Wisconsin Street Team - "The Moo Crew"

Friday's Featured Fabricator -- Amanda of Simply Rustic!

2012-01-28T21:00:00.000-06:00

This week's featured Moo Crew artist is Amanda of Simply Rustic. Based in Rhinelander, Wisconsin, Amanda is a mom of four and crafts natural skin care products out of her home. By way of introduction, Amanda says "I'm Amanda, Momma to four beautiful and busy kids ages 2-15 and wife to a fun and supportive husband. We live outside Rhinelander and love the area. I'm also the owner of Simply Rustic. I handcraft in my home 100% Natural Skin Care products using fair trade, wildcrafted, raw and organic ingredients."

I asked Amanda how she chose the name of her business. "I knew I was going to stick to seven ingredients or less with my products and was going to use unrefined oils and butters. The word "natural" is used too much so my recipes are simple and with the help of theasurus.com, I found "rustic" to be a great word...so Simply Rustic it was."

Getting started making these natural products came out of a desire to live a "greener" lifestyle, as well as the realization of all the potentially harmful things in our environment.  "(Our family has) been discovering how to live more simply, naturally and environmentally friendly for about 10+ years now. (We) started because we wanted to be more conscious of our environment and the need to protect it. Just over three years ago our oldest daughter was diagnosed with a form of chronic leukemia…it was quite a scare, and one way of coping with all the unknowns was to research endlessly. It was through this that I realized how much our environment has been altered, and how much harmful stuff is out there that is almost impossible to avoid. For my children, husband and myself, I started reducing as many of the harmful things we’re exposed to in our daily lives, as well as reducing our footprint on the world."

Through this awareness, Amanda had a desire to see what she could create on her own in a simple, natural, safe and eco-friendly way, and Simply Rustic was born. "The body butters and lip balms became the starting point because that is what we use most in our home. With a family of six, buying natural and/or organic products can be expensive. After some time to experiment and perfect, I had something I enjoyed making and loved to use. Before long I was sharing with family and friends and the logical next step was to try and share it with others who might be searching for a simple, healthy and all natural product that is both affordable and easy on the environment." Simply Rustic’s packaging is recyclable, even the labels are made from recycled material; most are 100%. "Today, my creative wandering has expanded, and now there are body scrubs and lip scrubs too…who knows where I’ll go from here. (This is) my small bit of caring for my family and the environment. Oh, and my skin—it loves me for it!"

Amanda uses high quality fair trade, wildcrafted, raw and organic ingredients in her products.  "My recipe is simple, so you are receiving only these ingredients and not a bunch of fillers. I don't use water, so the products are concentrated and this allows me to not use any synthetic preservatives and other bad things found in skin care products. My products are affordable compared to many others that are very similar."

Simply Rustic customers will receive products made with care.  "Everything I create and handcraft is made with love and much attention to make sure there is nothing harmful in my products for people of any age."



Creative time can be difficult to find when you are a mom of four. I asked Amanda what she spends her time doing when she isn't creating.  "It's actually a little more like this...when I'm not playing and being busy with my kids, I create."

Amanda's background includes a bachelor degree inCriminal Justice. "I love reading, learning and gardening. If money was not an issue, I would take college classes as often as I could."

I asked Amanda her opinion on what she thinks is the best part of being an artist. "(I love) the flexibility, and learning new ideas all the time."

Simply Rustic products can be found on Etsy at http://www.etsy.com/shop/simplyrustic2011?ref=ss_profile, as well as at a coffee shop and health food store in the Rhinelander area, (Coffee Beans Etc. and The Country Seed), and at Maiden Wisconsin in Sparta. Amanda also accepts orders via e-mail, and is working on a Simply Rustic web site.

Many thanks to Amanda of Simply Rustic!

2012-01-20T21:16:00.001-06:00

Happy New Year! 2012's first Moo Crew featured artist is Sara of Twisted Planet! As usual, I asked Sarah to give us some background on herself...

"Hi I’m Sarah. We live in Blanchardville (yes it’s a real town, just outside of New Glarus). We actually have 3 shops. The main one (Twisted Planet) that sells crochet stuffed animals and upcycled jewelry. We also have TwistedPlanetApparel, which you guessed it, sells clothing: crocheted cold weather accessories and screen printed shirts. The other shops is TwistedPlanetBeads, which is where I sell off my extra paper beads that I've made and just haven’t found time to use yet."

The name of Sarah's trio of businesses is a collaboration. "It’s a mix of my husband and me. His whole mantra is Flat Planet and I wanted something with Twisted in it to reference both rolling of paper beads and crocheting. Thus the combination name was born."
Getting started on creating the items in the Twisted Planet line was "honestly...a fluke. I was on a business trip and stopped off to get a magazine and saw an article about making paper beads. They were doing them paper Mache style, boiling paper and glue and then rolling them into balls and painting them and it got me thinking about it. Some research and playing around later yielded our first paper beads."

Sarah's Twisted Planet beads stand out in the crowd because all of the paper used in the beads is recycled. "My husband works at a printing company and brings home their scraps that would otherwise just be thrown out. Most of the beads are unique as it is just leftover paper."

Sarah wants her customers to know that all of Twisted Planet's creations "come from our weird minds. Most of the stuff is OOAK (one of a kind) as I don’t work with patterns or anything. We also love to work with people to design something that helps them express themselves."

Sarah and her husband are brand new parents! "When I'm not creating, I'm hanging out with our new baby Vallyn. He’s 3 months old!" In "real life" Sarah is an apparel designer. "I also love dogs and not only have 2 of my own but foster dogs for local rescues."

I asked Sarah her opinion on what the best part o fbeing an artist might be. "Freedom to create whatever you want and experiment with new ideas. Yes there may be some failure, but it’s all a learning curve."

You can find Twisted Planet products on Etsy at:

http://www.etsy.com/shop/TwistedPlanet?ref=ss_profile
http://www.etsy.com/shop/TwistedPlanetBeads?ref=ss_profile

http://www.etsy.com/shop/TwistedPlanetApparel?ref=ss_profile

Paper beads are available in the Madison area at Fat Cat Beads near East Towne Mall, and stuffed animals at Maiden Wisconsin near Fort McCoy. Twisted Planet will be appearing at selected art fairs this year as well!

Many thanks to Sarah for taking time for this feature interview!

This week's Featured Fabricator -- Quilts by Jess!

2011-12-24T21:48:00.000-06:00

This week's featured artist is Jessica of Quilts by Jess. I asked Jessica to give us an introduction.

"I'm a Minnesota native, and after living in Chicago, Seattle, Raleigh and the Twin Cities, I recently settled in Madison, Wisconsin. When I'm not creating my quilts, I'm busy doing my 'real' job as a patent attorney. I also collect vintage Pyrex and Fiestaware dishes."

Jessica wanted a simple name for her quilt business, so she chose "Quilts by Jess". "I may have erred on the side of too simple, but it works for me."

Jess told me she learned to quilt as a graduate student. "At the time, I really needed a creative outlet and way to unwind after a long day in the lab. I bought a sewing machine and one of my friends taught me the basics. The first quilt I made was intended to be a wedding gift. It took me so long to finish it that it ended up being a gift for the couple's first child!"

Only 100% cotton fabrics and batting are used in Quilts by Jess products. "I tend to use higher quality designer fabrics. In my experience, items made with better materials look better, feel better, and last longer."

Jessica considers herself a "science geek with a creative streak." "I try to combine the precision of quilting with the artistry of mixing colors and patterns. When I do custom quilts, I spend a lot of time selecting fabrics and designs so that the finished product exceeds the client's expectations." She says the best part of being an artist is the freedom to explore new techniques and designs.

You can find Jessica's beautiful work on Etsy at http://www.etsy.com/shop/QuiltsByJess . She has a Facebook page for her quilting work at www.facebook.com/quiltsbyjess.handmadewithstyle, and she writes about current projects, designer fabric, and sewing/crafting resources on her blog, www.quiltsbyjess.typepad.com. Jessica gladly accepts custom orders--you can reach her via Etsy or her Facebook page.

Thanks to Jessica, and Merry Christmas to all!!!

Friday's Featured Fabricators--KnotaGeek!

2011-12-17T08:36:00.001-06:00

This week we feature two artists under one roof. Nicole and Erin are the team behind "KnotaGeek", an Etsy shop that features hand crocheted items.

Nicole and Erin live in the southeastern part of Wisconsin. By way of introduction, Nicole says "I live in teeny Burlington, WI. I have a fabulous husband, two ridiculously awesome daughters, and probably the cutest cat ever. When I'm not crocheting, I work part time at a state housing facility for individuals with developmental disabilities and medical issues, psychiatric complications, or a combination of the three. I make my portion of the KnotaGeek product right out of my house at any spare moment I can get! Pretty much any moment I have where I can sit (or stand!) still for a few seconds, I'm crocheting. I learned to bring my projects along with me in the car so I can work on them during the few minutes I have while waiting to get my oldest daughter from school, or during my lunch break at work. It's hectic, but never boring!!"

Erin's turn for introductions: "I live in Racine, WI, with my husband and four cats. I work full time at a real estate appraisal office, but when I'm not working I'm crocheting! I've got a great craft room with a TON of yard that is always inspiring me."

Coming up with the name for their business was a fun, creative process. "We had settled on one name, and got totally excited about it--made a shop banner and everything for it...only to find out that it had already been taken by another seller. Eventually, we came to the fun word play "KnotaGeek," and totally loved it. Frankly, it's perfectly fine the first name was taken! KnotaGeek has really been a great name for our shop--it's so fun to see people at craft shows mouth it to themselves, then smile or laugh."

The items the KnotaGeek team creates began out of practicality. "Being in Wisconsin, we all need some good cold weather accessories! So it was pretty natural to start making hats, cowls, scarves, etc. Our items pretty much go along with our individual style and taste. That's one of the fun things about being a partnership."

I asked both members of the KnotaGeek team what prompted them to make their first item. Nicole told me, "I've been crocheting since I was a young girl. I started doing it a lot more once I had kids, since I loved to make fun little things for them. I was pretty proud of a few of them, and created a Facebook album to show them off in. Then I noticed that Erin was doing the same thing! One of us half-jokingly said to the other that we should work together on an Etsy shop, and the idea totally took off from there. Coming up with what to make for our shop after that wasn't too hard--it was an opportunity to make all the things I loved but didn't have enough people to give them to! However, it is fun to look back at the first few sales in our shop--I feel our product has come a long way and has evolved for the better." Erin says, "I've also been crocheting since I was young. I made baby items, blankets, and eventually hats. Requests from friends and family started to come in, and the rest is history!"

Erin has been a vegetarian for 10 years, and vegan for four, so KnotaGeek products are made with no animal fibers. However, you will find much more than basic acrylic yarn in their shop. "We love to use soft cotton blends, organics, and bamboos, and we are always in search of cool new fibers!"

The KnotaGeek team stresses to their customers that their items are vegan-friendly, meaning they contain no animal fibers or ingredients (also meaning they are much easier to wash!). "We hand-make every single item, and pay close attention to detail. We care deeply about the quality and integrity of our product. We truly want our clientele to get the most out of what they buy, and to be totally and completely in love with their purchase!!"

When they aren't creating, Nicole says "(I'm) chasing around, dancing and singing with, or embarrassing my two daughters, tee hee!" And Erin? "(I'm) working. Can't wait to quit my day job!"

Outside of her Etsy persona, Nicole calls herself a nerd! "Like, a true bona fide nerd. While some may consider crocheting and knitting nerdy, I'm also totally into comic books and fantasy and anime. I'm a gamer and a huuuuuge lover of astronomy. I LOVE math and physics, although I'm not particularly good at either of them. I watch documentaries probably more than anything else. I could live at the library if given the chance..." For Erin's part: "I love tattoos and I have a bunch, including a crafty sleeve with yarn and a sewing machine. I love to cook and my husband and I have recently started making soap. It's super fun!"

I asked both ladies what is, in their opinion, the best part of being an artist. Nicole: "I love the creation process. Whether it's coming up with the initial idea or seeing a product come to life as you make it, it's just an awe4some thing to be involved with." Erin: "The best part is being able to do something you love, and have people respond to it. Whether it's at a craft show or online, it's fun when someone loves your product and appreciates the work you put into it."

KnotaGeek products can be found at local art fairs, and at http://www.etsy.com/shop/KnotaGeek?ref=pr_shop_more

Thanks to Nicole and Erin of KnotaGeek!

Friday's Featured Fabricator - Pinata Paradise!

2011-12-10T08:33:00.001-06:00

This week, the featured Moo Crew artist is Gail of Pinata Paradise. Gail is an "empty nester" who lives in Green Bay, WI, with her two wonderful dogs. She has been designing and creating pinatas for nearly 20 years, and has recently joined Etsy in the hopes of growing her business.

Gail's studio is in a room in her home that is devoted strictly to pinata making. Gail says "Yes, it does have a tendency to become somewhat messy, with all the glue, newspaper, finished molds, projects in the works, etc. etc." Her motto is "It's not a party without a pinata!"

Pinata Paradise began when Gail started making pinatas for her children when they were both in grade school. "It grew from that point to my children's classmates, teachers, neighbors, and on and on. I love making pinatas. Each one is so different and I enjoy being able to be a part of a child's celebration by making a pinata that fits the them of their party."

Pinatas aren't just for kids! "Many of my customers are not children, but just "children at heart", so whether I'm making a company logo pinata, one for a birthday, shower or really any celebration, I'm doing what I love!!"

I asked Gail what she thinks is the best part of being an artist. "The best part of my business is being able to take an idea and run with it, matching a pinata with the person and the theme of the party."

Gail's colorful pinatas can be found on Etsy at http://www.etsy.com/people/PinataParadise . She also has her own web site, http://www.pinataparadise.org/

Many thanks and good luck to Gail of Pinata Paradise!

Friday's Featured Fabricator - Allure Studio Works!

2011-12-02T20:53:00.001-06:00

After an unintended break (crazy week!), the Friday feature is back (with apologies!) with this week's artist, Rudy of Allure Studio Works.

I asked Rudy to give us a little background on herself. "I'm Rudy and Allure Studio Works is my business. I've lived in Bay View most of my life and about 10 years ago, my husband and I bought a house in this awesome neighborhood. I have 2 boys, a 3 & 5 year old. I also have a brown eyed girl named Ava (almost 8) who is the most amazing shepherd/husky. I have a super fantastic husband and between dating and marriage, it's been 17 years. Wow, I'm suddenly feeling old. I'm a Mac and my husband was a PC. I knew he was the right one for me when he went alI Mac. My daytime job is as an art director for a food magazine. I have a cool little studio in my home where I make all my jewelry."

The name of Rudy's business, Allure Studio Works, came after much pondering. Rudy told me, "Figuring out what my business was going to be called was tough. I knew in my head what I wanted (it) to be like but I couldn't put it into words. I made lists for weeks of random words, hoping something would click. Finally Allure Studio Works was born. I randomly said "allure" at the dinner table and I instantly knew that was it. I was so sure that I applied for my LLC before the end of the day."

Rudy had been making jewelry on and off over the years for herself before deciding to make a business of it. "Being in the design field by trade, I love design but I also love jewelry and the idea of being a full time artist! I've been looking for a way to give myself and my family more flexibility and (selling jewelry I make) seemed perfect. There is a longer version on how my jewelry path came to be but I'll save that story for my memoir...only to be published after my death. The plan is to get my business off the ground and completely get out of publishing."

The first Allure items were a rose quartz bracelet and a pair of labradorite earrings. "I had jewelry designs rolling around in my head for months and finally I just did it. I still have a ton of ideas in my head and now that I have my studio, it's my little escape when the kids go to bed."

Rudy says the design of her products is what makes her items stand apart from the crowd, but she also tries to be 'green'. "I just finished up a metals class and I'm refining my skills every chance I can. I love natural stones as well as vintage beads. Quality is very important to me so I try to be as careful as possible about who my suppliers are. I've also been buying some of my sterling silver from a recycled metals company. My packaging is all recycled except for the silly bubble pack mailer. I'm trying to figure out a better way to handle that."

Customers of Allure Studio Works should be aware that the designer feels she hasn't even scratched the surface as far as her designs go. "I've got big plans for the future that include leaving my full time gig in the publishing world to focus all my attention on jewelry. I've done the big business career thing but my true happiness is being an artist. Last night I had a dream that I was selling Oprah some earrings so I hope that's a good sign. Right?"

When Rudy isn't coming up with new jewelry designs, she is a mom and a wife. "I treasure that above anything else! Right now my life consists of water parks, children's museums, diapers and a minivan. That's right...a minivan. Having said that, there's nothing else I'd rather be doing at this point in my life."

Among her other interests, Rudy is a self proclaimed 'foodie'. "I love cooking, making bread from scratch, the slow food movement, organic farming... I thought about being a chef but I have no interest in working weekends."

I always ask the artists I'm blogging about this question: what is the best part of being an artist, in your opinion? Rudy's answer? "That's just it. The best part is being an artist!"

On the web, Allure Studio Works can be found exclusively on Etsy at http://www.etsy.com/shop/AllureStudioWorks?ref=pr_shop_more, but look for Rudy in the near future at a yet-to-be-determined art fair. She also sells locally around her home in Bay View, Wisconsin.

Thanks, Rudy, for your story, and for your patience...and good luck!

Friday's Featured Fabricator--Jewels by Jules!

2011-11-18T20:24:00.001-06:00

Our featured Moo Crew artist this week is Julie of Jewels by Jules. Julie took some time to tell me about herself and her art.

"I'm born and raised in Milwaukee, Wisconsin except for a few years of college in Oshkosh and grad school in Phoenix. I've got a mom and dad, a brother and sister in law, 2 nephews, 2 Husky-Malamute 'nephews' and loads of good friends and cute kids in my life".

Julie's love of jewelry making began with a trip to a bead store. "One of my best friends took me to a bead store so we could learn how to make our own earrings...and a jewelry/bead/wire addict was born! I decided that in order to fund my bead habit, I needed to sell what I made so I could keep going back to the bead store, so I came up with the name and started selling off of TV trays. I have graduated to tables and a whole set up now--no more TV trays!"

Julie comes up with ideas for new pieces based on her taste in jewelry and that of her friends. "That and whatever fun beads I might 'need' from the bead store." Her favorite phrase is 'oh darn, another trip to the bead store!' Here pieces are memorable because she makes fun, one of a kind items. "My things have even been called whimsical, which I love!"

When not creating her art, Julie has a "day job". "I'm a social worker by day (and by education) and work in the Foster Care System in Milwaukee." And...she loves to mow the lawn! "Most people think that's kind of strange, but I can't help it! I love the smell of the grass and how neat it looks when I'm done--the darn winter interrupts things for me in that department!"

I asked Julie what, for her, is the best part of being an artist. "The best part is getting to be creative and making beautiful things that people can 'oooooh' and 'aaaaah' over. It's so relaxing for me. I can make jewelry almost anywhere--it often happens on my bed while I'm watching TV. Plus, as an artist, I am my own boss. I get to make the mistakes, but I also get to take all the credit."

Her present and future customers should know that Julie works hard to make her items and she would be more than happy to make something special and one of a kind for them. You can find Julie's work on Etsy at http://www.etsy.com/shop/juliebischoff . She also sells at art and craft shows around the Milwaukee area, and you can find her on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/juliebischoffjewelry

Many thanks Julie!

2011-11-05T22:06:00.001-05:00

The Friday Feature is back (even if it is Saturday!), and this week's featured artist is Amanda of Pretty Turtle Boutique!

I asked Amanda to introduce herself. "I'm Amanda, 28, girlfriend to Chris, sorta step mom to Dustin(15) and Daisy(9) and official mom to Samantha(7). I live and create hair bows and clips in Mayville, Wisconsin."

Amanda's business name came from her daughter's favorite stuffed animal. "When Samantha was younger she had a stuffed turtle she took EVERYWHERE! She loved it more than anything. It was adorable and its name was 'Pretty'."

Amanda was an Etsy customer before she began selling her own items. She started off buying hair bows and clippies on Etsy for Samantha and herself just holidays and special occasions.
"(Samantha) was always such a good baby/toddler who let me do anything to her hair. Whenever I put cute little bows in we got so many compliments and I loved matching all her outfits. I've always been fairly crafty so one day (and many Etsy purchases later) I decided 'I could totally make these myself'." Her very first item was made for a friend. "A girlfriend of mine asked if I could make something to match her daughter's gymnastics leotard for a big competition."

Amanda uses the best quality materials in her products. "I pride myself in using high quality ribbons and clips. Almost every one of my bows is unique....I rarely make more than one!" Custom orders are her specialty. "The pictures you see are just my ideas. Custom orders are welcome and encouraged!"

When she isn't creating, Amanda works from home "for the best company in the world, Apple." She is also a self proclaimed 'deal diva'. "I will spend hours doing research before buying something to make sure I found the absolute best deal!"

I asked Amanda her opinion on the best part of being an artist. She replied, "Doing something you love and sharing it with others and getting emails from customers."

You can find Pretty Turtle Boutique on Etsy at http://www.etsy.com/people/PrettyTurtleBoutique You can also find Amanda on Facebook: www.facebook.com/prettyturtleboutique

Thanks to Amanda of Pretty Turtle Boutique!

Friday's Featured Fabricator - Jill Verbick Fine Design!

2011-10-15T21:29:00.000-05:00

This week's Friday Feature is a bit late due to some technical difficulties--my apologies!

The featured shopkeeper this week is fiber artist Jill Verbick-O'Leary of West Bend, WI. Jill has an "awesome new husband" (congratulations to the newlyweds!), two grown sons, two teenage stepchildren, and a new granddaughter. "I love to make fun things for her! I think it's so very important for mothers to have a dream and show children how to reach their goals. It's good to show them that when you do something you love, work can be joyful and fulfilling."

I asked Jill how she got started working in fiber. "My grandma and my mom were very creative women and taught me so much. As one of seven kids, I had to make what I wanted, if I wanted it. So, I've always been very creative. I am grateful for the gifts the women in my life gave me, so a feeling of love and tradition runs deep in my work. I don't think my grandma would have made crowns or plush, but I know she would have encouraged me to play and experiment. Now that I am a grandma, I hope to teach my grandkids how to make anything their heart desires."

Jill opened her Etsy shop with "a few crazy plush monsters and a few tiaras and crowns. I was creating items for possible publication. My plush made it into Stampington and Company's Magazine, Stuffed - A Gathering of Softies two issues in a row. That gave me the confidence to move forward in Etsy with pincushions, jewelry, and other sewn items."

Jill's items stand out because of the heart she puts into them. "I hope that my work reflects my passion and the absolute joy I feel when I create. I use a lot of stitching and embroidery in my work. I love how (that) leaves a very personal mark. I like to alter materials by ripping, dyeing, scrunching, cutting and adorning them until they are unique to me and my vision. I am influenced by other artists because there are so many amazingly talented people out there. I'm often in awe of their innovation. I try to carry their courageous playfulness into my (own) work, but it is so important to be original and true to your own creative spirit."

Jill wants her customers to know that she makes her items especially with gift giving in mind. "I envision my work as gifts from one person to another. For example, my crowns and tiaras are designed for specific people we all know and love. My 'Life Is Just A Bowl Of Cherries' crown is for that woman who always has the right thing to say. She helps you celebrate but can also turn a bad day into a pile of giggles. My 'A King Among Men' is a crown for Dad, an homage to the guy who can fix anything, including a broken heart or skinned knee. I have so many more crowns and tiaras to make, because I have been very blessed to have met and cared for so many special people in my life.

When she isn't creating her work, Jill loves to sketch and paint, 'play in the dirt' in the garden, and spend time with her husband and family. She also enjoys walking as exercise, and laughing and relaxing.

Jill was previously a full time portrait artist. "I had work in, and also managed, a gallery, and exhibited all over the state in a number of galleries, museums and art centers. But, I had to give it up when my eye sight changed dramatically because of health issues. As an artist, that was a very hard thing to accept." After a year of struggling and mourning her loss, Jill decided to sit down and work on her sewing. "It's still hard, but there are many helpful tools to use. It is so important to live every minute of every day celebrating and appreciating the gifts we use to create. I treasure each and every day I can see this beautiful world."

I asked Jill what she feels is the best part of being an artist. " I really love the connection artists share. We are all kindred spirits. Artists are some of the most generous, happy, and inspiring people I know."

Jill sells her items exclusively on Etsy at this time, but she has quite an impressive presence on the web. You can find her own web site at www.jverbick.com. Her new blog is called Sew Old Sew New and can be found at www.sooldsonew.blogspot.com. Jill is on Facebook at www.facebook.com/pages/Sew-Old-Sew-New/169251319824797, on Pinterest at pinterest.com/jillv/.

Jill highly recommends the Martha Stewart site, Doers into Dreamers. She is also there at dreamers.marthastewart.com/profile/JillOLeary.

Thanks to Jill for this week's peek into the life of a Moo Crew artist!
Friday's Featured Fabricator will be taking two weeks off while I'm in Germany. Watch for the return of this feature in early November, just in time for the holiday season!

Friday's Featured Fabricator--Squishy Products!

2011-10-07T23:37:00.001-05:00

This week's featured Moo Crew artist is Dina of Squishy Products. Her nickname is Squishy! Dina lives in the Madison/Fitchburg area but she grew up in New England. Crocheting is her main trade, but she also enjoys knitting. "I first started thinking about opening a shop in 2008. I was working a lot with homespun yarns at the time and it was a 'I love squishy yarn' phase. It ended up getting stuck as a nickname, which gave me the idea for Squishy Products - it had the double meaning for me with the word squishy (which is why my shop page says "Handcrafted Items that are squishy made by Squishy!")"

Dina started crafting at a young age. "My family is rather artistic on both sides and I think all the crafty genes got packaged inside of me! One day I got the choice to learn how to knit or crochet. I picked crochet but at the time just couldn't pick it up. So I ended up learning how to knit first. Over the years I expanded into spool knitting, weaving and sewing. When I reached High School my best friend re-introduced me to crochet and that time it stuck. I've always been a visual person when it comes to crafting. If I see something I like or think of something I want to make I actually craft it in my head first and then let my hands make it happen. It's rewarding to see your visions come to life."

Dina decided to open up a shop in 2009 after a friend told her about Etsy. "I had thought about selling items I make but didn't know where to start out. If you ask my friends and family they'd tell you I have a yarn shopping addiction, which may or may not be true, so what better way to turn it into a rewarding cycle! I can buy yarn, relish in the pleasure of creating and now I get to see my work find new homes all over the world! Which of course, pays for more yarn to be added for the next project!"

I asked Dina to explain what makes her products stand apart. "When it comes to making my products I spend a lot of time going over what fiber would be best suited for each item, how the colors should come together and I ALWAYS make sure the yarn I buy is wonderful quality, same dye lots, and I spend the time matching up accent colors (like on my Mini Pouches) so they are picture perfect!" She wants her customers to know that each of her creations is started by the discovery of a new color, new fiber, or sometimes something she sees in the store and wants to make it her own.

When she isn't crafting, 'Squishy' is playing with her animals, spending time with her boyfriend, keeping on top of college, or of course....shopping!

"One interesting thing about me that is not related to my Etsy persona is my cat. Her name is Hexadecimal (Hex for short) and I adopted her about a year before I started on Etsy. She's a sweet Bombay mix that you can actually spot here and there in my shop (she likes to help). She's my little shadow, creative 'mewse' if you will. When I need to think out loud she always listens, if I need a break she's the one to hop on me and demand I take one. She knows not to touch the yarn - but that doesn't stop her from trying to pose near it when I take out the camera!"

As with all of the featured artists, I asked Dina what she thinks is the best part about being an artist. "It's the feeling you get when you hear the feedback of how something you made, out of all the other artists out there, made someone happy."

Squishy Products can currently be found only on Etsy at http://www.etsy.com/shop/SquishyProducts, but Dina would love to get into craft fairs and other local possibilities in the future.

Thanks to Dina, aka 'Squishy' for letting us in to her world!

Friday's Featured Fabricator--Hide and Hair!

2011-09-30T13:24:00.003-05:00

This week's featured artists are a very creative family--the Bjerke family from Black River Falls, including Pam (wife), Randy (husband), and Kirsten (daughter).

"Our eldest daughter Rebecca lives in North Carolina where she's raising 3 very active children. Randy works leather in his gun room, while Pam knits and sews in a partially finished basement bedroom surrounded by yarn. She can also be found knitting in the living room, at band practice, Tuesday night concerts in the park, local plays, high school musicals, waiting rooms, and pretty much anywhere else that she has room to set out her knitting. Kirsten is living in Montana at the moment, knitting and spinning and completely missing Wisconsin while still appreciating the beautiful scenery around her."

The name of their business, Hide and Hair, came from the family's varied interests. Randy works leather hides, and Pam plays with the hair of sheep, so the name seemed seemed to fit. "Then we started receiving catalogs for beauty shops. Can you imagine going to get your hair done at a place called Hide and Hair?!?!?!"

Pam learned to knit when she was 7 years old. She made lots of pot holders and graduated to some hats, mittens and sweaters while in high school.  "Life got in the way and the family lived in some warm climates while Randy served 20 years in the Marine Corps, so the knitting was put on hold."  But when they moved back to Wisconsin in 1994, Pam found out how good wool feels and there has been no stopping her! Randy learned some of the basics of leather work in boy scouts and out of a need for quality leather gun holsters he started working on leather projects again in 1978. He's self taught and likes to make historically correct items. For Kirsten it was a way to fit in - she saw Randy working leather, Pam knitting, and wanted to have something she could do as well! Pam taught Kirsten to knit at age 10, and at age 13 they took a class together on learning how to spin.

Pam and Kirsten had been knitting "normal things" for a while.  Kirsten was learning techniques and making gifts to her friends, and Pam had something to do while she was waiting for the kids.  After a while they had way too much scrap wool sitting around, with no plan for it in mind. Then Pam stumbled across a pattern for a cat toy in the shape of a mouse. "It was an instant hit with the Bjerke cats, and after a few modifications, they became an instant hit with other people's cats, and even a dog or two."

As for Randy's leather work, after purchasing some oddball guns, he realized there wasn't much on the market for well-made holsters or belts. "Shortly thereafter he became involved with War reenactments and cowboy shooting, and he was determined to create a wardrobe that accurately represented those periods."

The Bjerkes use only the best materials in their work. Randy is very picky about the leather he purchases, and in turn the leather he uses in goods for sale. Pam and Kirsten have their very own flock of soft and fluffy wool producing sheep. "Any wool processing done outside of the home takes place at BlackBerry Ridge Woolen Mill, chosen for their attention to detail and top notch quality." Soft sheep and great processing makes Hide & Hair stand out in the crowd!

All Hide and Hair items come from a pet-loving and slightly offbeat home. "We love to work hard, but we also like to enjoy ourselves: a good meal with great conversation, and a little bit of pet hair!"



When they aren't creating their items, each member of the family has his or her own special interests:   Kirsten loves reading, Pam plays with the dogs, cats, and sheep or spends time with a favorite book, and Randy plays trumpet or reads non fiction literature. They also get involved where they live. Pam tells me, "We are a family who believes in giving to our community by volunteering in several different organizations."

I asked the family what they think is the best part of being artists. "Since we are functional artists the best part is seeing the satisfaction of our customers; their delight in finding a goofy hat that will help them stand out, or stories about their dog fighting their cat for the mouse, or having them come back to order more for their family because they loved their item so much!"

Hide and Hair can be found on Etsy at http://www.etsy.com/shop/hideandhair?ref=pr_shop_more/ They participate in local craft fairs in Black River Falls, and their items can be found at Allen Creek Country Store, and soon in Sparta at Maiden Wisconsin across the street from Ginny's Cupboard. "We can also be contacted for custom or specialty items at hideandhair@yahoo.com, and you can see samples of our work on our Facebook page-just search for Hide & Hair."

Thanks this week to Randy, Pam and Kirsten Bjerke of Hide and Hair!

Friday's Featured Fabricator--Pretty {much} Art

2011-09-16T22:19:00.001-05:00

This week's featured Moo Crew artist is Stephanie, who is the proprietress, along with her mom, of Pretty {much} Art. Stephanie is the creator of Pretty {much} Art and one half of the Pretty {much} Art team. Currently residing in the small town of Spencer, Wisconsin, she graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point in 2008 with a BFA in graphic design.

"Pretty {much} Art sells digital prints (all completely one-of-a-kind; each print is only printed once) and stationery; all illustrated and designed by myself; 'the artist/daughter'. I call my work "digital art" because it's mostly done on the computer. I design the pictures using hand-drawn illustrations I scanned into the computer and manipulated in Photoshop. The artwork is also applied to coasters, magnets, tray and glass pendants, scrabble tile pendants, bottle cap pendants and rings all handcrafted by my mom, Theresa; "the crafter/mother". She's the other half of Pretty {much} Art."

The name of the business arose out of a difficulty in explaining the processes used to create Stephanie's pieces. "When I first started this business, I had a really hard time explaining to people just what it was I did. It'd say something like this, "It's digital art. It's illustration, it's modern and slightly abstract, inspired by printmaking and collage work. It's pretty and it's art...pretty much."

Pretty {much} Art began, well...pretty much...as many artists have their beginnings. "I’ve always loved to draw and have been an illustrator my entire life. In the summer of ’08 I took my love for drawing and joined it with my new knowledge of graphic design, creating 'digital art'. I think my art is a marriage of my creative, disorganized side with my analytical side."

Stephanie's very first items graced the walls in her parents' house. "My parents were in the process of re-decorating their bedroom the summer I moved back home from college. At a loss for what they should do for artwork, they asked me to create something for their bare walls. I had just bought a new MacBook Pro and was fresh from 4 years of learning how to design, so I went to work. They loved the pieces I created and we decided I should try to sell my creations."

Stephanie's process is a combination of technology and handcraft. "My artwork is digital, but it's also very handmade. My work starts out as hand-drawn illustrations - pen to paper. After I scan in my drawings I utilize the computer to achieve the look I'm going for. I use the computer to compose the layout and add the color. This allows me to easily make customizable prints - change the color, add a particular flower or some other design...I love making my prints personalized. We also pride ourselves on our unique coaster sets. Our handmade coasters (crafted with the utmost care) come in sets of four that, when laid together, create a full picture. I've heard people call them 'puzzle coasters'. We call them 'artwork for your table'. And they're fun! Our magnets are the same...we call those 'artwork for your fridge'."

Stephanie and her mom want their customers to know that theirs is a labor of love. "All of our creations are made with love. That sounds like SUCH a cliche, but it's true. Especially in the case of our hand-crafted coasters, magnets and pendants. My mom puts such care into what she does. Her patience, attention to detail and hard work just amaze me. I'm so glad she's taking on this little business venture with me."

I asked Stephanie what she does at times other than the creative ones. "When I'm not creating, I'm blogging (prettymuchart.blogspot.com), reading, or (if I'm being honest) I'm on facebook or watching TV. Oh, and actually I have a full-time graphic design job at a print shop. That keeps me pretty busy."

Stephanie is also an aspiring writer. "My dream job (besides being a graphic designer/artist) would be to be a writer. I'd like to write a novel someday. Also, that I've diagnosed myself with eldaphopia - the fear of large birds."

For Stephanie, the best part of being an artist is that it creates a place to focus my energy. "At the same time, it feels freeing. There's a feeling of having 'no rules' sometimes. I love that feeling. And I love getting done with a piece and feeling proud of it."

Pretty {much} Art can be found at craft shows throughout the state. Here's a list of their upcoming shows : prettymuchart.com/upcomingshows.html And of course you can find mom and daughter on Etsy at http://www.etsy.com/shop/PrettyMuchArt?ref=pr_shop_more

Many thanks to Stephanie...and mom!

Friday's Featured Fabricator--Coffee County Crochet!

2011-09-09T22:10:00.000-05:00

This week's featured artist is Diane, proprietress of Coffee County Crochet, where you can find "Crochet, felting, and other handmade items created with yarn, love, and a little coffee on the side!" The name of her shop is Coffee County Crochet, but Diane doesn't actually live in Coffee County. "It’s the name of a county in Tennessee where my grandpa was born. I love coffee and I love crochet and somehow that name just came together for me. It also makes me think about grandpa every time I see the name!"

Diane is a married and Mom to two daughters ages 7 and 1 and a 4 year old son. She has lived all over the northern Midwest and currently resides in Green Bay (home of the Packers!). She uses a few minutes here and there to crochet her items at home. "I also knot, but it takes me longer, so I knit for myself and crochet to sell. So far, I am enjoying crocheting and selling small, useful items including dishcloths, coasters, scrubbies, coffee cozies, and baby items."

Diane's mother taught her to crochet one Saturday night when she was a teenager. "I was bored and moping around because I didn’t have a date! I fell in love with crocheting and have made many afghans for family members over the years. I actually started making dishcloths as a knitter when I learned how to knit, and then later discovered that I enjoy crocheting dishcloths as well, along with other household items."

Diane's first Etsy items were crocheted dishcloths. "I had no idea if I’d ever sell anything, but my dishcloth drawer in the kitchen was full and I figured if I was going to keep making dishcloths, I should try to sell them.

Diane uses bright colors to set herself apart from others with similar items. "I love color! I just can’t stay away from beautiful bright colors. If a customer wants me to make something in neutrals, I’d be more than happy to do so, but I get a lot of enjoyment out of creating in a rainbow of colors." She wants customers to know that she loves to crochet and sincerely wants them to love her items. "Each item is made with love, care, and true enjoyment of the process and I feel so fortunate and honored when someone purchases something that I made. I hope they get as much pleasure from it as I do."

When she isn't creating, Diane is taking care of my house, husband, cat, baby, preschooler, and school-age child!" (It makes me wonder how she has time to make the beautiful items in her shop!)

Diane also has a college degree and has completed most of a master’s degree. "I had a full-time job in psychology prior to having my second child, then I chose to quit and stay home to raise my kids. I’m having a blast!"

I asked Diane what she thinks is the best part of being an artist "The personal fulfillment that I get out of creating and seeing others enjoy what I have created is the best part to me."

Diane currently only sells on Etsy, but there are a few local businesses that she is considering approaching for consignment items. You can find her lovely things at http://www.etsy.com/shop/CoffeeCountyCrochet?ref=pr_shop_more

Many thanks to Diane of Coffee County Crochet!

tuesday treasuries {sept.6}

2011-09-06T15:41:00.000-05:00

today's treasury features were submitted by a ton of Mooo Crew Members:
argent1na, hideandhair, KhamsaoYang, harmonieandme, BlissWorksStudio, and SilverBeachSeaGlass
show some love and pop over to your favorites and leave a comment :)
{PS - this is my last feature for the team since i am leaving the state - i will be posting a thread to see if anyone would want to volunteer to take this over and a few pointers! stay tuned}

Moo Crew Challenge Winner - Sapphire

{great finds for $30 and below!}

Additional Challenge Contestants - Sapphire

All Moo Crew Members Featured:

Top 2 Rows - Moo Crew Members Featured:

remember to post treasuries you created on the discussion thread on our team's etsy page. there will be a 'call for tuesday treasuries' post that i will create for each week. just paste a link to your treasury and let me know what category it is under. contact me with any questions about tuesday treasuries.

Friday's Featured Fabricator--Inspired by Oceans!

2011-09-02T22:01:00.010-05:00

The featured Moo Crew artist this week is Kristin of Inspired by Oceans. Kristin loves jewelry, and that love has inspired her to create bracelets, necklaces, anklets, earrings, keychains and even cards with nautical themes.

Kristin has recently relocated to Wisconsin from Maine. "I am an elementary school teacher and love being creative in my free time. Although I grew up in a small town in Wisconsin, I enjoyed the past 15 years on a small island off the coast of Maine. I have recently taken some time off from teaching and have discovered my love for jewelry making. Being inspired by the ocean has always been in the forefront of all of my designs. In my spare time, I enjoy cruisin’ the backroads on a Harley with my soulmate Jim! I also enjoy spending time with my dog Linekin, who is named after Linekin Bay in East Boothbay, Maine."

Kristin opened her Etsy shop in June and started with roughly 30 pieces. "From there, I have added new pieces of jewelry just about every week. Since I also love to scrapbook in my spare time, I have recently added some handcrafted cards and gifts."

Having spent many years boating, Kristin chose "Inspired by Oceans" as the name of her Etsy shop. "I am still surprised (by) the beautiful colors (of the ocean). I love blue and green hues and it feels natural to create jewelry items with nautical flair. I have always enjoyed nautical things, including home decor, historical pieces, and fish! My mom and sister both decorate their home with nautical decor, so it seemed natural that I would create pieces that I loved."

Kristen's first item was conceived about as far from the ocean as possible! "My sweetheart Jim decided to come from Maine to visit me and we took a road trip to the Mall of America. I discovered an amazing bead store there and saw some silver fish dangles. I decided to do a little shopping and was intrigued by all of the unique pieces and parts that were available. I bought a few of my favorite fish beads and some seahorses and took them home. About a week later, I took out my beads to admire them, and then made my first pair of earrings! It was so rewarding and so much fun that I decided to keep making new pieces. When I realized I couldn't wear them all myself, I decided to start selling them. That is when Jim suggested I put them on ETSY :) And here I am, just a few months later, still creating and having a blast while doing it!"

Kristin finds her supplies in a variety of places. "I enjoy finding unique beads at small shops, ordering pieces online, and sometimes using vintage items. I only produce one of each item, and that makes my jewelry pieces unique! I also love to play around with silver wire, creating bird nests, and unusual shaped head pins. Each piece of jewelry or paper product that I create is unique.

Kristin strives for customer satisfaction and would love to have return customers. "My pieces are unique in that even with paper goods, I hand cut everything except the tiny spirals for my pumpkin cards. I enjoy cutting out shapes freehand and creating fun gifts for all occasions! I also would like everyone to know that all of my pieces are made with love! I cherish each piece that I create and enjoy selling them, so that others can enjoy my passion."

When she isn't creating, Kristin is probably in school! "In my regular life, I am a school teacher. I have always had the creativity to make things, even as a child. I always asked for craft items and enjoyed organizing my room around all of my artsy stuff!" She also enjoys playing with Linekin and relaxing in her spare time. Kristin also has a great sense of adventure, and one of her accomplishments is definitely inspired by oceans--she is a SCUBA diver. "I will try anything at least once!"

I asked Kristin what she thought was the best part of being an artist. "Having that outlet to be creative during any time of the day or night. If I am stressed or just want a little quiet time, I head to my room and make something. Whether I am sorting through beads, looking at crafting magazines, or scrapbooking some photos, I am always having a great time!"

Kristin has recently started selling her jewelry at a small shop called Maiden Wisconsin, a small gift shop in Sparta, WI, featuring local artisans. "The shop is in a restored building with a tin ceiling and antique displays. It is beautiful! I have contacted a few other small shops in the area and hope to also be selling my jewelry there." And of course you can find her on Etsy, at http://www.etsy.com/shop/InspiredbyOceans?ref=pr_shop_more

Thanks to Kristin of Inspired by Oceans for bringing a bit of the sea to the Midwest!

Friday's Featured Fabricator--MaryMule!

2011-08-26T20:00:00.012-05:00

This week's featured Moo Crew artist is Mary of MaryMule. Her Etsy shop features work in upcycled and new fabrics.

By way of introduction, Mary tells me she lives in Sheboygan with her husband and their large dog Ty. "I work full time as a physician assistant. In my free time I sew 'handmade fabric accessories' like tote bags, zipper pouches, coffee cozies and coupon organizers."

The name of her business came about because Mary wanted something different. "I didn't want something generic like 'Mary's Creations' so I decided to use a nickname. My husband calls me Mary Mule because he thinks I am stubborn. However, I think *he* is the stubborn one!"

Mary decided shortly after her marriage to teach herself to sew. She was inspired by some tote bags she had seen at a farmers market. "My first project, some PJ pants, were a bust, but I tried a purse and tote bag after that. I made a bunch of tote bags for Christmas presents, and liked making them, but didn't have a need for zillions of tote bags. Enter Etsy! After the intitial tote bags, most things I have made have been out of necessity. I like functional items. "

To make her creations stand out from the crowd, Mary uses upcycled fabrics, such as mens shirts for her masculine items, and vintage linens. Not everything is made with upcycled materials though. Mary goes through phases of upcycling items and working with new fabrics. She makes every item personally in her pink carpeted sewing room! Mary also does custom orders, so be sure to contact her with your needs.

When Mary isn't creating, she is working, walking the dog, spending time with her husband planning their next vacation ("There's always a next one! I plan lots of "phantom" trips!"), or reading.

Mary isn't originally from Wisconsin, but she is glad to be settled here. "I was an ARMY brat growing up and have also lived in California, Washington, Montana (twice), Missouri, and Illinois (for grad school)."

I asked Mary her thoughts on what the best part of being an artist is to her. "Honestly, I make things that I like, and when others like them too, that feels good. So, I like sharing my creations."

Mary does an occasional craft show and will be at this weekend's "Craft-Apple-Ar" in Poynette (Sunday, August 28). You can find her on Facebook at www.facebook.com/marymuledesigns, and her Etsy shop address is http://www.etsy.com/shop/marymule?ref=pr_shop_more

Many thanks to Mary of MaryMule...and good luck on Sunday!

tuesday treasuries {aug.23}

2011-08-23T09:36:00.002-05:00

today's treasury features were submitted by: BlissWorksStudio, SilverBeachSeaGlass, granniesraggedybags, harmonieandme, and myself! they are quite colorful and exciting. remember to click, comment, and share!

Moo Crew Challenge Winner - Peridot {already 103 views!}

Additional Challenge Contestants - Peridot

All Moo Crew Members Featured:

Top 2 Rows are Moo Crew Members:

Friday's Featured Fabricator--One Artsy Mama!

2011-08-19T19:14:00.004-05:00

The featured Moo Crew artist for this Friday is Eleise, the proprietress of "Lovely Littles by One Artsy Mama on Etsy". Her store's motto is "Styling Babies One Onesie At A Time"...as cute as the items in her shop!

Eleise lives in suburban Milwaukee with her best friend and husband of 3 years, Jeff, and their first baby, 4 month old Nolan. Between feedings and diaper changes, she creates her "Lovely Littles" on her kitchen table, and that is where the name for her Etsy shop comes from. "I love to create lovely items for little people! I have always enjoyed trying out different crafts so a few years ago I opened my Etsy to try & get rid of my extras & I soon found out that people love baby things & I really enjoyed making them!!"

The first "Lovely Littles" came when Eleise made up some applique onesies for a friend and had some extras so "I threw them up on Etsy." I asked what makes her items stand out from the crowd. "I try to find fun, unique, bright fabrics to create appliques with. Every single piece is created with lots of care & attention & love because I truly love what I do."

Eleise says that when she isn't creating she's "happy!" She also admits she is addicted to shoes!

In Eleise's opinion, the best part of being an artist is "sitting down & letting your mind think & your hands create whatever you come up with."

You can find Eleise's creations on Etsy at http://www.etsy.com/shop/oneartsymama?ref=pr_shop_more . She also has a blog, www.one-artsy-mama.blogspot.com. And you can find her on Facebook at www.facebook.com/pages/Lovely-Littles/136274989767761 .

Thanks Eleise, for taking the time to be our featured artist this week!

tuesday treasuries {aug.16}

2011-08-16T10:08:00.000-05:00

today's treasury features were submitted by: BlissWorksStudio and SilverBeachSeaGlass! They are both totally full of Moooo Crew members. remember to click, comment, and share!

Challenge Winner - Halloween Preview

All Team Members Featured:

Friday's Featured Fabricator--5 Letter Design!

2011-08-12T18:28:00.010-05:00

This week's Moo Crew featured artist is Ellie of 5 Letter Design, who is also one of the leaders of Team WIST.

'5 Letter Design' has quite a list of "raisons d'etre"...as Ellie explains, "Naming your business can be quite the challenge - at least for me. I wanted a name that stood out, wasn't my own name, could be diverse and cover all realms of design, (was) personal to me, and a bit off the wall. That's when I came up with 5 Letter Design." Here's why the name stuck:

*Her favorite number is 5

*The letter 'E' is the fifth letter in the alphabet (E for Ellie!)

*Her first and middle names each have 5 letters

*Her nickname growing up had 5 letters

*She is athletic and her jersey numbers were typically the number 5

That covers the '5 Letter' part. As for the 'Design' part, Ellie is an interior designer/architect by trade. "I love all types of art and design. I am actually moving to Oregon in a few weeks to continue my education and planning on a Masters of Interior Architecture at the University of Oregon." If you check Ellie's blog and pinterest, you will see some of the different types of design she is interested in.

5 Letter Design opened on Etsy in 2010, but Ellie really dove into it this year. "My mom was diagnosed with leukemia, and during her hospital stay and many chemo visits, I started to design more. I took the summer off and had to fill my random times of boredom with something. I picked a genre of product I loved making (something feminine and bold) and a product I could easily take places in a small suitcase and work on (headbands, jewelry and supplies fit nicely in my vintage suitcases."

Ellie bought her wedding veil from a seller on Etsy. "I thought 'how cool is that?' I wanted to know more about this 'Etsy' place." That started it all for her business, from picking a name to what to create and sell.

When Ellis is working on her designs, she listens to underground hip-hop and rap. "I think it helps bridge the gap in the styles I enjoy. I love vintage and feminine designs, but I also like bold, bright, and out of the box thinking." Coffee is her inspiration - "I need one in hand when I don't have the motivation of inspiration to start a project!"

When Ellie isn't creating, she is trying new things and stepping out of her 'safe' zone. Ellie says, "Don't take your days for granted - enjoy everyday life and the little things. I believe there isn't a rule book for life...and eating ice dream for breakfast is allowed!"

Outside of Etsy, Ellie is a traveler and a mover. "In the past 3-4 years I have lived in Wisconsin, Montana, Connecticut, Germany, and now on to Oregon! My husband and I love experiencing different cultures and lifestyles. We haven't found the right place to settle and maybe never will. We like to classify ourselves as 'citizens of the world'. We like breaking the rule stating you have to find a place after you marry, settle down, have kids, and get a grown-up job. Life's too short (and the economy is too crazy right now) to pick just one place."

In Ellie's opinion, the best part of being an artist is that you're accepted for being different. "Sometimes in life, people may look or judge you for being a little off the wall or (for displaying) something culturally unacceptable. When you're an artist - I think it's in the job description to be different!"

Ellie has a long list of places where her work can be found:

www.5letterdesign.blogspot.com

www.twitter.com/5letterdesign

www.facebook.com/5letterdesign

www.pinterest.com/5letterdesign

www.flickr.com/photos/56134460@N02/

Many thanks to Ellie of 5 Letter Design (and good luck on your move to Oregon!).

2011-08-09T09:57:00.000-05:00

today's treasury feature was submitted by: BlissWorksStudio! Its a treasury full of Wisconsin sellers and their awesome teal colored items - enjoy!

All Team Members Featured:

Friday's Featured Fabricator--KZ Embroidery!

2011-08-04T21:29:00.007-05:00

This week's featured artist is actually a team of artists, consisting of mom and two daughters. Although their Etsy shop name is KZ Embroidery, they do much more than embroidery!

Kathy (mom, and the "K" in "KZ") told me "I am married with a teenager at home. We moved here from Arizona about a year and a half ago. Hubby lost his job and after a year of searching finally found one, so here we are. We moved in December in the middle of a snow storm. Talk about cold! Our first stop was Old Navy to buy coats, boots, long sleeve shirts! It's our new favorite store. People in Arizona don't own coats! Due to the recession, my oldest daughter moved in with us not too long ago and she does jewelry so we added that. I left 3 grandchildren in Arizona and can't wait for them to come visit!"

KZ Embroidery's shop name comes from the first initials of Kathy and her teenage daughter, since she helps with ideas and design. Soon the three will open another shop, 'Not Just Embroidery', since they have started adding jewelry and paper goodies.

Kathy and her daughters started doing embroidery about 8 years ago. "Hubby bought me an embroidery machine when I asked for a sewing machine. Well that hooked me! It's so much more fun to personalize a gift for someone than to sew clothes!" As for their other offerings, Kathy's youngest daugther was homeschooled until junior high "since the schools in Arizona are not the best. It's so nice to have great schools here! Every year for Christmas I would have my kids make their gifts so we tried lots of different crafts. We still try new ones!" The first items they creafted were gifts for people, but in doing those they did test items. Kathy says "One can only have so many towels or burp rags so I started selling them online."

The KZ team hopes that their quality and customer service will make them stand apart from the crowd. "I know that's a longshot, but I love what we do and our other website has a few items that are favorites at Christmas time." Customers should know that they only high quality items in their designs, and test everything to make sure it will stand up. "I buy USA made when possible. For our jewelry, we use mostly semi precious stones and swarovski crystals."

When Kathy isn't creating, she is taking care of her family. "I love love love to cook so I'm always looking for new recipes. I like to craft so I'm always trying new things. We may soon be adding quilled items and bottle cap magnets to our site. I also might try gardening since we can do that here! The only thing you can grow in Arizona are cacti, and they just aren't that yummy!"

One interesting thing about Kathy that is not related to anything Etsy? "I met my hubby on the internet, way back when, when it wasn't what it is today. We met in an online game that was run by Sierra games. We still keep in contact with our friends from back then."

Kathy says that the best thing about being an artist is doing what you love. (Editor's note: I couldn't have said it better!)

Kathy and her daughters have several venues where their creations can be found. Their Etsy shop address is http://www.etsy.com/shop/KZEmbroidery They also have their own web site at

http://www.kzembroidery.com/ for personalized or monogrammed items. "I started this site before Etsy. We use Etsy for pre-made items and my oldest daughter's jewelry." Kathy blogs at http://www.kzembroidery.blogspot.com/ "I blog recipes, facebook tips, fun stuff." Find them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/kzembroidery, and on Twitter and Pinterest with the email address kathy@kzembroidery.com. Last, items can be found on a second Etsy shop at www.etsy.com/shop/ootbsteamshoppe Wow, that's a lot of places!

tuesday treasuries {july.26}

2011-08-02T15:08:00.000-05:00

today's treasury feature was submitted by: BlissWorksStudio! Great work :) {tons of comments and admirers.... keep them coming} look how nice it coordinates with the blog too.

Harvest - Challenge Winner

Friday's Featured Fabricator -- Cards 4 U By Louise!

2011-07-29T19:54:00.005-05:00

This week's featured Moo Crew artist is quite a card...card maker, that is! Louise Gatti has lived and worked in Appleton Wisconsin for 24 years. "Before that we lived on a little mini farm of 20 acres in Ladysmith for 9 years plus 2 years in town. I guess you would say, I've lived in Wisconsin longer then I"ve lived in my previous state, Illinois. My husband and I grew up in the Chicago area, he on the south and north sides and me in the suburbs. We lived normal lives (whatever that is) growing up. Funny how our lives (can) cross at different intersections of life and we never know it. One day his aunt, whom I worked with, thought it would be fun for us to get together, we met, dated, and got married. It's been a whirl-wind marrige with many things happening to help us grow in many ways. But then is that not what life is about, to grow and learn and expand your horizons into places you never thought you could go??"

Louise's interest in the arts has covered the spectrum. "As a child, I loved to color....of course, never staying within the lines AND using every color in the box. My 4th grade teacher saw my talent in art and encouraged me. From then on it was all about ART and making things, drawing, painting, creating etc. I majored in art in high school, wanted to go on to art school but never had the chance or money. My hopes were also diminished by discouraging words like, I would never make it and would probably starve before making it as an artist. So off I went into a different direction, Hair Design. Even then, the same discouraging words would come, but I continued in that direction showing them they did not know what they were talking about. In my years as a hairdresser, cutting, coloring and styling of hair brought out my talent in the arts and I really loved doing it. In the midst of all that I still dabbled in art, making things, knitting, crocheting, sewing, painting and drawing and whatever else passed me by, I tried."

Louise chose the name for her card business at a time when she also had a little sewing business. "People were buying both my items so I needed to keep track of what sold and how much I was spending in both little businesses. So, hence the name 'Cards4ubylouise' came about."

I asked Louise how she got started making cards. "Hmmmm, good question. Two different friends got me started. They were making cards and encouraged me in it also. At first making cards did not interest me but then when I saw all the different techniques that can be used, I became addicted. Making cards has been an ongoing process of learning new things and putting my touch into it. Making a card is like little a (starting with a blank) canvas...they might look the same but each one different in its own way. I want people to know that all my creations are inspired by God. He gives me the ideas. I might start a card and not know what to do next and then I ask Him what should I do, and suddenly an idea comes then another and when the card is finished, I say "WOW" that is neat God, Thank you for the idea!!!"

Louise says she uses anything and everything in her craft, and loves using different techniques. She is always trying something new to put a different spin on her products. She wants her customers to know that "I gave my heart to Jesus at the age of 7 or 8. From then on I knew God had his hand on my life. The Gospel of Jesus Christ and (His crucifixion) is so simple that even a child CAN understand that Jesus died for our sins on the cross so many years ago, that we are all sinners and need a Savior, and that one day, when we die our home for eternity will be with Him in heaven."

When Louise isn't creating she reads her Bible, works in her garden tending her flowers, takes care of my house, and cooks for her husband "Today's special is Slow-Cooker Eggplant and Tomato sauce with Pasta! I am on the computer alot, Facebook, Twitter and visiting different blogs. Netflix is my little diversion. Right now I am watching videos about the Monarchy, the British Royals, the Kings and Queens down through the ages....very interesting, really enjoying the history of England. Also like shopping at thrift stores and rummage sales......mmmmm just plain shopping."

Louise also loves the water. "I could pass the day away sitting by water. I love going boating and just rocking back and forth in the water with the seagulls and pelicans flying overhead and ducks floating by. I could gravitate towards that kind of life-syle very easily."

In Louise's view, the best part of being an artist is "Creation. God gives us all the gift of creation. Just as He created the heavens and earth, man and woman, and animals, He has given us all that same gift of creation. I just love the idea of knowing this, and that He understands me and knows my needs. He is a Master Artist and the neat part about that is, I get to learn from Him."

Etsy is the only place where Louise's cards are available via the internet. "You can also go to my blog...there I promote my Etsy shop plus show cards that I make, along with little tidbits of life." Louise's blog can be found at www.cards4ubylouise.blogspot.com. "I have sold a lot of cards to many friends, and have also had my cards in a little store for awhile." For those of you in the Appleton area, you may soon see her cards in a beauty shop near you!

Many thanks to Louise! Her Etsy shop can be found here: http://www.etsy.com/shop/cards4ubylouise?ref=pr_shop_more

tuesday treasuries {july.26}

2011-07-26T07:58:00.002-05:00

today's treasury features were submitted by: BlissWorksStudio, AThousandDreams, and granniesraggedybags. thanks for the hard work and finding these lovely listings! remember to head over to them and share some love in the comments :)

Back to School - Challenge Winner

All Moo Crew Members

Friday's Featured Fabricator--Sarah Badera Candles!

2011-07-23T14:57:00.007-05:00

Well okay, it's Saturday...I'm a bit late this week, but here is this week's featured artist, sarahbadera candles!

By way of introduction, the proprietress of this Etsy shop tells me that, except for a brief hiatus in Florida, she has lived in the Milwaukee area her entire 35 years. She currently lives in Bay View with her boyfriend and Homer the cat, in a beautiful 1920’s bungalow. "If you’d ask people to name two things about me, their first answer would be that I’m allergic to everything (!!!) and the second would be that I’m super crafty and always in the middle of making something. I’ve never been without a craft corner or closet because being creative has always been so important to me. It’s amazing that now I have a room to be able to organize all my projects; and if I get frustrated I can just close the door!"

Sarah told me she has always loved candles. "My mom has continually encouraged my sister and I to be creative; so instead of “mom, I want this” it was “mom, how can I make this?” She made her first candle with paraffin from the grocery store, melted crayons and a milk carton. "It was quite the mess, but I was so proud of myself!"

Her first product came about through a request from the yoga studio she was attending. The owners wanted to put together a small gift area, "so they asked if I would make candles for them. Unfortunately that studio is no longer around, but it was definitely what got me started!" Sarah's Etsy shop name comes from her college nickname.

I asked what makes sarahbadera candles stand out in the crowd? "The candle market is as flooded as the jewelry market – so I knew I had to come up with something different for sure. My tea light mixes are what help me stand out a little bit. The mixes have eight tea lights, two each of four scents; and I’ve paired scents that really work well together. So even if there is a scent that isn’t what you expected, if you burn it with another one in the mix you should like it. It’s fun to know that I can sell a dozen of my Spring mixes, and each one will be a different and personal experience."

Sarah wants her customers to know that she puts 100% of herself into everything she creates. "I honestly do. And I’ve spent hours over little details to make it feel like you’re not just buying a box of candles, but getting a gift from me to you."

When Sarah isn't creating, she is gardening or hiking. "I LOVE being outdoors!" She also does yoga and pilates, and says "(they) have made me such a stronger and healthier person."

I asked Sarah what she thinks is the best part of being an artist. "The best part is that everyone can be an artist! I think being creative is as necessary as food and exercise. It gets you to work through problems, look at things in a different way and possibly learn something new about yourself!"

You can find Sarah's products at three stores as well as Etsy. "The Glitter Workshop in Madison – which everyone NEEDS to check out. Such a cute place, and tons of crafty classes! And also both of Essence Pilates studios in Illinios. They have the best staff and their sessions really get you into amazing shape."

Many thanks to Sarah of sarahbaderacandles, www.etsy.com/sarahbadera

tuesday treasuries {july.19th}

2011-07-19T11:05:00.000-05:00

here are a few gorgeous treasuries we are featuring today created by mulemary and BlissWorksStudio - both wonderful mooooo crew members :) did they snag one of your items in their treasuries? remember to click, comment, and share!

Weekly Challenge Winner - Outdoor Fun

Category 2 - All Wist Members

Friday's Featured Fabricator--Gracie Designs!

2011-07-15T18:48:00.007-05:00

This week's featured Moo Crew artist is Kelley of gracie designs, http://www.etsy.com/shop/graciedesigns. In Kelley's own words, "I love working with fabric, buttons, felt, etc...There are so many amazing fabrics out there I can't keep up. I sometimes like 'matchy'. I sometimes like 'clashy'. It depends upon my mood." This is a great introduction to Kelley's shop, which is full of just about anything a person could make out of fabric. Headbands, passport covers, checkbook covers, wallets, handbags--you name it, Kelley can make it!

I asked Kelley to introduce herself. "I am Kelley Grace Quakkelaar, I have been married for 8 years to Dean (of , and we have a hilarious and sweet 2 1/2 year old girl, Maggie. We live in De Pere, Wisconsin, just south of Green Bay, and I work out of my basement in a studio that was once a men's 'work room'. When we bought the house my husband said, 'honey, you can have it'."

The name "Gracie Designs" came from a childhood nickname. "My middle name is Grace, and I was called Gracie, A LOT. So, it just stuck. Now my daughter shares my middle name."

Kelley started out making jewelry in college. "Jewelry is tough, it is really saturated, and unless you are really amazing, it is hard to stand out. I was okay at making jewelry, but I knew how to sew and started with headbands. Headbands are still, by far, my best seller. Especially for wholesale and local markets. I am known as 'The Headband Lady' at the Green Bay Farmer's Market." For Kelley, creativity was born out of necessity. "I just wanted to make cute stuff, and I have always been creative. I worked a very non-creative job, so I needed that balance, and sewing did that for me. But, I have always looked to make things that are useful, and versatile, i.e. the reversible headband."

Kelley's designs stand out from the crowd due to the mixes of fabrics she uses. " A lot of people comment on how I take chances on what I use for complimentary fabrics, and they love it." She finds fabrics in a variety of places so that her items are varied and don't look as though the raw materials were all bought in one place. "I like to mix in some amazing vintage fabric from time to time also." One important fact about Gracie Designs is that everything is handmade by Kelley, but..."I cannot tell a lie, my husband helps. I have always talked about my business as my own, but it really is ours. He is really amazing at sewing and coming up with new ideas (darn pockets). His gift is coming up with ways to increase productivity, while maintaining quality and a handmade touch to everything WE make." (Sounds like the two of them make a great team!)

When Kelley isn't busy creating headbands and passport covers, you can probably find her outside with her daughter Maggie, or having coffee or a glass of wine with friends...or in the kitchen, because she loves to cook!

I asked Kelley to tell the readers something interesting about herself that isn't related to her Etsy shop. "I know how a lot about beer. I ran sports bars for about 10 years." But it's creating that really keeps her going. And the best part of being an artist? "I get to make pretty stuff (and shop for fabric). I also love the creative people that I am lucky to call my friends."

You can find Gracie Designs products on Etsy at http://www.etsy.com/shop/graciedesigns. Kelley sells at local markets (Green Bay WI area) and events, and you can find a list of retailers who carry her products on her main web site, www.graciedesigns.com so you can still "shop local". She also keeps an updated list of events where you can find her items on the site.

Many thanks to Kelley, Dean...and Maggie!

tuesday treasuries {july.12th}

2011-07-12T15:20:00.001-05:00

a few amazing treasuries on Etsy this week by granniesraggedybags and AThousandDreams. keep them coming! we love to click, comment, and share :)

Treasury 1 with all Mooo Crew Members

Treasury 2 with all Mooo Crew Members

tuesday treasuries {july.5th}

2011-07-05T13:00:00.001-05:00

a week of color! here are 3 entries from the weekly challenge! {marymule ; beadlolabead ; granniesraggedybags} thanks for the hard work and entries... keep them coming.. and remember to head over to each treasury and share some love!

Color Challenge Winner: marymule! Orange you glad we live in Wisconsin?

runners up:

Tuesday Treasuries {june.28th}

2011-06-28T10:02:00.000-05:00

this week's tuesday treasury is from knotageek! it includes some lovely summer colors and features all wisconsin street team sellers. click, comment, and share some love....

Friday's Featured Fabricator--Byrdhollow Boutique!

2011-06-24T13:35:00.014-05:00

Abigail of Byrdhollow jewelry is this week's Moo Crew featured artist. I asked her to tell readers a little bit about herself. "I am blessed with an amazingly loving and supportive husband, as well as a 10 year old son and a 5 year old daughter. (and we just found out that we have one on the way!!!)" (Editorial note: CONGRATULATIONS!) "I live in South West Wisconsin. I am creative by nature and love to experiment with all types of outlets. My Etsy shop is currently dedicated to my Handmade Jewelry."

The name of her business has an interesting story: "My husband and I have known each other for 12 years now. When we first began dating those twelve years ago, he gave me the nickname of Bird. Why I'm not sure. He said my eyes remind him of a bird's. Living in a rural setting, It felt natural to refer to our home as "our little hollow in the woods". With my nickname of Bird, my husband having affinity for eagles and my daughters name meaning baby bird...you could say it was an organic name that really makes me think of my little hollow of birds!"

Byrdhollow is dedicated to Abigail's jewelry, but she never set out to sell jewelry. She had always created jewelry for herself, friends and family. "It was only about three years ago, that I decided to start selling my jewelry locally. I enjoy the art of jewelry making and love how it is a positive way to express your own personal style."

One of the first items she can remember creating was for a friend who was graduating from College. "I had spent a lot of time getting to know her, and wanted to give her something more special than a card with money in it. I came up with the design for her necklace almost immediately. I was so proud of it, mainly because it just "looked" like her. It fit her personality and I was proud that I was able to make something that she would wear and cherish. If only I had taken a picture before giving it to her..."

Abigail's favorite jewelry making materials are sterling silver, antiqued copper, turquoise and all gemstones. "I would like to think that it's the simple elegance I try to create in each peice that makes my jewelry stand out. I tend to create designs that I myself would enjoy wearing, or that I could picture on my family and friends." She makes each piece with extreme care and lots of love, and sometimes has a hard time letting go of the pieces she has made because each piece is an extension of herself.

When she isn't creating Jewelry, Abigail most enjoys spending time with her family. "They are the most important part of my life. We love heading out into the great outdoors, enjoying fishing, hiking, camping, biking and so much more. I have always loved photography and the beautiful memories created with each picture I take. My husband and I also love to cook together and are always creating in the kitchen! I also enjoy sewing, knitting and crocheting when I can find time for it!"

In the spare time she has left, Abigail and her husband write for three blogs; "Back Road Drifters", "The Catching Chronicles by Trout MaGee" and "Trout Magee's Photo Blog". Check them out for a more laid back loook on life! You'll find lots of picturesque landscape and some unique shots of Trout! Here are links to each of the blogs:

backroaddrifters.wordpress.com/

fishing-catchingchronicles-troutmagee.blogspot.com/

jobes-photo-blog-rasta.blogspot.com/

Abigail says the best part of being an artist is the artist's mentality. "I love the freedom that art gives you. I love how you can create something amazing out of virtually nothing. I love how art truly is in the eye of the beholder, and how art speaks differently to each and every one of us. Inspiration truly is everywhere, if you only take the time to look for it!!!" Wise words indeed!

Byrdhollow Jewelry is sold locally and on Etsy at http://www.etsy.com/shop/Byrdhollowjewelry?ref=pr_shop_more . Abigail's husband is also on Etsy! Find his photography and hand tied fishing flies at http://www.etsy.com/shop/BasicStudios7?ref=ss_profile ...and watch for a future feature on this beautiful shop!

Tuesday Treasuries {june.21}

2011-06-21T09:47:00.000-05:00

beadlolabead created the challenge winner this week! comment, click, and show some love to all these wisconsin sellers. thanks lola for the treasury!

Challenge Winner - Summer Wedding

remember to post treasuries you created on the discussion thread on our team's etsy page. there will be a 'call for tuesday treasuries' post that i will create for each week. just paste a link to your treasury and let me know what category it is under. contact me with any questions about tuesday treasuries.

Friday's Featured Fabricator--The Soap Garden!

2011-06-16T20:43:00.007-05:00

This week's featured Moo Crew artist is Denise of The Soap Garden. You can find her Etsy shop here: http://www.etsy.com/shop/SoapGarden?ref=pr_shop_more

Denise lives in the beautiful town of Mayville, Wisconsin with her best friend, her husband of 38 years, and a little English cocker named Jake. "We live in a 130 year old cream city brick farmhouse that has been our labor of love for the past 30 years. Besides restoring the house, we are also avid gardeners. We have two wonderful and talented sons, one in college and one married and living in Green Bay."

Denise is an avid gardener, and from her love of gardening came the name of her business. "My soaps come in many colors, scents, and shapes just like flowers in a garden." Among her other loves is...soap! "I have always had a love for soap. I sought them out when we would travel. To me it was always an affordable luxury, something pretty that smells so good. In the back of my mind, I had wanted to make some of my own, so I took it on as a Christmas present gift idea. Everyone who received soap that year from me that year wanted more and that’s when I decided to start the business. That was 10 years ago."

The first batches of soap started with the simplest of materials...some different sizes of PVC pipe, a small amount of melt and pour base, food coloring from baking supplies, and a bottle of lavender fragrance oil. "When I think back on the first soaps I made, I cringe!"

Although the materials Denise uses in her soap making don't differ much from those that other soap makers use, the way she manipulates the soap and the different ideas she comes up with do. "I have a line that I call my Designer Soaps, in which I have tried to create a picture in the soap. It takes quite a bit of time to do this but I find it challenging. I enjoy that. It’s also something no one else has."

Denise wants her customers to know that she makes a quality product. "I truly appreciate my customers and always try to go the extra mile for them. If there is something special that they would like, I always try my best to accommodate their request. I answer private messages quickly and ship my products fast."

Away from the soap vats, you can find Denise in her garden, or enjoying another of her loves, birding. "I am an avid bird watcher and belong to several bird watching groups."

Every artist has a reason to keep creating, and Denise is no different. "The best part of being an artist comes from the feedback I receive. I work so hard at everything I do and when someone else can see what I see, it’s very rewarding." One look at these beautiful soaps, and you will know that Denise puts her heart and soul into them. They are true works of art!

The Soap Garden has a broad web presence. Denise's products can be found:

On Artfire: www.artfire.com/users/soapgarden

On Zibbet: www.zibbet.com/SoapGarden

On Facebook: www.facebook.com/pages/SoapGarden/157548487629145?v=wall

And on Blogger: soapgardenllc.blogspot.com/

Thanks to Denise for helping us stay clean in style!

On The Road with the Moo Crew

2011-06-16T15:19:00.001-05:00

This weekend a few of our team members will be at art fairs and markets in Oregon and Brookfield. If you're in the area, stop by, get to know them and shop directly for cool handmade wares. If not, please share this post on Facebook and Twitter to encourage your friends and family who are to shop local and shop handmade!

Peter McMasters, a.k.a. "the Hat Guy", of Forest Academy Alpacas will be at the Hayloft Gallery Art Fair on Saturday, June 18th and Sunday, June 19th from 10am - 5pm both days. The Hayloft Gallery is located at 1239 S. Fish Hatchery Rd in Oregon, WI.

Enjoy a lovely, but short, drive into the country for this fresh, unique "on-the-farm" art fair featuring fine art and fine craft that blend nature with creativity. Fair-goers can make a day of it by taking in other activities and events in the area, such as: picking strawberries at Carndale Farms (just 1/2 mile from art fair), shopping for plants at Winterland Nursery, or going on the Parade of Homes at The Legend (at Bergamont).

Peter will be selling his unique handmade hats many of which are handfelted from the fiber of his own animals raised just outside of Evansville. They continually add more product for each show so be sure to stop by and see what's new.

Tilney & Ryan of MANvsGEORGE will be at the Brookfield Farmers' Market, "Market & More Day", on Saturday, June 18th from 7:30am -12pm. The market is located at 2000 N. Calhoun Road in Brookfield, WI.

Market & More is held the 3rd Saturday of each month and is an extension of Brookfield's popular farmers' market. MANvsGEORGE will be among dozens of handmade arts & crafts vendors on the plaza next to the farmers' market stalls. They create colorful greeting cards printed on 100% recycled paper, with designs that wrap around from the front to the back of the card. They also sell variety packs of greeting cards to keep you prepared throughout the year and poster-sized prints.

Tuesday Treasuries {june.14th}

2011-06-14T14:01:00.002-05:00

challenge winners: knotageek and beadlolabead {i created one too, but had these lovely submissions to showcase - click and comment on links below} thank you all for putting the time and effort into creating these lovely treasuries! keep them coming...

------ Rose Month - Challenge ------

------ Dairy Month - Challenge ------

#2 moo crew.. by 5LetterDesign

------ All Team Wist Members Featured ------

+ remember to post treasuries you created on the discussion thread on our team's etsy page. there will be a 'call for tuesday treasuries' post to paste a link to your treasury. please indicate which catagory you are submitting under too.

Friday's Featured Fabricator--Rachael Brooke Designs!

2011-06-10T08:12:00.018-05:00

This week's featured artist in the continuing series "Friday's Featured Fabricator" is Rachael Brooke Winkley of Rachael Brooke Designs. You can find her Etsy shop at http://www.etsy.com/shop/rachaelbrooke?ref=pr_shop_more

Rachael lives in Madison, WI. I asked her to tell me a little bit about herself. "I'm mother to the fabulous Miss Bella who will finish 3rd grade this week. Except for the first few years of my life spent in Chicago, I've lived in Wisconsin my whole life. I create jewelry from antique, vintage or simply second-hand tea, candy and tobacco tins; aluminum drink ware; trays and other metal objects. It's called the Vintage Metals Collection. My studio is at Mendota Mental Health Facility on the north end of Lake Mendota in Madison. I'm a member of a group of artists-in-residence there. We teach weekly art classes or facilitate other arts/creative projects with the patients in exchange for studio space. Our studios are in a 1920's cottage that once housed World War I veterans who were being treated for "shell shock" symptoms."

Rachael started using the name "Rachael Brooke Designs" back in 1998 because her name is Rachael Brooke and she sells her designs. "I seriously couldn't come up with a more creative name than that. My father once said he chose my middle name so that when I became a famous actress I could use Rachael Brooke as my stage name. That didn't happen, but I used it as my business name instead. However, I will contend that selling your own work is a lot like being on stage."

Rachael has always used old or repurposed items to make something new. "My first memory of (doing) this is using a plastic vegetable bag and twist ties from the grocery store to make my Barbie a really cool dress. I grew up with parents who had a knack for creating fabulous things out of stuff they found rummaging, at flea markets or off the curb. As for my Vintage Metals Collection, I started making and selling it last June. The idea has been in my head for years and I finally gave it a go once I had a proper studio space to create the mess in. I was working in our basement until I moved into my studio last May."

The raw materials she uses make Rachael's creations stand out from the crowd. She turns once useful objects into sheet metal to create her jewelry. "However, there are other artists using vintage tins to make jewelry. That's where my personal artistic design style comes in. Knock on wood, I haven't seen anyone out there doing similar work."

When she isn't creating, Rachael spends "crazy amounts of time tweeting, nagging my daughter to brush her hair under threat of having it cut short if she doesn't take care of it, drinking many cups of strong coffee daily, and going to flea markets and estate sales as often and as early as possible."

When asked about the best part of being an artist, Rachael answers, "The first thing that comes to mind is the feeling I get when walking into the stillness of my studio first thing in the morning. It's the anticipation of spending time alone, not talking just creating, in my space. The second is the joyful feeling I get any time I connect with my customers. It simply makes me happy when others love the jewelry they get from me."

Besides Etsy, you can find Rachael on the internet at her website http://www.rachaelbrooke.com/ , on Facebook at www.facebook.com/rachaebrookedesigns, and on Twitter at www.twitter.com/rachaelbrookeaj. She also sells locally in Madison at Absolutely Art. There is a complete list of stores on her website.

Rachael adds, "This summer, people can come out and meet me at the Indie Designer Market at the Randolph Street Market in Chicago. The market is the last weekend of the month from June through September."

Rachael is offering Moo Crew blog readers an exclusive deal: 10% off your purchase and free shipping! Just do the following to be entered to win:

follow her on Twitter and tweet a link to this blog post to @RachaelBrookeAJ
Like her Facebook page and post a comment there about this blog feature
post a comment here that you've done one or both of the above
We'll send you Rachael's top secret codes for 10% off and free shipping

Many thanks to Rachael, one of the fearless leaders of the Moo Crew!

On The Road with the Moo Crew

2011-06-09T06:52:00.000-05:00

This weekend a few of our team members will be in Sun Prairie, WI. If you're in the area, stop by, get to know them and shop directly for cool handmade wares. If not, please share this post on Facebook and Twitter to encourage your friends and family who are to shop local and shop handmade!

The talented folks of Twisted Planet will be at the Sun Prairie Taste of the Arts festival on Saturday, June 11th from 9am to 4pm. The festival is held at Sheehan Park in Sun Prairie, WI. It features arts and crafts along with wine and cheese tasting, entertainment, children's activities and food.

Twisted Planet will be displaying new Zombie Baby Bibs, in addition to our other upcycled goodies and plush stuffed animal. My fave item in their shop is this really fantastic Upcycled Music Notes Cuff Bracelet.

Tuesday Treasuries {june.7th}

2011-06-07T08:00:00.034-05:00

+challenge winner: {SilverBeachSeaGlass} with a lovely entry full of moo crew members!

weekly challenge: Shades of Summer

+wonderful white treasury features a variety of etsians and team wist sellers. it was created by moo crew member {piecesbyjen} hint* the tops rows include WI sellers

Wonderful White

remember to post treasuries you created on the discussion thread on our team's etsy page. there will be a 'call for tuesday treasuries' post to paste a link to your treasury.

Friday's Featured Fabricator --Primrose Tranquility!

2011-06-03T12:58:00.003-05:00

It's Friday! Time for the next installment in the "Friday's Featured Fabricator" series of Moo Crew artists. This week, Katie of Primrose Tranquility.

Katie lives in Mount Horeb, Wisconsin with her husband, toddler daughter and two dogs (bit of craziness some days!). She creates etched glassware from images she draws. Most of the glassware she creates has pictures based on nature and/or wildlife.

The business name "Primrose Tranquility" with help from her husband. "We sat down one night and started tossing suggestions around when we realized that Primrose Tranquility would be perfect. We live in a more rural area and there are so many flowers, like primrose, around us and my in-laws live next to us and have many horses which we get to watch play and run. Living here has given me a chance to really enjoy all the trees, plants, and animals I'm lucky enough to have around me."

About three years ago, Katie took a class on re-purposing wine bottles into tumblers with a good friend. The last part of the class was being able to etch an image onto the tumblers. "I have to say that cutting the wine bottles and making them into tumblers was awesome, but I really became interested in etching. After the class, I got some more solution and started playing around with etching different images and decided that I would just keep doing it and see where it took me!"

Primrose Tranquility's first etched glass creation came out of necessity, in a way. "Two of our good friends were getting married on a destination wedding in Las Vegas. They were married in a beautiful chapel at one of the hotels, so for their wedding gift, I etched the image of the chapel along with their wedding date on two champagne glasses. They loved them and so I kept practicing with different pictures to see what I could make. A little bit after that I decided to start my shop on Etsy, which has been an awesome decision!"

Katie creates images and scenes on glassware, which makes her items stand out in the crowd. "I love creating scenery and situations that people can look at and let their imaginations go. I think that as long as you love what you're doing, your work will shine."

This is an artist who truly enjoys her work! "I love being able to make glassware people can either give as gifts or keep for themselves. I draw pictures that mean a lot to me. I love it when I am lucky enough to get feedback from customers about what the glasses are for. I kind of feel that each set I make is a custom order for someone." (Editor's note: I have personally experienced Katie's high level of customer service. I ordered two of her butterfly-etched wine glasses for a friend's wedding anniversary. Katie could not have been more helpful when I requested a personalized card be included with the order, and explained the story behind why I had chosen this gift.)

When she isn't creating these beautiful etched glasses, Katie is more than likely chasing after a toddler...or one (or both) of her dogs...or getting lucky enough to steal a 15 minute nap!

The family will be adding gardening to their list of talents this summer in addition to the etching business. "I might be insane after weeding and taking care of a huge garden this summer! I'm getting together with my sister in law and my mother and father in law and we're planting a garden with enough food to feed all of us. I'm getting a little afraid thinking about the near future of blazing hot days and tons of weeds!"

Katie thinks the best part of being an artist is being creative, and to know that she can make someone smile every time they pick up or look at their specially made, etched glassware.

You can find Primrose Tranquility on Etsy: http://www.etsy.com/shop/PrimroseTranquility?ref=pr_shop_more

Many thanks to Katie for taking the time to answer these questions!

Tuesday Treasuries {may.31}

2011-05-31T06:50:00.000-05:00

thanks to alwaysgreener & manvsgeorge for submitting treasuries this week! challenge for next week: create a 'summertime' themed treasury. feel free to share, click, and comment to help promote wisconsin sellers. if your looking for rules on what type of treasuries to submit, refer back to last week's post.

father's day challenge

treasuries with all 'team wist' members featured

remember to post treasuries you created on the discussion thread on our team's etsy page. there will be a 'call for tuesday treasuries' post to paste a link to your treasury.

Friday's Featured Fabricator - Always Greener!

2011-05-27T08:09:00.003-05:00

Fourth in the series of Moo Crew featured artists, this week’s “Friday's Featured Fabricator” is Wendy of “Always Greener”. See her Etsy shop of very cool, clever and creative items at www.etsy.com/people/alwaysgreener. (Editorial comment…my personal favorites are her “Dictionary Sacrifice” items, especially the earrings. Wendy uses two words that go together, such as “pride and prejudice”, finds them in a dictionary, and uses the dictionary pages to make the earrings! Personally, I think this is one of the coolest ideas on all of Etsy!)

Wendy introduces herself as “mom to six, wife to one (we’re pretty traditional like that…) card-carrying Milwaukeean, Etsian, and maker of jewelry. And stuff.” Wendy can be found wire-wrangling at her dining room table whenever she gets the chance. “But I also make whatever bits and pieces I can tote along with me in doctor’s offices, while riding shotgun on roadtrips, and in the carpool line at my kids’ school.”

Regarding the name of her business, Wendy says, “I wanted a name that reflects my commitment to “being green” without locking me into a particular medium. (That ruled out “Wendy’s Upcycled Jewelry,” no matter how appealing an option that was.)”

Wendy began her artistic pursuits at an early age. "I've been artsing & craftsing since preschool, and selling my creations since the age of 10. (It all started with those ribbon barrettes...). She has run the arts program at a girls camp in the Poconos for the past six summers. “I started making jewelry my first summer there. I quickly became expert at simple beading, resin bottlecaps, and basic polymer clay techniques. The kids I work with are always clamoring to make earrings, so over the years I developed the rudimentary skills I use in my current ‘line of work’.”

When she moved to Milwaukee, a friend showed her some of the stunning wire jewelry she’d created in a class at Mount Mary College with Brenda Schweder. Wendy was hooked in a minute. She had to start selling her work to support her habit, a happy predicament to which many of we fellow Etsians can relate!

Always the kind of person who analyzes items to figure out how they are made, Wendy made a Bananagrams set after the first time she played it (“toatlly addictive!”) out of a yellow t-shirt, a black shoelace, and a bunch of Scrabble tiles she had been hoarding. "The Bananagrams set was only one in a looooong line of "I can make that myself" projects...just ask the (long-suffering) husband!"

I asked Wendy what one thing would she would like her customers to know about her and her creations. Wendy is extremely true to herself and her principles in the way she lives her every day life. “Everything I make is intensely meaningful to me, whether it’s the upcycled spoon pendant you buy for your matron of honor or the gift box I pack it in. I choose not to use mass-manufactured items in my work, so every jump-ring, clasp, or wire component has been made by me, for you, from scratch. I get a surprising amount of flak from folks more business-minded than myself who tell me I should order gift boxes, or mailing labels or the like to save time and effort, but that’s just not what I’m about. Often, it’s hard for me to sell a piece because I grow so attached to it in the process of creating it, and one of the kids has to sit me down at the computer and nudge me till it’s listed.”

When she isn’t creating, Wendy says, “I'm probably doing battle with the laundry. Or the dishes. Or, if I’m supremely lucky, reading something amazing, like 'The Time Traveler’s Wife'.”

Wendy jokes that the best part of being an artist in her opinion is, "without a doubt the incredible benefits package that comes with the job". I asked her to tell me one interesting thing about herself that is not related to her Etsy persona. “I wear a size thirteen shoe. Freaky, no?” It’s not surprising to me that she has big shoes to fill!

Thanks to Wendy at Always Greener! Be on the lookout for new items from this Etsian at http://www.etsy.com/shop/alwaysgreener?ref=pr_shop_more

Have a wonderful, productive and creative Memorial Day weekend!

On The Road with the Moo Crew

2011-05-26T06:38:00.001-05:00

This weekend finds three of our Moo Crew team members on the road to a market in Wauwatosa and a festival in Chippewa Falls. If you're in either area, add their events to your holiday weekend fun. If you're not, please share our blog with your friends and family who might be.

Ryan and Tilney of MANvsGEORGE will be at the Tosa Farmers' Market - Artisan Market Day on Saturday, May 28 from 8am - 1pm. The Market is located in the City parking lot across from the Historic Little Red Store at 7720 Harwood Ave. in Wauwatosa, WI.

Artisan Market Day is held in conjunction with the weekly Tosa Farmers' Market and features fine handcrafted items from local artisans. MANvsGEORGE creates fun and modern greeting cards printed on 100% recycled paper. They also offer a selection of poster-sized prints featuring their most popular illustrations. Visit their booth at the Tosa Farmers' Market to see their latest designs, including cards for Father's Day and graduation! My favorite card in their shop right now is the Pretty Peacock blank card - so colorful!

Monica S. Lewis of Take Me With will be at the Chippewa Valley Renaissance Faire every weekend through June 19th. The Faire hours are 10am - 6pm on Saturdays and Sundays and is located at Nelson Rd & 117th St. in Chippewa Falls, WI.

The Chippewa Valley Renaissance Faire and Artisan Market features Elizabethan period entertainment and handcrafted work by artisans. Sally will be selling period costumes for dogs and American Girl dolls - robes, hooded capes, gypsy, pirate and jesters. One of her dog robes was worn by the Royal Mutt at the opening weekend. Huzzah! You will find Monica in Grandma Jone's store with her period costumes and a great selection of purses and carved gourds, also! The American Girl doll collector in my home who would love a Denim Sleeping Bag like this one for her dolls.

Tuesday Treasuries!

2011-05-24T12:24:00.000-05:00

Tuesday Treasuries are starting back up! I am Ellie with 5LetterDesign and I will be posting fantastic collections featuring Wisconsin Street Team Members created by you.

Here are the categories which you can post treasuries that will be featured on this blog. When placing a link to your treasury (either on the topic thread or comments section) please list which category you are working with.... 1, 2, or 3.

1. Treasury Challenge!

Each week I will post a treasury challenge for the coming week. These treasuries need to include all Team Wist Members (16 spots). I will announce a winner and post pictures of their featured treasury (but also list the others that competed with links only.) Treasury Challenge for May 31st - Father's Day Gift Guide. {interpret as you would like.... in time to order great gifts.} I will also feature treasury challenge winner on my blog's mid-weekies, on Wednesdays, too.

2. All Wist Team Members

Members can submit a treasury they created with all Team Wist Members featured with any treasury theme (all 16 spots).

3. Variety

Members can submit a treasury they created with the top 2 rows of Team Wist Members (8 spots). The other 8 spots can contain items from any shop on Etsy.

Note: Members can either post links to one of the following categories on the discussion thread I create or on the blog in the comments. I will make a thread each week “Call for Treasuries – May 25th – 31st” on our team page. Remember to tag items in your shop and treasuries you create with ‘Team Wist'. That will be the key words I will look for along with others while creating treasuries! Also, please post recent treasuries only, other's items in your treasuries, and please follow etsy's guidelines. Remember to head over, comment, and click on one of the items in the treasuries featured. Show some love!

Below are my examples to get us started this week. Feel free to convo me if you have any questions!

Enjoy

-E

Category 1 - Badger State Challenge

Category 2

Category 3

Friday's Featured Fabricator--This, That or Everything!

2011-05-19T21:28:00.003-05:00

It's Friday again (well almost)! That means it's time for another Etsy Moo Crew Featured Fabricator! This week's artist it's actually three artists who banded together and call themselves "This That or Everything". Sarah, Rachel, and Brooke from Baraboo, Wisconsin, are the creators of...well...this, that and everything!

Sarah and Rachel roommates and have been friends since they were 5 (22 years!) Brooke has been their best friend for years as well. The second generation of this creative group were born just 7 weeks apart. "Josie and Tristan are 6 years old and graduating Kindergarten on Friday!"

This trio of creative friends has all of the duties worked out. Sarah handles all of the computer work and shipping, and does a bit of crocheting. Rachel does the remainder of the crochet work and takes all of the pictures that you will see in their Etsy shop. Brooke does all of the sewing (her products will be making an appearance in their shop in the next few weeks).

I asked Sarah to explain how the three friends named their shop. "We do so many different things that we didn't want a name that singled only one of us out. So we are a place where you can find this that or everything!" Creativity began early on. "Rachel has been taking pictures and crocheting since she was big enought to hold a hook and a camera! We started just doing things for friends or family. We enjoyed it so much that we decided to find a way to get paid for doing it as much as we could!"

The first creation from thisthatoreverything was a hat that Rachel made for Josie "cuz she loves horses so much". Rachel had just learned how to loop crochet and thought "This will be a perfect mane!" They received so many compliments on the hat, they decided to post it on Etsy to see if there were other people who would like to have one.

Sarah says that little Josie is really the inspiration behind most of their items. "Like our new hair clips...Josie needed one to wear for Mother's Day, but we couldnt find one we liked that went with her new dress. So Rachel made the rose bud hair clip."

The three ladies behind this shop combine techniques, colors, textures, and other supplies in different ways that make truly unique products. Their items can also be found on Artfire at www.artfire.com/users/ThisThatorEverything and on Meylah at meylah.com/thisthatoreverything. They will have a booth at the Wo-Zha-Wa Art Fair in Wisconsin Dells, September 16-18.

Sarah, Rachel and Brooke want their customers to know that each of their items is "truly made with our hearts in them. Every time we get an order or make something new, its genuinely with the next person in mind. We really want everyone to enjoy our items as much as we do!" When they aren't creating, the friends spend time doing something together with the little ones. In addition, Sarah tells me she is a huge movie buff.

Sarah loves being an artist because it enables her "to create something that is exactly the thing you want and need and to be able to do the same for someone else." You can find their creations at http://www.etsy.com/shop/thisthatoreverything?ref=pr_shop_more

On The Road with the Moo Crew

2011-05-19T14:52:00.000-05:00

This weekend you can visit one of our Etsy Moo Crew crafting couples at an event in Hales Corners, WI. Even if you can't make it to the event, please help us spread the word and share our blog with your friends - thanks!

Sally and Mike of Night Owl Craftworks will be at the Herb Faire at Boerner Botanical Gardens on Saturday, May 21st from 9am - 4pm. The Gardens are located at 9400 Boerner Drive, Hales Corners (Milwaukee area).

There will be herbal & craft vendors, herb plants for sale, free herbal talks and seminars, a tea room, door prizes, garden tours and more. You can also check out a special cooking demonstration with Bartolotta chef, Felix Rosado ($15 pre-registration fee, $20 at the door). There is no admission fee for the Herbal Faire (except as noted for the cooking demo). For more information visit the Boerner Botanical Gardens website at www.boernerbotanicalgardens.org/support/e4-16.html

Mike and Sally attended an event at this location a few weeks ago and had a blast! They're headed back this Saturday for more fun and would love for you to stop by to see them. Mike has new handthrown pottery thrown for the faire that isn't listed in their Etsy shop yet and Sally has handbound journals that would love some new homes.

They are offering Moo Crew blog readers a special deal:
mention "MooCrew" at their booth and get 10% off!

Friday's Featured Fabricator -- MAN vs. GEORGE!

2011-05-13T12:14:00.012-05:00

I hope you are enjoying these weekly artist features!

This week’s featured artist is really two artists…or perhaps even three! Man vs. George Design (http://manvsgeorge.etsy.com/) consists of MAN (husband and wife team Ryan & Tilney -- he's the artist and she's the writer) and GEORGE (the lady-cat who rules over their business empire with an iron paw). Ryan, Tilney and (George!) create greeting cards printed on 100% recycled paper. They live and work in Wauwatosa, just west of Milwaukee.

Asked how Man vs. George came to be, Tilney explains, “George is our inspiration and our nemesis. She frequently bests us in feats of strength and skill, so we thought it only fitting to celebrate this sometimes-adversarial relationship in our business name.”

Ryan says that Tilney has a very large family, and urgency prompted him to create their very first greeting card. “They say necessity is the mother of invention, and that's definitely true in the case of our greeting cards. ‘Necessity’ in this case was the need to find a cute birthday card for Tilney's niece Lucy the night before Lucy's party. We were too lazy to run to the drug store (and didn't want anything with a Disney character or mega-merchandising tie-in) so I fired up Adobe Illustrator and created a card just for her, featuring a pair of spider monkeys. A few more family birthdays, weddings, and baby showers later, and we had the makings for a full line of greeting cards. Here is that first card, which is now for sale in the Man vs. George Etsy shop:

Tilney notes “most greeting cards are blank on the back. We see that as a wasted opportunity to make someone smile! All of the cards from Man vs. George feature designs that wrap around from the front to the back of the card, for twice the color and twice the fun.”

In addition to selling single cards, Ryan and Tilney bundle sets in variety packs that have you covered for every occasion (birthdays, weddings, thank you, new baby, thinking of you, sympathy, blank, etc.). Their goal with these packages is to help their customers avoid last-minute trips to the drug store greeting card aisle, which, in their experience, too often end in frustration. “It's our service to the people of the world.”

Another reason Man vs. George greeting cards are unique is that Ryan and Tilney use materials from as close to their Milwaukee area location as possible. “Our card stock is made from 100% recycled, FSC certified paper and comes from Neenah. Our envelopes are from French Paper Company (http://www.mrfrench.com/), a wonderful family-owned mill in Niles, Michigan; their envelopes are acid free, lignin free, processed chlorine free, and made with 100% green power from their own hydroelectric plant.” Very cool!!! In addition to selling greeting cards and posters on Etsy, Ryan and Tilney run a full-service graphic design firm. “We do custom wedding invitations (see a sampling in our second Etsy shop, modernweddings: http://modernweddings.etsy.com/), business logos and advertisements, gig posters for bands, and web site graphics. We are also happy to customize any of our greeting card designs with different colors or wording, for a small fee.”

Among his other numerous talents, Ryan plays the guitar! “I can play the chords to the song "Live Forever" by Oasis. They are the only chords I know and it is the only song I can play. Singing is out of the question.” Tilney’s claim to fame? “I can't wink. Seriously. Don't make fun of me. I feel it's holding me back in life.”

One question I have asked in preparation for writing these features is what the best part of being an artist is. For Man vs. George, “It's the spectrum of reactions you get at cocktail parties when you say you're a graphic designer: Some people's eyes widen and they suddenly find everything about you and your profession cool and fascinating. Others do a spit-take and say, ‘No, but seriously. How do you make money to pay for food?’ Little do they know we earn the lion's share of our food money $20 at a time, hustling people into paying to see a live demonstration of Tilney's nonexistent winking skills. (You really ought to check it out some time. It's HILARIOUS!)”

Besides their Etsy shops, you can find items from Man vs. George Designs worldwide (really!!). From California to Spain, check out these fine establishments:

CALIFORNIA
Culver City -- Lundeen's
Los Angeles -- Clover
Los Angeles -- Skylight Books
Los Angeles -- Yolk

ILLINOIS
Elmhurst -- Elmhurst Art Museum

WISCONSIN
Delafield -- Avant Garden
Elm Grove -- Wine Cellar of Wisconsin
Grafton -- The Arts Mill Boutique
Madison (West) -- Glitter Workshop
Madison (East) -- Midwest Clay Project
Milwaukee -- Urban Sense
Superior -- LU :: Handmade Goodness
Wausau -- NevaeH Gallery
Wauwatosa -- Juxt Home and Baby

SPAIN
Barcelona – Sorbo

That's quite a list!

Thanks to Ryan, Tilney, and of course George!

Friday's Featured Fabricator!

2011-05-05T19:23:00.004-05:00

Hello all!

I’m happy to begin our featured artist series this week! I’ve received 15 requests for features, and will post them weekly in the order received…so if you haven’t heard back from me, don’t despair! You’re on my list! I'm a bit early, and will probably post these on Thursday evenings (that thing called the "real job" interferes).

Peter McMasters of Forest Academy Alpacas is first up! Peter is the hat maker and caretaker of the animals on his family’s farm. His wife, Ingrid, is the spinner and knitter. They live on a small farm outside of Evansville, Wisconsin, with 13 alpacas (probably 14 by now!), two kids, and their dogs and cats.

I asked Peter how he chose the name of his business. There is a stone sign on the front of their schoolhouse-turned-home that reads “Forest Academy, District #1”. The business name is, therefore, written in stone!

Peter and his family started raising alpacas in 2002. “We moved to this property in 2004. Every year Ingrid would go to the sheep and wool festival in Jefferson WI in September and take classes. One year it was all about spinning, another all about dyeing, and this past year 3 days of felting. Ingrid came home from her weekend of classes last September with new skills. She passed them to me and I dove into felting. I had been sitting on the sidelines for some time, letting my wife work with the fiber. Felting finally looked like something I might enjoy.”

We all want to stand out from the crowd, so I asked Peter what aspect of his work would appeal to customers and set him apart. “Some of it is the materials – alpaca from our own farm – and some of it is the process. You can find many folks who knit or crochet a hat and then stick it in the washer to felt it. The end result is entirely dependent of the original pattern. Some will wet felt directly onto a hat form, either by draping a pre-made sheet of felt over it or working from the raw fiber. Again your results are somewhat dependent on the forms you own. My process allows me greater freedom in the final form. While I have some limitations (that I am still learning to overcome), I am not limited to a set pattern or form for the final outcome of a wearable art hat. Each (item) is a unique shape and no two shapes are alike. Also, each one has a unique color pattern based on how the fiber was originally applied during the felting process. “

“Each of my hats has about 5 hours of work in it…more if you consider the year it took for my animals to grow the fiber. In our home we try our best to keep chemicals out of the process. We do purchase dyed Merino (wool) from outside sources because it allows us the ability to offer bright colors without bringing that part of the process into our home. During the felting process, all I like to use is Palmolive. I used to use Dawn dishwashing liquid, but it had detergents I didn’t need.”

Peter’s work can be found on Etsy at www.forestacademyalpacas.etsy.com. You can also find him on Facebook at www.facebook.com/forestacademyalpacas. “This (Facebook) allows us to communicate to our fans where we will be showing our products in person.” Area art fairs where Forest Academy Alpacas will make an appearance include the Art Crawl in Waukesha this Saturday, May 7, Fair On The Square in Baraboo on May 14th, the Dragon Arts Fair in Deforest on June 4th, the Cedarburg Strawberry Festival on June 25th and 26th, and the Summer Craftacular in Madison on July 24th. ”I am trying to line up a few more (shows), and that is where Facebook comes in. I can let folks know as soon as something new pops up. And thanks to folks on Etsy I have been able to jump in on some last minute shows. We will also welcome farm visits. Feel free to contact us if you would like to arrange one."

I asked Peter what he is doing when not creating these beautiful felted hats. “I'm taking care of the kids and animals, and working a part time job that allows me the time to create and be home for the kids.”

One interesting thing about Peter that is not related to his Etsy persona is his hobby of flying kites. However, Peter doesn't fly kites in the usual way! “While I have a large collection of specialty art kites, my focus for this hobby is specializing in flying kites indoors during performances. When you ask, “how do you fly kites without wind”, I say, “Quite well thank you.” (It’s been obvious to me in corresponding with Peter and seeing some of his posts on the Team WIST forums that he has quite a good sense of humor as well!) Here is a photo of Peter flying a kite indoors at a Christmas Eve service in Des Moines this past year:

When asked what is the best part of being an artist, Peter replies, “I spent my college career and a few years of my younger adult life in theatre. Then life and better paying jobs came along. Creating these hats and other creations has finally allowed me the ability to express myself. I have needed a creative outlet, (kite flying gigs don’t come up much) and working with the fiber has allowed me that.”

With winter still holding us in its grip in Wisconsin (wait, this is MAY isn't it???), Forest Academy Alpacas' hand felted hats might be just the thing to keep your ears warm! Here are a few offerings from their Etsy shop:

Thank you Peter! We wish you well!

On The Road with the Moo Crew

2011-05-05T06:32:00.000-05:00

This weekend three of our team members will be at gallery night and art crawl events in Madison and Waukesha. If you live in either town, be sure to get out and enjoy an evening meeting local artists, discovering great art, and celebrating the wealth of creativity that is right in your own backyard. If you don't live in either town, then I suggest you get some friends and family together for a road trip this weekend!

Jenny of Jenny Blasen Pottery will be at Gallery Night at Hatch Art House on Friday, May 6th from 5:00 - 9:00pm. Hatch is located at 1248 Williamson Street in Madison, WI.

Jenny is the featured artist for May at Hatch. Stop by to visit with her and get the best pick of her beautiful stoneware pottery on Friday night during the semi-annual citywide gallery night in Madison.

Bev Peychal of Bjeweled and Peter McMasters of Forest Academy Alpacas will be showing their work at the Waukesha Art Crawl on Saturday, May 7th from 4:00pm - 10:00pm. They will be located with a group of artists at 844 N. Grand Avenue in Waukesha, WI.

The Waukesha Art Crawl is produced by the West End Artists Association and takes place at galleries, stores and other locations throughout the historic downtown area. For additional information on participating galleries go to Red Hot Art Spot www.redhotartspot.com or contact the Almont Gallery at 262-542-1522.

Bev will be selling her handmade jewelry with semiprecious and precious stones and a mix of metals from gold to brass. Peter will be selling his unique unique handmade hats many of which are handfelted from his own animals' fiber raised just outside of Evansville.

On The Road with the Moo Crew

2011-04-28T06:49:00.039-05:00

This weekend, seven of our team members will be selling their handcrafted wares and demonstrating their skills at events in Madison, Hales Corners, Oshkosh and Holmen. If you're in the area, please stop by and shop with them for Mother's Day, Father's Day, graduations, and more. Not in the area? Please share our blog on Twitter and Facebook with your friends and family who might be.

Tilney and Ryan of MANvsGEORGE will be at Art at the Gardens Art & Craft Fair at Boerner Botanical Gardens on Sunday, May 1st from 10am to 3pm.

Boerner Botanical Gardens is located at 9400 Boerner Drive, Hales Corners, WI (adjacent to Milwaukee). The fair is an eclectic mix of unique and handmade art and fine crafts, made by local artisans. MANvsGEORGE sells fun and modern greeting cards, including lovely designs for Mother's Day, and variety packs of cards for all occasions that make a great gift! All of our cards are printed on high-quality, 100% recycled paper, and have designs that wrap around both sides of the card -- for maximum impact on your senses but minimum impact on the environment.

There will also be a Team WIST promotional table at Art in the Gardens with a sampling of items from our talented Etsy members from all over the state of Wisconsin! Check out samples, pick up freebies and coupons, and learn more about shopping local on Etsy.

Peter "the Hat Guy" and Ingrid McMasters "the spinning lady" of ForestAcademyAlpacas will be at the Great Midwest Alpaca Festival on Saturday, April 30th and Sunday, May 1st. The festival will be held at the Veterans Memorial Colliseum at the Alliant Energy Center in Madison, WI. Discover the magic of alpacas at the The Great Midwest Alpaca Festival this weekend. Visitors will see hundreds of alpacas, meet local and regional breeders, earn about alpacas fiber, and shop for alpaca products. Peter and Ingrid will be in two locations during the festival: upstairs in the vendor area selling ther unique handmade hats many of which were handfelted from their own animals' fiber, and on the main floor demonstrating the craft of handspinning yarn right next to their alpacas.

Stop by and shop with twistedplanet at the "What Women Want" Expo on Saturday, April 30th from 10am - 4pm. The expo will be held at the Oshkosh Fairgrounds in Oshkosh, WI. This is also a humane society fundraiser with complimentary goodie bags with a purchase.

Stop by to visit Jenny Blasen of jennyblasenpottery during the Marquette-Atwood Neighborhood Art Walk on Sunday, May 1st from 1-5pm. Jenny is the organizer of the walk which features more than 16 local artists who will display their work and open their studios to the public. Walking maps are available at Hatch Art House, Absolutely Art and Midwest Clay Project. Go to the Facebook for more information:
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=163145490411023

Carol of Carol's Jewelry Orchard carolsjewelryorchard.etsy.com will be at the Art Fair in the Sqaure on Saturday, April 30th from 10am - 4pm. The fair will be held at the Holmen Square Mall in Holmen, WI. This is a spring arts and crafts show featuring local artists. Carol will have a wide variety of handcrafted beaded and wire wrapped jewelry. Holmen is just north of La Crosse so get on over and get some unique handmade gifts for Mother's Day, birthdays, graduations or prom.

Rachael of Rachael Brooke Designs will have a Mother's Day Trunk Show at Absolutely Art on Sunday, May 1st from 10am - 5pm. This is part of the gallery's "Girls Day Out" event which also includes: chair massages, food and drinks, and a "make & take" jewelry project lead by Rachael. Proceeds from the jewelry project will be donated to the Canopy Center in Madison, WI. Absolutely Art is located at 2322 Atwood Ave. in Madison, WI.

Rachael will have a selection of her Vintage Metals collection jewelry and button brooches perfect for Mother's Day gift giving. Visit her Rachael Brooke Facebook page for the event details.

Moo Crew On The Road

2011-04-14T21:31:00.000-05:00

This week Peter McMasters (the Hat Guy) of Forest Academy Alpacas will be selling his handcrafted wares at events in Evansville, WI and Germantown, WI. If you're in those areas, take the opportunity to meet fantastic Etsy sellers in your town. Not in the area, but know people who are? Fabulous! please send them this link and encourage them to shop handcrafted and local for Mother's Day, Father's Day, graduations and weddings this Spring.

The following events are the first of the season for Forest Academy Alpacas. Stop by to see what they've been busy working on all winter!

Evansville Art Crawl
Friday, April 15th from 4:00-9:00pm
downtown Evansville, WI
Facebook page:
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=195062893865667&set=a.175040319201258.37418.164598733578750&theater

Peter will be selling his unique handmade hats, many of which were handfelted from the fiber of the animals he raises just outside of Evansville. You can visit him during the Art Crawl at Windmill Antiques located at 7 E. Main Street in Evansville. Area retailers will be open late and visitors can enjoy music, refreshments and a chance to win a gift basket worth over $450.

Art Party
Saturday, April 16th from 6:00-10:00pm
Feronia Wellness Center
N112 W16760 Mequon Rd., Germantown, WI 53022
http://www.feroniawellness.org/2011/03/art-party.html

Enjoy a creatively cool evening with local artists of all backgrounds. Art Party offers a bountiful display of beautiful artwork to feast your eyes on and opportunities to explore your own creative talents with "hands-on" projects.

WIST On The Road: March 25th-26th

2011-03-25T08:13:00.000-05:00

Signs of Spring are all around despite the continued chilly weather. A sure sign that better weather is coming is the start of the art show season this month. One of our team members will be in Madison this weekend. If you're in the area, take the opportunity to meet a fantastic Etsy seller. Not in the area, but know people who are? Fabulous! please send them this link and encourage them to shop handcrafted.

Twisted Planet will be at Artworks Madison's Spring Fine Art Show this Saturday, March 26th from 10am to 4pm. The show will be held at the Alliant Energy Center in Madison, WI. For more information, visit the show's website: http://www.artworksmadison.com/

Twisted Planet will be selling their one-of-a-kind crocheted stuffed animals. These interesting little creatures are making their debut at the show - visit the show early to get yours!

On The Road: Dec. 10th - 12th

2010-12-09T07:17:00.000-06:00

This week's On The Road post is short and sweet. Your 'one-stop, handmade-shop' place to be this weekend is The 6th Annual Holiday Craftacular on Saturday, December 11th from 10am - 5pm. The show will be held at East Side Club, 3735 Monona Drive, Madison, WI. The Craftacular is organized by Naomi of The Glitterworkshop and is simply the best indie art & craft show in town!

Two of our team members will be selling their fine handcrafted wares at this show, but there will be other Etsy sellers as well. If you're in the area, take the opportunity to meet fantastic Etsy sellers this weekend. Not in the area, but know people who are? Fabulous! please send them this link and encourage them to shop handcrafted for the holidays.

Jenny of Jenny Blasen Pottery will be selling her lovely handmade ceramic cups, wee dishes, yarn bowls, earrings and pendants.

MAN vs. GEORGE DESIGN will also be selling their fantastic paper goods including: modern greeting cards, holiday cards and gift sets, and the debut of their poster-sized MAN vs. GEORGE animal prints!

On The Road: Dec. 2nd - 5th

2010-12-03T09:06:00.001-06:00

The holiday show season is in full swing...

read on for local shows where you can shop for quality, handcrafted gifts this season!

This week nine - yes, nine! - of our team members will be selling their fine handcrafted wares at shows in Fond du Lac, Madison, Chicago, New Lisbon, Mukwanago, Janesville and Edgerton.  If you're in those areas, take the opportunity to meet fantastic Etsy sellers in your town. Not in the area, but know people who are? Please send them this link and encourage them to shop handcrafted for the holidays.

Susan of MySassyGlass will host her 5th Annual Sassy Glass Holiday Open House from Dec. 3rd - 5th (10am - 5pm) and Dec. 10th -12th (10am - 5pm). The open house is located at N6002 Joseph D.r, Fond du Lac, WI 54937. You can email sassyglassart(at)charter.net for directions.

Every open stock item will be on display including: pendants, earrings, ring dishes, wind chimes, ornaments & table art. If you are interested in online items, bring the name along and it can be purchased without shipping charges. Whatever your personality type - bold, modern, classic, sporty, edgy, elegant, or trendy - Susan has a beautiful pendant just for you.

Lisa of Lisa Ferin Designs will be at Art at the Depot on Saturday, Dec. 4th from 10am - 5pm. The show is located at 931 E. Main St., Madison, WI 53703. This a very nice fine arts & fine crafts holiday sale by local artists. Items available include jewelry, hats, ornaments, knitwear and one of a kind gifts. For more information, please go the Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=163732540331526

Saul of The Bare Tree  will be selling at the Etsy Pavillion at the One Of A Kind Show Chicago from Thursday, Dec. 2nd - Sunday, Dec. 5th. The One of A Kind Show is held on the 8th floor at the Merchandise Mart in downtown Chicago, IL. You can email Saul for free passes and click the link above for directions, parking info, etc.

Tilney and Ryan of MANvsGEORGE  will also be the Etsy Pavillion (Booth 3023) at the One of a Kind Show and Sale from Thursday, Dec. 2nd - Sunday, Dec. 5th.
The 10th annual One of a Kind Show and Sale is Chicago's holiday shopping show with more than 600 talented artists from across North America selling their imaginative, handmade creations.

MANvsGEORGE creates fun and modern greeting cards with designs that wrap from the front to the back of the card. Come see our full line of cards, including holiday cards and gift sets. We offer single cards and Be Prepared packs, which provide cards for a variety of occasions in one convenient package!

RanaMuck http://ranamuck.etsy.com and Hillside Bakery http://hillsidebakery.etsy.com will be sharing a booth at the New Lisbon Lioness Holiday Craft Fair on Saturday, Dec. 4th from 8:30am - 2:30pm. The show will be located at New Lisbon Schools, 500 S. Forest St., New Lisbon, WI 53950. See the following link for details:
RanaMuck will be selling her hemp jewelry and photography. Hillside Bakery will have her candies, fudge, towels, and soaps.

Davis Jewelry Designs will be at the Mukwonago Midnight Magic Marketplace on Saturday, Dec. 4th 10 am - 8pm. The marketplace will be held at Park View Middle School, Hwy 83 & Hwy NN, Mukwanago, WI.
They are having family events all over the town, like dog sleds and a parade. see all events:
http://mukwonagochamber.chambermaster.com/directory/jsp/events/EventPage.jsp

Jen of Pieces by Jen  will be selling at a Holiday Open House on Saturday, Dec. 4th from
10am - 5pm. The open house will be held at Artisan Locale Gift Gallery, 6 S. Main St., Janesville, WI. There will a variety of handmade arts & crafts including Jen's bags plus food & entertainment. For more information, go to the gallery's website:
http://www.artisanlocalegiftgallery.com/Upcoming-Events.html

Twisted Planet will be at the Edgerton Snowflake Festival on, Saturday, Dec. 4th from 9am - 3pm. The festival will be held at the Edgerton middle school at 300 Elm High Dr., Edgerton, WI. There will be a choir, bake sale and hourly door prizes. Twisted Planet will be selling their recycled jewelry, board game clocks and signature Zombie shirts.

Auntyk's Guyz  will be at the Snowflake Fair at the Edgerton High School Gymnasium on Saturday, Dec. 4th from 9am- 3pm.
http://couleeregion.com/calendar/2010/12/4/new-lisbon-lioness-holiday-craft-fair
More info and Free Passes at this link: http://bit.ly/hR5FxT

On The Road: Thanksgiving Edition

2010-11-26T08:42:00.002-06:00

I'd like to kick-off this Thanksgiving weekend edition of "On The Road" with a note of thanks. On behalf of the Wisconsin "Moo Crew" Etsy Team, thank you to everyone who has shopped with us in our Etsy shops or at our shows throughout the year. Our ability to make a living as artisans and crafters depends on customers who value handcrafted goods and value supporting their local and alternative economies.

We are very thankful for customers like you!

This week two of our team members will be selling their handcrafted wares at shows in Milwaukee and Madison. If you're in those areas, take the opportunity to meet fantastic Etsy sellers in your town. Not in the area, but know people who are? Fabulous! please send them this link and encourage them to shop handcrafted for the holidays.

Kerith and Kate of Midwest Needles, LLC will be selling at Art vs. Craft on Saturday, Nov. 27th from 10am - 6pm. The show will be held at Humphrey Scottish Rite Masonic Center, Milwaukee, WI 53202. Admission is $3.

Members of the Wisconsin Etsy Moo Crew Team will be working the Etsy table at Art vs. Craft also. Be sure to stop by, say hello and grab some Moo Crew swag!

Terri of Patchwork Trails http://www.etsy.com/shop/PatchworkTrails will be selling at the Close to Home: Arboretum Local Products on Sunday, Nov. 28th from 10am - 4pm. The show will be held at UW Arboretum Visitor Center located at 1207 Seminole Highway, Madison, WI.

The expo features local art, edibles and gifts in the lovely surroundings of the UW Arboretum. It celebrates local enterprise and creativity by offering shoppers an opportunity to support the local economy. For more information on the expo, go to the Close to Home Facebook page.