Crafters and Artisans Directory

Amathia Soapworks started as an idea in the spring of 2010 and released its first batch of products upon the handmade world in October of 2010. However, the woman behind Amathia Soapworks has been crafting bath and body products for herself, family, and friends much much longer than that.

She's Kendra (many of her friends call her Kenna) and she's that woman.

She's one of those crafty souls who sees something in everyday life and wonders how it came to be. Oftentimes, this meant lots of research and in the end, another hobby to hoard supplies for. From the most common arts like sewing, painting, digital design and print work, scrapbooking, and cooking to the slightly offbeat crafts like upcycling/recycling trash into useful new gadgets and gizmos, it was only a matter of time before she looked at a bar of soap and asked, How?


She grew up with a sensitivity to many big box commercial beauty products (eternal gratitude to her Mom for that genetic predisposition!) From fragrances to certain preservatives to other synthetic chemicals and detergents, the list of products she tried and had to avoid (thank you hives, headaches, and nausea) grew every year. This really fueled the fire when she dug in and gave her first batch of cold process soap a try in 2004. It was love at first pour (or maybe it was when she cut the four pound slab of soap to reveal a gorgeous swirl that she had yet to be able to duplicate!) Ever since, she's been a firm believer in handmade bath and beauty products, producing her own concoctions and buying from others in the know.

After running her own print and design business in 2009, she realized that she doesn't have what it takes to wear the many hats of a one woman show small business. Despite the love for being her own boss and working her own hours, she found that print and design was not a hobby she loved enough to make her life. She returned to the corporate world and ho-hum of a normal job and began analyzing every hobby and craft under her belt to find one that she knew she loved enough to spend every day doing - and this is it! Since then, she's been hard at work to make Amathia Soapworks her version of the nine to five and she wants to thank you so much for being a part of it.

Location: Manhattan, Kansas, USA


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Handmade, flexible, plastic molds created from Kea's own unique designs. Her molds can be used for soap, wax, crayons, plaster and resin. Because her molds are handmade, they are not mass produced commercial molds and are freshly made just for you in her home!

If you are looking for a design or a quantity and it is not listed in her store, please contact Kea's Creations through an Etsy convo to see if it is available. Because she has hundreds of mold designs, she rotates them in her shop.



Kea's Creations is a family owned business and it was started in 2005. They are proud to have reached their 5th Anniversary. What is so great about the United States of America is the ability to start a cottage industry doing the things you love and turn them into a successful business.

Kea's Creations can help you create your own business by incorporating their molds into the things you love, whether it is soap, wax, crayons, resin, plaster or cement.

Or you can use the molds to create projects for children and adults to be creative in child care centers, family home child cares, preschools, elementary schools, homeschooling/home educated homes, camps, community centers and retirement homes.

Their unique plastic molds are reusable and flexible made from 030 polystyrene plastic, which can be used for many different mediums including soap, wax, crayons, resin, plaster and cement. Because the plastic is not FDA approved, it cannot be used for food. Since the molds are handmade, they are not mass produced commercial molds and are freshly made just for you. No sheets of molds are being made because each is being cut out individually. To assist with pouring, Kea suggests you balance the molds using the rims on bowls, cups, or disposable plastic containers or in tubs of rice, beans or sand if they do not have flat bottoms.

Location: Vancouver, Washington, USA

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Check out Kim's designs to see what goes through the mind of a mermaid!

She is a self – taught jewelry designer practicing since childhood. She loves working with stones and silver, and setting the lovely sea glass she so enjoys collecting. In many ways, she held onto that childhood whimsy of collecting shells, and scanning the surf, searching for elusive mermaids and glimpses of Neptune himself.

Her childhood on the Chesapeake Bay of Maryland and romps through the woods at her grandparent's homes inspired her jewelry style to a large extent. There she spent entire days searching the brackish beaches and marshes for treasures such as shells, driftwood, and beach glass. When she wasn’t out on the water, she was reading all sorts of folklore and mythology related to water, stones, and nature. She loves incorporating the natural world into her designs, and a good dose of mythology also!

Many of her designs spark thoughts of tranquil woodland pools, coastal bays, and the grandeur of the ocean.   Water is the element that makes our planet so special, and hopefully her creations will serve as a reminder to cherish, protect and respect our most precious resource.

Her little workshop in the enchanting woods of Stevenson, Maryland is the perfect location for tranquility and creativity. Kim works outdoors as often as possible, where the warm sun provides the ultimate in lighting and inspiration. It is very likely that your handcrafted piece was assembled right on the beach, or literally "in the water" via kayak! She has been known to take her bead box out in her kayak, or down to the surf with her!



Kim and her family collect all their own sea glass on the shores of the Chesapeake Bay and in Bermuda, though she's exctited to finally have time to start beach combing in new areas.

Her larimar comes directly from the Dominican Republic, all stones are cut by local artisans on the island.

She feels that gemstones are a gift from the Earth and God to bring us beauty and healing on all levels. The next time you wear your favorite gem, reflect for a moment to consider how you feel, it may just surprise you!

Please contact her with any requests for custom work through an Etsy convo or send her an email, she will do her best to help. For more information and pictures visit her Mermaid website at www.MermaidSeaGlass.com.

She hopes you are inspired by her work, and that it brings you closer to your “inner mermaid or merman”.



Location: Stevenson, Maryland, USA





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Her "real" job for the last 15 years has been a career firefighter. As a little girl she used to collect old glass bottles that she would find lying in the ground. She has continued collecting glass bottles over the years; it is her love of glass that took her to stained glass.
Then Jody ventured off to making glass fused pendants and fused bottles.
After years of buying homemade soap ~ she decided to try her hand at making her own. After many recipes and many trial batches she realized that there is nothing better than a fresh bar of homemade soap! People started asking her to make them glass projects and homemade soap. Before she knew it, she had a small part time business going! Everything she creates is completed in a little log cabin she calls her "Buda" (Polish for small cottage) Her "Buda" is settled in a white pine forest behind her log home. She hopes that you will get as much joy out of her creations as she does in making them!



HEART J CREATIONS ~ offers cutomized, handmade, bath and body luxeries. Jody's handmade products are deeply scented and feel wonderful on your skin! She offers many different scented soaps using essential and fragrance oils along with great body care products that you can custom blend! If you would like more than one item CONVO her... she has more. All her handmade soaps are natural with moisturizing ingredients like cocoa butter, shea butter, coconut oil, palm oil, olive oil and glycerin. Her handmade soaps will get you clean while moisturizing your skin with natural oils. You can even shave with them since their bubbly lather is rich and creamy! As a nice little sidekick... Jody also makes laundry detergent.

Location: Myersville, Maryland, USA



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She is a mother of two amazing children and wife to a supportive and loving husband. Becoming a mother has been the most rewarding journey of Marlina's life. When she is not too busy chasing after her children, she loves to cook and bake and create wonderful things. She has a background in Fine Arts and has always been artistic since she was a child. She loves learning new things. On her to-do-list is learning how to use her birthday present, her Singer sewing machine.



Mon Petit Gâteau means "My Little Cupcake" in French.

On the menu she has some darling Diaper Cakes and Baby Burp Cloths. Diaper Cakes make a sweet gift to give a new mother and they make a darling centerpiece for a baby shower. Diaper Cakes also make wonderful hospital gifts and welcome home baby gifts for new parents. Baby Burp Cloths are mom's best friend. Great for the diaper bag and for those messy moments. You can even use a burp cloth as a changing pad. Another great gift for a new mom!

Each Diaper Cake is made to order and is decorated with sweet baby blankets and washcloth frosting and trimmed with darling ribbons and bows.

She also has started to hand paint shirts which make great birthdays and other gifts! They are painted with non-toxic paint and heat sealed.

Special orders and requests are welcome! Please send her a message with your wonderful ideas and inspirations :)

Her other etsy shop "Marlicat Designs" features original watercolor flower, aquatic and dessert paintings.



Marlina recently started her own blog "Mon Petit Gateau - Sew Sweet and Artfully Creative" where she talks about her artistic endeavors and her lovely family.

Location: Tucson, Arizona, USA



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She has been a soap maker since 1997. Soap making is her obsession and her passion. She loves to put a lot of creativity into each batch she makes. In her Etsy store she offers handmade luxurious spa quality artisan soaps with artistic flair...

Many people ask what inspires her in her soap designs... so many things. She loves to bake and she gets many great ideas for her soaps from deserts. She enjoys making soaps look good enough to be eaten but eaten and absorbed by your skin. Leaving your skin soft as a baby's you know what....(lol) :)




All products by SV Soaps are made by cold process. They are made in small batches by hand and scratch from start to finish. She only uses the finest vegetable oils, fragrances, and essential oils. All of her products are Vegan. They have a wonderful creamy lather and they leave your skin soft and refreshed, hungry for more.

All of her soaps, lip balms, body butters/scrubs, and bath bombs are made with highest quality ingredients and fragrances and/or essential oils. She captures your senses with the wonderful scents of Guava Fig, Pear Pazzaz and Papaya Mango. Or try the wonderfully creamy lip balm flavors Tutti Fruiti, Tropical Punch and Mango.

You can also order soaps directly from her own SV.Soaps website or check out her wonderful blog "Indulgence - by SV.Soaps".

Location: Nampa, Idaho, USA



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Micah Yancey is an Austin, Texas jewelry designer who loves fashion, nature, family, friends, pedicures, great wine, running, skiing, smiles, and getting the most out of life. Micah believes that jewelry should be simple, clean, well made, sophisticated and aligned with current fashion trends. These are the principles on which she based her current line, BonBon. She has a deep appreciation for beautiful and unique semi- precious stones and she chooses each stone for her handmade pieces very carefully. Many of the stones in this line look good enough to eat, which explains her inspiration for the name, BonBon (‘candy’ in French). She uses 14 karat gold-filled and sterling silver metals, along with an occasional unique vintage item for her designs. Almost every piece she makes is one-of-a-kind.



Micah’s love of jewelry design began in college. She found great enjoyment in designing a necklace for her friends or herself to compliment a great outfit. She continued her design work when she moved to Dallas after graduation, keeping her jewelry lines classic, yet aligned with fashion trends and colors. In 2006, she moved to the inspirational city of Austin, and after much encouragement from the people who love her (and even a few strangers!), she began selling her designs, thus launching Micah Yancey Jewelry on Etsy.

Location: Austin, Texas, USA


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The maker of Mermaid's Tears describes herself as a Sea Glass Fanatic, jewelery designer, a happy Mom of one great son, 2 dogs and a silly cat. And Betty is married to a great guy!

Sea glass or Mermaid's Tears as it is also known is a wonderful natural creation filled with magic, legends and an air of mystery. Perhaps that piece of cornflower you twirl between your fingers originated as a Victorian poison bottle tossed into the sea by some cloaked woman hiding in the shadows trying to elimininate all traces of her dastardly crime. That rare regal red that you have plucked from the sand could have been a lantern from a notorious pirate vessel lost to the sea now lurking in the mists near some forgotten shoreline. The legend of Mermaid's Tears says that the tears (or sea glass) were created by mermaids who sobbed for the tears of sailor's lost at sea. As their tears hit the water, they turned to these magical pieces of frosted glass. Lovingly nurtured by the ocean; tossed and churned; pounded by surf and rumbled across pebbles to create an amazing piece of beautiful history.



Know that her jewelry is made, keeping all these things in mind and created with love, magic and wonder of nature's grandious powers. Each piece is as original and unique as the one who buys it. The lovely story of Mermaid's Tears is included with every purchase.

Mermaid's Tears is a proud member of the EtsyNJ team. She writes a wonderful blog called "Sea Glass Psycho" where you can see cool Johnny Depp pictures and the pendant she made for him!!! You can become a fan of Betty on Facebook and follow MermaidsTears on Twitter.

Location: New Jersey, USA


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Emily is a part time college student (history) and full time crafter who was recently laid off from one of the best jobs ever (at a stained glass studio) -- it seems like art is always the first thing to go in a bad economy.




So she is trying to make a go of her own crafting business. She is obsessed with knitting, and she has recently begun to fall in love with lino cut printing, weaving and sewing. Emily loves crafting of all stripes, and she is most happy when her hands are busy. She puts a lot of energy and care into each and every object that she creates.

Personally I find her frog and rat disections most intreaguing.

All her patterns are copyrighted. They, and the creatures made from them are for personal use only.

You can follow the Crafty Hedgehog on Twitter (estonia76) and become a fan of Emily on Facebook. She maintains various blogs that she sporadically updates and which can be accessed from here: http://www.emilystoneking.com/

Location: Burlington, VT, USA


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She has been making stuff ever since she could get her hands on things to make stuff with... whether it was making small stuffed animals from her mother's fabric scraps or carving creatures from bars of soap. isewcute grew up in a log cabin in the Maine woods where she learned early on to entertain herself and to use what was available at the time and it helped nurture her to be the inventive and flexible artist that she is today.

She is a mom of two little ones who have their own blooming creativeness and when she is not working as a freelance toydesigner... she is making stuff for family, friends, and her wicked cool etsy shop! You can find her cruising www.craftster.org... a lot! It rocks! She is a friend of craftster and would love to see you there!

She was featured in the Faster Kittykill! Blog! Blog! back in November 2009 where she describes herself as the quiet dreamer who already got in trouble back in grade school for doodling cats and mermaids in the margin of the paper rather than taking the math test.

The things isewcute creates are very personal. She makes what she likes and hopes you love it too!

Keep checking back often to see new one of a kind resin glitter heart and candy necklaces as well as some hand embroidery patterns. You never can tell what she will come up with next!



I Sew Cute "isewcute" is a proud member of EtsyMoms: and the crafting in color teams on etsy!

You may read about her crafty adventures, pick up a recipe, learn how to make your own resin pendants, find a free pattern and get ideas for crafty fun with your preschooler in her bloggity blog!

Also visit her 2nd etsy shop Granny's Table which she can't seem to keep up with compared to this one or follow isewcute on Twitter.

Her passion is to make well loved items which will be treasured for years inspired by cartoons, toys, candy, pinups and more!
isewcute makes sweet, fun, kawaii resin jewelry for teens on up and also unique accessories for crafty gals who love knitting, crocheting and embroidery!
She has permission from cmgworldwide to make her Marilyn Monroe pendant necklaces!

Location: Dayton/Cincinatti, Ohio, USA


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Brigit's love affair with leather began in 1970 while in college. With a $25 investment and some encouragement from a leather supplier in Denver she was on her way.

She immediately became hooked on the texture, the grain and the feel of fine leather. It is a natural product with endless possibilities for creativity. She uses cowhide for almost everything she makes with an occasional piece of pigskin for a lining or an overlay.

Although Brigit takes her leather work very seriously she has never used it to make a living. This allows her to spend more time on each piece without worrying what she will charge. Her reward comes in the personal satisfaction of knowing that she has created something that will be used and enjoyed.
Even after 37 years she finds the time she spends in her studio to be very rewarding.

Brigit stands behind every item in her shop and wants you to be completely satisfied with your purchase. If for any reason you are not, she will work with you to ensure your satisfaction.



As you can see from Brigit's shop she still makes some "retro" items that are a throw back to her early years, but she works to keep up to date with things like cell phone and MP3 cases. Right now she seems to be going through a bright color phase. She has some absolutely gorgeous colors of leather.

In Brigit's leather Etsy shop you will find completely handcrafted gifts and accessories in leather and suede. She is a one-person shop so she makes everything from start to finish. Her work area is smoke and pet free.

She is continually adding new items so stop back and browse often. Don't hesitate to ask and send her and Etsy convo if you have a question or want something special made that you currently don't see in her shop.

Location: Sewell, New Jersey, USA

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Her name is Sarah, she is 18 and she uses her Loveclay Etsy shop to help her save for college. She sells polymer clay jewelry ad crafts. She has always loved arts and crafts. As a kid she was always doing something creative. In high school she took six classes of art including AP Art. Someone asked her what got her started on making things out of clay, and when she really thought about it she realized it was because she saw someones blog with tutorials on how to make beads and it seemed easy enough to roll some clay in a ball, poke a hole to make a bead and bake, voila! It started out as cheap stocking stuffers for Christmas for her sisters but soon she realized the possibilities are endless and that was what she really loves about it.




Each of Sarah's pieces are handcrafted. She is open to customizing pieces so just send her an email: loveclay@hotmail.com.

She really like robots :) She has always loved Star Wars. R2-D2 was her favorite along with C-3PO coming in a close second. She wanted to come up with a new type of robot so that is what she did with her Loveclay Etsy shop. She also has some mini robots that are a bit more traditional and would compliment a charm bracelet or necklace very well. Sarah has recently made her robots into smaller versions for earrings and cell phone charms. She is hoping to sell more robots so she can expand more into a new direction.

Sarah (just like the rest of us [knits4kids]) wishes Etsy would feature more polymer clay artists and she hopes that someday she will make it on the Etsy front page.

Please also look at Loveclay's blog where she features items. So submit yours!
You can follow LoveClay4 on Twitter, fan Loveclay on Facebook or add Sarah's Flickr.

Location: Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA

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Karen is a SAHM (stay at home mother) mum of three, one daughter 16 and two sons five and two. Her oldest son is autistic and the inspiration behind her business. There are only so many rummage sales and village fetes that you can organise, and franky she got sick and tired of being rained on to raise £4.29p. Hence Angelic Folk was born. 20% of her annual profit is donated to the National Autistic Society who do such a fantastic job of raising awareness and fighting for the rights of autistic people of all ages in the UK. The remainder of the money is reinvested into the company.

This is her way of saying thank you to them and of doing something positive to help. She has another account on Etsy under the user name tipsylipsy.



At Angelic Folk you will find clothing from casual day wear to formal wear and christening gowns. If you can't find it now, contact Karen through Etsy conversation and she would be happy to make something to suit your requiements and budget.

Angelic Folk only buys small quantities of each fabric and unless asked to do otherwise will only make one of each style of clothing each fabric and color choice which means every item she makes is unique. They will make items in the same style but not with the same fabric.

Karen can add embroidery or appliques and personalise items too. If you can't see anything you like in her stores, please contact her, she will be happy to research colours and fabric to suit you and can usually have your item ready within a week of buying the fabric. Everything is handmade, and so each item will be unique to you. Angelic Folk can stitch anything to anything**, so if you'd like a special dedication or message on one of their phantastic products they can do that too.

For more information visit Angelic Folk's main website: www.angelicfolk.co.uk and follow Tipsylipsy on Twitter. In addition to raising money for the National Autistic Society she is also a member of the Etsy Angels team which is raising money for the Susan G Komen fund during October.

Location: Billingborough, UK

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His name is Arthur Simo, he is a teenager, born in 1992 and he has Autism. He loves to paint because he has fun creating each picture. He enjoys playing nintendo, watching movies and reading about sharks, space, the Universe, dinosaurs, aliens, Egypt and collecting fossils. He skates, rides horses and bikes. He is taking a Tai Kwon Do class and he is a green belt.

Autism is a "bio-neurological disorder that is observable in early childhood with symptoms of abnormal self-absorption, characterised by lack of response to other humans and by limited ability or disinclination to communicate and socialize. Other symptoms include avoiding eye contact, sensory integration dysfunction, and restricted and repetitive behaviors such as stims." [www.wiktionary.org]

What are Arthur's social issues? A good example is having difficulties keeping up with teenagers. He loves to talk about space, planets, sharks, dinosaurs, rocks, aliens and teenagers are interested in other things and they will bore him, just as he will bore them. Further his communication will connect with his behavior because he lacks the meaning of some words. This will get him in trouble sometimes at school when he asks the teacher if she does not know how to read his work.

Arthur is attending Hialeah High School and he is in 12th grade. He loves wood-shop and cooking. He belies in God and he attends church every Sunday. He speaks Spanish because his parents are Cubans.



Arthur invites you to look into his world full of art, because art is his life. In his paintings he will show you a vision of his own nature, into his pictures. He will paint as he imagines them, not as he sees them. He doesn't know any rules, because art for him is freedom. He invites you to see through his eyes and to discover the road to unlocking the mysteries of Autism.

Arthur's mother Adriana just opened up the "Simo's World" shop on Zazzle to promote Arthur's art. His paintings and drawings are displayed on mugs, t-shirts, aprons, cards, etc.

You can visit Arthur on Ebay and follow Adrianasimo on Twitter.

Location: Hialeah, Florida, USA

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She loves recycling sweaters. Rose Bloom is a very addicted knitter, but when she got laid off from her geologist job, she decided to start making yarn out of old thrift store sweaters. She had been wanting to do this for so long, but never had the room, time, or motivation to do it. Now she has more time and a lot more umphf!

She doesn't know about how much room she has though. Her husband and Rose live in a one bedroom apartment on the north side of the building. The live with a cat who is constantly fighting her for her yarn. They don't smoke.



Maybe you are wondering why Rose would go through all of the trouble to rip out, wash, skein, weigh, and measure thrift store sweater yarn. There are multiple reasons. First, she is reusing/recycling something that had no purpose other than to be a manufactured sweater that someone did not want anymore. Thereby she is reducing her own carbon footprint by reusing already made yarns. Plus, since a thrift store sweater is quite cheap and produces a lot of yarn, she can offer you the yarn for a good deal.

There are two reasons to buy reused yarn:
1. Nice to the environment
2. Nice to your wallet

Rose doesn't cut any corners. She reuses all of the little ends from the sweaters to tie her skeins together. The paper label is made from reused paper. And she uses environmentally safe soaps to wash her yarn!

She has a RosesBloom-Recycled-Yarns Facebook page, she keeps the "Nosie Rosie Knits" blog and if you are interested in knit items, check out her Nosie Rosie Etsy shop.

Location: Denver, Colorado, USA

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Her name is Laura Bartlett and she has been creating art since she had her first art show at the age of five. Crayola never looked better on her Grandma's dining room wallpaper. Grandma said she would grow up to be an artist.

Laura taught art in public school for a while, but quit to pursue her own art. She had been making dolls for several years. A documentary on Ray Harryhausen helped her develop her dollmaking technique of working from the inside out on her pieces. She creates a wire armature, wraps it with yarn, builds up the muscles with batting and skin the piece by hand sewing fabric over the surface.
Her jewelry is made by beading over covered cord.

She has a minor cerebral palsy that affects her right hand and leg so she had to come up with a way to work somewhat one handed. Laura can hold things in her right hand but that's about it. She uses handcast resin eyes in both her dolls and jewelry work. Her interest in mythology, history and fantasy is evident in her work.



Laura is willing to make custom pieces. Please feel free to contact her with ideas through conversations in her Le Chat Noir Studios' Etsy shop.

Her husband MJ Bivouac is adding his work to the Chat Noir. He is an illustrator and sculptor and he is known online for his pin-up and erotic art work. He has also worked in motion picture effects. He makes the epoxy eyes from the Chat Noir line.

Laura recently started to write a blog named "Twisted Beauty" where she regularly posts thoughts on art dolls and celebrates the strange and unique.

In the interview "Spotlight Feature #25 - Laura Bartlett" which Laura gave to Sara's Texture Crafts on March 5th 2008, Laura states the two most important skills as a doll maker as having a basic understanding of anatomy and having basic hand sewing skills.

Le Chat Noir Studios specializes in fantasy, and mythological art dolls, plush and fabric fantasy animals, Cthulhu monsters, beaded and hand painted jewelry, pin up art and illustrations. She also does custom work like logos and one of a kind pieces.

Le Chat Noir is a proud member of the Freethinkers Street Team and she runs a smoke-free, cat friendly studio. You can also follow ChatNoirsMeow on Twitter.

Location: Lancaster, California, USA

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This mother of four, wife, and teacher of Gifted Education for over 35 years has always been a lifelong learner with a passion for quilting.


As a youngster, Sharon learned the art of quilting and the love of sewing from her Grandmother, as she sat for hours with her listening to the hum of the sewing machine and watching her hands gently rock back and forth, as she created what she came to love as her beautiful patchwork quilts.

Many scores of her own quilts later, she decided to put this passion together with an up and coming venture idea – marketing on line. Thus, Unique Baby Quilt Boutique was born.

Sharon sews each unique, one-of-a-kind baby quilt in a variety of original and innovative designs. A perfect combination of comfort and creativity, hand quilted by herself or her business partner, Sharlene. Both are mothers who know from personal experience what babies want and need. All quilts are made to be both durable and beautiful. These one of a kind quilts are sewn from 100% cotton and baby flannel fabrics and are machine washable and dryable.

When registering your name and email, you will receive a 10 - 20 % discount off the online price and have access to the newest handmade baby quilts, before they are even placed on the website.

You can follow babyquiltlady on Twitter and become a fan of Unique Baby Quilt Boutique on Facebook.

Unique Baby Quilt Boutique would love to hear from you. You can contact them through the website by filling out a contact form or send Sharon an email.

Location: South Florida, USA


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They are two best friends, mothers of three and four kids. Bibi and Nanda have a passion for handmade products, love to create and design art, sharing lots of precious memories... The Joyful Art factory was born.

Bibi, lives in Holland, mother of four, creative, kind-hearted, temperamented, honest, loving, best friend.
Nanda lives in Spain, mother of three, creative, colorful, passionated, loveable, reliable, best friend.



A personal, custom handmade gift is one of the sweetest and most unique gifts to give or to receive. The Joyful Art Factory loves it when someone takes the effort in giving them or their own kids such a special present. These special present are gifts for live.

All items are hand made with lots of love.and they are original and from their heart.
If you would like to receive more pictures of an item, please contact Joyful Art Factory through Etsy conversations and they will send them to you.

Important for the Holidays or special occasions, Joyful Art Factory offers free gift wrapping, and if you wish they will include a card with your message for the happy receiver.

Besides the official website www.ja-factory.com, Joyful Art Factory maintains a blog "JA Factory - Jewels & Art, Gifts, Decoration and Accessories... Handmade with Love..." and you can follow jafactory on Twitter.

Additional kids decoration items, accessories and jewels can be found at Nanda's other Lil' Miss Polkadot Etsy shop which was introduced in the article "Lil' Miss Polkadot - Paintings, Accessories and Handmade Gifts for Everyone" in the crafters and artisans directory.

For the future, Bibi and Nanda are planning on opening a special Etsy shop for webdesign, graphics, banners and invitations etc. If interested, they are already taking custom orders.

Location: Alhaurin el Grande, Spain

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She is a stay at home mom of three and she loves to be creative...
Nanda's biggest inspiration is her very own lil' miss Polkadot, her daughter, as well as her other two miracles. Her family means the world to her.

They live in Spain, another big inpiration for her. The bright colours from the Flamenco Dresses, colors of the food, happy people, the sea...

Every little piece she sells in her Lil' Miss Pokadot Etsy store is unique and made by herself with lots of love... precious, as life itself... She loves to make custom orders! Have fun while you are checking out her creations!



Lil' Miss Polkadot offers a variety of custom original artwork, handpainted nursery or kids room art, decor, personalized letters, initials, jewelry, accessories, gifts and more.

The things Nanda makes are great gifts for just about anyone... kids, babies, adults and everyone else. You will find the perfect gift for a birth, birthday, wedding, baby shower, parties, or just-because. She believes that a personal, custom made gift is one of the sweetest and unique gifts to give or to receive. She personally loves it when someone takes the effort in giving her or her kids such a special present. These are presents for live.

Do you see something but you can not afford it? Contact her through Etsy conversations and she will see what she can do for you...

You may choose and order from the designs in her Etsy shop, or previous work, or she can create something new, only for you. If you prefer a custom made item, please send her an Etsy conversation with details and she will make a special listing for you!

Each piece of her artwork is original and made with love. This can be seen in her pictures Flickr. Follow Nanda Lilmisspolkadot on Twitter, it's easier to stay in touch with her and take a peek at her wonderful Lil' Miss Polkadot blog.

She also just opened another Etsy shop, the JA Factory. You can read more about it in "Two Best Friends - Joyful Art Factory".

Location: Alhaurin el Grande, Spain

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She has been having a lot of fun dreaming up new snuggle monsters to make. Chasing My Star will be posting more in the near future.

Each monster comes with an official Monster Birth Certificate and Biography card. If you would like specific details included please send her a message through Etsy conversion at her store www.chasingmystar.etsy.com or send her an email to mary@chasingmystar.com.

Monsters like the ones she sews and sells will also be donated to charity.

Some of her favorite charities include:
- SPIRIT JUMP - Uplifting the spirits of cancer patients through unexpected gifts.
- COMFORT ZONE CAMP - A fun, safe, and free camp for grieving children. (locations in Virginia, New Jersey, California, & soon Massachusetts.
- THE TOY SOCIETY - Spreading love throughout the streets of the world with handmade toys looking for a nice home.



Chasing My Star welcomes custom orders but please keep in mind that it may take up to two weeks to complete. If faster service is needed please contact her for additional information.

ChasingMyStar announces every "birth" of a new monster on Twitter. Please visit her website for inspiring monster pictures at www.chasingmystar.com. In her scarce spare time as a monster mommy she enjoys working on her Chasing My Star blog.

Location: Richmond, VA, USA

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As a mom Martha Salazar always enjoys sewing and creating stuff and she sees SquidKid as an opportunity to share with you and your children the things that she makes.
Based in Vancouver and launched in 2009 her online store offers handmade children's clothing, accessories, and more.

Martha grew up in Mexico. Her mother had a sewing shop at their home where she learned all about sewing but she didn't carry on with it. In 2007 when her daughter was born she finally got back into sewing again after working in international trade for the dairy industry, teaching English as a Second Language (ESL), and moving to Canada to volunteer.

She loves to hear from you! She reads every message and comment. You can send her an Etsy convo or send her an email: m.salazar@squidkid.ca. She is happy to get your comments, questions, or suggestions. She will be constantly adding more products. Please keep in touch and visit her Squidkid Etsy store again.



Launched in September 2009, SquidKid creates fun and comfortable children items for those who prefer a unique and handmade style for the little ones in their lives. Martha also developed her own unique eco-friendly and reusable party supplies.

Remember you can order in advance and pick up for free at any tradeshow Squidkid Design participates in. (You will get a refund for shipping charges). SquidKid will be at:

*The Children's Trunk Show Vancouver - Nov 6th and 7th
*Make It Vancouver - Nov 20th to 22nd

Browse through the store and pick a special item for your little one (and yourself) to enjoy. All designs are copyright to SquidKid and were photographed by Chad Galloway.

Become a Fan of Squidkid Design on Facebook or follow Squidkid on Twitter. Besides Martha's Etsy store you can also purchase directly from her official Squidkid Design website.

Generally SquidKid offers in-house designs, however Martha is always excited to find other creative mothers and share their wonderful creations with our kids. SquidKid promotes buying handmade by featuring the work of other creative mothers. These creations are available for you to enjoy as well.

Exclusively for readers and visitors of the Crafters and Artisans directory, Squidkid Design offers a 10% discount on a first order. To redeem the coupon, mention code: MAF1017 when placing an order and Martha will send a refund.

Location: Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

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She saw her first alpaca in 2004. It was love at first sight. After one year full of research and visiting different alpaca ranches, she purchased her first females. A year later, they moved from a big city to a small rural town, and were able to house their alpacas in their own pastures.

Silver Sun Alpacas is located in the beautiful Santa Ynez Valley in Southern California, nestled on 5 flat acres, among California's famous wineries.
Silver Sun Alpacas breeds and raises alpacas with the finest bloodlines.
Their goal is to offer buyers quality and healthy alpacas at affordable prices. They are determined to provide the best possible service, dedication, and ongoing support to their customers, and to continue this tradition for many generations.

Silver Sun offers a selection of raw fiber, hand spun and mill processed yarns and handmade knits used from their own alpacas' fiber. She also likes to hand-dye and make beautiful batts on her drum carder and hand-spin on her Kromski, Minstrel.



At Silver Sun Alpacas Etsy and Artfire stores, you will find Alpaca yarn, Handspun yarn, Drum card's batts, handpainted roving, and handpainted alpaca yarn, all made with love.

Spinners and knitters, if spinning is not your cup'o'tea and you like to work with her batt, she will be delighted to spin it for you. Contact her through her Etsy store at www.silversunalpacas.etsy.com.

She has been portrayed twice in the "Daily Chum - A Daily Dose of Fibermania" in the articles "ESotD: Silver Sun Alpacas" and "Spinning: Beautiful Batts". Additionally she entertains her own blog "Silver Sun Alpacas" where you can find out all about alpacas, creations, muses and fiber art.

Join her Ravelry group or follow SilverSunFibers on Twitter for shop updates and she is proud to be a contributor to Phat Fiber Sample Box. Become a Fan of Silver Sun Alpacas on Facebook and check out her wonderful photostream on Flickr.





Location: Santa Ynez, California, USA

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Monique Smelik believes that beautiful things can be made with materials straight from mother nature. She enjoys working with fibers and mix them up to create ooak felted items. Additionally she dyes silk and other fibers to get wonderful combinations and material mixes.
She makes all items with love and great pleasure finding her greatest inspiration in her daughter.

The process of wet felting although very intensive is also very relaxing and while she is working on a piece, almost always new ideas pop up. Monique compares working with fibers with painting. Both make life natural and beautiful.

Monique started experimenting with fibers years ago. First she began with spinning fibers and later she developed her passion for felting. Felting has many things in common with painting; it is therapeutic and yet abstract objects can be made. Up until last year she was teaching many felting workshops.



Her DutchFeltArt stores on Etsy and Artfire are the places where pure natural handfelted and hand dyed products can be found. As the Etsy Mini pictures demonstrate, Monique specializes in wet felting, needle felting and crazy wool techniques. Her mission is to make unique things with natural materials (fibers, nunofelt, silk, textiles) and she loves to experiment with mixed media.

All items are original designs by Monique Smelik and she welcomes custom orders.

Feel free to follow DutchFeltArt on Twitter, on Flickr or visit Monique's Dutch Felting Art website.







Location: Zierikzee, The Netherlands

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Although she learned the art of crochet as a teenager in the 70s, it fell by the wayside as Crochetgal's life adventure took its path.

It resurfaced again at the start of the new millenium with one little Winnie the Pooh for a friend's grandchild as a Christmas gift. Before Winnie could even be delivered to that little one, friends were asking to purchase Winnie from her. Little did she know that it would eventually turn into a small business. Within a few years, Crochetgal was trying various methods of crochet, along with different pattern designs and before long she was actually designing a few simple pieces.

Currently, she is a crochet professional working in the industry. She loves to work with any type of materials. Her philosophy is that "If it can be stranded, it can be crocheted with." Many of Crochetgal's items are of her own crochet design, some of which have been featured in major publications. Her passion is using antique and exploded lace techniques. Most of her wearables are one of a kind pieces. She is always looking for fresh, new ideas so if there is something that you would like her to make, please get in touch. She enjoys a challenge and as long as she has a picture to go by, she can usually make the item.

Crochetgal is an 'out of the closet' yarnaholic and just cannot pass up a good bargain. Crochetgal is involved in the collector car hobby in her spare time and can occasionally be spotted at various car shows and racetracks around the state.



Crochetgal loves to design and to share her crocheted creations with the rest of the world. As the Etsy Mini pictures indicate, each piece is made with the utmost attention paid to details. All wearables are individually numbered and logged.

All yarns that she sells are new, coming directly from the manufacturer. If there is a yarn that you like but it is not in the right colour or if you need a different quantity please contact her through her Etsy shop www.crochetgal.etsy.com.

The soapdishes are made at Crochetgal's and her partners shop from selected hardwoods. Should a different quantity of soapdishes be required other than what is listed in the shop, that can be arranged as well.

Crochetgal can usually be found at many of the various art and craft shows in the Phoenix area throughout the year.

Crochetgal is a proud member of:
- The Crochet Guild of America (CGOA)
- The EtsyHookers Etsy team!!
- Team SASsy (Sellers Assisting Sellers)
- EtsyFast (Etsy Fiber Arts team)!
- CreateCrochet Team!
- Member of the Altruism on Etsy team

Crochetgal believes that 'What you sow, so shall ye reap'. She heartily supports the local Project Linus group and believes that every child needs a blanket to call their own. A donation is made to the local Project Linus group each month.
Other local charities are also supported as the need arises.

More of her work can be found at Flickr by crochetgal (if you see something you like on Flickr she can list it for you), she blogs under "Crochetgal's Confessions of a Yarnaholic" and she tweets as Crochetgal.

As a certified yarnaholic she operates a small yarn buying group. The group is open to anyone wishing to purchase beautiful yarns at great prices.

Location: Phoenix, Arizona, USA

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She loves animals and her family has two cats: Nine year old Gracie and ten year old Gibson. They adopted both from the SPCA as older adult cats. Gibson is a 14 lb longhaired Buff manx and is a truly faithful friend (they say manx are the dogs of the cat world). Gracie is also a longhaired Buff cat but non-manx (has a tail). They are both quite attached to staying in the house which is a good thing. Gracie does enjoy gazing outside at the birds and Gibson slinks out occasionally to munch on some grass before he darts back into the house. Both cats leave tremendous amounts of buff-colored hair all over the house and on their clothes. Paw's n Tails has become a compulsive vacuumer/lint-fur brusher.

She lives with her husband and three children on lovely Vancouver Island just a few blocks from the ocean - just loves the smell of the sea and that cool ocean breeze. They enjoy watching the deer munching on their plants in their front yard and watching eagles and herons fly overhead. It doesn't get much better than that!



Welcome to Paws 'n Tails, home of the fashionable line of soft, fabric cat collars and harnesses worn by discriminating felines worldwide.

All cat collars come in size regular 7-11" opening.
Available on request (on non-sale items) is size kitten 5-9" opening and mega kitty 9-13" opening. Just put a note in the 'message from buyer' as to the special size you need. Wholesale enquiries tickle her pink - just contact her for special pricing.

Have a look at her other shop "Boysenberry Lane" where she makes fun and quirky fleece fingerless gloves! It was also featured in this blog: "Boysenberry Lane - Fun, Fancy, Monster Fingerless Gloves and iPod Cases".

Location: Comox, British Columbia, Canada

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She loves to sew! Her mom bought her her first Kenmore sewing machine when she was eleven. She makes all kinds of craft and clothing items for her two girls, for their friends as gifts and has also been sewing pet collars for around five years.
Let her loose in a fabric store and watch out! She also loves to crochet and has crocheted tons of hats to be sent overseas with humanitarian aid shipments.

She lives with her husband, three children and two cats on lovely Vancouver Island just a few blocks from the ocean - just loves the smell of the sea and that cool ocean breeze.



She specializes in gadget cases and fingerless gloves. She is always striving to create new and interesting gloves that are also the utmost in comfort. My gloves can be worn pretty much anywhere and anytime so have a look around! She hopes you find something you like today :)

Her name on Twitter is BoysenberryLane and she has another shop on Etsy, Paws 'n Tails Pet Collars. I wrote about it in the post "Paw's n Tails Cat Collars - Fashionable Accessories for the Kitty in Your Life." If you have a cat or know someone who does, you should definitely check it out.

Location: Comox, British Columbia, Canada

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When I was a kid, I used to make dough ornaments and I was thinking maybe this is something I would like to get back into again. I started to wonder if there is somebody who is already selling dough ornaments on Etsy and this is how I found Dough Ditties.

She began making character dolls of papier mache in the 1970's. Being "Mother-Earthers" in college, Mary Sell and her husband bought 50 acres of land and became homesteaders living 15 years without any electricity or water, raising their now 27 year old son. From there, the they became full-time crafters making and selling bread dough ornaments at shows throughout the midwest. After a break of over 15 years, she started making bread dough ornaments and dolls again in 2007.

In an INCrowdTeam Interview "Mary Sell aka Dough Ditties" published March 21 2009 Mary recounts the origin of her store's name "Dough Ditties" and how she began crafting as a child.
The question of what inspires her, she answered: "Color and life inspire me, and faces with expression. I'm not sure how some ideas come to mind, but I get a picture in my head and just want to try it."

Bread dough ornaments are the basic salt dough recipe, painted with acrylic paint and India ink, then dipped in gloss polyurethane for a protective finish, doll heads and hands are handshaped from a mixture of white bread and glue, most doll accessories are also handmade, dresses are fabric and lace.






Each handcrafted ornament is made with care and attention to detail. Mary's hope is that the customer is more delighted with the work when they hold it in their hand than when viewed on the Etsy mini image.

Shaping flour, salt and water into human (or somewhat human) form, adding lively faces, fun accessories, and bright colors - this is what she loves to do! Please visit her store and browse through her assortment of little "ditties" (ornaments, jewelry, and dolls).

For a unique keepsake that can't be found on any retail shelf, please contact Mary with your idea for a custom ornament. She has yet to be presented with a challenge she can't meet, from a middle-aged woman with a pierced navel wearing a She-Ra cape to a young boy with his pet beta fish to bagpiping highland cattle.

She also personalizes standard ornaments at no extra charge (i.e., name, year, sports uniform number). Indicate details with your order.

She enjoys sharing her techniques, so please visit her blog "Dough Ditties - Joyful Expressions of Life" for tips on making dough art, updates on works in progress, and examples of custom orders. Her personal website is located at www.doughditties.com where many more pictures of her work can be found.

Mary is a proud member of the INCrowdteam and recommends their blog "The IN Crowd - Indiana’s Etsy Street Team"  and its Twitter EtsyINCrowdteam.

Location: West Lafayette, Indiana, USA




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