Natalie's Story......Part 4

Natalie is an art and ceramic artist from Kimberly, British Columbia. She will be doing a regular feature on her experiences as an artist and the ups and downs of working from a home studio. Combining home and work can be a challenge, and I think many artisans will recognize some of their own experiences in Natalie's story. This is part four in a continuing series.

Sad News

For the last week I am struggling with my insurance company and I am sad to say I have to quit my business due to the fact that they won't cover me any more .

I will only be able to finish my Christmas orders and by the new year it will be done with making pottery for me.

I am just selling my stock of bisque wear and any finished ceramics. After that, I can't take any more orders

I am wondering how all you guys handling your insurance while working from home?

New Canadian Shops on Etsy........Photo Atelier

Hi everybody I'm back again! I'm Kim from A little bit of pretty with this weeks' New Canadian Shops on Etsy feature. This week I am featuring Photo Atelier because I simply adore Sarah's style of photography!

As I have previously mentioned I love photographs of landscapes, and flowers, a quaint little village shots. Sarah's shop Photo Atelier has all these with a few vintage and inspirational shots thrown in. I love all the extreme closeup floral shots and the nature shots - these are the kinds of photos that I like to take myself, but of course they never turn out as well as Sarah's do :) I think the reason I keep featuring artists and photographers is that I really really wish that I could do what they do, half as well as they do it! I am so jealous!

Also in another life (well really about 8 years ago) I fancied becoming an interior designer. I took the some classes through continuing education, attempted a perspective drawing class, applied to the degree program at Mount Royal - I never got in :( Guess what? Sarah's an interior decorator! I don't regret my eventual degree choice though.... actually it makes me happy to see that I am not the only one out there who changes her mind :) And it makes me feel like I belong among so many great and talented Etsians! I love the fact that even though Sarah was in the creative field to begin with, she still felt held back, and now has dedicated her time (full time) to making things that make her smile. They make me smile too :)

Photo Atelier is stocked with a wide variety of 8x8 and 5x5 fine art prints and large, medium, or small photo blocks. The photo blocks are exactly that - blocks of knotty pine, each is stained and sealed, with a photo applied to the front, and a small hole drilled in the back for hanging on the wall or you can set them on your table or shelf. I think that these are a very cool and unique way to display photos in your home - I can't wait to buy one myself! Everything in the shop is made to order and very reasonably priced. I would really recommend that you take a look at this shop - and if you like what you see there, Sarah also has a second shop that houses an array of eco felt cushions, textile art and memo boards - you can check it out here : http://sarahsmilecreations.etsy.com/

Enjoy! Until next time, Kim XO.

Truffle top

Truffle top
Originally uploaded by tangente

''Part of my new F/W 09 line. Made of eco friendly bamboo.''

This beautiful blouse was added to our group flickr group by Tangente.

Happy Halloween from the Trans Canada Etsy Team!

The Trans Canada Etsy Team is once again running a monthly challenge. This month's theme is Halloween, and members of the team have created some stunning items for you to vote on!


There is everything from Pumpkin Soap to Funeral Home Scent Spray to Journals and much more. Plus, of you leave a comment on their blog when you vote, you will be entered to win these great notebooks!

So, what are you waiting for! Go vote now.

Demi tablier reversible 2

Demi tablier reversible 2
Originally uploaded by zenzhey

''All the aprons are pleated, lined and fully reversible.''

This lovely apron was submitted to our group flickr pool by Zenzhey.

New Canadian Shops on Etsy......The Wood Garden

Hello everyone!!! Wow, I can't believe that October is almost over already and Halloween is this week! Yikes :) Well I'm back again, Kim from A little bit of pretty, with your weekly instalment of New Canadian Shops on Etsy! This weeks feature is on - The Wood Garden!

I can't believe it, but my little baby niece is almost 1! Which is what drew me to The Wood Garden's shop in the first place - the thought of heading down to the local Toys R Us to buy something for her birthday that is mass produced and in every other child's home just doesn't appeal. I mean, that is why communities like Etsy are so popular - people are starting to appreciate the concept of handmade again, and that is so great :)

The Wood Garden is a husband and wife team that began the business creating natural wood toys for their own children and eventually it grew into a selling at craft fairs, and now a shop on Etsy. They make their toys using sustainably harvested hardwood, or in some cases reclaimed wood. There are no dyes added to the wood for colouring, just the natural colours of the hardwoods themselves. And each toy is finished with pure certified organic flax seed oil.

This is definitely a shop that I will support! While reading the policies page, I was particularly impressed that they have chosen to share a list of their values with their potential customers, and this one in particular stands out to me : "We believe that unique, handcrafted items are superior to items mass-produced in factories". I 100% wholeheartedly agree - for what could be better than giving your child or loved one a gift that you know has been made by someone who takes pride in their work and loves what they do?

Until next time, Kim XO

Natalie's Story........Part 3

Natalie is an art and ceramic artist from Kimberly, British Columbia. She will be doing a regular feature on her experiences as an artist and the ups and downs of working from a home studio. Combining home and work can be a challenge, and I think many artisans will recognize some of their own experiences in Natalie's story. This is part three in a continuing series.

Booooo!

Well I am officially in Halloween mood I started decorating my porch and the living room..My kids will have some friends over for trick or treating and my husband even took the night off to take our 6year old daughter out.

So far it looks like it will be snowing (all of the previous snowfall has melted now). I hope it is not going to snow, snowsuits and costumes don't fit together well!

I finished my soap dish order and started an order for a speed skating club. I have to make 151 medals for their championship in December. This will keep me busy till mid November.
But who knows what I will be doing after that. The economy seems to have had a big effect on my business this year.

Orders have dropped 50 % in 2009 . The orders I get are for shops in Banff and Edmonton mostly. All touristy places. But most of the tourists stayed home this year and didn't visit Canada as much as before the economy crisis.

I have to see what the new year brings and what to do with my business.
I have question to other Artists and Crafters reading this .

"What are your experiences of this year's economic down turn regarding your business?"

Happy Halloween to you all.
Natalie

Navy Storage

Navy Storage
Originally uploaded by Red Twig Brown Twig

''Navy Storage Hand dyed and tea stained reed with seagrass accents and handle.''

This gorgeous handwoven basket was added to our flickr group pool by Red Twig Brown Twig.

Holiday Gift Guides - Gifts for Him

This category features gifts for the guys! I'll be updating each category periodically until mid December, so check back often to see what's new and exciting.

Wine Stopper in Spalted Maple Burl

Created by: Greenleaf Wood









Show Me Your Muscles Anatomy Journal

Created by: Prairie Peasant




Manitoba Pride Shirt

Created by:
Dandee

Otis one ear

Otis one ear
Originally uploaded by puncezilla

''Otis One Ear'' a sock money with a story to tell!

This awesome item was added to our flickr group pool by Puncezilla.