Showing posts with label Artists at Etsy.. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Artists at Etsy.. Show all posts

Friday, June 19, 2009

Michelle Rae Schafer's folk art dolls at the Studio at Crowhaven Farm

Michelle Rae Schafer is another oddball artist from Etsy. I find so many of these lovely, weird and wonderful people there. No one should be offended by my description, because it's simply an indication of their child-like glee, the cheeky eccentricity that they bring to the world.

These quirky dolls (which are not toys, of course) are part of Michelle's 'Gossip Girls' series. They are hand-sculpted out of polymer clay, with movable arms and legs. They're hand-decorated, then receive numerous layers of acrylic paint, which, in turn, is crackled and antiqued, finally sealed with double coats of glaze for added protection. The skirts are hand sewn and dyed in coffee for that authentic vintage folk art doll look. Each is approximately 7 inches high.








Whimsy Friday just wouldn't be the same without people like Michelle. Go check her out at The Studio at Crowhaven Farm at Etsy. Don't forget to find the link to her blog there, too. It's brimming with all kinds of interesting bits and bobs. (But be prepared to stay for a while. There's a huge amount to look at.)

Have a great weekend. If you can - if you're so privileged - give your Dad a hug.

Monday, January 19, 2009

Ann Gardner Art and Design - Annzania at Etsy

The following little folk images are very appealing. I found Ann Gardner through her charming blog, and, of course, discovered she is part of the creative Etsy team, listed under Annzania.

She offers both prints and originals of her work, and even some little things other than wall art. I've put her link under Great Sites to Visit.









Don't these little bits of whimsy just brighten up your day?


With the economy the way it is, it stands to reason that we are wary about how we spend our money. I just wanted to point out that original art, on sites like Etsy, is incredible value. I know we can go to a big store and buy reprints of famous works, which get a bit boring after seeing them in all kinds of places, and they can cost quite a lot. We wander into malls, thinking we'd just like a little something new to take home, or as a gift for a friend, and we buy the same old commercially-produced things that everybody else has.

The pieces I feature here each day are absolute originals. You won't find someone else with the same art, unless they've bought a print of something they saw at your house. So, today I ask you to reconsider a good browse through Etsy. It's not just about paintings or drawings. Etsy covers everything that can be made by hand, one-of-a-kind collectibles. You go to craft fairs, so you know how much things cost there. The artists at Etsy can keep their prices relatively low because they have no physical store or market stall expense to figure into their costs. In some cases, you'll find they welcome custom orders. Where else will you find such unique and personalized items?

When we're watching our pennies, we still need to buy something to cheer us up. Buying an original, hand-crafted, exclusive item will give you years of pleasure, and perhaps be handed down to your children. In most cases, you'll be buying an heirloom.

Check out Etsy. You'll keep coming back.