Member Artisan Feature: Ditsy Gypsy

Have you ever found yourself rushing through the airport and you were stopped in your tracks but a really cool, one-of-a kind suitcase? Not yet? That may soon change.

Meet Susan, creator/owner of Ditsy Gypsy. Susan has been transforming vintage suitcases into works of art by paining and decoupage for the past year or so.

Although new to suitcase venture, she is not an art newbie. She says, “There's a joke amongst my family that I was born with a paintbrush in one hand and a pencil in the other. I guess it's just in my blood...my father's an artist, too.”

Susan finds inspiration everywhere. “I've been inspired by a commercial on television, a bird flying overhead, a light bulb, an icon...the potential for art is everywhere,” she explains. Among her favorite creations is a lotus bag that she secretly wished she could keep for herself.

When asked why she loves the work she does, she replied, “It's the chocolate for my soul. It helps me relax, and it makes me feel good.”

The mother of seven, Susan’s biggest challenge is finding the time to create.

Her words of wisdom for other artists:

"Art = Individuality. Don't ever be afraid to assert your individuality!”

Susan’s connection to Louisiana began early. She grew up here and is raising her family here. “There are things that I'd like to see different, but there's a beauty here you can't find anywhere else,” Susan reminds us.

To learn more about Susan and her work, visit her online shops:

On Etsy: http://www.ditsygypsy.etsy.com/
On Artfire: http://www.artfire.com/users/DitsyGypsy
On Craftisart: http://www.craftisart.com/ditsygypsy

You can also find Susan on the following sites:
http://www.facebook.com/theditsygypsy (personal)
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Bossier-City-LA/Ditsy-Gypsy/191380784469 (fan page)
http://twitter.com/DitsyGypsy
http://www.myspace.com/artsymama5
http://ditsygypsy.blogspot.com/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/ditsygypsy
http://s878.photobucket.com/home/DitsyGypsy

NOTE:  a portion of the proceeds from Susan's robot bag (pictured above) will benefit the Gulf Oil Spill Cleanup.    To learn more, visit the Handmade Louisiana page on Etsy:  http://www.etsy.com/shop/handmadelouisiana