A Wonderful Quilts On Barns Series From Jen Buettner of "The Insane Ramblings of a Cre8tive Quilter" Blog

I have been enjoying a wonderful "Quilts On Barns" series of posts on Jen Buettner's "The Insane Ramblings of a Cre8tive Quilter" blog and thought you might, too.

I had never heard of "Quilts On Barns" and was intrigued when I saw Jen's first post. I couldn't help but think that one of these would look terrific on my brother and sister-in-laws barn that they are tearing down and refurbishing.

Jen's posted about 11 quilts she's visited so far and her posts are as follows:

• Quilts on Barns - #11 Corn & Beans
• Quilts on Barns - #10 Ohio Star Variation
• Quilts on Barns - #9 Indian Paint Brush
• Quilts on Barns - #8 Lady of the Lake
• Quilts on Barns - #7 Bears Paw
• Quilts on Barns - #6 Tennessee Star
• Quilts on Barns - #5 Wild Goose Chase
• Quilts on Barns - #4 Tulip Basket
• Quilts on Barns - #3 Indian Trails
• Quilts on Barns - #2 54-40 or Fight
• Quilts on Barns - #1 Log Cabin
• Newest Obsession – Quilts on Barns

I hope you enjoy Jen's "Quilts On Barns" posts as much as I did. Now let's see if I can convince my sister-in-law to add one to her barn. I've got my fingers crossed.

While I was out on Jen's blog I decided to take a closer look at her "The Insane Ramblings of a Cre8tive Quilter" blog as it seemed like it was filled with a TON of posts and pictures about quilts and quilting. I'm glad I did because Jen has a wonderful sense of humor and writing style and her blog is filled to the BRIM (and I do mean BRIM) of posts and pictures about her fabulous quilts, her family, her craft and quilting projects, and so much more.

In fact, it's really kind of funny that in her first blog post on March 16, 2007 entitled "I can't believe I'm blogging!", she said: "I've wanted to start a blog for some time now. But really, what do I have to say that's so important? I just love to quilt. I guess a blog about quilting is reason enough to have one!"

Not only does Jen have a lot to say about quilts, her quilting projects and her accomplishments, but she has a lot to teach you as well.

Jen started blogging in March 2007 and has managed to post close to 1,700 articles since then. THAT'S A LOT OF POSTS. Jen is an extremely skilled quilter with a wonderful creative mind. If something can be made into a quilted object then Jen will create it. She has made quilted shower curtains, watch bands, quilted notebooks, coiled rugs, yo-yo garland, coasters, pillowcases, table runners, quilts upon quilts upon quilts, and quilted bags totes and pouches. I just love the Halloween totes she just made.

Jen is a fiber artist and quilter extraordinaire. Here's what she said about herself on her "About Me" page : I've been quilting for 11 years and doing other crafts for a lifetime. In addition to quilting I enjoy spending time with my husband, my black lab mix Holly, sewing with my mom, random craft projects, scrapbooking, jewelry making, photography, reading and bicycling.

Not only does Jen make amazing quilts, but she makes some of the most wonderful quilted purses, totes, and pouches you'd ever want to see and her blog is filled with pictures and sometimes pictorials as to how she put some of these together.

In her blog we not only get treated to all the wonderful pictures of her creations but we also get to see creations from her friends, her quilt groups, her quilting retreats, and her quilting trips. Along the way we also learn about paper piercing, batik, strip quilting, coiling, applique, batting, different sewing machines, block quilts, fabric postcards, free motion quilting, hand sewing, log cabin quilts, patchwork quilts, and so much more.

Jen has a wonderful humorous way of writing that makes you feel like you were there with her on her shopping adventures with her Mother, or at her quilt retreats, and quilt group meetings. I got the feeling while reading through her blog posts that she loves what she does, loves quilting, loves her family, and always seems to be having a good time. It really was a delightful visit.

If you have always wanted to learn how to quilt or love to quilt then you will thoroughly enjoy your visit to Jen's "The Insane Ramblings of a Cre8tive Quilter" blog. I certainly did.

Jen, you have a LOT to say about quilts and quilting and I thoroughly enjoyed my visit to your "The Insane Ramblings of a Cre8tive Quilter" blog.

Here's some more of her wonderful quilt creations:

I Love Crafts and Craft Blogs Was Mentioned In The "Crafting With A Vintage Look, Issue#028 Newsletter

I just thought you'd all like to know that we received a wonderful email last week from Scott Henderson of Vintageimagecraft.com telling us that the "I Love Crafts and Craft Blogs" blog was mentioned in their "Crafting With A Vintage Look, Issue#028 Newsletter."

Here's what they said:

Inspiring Books 'n Blogs

Here is one for the books: A craft blog about - craft blogs! But it is so much more, too. Linda Walsh is a crafter and designer with an eye for vintage style. And, she's great fun to read. Delve into her series of interviews with renowned craft bloggers, or read her blog reviews. Loaded with photos and insights, you'll find ideas and inspiration. Tell Linda we sent you to I Love Crafts and Craft Blogs.

We paid a visit to Scott's Vintageimagecraft.com and have to tell you that we loved it. It's a wonderful website filled with oodles and oodles of free craft projects using vintage images.

Here's what they have to say about their website: "Vintage images are the inspiration behind all of our crafts and scrapbooking projects. From the romantic to the whimsical, Victorian and turn-of-the-century illustrations can give your creativity a distinctive touch. These classic illustrations and photographs are rich in color, artistic technique and symbolism. This bygone art captures the essence of life's highlights - holidays, celebrations and sentiments - vividly.

The projects teach you techniques for decoupage, collage, reverse-glass painting, embossing, antiquing, card-making and paper crafts.

VintageImageCraft is your online resource for ideas, inspiration and the finest-quality images. Here, you'll find:

• Free craft ideas and instructions for using art to make art. We went for fun and easy. Inexpensive to make, with materials and tools – and skills – that you probably have. Many are perfect for children or small crafting parties.
  
• Free digital images for each craft project, easily downloadable in PDF format with a click of your mouse.
  
• Tips and techniques. A full glossary of helpful information about crafting terms and FAQs about acquiring, manipulating and printing digital pictures. Check the craft tools reference and craft techniques for information about the basics you'll need to get crafting.
  
• Artist reference. The stories behind the drawings may inspire you. Between 1890 and 1920, printers in America and Europe produced hundreds of thousands of postcards bearing photographs and illustrations, and their artistic creators established world-wide reputations.

Not only do they offer oodles and oodles of free craft projects, but they also offer a whole lot more. You might find a little bit of insight into the background or history of some of the different vintage projects, learn a few craft techniques, read interviews with some of today's vintage artists and learn about the actual vintage artists whose creations they feature. They have craft recipes, craft tools, paper sizes, FAQ's, a craft glossary, a TON of vintage craft categories, and a download gallery.

I hope you get a chance to visit Scott's Vintageimagecraft.com website and hope you enjoy it as much as we did. They have a LOT to offer so you may be there for awhile.

Thanks for the mention in the newsletter, Scott. We really appreciate it.

Get To Know The Artist/Crafter Series Interview - Dessa Rae Greenwood of Dessa Rae Original Art Dolls

It's no secret that I LOVE dolls and doll artists and have blogged about them many, many times.

Okay, make that hundreds of times! LOL LOL

Now you would think that by now I wouldn't meet a doll artist whose creations I hadn't seen or written about before.

Well, you'd be wrong. In fact, you'd be very wrong.

You see I'd never met Dessa Rae Greenwood until recently and she makes astonishing sculptured dolls, especially reborn babies - something I have never tried to do and do not think I could create. Her sculptured doll creations are not only original works of art, but simply precious to view.

Her reborns are so lifelike that when she puts them in a carriage and walks them through the mall everyone thinks they are real. That's how unbelievable her creations are. Now that would be fun to not only see, but to do.

In fact, Dessa Rae is so such an astonishing doll artist that she has been nominated time and time again for several prestigious doll awards and the reborn pictured above and to the right was featured in the March 2008 issue of Doll Reader.

Dessa Rae doesn't just make reborn dolls - she makes all kinds of dolls from sculptured children to cloth dolls, animals, faeries, mermaids, bunnies. and more. She has been making dolls for 30 years, sculpting for 20 years, and creating her remarkable reborns since 2002.

Here's what Dessa Rae said about herself and her dolls on her Dessa Rae Original Art Dolls Blog blog: I am a self taught Doll Artist, and I have been making dolls for 30 years. I have been sculpting for 25 years. I started out making cloth dolls. I then found Cernit and I was soon hooked on sculpting. Many, many dolls ended up in the trash, and there was a lot of trial and error, mainly error. At that particular time there wasn't a lot of information for beginning sculptors. The information concerning One-of-a-Kind Dolls was a closely guarded secret. I have won two Dolls Award of Excellence nominations. One in 1995 and the other in 1997. I won the Froud Artist of the month in May 2007. My dolls have been featured in many Doll Publications over the years. You can rest assured that what ever medium I using to create dolls, these dolls will be of the highest quality. I am always happy when I am creating, sculpting, and sewing. And I am even happier when one of my creations goes to a good home.

Here's what Dessa Rae said about her reborns on the About Me page of her Sweet Memory Reborns website: "I remember when I first found the Reborning community. I had just found out about eBay and I was looking at the dolls. I kept reading the words Reborns and I didn't know what they were talking about...lol. Then I saw a picture of a Reborn doll, and I couldn't believe my eyes. That doll was so lifelike, I couldn't believe that it was only a doll.

I knew right then and there that I had to find out how to make these beautiful dolls.

I think for the next 6 months I studied, read everything I could get my hands on and experimented. I have tried every new technique for Reborning that there is. Some worked for me and some didn't. I had been using Genesis Heat Set Paints, but due to the chemical solvents used, and the heating of the vinyl, I was diagnosed with chemical Pneumonia. Since I have discontinued the Genesis I haven't had any more health problems.

So it was back to the drawing board for me. I have now come up with a technique that provides a quality, lifelike baby without the health issues.

My first Reborns were gifts and charity donations.

Since that time I have divided my time between sculpting dolls, cloth dolls, and Reborns. I make my Reborns for eBay and for the local doll shows."

I hope you enjoy her interview.

1) What age were you when your creative talent first appeared?

I was about 8 years old when I wanted to learn how to knit, and crochet. Then when my first daughter was born I became very interested in doll making.

2) What was your very first creation?

I guess I would have to say a little rag doll that I made for my daughter when she was born.

3) What types of items do you create?

I create cloth dolls, I make Reborns, I sculpt babies, Faeries, Mermaids, and little rabbits. Mostly in miniature. I crochet beanies for my grandchildren.

4) What has been your favorite creation and why?

My Favorite creation was a sculpt I did about 20 years ago. It was of a little girl who's pet bird had flown away. I took it into the boutique and ran home to get my camera and when I got back the sculpt had been sold. I learned a hard lesson that day!!

5) What has been your most difficult creation and why?

When the movie Titanic was playing I was so moved by it I decided to sculpt Leonardo DiCaprio. I took me months to finish him. My daughter cut her hair so Leo could have human hair. I still have him in my collection because my daughter wanted to keep him.

6) What type of arts & crafts haven't you learned to do yet that you would love to try?

I think it is called Lampwork beads. I think they are just beautiful, and I would like to try to make them some day. There just aren't enough hours in the day.

7) Is there any particular art or craft you dislike and why?

It's not that I dislike this craft, but I have a hard time quilting. I have a short attention span...lol and quilting makes me nervous.

8) What is the name and URL of your blog(s)?

My main blog is called Dessa Rae Original Art Dolls. I have another blog that is in conjunction with my main blog called Bonnets and Booties. (The latter is only for my cloth dolls). My main blog address is: http://dessaraeartdolls.blogspot.com

9) When did you start to blog and why did you create your blog?

I just recently started blogging. I had been hearing that a lot of artist's were giving up there websites, and only blogging. This peaked my interest and so I looked into blogging. It has been so much fun, I love it. I still have my website though. I have way too many dolls to show them on a blog.

10) What do you blog about?

I blog about what ever comes to mind...mainly my dolls though. I do have two of my favorite You Tube videos on there. I have a Fingernail tutorial on my blog. I had never done a tutorial and so I thought I would give it a try.

11) What would you like your blog readers to know about you and your creations?

I guess...that I am 57 years young and I still play with dolls. And no matter what type of doll I create they are made from the finest materials. A little piece of my heart goes into each and everyone of them. I always say "From my hands to your Heart"

12) What is the name and URL of your website(s)?

Dessa Rae Original Art Dolls - http://www.dessadolls.com

13) What would you like everyone to know about your website(s)?

I would like everyone to know that my website contains samples of my work for 30 years. It is jam packed with pictures, awards I have received. It has different categories for the different types of dolls and crafts I have created. I am updating it constantly. It's not as fancy as some I have seen, but just the same it's fun to look at.


I hope you all have enjoyed Dessa Rae's interview and enjoyed seeing pictures of some of her amazing doll creations. I know that I would LOVE to see some of her creations in person as I can only imagine how real and life-like they are. Plus, I would just love to walk through a mall with one just to see every one's reaction.

For sure, Dessa Rae is a talented and extremely gifted doll artist and sculptor.

She also has two other blogs. Sweet Memory Reborns blog and her Bonnets and Booties Cloth Doll Creations blog.

If you'd like to see more pictures of her doll creations her DessaDolls Photobucket album is at http://s210.photobucket.com/albums/bb18/dessadolls_2007/ and her Dessa Dolls Flickr album is at http://www.flickr.com/photos/dessaraeartdolls/ .

Get To Know The Artist/Crafter Series Interview - Kat White of Krystal Kat's

There is one craft that I haven't tried as of yet, but would love to if I had the time. It just looks like it would be a whole lot of fun.

But, I know that it is much more difficult than it looks and requires a great deal of creativity. It also looks like it would require a lot of patience and a lot of time depending on the beads.

What could this craft be?

Well, it's jewelry making and Kat White of Krystal Kat's is a remarkable jeweler who makes the most astonishing jewelry and crystal suncatcher creations made with Swarovski crystals that you could ever imagine.

In fact, she is so good that her Crystal Suncatchers and Wine Charms were featured in the March 2008 issue of Woman’s Day magazine.

As I was looking through her website and blog I couldn't help but try to imagine a whole window filled with her stunning crystal suncatchers just hanging there in all their wondrous glory.

The colors and the way the light would reflect off the crystals would have to be so beautiful that it would just astonish you.

Kat makes handcrafted jewelry, unique one of a kind domino pendants, charms, pendants, crystal jewelry, bracelets, beaded bookmarks, rings, and so much more. As you'll see from her interview, she "loves what she does" and it certainly shows in her wonderful creations.

But, Kat is more than just an accomplished jeweler and crystal suncatcher creator. She's also a beader, sewer, cross-stitcher, crocheter, painter, digital scrapbook artist, photographer, stamper, decorator, altered art creator - and the list goes on and on.

Kat's jewelry and crystal suncatchers consist of Angels & Fairies, Beaded Anklets, Beaded Rings, Bookmarks, Charms, Christian Jewelry & Crosses, Crystal Beaded Earrings, Crystal Bracelets, Crystal Cell Phone Straps, Crystal Rainbow Suncatchers, Crystal Suncatchers, Crystal Wine Charms & Bangles, Eyeglass Holders, Fabric Items, Fairy Gift Bags, Fall Leaf Jewelry, Gemstone Jewelry, Gift Boxes, Bags and Cards, Halloween & Fall Crystal Jewelry, Little Girls Gems, Necklaces, Red White and Blue Jewelry, Saint Patrick's Day & Celtic Jewelry, Valentine & Hearts Jewelry, and Vintage Necklaces.

I hope you enjoy Kat's interview.

1) What age were you when your creative talent first appeared?

At age 14 I started beading and made my own jewelry. I have been addicted to beads on and off every since.

2) What was your very first creation?

Probably earrings, then I made a necklace that I wore in one of my school photos. I look at that photo now and think what a cute necklace I made back then. And realize that beading is something I have done the longest and was my first actual craft. I spent all my baby-sitting money on getting beads to make more things!

3) What types of items do you create?

I make Crystal Jewelry and Crystal Suncatchers mostly, but I also make domino art pendants and vintage style jewelry as well. I also like to sew so I sell some of what I make in that area as well. Just made some cute kitty pillows that I will be adding to my Etsy store soon and also my website.

4) What has been your favorite creation and why?

Wow that's really hard because I love everything, but my favorite would be the crystal suncatchers or some of my most interesting bracelets.

5) What has been your most difficult creation and why?

Bracelets that require using several wires and maybe some weaving. Trying to get it to the correct size can sometimes take more time then I had thought. You have to be sure to crimp one end so you don't waste time and have to start all over when your beads all fall of the strings. That was a lesson I had to learn after wasting a lot of time not crimping one end then moving forward. Sometimes you cannot do this however so it's good to use a tool to keep your ends from coming loose from your hands and therefore losing all your work onto the floor or mat.

6) What type of arts & crafts haven't you learned to do yet that you would love to try?

I think making my own beads would be a lot of fun, but it requires some expensive machinery that I just cannot afford at this time. But it's a dream for some day down the road.

7) Is there any particular art or craft you dislike and why?

I don't like painting, because my stuff always turns out ugly when I have to paint things unless it's one color. I just don't have the knack for that.

8) What is the name and URL of your blog(s)?

Shiny Moon Beams at http://shinymoonbeams.com/wordpress/

9) When did you start to blog and why did you create your blog?

I have been doing the blog for about 1 year almost. I started it for many reasons. I still need to spend more time on it and get more involved with some fellow craft bloggers. Some evolving would be good on my part in that area for sure. I have a problem bringing me into the blog and also my craft too and make it all sounds interesting.

10) What do you blog about?

Only about my jewelry, so I would like to blog about more things, that is the hard part for me.

11) What would you like your blog readers to know about you and your creations?

This is the problem, I really have no blog plan and need to read about this and learn in this area how to write an interesting blog. I see all these wonderful blogs and wish I could spend more time in that area, but it's hard with family and my craft.

12) What is the name and URL of your website(s)?

My Jewelry Website is Krystal Kat's at http://krystalkats.com

My blog is Shiny Moon Beams at http://shinymoonbeams.com/wordpress/

I also have a little shop on Etsy at http://shinymoonbeams.etsy.com

13) What would you like everyone to know about your website(s)?

That I love what I do!

Get To Know The Artist/Crafter Series Interview - Jan Demetralis of "jandees this and that" Blog

I know that I'm very partial to doll artists and doll makers, and by now I must sound like a broken record. Unfortunately, I just can't help it.

I just LOVE every doll I have ever seen and want to try creating every conceivable type of doll. But, it isn't just dolls I want to make. It's every conceivable type of craft there is and as you can probably understand - that's a problem.

You see, it would be impossible for me to try and make everything I want to make and try every craft I want to try for it would take hundred's of years. And, it would take cloning myself - which is not possible.

One of the things I just LOVE about the Internet is that I get to meet other artists and crafters who share my love of creating everything and anything and would also need to be cloned to do everything they want to do. Jan Demetralis (i.e. Jandee) of "jandees this and that" blog is one such artist and crafter.

Jandee is an exceptional doll artist who has been featured on: Dolls in Miniature, Cloth Paper and Scissors, Quilt Art, and Contemporary Doll. She creates the most beautiful "big-eyed" dolls that I have ever seen and which I just absolutely love. I'm so envious of her talent in this regard as I would LOVE to be able to paint "big-eyed" dolls like Jandee.


She also creates clothespin dolls, pin dolls, colonial dolls, animals, clay dolls, mixed media art & dolls, primitive dolls, gourd art & dolls, quilts and so much more. She's also an exceptional illustrator and portrait painter.

In fact, Jandee has so many talents and has tried so many things I finally lost count. However, what I didn't lose count of is what astonishing creations she always seems to make.

I took an instant liking to Jandee and her creations and postings in her blog and felt an instant connection to her.

I hope you can see why from an early blog post in which she says, "I think --if I could stick to-- one art --and perfect it.. I could call myself an artist !! but-- as soon as I finish one project-- I see another-- I want to try --Of course with the Internet --feeding this monstrous curiosity !!!--Still --- I can't just blame the Internet-- as I have always had this (artistic?) ADD--- a case in point---My brother just sent me some childhood (colored Chalk) drawings --and said-- What happened ?? I was sure you would be an artist someday !! ?? My reply-- was that I hadn't really found my niche yet!! Too many crafts and so little time!!"

I hear you Jandee and I totally understand that feeling. So many things to create and, yet, so little time.

But, Jandee isn't just an exceptional doll artist. She is also an extraordinary artist, clay sculpture, and mixed media artist. And, she is totally self-taught which is all the more astonishing. She has a natural talent and has had so since a very early age.

If you'd like to see more of Jandee's beautiful creations please visit her PictureTrail album at
http://www.picturetrail.com/gallery/view?username=dmtrls1&x=17&y .

I hope you enjoy Jandee's interview:

1) What age were you when your creative talent first appeared?

Mom said I as born fiddling!?!

2) What was your very first creation?

Mom would hand me a hanky or pencil and paper in church and tell me to make something when I got fidgety as a toddler!!

3) What types of items do you create?

I am a true mixed media artist..I try anything "new" that strikes my fancy -- Cloth /Clay /Painting/ etcetera. Never had lessons -- Lord knows they would have helped ..But T&E (Trial and Error)-maybe slower but it works!?!?!

4) What has been your favorite creation and why?

I am like my grans-- the newest one is always the favorite.

5) What has been your most difficult creation and why?

I think they are all difficult since I don't use patterns or molds -- I have to first figure out how I am going to DO IT!!! Again a lot of T&E ---I ran a catering business and did a lot of food art!!!! I would say that was my hardest time -- as I was on a deadline---

6) What type of arts & crafts haven't you learned to do yet that you would love to try?

Knitting and crochet I have tried them -- but no patience---I can't do repetitive crafts-- warp in my brain?? I can't even make the same doll twice but ah to crochet !!!

7) Is there any particular art or craft you dislike and why?

Repetitive things Just a brain warp..I love anything tho-- from goth -fantasy and real mod to the prims.

8) What is the name and URL of your blog(s)?

jandee's this and that at www.jandeesthisandthat.blogspot.com

9) When did you start to blog and why did you create your blog?

Kerry Seymour put up the first blog for me --I cant remember when -- but I lost a few blogs in some down time on the computer---I think the latest is about a year old

10) What do you blog about?

Like it says this and that but mostly what I try to create.

11) What would you like your blog readers to know about you and your creations?

I would like to learn about more how to interact??(is that right? ) with my readers! I would like to show how I do things and give some of my creations to people who would enjoy them I would like their opinions I think that would help me grow --ala in all SHARE!!!

12) What is the name and URL of your website(s)?

I figured I don't sell anything so I didn't need one. I would be glad to advertise certain products I have tried and like.

Something For The Newest Of Crafters To The More Experienced of Crafters Selling E-Products On The Internet

If you've known me for awhile you know that I have a LOT of websites and blogs so starting another website and blog might sound a little crazy to you.

Well, it is and it isn't.

You see I've been mulling something over in my head for close to a year now. It has to do with being a small business crafter online and has to do with my experiences with that and with my experiences trying to find everything I need in one place.

There's just SO MUCH that you need for your websites and blogs and just SO MANY places to look. I wanted to make that a little easier, especially when it concerns e-products.

So, I thought that an EVERYTHING E-DIRECTORY to be "YOUR ONE SOURCE FOR EVERYTHING E FOR CRAFTS" would be a perfect solution for small business artists and crafters and e-hobbyists alike. Everything in one place.

Whether you’re looking for E-Patterns, E-Books, E-Tutorials, E-Pictorials, E-Classes, E-Printables, Graphics, Video’s, Podcasts, Blogs, E-Zines, E-Tailers, E-Stores, E-Directories, E-Communities, Handmade Crafts Websites, Crafts Suppliers, Crafting Plugboards, Website Hosting, Picture Hosting, Crafting Topsites, Crafting Twitters and FACEBOOK Crafters, E-Products Classifieds, E-Products Specials, Free Craft E-Products and more we are your one source for EVERYTHING E for your crafting needs.

One place to list all your websites and blogs - even your products. Something suitable and affordable for the newest of small business crafters to the more experienced artist and crafter.

You can list your websites, blogs, and even single products, and you can have your website, blog, even single products as featured advertising. We've got lots of options and lots of possibilities. And, of course, plenty of "freebies."

And, like I do with everything, I have an EVERYTHING E FOR CRAFTS E-DIRECTORY BLOG to support the Everything E-Directory. All our listings members and 12 month featured advertisers will have links back to their websites, blogs, and/or products on the sidebar of the blog. And, we'll have monthly posting for our listing members and 12 month featured advertisers "Latest News", "Contest" and "Specials." And, whenever anyone lists their website. blog, or product or advertises their website, blog, or product we'll post about it during that month. It's a win-win for small business crafters and more experienced crafters alike.

Listing in the Everything E-Directory is easy to do and is very affordable. The Everything E-Directory listings are paid on an annual basis and run for 12 consecutive months. Your listing contains a clickable 125x125 button banner for your website and/or blog, or clickable 125x125 product picture on the applicable e-directory category page. It also contains a clickable text link back to your website, blog, or product page as well as a short website, blog, or product description on the applicable e-directory category page. Additional applicable e-directory category pages may be chosen for additional fees.

Advertising in the Everything E-Directory and/or Everything E For Crafts E-Directory Blog is also easy to do and is very affordable. For the featured advertising we offer you a choice of either a button banner or product picture on the applicable section of the HOME page of the Everything E-Directory, top of the applicable Everything E-Directory category page, top of the Everything E For Crafts E-Directory Blog, or sidebar of the Everything E For Crafts E-Directory Blog. We also offer affordable “Classified” listing in monthly posts on our Everything E For Crafts E-Directory Blog.

For the button banner advertising or product picture you can choose 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, or one year of sequential advertising. The prices for months 3 through 12 reflect a discount for placing sequential ads. The longer sequential period of time you advertise the less you pay per advertisement. Featured advertising button banners and/or product pictures run for the length of your sequential advertising period and needs to be 150x150 in size.

We are a family-friendly website and do not allow websites, blogs, banners, or product pictures that are not family-friendly.

I hope you'll agree that this was a great idea. If you'd like to visit our Everything E-Directory please CLICK HERE.

If you'd like more information on listing in our Everything E-Directory please CLICK HERE.

If you'd like more information on featured advertising in our Everything E-Directory and Everything E For Crafts E-Directory Blog please CLICK HERE.

I hope you decide to join us.

Get To Know The Artist/Crafter Series Interview - Anne and Hazel Lott-Canning From The Vintage Fabric Market

I just love families that teach their children how to craft and who instill a love of crafts in their children. I also love families that turn their love of crafts and/or their passion, which in this case is recycling vintage items, into a family owned and operated business.

Vintage items seem to be all the rage these days, especially items from the 1940's and 1950's. And, due to the current economic crisis, along with this fad is a renewed interest in making your own items and/or recycling and refurbishing old items.

I especially love the old hair accessories, old purses, vintage fabric, and old patterns. In fact, I wish I had the foresight years and years ago to save my old fabric stash and the patterns I made as a child. Of course, I wish I had done the same with my original Barbie doll and some of the toys I had in the 1950's.

I don't have any of my vintage items, but for sure Anne, Colin, Hazel and Gillian not only have a ton of vintage items, but they are constantly seeking out and finding the BEST in vintage to add to their collection.

They run the Vintage Fabric Market, which is a brick and mortar family owned and operated store in Castle Camps, Cambridgeshire, UK. They also have a "The Vintage Fabric Market" website and "The Vintage Fabric Market" blog.

According to their "About Us" page: Our family tradition of fashion buying and manufacturing begins in the early 20Th century. The current generation has a lifetime's experience in retail and manufacturing.

We have always had a fascination with fabrics and recycling and know that many people share that passion. There is a real and growing demand for genuine vintage fabrics and fashion accessories in the UK and we saw an opportunity to use our experience to satisfy that demand. We started out trading on eBay with immediate success and built up a loyal customer base.

In 2008 we took the plunge and set up our own online store. The store gives us much more flexibility to display our goods attractively and communicate with our customers.

If you like recycled vintage clothing, accessories, etc. you'll love their selection. Their categories include the following: Vintage, Retro, Evening Bags and Purses, Classic Leather Handbags, Millinery, Costume Jewellery, Vintage Clothing, Hair & Kitsch Accessories, Women's Accessories, Men's Accessories, Children's, Vintage Linen, Bedding, Vintage Fabric, Haberdashery, Embellishments, Knitting, Sewing Patterns & Crafts, Prints, Embroidery & Greetings Cards, Collectibles, Books, Cooking & Household, Handmade Bags, Jewellery, Hats and Gifts, New Products

I hope you enjoy Anne and Gillian's Get To Know The Artist/Crafter Series Interview.

1) What age were you when your creative talent first appeared?

Anne - I was about 10. It was very common to be taught those kinds of activities - sewing, knitting, pattern making etc.

Hazel - My parents have always encouraged our creative sides, especially my mum Anne, who is the driving force behind The Vintage Fabric Market, so I guess from as early as I can remember.

2) What was your very first creation?

Anne - A piece of knitting.

Hazel - I think my first creation was probably a friendship bracelet. I can remember sitting for hours with my sister, plaiting threads in front of the TV. Very therapeutic!

3) What types of items do you create?

Anne - Fashion Items, which we sell a lot of on the website.

Hazel - At The Vintage Fabric Market we make bags, hair accessories, hats, jewelery, you name it really.

4) What has been your favorite creation and why?

Anne - Hats because they are so glamorous.

Hazel - I made a lovely cot quilt for one of my friends children before he was born. She still uses it for him now and it's inspired her to begin a quilt of her own.

5) What has been your most difficult creation and why?

Anne - A swimsuit because they are very difficult to fit.

Hazel - The same quilt. It had lots of intricate pieces on it and I hand sewed a lot of it. It was very time consuming but worth it in the end.

6) What type of arts & crafts haven't you learned to do yet that you would love to try?

Anne - Silk screen printing, we're soon hoping to make our own brand of fabric!

Hazel - Hmmm not sure, I've recently seen a blog about sheds where a lady covered one in fabric remnants. The end result was amazing, so I guess that's my next big project.

7) Is there any particular art or craft you dislike and why?

Anne - Cookery because its messy!

Hazel - They're all great aren't they?

8) What is the name and URL of your blog(s)?

The Vintage Fabric Market-http://vintagefabricmarket.blogspot.com/

9) When did you start to blog and why did you create your blog?

We began our blog in early March, this year.

10) What do you blog about?

We blog about our life and work in The Vintage Fabric Market, It's a real family affair.

11) What would you like your blog readers to know about you and your creations?

We just wanted to show one and all what we got up to in the workshop, and the day to day shenanigans really.

12) What is the name and URL of your website(s)?

The Vintage Fabric Market www.vintagefabricmarket.co.uk

13) What would you like everyone to know about your website(s)?

Anne - A one stop shop for vintage crafts!

Hazel - It's a unique website selling vintage fabric and items dating back to the thirties, sometimes earlier. It's a delightful treasure trove of collectibles, fabrics, patterns, clothing and jewelery etc. Come in and have a look around, you're bound to find some delicious trinkets to tempt you!

Get To Know The Artist/Crafter Series Interview - Sue McFadden of Sue McFadden Original Felt Dolls

Sometimes you meet other people that you take an instant liking to. People that you can relate to and who seem to share your interests. Then you discover upon reading through their blog that you are very alike indeed.

Maybe you're both "baby boomers" having graduated in the same year. Or, maybe you're both doll designers always searching for something you can't quite put your finger on.

Such is the case with Sue McFadden who is an astonishing cloth and felt doll maker. Her creations are beautiful works of art, each with their own distinctive personality - their own heart and soul. Each doll speaks to you in their own unique way and conveys Sue's feelings on life.

When I first saw Sue's incredible felt dolls it took me back to a time many, many, many years ago when I first visited an amazing doll shop not too far from where I live. When I walked into the doll shop I was in awe of all the beautiful porcelain, and cloth dolls for sale.

And, then I had my breath taken away by some astonishing felt dolls that were for sale as well. I just couldn't stop looking at their faces and admiring the creative process that went into making them. They were, quite literally, the most beautiful dolls I had even seen. As I was very young at the time I don't remember the doll maker. Suffice to say, however, that the impression they made on me has lasted to this very day.

And, suffice to say they were some of the most extraordinary dolls I'd ever seen. That is, until I saw picture's of Sue's felt dolls. Her dolls take my breath away in the same manner as the dolls I had seen so many, many, many years ago. Seeing Sue's dolls reminded me of my feelings of astonishment at the creative process that I'd felt so long ago.

So, thank you, Sue for bringing back a wonderful memory and for bringing back a sense of astonishment and awe that I haven't felt in a long time.

Sue is an amazing cloth and felt doll maker who makes button jointed, felt bodied dolls with 3 dimensional paper clay mask heads covered with felt. She also makes amazing shadow box dolls, paper dolls, and is a beautiful artist and illustrator.

I hope you enjoy Sue's interview and are as amazed at the pictures of her creations as I was. The pictures of her dolls are just breath taking. I can only imagine how incredible the dolls are to see in real life.

1) What age were you when your creative talent first appeared?

Around age 5. I started to draw pictures then. My Grandmother and Mother taught me how to knit, embroider, sew, crochet, bake, etc. Very crafty family!

2) What was your very first creation?

A profile drawing of my Father done in pencil. I had captured his likeness (or so my family said!). I was totally unaware of it as being anything special.

3) What types of items do you create?

Felt artist dolls, shadowbox illustrations using dolls, felted items

4) What has been your favorite creation and why?

It would have to be one of my felt dolls, a OOAK called Ragged Robin, 1993. She was my first OOAK doll. I had no idea where I was headed. I had always loved the fairy realm. This was an instance where the creation came to me and presented itself. I just worked in good faith.

5) What has been your most difficult creation and why?

It's usually the current doll I am working on! Right now I am in the sculpting process for 3 new felt dolls, all different sizes with hopefully ball joints! Sometimes new creations are successful and sometimes not. The unsuccessful ones usually propel me into the next creation. The missing link becomes evident!

6) What type of arts & crafts haven't you learned to do yet that you would love to try?

Tatting, my Mother gave me her shuttles but I wasn't smart enough to learn while she was still with me. I want to learn more about needle and wet felting techniques, perhaps make some apparel. In my early adult years I wanted to be a fashion designer. I also have been trying my hand at children's books, both writing and illustration.

7) Is there any particular art or craft you dislike and why?

Pottery, just the making of it. I actually collect it! Being an Art Education major years ago and then teaching we had to do it all! It gave me a great appreciation for all art/craft forms and the artist that bring their creations/visions to life.

8) What is the name and URL of your blog(s)?

Sues Daily Blog (I was so paralyzed at the time - what, me going public?! haha!) at http://suesdailyblog.blogspot.com/

9) When did you start to blog and why did you create your blog?

In 2007. I created for twofold reasons. To reach family and friends and to give an inside glimpse into my doll making process. I think it humanizes your art by sharing your life. Only you can create what you do.

10) What do you blog about?

Day to day events in my studio and personal life. They really are very intertwined. My doll work and new processes that I am learning.My husband is in the restaurant business and we live in two locations to run the restaurants (with wonderful partners!). It's a very creative and interesting life!

11) What would you like your blog readers to know about you and your creations?

I've been making dolls a long time (since 1981) but there is always something new to learn. My creations are a reflection of how I see the world and feel about it. I always try to give 110%! I try to convey magic, beauty and mystery. Actually to me a lot of my creations are a mystery! I'm just the medium!

12) What is the name and URL of your website(s)?

Sue McFadden - Original Felt Dolls at www.suemcfadden.com

13) What would you like everyone to know about your website(s)?

That it's terribly dated but carries my work up to date. I plan on redoing it this year. The web is an amazing place. The changes that have happened in the past ten years are amazing. I've reached people I could not have reached any other way. Truly a blessing!

Get To Know The Artist/Crafter Series Interview - Kathleen Rush of PigTails Paper Trails

I just love it when I learn something new about crafting and today I learned three new things. They have to do with paper crafting creations and scrapbooking. I learned what SVG is, what Cricut is, and what "Sure Cuts A Lot" is. Do you know what they are?

If you're like me and you don't - SVG stands for "scalable vector graphics" and is file format used for describing two and three-dimensional vector graphics - static and animated. Cricut is the personal electronic cutting machine by Provo Craft and "Sure Cuts A Lot" is the software used for true type fonts and shapes on the Cricut machine.

Now that you know what they are you still might be wondering what they are used for.

Well, they're used for creating two and three-dimensional paper crafts. I learned this by looking at some of the wonderful creations by Kathleen Rush of PigTails Paper Trails who sells SVG graphics on her Pigtails Paper Trails website and her PigTails Paper Trails Etsy Shoppe.

I have loved watching the explosion in the paper crafting industry over the last decade. I'm always amazed at some of the paper creations that are created by some very imaginative paper, altered art, and scrap booking artists and crafters.

I'd like to think I'm a forward thinking and imaginative crafter, but I for one never saw the paper creation explosion and all the creative possibilities there were for paper. The volume of creations and the variety of paper creations is simply amazing. An explosion is putting it mildly.

I would LOVE to learn how to create astonishing altered art projects, two and three dimensional paper creations, and wonderful heirloom scrapbooks. Unfortunately, for me time is my enemy and I just can't learn everything I want to learn and create everything I want to create.

However, if I want to learn how to create some amazing altered art projects, two and three dimensional paper creations, and wonderful scrapbooks Kathleen would be the artist and crafter to turn to.

You see Kathleen is an amazing altered art and paper artist with an incredible imagination. She is also an avid scrapbooker. She makes some of the most wonderful altered art clipboard creations that you'd ever want to see. Once I saw Kathleen's clipboards I fell in love with the idea of altering them.

She and her sister, Rebecca, also make paper dress creations that I just love. Some are cards and some are paper shadowbox three-dimensional decorations.

Kathleen and her sister, Rebecca, both contribute to the Pigtails Paper Trails website and her PigTails Paper Trails Etsy Shoppe and both post articles on the PigTails Paper Trails blog. Kathleen also has a personal blog on scrapbooking and her life entitled "A Bushel and A Peck" at http://abushelandpeck.blogspot.com .

I hope you enjoy Kathleen's interview.

1) What age were you when your creative talent first appeared?

I have always been creative, but I started scrapbooking in my early twenties.

2) What was your very first creation?

I made a scrapbook for my brother in law for his high school graduation gift.

3) What types of items do you create?

Scrapbook pages, altered art including altered clipboards and journals and tags. I also create SVG files for use with "Sure Cuts A Lot" and Cricut.

4) What has been your favorite creation and why?

My favorite creation was a book I made of a weekend getaway my husband and I took without the kids. It was a spectacular and relaxing weekend and I love to relive the memory.

5) What has been your most difficult creation and why?

A scrapbook for my third child. It seems like life became so busy that catching up on hers has been difficult.

6) What type of arts & crafts haven't you learned to do yet that you would love to try?

Quilling, quilting, crochet and knitting.

7) Is there any particular art or craft you dislike and why?

I dislike making clay creations but I love to see what others create. I just can't get it right no matter how hard I have tried.

8) What is the name and URL of your blog(s)?

PigTails Paper Trails at http://pigtailspapertrails.blogspot.com

A Bushel and A Peck at http://abushelandpeck.blogspot.com

9) When did you start to blog and why did you create your blog?

I started to blog a little over a year ago. At first it was to promote my Etsy store and then it became fun to show my friends and family what I have created and
what is happening in my life.

10) What do you blog about?

My latest creations in my home and in my craft life. I also blog about some of my personal experiences.

11) What would you like your blog readers to know about you and your
creations?

That I love what I do and that I love to get feedback and comments!

12) What is the name and URL of your website(s)?

Pigtails Paper Trails at http://pigtailspapertrails.com and my PigTails Paper Trails Etsy Shoppe at http//pigtailspapertrails.etsy.com

13) What would you like everyone to know about your website(s)?

At my website I sell SVG files that I create for use with "Sure Cuts A Lot" program
and Cricut. At my Etsy store, I sell one of a kind altered items such as
clipboards and journals.

I offer freebie cutting files at my store. http://pigtailspapertrails.com

Get To Know The Artist/Crafter Series Interview - Lisa Young of Button Bliss

There is a lot of truth to the statement that, "It's A Small World!"

It is for sure and the reason I know this is true is that time and time again I have encountered artists and crafters from other parts of the world whose blog posts make me laugh and have me saying to myself, "That's Me!" Well, Lisa Young who lives in Australia is one of those artists and crafters.

I just love reading Lisa's Button Bliss blog posts as they always have me smiling and laughing out loud. They are carefree and delightful with a wicked sense of humor thrown in. You can actually imagine what is going on in her mind and maybe even the expression on her face at the time.

Here's a case in point from a 2/7/09 post: "I have also been cleaning out my craft room AGAIN. I'd like to say I am creatively cluttered, or that it is organised chaos, but in truth I'm a messy worker, easily distracted. I like to have five projects on the go at once, I can rarely find my keys and only god knows where my mobile phone is at the moment (I'm hoping he'll send me a dream or something soon). I'm fairly certain that I only own four children, although there are a couple of extras here who look very relaxed in their surroundings."

There is a post entitled "A Royal Flush" about - well, toilet flushing, that also had me laughing out loud. I'm not going to spoil it for you by giving you a little snippet. You'll just have to go to her blog and read it for yourself.

Lisa is an artist and crafter who, with her husband, creates the most adorable laser cut and hand painted wood buttons you'd ever want to see. They are delightful designs filled with Lisa's beautiful creative humor. In other words - they are simply precious.

However, Lisa doesn't just design whimsical buttons. She also designs beautiful and charming stitcheries. And, amongst other things, she sews and paints.

Lisa is a talented woman who doesn't just love her life - she lets it explode in everything and anything she does. You can tell from her writings, her creations, her stitcheries, and her pictures that she just loves her family, her business, and her creations.

Not only is she a creative and gifted crafter. She is also a warmhearted and caring individual with a heart of gold. Her Button Bliss blog is filled with her unending humor. She allows us a glimpse into her life in Australia and her creations and, in doing so, shows us how enchanting life can be.

I hope you enjoy Lisa's interview and get a chance to read through her delightfully wonderful blog.

1) What age were you when your creative talent first appeared?

I failed Yr 7 art so it must have been after that! I really didn't craft much until after my children were born and then it just grew and grew.

2) What was your very first creation?

I first made some little bee buttons and farm animals, all hand cut on a scroll saw, but we quickly decided that to keep up with demand and to keep all my hubby's fingers attached we would need to purchase a laser machine. I have working stitcheries for a number of years and my first "own" design was a little garden with three of my birdhouse buttons on it.

3) What types of items do you create?


My main focus is hand painted timber buttons and embellishments, we have everything from soft and pretty rose buttons, to a Noah's Ark parade of animals, to bright and funky flowers, garden items, cupcakes and baby bottles. All buttons are my own designs and are completely hand painted by me in my little workshop.

We do a lot of custom designs. where a customer might ring and say they need a purple teddy bear with the name Bob on his tummy, and we make it. They might have a special quote that they want on a heart button, there is no limit to what we can create.

I have just started a small range of scrapbooking items and will be adding to it, with words and letters, flourishes, and tags.

I also design stitcheries, both simple designs to frame and larger quilt style designs.

4) What has been your favorite creation and why?

My Little Book of Angels is something I'm really proud of. It was a big step to put together and I am delighted with it. The Little Book of Bears will be released later this year.

In my buttons, the last button I designed is always my favourite, until I get a new idea. I really love my nativity buttons. There is Mary, Joseph and baby, three wise kids, shepherd and his sheep and a camel and donkey. They are so cute and unlike anything I've ever seen elsewhere.

The other thing I am really proud of is our Xantha Maree section. Xantha was a little baby born with EB, or Butterfly skin. She spent her whole two months of life wrapped in silk cloth to minimise rubbing and was in constant pain from blisters and sores which formed where ever she was touched. Her parents have established a Foundation in her honour to raise much needed funds to support other families facing this cruel disease. We have set up a Butterflies for Xantha Page, and have butterfly buttons and stitchery designs from a number of artists and ALL sales go to the foundation (we are donating all materials etc so they get the full amount). http://www.buttonbliss.com/store/WsDefault.asp?Cat=ButterfliesforXantha

5) What has been your most difficult creation and why?

I had a lady making a birth sampler for her sister who had delivered twins. Sadly one of the babies lived only a few hours. We needed to acknowledge her in the piece in a special way. I made two soft pink hearts with each girls name and on Baby Megan's button we etched a little butterfly fluttering up and away. It was very sad, and an honour to make a keepsake for this family.

A customer was creating an Alphabet quilt and wanted a button for the letter X. Of course the choices are limited and I thought I would do an XRAY, but it was not easy to think how to do it. I was at the movies with my Mum and halfway through the movie I had a brainwave of how to do it. I couldn't wait for the movie to finish so I could go home and try it.

6) What type of arts & crafts haven't you learned to do yet that you would love to try?

I wish I could knit like my Mum. She click-clacks away without looking at her work- I take forever to get through a row. I would love to learn to patchwork more than simple squares. I so admire women who can create the most amazing works of art, all those pesky little corners joining up AARRGGHH! I would also like to dabble in painting, although it would be more abstract- a bit like my mind

7) Is there any particular art or craft you dislike and why?

Well, I hate the feeling of playdoh in my fingers and the few times I used clay in art at school, I remember just wanting to wash my hands. My skin dried out and was itchy... so I don't think Pottery is my thing.

8) What is the name and URL of your blog(s)?

Button Bliss at www.buttonbliss.typepad.com

9) When did you start to blog and why did you create your blog?

Originally I started my blog as a way of recording my designs, largely for copyright and proof of being the original creator of a design (legally it's all about proving that you had it designed and launched before someone else did). But, I love to write so I really enjoy having a little place to ramble away about my world. I started my Blog in February 2008

10) What do you blog about?

New designs, my thoughts, my kids and family life. I blog about times when I'm fresh out of ideas, and times when there are so many new ideas there aren't enough hours in the day. I will list hints and tips for crafters, sometimes there are competitions. Sometimes it's a page of photos of new buttons I can't wait to show everyone, or sneak peek of a new project and sometimes it's a picture of my yummy ginger cat, or the kids playing.

11) What would you like your blog readers to know about you and your creations?

I am a stay at home Mum and while my business is important to me, my children and husband are really my world's focus. When I design I can't help but be influenced by the blessings in my life. So all our animals are happy smiley critters, even our shark has a goofy grin on his face. I love the beauty of a country cottage garden and am constantly amazed at the perfection of a 'just bloomed' flower. . I look at my teenage daughter and her wild, colourful dress sense and it is reflected in a rainbow of funky flowers. If you have a need for a personalised button for a blessing in your life, I will do my best to create it for you.

12) What is the name and URL of your website(s)?

Button Bliss at www.buttonbliss.com

Country Lane Designs at www.countrylanedesigns.com

13) What would you like everyone to know about your website(s)?

Come on in and have a visit. There is heaps to see and if you can't find what you'd like, just send me an email and I'll contact you. We have Buttons, Stitcheries, E-patterns, Homewares, free projects, Easy Peasy painting guide for painting fabric, a great Button Club, quotes, specials and more.

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Get To Know The Artist/Crafter Series Interview - Joanne Noel of Wee Bears

Sometimes you run across an artist who makes the most precious, the most adorable, the cutest, and the most charming of creations. An artist who has mastered her craft and is at the height of her perfection. In fact, I'm sure she has mastered every craft she has ever tried.

An artist who obviously loves what she's doing and an artist I'm so very jealous of. You see, Joanne Noel is a miniature thread artist who crochets the most precious 2 1/2" bears you'd ever want to lay your eyes on.

That's right - they are only 2 1/2".

How in the world can you make something that tiny? How do you hold on to it while you're crocheting it? Let alone crocheting tiny outfits and minuscule hats to go on your bears. It's simply astonishing and amazing to be able to create such a beautiful and tiny masterpiece.

I am so jealous as, unlike Joanne, I could never, never get the hang of crochet. I just couldn't do it. My mother tried to teach me when I was 10 years old. I just couldn't do it. Then my sister-in-law tried and tried to show me when I was in my 20's, but I just kept getting everything knotted. I could knit, but I couldn't crochet. Forget that I wanted to learn to tat. That was never going to happen.

So, I am very jealous of Joannes ability to create her beautiful, tiny bears. -Extraordinary bears that are too adorable for words.

I hope you enjoy Joanne's interview and enjoy her bears. They are just delightful.

1) What age were you when your creative talent first appeared?



My Grandma taught me to crochet when I was 13.

2) What was your very first creation?

My very first crocheted bear was a pink one that I made in 2000 that turned out looking like a pink pig.

3) What types of items do you create?



I do all types of crocheting. I also crochet other miniature animals.

4) What has been your favorite creation and why?



A little crocheted bear named Joey. I really don't know what it is about him but he is my favorite.

5) What has been your most difficult creation and why?

I really didn't have a most difficult. It was more a matter of getting used to holding on to the little pieces.

6) What type of arts & crafts haven't you learned to do yet that you would love to try?



I guess I've tried just about all of the crafts. I used to make the porcelain dolls. Tried knitting, ceramics, quilting, beading, needle felting. I also taught heirloom sewing by machine. I made the traditional style miniature teddy bears but always went back to the crocheting.

7) Is there any particular art or craft you dislike and why?



Knitting. I've tried it several times and find it awkward for me with the two
needles.

8) What is the name and URL of your blog(s)?



WEE BEARS at www.joannesweebears.blogspot.com

9) When did you start to blog and why did you create your blog?



A couple of years ago. I had a website at one time but the blogs are free. I noticed quite a few of the bear people were using them instead of website.

10) What do you blog about?


Just my teddy bears.

11) What would you like your blog readers to know about you and your creations?



I just like to share them.

12) What is the name and URL of your website(s)?

I don't have a website.

Get To Know The Artist/Crafter Series Interview - Donna Perry of Findings Primitives

Sometimes you meet artists and crafters who have an uncanny ability to transfer what they see and what they imagine into whimsical creations that take on personalities all their own.

Sometimes you meet artists and crafters who are very private individuals, but who have a creative energy beyond measure. Who can translate their private nature into creations that are individualistic, imaginative, and that draw you in. Creations that make you want to know more about the artist who created them.

Well, Donna Perry of "Findings Primitives" is such an artist and crafter. Her specialty is primitives and she is exceptionally talented when it comes to creating primitives that are truly one of a kind. In fact, you can tell just by looking at her creations that she thoroughly enjoys what she's doing.



But, Donna isn't just a talented primitive crafter. She's also a gardener. And, I'm sure that if she applies the same creativity and care to her garden that she does to her creations - then her garden must simply be spectacular to see.

You see, I happen to know how much vision, creativity, determination, and hard work goes into creating spectacular gardens. How much love has to go into creating the gardens year after year after year. How much pleasure you would derive from the various shapes and rocks you have in your garden.

However, I don't know this from my own personal experience. My sister-in-law has been creating the vision of her garden for the last 35 years and it is an English garden beyond compare. She spends just about every minute she can in her garden and her love for it and creativity show with each new plant she adds, each new stone, each new planter. It takes a tremendous amount of ingenuity to create and maintain a garden. It takes someone like my sister-in-law and someone like Donna. They are natures artists and can really show the rest of us the beauty in every flower, every plant, every leaf. Their gardens are their creations. In fact, their gardens become extensions of their souls.


Donna is new to blogging and just opened her website in January 2009 and I couldn't be more excited for her. I just love when someone is new to blogging. Exploring what they can do with their blogs and websites - opening up a bit and letting us all into her world. Such an exciting time and I know that if Donna applies the same creative spirit to her blog and website as she has to everything else - well, watch out everyone - you're in for a real treat.

I hope you enjoy Donna's interview.

1) What age were you when your creative talent first appeared?

I’m guessing I was 5 or 6 years old. That’s as far back as I can remember.



2) What was your very first creation?

A knitted pair of slipper socks that my Grandmother taught me how to make, once I was pretty good with my knitting.



3) What types of items do you create?

Sewn items, Primitive dolls, ornies, bowl fillers & holiday items.



4) What has been your favorite creation and why?



I would have to say my yard work. Each year I try to add to it. I love rocks & have them all around the outside of my house. Last year I added a stone walk way. It is an ongoing creation. I visualize it & then create it. It’s great because I bring home rocks from different places I go. One year my friends brought me back rocks from their trip. It was great! Funny… but great. It’s surprising how many different shapes, textures, colors & sizes you find when you start looking around. And they’re FREE!! It just lasts from year to year.



5) What has been your most difficult creation and why?

Again the work I have done in my yard. It has been the most physically difficult thing I have done, it has been many hours, days, wheel barrel trips & tons of lifting. But I love it!



6) What type of arts & crafts haven't you learned to do yet that you would love to try?

Sculpting clay. My daughter is so go with this. She can make the smallest things with such detail. She makes flowers, small animals, even a tea set. I have to take some lessons from her.



7) Is there any particular art or craft you dislike and why?

No, not that I can think of, I enjoy creating whatever I can. And I just love looking at other artists’ work.



8) What is the name and URL of your blog(s)?

My blog is named FiNDiNGs PriMiTiVEs & the URL is http://findingsprimitives.blogspot.com/ You can get a look at what’s going on with me. You will find links to groups that I’m involved with, my website, my eBay auctions



9) When did you start to blog and why did you create your blog?

April 2008 That is when I found out what a blog was. After looking at some other blogs I wanted to try and set up my own. I guess I enjoy the process of learning new things & then I am pleased with the creating & end result.



10) What do you blog about?

Well, I am by nature a pretty private person. It doesn't come easy for me to blog about my life. But I’m still new to blogging & I am trying to show with pictures & tell a little about myself as I add to my blog.



11) What would you like your blog readers to know about you and your creations?

That I’m very picky when it comes to quality, the materials that I use & how something is made. That’s very important to me. I like things that are going to last.



12) What is the name and URL of your website(s)?

The name of my website is Findings Primitives & the URL is http://www.findingsprimitives.com/ My website is very new! I opened the website on January 11Th, 2009 & I update it on a daily basis.



13) What would you like everyone to know about your website(s)?

That I have always wanted to have a website were I could offer my handcrafts, that were made with quality & uniqueness. That is what I look for when I shop.