KCRlehrstudio in the spotlight

Trained artist, career educator and jewelry designer Colleen Lehr sells her artisan jewelry, components and kits on Etsy, in specialty shops and home parties. Favoring good pearls and brass filigree finished in wonderful patinaes, and inspired by nature and history, she combines components in unique ways that charm the eye and often reference the past. In her own words, "I always appreciate the artistic gifts that are unique to each person. Some create, some appreciate, some support, some encourage -- all are gifts and as such should be shared." Creating for 30 hours a week and working online for around 7 hours, Colleen has recently squeezed more time into her schedule for her new blog, http://kcrlehrstudio.blogspot.com/

ArjasUni: Emerging Finnish Jewelery Maker

Selections from ArasUni on Etsy
Arja Aalto's beautiful Etsy store reflects a range of styles, executed with wire and artfully chosen materials. Arja is a professional textile technician by day, and a self-taught jewelry maker and magician with knitting & crocheting copper and silver wire on her own time (20-30 hours weekly.) In her words, her designs reflect, "A fusion of influences from nature, art of the ingenious Sami people of Lapland and Kalevala folklore to Celtic aesthestics, steampunk and contemporary design." I also see romance and a little Victorian influence when I browse her store. Arjas' Etsy store, ArjasUni, is her only venue at this point, and you won't be disappointed if you have a look at her remarkable creations.
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Invitation to Artists Previously Featured on EtsyLounge: If you've been featured on this blog before and would like your own mini-feature like this one, please scroll down to the bottom of this page and fill out the questionnaire.

DiademJewels: Faerie Inspirations on Etsy

Some weeks ago I invited the featured artists of EtsyLounge to fill out the interview questionnaire at the bottom of this page, and DiademJewels is our first responder. She blogs and sells her wondrous creations on Etsy. Both sites are a feast for the eyes. The artist/designer is a 23 year old biology student with a penchant for belly dancing, steampunk fashions and geeky conventions. Inspired by faerie lore, nature & flowers and Greek mythology, she imbues her designs with romance and mysticism. The craftsmanship is most impressive, especially given she is self-taught. Her favorite materials are sterling silver wire, faceted stones, freshwater pearls, crystals and lampwork beads. Beautiful designs and photography make her store and blog a true feast for the eyes. *The necklace shown at the left is her best-seller, and the other photos show a few of the many lovely creations from DiademJewels.etsy.com.

Tickled Pink on Etsy: Jewels That Glow

Handpicked on Etsy: Inspired by a Treasury by trinitydj

The phrase "tickled pink" is about glowing with pleasure. How can a girl not behold such creations as these without glowing? I honestly cannot fathom why anyone would consider buying mass produced jewelry when such uniquely stunning creations as these are offered on Etsy's search pages. I came across a treasury called "Perfect Harmony" curated by trinitydj, and I borrowed several of her picks and added a couple of my own for today's showcase. Click on the pictures to go directly to these Etsy listings. Prices range from $25.00 to $466.00.

From top left to bottom right, today's features artists include: vanini, Luxedesignworkshop, gailavira, daniellart, fussjewelry, TallulahRose, surfandsand, ForTheCrossJewelry

Gamboge: The Color of Mustard on Etsy

Handpicked on Etsy

Gamboge is a familiar term to most artists who paint, denoting yellow-brown hues that come in tubes of artists' pigments. Originally derived from gamboge tree resin, the range of colors reminds us of mustard. Beautiful as a stand-alone hue, I also love what it does when used as an accent in a color scheme. A painter might cover a canvas with it before beginning to compose a landscape composition, a weaver might throw in a pick of it here and there, or a designer might use it for striking accessories to add punch and warmth. Today I featured creations found on Etsy that illustrate various beautiful ways to use the color gamboge. Click on the pictures to go directly to these Etsy listings. Prices range from $16.00 to $645.00. From top left to bottom right, today's featured Etsy artists include: DAcustomframes, kirevi, metroline6, verreencore, therawcanvas, constancrosedesigns, inbloomdesigns, FableBay

Storque Yourself: An Invitation to Followers of EtsyLounge

I've been reviewing my goals for this blog, which started out last year as an effort to boost the truly artistic, unique and the very best of Etsy. What I've hoped for is more interaction, which is what generates synergy for all of us.

So, I'm thinking the way forward is to create a Storque-like feature, in which featured artisans who've chosen to follow EtsyLounge can promote themselves and give us a more in-depth look at their work, their studios, their goals, their story.

My question for you: Would I have your support if I put the time into creating opportunity for you? I know many of you have your own blogs, but as we all know, it is the linkage that raises our SEO ratings and thus, it is through interaction with other blogs that we create internet synergy.

Question for Me: Can I pull this off? (As a non-geek, so far I've found one interactive gadget using Friends Connect. It's a start, and I'll keep working on it...scroll all the way down to the bottom to see it, and feel free to fill out the questionnaire if you'd like to be blogged!)

Outdoor Living with Etsy Creations

Handpicked on Etsy

Summertime in the Pacific Northwest means super long days, entertaining in the garden, al fresco dining and mild evenings on the patio. Today I focused on Etsy creations that enhance outdoor summer life. Featured today are garden enchantments for all ages, functional weatherproof furniture from whimsical to elegant, and a couple of summery wraps for bare shoulders including one of my own cozy wraps that protect against post-sunset breezes. Click on the pictures to go directly to these Etsy listings. Prices range from $17.00 to $925.00
From top left to bottom right, today's featured artisans include: katsarayarns, HangLooseHangers, filofashion, johntunger, CatsMeowArt, calicoskiescrafts, MillionTabbies, AspenIronworks, deliafurniture, joejeach, BearPawPottery

Clear Blue: Jewelry on Etsy

Handpicked on Etsy

Fresh air and "clear blue sky" popped into my mind as I looked at these pieces that caught my eye today as I browsed Etsy's search pages. Each of these talented artists used their materials with economy and skill, allowing the beautiful gemstones to make their statement elegantly and simply. Click on the photos to go directly to these Etsy listings. Prices range from $37.00 to $188.00

From left to right, today's featured artists include: DvoraSchleffer, Bebop, janeeroberti, steinschmuckdesign, LexLuxe, steinschmuckdesign

Fiber Sculpture: Needlefelt Critters on Etsy

Handpicked on Etsy
Miniature critters found on Etsy's search pages today range from sweetly whimsical to poignantly realistic portraits of beloved pets. These artists represent some of the uncommon talent available in Etsy stores, some of which is undiscovered and deserving of more attention. Click on the photos for a closer look at these remarkable creations, ranging in price from $20.00 to $200.00.
From top left to bottom right, today's featured artists include: Gerry, twolefthands, fibreheart, VirginiaMopFair, BarbaraPageKnits, sendsunshine, arrowroot, LoveableTreasured