Designer Profiles 2014

Hi there and Happy New Year to one and all.

Mug rug by Patchworkdelights with egg cosies by /HuggleKnits

Welcome to the monthly article highlighting some of the amazing designers at work here on the Etsy Ireland team.  Each month I hope to introduce you to one or more people at work in a particular field of crafting - maximum of 5 in each area.

Doggy soap from  Cloud9HandmadeSOAP

Over the last year we met some amazing crafters from many parts of the country, both north and south, and were shown some of their amazing creations.  

Doing a Downton from  QueenofCuffs

We also learned how they started on their crafting path and what inspired them.  

Warm and Wollie from  SelkieCrochet

Here is the Calendar of Monthly Designer topics for the coming year.

February   - Jewellery
March        - Toy-making and baby clothes
April           - Vintage
May            - Paper craft 
June          - Textiles incl Weaving and Spinning
July            - Woodwork and Rushwork
August       - Sewing incl Patchwork
September - Knitting and Crochet
October     - Other Crafts
November - Christmas Crafts
December -  To be decided

If you are involved in any of these crafting areas and would like to be included please contact me at my shop huggleknits.  I would also like to include anyone who makes or has supplies for these crafts to be included so do let me know what you have and how we can contact you.

This is now down to you - if I dont hear from you, you wont be included so do get in touch.   And remember there is a limit of 5 being showcased in each area so get your name in soon to avoid disappointment.  Lets show the world what great designers we have in the Etsy Ireland Team.

Cheers for now

Mo 
huggleknits

Designer of the Month - Queen of Cuffs

Autumn sunshine...

Wow its September already, where did the summer go.....  This month I would like to introduce you to Mary from queenofcuffs

Baby class.....

Mo:  

Hi Mary, great to meet you and thank you for agreeing to be my Designer of the Month for September.  Tell us a bit about yourself, what do you do? 

 Mary:

Thanks Mo for having me here.  I think of myself as a textile artist.  I am in fact a graphic designer hanging in there until I can be a full time textile artist!!  I make a mix of textile jewellery, pendants, brooches, bracelets and of course - cuffs.  They are a diverse collection at times, from pale bridal to wicked dark renaissance. 

Wedding Cuff

Mo :

how did you get involved with crafting?

Mary: 

I have always 'played' with textiles, it is my passion.  At art collage I qualified as a graphic designer - mostly because at that time the ‘good jobs’ were in commercial art. It has given me a steady living and lots of creative fun over the years but I always managed to double job. I started with a designer knitwear label ‘MollyLamb’ and at one time managed to sell a collection in fashionable shops!  I also sold textile art in galleries.  Queenofcuffs came about following my experimenting with small embroidery projects and making fabric jewellery items for friends - then I found Etsy and that was magic.

wedding-cuffs-heirloom-edwardian-lace

Mo: 

describe a typical day, if you have one....

Mary:

A typical day would be me working at my computer doing artwork for butter or cheese labels or menus for restaurants. (with frequent looks at my Etsy shop / fav blogs + facebook pages)  Lunch time I squeeze in some machine embroidery if I can, as light is good.  As soon as clients are gone home I get my fabric and needles out and will often be working until 3am with late night music channels on TV !!

old-new-borrowed-blue-bride-pendant

Mo : 

Wow, you are a busy woman.  Any future goals or ambitions?

Mary: 

Definitely give up the day job and create full time.  I would love much more space . . .  a studio - but that may be a dream too far.  I certainly want to do more embroidery projects and experiment further with dyeing.  So many things I dream of doing . . . so many !

Dyeing experiment

Mo : 

Are there any Designers, blogs, crafters, arty people that you follow and why?

Mary: 

I am ashamed of the time I spend looking at beautiful items on my favourite blogs and on pinterest.  It both inspires and depresses me. ( I either want to get making straight away or think I will never be as wonderful as the artists I see !)  The internet for me is one huge book of images I am addicted to looking at.  My bookmarked pages are massive - so many favourites.  I follow many contemporary embroidery artists including the stunning Karen Ruane and Jude Hill (Spirit Cloth) Also . . .  Stitch and cloth  . . .  The 7thMagpie  . . .  Hens Teeth . . .the list goes on

Some Felt Experiments

Mo :

Do you have any advice for new crafters?

Mary: 

My advice to new crafters would be very Nike .... 'just do it'.   Experiment with techniques - use your family and friends as reviewers.  Use the fantastic network of advice on etsy Ireland - the answers are all there!  Have items at various levels of pricing. Markets are great places for feedback.  Crafters tend to create in a vacuum and connecting with other like minded people is vital.

New Work

Mo:
and where can we find you?

Mary: 
any of these links -

www.queenofcuffs.etsy.com

queenofcuffs facebook
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Queen-of-Cuffs/220568128068127
queenofcuffs.blogspot.com/

Mo:

It was great to talk to you Mary.  I just love your work, so intricate.  I am sure there

are many people who will read this article who will feel the same.  Best of luck with your

shop and hopefully someday soon you will realise your dream to be doing what you do full

time.

Mary:

thanks so much Mo for having me on here for September.  I really appreciate it.

Well that's it for this month.  I wish you all continued success with your crafting endeavours and catch up with you in October.

Cheers

Mo

huggleknits

 

Fresh 5 on Friday - Wedding Finds

[click to enlarge]

Today's Fresh 5 on Friday is brought to us by Nicola of NicsGifts.
She has collected some lovely finds for a wonderful, handmade touch to your wedding!

1. from bonzie - Bonzie Couture Silk Bridal Cape

2. from homespunireland - Custom Vintage Wedding Ring Pillow

3. from QueenofCuffs - Old New Borrowed Blue Bride Pendant Charm

4. from WhateverGetsYouTrue - Ivory Hair Piece with Pearls

5. from aroominthecottage - Vintage style TEA DYED LACE wedding bunting



If you would like to suggest or curate a Fresh Five on Friday collection of your own, just send me an Etsy convo :)

New Team Members

Here are our newest members shops for your browsing pleasure.


Above from left to right:

Swarovski Crystal Rainbow Bracelet by Crystaleye;

Golf Ball with Iron Photograph by Ricarm Images;

Handmade Vintage Silk Kimono Handbag by jessbags



Above from left to right:

Handmade Beads Collier Plumage by elettrarossa;

Wax Tart Melts by Emma's Eco Soy Candles;

Wedgwood Ice Rose Fine Bone China Napkin Ring from Irish Bounty



Above from left to right:

Japanese Garden ooak ring by Tirabaralla;

Romantic Bridal Cuffs by Queen of Cuffs;

Daisy Fay - The Great Gatsby Headpiece by Moth and BayLeaf

A warm welcome to all our lovely new members. I hope everyone has time to drop by each of your shops and leave a few hearts. Until next time.....