Inspire your Heart with Art

Inspire your Heart with Art

Handmade treasures always come from the heart. Whether it is that first macaroni necklace you gave to your mother or a master work hanging in a gallery; you can not create amazing art without putting a piece of your heart in it. So, to celebrate the heart in every work of art I present to you some handmade treasures from the talented artists on HandmadeArtists.

Triple Heart White Love Greeting Cards Set of 5

MyGrandpasPen has created these simply elegant greeting cards that say just the right thing.  Each card is handmade with love and ready to give to anyone that you want to tell how much they mean to you.

Pretty Hearts In A Row bracelet

You can wear your heart on your sleeve, or in this case on your wrist!  This wire heart bracelet comes to you compliment of Trusk4U and is made with the same care she would put into a piece for her own loved one.  Each heart is accented with a pretty stone and each hand formed heart unique…just like you!

Womens cuff links handmade from bronze with sterling silver hearts

Cuff-links add something so special to an outfit and this pair is such a dainty expression of your heart.  Handmade from warm bronze and sterling silver, this set comes from the heart and hands of NiciLaskin who creates the most amazing pieces of art that always say just the right thing.

Featured Artist Handmade Creations by Shelly

Featured Artist Handmade Creations by Shelly

We all learn in different ways. Some are self taught through books and online while others are intentionally taught and still other learn by watching, which is exactly how Shelly got her start. She stood behind her grandmothers as they knitted and crochet and watched their fingers fly. Little did she know that years later, this skill would turn itself into a business where others watch her needles fly as she chats with them!
Shelly was born in Maryland and raised in Connecticut.  After attending college in Boston,  Massachusetts she became a buyer for a woman’s clothing store.  Thanks to the blind date set up by a coworker, Shelly met and married the man of her dreams and has spent the last 42 years raising their family.

When her children were young, Shelly joined the home party business through Tupperware in order to bring in some much needed income and still allow her time with her daughters.  She worked her way through the ranks to manager before moving on to a different company where she taught needlepoint, embroidery and other crafts.  She loved the fun atmosphere of chatting with woman while still doing what she loved and making money at the same time.
After her children were a bit older, Shelly joined the outside workforce doing data entry for a law firm and again climbed the ranks to Comptroller.  When she wasn’t working or raising her family, she would still pick up her needles occasionally.  After a time, Shelly made a move to the mortgage business which was later hard hit by the economy.  Never one to give in, Handmade Creations by Shelly was soon born!
Shelly has an addiction to yarn and feels compelled to try all of the latest yarns in the hottest colors.  She says that she is constantly working on more than one project at a time.  Having no way to use all of her creations, Shelly began working a few craft shows in her area though it is tough to do on her own.  In addition to face to face selling at shows, Shelly is working to make her presence known on the web…which is lucky for those of us that don’t live in her area!
There is a learning curve to online selling, but Shelly is determined to plug through and her business is growing.  She is quick to remind those that are just getting started in the world of online business not to get discouraged in the beginning as it is a lot of ups and downs.  She advises them to make sure they have good photos and descriptions that will draw customers to their shop as well as join forums and teams to get advice from more experienced sellers; after all, no point in repeating others mistakes if you can learn from them!
Shelly is easy to find on HandmadeArtists‘ as well as on Etsy.  You can follow her on Facebook and keep up on her daily goings ons on her Blog.

Will You Be My Valentine?

Will You Be My Valentine?

It’s closer than you think! Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, so I thought maybe I’d help you ladies out by sharing a few special creations that I found here on Handmade Artists. Now it’s always nice to receive the usual box of candy and flowers for Valentine’s Day, but….this year, why not put a little bug in his ear for something beautiful and handmade?
Now, you can either point him to this post or…..you can just buy a gift for yourself and then tell him “Thank you, sweetie. You bought this for me.”
I picked these earrings out first because I just fell in love with them, just in case anyone feels the need to get ME a gift for Valentine’s Day! You can find these little beauties at Phoenix Art Studio.

Loves First Blush

Who wouldn’t love to receive these yummy, sweet smelling little heart soaps? These are from Norma’s Bath and Body. This is one of those shops that you won’t want to leave. Truly a shop for the girly girl!

Valentine Heart Soaps

If you’re like me, you love pretty romantic items for your home. This quilted table topper is stunning!  He’ll think you’re being very practical when you show him this! We won’t tell him what a romantic gift this would be!  You can find this, and many more beautiful pieces, at Patchwork Mountain.

Quilted Table Topper

This is not your store bought box of candy! And, they can be purchased in milk chocolate, mint chocolate, dark chocolate and white chocolate!  These, and many more sweet treats, can be found at Paragon Treasures 4 U.

Chocolate Hearts on a Box

And for all the ladies who are unattached at the moment, have no fear!  There are no rules for Valentine’s Day, so buy yourself some chocolates and something pretty that strikes your fancy.  You deserve it! ♥

Written by MarilynKelleyArt

You've Got to Have a Blog!

You’ve Got to Have a Blog!

When you start out selling online, all the ‘experts’ on online success say, “You’ve got to have a blog!” So when I started, I also created a blog, though I didn’t know why.
There have been times in various online venues when I’ve asked the question, “Why do I need a blog?” I’ve yet to receive a definitive answer. Yet, the consensus still seems to be that if you’re going to be an online success, you need one.  So I set out to see if I could answer the question myself so that I could share the results with others who have the same question.
You’re walking down Main Street in Anytown.  You walk past a storefront with an interesting display in the window, which you stop and admire.  You decide you need a closer look, so you go into the shop.  The person inside greets you with a smile, welcoming you in.  You ask about the item that caught your eye, and a lovely conversation follows.  The chat evolves into a personal exchange and suddenly you feel connected to the shop keeper.  Money changes hands and you leave the storefront with an item and the feeling that you’ve made a new friend.
None of this happens in your online shop.  This is precisely where your blog comes in.  Your blog needs to replace the conversation that connects you with potential customers.  Your blog doesn’t need to be focused solely on your art.  In fact, it will be barely read if it is.  Your blog needs to make you, the artist, a person; someone with whom the reader can connect.  Certainly, successes, improvements, and new items can be written about on your blog, just to keep the followers reminded that you are selling these things.  But more often, your blog needs to acquaint the reader with the person you are.
My blog doesn’t rank on Alexa and isn’t famous, but it does get read by those following it, and my followers continually increase, albeit slowly.  I think it’s so fascinating that the most-read piece on my blog had nothing to do with art or online selling at all…  It was a political piece I wrote just after that last presidential election.  That was by far the most telling thing I have ever written on my blog – it let the reader know exactly who I am and where I stand.
So if you have a blog, use it!  Discuss bits of your life as it relates to those who may be reading it.  Open a discussion on a current event.  Share a recipe.  Just be a person so that when a reader becomes a shopper, they will want to deal with someone they know first.

Written By iKnitQuiltSew

4 Reasons You Should Go to Gem and Bead Shows

4 Reasons You Should Go to Gem and Bead Shows

Here are 4 Reasons You Should Go to Gem and Bead Shows, Even if You Don’t Make Jewelry!
If you don’t attend a bead show this season, you could be shortchanging yourself and your business. Even if your craft has nothing to do with beads or gemstones, ideally, you should visit a major show but if you can’t travel to Arizona, there are smaller bead shows all over the country.
Here’s why I believe you must attend a bead show.
Stay up on Trends: Even if you create wearable fiber art or home decor, you need to be  current on  trends in fashion, home and lifestyle. Even if you make vintage crafts, you MUST be up on popular colors and trends. Walking the aisles of a gem show will give you an overview of trends. Did you know there are actually people who make their living deciding what exact hues will be hot each season? You can find the official hot colors for Spring 2013 HERE

Handmade Lampwork by twoglassyladies!

Find Inspiration: I no longer make jewelry, but I get inspired to do other creative projects whenever I walk a bead show. Sometimes I’ll see how an artist combines textiles with gems in an unusual way, or makes beads out of uncommon materials and it gives me new ideas for other crafts. How can an artist see all those colors, textures and shapes without a burst of inspiration?

Be aware of Knockoffs: I use to work a lot in Murano beads, authentic, handmade on the island in Italy. It was at the Tucson gem show that I first saw thousands of vendors selling fake “Murano glass” made in factories in China. To the untrained eye, it looks like the real thing. If didn’t attend mainstream trade shows, I’d have no idea why sales slowed down and people thought the prices of the handmade pieces were outrageous. Learning that there is manufactured, lower priced work out there that looks like your handmade means you need to educate your buyers and be sure your pieces are different enough from the import to warrant the much higher price.
Networking with Artists and Vendors: Bead shows are a great source of connection with artists in different media. There are always vendors other than gems and jewelry. Anywhere artists gather, there’s a high level of creative energy and opportunity to learn from and network with like-minded people. You’ll find new sources for your supplies and make new artsy friends.
What more reason do you need? Go. Have fun!
Author Terri Belford writes about the business of craft at Craft Biz Blog.com

Platinum Designs

Platinum Designs

Looking for a handmade, hand designed invitation? Well look no further Platinum Designs has some really cool invitations to choose from!
I just love this Handmade wedding invitation, it really adds some nice character and modern design.
Available a beautiful graphic wedding invite set, created in greens and creme.
This particular invite is printed on creme card-stock, but can be done on a selection of different textures if desired.
The font, text and text color can be changed if desired.
I believe this would be a great invite for a spring wedding, we could even lighten up the greens to a more grassy color if desired.
This set contains 100 invitations, w\/ matching envelopes the size of the invite is 4 1\/2″ x 6 1\/4″- that is what I have designed but we can adjust the shape if desired.
This set also comes with 100 Response Cards (RSVP) done in a postcard format at 3″ x 5 1\/2″- they will replicate the invite. If you prefer to have return envelopes for your response cards that can be done for an additional 20.00
All Envelopes are pre-printed with return address.
Platinum Designs takes their customer service and customer satisfaction very seriously and very personally as stated in their profile.
I love to create and design custom stationery items that help enhance special events. I do this with my own two hands because I have a passion for it. I work hard to make sure everyone of my clients is fully satisfied and hope to make many new friends here. I love to try new things, work outside the box, something unusual and extra special for your extra special day I like to create- it helps me deal with my pain as I became disabled 5 years ago and have basically been homebound since then, so this is a great outlet for my creative juices, that and all the love I get from my two pugs, named Harley and Kaydee Sue. Thank you for stopping by and please feel free to convo me if you have any questions.
So if you are looking for something a little more personal for your upcoming wedding make sure you check out Platinum Designs!

MaraDawn Studios

MaraDawn Studios

I just love painters and the wonderful visual creations they come up with. Dawn is no exception and her work is just captivating. Abstract heart takes a certain type of art lover and I am one who loves abstract art. So enjoy some creations from MaraDawn Studios!

I think this piece called an evening out is just too cool the blues pop right off the page! The Contemporary, Modern, and Abstract Painting presented here is an original artwork from my “ENLIGHTENMENT” Series. It is signed by Fine Artist Dawn Hough Sebaugh, dated and titled “AN EVENING OUT, 2009″.
You are acquiring this directly from the artist. This interestingly vibrant piece was created using OIL Media on gallery stretched canvas, measuring 24 X 24 X 1.5 inches. The sides are painted black so there is no need for framing!
A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany this art work.
Here’s a little bit about Dawn the artist from her bio.
Dawn Hough Sebaugh was born in Mooresville, North Carolina and currently lives in the San Diego California area. She received a BA in Marketing from Pfeiffer College in North Carolina and a Degree in Color and Design from Parson’s School of Design in New York. She also attended fine arts programs at Denver University in Colorado. Dawn began her career two decades ago as an abstract painter in conjunction with her interior design clientele. She participated in numerous gallery shows in the late 80’s and early 90’s and has since begun self-representing her own works of art. Today she sells mostly to individual and corporate collectors throughout the United States, Great Britain, Mexico, Luxembourg, France, Philippines, Canada, St. Lucia, Iceland, Hong Kong, The Netherlands, Germany and New Zealand via the Internet and private showings. She currently resides in the San Diego California area. She has also donated some of her paintings for private charities including but not limited to the Sherman Oaks Burn Center (children’s wing) – Los Angeles California, UNICEF, Global Giving, Rescue Task Force – San Diego California, Artists With Brain Injuries – Los Angeles California, The Fund For Women Artists – Florence Massachusetts, Burn Survivors Throughout The World Inc – Sarasota Florida, Mended Little Hearts – Dallas Texas, Association of the Hole in the Wall Camps – New Haven Connecticut, Save the Dalmatians and Others Canine Rescue Inc – Gardena, California, USO Council of San Diego California, Autism Research Institute – San Diego California, American Red Cross Alabama Gulf Coast Chapter – Mobile Alabama and the St. Germaine Auxiliary for the Child Abuse Foundation of San Diego California.
Make sure you take a minute to stop by her shop MaraDawn Studios on Handmade Artists’!

Watches by Helen

Watches by Helen

I just love handmade items, and these watches are no exception. Watches by Helen does some wonderful work, with exceptional quality!
Here is on of Helen’s creations. This is a beautiful handcrafted watch that is handmade by me for Watches by Helen. It is silver plated and has a lovely, fancy watch face. The oval links are 8 x 16 mm and the jump rings are 8mm. This watch easily fastens with a darling heart toggle clasp. If you get this watch you will not regret it. It is light and comfortable to wear.
Here’s a little bit about Helen from her profile! I primarily make watches, earring, rings, and bracelets.I love to dabble in other jewelry too. I love to listen to see how I am guided to make each one different from the others. I hope you like what you see. Your watch will not be exactly like the one you see in my shop because it will be custom made to fit you. After you receive one of my watches you will wonder how you could have lived without one of them. OH and just a little about me…I am a former therapist. I am a survivor of breast cancer, living cancer free. I live with and manage Bipolar Disorder 2. And I am soooo grateful for my life and the people I love.
Here’s one more lovely piece from Helen, a heart shaped watch, Handmade with Love! I love this handmade, beaded, fresh water pearl and swarovski crystal silver watch that I made.  I made it while thinking what a lovely accessory it would be to wear to a wedding or some special occasion.  It’s elegant without being overdone and it feels so good when it’s on your wrist.  I know because I tried it on.  The heart shaped face is simple but distinctive as is the toggle clasp.  This watch is just beautiful and when you get it you will wonder why you didn’t get it sooner.
To see more of Helen’s creations just stop by her shop and enjoy the lovely creations from Watches by Helen!

A Worthy Cause - Help a Disabled Veteran

A Worthy Cause - Help a Disabled Veteran
t’s sad to be able to say that we probably all know a veteran or disabled veteran. What is sadder is that many veterans, disabled or not, are homeless. I don’t like this reality at all, but it is reality. I’ve found an opportunity for us all to give back to these heroic men and women, even if just in a small way.


Marilyn Kidwell has begun a project called Hats for Our Veterans.  The link will take you to that Facebook page.  Marilyn is encouraging everyone and anyone to donate a warm hat to be distributed to homeless veterans.  There are really no rules on the hats, other than that they be warm.  They can be knit or crochet; they can be fleece; they can be felted; they can be anything your imagination can dream up.  They do not have to be labeled, but they can be if you like.


This project is in conjunction with the Patriot Guard Riders.  They are the ones who will be distributing the hats.  The Patriot Guard Riders is a national organization dedicated to our service men and women.  They assist those returning and support the families of those who do not.

Something to Add to Your Valentine's Gifts

Something to Add to Your Valentine's Gifts

Did You Remember To sign Your Work?

Did You Remember To sign Your Work?

Featured Artist Anne of Made for Me by Oaklie

Featured Artist Anne of Made for Me by Oaklie

Featured Artist Lori of Clover Blue

Featured Artist Lori of Clover Blue

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