Indie Junction Featured Artisans for the Week of September 5th!!

Our  Indie Junction Featured Artisans, ThreeFold Designs, Handsome and Lace, and MINKA by Ariel are relative newcomers to our community and we are so fortunate to have these talented individuals here!
Let's begin with Michelle from ThreeFold Designs, where you will find a selection of alternative and original needlepoint / cross stitch kits, suitable for beginner and experienced stitchers alike. A few of my needlepoint designs are also available as PDF patterns.  In the artist's own words: "I'm Michelle, a textile artist from South Australia who LOVES working with wool!  I like designing work that is bright and modern, offering something different and unique for those with more ‘alternative’ tastes …My designs are mainly influenced by my spiritual interests: Astrology, Vodou, and the Occult ... but there are few designs that are purely homages to colour!  As well as designing needlepoint kits, I am currently studying the Diploma of Woven Tapestry, and co-host Shadowplay, a goth/darkwave radio show (Shadowplay)"   Besides the website, you can find ThreeFold Design on Etsy and don't forget to follow her blog!
Now  let's take a look at some of the "needlepoint kits for the cool kids!"

Our next featured Indie Junction Artisan is Handsome and Lace where you will find unique and uplifting accessories.  This Toronto based designer professes "a creative love affair with ties since 2007."  In the artist's own words: "I am a very enthusiastic designer from Toronto, Canada (notice how I spell Colour...and we only say "eh" if we are asking if you agree...as in 'it's nice outside, eh?') It's true!   I was raised by a very eccentric mother who was always been very particular about her style, from the materials, to obsessively picking off any little loose threads that she could find. She inspired a need for perfection and colour in my designs and old Hollywood inspired the vintage feel to them. Music spills my soul into what I make so if you ask, I can probably tell you what songs were playing while I creating any particular piece.  My pretty designs are made from preserved materials, are vintage inspired, and have a fine balance of both masculine and Feminine qualities. I can only describe my designs as Handsome&Lace, and I hope you find some things that make you feel pretty and adored. "

Places to Find Handsome and Lace:

• Blog
• Facebook
• Twitter
• Flickr

And now let's take a peek at the designs created by Handsome and Lace!

Our third Indie Junction Featured Artisan is MINKA by Ariel where you will find natural, handmade, one of a kind jewelry. Crafted with specially picked semi precious stones, austrian crystals, leather/vegan leather, gold filled and sterling silver chains. Spiritually inspired to mirror the beauty within.  In the artist's own words: "'I've loved to make jewelry since I was a little girl. I incorporate the ethereal, spiritual, and natural elements from everyday life into my pieces.  My styles reflect my deep love for color and for the dramatic ."

Here's a look at the wonderful jewelry designs you will find at MINKA by Ariel!!

Thanks for your help in welcoming these members to Indie Junction and we hope you have enjoyed this week's feature!  Indie Junction is a wonderful community that brings together artisans from across all mediums in the spirit of collaboration, support and growth.  For more information about Indie Junction, please go here!  We'll be waiting for you!!

Indie Junction's Featured Artisans for the Week of August 29th!!

Let's close out August with some noise...give a round of applause for this week's fabulous Indie Junction Artisans:   Speranza Jewelry, Tattoo Mike, and Stitch*n*Tyme!!

Let's start with Lisa from Speranza Jewelry!  From modern eclectic to shabby chic, you'll find handmade necklaces, bracelets, and earrings here that have been made with loving attention to detail.  In the artist's own words:  "I am a part-time jewelry maker based in Annapolis, Maryland. By day I work for a television news agency in Washington, D.C. But during evenings and weekends, I spend my time immersed in color and form in the small corner of my home I call my jewelry studio.  My little tabletop studio has become a place of refuge from the digital images and rhetoric of Washington politics. As Pablo Picasso said, 'The purpose of art is washing the dust of daily life off our souls.'  When I sit down to work with gemstones and metal, it quiets my mind and reminds me that in a world fraught with conflict, art can be a universal language and a bridge between cultures.  Art gives us hope for the future. Hence the name 'Speranza,' which means 'hope' in Italian."

Places to Find Speranza Jewelry:

• Blog
• Artfire
• Facebook
• Twitter

Now let's take a peek at the wonderful jewelry you will find at Speranza Jewelry!!

Our next Indie Junction Featured Artisan is Tattoo Mike where you will find Mike's original artwork and tattoo art as well as the work of other featured artists.  The work you will find there by Mike and the guest artists is quite incredible so you owe it to yourself to check it out.  In the artist's own words: "I am an artist. I love to draw and tattoo. I have been drawing for as long as I can remember. I work mainly with pencil and pen. Also colored pencil and I sometimes paint. I have been a professional tattoo artist for the past 8 years."  A special shout out to Mike for putting an Indie Junction link on his site as well as links to a few of his favorite Indie Junction artisans!!

Now let's take a look at the incredible artwork of Tattoo Mike!!

Our third Indie Junction Featured Artisan is Stitch*n*Tyme where you will find fabric flower hair clips, bookmarks, pincushions, upcycled rag coasters and various other handcrafted goodies.  In the artist's own words: "I am an artisan living in Arizona, the wild, wild West. I started my home based business in 2006 and found the courage to take it on line in 2007.  In my prior life I was a numbers cruncher for 25 years. Loved what I did, but I always loved working with my hands in various mediums. Sewing, cross stitch, painting (which I took up about four years ago), working with polymer clay and embroidery. I find working with different mediums so exciting!  Besides my business, I have several passions in my life. My granddaughters, four of them! My three grown children, my two gorgeous dogs, Sierra, a Chow, Black Lab mix and Beau Cymba Deuce, a gorgeous Golden Retriever and sometimes my husband (ha!). I am a life long resident of Arizona, UGH!"

Places to find Stitch n Tyme:

• Blog
• Facebook
• Twitter
• Monthly Newsletter

And now let's take a peek at what you will find in this beautiful shop!

We hope you have enjoyed this week's featured Indie Junction Artisans!  Indie Junction is a wonderful community that brings together artisans from across all mediums in the spirit of collaboration, support and growth.  For more information about Indie Junction, please go here!  We'll be waiting for you!!

Indie Junction Featured Artisans for the Week of August 1st!!

What an exciting way to start out August with these three talented Indie Junction Artisans: Kreations by Kelli, Janine Basil, and Sylas Studios!!
Let's begin with Kreations by Kelli a shop where you will find whimsical necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and pouches! In the artist's own words: "I've been creating jewelry for a few years now and I love it. It's fun and innovative and it's one of my biggest passions. I'm a little obsessed, but that's okay. :)  When I'm not wire wrapping my heart out you can find me doing a variety of things: reading, writing, playing piano, drumming, working out, knitting, taking photographs, and enjoying an assortment of other hobbies.  I'm best known for my very colorful and quirky pieces. I have no age range, in fact. I sell the same items to seven-year-olds as I do to seventy-year-olds. (Kind of cool, I know!) Everything I make is fun and cheerful... always something different!"
Kelli has a second shop on Etsy called Geekel where you will find photographs, prints, shirts, totes, pouches, pillows, jewelry, and other various items.
Kelli is presently a college student at the ohio state university majoring in photography and creative writing.
Places to find Kelli:

• Blog
• Facebook
• Twitter

Now let's take a look at some of the wonderful things that you will find in Kelli's two shops!
Kreations by Kelli...
And Geekel:
Our second featured artisan is Janine Basil who is a designer of retro style hats, fascinators, headpieces and accessories. In the artist's own words: "ve been involved in fashion/fabrics/making in various ways for most of my life. Millinery has always bubbled under the surface, but now I'm making it the focus of my passion!   I'm inspired in all sorts of ways. I love vintage hats, which probably shows. I work in a gorgeous fabric shop so I'm always picking up lovely bits and pieces. Things I see day to day sometimes spark thoughts. Everything is an inspiration!"
Janine was recently featured in an article by Amity UK for the UK edition of Storque!  You can follow Janine on Twitterand be sure to visit her website!  Oh and Janine is now selling her glitter fabric in her supply store!!
And now what you've all been waiting for...Janine's wonderful hats and accessories!!

Our third Indie Junction featured artisan is Sylas Studios featuring metal creations to wear and hold.  Her new collections feature antique and vintage buttons set in silver as well as some enameled copper and some higher end stone and gold pieces.  In the artist's own words: "I've been making things all my life, and a few years ago was able to go to art school to learn more. I have a background in metalsmithing, both sculpture and jewelry, but I do love beading too. I spend a lot of time drawing and designing jewelry and art-to-wear items, so most of what I offer will be in those categories, however I do all kinds of metal work and art and will once in a while post goblets or inkwells and the like.
Locally my business consists of custom work and teaching. Etsy is one of my forums for selling "ready-mades" or what I would describe as pieces I make for fun.  I should mention that worked for both a bead store and gemstone wholesaler. I have learned how to professionaly string pearls and do beading repairs, as well as picked up a great deal about gemstones. You may find that I go into particulars about gemstones in my listings and this is why.
I also do my best to keep my studio as "Green" as possible. That is a little challenging on my budget, but it's something that I full-heartedly believe in."

Places to find Sylas Studios:

• Website
• Blog
• Facebook
• Flickr

Now let's take a look at the gorgeous designs by Sylas Studio!

We hope you have enjoyed this week's featured Indie Junction Artisans!  Indie Junction is a wonderful community that brings together artisans from across all mediums in the spirit of collaboration, support and growth.  Indie Junction's new home is a little over a month old!  Due to changes within Ning and incredible growth of our community, we have moved to a brand new home!  Many thanks to the design team of Nicky (co-owner) and her husband Steph for creating a wonderful site for all of our members!  With this new site we can not only continue to add value for our members but also keep the site free!  For more information about Indie Junction, please go here!

Indie Junction Social Community Has A New Home!

What's Your Function...at Indie Junction?

Indie Junction is a rich and wonderful social community where artisans across all genres come together in the spirit of collaboration to help each individual achieve their goals within the handmade industry. This network was the brain child of two indie artisans, Nicky of Ambient Girl Designs and Jolie Papeterie and Deb Hall of Zur Designs.Together we had a vision of a gathering place for artists to share, collaborate, and support each other through cross-promotion and sharing of resources and ideas. That’s why the key words for this site are: Create. Love. Explore. Collaborate. Support. Learn. Grow.

Indie Junction was created just in time to ring in 2010 and by the first week had already grown to approximately 130 members!  Now, about six months later, we boast approximately 300 members, we have our own blog where we feature three talented Indie Junction Artisans each week in an on-going series, an Etsy Treasury Committee, we have an active presence on the Etsy Forums, we have a Facebook Fan Page, an Indie Junction Twitter Channel, a Flickr Group, and we have become an official Etsy Team! And we have so many plans to enhance the value of the community for our members!

In the meantime, between all the changes over at Ning and the fact that we have totally outgrown our original space, we were struggling with how we would continue to keep the community free to all members. Therefore, it is with great pride that we present to you Indie Junction’s new home, designed by the dynamic husband and wife duo of Nicky and Steph Vee! Together they have designed a home for Indie Junction that contains all of the favorite features…and then some! One of the new additions at Indie Junction is a special hub called Indie Euro–An up-to-date creative hub for the European members of Indie Junction. Allowing both sides of the Atlantic Pond to share ideas and to work together in a positive, relevant and fun environment. We’re all Indie Members, but realize that in some areas, more localized information would make membership more relevant and useful. Whilst, at the same time offering a direct link between Canada, the Americas and European Communities, through chatting, buddy link ups and tons of really useful information, regarding all aspects of creating and selling our pieces.

People began to move into the new site and set up their pages even when the site was not yet officially complete. Already when you log on there is that old familiar feeling of excitement so you know you are home! There are photos of new artisans every day, people are gathering in Chat to exchange ideas, take a break while they are working, or even eat lunch together…virtually. There are a number of groups already started: All Things Etsy, Indie Junction Darkroom, Indie J Business Group, Indie Maillers, Flickr Group, and The Brits of Indie Junction. Members are encouraged to start their own group if they don’t see one that suits their needs. The discussion forums are active and already filled with useful information, and each member has their own Word Press Blog and there are already some wonderful posts that help to show the artist behind the designs.

Membership at Indie Junction is open, so simply click here, sign up, and start customizing your own page, join some groups, post to the forums, and make some new friends! Once you’re settled, come over to Chat and exchange ideas with other artisans or just hang out! Or join in on the forums, start your own discussion! Come join us at Indie Junction! We’ll be waiting for you here!

Indie Junction Featured Artisans for the Week of June 27th!!

  
The talent fest continues with this week's fabulous Indie Junction Artisans: Ambidextrous Octopus, Ida Michaeli ofIdale,  and Valerie from Additions Style!!
So let's start right in with Ambidextrous Octopus, a shop featuring salvaged, repurposed, upcycled, revamped, recycled creations (or however you wanna put it) and some pretty amazing photographs!  In the artists' own words: "The Ambidextrous Octopus is a brother / sister team effort which is why we are an octopie: 8 appendages means at least 2 hands cooking up new crafty goodness at all times!   We are totally enamored with remaking, salvaging, repurposing, upcycling, revamping, recycling or however you wanna put it. We love twisting and turning something obsolete into something awesome-tastic!  We also like to go on photo taking adventures into lost places. Peeling paint and rusty nails make us giddy. Abandoned buildings are our Taj Mahal. Graffiti spray is our Mona Lisa. Give us back allies and junkyards and we are a happy cephalopode."
Take a look at some of the goodies from their Etsy Shop!
  
Our next Indie Junction Featured Artisan is Ida Michaeli from Idale featuring exclusive handmade ceramic artwork, functional pottery, jewelry, and artifacts!  In the artisan's own words: "I have been in love with clay since i took part in archeological expeditions as a teenager. What do archeologists discover? Mostly ceramics. All the materials, all those bones and iron, turn into dust after centuries and millennia, only fired clay stays intact. It may break, but it is impervious to entropy... I remember my ecstasy as i washed disinterred beads in the river - and they sparkled and dazzled in the sun with shocking blue, deep purple and mellow yellow colours.  However, my style has nothing to do with the ground or archeology. I would call it Quasi Victorian Eclectic. My overglaze techniques and multifiring allow me to compose collages of images, ornaments and reproductions on ceramic surfaces. The work is completed by drawing with lustres, mostly gold lustre.  You are welcome to visit my website."
Now let's take a peek at some of her wonderful work!
  
Our third Featured Indie Junction Artisan is Valerie from Additions Style featuring her wonderful jewelry collection created from recycled & repurposed hardware.  In the artist's own words: "I am a jewelry artist who works with sterling silver, and a mother of a teenage daughter who loves jewelry. A couple of years ago I was ready for a change and wanted to try something new. I wanted the opportunity to try a new medium, experiment with new techniques, and create jewelry and accessories that were young, fresh, and affordable.  Working with my daughter we started a collection named ADDITIONS. When we started I did not know the design direction we were going to take, until one day when I went into the hardware store. My whole design process was recharged that day and I realized that I could create jewelry that looked like silver, using hardware to make it affordable. Since that day I have found great resource for recycled hardware to create the jewelry and accessories in our collection.  Working with the hardware has been inspirational for me. I get new ideas all the time and creating is exciting. Sometimes the best thing is trying to figure out what to do next, so check back often to see all the new items.  You can follow my design process and my adventures on running an online business on my blog." You can also follow her on Facebook and Twitter!
Here are some of the designs you will find at Additions Style!
  
We hope you have enjoyed this week's featured Indie Junction Artisans!  Indie Junction is a wonderful community that brings together artisans from across all mediums in the spirit of collaboration, support and growth.  Indie Junction now officially has a new home!  Due to changes within Ning and incredible growth of our community, we have moved to a brand new home!  Many thanks to the design team of Nicky (co-owner) and her husband Steph for creating a wonderful site for all of our members!  With this new site we can not only continue to add value for our members but also keep the site free!  For more information about Indie Junction, please go here!

My Earrings Were Included In This Treasury by Voleur de Bijoux!!

Indie Junction Love

by

Voleur de Bijoux

Indie Junction Featured Artisans for the Week of June 20th!!

  
As we approach the first official day of summer, let's celebrate with this week's three talented Indie Junction artisans: Buddy Noone of  13 Coffin Nails, Jennifer of Simply Inviting Cards, and Frann from Armored Hearts!
Let's start with13 Coffin Nails, your home for all things VintagePunkPop Art... What is VintagePunkPoP Art you ask? In the artist's own words: "well it's the term I came up with to describe the work you see. A lot of my pieces contain some Vintage Imagery somewhere in the mix. What I do is take all those vintage images and mix em with a little grungy Punk spice; finally I toss those wonderful ingredients together with a lil splash of PoP Art. Bake for 60 minutes at 425 and what pops out of the oven is what you see... VintagePunkPop.
"  I've been a graphic designer for over five years and I enjoy sitting behind a computer doing this stuff. I am heavily influenced the the strange and or weird. I also find a lot of inspiration from the past through vintage magazines and advertisements."
Follow Buddy Noone/13 Coffin Nails on Twitter, Facebook,  MySpace, Etsy, and his website!
Now let's take a look at some of the awesome things you will find in his studio:
  
Our next Indie Junction Featured Artisan is Jennifer from Simply Inviting Cards where you'll find cards, albums, memory boxes, and all kinds of paper goodies.  In the artist's own words: "I find beauty in simplicity, character in imperfection, and charm in the everyday motifs and objects from the lives of generations past. In a world laden with frenzy, I create greeting cards, albums and other paper delights that let you express, share, and preserve your own sunshine!"
Places to find Simply Inviting Cards:

• Blog
• Facebook
• Twitter
• Flickr
• Craftgawker

Now let's look at some of the wonderful things you will find at Simply Inviting!
  
Our third Indie Junction Featured Artisan this week is Frann from Armored Hearts, featuring custom chainmaille jewelry and wearable art.  In the artist's own words: "I started Armored Hearts to explore my addiction for chainmaille. My goal is to offer unusual items, and customer jewelry through Etsy and local craft shows. I love to do custom orders and I have an ever changing inventory of items.  I'm seriously addicted to chainmaille, and have been incorporating beadwork into my work."
Places to Find Armored Hearts:

• Blog
• Facebook
• Twitter

Now let's take a look at the wonderful designs you'll find at Armored Hearts!
  
We hope you have enjoyed this week's featured Indie Junction Artisans!  Indie Junction is a wonderful community that brings together artisans from across all mediums in the spirit of collaboration, support and growth.  Indie Junction now officially has a new home!  Due to changes within Ning and incredible growth of our community, we have moved to a brand new home!  Many thanks to the design team of Nicky (co-owner) and her husband Steph for creating a wonderful site for all of our members!  With this new site we can not only continue to add value for our members but also keep the site free!  For more information about Indie Junction, please go here!

Indie Junction Featured Artisans for the Week of June 6th!!

   
June starts off with a bang as we feature three new talented Indie Junction Artisans: Jana Webb of Janabolic, Libby Gardiner of I Heart Charlie and Pink Bauble, and Mary Judy of Mary Judy Ceramic Art Studio!
Let's start with Jana Webb, owner of Janabolic, which features handmade chainmaille earrings, necklaces, bracelets, and keychains all of which were created by opening, weaving, and closing hundreds of rings, one ring at a time.  Everything you see in Jana's shop can be customized to your specifications.  If you see something you'd like at a different length, color, or material, just send her a conversation!  Here's some things about the artist, in her own words: "A few things about me! My name is Jana, I have a great boyfriend, I have 6 little brothers and sisters, I like silly hats, I'm left handed, I've lived in Tennessee my whole life, I do a little of everything, but my favorite things are making jewelry, books, pin back buttons, knitting, and taking pictures, anything else you'd like to know? Just send me a conversation! (I'm also friendly :])"
Places to Find Jana:

• Twitter
• Facebook
• Blog
• Flickr
• DeviantArt
• StyleHive

And of course here at Indie Junction!!
Now let's take a look at some of Jana's beautiful chainmaille:
  
Our next featured Indie Junction Artisan is Libby Gardiner of  iheartcharlie and Pink Bauble.  iheartcharlie offers an eclectic selection Hand Crafted Textile items and Photography.  All of iheartcharlie's items are either one of a kind or a very limited edition. Each item is created with attention to detail and care.  In the artist's own words: "...I reside in the beautiful Margaret River Wine region in Western Australia. My shop name is in honour of my 2yr old Kelpie x Border Collie Charlotte, aka Charlie. My passion is photography but I also indulge in all things creative. This shop was originally intended to stock my photography but some how the textiles have taken a life of their own and the design label 'iheartcharlie' was born.  iheartcharlie is an eclectic mix of all the things that have occupied my spare time over the last couple of years and continue to do so.  All of my textile creations are original designs created by me and have been individually hand crafted with care. "
And here's what she has to say about her shop Pink Bauble, a shop featuring a creative selection of handmade beaded brooches and keychains:  "The brooches and keychains listed in this shop were created over a 12 month time frame.  I've got a box full ready to sell and a few more waiting to be finished. After these have gone they will not be recreated. Consequently each on is an individual one of kind creation."
If you'd like to find out more about Libby and her shops, follow her blog and Facebook page!
Now let's take a look at some of the wonderful things you will find in iheartcharlie:
  
And in Pink Bauble...
  
Our third Indie Junction Featured Artisan is Mary Judy owner of Mary Judy Original Ceramic Art where you will find all original hand-built one-of-a-kind coLorful kooKy & fun ceramics! In the artist's own words: "I am an almost native of Colorado, living at just over 8,000 ft. I spend a LOT of time in my studio making the most colorful and kookiest ceramics. I am insired by COLOR, shape, form and movement. Always testing the limits of how far, how thin, how extreme I can make the mud.  Both fun & funktional, all of my work is one-of-a-kind, hand-built, original. All of it finished with non-toxic lead-free glazes -- making it safe to use for food or 10,000 other things."
Places to find Mary Judy:

• Website
• Etsy
• Artfire
• Facebook
• Twitter
• Flickr

Now let's take a look at some of the wonderful things created by Mary Judy:
  
Well, I hope you enjoy this week's Indie Junction Featured Artisans!  If you would like more information about Indie Junction simply click here. We're in the process of moving to our new home, so sign up at our wonderful new site and the rest of the community will join you soon! Indie Junction is a place where indie artisans across all genres form a synergy that helps each individual achieve their goals within the handmade industry.