Winner of Craft a Long Is.............

USA Pride Earrings by ChloeBoutique!!!

Congrats Amanda!! Be sure to check out her shop here: http://www.etsy.com/shop/wildlifer78 
and her facebook page here: http://www.facebook.com/chloeboutique
and on twitter: http://twitter.com/chloeboutique

Winning Piece:

 

Thanks to all who voted and entered! Stay tuned for next month's challenge!!!

~Amy

July Craft A Long Voting Time!

July's Theme is American Pride. Which item(s) do you feel best captures that theme?
You may vote for more than one item but can only vote once per IP Address.

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Entry One:
USA Pride Earrings by ChloeBoutique
Show your support for the Red, White and Blue with these patriotic earrings! Earrings were created using polymer clay beads in shimmery red, white and blue. Each bead is complimented with sterling silver twisted spacers and coordinating Swarovski crystals in light siam, crystal and satin sapphire.

Entry Two:
American Flag Badge Reel ID Holder by Badge Reels

Entry Three:
American Earrings by Etco
Two “one cent” coins from United States of America are combined with Swarovski Crystals and Solid Copper

Entry Four:
July Fourth Fabric Wreath by Mama's Little Monkeys
Fabulous fabric wreath in honor of July 4th!

Entry Five:

Proud to be an American Boutique Hair Bow by Hailey's Beads and Bows

Entry Six:

Oyster Shell Wall Clock by Art on the Half Shell
Art On The Half Shell. Hand-crafted wall clock featuring a dozen oyster shells set like the hours around a red dinner plate accented with gold and royal blue sea glass set like the minutes. The 12 o'clock hour is embellished with a real 7mm pearl

Entry Seven:

Blue and White Hand Spun Cotton Hat by Knitzy
Cotton Yarn - blue, black and white - is knit in a wide rib pattern and can be "folded" into all kinds of interesting shapes. One of a kind, as always

So get to voting friends! :) Assuming the poll does not malfunction again, you can vote on the side bar! :)
~~Amy

Member Artisan Feature: Sherry Dole Art

"Once upon a time there was a village in the land of Southern Mississippi USA. In a cottage surrounded by an enchanted Wild Garden of trees, flowers and many animals and birds there lived a joyful artist."* 

That artist is Sherry Dole, artist/owner of Sherry Dole Art.  A lifelong artist, Sherry turned pro 15 years ago. “I went thru a difficult time and creating art saved my life,” she explains.  

Also an avid gardener, animal lover, and costume and theatre history buff, Sherry draws inspiration from both nature and history.

As an artist, her biggest challenge is time management. “I always underestimate how long a project will take since my paintings are so labor intensive,” she says. The effort is worth it though, when people tell Sherry how her paintings make them smile and feel good.

Her work has been featured in art shows and galleries across the United States. Hundreds of her pieces are at home in private collections in the U.S., England, Scotland, Ireland, France and Costa Rica.  In addition to her paintings, her Etsy shop offers giclee prints and polyresin sculptures.

Other skills she’d like to explore include computer, digital photography, typing. Says Sherry, “This list could go on forever – I’m always learning!”

Louisiana is important to Sherry. “Growing up in south Mississippi meant New Orleans was always the place to celebrate special occasions, dates and vacations,” she elaborates. “Early on, I fell in love with the history, the people and the wonderful festivals of Louisiana.”

Be sure to check out Sherry's Etsy shop where the proceeds from certain items benefit The Gulf Restoration Network.

To learn more about Sherry Dole and her art, visit:

Her Etsy shop: http://www.sherrydoleart.etsy.com/

Her blog: http://sherrydoleart.blogspot.com/

http://www.theartofsherrydole.blogspot.com/

On Twitter: http://www.Twitter.com/SherryDole
On Facebook: http://www.Facebook.com/sherrydole,
On Zazzle: http://www.Zazzle.com/SherryDole

* quote excerpted from the shop page of Sherry Dole Art on Etsy.com

Member Artisan Feature: Still Waters Jewelry

Meet Eslie, artist/owner Still Waters Jewelry. She’s been creating beautiful handcrafted jewelry for ten years, specializing in hand knotting pearls on silk cord, as well as intricate wirework.

When asked how she got her start, Eslie says, “I have always loved creating, gave me a sense of independence when I was a kid.” The best thing about the work she does is being able to create all hours of the day.

She derives inspiration from the various colors found in nature, as well as classic pieces from the 1940s, 50s and 60s. Among her favorite pieces are wire rings and cuff bracelets.

Eslie’s biggest challenge is one that many of us share: finding consistency in selling.

An important piece of advice that Eslie shares is to create what you love, but also be open to your customer’s input.

Eslie’s connections to Louisiana, and especially the New Orleans area, run deeply. “I grew up in New Orleans since I was 8 yrs old. The city always meant so much but after Katrina I felt the need to do my part to help the city. Through my artistic ability I am able to help community through the art markets I do,” she explains.

She considers herself lucky to be happily married to a man that supports Eslie’s love of art markets in the city.

To learn more about Eslie’s beautiful creations, visit:

http://www.stillwatersjewelry.com/

or her Facebook Page: Still Waters Jewelry