Featuring 5 Amazing Artists - About Each, My Fave Items, Interview Questions and Coupon Codes!

I have a very special blog today – I am featuring 5 WONDERFUL artists from a supportive, creative and dedicated team through Etsy (STATTEAM).   These artists all have very different art forms; however share passion and dedication to their art and to helping others. 

Please enjoy reading a little about each artist/crafter, my favorite item,  a coupon code for their store and interview questions at the end (5 different perspective – great advice for newbies)!  J  Two things you will get out of my blog today – Statteam is ga-ga over Johnny Depp (I mean, come on, look at him…....................... oh sorry, FOCUS Ashley) and these are some amazingly talented artists!

Artist:  Hippiechicjewelz – “A self taught polymer clay, glass lamp work and jewelry designer”.  Her items are beautifully designed, cleanly photographed and full of charisma!  She has amazing creations with focus on detail/quality and super fun item titles such as “Oh my stars and butterflies” gift tags J

My Favorite Item:  100% Cowgirl (see image below) - I mean, come on?  How cute is this?  I could see this necklace on women and girls alike and it just says SASSY. :)  I could see this on my sassy cousin who had the DJ blast "Cowboy" by Kid Rock at my wedding reception with her adroable cowgirl hat!  Click on her name above to check out her shop - trust me, you won't be disappointed. 

Coupon Code on Etsy: HCJfan for 25% off!! 





Artist:  mojo3777creations - Yes, she has some serious "mojo" :)  She is a self-taught artist/crafter and has a can-do-attitude and a love for trying new things!  Her items are trendy, innovative and hippieliscous (its a word, trust me)!  With the hippie trend in full force right now her items NEED to be added to your "must-have" list!  Click on her name to check out her shop!

My Favorite Item: Hemp Barefoot Sandal (see image below) - I just think these are so creative and everyone should own at least one pair!  Being a "free-spirited" woman I appreciate these and the ability to look beautiful even when barefoot.  Seriously, we don't even need shoes anymore... what is better than that???  Also, please check out her feather hair clips - super cute and also being seen everywhere! 

Coupon Code on Etsy: TFMLUV20 for 20% off!!

Artist:  Jessicabstract - A completely self taught abstract artist (click on her name to visit shop).  She loves abstract art because sometimes "it's the imperfections that make a painting beautiful".  Well, her imperfections are definitely perfection to me!  She creates beautiful art with hues of reds, blues, purples, golds and more! 

My Favorite Item: Symmetry... Large Two-Piece Original Abstract Painting - Look at those beautiful bluish/turquoise colors with goldish brown.  This would look ammmuuurrrzzzing in your living room, master bedroom or kitchen!  Beautiful (please see below)!

Coupon Code on Etsy: art373 for 10% any painting :)

Artist:  oddballartco (click on name to view shop)- A Freelance Artist and cancer survivor!  She creates one of a kind acrylic paintings, has soulful art and is a fighter by nature!  I seriously love her art as it reminds me of a great Tim Burton movie (think James and the Giant Peach, Corpse Bride and Alice In Wonderland) - so creative and unique.

My Favorite Item: Little Miss Muffet - Original Acrylic Painting OOAK - dark, yet sweet and innocent.  Moody yet colorful.  This is just one of her diverse paintings.  I had a very hard time deciding which would be the best to showcase her talent so please check out her store! 

Coupon Code on Etsy: MYTREAT15 for 15% off!

  

Artist:  BreatheCouture (click on name to visit shop) - She creates clothing, jewelry and accessories. "Creations are made primarily from recycled and vintage materials."  She has beautiful corset style lace up tops, versatile and wonderfully textured accessories and men's cowls (Father's Day is coming up!).  I adore her photography as most are in very natural setting and capture her items perfectly.

My Favorite Item:  - Vintage Silk Cream Headband with Aurora Borealis Rhinestones - I heart this turban style headband.  I think this would be beautiful alone in the hair for a casual or formal event or look stunning on a blushing bride!  And again, look at that photography!! 

Coupon Code on Etsy: breathe11 for 10% off :)

Interview Questions -

1)      What was your biggest struggle when opening your Etsy store?

Hippiechicjewelz – My biggest struggle when opening my Etsy shop was that there was no one that had any information to help me. I had no idea what a treasury was, that you could join teams and what teams can do for your success on Etsy. That is the main reason I started STATTEAM, to help others who are just opening their Etsy shops.

Mojo3777creations – Deciding what I was going to sell... I started out with cookie baskets, as you can see I am a long ways from that now!

Jessicabstract – I'd say my biggest struggle with opening my store was finding the confidence to put myself out there. I was new to painting and self-taught. With so many amazing artists out there, I was hoping that people would appreciate my art.

Oddballartco – I would have to say being seen was and still is the hardest obstacle to overcome, Etsy is a very big place with hundreds of thousands of shops so getting noticed can be a challenge but being a member of STAT Team I think helps overcome this.

BreatheCouture - I'd sold on Ebay a few years ago so it wasn't too hard to get used to setting up a shop on Etsy. However every online shop/site has their differences and I prefer Etsy because it's focused on handmade, unique, small businesses. The challenge is patience to learn what sells and what doesn't. I am still learning that to some degree. So many things can be a factor.

2)       What do you find to be your best marketing and advertising tools (what drives in the sales?)?

Hippiechicjewelz – FACEBOOK! I totally rely on FaceBook for my advertising, it works because 80% of my sales come from my FB fans! I also hand out small items of my work like earrings along with a business card whenever I can, at the grocery store, restaurants, my bank or anywhere else I frequent.

Mojo3777creations – I think most of my sales come from google search, they are mostly from new members who have joined Etsy the day of my sale...The statteam and BNR's also help tremendously.

Jessicabstract – I've tried all kinds of marketing such as Facebook, posting on forums, etc. I'm always looking for new ways to put myself out there. I have found that renewing listings often has helped get views and put into treasuries the most.

Oddballartco – I cant say that there is any one thing that really drives in the sales for me, but I have been using Facebook, Blogger, Flickr, Picasa, Kijiji and CraigsList and I have found that it really just takes the right person to come along at the right time!

BreatheCouture - So far my best marketing tools have been word of mouth by customers, and Twitter. This has been more successful with sales than the coverage I've had in national fashion magazines (http://www.toromagazine.com/sex/toro-woman/d17488d7-dcd1-65e4-fdea-3f5e92ac1424/Rebecca-Marshall/index.html?pageIndex=11 – see necklace (one of her pieces)

3)      What are your biggest inspirations?

Hippiechicjewelz – My biggest inspiration comes from my senses. I interpret all my senses, how I feel, the music I hear and above all the images and experiences of my daily life.
I then process them and create something that conveys that idea, whether it's a jewelry sculpture or writing an article for STATTEAM or my blog.

Mojo3777creations – My love for the 60's 70's and hippie era, my children, my husband and my mom.
Jessicabstract – My inspiration comes from my son, Zane. I began painting after he was born as a creative outlet. I get a lot of inspiration from places I've lived and visited. I also draw a lot of inspiration from nature. I always find myself drawn to water and the sky.

Oddballartco – I am inspired by all of the beautiful, bright and vibrant colors in nature all around me, I live in the country and have a studio in my home and therefore get to enjoy the beauty that is all around me out here in the country and pull inspiration from all of it and everyday life.

BreatheCouture - I really can't limit into a few things where my inspiration comes from. It comes from other designers, movies, music, fairy tales, a lot from nature (my garden).

4)      If you could go back and be in charge of design for ANY movie (backdrop/background designs, costumes/fashion, accessories, hair) and why?

Hippiechicjewelz –  It would totally have to be Pirates of the Caribbean! I LOVE the style and fashion, with my eclectic tendencies I think I would rock the boat! Oh, you cant forget the main reason.... JohnnyDepp! :)                                                                                                                                           

Mojo3777creations – That is tough for me, I don't really watch a lot of movies, but I think it would be fun to be involved with the Alice In Wonderland movie, I dressed up as the Queen of Hearts for my son's Fairytale Ball and I loved making my costume...I would love to have the opportunity to work next to Johnny Depp, who wouldn't! LOL I feel like the mad hatter when I am working on my hats! :) I also love the White Queen!

Jessicabstract – Edward Scissorhands!! My favorite movie ever! A lot of my personality can be compared to that movie. The overall backdrop is quite dark, but the root of it all is quite beautiful and bright. Plus, a little Johnny Depp never hurts!

Oddballartco – I have always loved the movie The Lost Boys and I would love to remake that movies in todays day and age with all the special effects and stuff that we can do today and put my own style to it I think it would be a modern day masterpiece!!!!!

BreatheCouture - There are so many, but Alice in Wonderland would be a lot of fun!

*LOVE the answers to the last question!  Just shows you that Johnny Depp really chooses memorable roles and that we would love to work on him - er, I mean his movies.  :) 

Only seems fitting to finish up with a picture...

of Johnny Depp :)

Please show some love to the Statteam by visiting the blog (http://statteam.blogspot.com/) and checking out their shops (and using their generous coupon codes :)

If you have any questions please let me know :)  I have a lot of new products being listed this week (bridal, hippie headbands, and children's flower hair clips). 

Please come visit me at http://tootyfruitymonkeyluv.etsy.com/ :)

Everyday Makeup Application Tutorial - I HEART ALL THINGS MAKEUP

Hello everyone!  As promised, I am doing a makeup application tutorial today.  This look can be used for everyday use or even for going out for some happy hour drinks (something that sounds wonderful at almost 9 months pregnant :)...  Ahh, who am I kidding, I would be sleeping after one...  lol

I have been in love with makeup since I was 13/14 and have experimented with many many different looks and many many different products!  I guess I take this skill for granted because I know many of you out there struggle with this or need the confidence boost to try new things!  I wanted to be a Mac makeup artist forever, but that wasn't in my (or God's) plans...  But I can still play - I have done many a prom applications and actually did my best buddies makeup for her wedding (can't put a price on that!). 

Trust me, makeup is FUN!!  I don't feel you need to be all dolled up sitting at home reading a book (however, I usually am) but I do feel that makeup can really pull a look together and make you look and feel HOT!  I don't care your age (unless you are too young to be wearing makeup!) because everyone can wear makeup at any stage of their life.  I hope to show you that you can wear makeup and not look like a hook... nevermind, you get my point.  :)  I do want to point out though that I truly believe in natural beauty as well - I am just doing this because I LOVE MAKEUP (did I mention that already?)? 

OH - BLAH, BLAH, BLAH Ashley...  get to the POINT!

Let's get started :)

First, I want to point out that I have struggled with my skin for about 2 years now (started during my second pregnany).  I believe it might be stress related, but I am working on that.  So, if you have sensitive skin, this may be a perfect tutorial for you! 

Here are the items that I use (see list of items and descriptions below pictures):

Items shown:

CereVe Moisturizer

Cetaphil Face Bar

Vaseline

Visine

Clinique Acne Solutions Foundation - Fresh Ivory

Mac Bronzer - Called "Bronze" (MUST HAVE)

Mineral Powder Blush - Maybelline "Soft Mauve"

Profusion - Color Pallete (for eyes)

Buxom Lips (lip plumper) by Bare Essentials (MUST HAVE!)

Lancome Mascara

Mac Prunella Eye Kohl (eyeliner)

Posh Foundation Brush

Clinique Color Surge Eye Shadow Duo (Pink Slate and Strawberry Fudge)

Ohhhh I really didn't want to include these, but it is kinda the point of the blog...  Ugh - scary and don't mind my 9 month preggo face (which is not Photoshopped in any way).  Anywho...  this is my face after all the steps below have been completed.

First steps: 

• WASH YOUR FACE (morning and night - very important).  Very bad to sleep in makeup and you want to quick wash in the morning too.
• Apply Moisturizer (CereVe is the ONLY moisturizer that does not cause me to breakout - I LOVE IT!)  Moisturizing is very important because not only does it keep the face youthful, but also prevents your face from becoming dry and "cakey"
• Apply Foundation (I do this with my hands starting from the center and moving out when rushed and with a foundation brush when I have time)  The Foundation brush cost me maybe $4 and it is amazing for blending and an even look.  VERY IMPORTANT - make sure you blend well - ladies, this means PLEASE blend below your chin onto your neck and behind those ears - A FOUNDATION LINE IS NOT PRETTY!  And make sure you have the right color - I always buy a color a little bit darker than my face, but not too dark!
• I then put a lighter color concealer under my eyes and on my eyelids to make your eyes "pop" and look youthful...  We all have bags, but no one needs to know that :)  TIP:  This may sound strange, but if you are puffy under the eyes and are in a hurry (and don't have millions of dollars to spend on de-puffing serum) then go get two metal spoons (CLEAN spoons haha) and using the flat side place under your eyelid - not only does this feel wonderful, but also brings down the puffiness a little. 
• Lastly, and this step is optional, I use Visine Allergy drops because spring is kicking my you know what...  Visine can also be used after a long night of er... happy hours (yes, I said hour"S" ;).  Yes, your job is stressful, but no one needs to know how you handle the "pressure" ;)

Okay, you should only have your eyes products left and your choice of lip color.

The second picture is my eyes after completing the steps below.

• First step - if you are using a duo shade, one should be lighter than the other.  I use this for my ENTIRE lid.  This really smooths out the look of veins and creates a beautiful arch under the eyebrow (which is a whole other blog in itself).  If you are not using a duo shade then find a lighter complimentary shade to your choice of darker shade (cream/brown, light pink/purple, shimmery white/cream/dark blue or black)
• Second, run your finger in the middle of your eyebrow and actual eye.  You should feel a ridge (bone) that makes a pretty arch from one side to the other.  Get to know that arch well - this is where I place all of my darker shadow.  I either use my finger (I know, I know) or a brush and apply the makeup along that crease.  I also bring it down on the side a little to create a little bit of a cat eye (see picture above again for a visual example)

The pictures above are me after completing the steps below...

• Apply eyeliner.  I know this can be scary, but if you practice, you will love it (try different kinds, find the easiest to apply).  Compare it to the pictures shown earlier in the blog and you will know what I mean.  It makes a huge difference (I mean, you've already gotten this far, might as well keep going!). 
• Make sure the eyeliner lines the whole eye and is as close to the eye as possible.  A big gap in between your eye and eyeliner is also... not pretty.  I love Mac eyeliner - kinda smokey, but easy to apply.  Does not need to be perfect - the mascara will mask some of the eyeliner (trust me). 

We are almost done!  In all reality this takes makes 10-15 minutes once you get it down...

Okay, this is me after completing the last steps (shown below)

• Apply mascara - if you get nothing else from this blog other than wear mascara... I am happy.  Mascara is very important in completing your look. If you forget mascara you will look tired and your eyes will look too dark.  If you have zero time - mascara and lip gloss are awesome alone!  Crazy, I know, but it really does matter.  Make sure you use a good mascara too - they have some really cool ones out, but the best to me are Lancome, Loreal, Lash Stilleto...  Any of those will do the job.  :)  Make sure you get the outside lashes really really good - those are the most important.  If you have tiny little eyelashes, trust me, this will still make a big impact on your look.
• Lastly, LIP GLOSS.  My cousin introduced my mother and I to Bare Escentuals Buxom Lip Plumper (all the colors are awesome!) and we love it!  Lip color is important, but I recommend a gloss only.  Sorry, but I feel the actual lipstick's are a little old fashioned.  And if you are going to apply lip gloss anyway, might as well be a plumper (that works).  This is one of those items I would spend a little more on (along with mascara).  Trust me, you will be addicted - I mean, who doesn't want supermodel lips??

Okay, well ladies (and maybe some men??) - either slick back your hair or let it down (and place a flower from tootyfruitymonkeyluv on the side (sorry had to throw that in!)) - either way you are beautiful (regardless of makeup or not :).  I hope you feel more confident in applying makeup and I hope that you feel more confident inside and out!  Hope this helped and please let me know if you have any questions :) 

Okay, we have to do a before and after pic, right???

Thanks everyone!  If you get a chance please stop by http://www.bigklittlea.com/ (Big K little a BLOG) - she is featuring my shop and you could win a $20 gift certificate and free shipping to my Etsy store :)

I will listing a whole bunch of new stuff this week on my Etsy store (http://tootyfruitymonkeyluv.etsy.com/)

Happy Mother's Day!

I hope you had a wonderful Mother's Day! 

I had an amazing day with my mom and dad and then with my hubby and children! 
We headed out to my parents for an amazing brunch (quiche, fresh fruit and cinnamon rolls) and then came home to my hubby who made me bacon wrapped filets!  Spoiled and now about ten pounds heavier...  :0

I just wanted to share with you the gifts I made my mom (she bought me a BEAUTIFUL potted flower that now sits on my front steps!)...  :)  My creations are pretty, but are nothing compared to my beautiful mother and best friend!  Love you mom!

 Not the shoes, just the flower shoe clips (and yes, I forgot to cut off the tag :( )  - $8/pair

 Shoe clips again (can be worn on scarf or in hair too) :)

 This is a bobby pin I made for her a while back - doesn't it look CUTE!  :)  - $6/pair (either same or two different pins)

 Yo-yo flower necklace with adjustable ribbon - made with my grandma's (her mom's) vintage buttons! 

Pink and cream headband with yellow faux pearl to match shoe clips - $8

If you are interested in any of the above items check out my Etsy shop (http://tootyfruitymonkeyluv.etsy.com/) to check out my current selection or email me at tootyfruitymonkeyluv@yahoo.com for custom requests

Have a great week!