Friday's Featured Artist - WhiMSy Love

I first met Nikki when I was still a relatively new member of Etsy. At that point in time I lived in Eastern WA, and we were both a part of the Eastern WA Etsy Team! I've always admired her zest for life, her sense of humor, and her imaginative art work :)

1. What type of art work do you do?

I create ALL kinds of handmade stuff. But mostly I'm drawn to vintage items: buttons, books, fabrics, trim, papers, etc.

So there's usually a bit of something of that sort mixed in with whatever I'm making.

2. How did you get started doing art work?

I have always been a crafty gal. When I was a kid, my mom pretty much encouraged craftiness wherever & whenever. She is admittedly not a crafty person, but she allowed me to pursue whatever creative thoughts I had. I pretty much never remember a time when I didn't have the handmade itch.

3. Do you do any other crafts?

I make button rings. I fold books into art. I twist forks into easels. I paint. I sew. I glue things... I can't choose just one thing, so I do it all!

4. Is there a story behind your shop name?

I originally had the name "WhiMSy" while my mom & I sold vintage items, collectibles & some handmade things in a small space in an antique mall. When I signed up to have a shop on Etsy I guess that name was already taken. So, I added the "love". And I figure that those 2 words (WhiMSy & love) describe perfectly my style of handmade craft AND my personality:sometimes a goofball (WhiMSy) & sometimes very girly & romantic (love).

5. What's your favorite piece in your shop right now?

I love the Vintage Button Rings. They're happy little treats & fun to make. I have a "thing" for old buttons & wear one of my button rings almost every day! (My button rings were also mentioned in the July issue of Glamour Magazine: the Greek Edition!)

6. Where do you sell your work?

I mostly sell my work on Etsy, at http://whimsylove.etsy.com Some of my items are sold in a few shops online. Most recently my Writing on the Wall Book Art is being sold at the Bellevue Art Museum. I have yet to approach local boutiques to sell my stuff. I'm either too busy as a mom or too chicken. (Or both?)

7. Do you blog?

Oh YES I blog!! I LOVE blogging! http://whimsy-girl.blogspot.com I feel like my blog is the backstage pass into WhiMSy love & my crafty little world. I love writing, taking pictures & making stuff & so those 3 things combine to create a nifty little blog!

8. Are you on any social networks you'd like to share?

I have a twitter account http://twitter.com/whimsylove & a flickr account http://www.flickr.com/photos/whimsy_girl/ . That's about as social as I get right now. My Etsy shop, blogging & corresponding to emails all day keep me pretty busy. (Not to mention 2 wee kidlets that need my attention every once in a while!)

9. Do you watch or listen to anything while you work? If so, what?

Sometimes I'll spread my projects on the floor of my art studio & watch old game shows (that's one of the only channels I get on my TV). Or I'll get all cozy on the couch & watch a movie when I'm making something. When I am blogging or on the computer, I'll listen to music.

10. Tell us one random fact about your self *wink*

How 'bout MORE than one? It's more fun that way, right?

I love s'mores to an obsession, I wish I were brave enough to wear a fauxhawk, & I bite my fingernails

Another Day in the Life

I've been sick all weekend - but it feels like a lots happened anyway! I didn't get a chance to photo and post about my weekly bead weaving goal, but I did get it done last week!  I had originally planned on completing the next in my geekery series - but I hit a snag.  So I whipped up the lovely Christmas earrings you see on your right here, and I'll be completing my geekery bracelet this week!  The earrings aren't up in my shop yet, but it's on my list of things to get done today.  When I do, I'll come back and edit this post to include a link :)

I was contacted about a month ago by Kerry of the Creative Aussie Crafters Magazine.  She was impressed by some of the articles I'd put together as I started my promotions series, and asked me to write an article for the magazine! I was very honored by this request - and the magazine was just published! you can read it on-line here.

I'm busy learning some new techniques and getting ready to host my first jewelry part at my Mom's house this weekend.  I'm also busy getting ready to move! We've been in limbo, without a place of our own, since moving across the state at the end of September.  Thankfully we were given the opportunity to house sit for this entire time, but now we get to move into our own apartment! We start moving next Monday :)

Last night was an awesome and fun edition of the Block Head Rod show - if you missed it make sure to check it out in the widget on the side of my blog! We had fun :) 

Last, but definitely not least, I snagged the next edition in my on-going BNR! We've had 23 sales so far - but none yet this round.  Buy in to snag YOUR spot! You'll be in until you get a sale :)