Team Member Profile: Bandit Queen

Coming off the success of our holiday giveaway, we are resuming our team member profiles. This week's featured Artsy Danger Lady is Bandit Queen.



Tell us a bit about yourself.
When I’m not being Queen, I go by Claire and live in a cozy house in Columbus, Ohio with my husband and mad pack of critters. We have too much fun which leaves little time for all the home improvement projects I scheme up.

What first made you want to become an artist and/or crafter?
Without art, life would be so dull. As Neil Gaiman says, "The world always seems brighter when you've just made something that wasn't there before." I'm a lifetime crafter. Ever since I can remember, I've been busily and enthusiastically participating in my mother's crafting schemes.

What are your favorite products to make?
Accessories. I love the idea of someone wearing my stuff out in public and brightening the day up.



Where does your shop name come from?
A Decemberists song. Its perfectly irreverant

What inspires you?
Sunshine, good music, unexpected turns of phrases, carefree folks, genius friends, pretty colors, graffiti, just about anything really.

How do you describe your design style?
The more color, the better! Neutrals may be more sophisticated, but I like the exuberance of the bright.


What are your business goals and vision?
To have fun and make a few things that never were before. I have a job in the nonprofit world so this shop is more too make money to spend on the wide range of etsy items I can't seem to do without.

What are two of your favorite things from your shop?
I love the hairpins cause they make it so easy to add fun and whimsy to an outfit. I also adore the felt bouquets cause I really adore fresh flowers but can’t afford to have them throughout the house all the time. They are a great way to keep my favorite vases out and a bit of color here and there.


Apart from creating things, what do you do?
I’m a complete book worm. I have to have three going at once and a mountain of books by my bedside so I can start a new one as soon as I finish the one in my hands. I’m a mean baker and a very curious girl. My real job is fundraising for a charity that feeds people in need. It's wonderfully rewarding. I get to be the bridge between those who want to help and those who need it.

What handmade possession do you most cherish?
A quilt my mum made me when I turned 16. Its all kinds of beautiful golds, midnight blues, and tans with stars throughout. Its getting a bit shabby around the edges now, but I really adore it and refuse to stop using it. If the house was burning down and all my loved ones and critters were already safe, I’d be grabbing that quilt on my way out.

In ten years I'd like to be...
Just as happy as I am now.

And cause I cannot resist adding a bit of whimsy to end this, can I also share a much-loved poem?

CASSEL ROAD by Sandra Maddux-Creech

Look…
the rabbits actually danced
on their hind legs
in the smoky moonlight
all about the black fields
and gray gravel road
staring us down
in the trail of our headlights
How dare we come there?

I swear
we drove backward
for two miles


To see more of Bandit Queen's fun, flirty felt creations, visit her Etsy shop here.

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Day 12 - Kei and Co.

Welcome to the final day of the 12 Days of Holidays Giveaway here on our site. It's been quite a ride but we've seen a lot of great comments and followers to our blogs, not to mention 12 different winners each day. Who is today's winner going to be? Let's see what you can win first.
:)

The final day is brought to you by Kei Co.
Were you naughty when someone else was nice? She's giving away a 2-pack of apology cards to make things right (perhaps as a New Year's Resolution?)

This set of two 4-Bar sized flat cards (measuring 3 1/2" x 4 7/8") has been hand-stamped with the message I'm Wrong, You're Right in a cool celadon, then embossed to create a lovely raised image with a little bit of shine. Each card is accompanied by a "pool" blue 4-Bar sized envelope (measuring 3 5/8" x 5 1/8") which has been hand-lined with some very cool mosaic-design paper in rich rose tones. The camera phone photo does not do these cards justice.

Kei Co. focuses on small but delightful paper projects... petite cards and hand-lined envelopes, origami with luscious papers, and embossed stamp work.


Want to win these fabulous cards? Just leave a comment telling us what else you fancy in Kei Co's shop along with a valid email address or Etsy address so we can contact you. Winner will be drawn at 12 midnight EST by a random number generator. Good luck!

Day 11 - Peaches & Juleps

Day 11 is here and brought to you by Peaches and Juleps. Peaches and Juleps is a small photography shop with a concentration on vintage cars, abandoned houses, and other unusually pretty things.

Today's offering is a sepia toned digital photograph of a baby's hands holding cracked robin's eggs. Neither child labor laws nor animal rights protections were violated in the making of this photograph.

The final print is 5x7 printed on professional grade Kodak paper with lustre coating.


So how can you win this lovely photograph? Just leave a comment with your name, e-mail and/or Etsy address so we can contact you. Be sure to tell us what else you love in Peaches and Juleps shop in your comment. Winner will be chosen at 12 midnight EST by a random number generator and posted here. Good luck!

Day 10 - Bandit Queen

Day 10! Almost to the end! But before we wrap up this giveaway for the holidays, there are still more lovely items to win! Today's item is brought to you by Bandit Queen. Bandit Queen's shop is chock full of felt accessories and decor. These felt flowers are a darling way to light up any space. The bendable wire stems makes their height adjustable.


Want to bring spring into your home during these cold winter months? Just leave a comment telling us what your favorite item is from Bandit Queen's shop along with a valid e-mail or Etsy address so we can contact you. Winner will be drawn at 12 midnight EST by a random number generator and posted here. Good luck!

Day 9 - Niknod

It's time for Day 9! Today you could win this pair of star ornaments from Niknod Handmade Hats & Whatnot. Hand-crocheted of 100% cotton yarn in snazzy hues of red and lime green, these stars would look great on your tree, or tied onto a special gift or two.

Niknod's shop features fun, retro-inspired hats for babies, kids, and grown-ups. She spends a long time developing her patterns, making sure her hats are stylish, comfortable, and sturdy. But some days, when she’s feeling a little silly, animals fly from her hook instead of hats!


How do you win this holiday cheer? Just leave a comment telling us what your favorite item is in Niknod's shop along with an e-mail or Etsy address so we can contact you. Winner will be drawn at 12 midnight EST via a random number generator. No other comments will be accepted after the winner is drawn. Good luck!

Day 8 - Calabaza

Day 8 is great! On day 8 you could win a custom name or monogram drawn in ink and digitally colored by Calabaza.

When you win, you will be contacted by calabaza to discuss the details and will get to choose your colors and what name you would like to have drawn. Once the drawing is finished and colored, you will receive a jpeg file that you will have rights to print as you wish! Great for cards, using on your blog, or even on your etsy site!

(Note: image pictured is just an example of the style of lettering used to create your personalized image)

So how can you be the lucky person to get this awesome personalized image? Just leave a comment telling us what other item you like in calabaza's shop along with a valid e-mail address or Etsy shop. Winner will be picked at 12 midnight EST by a random number picker and posted here. No other comments will be eligible after the winner is picked. Good luck! :)

Day 7 - Flashframe

Welcome to Day 7 of our 12 Days of Giveaways. The participation has been impressive, the products have been fabulous and today is no exception. Today's giveaway features a robot keychain from Flashframe. Her shop features photography prints, notecards and fun accessories.



One lucky winner can win this awesome keychain. This glass tile pendant turns the original "Robots Rule" photograph into a fun accessory! Is this little guy friendly or planning to destroy you? The jury's still out. This robot photo keychain is perfect for kids or kids at heart, and fans of robots, geek chic, or retro kitsch.

So, want to be that lucky winner? Just leave a comment detailing another item you found in Flashframe's shop that you really like and decent contact info like an e-mail or an Etsy shop address so Flashframe can contact you. Winner will be drawn at 12 midnight EST via a random number picker and posted here. No other comments will be counted after the winner is drawn.
Good luck!

Day 6 - Petite Legume

Day 6 is brought to you by Petite Legume, a shop that features kids' clothes in adorable prints. Currently in the shop are cotton pants in several fabulous fabrics, including penguins and holiday patterns, for sizes 0-2T. Today's featured item is your choice of a handknit hat sized to fit a large toddler. The blue basketweave hat is knit in Italian wool with a white fun fur trim; the pink roll-brim hat is 100% cotton with blue trim and topknot.


How adorable are these hats? Winner has the pick of one of these hats. All you have to do is leave a comment saying what your favorite item is in Petite Legume's shop and including a valid e-mail or Etsy address. Winner will be picked at midnight EST by a random number generator. Good luck! :)

Day 5 - Woodmouse Loves Wood

Day 5 is here! Today you could win this festive red and green pair of house ornaments from Woodmouse. You can visit her shop here.


They are handcut from sustainably harvested pine, woodburnt and then painted with AP Certified non-toxic waterbased paints. Finally, they are handsanded until smooth and sealed with beeswax and organic jojoba oil.

These ornaments are lightweight yet sturdy, perfect for lower branches on a tree where children or pets might knock them off.

They also arrive in a natural cotton gift pouch - perfect for gift giving!

Made in the USA by a craft at home mama!

Want to win these? Just leave a comment below telling us what your favorite item is from Woodmouse's shop. Make sure you leave an Etsy shop address or e-mail address so we can contact you if you win. Winner will be drawn at midnight EST by a random number generator and posted here so check back to see if you're the lucky winner. Good luck! :)

Day 4 - Our Side of The Mountain Crafts

Day 4 of our giveaway is brought to you by Debbie of Our Side of the Mountain Crafts. She is a fabric adict who makes a variety of items for women and children, including tote bags, infant gift sets, notebooks, and items for the home. Today she is giving away a colorful sleep mask featuring Moda's Fall Back in Time fabric. The orange dots are backed with a bright green flannel that's soft on the eyes. An elastic band makes it easy to pull on and off. A sleep mask is a great gift for a new mom, traveler or anyone else who needs to catch some winks anytime of day.


Visit Oursideofthemountains's shop, find something you like, and comment about it here. Make sure to leave your contact information either via an Etsy address if you have a shop or an e-mail. The winner will be drawn at midnight EST via a random number program. If you have already won something from this giveaway you are welcome to comment still but you can only win once. If you haven't won, keep commenting, it could be you next! :)

Day 3 - Rainfeather13

Day 3 of our giveaway is brought to you by Rainfeather13 of Rainfeather's Obsessive Stitchery. Her specialty is embroidery and she utilizes it beautifully to create beautiful towels, wallhangings and designs on clothing. The item you could win today is this embroidered towel with a tree design.



This is a 100% cotton huck towel, which has a lovely texture similar to aida cloth. It's wonderfully absorbent, and great for drying dishes because it won't leave lint all over them. It measures 17" x 24" inches.

Love this towel? Here's how you could get it. Just visit Rainfeather's shop, find something you like, and comment about it here. Make sure to leave your contact information either via an Etsy address if you have a shop or an e-mail. The winner will be drawn at midnight EST via a random number program. If you have already won something from this giveaway you are welcome to comment still but you can only win once. If you haven't won, keep commenting, it could be you next! :)

Day 2 - Rabbit Patch

Welcome to Day 2 of our 12 Days of Holidays Giveaways! Day 1 was an awesome blast and here's hoping everyone has as much fun today.

Day 2 is brought to you by Rabbit Patch, a shop filled with all sorts of great toys for children and correspondence for adults. Today's featured item in the giveaway is a 2 card set with envelopes.


To be eligible to win this fabulous 2 card set, please post a comment below with a link to your favorite item in Rabbit Patch's shop. Also leave some way to contact you, whether it is through an Etsy address or an e-mail so we can contact you if you win. :) Winner will be drawn at 12am EST. Good luck!

Giveaway Day 1 - Jangie

Happy December everyone! As we all know, the holidays are just weeks away and what better time to have a holiday giveaway than right now. So let's get started!

Day 1 of our giveaway is brought to you by Jangie. One lucky person today will get 2 crocheted dishcloths and 1 small crocheted towel. All are made out of 100% cotton yarn and coordinate to match. The dishcloths have a small loop on one corner so you can hang them up when not in use. Dishcloths measure 7 inches square and the towel measures 10.5 inches wide by 18.5 inches tall. These would make a great stocking stuffer and all-around practical gift.




So how can you become that lucky person who gets this for free? Visit Jangie's Etsy shop and leave a comment here about something else you really like in her shop. Make sure to leave contact information or your Etsy shop address so we can contact you if you win. Winner is drawn midnight EST tonight. Be sure to check back to see what other items we'll be giving away in the next 11 days. Good luck!

Team Member Profile: RabbitPatch

The newest installment in our team member profiles comes from Artsy Danger Lady and Etsy seller RabbitPatch.






Tell us a bit about yourself name, location, affiliations, personal stuff.
My name is Sara, I’m married with one child. I’m trained as an attorney. We live in the Bay Area with two furry cats.

Briefly describe what you make.
I make lots of things – toys for babies out of felt, homey wall art for nurseries, blankies (to be added to the shop shortly), and (for the grown ups) hand-stamped stationery.


Where does your shop name come from?
I was struggling to come up with a name that would sound like a place from which things might spring forth, and I also wanted it to sound kid friendly. As for Workshoppe, my etsy shop in progress, I wanted a shop name that was generic enough to encompass whatever I’ve been feeling like making, but specific enough to convey a certain style.

How did you get started?
I can’t remember a time that I wasn’t crafting. I think this has always been a part of me.

Where did you start and how did you progress to work you are creating today?
I’ve always done papercrafts – I can’t remember the last time I purchased Christmas or Thank You cards, for example. As for my baby stuff, I’ve been really inspired by my 12 month old son, Hank.

When do you decide to turn your craft into a business?
I decided to launch RabbitPatch last summer after a photo of a name sign I’d made for my son got a lot of unsolicited (and positive) attention on a craft blog.


Please describe your creative process how, when, materials, etc.
When I’ve got the itch, I look through my stash for a pieces of fabric that looks like it would be fun to use, or a stamp that hasn’t gotten much action lately. I’ve always been one of those people who creates in bursts – I get an idea in my head and create and create for several days and then I’m done or a few weeks. Most of my work has to take place in the evenings after my son has gone to sleep, and I don’t really have any dedicated craft space. Those two factors make consistent crafting a challenge.

What are your favorite materials?
Paper and fabric.

How do you describe your design style?
Colorful and exuberant!

How do you market your business?
I hardly do any marketing or promotion. I participate in my etsy team, the Artsy Danger Ladies, and I hand out business cards. I’d like to do more marketing.

Where else can we find you and your work?
My apartment! I’m also starting to look into doing craft fairs. Also look for Workshoppe, where I’ll be selling stationery and other odds and ends, more oriented for adults.


What artists have influenced you, and how?
The French Impressionists are a huge influence on me in terms of theme and color. I also have an affinity for early to mid 20th century conceptual art, the kind of stuff that lost of people look at go ‘huh??’ I think art and craft are great mechanisms for making people think abou why they value particular aesthetics.

Who is your favorite musical artist?
I will forever be devoted to Duran Duran.

What is your real life like?
Busy! And awesome.

How do you spend time when you are NOT creating?
Playing with my son, exploring with my family. I love to cook and plan parties. As I was recently laid off from my job I also spend a lot of time job hunting.

What has been the most rewarding aspect of running your business?
Getting sales feel pretty awesome, and I am always delighted to hear that a buyer likes the items as much as I liked the item.


Please have a look at the wonderful and charming toys and home accessories in the RabbitPatch. And don't forget to check back for more information about the opening of Sara's other store, Workshoppe, in the future. Next week there will be another team member profile, as well as the start of our awesome 12 Days of Holiday giveaway!

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12 Days of Holidays Giveaway!

Break out the hot chocolate, hang up the lights and mark this on your calendars! :)

From December 1st to the 12th, members of the Artsy Danger Ladies will be giving away an item of their choosing to one lucky winner each day. How do you become that lucky winner you ask? Just leave a comment after the daily post commenting about another item you like in the seller's shop. The winner will be chosen at random and notified. How's that for getting into the holiday spirit? Check back December 1st to see goes first!

(The fine print)
- Comments that only talk about the item to be given away will not be counted.
- To be eligible we need to have a valid e-mail address or other way to contact you (link to your Etsy shop for example).
- No anonymous posts please.
- There will be 12 different winners during this giveaway. If you win one day you are more than welcome to post again to check out the different shops here but you can't win twice or three times. We want this to be open to as many people as possible to spread around the holiday cheer. :)
- Tell your friends and spread the word. We can't do this without you!

Team Member Profile: the Anti-Bride

For the second installment of our weekly series of Artsy Danger Lady team member profiles, this week we turn to Etsy seller theantibride.


Tell us a bit about yourself.
Sarah Scott, Grand Rapids Michigan. I am a mother of 1, work for an outsider art gallery and studio in downtown GR, am a part of a women's printmaking collective here, love hip hop and soul, eat vegetarian, love big hoop earrings.

Where does your shop name come from?
whew... theantibride came from a zine I wrote when I was getting married. I wanted to create an image of myself to let people know that I was getting married to someone I loved, but I was nobody's 'bride', not in the traditional sense anyhow. The zine name just stuck for some reason. Not very pleasant, eh?

Briefly describe what you make?
Hand-pulled, and hand-sewn fine art prints, original drawings. Also children's hand-printed, hand-made clothing and aprons. [in her other shop Bunny Art Boat Hut]

How did you get started?
I've sewn since I can remember, printed since 1993

What mediums do you enjoy working in most?
I like pen and ink, graphite, water-based printing inks, clean white papers and muslin and knit fabrics.


How do you describe your design style?
graphic, sloppy, a bit compulsive.

What artists have influenced you, and how?
jad fair, the hernandez brothers, k. rosas: bold lines!!

What are your favorite products to make?
Drawings for sure. They have more of me in them, and there is only one of each!

What would you most want people to know about your work?
no computer images at all! everything is made by me, start to finish.


When do you decide to turn your craft into a business and what have you learned since starting?
When I stated staying home with my daughter in 2005. I felt like I had more time to dedicate to a business, and wanted to get the word/images out there. I have learned that if I am going to keep up with my business, I better post daily!

Where else can we find you and your work?
Home studio and etsy mostly, some craft fairs (renegade) and art shows

Apart from creating things, what do you do?
I hang out with my daughter, we dance a lot around the house, I post a lot to flickr. Pretend like I cook well, pretend like I know anything about motown.

What handmade possession do you most cherish?
drawings from my child

In ten years I'd like to be...
Making prints with my daughter, working the same job at the studio, having my confidence, having more gray hair.

What words of advice do you have for other artists?
Patience and solid organization. Do what you love, even if it's a slow build.


For more of Sarah's beautiful drawings and prints, visit her shop here. And don't forget to check out the awesome hand-made, printed clothing in her other shop here.

Artsy Danger Ladies on the Front Page!

A big congratulations to Artsy Danger Lady team member Woodmouse for being on the front page of Etsy today, in a treasury featuring items from the Holiday Gift Guides.



The item that was shown is an amazing handcut wooden Nativity set that is elegant enough for display, but sturdy enough for generations of handling and play by children.



Since being featured on the front page, this item has actually sold out. And while it can't be made to order right now, there may be another showing up in Woodmouse's shop at some point before the holidays. So remember to check back frequently if you are interested in owning one of her beautifully crafted Nativity sets. In the meantime, check out her other lovely woodwork toys here and read her interview when she was a Featured Seller here.

Team Member Profile: Calabaza

Each week we are going to be doing a profile of one of our Artsy Danger Ladies team member's Etsy shops, showing a more in-depth look at their work and personalities. Our first team member to open up here is Calabaza.



Where does your shop name come from?
Calabaza is Spanish for a pumpkin-like squash. I like how every other letter is an a. Simple as that!

How did you get started with your art or craft?
I spent most of my time in school doodling in the margins of my notes. I can't keep my hands still, and still spend meetings drawing.


What are your favorite products to make?
I like using text to decorate pictures. There is something so familiar in it.

What are your favorite things from your shop?
I have recently discovered that even though I don't really like poetry (I just don't get it!), ee cummings has imagery that seems to fit with my work. Therefore I really like the pieces I have done incorporating his poetry.What inspires you?
I just realized recently that I am inspired by nature. There is a common theme of growing things in almost all of my work.

What is your real life like?
Pretty normal. I live in a medium sized town with my husband and son. I teach middle school and love going to bed early. On weekends I like to go for walks in the woods or non-ecological drives through the country roads.

In ten years I'd like to be...
Not burnt out on all of the things that I love now.

To see more of Calabaza's wonderful, whimsical artwork, go here. You can also visit her other shop, Calligraphics, for beautiful custom calligraphy.

Please check back next week for an other profile on one of our very talented team members!

Sale in Rainfeather's Etsy Shop

Artsy Danger Lady team member rainfeather13 is having a sale in her etsy shop!

From her shop announcement:

***SALE***
I have just joined the Pagans of Etsy Street Team. To celebrate, I am having a sale! My tarot bags are all on sale for $20 (regularly $25) and my kitchen towels are on sale for $6 (regularly $7) through November 10.

So check out her shop and her beautifully embroidered bags & towels.

The Artsy Danger Ladies Etsy Team!

This blog is the newest promotional expansion for the Etsy team Artsy Danger Ladies Mod Squad!


From our Etsy Team Profile: "We, the Artsy Danger Ladies, have banded together to form this Super Secret Mod Squad, complete with capes and utility belts, to support, encourage, motivate, and promote each other. We work together to help build our businesses through sales, swaps, events, and general talkin' each other up."

Please check this blog frequently for updates on team and individual sales, giveaways, features, and to generally cheer the successes of our members. To see the awesome handmade crafts of our team on Etsy, search for our tag "TeamADL".