she would have a fabulous work area such as this. How in the world would she be able to keep her many different types of art separated otherwise. You did a great job designing this one!!

You can also find Felicia at the following sites:

My facebook business page: www.facebook.com/anotherbrightidea
I have a zazzle shop but there’s not much in it yet; I’m still working at filling it.
www.zazzle.com/anotherbrightidea

Don't Give Up!

I have been in the forums of the Etsy site and have noticed more and more sellers are getting disenchanted with selling online. Mostly it appears to be that their sales are down and they are wondering if their items have appeal.

I felt this same way on so many occasions I can't even count. It is so amazing though, that each and every single time I have been to the point of giving it all up and just giving my mosaics away as Christmas gifts, I end up selling one.

With all the promoting it takes to keep your shop afloat in this sea of endless stores online it can certainly affect your creativity. Sometimes you wonder if you are an artist/crafter or just a glorified PR person.

I know firsthand the hours that are spent in the forums of the various teams you join and trying to stay "tuned in" to what is going on with each; then there are the many sites you may belong to that offer assistance and support for "handmade" items. I personally belong to 3 such sites. There is also treasuries, and challenges, and special sales that you don't want to miss out on. Or, how about the chat rooms and resource pages that you feel compelled to read because it might have something that will help you further your shop.
It truly takes dedication, perseverance and patience to make a real go of it with online selling. It isn't for everyone, but it is definitely worth giving it a try.

So don't give up. Hang in there at least until the Christmas season hits. Then, if you feel it is just too much try sending letters with photos out to the various stores in your community and ask them if they would like to sell your items in their store. I did this when I first started and I am now selling in Cocoa Village, Florida in a shop called "The Gingerbread House".

One way or another there is a spot for you in all of this, it just may take a while to find your niche.

Sales for Charity

I will always take time out to applaud anyone who is willing to donate to a worthy cause and today I am happy to introduce Stephanie Schroeter-Frymyer of http://www.thedestinedsoul.etsy.com/ who graciously gives 100% of all profits on her sales in this shop (she owns 2) to her charities, the City of Hope and the John Wayne Cancer Institute, in order to help find a cure against cancer.
When I asked her to tell me about her charities this is what she said:

"I was just looking for a way to make a difference and to make this world a better place. The City of Hope has always had a great reputation and has helped so many people and I had also heard about the great success at the John Wayne Cancer Institute that I decided to donate the profit to both organizations. There are many other organizations I would love to support, maybe one of these days I’ll be lucky enough to do so".



This young woman is truly a remarkable artist and has a soul to match. She was born in Germany but has been a proud American for nearly 10 years . She is married and has one child and two crazy dogs and makes her living in real estate, but her heart will always be in making fine silver and hand painted art jewelry.

When I asked her how she started "The Destined Soul" she replied:

I always loved to paint and came up with the idea to combine that love with my love for making adornment art. Very giving person, but not rich - but I wanted to be able to help (so many charities are hurting in this economy because people just don’t have the extra money to help out) so I came up with the idea of a new line with the hand painted beaded jewelry. They are so much fun to make and to wear, just something completely different, and like my silver jewelry, aimed at individualists who are looking for something out of the ordinary.

Stephanie has two "favorite" pieces. The first is called "Candy". Look at the intricate detail in these beads which are all hand painted. Unbelievable! I really love the color combinations in this one.

" Monarch's Birthday" is another favorite of hers and I can see why. This is stunning! This piece sold in a very short time as her shop has only been open a few months.

I had chosen this adorable matching bracelet before I found out about Stephanie's favorites. This one is called "Candy Cuff". You can see the incredible workmanship on this a little better and I am so impressed. I would have a hard time even finding one favorite as they all are just lovely.

How about a pair of cute swirly earrings? I love the little dots all over. These are so unique that they could easily be worn alone with any outfit.

This is a photo of Steph's work area. I can just see her sitting there, with her head bent over, painting one of her beautiful designs on a bead or bracelet. She is such a kind and caring individual and goes out of her way to make people feel good. I feel honored to have made her acquaintance.

I chose to showcase "The Destined Soul" because all the profits go to researching a cure for cancer, but Stephanie does have another shop http://www.stephfrymyerdesign.etsy.com/ that has absolutely gorgeous Award Winning designs in fine silver. These pieces were available only at fine art shows and galleries so it is wonderful that you can now buy them on Etsy.

Another talent Stephanie has is photography which can be seen at http://www.artbyssf.com/ .

I hope you will stop by these wonderful shops and see what this gifted artisan can do.

Featured Artist

I am pleased to be showcasing Jessica Moreau-Berry, owner of http://www.junquerevival.etsy.com/ .

I first met Jes when she interviewed me for "She Dreams of Art" on http://www.sdoa.indiepublic.com/ , a monthly article she writes. I was immediately impressed with her as she has a warm and giving spirit and a truly unique talent of taking a little bit of this and a little bit of that and working magic. Honestly, she creates some fabulous pieces that give the true definition of "'One of a Kind."

I asked her to tell me a little about herself as I believe where we live, where we play, and with whom we share our lives makes a difference in what and how we create. This is her reply:

I live in Maine in a sweet little farmhouse surrounded by fields and woods. Our location is just wonderful, as we are close to the coast, rivers and lakes. I'm only 50 minutes to Portland, so I can grab a little city when I need it. I live with my hubby (AKA Big Daddy), our two cats, and our brand new yellow lab puppy as of this week, Abigail. I do a lot of gardening, kayaking, hiking & entertaining with friends.

I just love this piece. It is actually a drawer pull that Jes cleverly disguised to form this lovely pendant. It is called "Winged Dreams".

I think every artist probably has a favorite piece among their creations and Jes in no exception. I asked her to tell me about her favorite and why:
I always seem to have a favorite piece until it sells. But for now I would say this one, "My Love Must Come on Silken Wings" http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=27102656 When I started to make altered-art jewelry back in 2004, I didn't know how to solder and I didn't even know how to drill holes into metal, etc. BUT I had worked with polymer clay years before, and owned an antique business since I was a teen. I wanted to give up most of the antiques, but still kept a lot of smalls to create art with. I began designing found-object pendants with the polymer, and they sold right off. Over the years, I have learned how to place nice with tools, but decided to submit this old project to Belle Armoire Jewelry magazine. It was recently published in the 2009 summer issue. I wanted to inspire budding jewelry artists, and show them that they can put together beautiful pendants with next to nothing for tools, like I had.

Jes says she is inspired by nature and feels fortunate to be living in Maine where she is constantly surrounded by it's beauty. I would imagine that is what may have inspired "A Fairytale's Rose", which is also featured in the Belle Armoire Jewelry Magazine that Jes writes for. This gorgeous rose is made from polymer clay, painted, then painted several more times using tinted glazes to give it that sheen and depth. The stunning beads are green satin czech glass.

Another Etsy shop owned by Jes is http://www.vintagejunquerevival.etsy.com/ . I couldn't pass up this lovely vintage pitcher with it's mottled purple luster and English Inn scene in blue transferware. It is the perfect compliment to any home and creates a warm, inviting feeling.

Most of you know by now that I always try to get a photo of where each artist works. This is one view of Jes' workspace. Another one I have seen puts my organizational skills to shame. She has rows and rows of canvas boxes all tagged with contents lined up on shelves. Being the busy woman that she is with her two shops, her blog http://www.junquerevival.blogspot.com/ , and her various articles she writes I would imagine keeping herself well organized is why she gets so much done.

I encourage you to take a peek at Jes' shops because you will not be disappointed. Her background with antiques and her flair for design combined with her vivid imagination give you an artist that is truly unique and very inspiring.

Who Wants to be Featured?

I am looking for a shop to feature on my blog. I prefer to have someone who could use some recognition because of low sales or is just starting out. I believe in helping one another and this is my way of giving what I can to help someone else.

When I do a feature I always include a picture of the person behind the shop as well as one of their studio/craft area because I think it's important to see the person behind the creation.
I also make it a point to promote the feature on the various forums, facebook, twitter, and blogger to get as much recognition as possible to their store.

If you would like to be featured, please leave a comment and tell me why you feel your shop could use the boost. I will put all the names in a hat and choose one or two to feature over the next few weeks. You will be contacted if you are the winner and I will submit some questions to you for the feature.
So don't be shy. Everyone needs a little help now and then.