Welcome to Kaleidoscope Style

In this week's feature I would like to direct your attention to Kaleidoscope Style. This great Etsy shop features fun, colorful felt accessories designed by two sisters from Germany - Katrin and Ina. Katrin moved to the US about 10 years ago, however, last year after a visit from Ina, the duo started their felt accessory line. Both sisters take credit for the designs found in their Etsy shop Kaleidoscope Style. "Now that she [Ina] is back in Germany, she sends me care packages with the pieces she creates there. I then use her designs to finish them into pendants, bracelets, necklaces…all kind of things." Many siblings have trouble spending the day together without aggravating one another, but not these two. Katrin wistfully looks forward to the day that Ina will be able to return to the US to resume their working relationship.

When asked to describe their craft style Katrin responded, "We like to have some fun with our designs! So we are happy with anything we create that puts a smile on our faces. We also love to work with lots of colors and patterns." When visiting their Etsy shop, the wonderful colors evoke happy feelings within me. I'm sure you would feel the same.

Katrin has been creating for longer than she can remember. Even though she has "meddled" in various types of crafts throughout the years, her first love is jewelry and accessories. Both Katrin and Ina find creative inspiration in everything they come in contact with. "We can be inspired by the movies we watch, our childhood or even by the materials we buy. Often I also think about possible designs while sitting in the dark holding my baby girl until she falls asleep. And my sister loves to design in front of the TV."

As a fellow crafter, I can certainly relate. I have been inspired in the middle of the night while sleeping, while in the shower, or in the midst of other creative people. Isn't it funny how creative people can be inspired by what seems to be mundane?

Presently, Katrin is a fulltime stay-at-home mom. This affords her the opportunity to spend a lot of time engaged in creative exploits. While Katrin would not classify her crafting status as a hobby it is not quite a fulltime job...yet. "For my sister, it is still a hobby, but I’m the one keeping up the shop and doing all the promoting." You can learn more about Katrin and Ina as well as their adventures in creativity by visiting "Cuteacious". Or simply visit Kaleidoscope Style the next time you are in the mood for a little accessory shopping.

I will leave you with one word of advice from the creators of Kaleidoscope Style ..."Just keep on doing your thing! You really have to stay on top of it and invest a lot of time promoting your shop. The customers won’t be able to come to you if you don’t put yourself out there to find."

De Lavande

Recently several TABI Hats products were featured on De Lavande (http://www.delavande.webs.com/) a website dedicated to showcasing beautiful handcrafted, necklaces and more.

I had an opportunity to dialogue with Rachelle, the artist, and discovered that she was born and raised in Traverse City, Michigan, but recently moved to Cookeville, Tennessee. Inspired by nature, gardens, and the pure enjoyment of beading Rachelle began creating necklaces for her mom as well as herself. Before long, "my friends would ask if I would make something special for them."

Just as I create knit toddler and baby hats and accessories for the sheer pleasure of it, Rachelle declares that it's "...my way of getting away from all the stress [I] would sit back on the couch, pop in a movie and bead necklaces until I passed out. To me this was heaven." For well over 10 years Rachelle has been making hand beaded necklaces with simple and clean, yet elegant designs. Check out her Etsy shop at http://www.delavande.etsy.com

As a fellow crafter, selling on Etsy can be a challenge. Rachelle offered me this word of encouragement, "stick with it because if nothing else you can meet some great people and even learn a few things to enhance your own craft." I look forward to seeing more of Rachelle's beautiful jewelry. She aspires to sell at least 2 items per month on her Etsy Shop, but I guarantee she will sell much more.

Check out her blog for more information.

More About Dharma Designs

Wendy Baylis is both the artisan and founder of Dharma Designs. A Portland, Oregon native, Wendy describes her craft and style as soulful and passionate. While juggling a full-time job, writing a fictional novel about a medical evacuation helicopter crew in the Vietnam War, and Blogging on www.DharmaDesigns.blogspot.com she is able to create the beautiful handcrafted jewelry pieces found on www.dharmadesigns.etsy.com. The two pieces featured reflect her creative ability and attention to detail.

When asked, "What inspires you?" Wendy responded, "Everything - from colors and textures, to sights and sounds. I seem to be drawn to Asian elements, especially Tibetan folklore and Buddhist teachings." A lover of all things creative, specifically writing, painting, drawing, and beading, she has been creating "ever since I could hold a crayon." Wendy is optimistic that today's hobby will "turn into a full-time job someday." When looking to the future, she has set her goals high as she would "love to be able to spread peace and understanding of all cultures and faiths through art."

I would like to leave you and other fellow Etsians with a word of advice from Wendy..."Do what's in your heart! Whether it's for business or a hobby, be true to your passions. Fulfill your true self in your art."