Summery Artist: FlirtyGems

I've had the privilege of featuring so many awesome shops this summer- I hope you enjoyed them! Our last featured shop this summer is FlirtyGems. Alana of FlirtyGems has been featured in Brides Magazine, Parenting, and NBC morning news!

Tell us a little bit about your shop and how you got started:

I started my business 8 years ago when I had my first baby. I was looking for a creative outlet and really enjoyed making jewelry.

How does the ocean/beach inspire you?

I have always lived close to the beach and all my fondest memories are at the beach or summer memories. I am drawn to turquoise blue whenever I see a stone in that color I always buy it even if I am overstocked I can't resist.

What is your favorite beach destination? Why?

My favorite beach destination has to be Grace Bay at Turks and Caicos. It is absolutely stunning and all you see for miles is white sand and sea blue turquoise water. 

*Alana is offering 20% off all items in her shop with coupon code FRIEND!

Summery Artist: KiwiTiniCreations

Adorable cards and confetti! Check out Kathy's shop!

Tell us a little bit about your shop and how you got started:
My shop sells handmade gift/favor tags, favor boxes, cupcake flags, confetti, mini cards.... I create colorful and bright items with a nautical or flower theme.  I started selling on Etsy because I like the idea of being in a creative community where you can learn and get or give support to others.

 

How does the ocean/beach inspire you?

 I love walking at the beach and finding or seeing treasures such as pebbles, shells, crabs or birds.   I use these creatures or treasures in my designs.

 

What is your favorite beach destination? Why?

I have been fortunate to have gone to Maui.  I got on a plane in a snow storm and arrived in a tropical paradise.  It was surreal. 

Anything else we should know?
I  live near the Rocky mountains and enjoy camping and hiking with my family, but I miss and would love to live near the ocean one day.

*Kathy will be offering 10% off all items in her shop with coupon code EBNArt!

Summery Artist: SuzanneBag

Suzanne makes really fun handbags made from vintage fabric! Check them out at her shop!

Tell us a little bit about your shop and how you got started:

As the owner and designer of SuzanneBag, I use vintage fabrics and buttons to create one-of-a-kind handbags that are bright, colorful and far from ordinary.

After spending 20 years working in the legal industry in the Dallas, Texas area doing a job that was incredibly stressful, tedious and soul-robbing, it was actually a relief when I was laid off in 2009.  It gave me the opportunity to enter a new phase in my life.  I have always been considered creative, but have never used that particular talent as a career choice until now.

SuzanneBag allows me to seek out and find vintage fabrics and buttons that many people might overlook because they are perceived as “old” and present them in a fresh new way.  I focus on Hawaiian and mod fabrics of the 60′s and 70′s because of their amazing colors and textures; you just don’t find gems like these anymore.   Fortunately, I have been the ability to visualize how these fabrics will look in the form of a handbag before I ever cut the first piece. 

 

How does the ocean/beach inspire you?

The beach draws me in ways I find hard to explain.  Growing up in a landlocked state, I now crave time spent near the ocean.  The trade winds, the endless ebb and flow of waves, the constant changing color of the water, I can spend hours on the beach and never tire of the ocean's beauty.  

 

What is your favorite beach destination? Why?

Hands down, my favorite beach destination is the island of Kauai.  It boasts more beaches on that one island alone than all the other Hawaiian islands combined.  More specifically, my favorite beach is Ke'e Beach, which literally means at the end of the road.  It is the last beach on the north shore where the road ends and the Na Pali Coastline begins.  The island, as well as it's beaches, is relaxed, uncrowded and pristine.  The water is clear and perfect for snorkeling, with a tree line that allows for shade.  It's simply perfect!

Anything else we should know?

My husband and I were married on Kepuhi Beach on the island of Kauai nearly six years ago.  We have also been privileged enough to visit the island on six separate occasions.  By far, it is our favorite place on earth.  This inspired my use of vintage Hawaiian muumuus of the 60's and 70's to create many of my handbags.  The barkcloth used on the dresses has such great texture and design, it makes wonderful handbags.  Our love of the island has also led us to learn more about the Hawaiian culture and history.  We even chose a traditional Hawaiian wedding ceremony, which is conducted partially in Hawaiian and partially in English and also includes chanting.  It was absolutely the most beautiful way a couple could be married on a white sandy beach in Hawaii.

*Suzanne

 will offer a 10% discount storewide, coupon code: BLOGPROMO. Check her out on Etsy, her website, Facebook, Twitter, and Flickr!

Summery Artist: knitonefelttwo

Jo's an Aussie who knits and felts (is that the proper term??). Check out her shop!

Tell us a little bit about your shop and how you got started:

Hi there, my name is Jo and my shop is called knitonefelttwo. I am a keen knitter, felter and a real fibre enthusiast based on the Bellarine Peninsular in Victoria, Australia. I'm a working mum, and have a wonderful daughter and husband.

I sell a range of  hand felted and hand knitted scarves, hats, wraps, jewellery and more. I enjoy using a broad spectrum of colour in fresh and bold designs which you can see in my items.  I love my work and enjoy using high quality materials and try to source these locally where I can particularly for felting.  In my felted range of items, I use fine Australian Merino wool which is very soft (15-18 micron) and creates a very soft luxurious fabric. 

I source my supplies from local farms where possible because I think this is a great way of looking after the environment and supporting local small business.


I have always loved to knit. I started knitting when I was around 12 and then started to knit again around 5 years ago. I started to knit scarves, hats and bags and sold many that I produced. I was also introduced to the wonders of felting a year ago and absolutely love it. In fact so much so I am now a member of the Victorian Feltmakers. 

My shop name came from that in the time it takes me to knit one item I can felt two items! So knitonefelttwo.

 

How does the ocean/beach inspire you?

I love the colours and moods of the ocean.  The colours constantly change from day to day and can be a wonderful turquoise blue/green on a hot, calm sunny day to an inky blue and white on rough stormy days. 

 

What is your favorite beach destination? Why?

I love Point Lonsdale which is a local beach.  It offers fabulous walks, views along the coastline to the Great       Ocean Road , rockpooling fun close to the lighthouse and beautifully soft white sand.

*Anyone who uses the promotional code EBNART on checkout will receive 20% off listed price (excl shipping)!

 

Summery Artist: TinfenaStudio

Linda is inspired by the colors of the ocean- check out her drawings!

Tell us a little bit about your shop and how you got started:

My name is Linda Tinfena, I recently started a shop on etsy: www.TinfenaStudio.etsy.com, where I sell prints of my drawings and doodles and some originals as well, all inspired by my friends, fashion and films. It features mostly portraits and fashion illustrations in the colors of the sea, the sand, the driftwood...
some of them are drawn or painted on recycled materials such as discarded cardboard, lumbers, envelopes, etc,
and a lot of them have a little story behind them -- a whimsical little description to lighten things up. My shop is a new adventure that is slowly assuming an identity of its own that I enjoy observing, because, to me, the most exciting part of the creative process is to find out what I wasn't looking for...

I am also a photographer and I am planning to introduce some beach related items in my shop in the near future (photos blocks, cards, seascapes prints), and of course I often put in new items in my shop, so keep in touch...

How does the ocean/beach inspire you?

I think a love of the sea/ocean is in my blood. I was born on an island in New York, grew up in Marseille in the south of France and live in California most of the time. There are fishermen, merchant marines and a lighthouse keeper in my family from way back when. The sea/ocean inspire me on so many levels from the colors to the light, to the sounds and the air, the lifestyle, everything. I try to translate that carefree but powerful purity of the coastal lifestyle into my artwork.

 

What is your favorite beach destination? Why?

I am partial to the Calanques in the south of France, because they are more secluded and unspoiled, and of course I love the California Coast with all my heart. Both also have an element of glamour that I like. Somedays I'd love to visit BoraBora...

Summery Artist: Angela's Artistic Designs

Button bouquets?! What an awesome wedding idea!! You are too clever, Angela! When you're done reading her interview, don't forget to check out her shop!

Tell us a little bit about your shop and how you got started:

My daughter got married in Sept.  She said she didn't like flowers for her wedding and wanted a button bouquet instead.  Prior to that, I hadn't heard of them!  I embellished her idea and did a fabulous bouquet for her and fall bouquets for her bridesmaids.  They were such a hit that everyone said, "You should sell these!"

I have always been crafty, even as a child.  I would get craft books out of the library and create some of the items in the books.  Glue and glitter and 2 of my favorite things!  Now I'm learning fine art as well.

 

How does the ocean/beach inspire you?

Oh, I've always loved the beach.  The waves of the ocean are mesmerizing.  I love walking with my bare feet feeling the sand in my toes, letting the water slosh over me.  The beach is serene, calming and healing. 

What is your favorite beach destination? Why?

The Jersey Shore because that's what I grew up with.  I may have a new favorite now, though.  Recently, I went to Okracoke in the Outer Banks for my first anniversary and fell in love with it!  It's Gilligan's Island with shopping! 

Summery Artist: Too Cute Felties

Shauna's items on TooCuteFelties are just that, too cute! And she lives not too far from my old stomping grounds- shout out to Western PA!

Tell us a little bit about your shop and how you got started:

My shop is mostly comprised of my cute food creations, with some video game tie ins and jewelry sprinkled on top. I had happened across this site before and thought I'd try my hand at sewing and crafting again. All I made at the time was my felt food like cookies, popsicles and ice cream cones. And that was all I thought I would sell.  When it came to find a shop name I thought to myself "These felties are too cute!"  And that was pretty much the entire thought process and my family liked it as well so I used it.

I appreciate the support and diversity of Etsy more than all of you can know. Without it I never would have found a passion for polymer clay or jewelry making. When I started this I was just using felt, and my scope wasn't very broad, but with the help of this site and it's community I have grown as an artist and as a person. Thank you all so much.

How does the ocean/beach inspire you?

The inspiration behind my "Beach in a Bottle" necklace derived from the peace I felt at the beach. With the sand in between my toes and the tide coming in I can definitely say it was one of my life's most perfect moments. I believe that each person has a place that brings peace to their chaotic lives, and for those who don't have the luxury of being there every day (like myself) the memories are what gives us inspiration.

What is your favorite beach destination? Why?

My favorite beach is the shore of North Carolina. The reasoning is simple, Its the only one Ive had the privilege of visiting. It was only one time, but that was all it took for me to fall in love with the ocean and its calming energy. It may sounds strange but i've never felt the calm i have next to the shore, the immense power and beauty will bring me back there one day.

*As a small token of appreciation for being featured, Shauna will give a 30% discount on any item in her shop.

Coupon Code: SeaShell

Summery Artists: Release Me Creations

Maureen makes ridiculously fun nautical jewelry! Check her out!

Tell us a little bit about your shop and how you got started:

I started crafting jewelry when my Dad was sick with Cancer. I was at home helping my Mom, and spending as much time as possible with him. I found myself in need of a creative outlet while there, as he slept much of the time. I turned to making jewelry. It helped me so much, to be able to get lost in creating a piece. It helped me during the most difficult time in my life. I still rely on my creations to help me find peace in my crazy life.

How does the ocean/beach inspire you?

I have loved the beach and the ocean since I can remember. My Mom always says that I was born with saltwater in my veins. I hope to one day live near the ocean so I can go to it every day.

Everything about the beach inspires me...the sound of the ocean, the smell of the saltwater, the boats, the seagulls...

What is your favorite beach destination? Why?

My favorite beach destination is St. Lucia. I was married there and it was one of the most magical times in my life. My hubby and I were married on the beach, with the tropical blue water, washing up on the beach. It was pure magic. 

Anything else we should know?

I just got my red belt in Tae Kwon Do. It is the first belt in the Advanced Belt division. It means that it is now a legal shot for people to hit me in the face when we are sparring! Eep!
Tae Kwon Do is my other outlet for my stress...it's a little more physical than my jewelry making :)

 

 

Check out Maureen's shop and blog!

Summery Artist: Selkie's Crochet

Scarves and gloves on the beach?! These may not be what most Americans think of as beach apparel, but they are a "must" in Ireland! Check out Rosemary's shop, blog, and Facebook page!

Tell us a little bit about your shop and how you got started:

I only picked up crochet last year but seemed to take to it like a duck to water - I love having 'something' on the go all the time and there's only so much that I can wear myself or give to friends and family so a friend suggested that I open an Etsy shop...my first item sold (to my friend, bless her!) in July last year and since then I've had 92 sales to all over the world!

How does the ocean/beach inspire you?

Oh gosh - well I grew up right on the sea, here in County Kerry, Ireland - I spent most of my childhood on the local beaches and it remains my favourite place to go to relax and have some 'me' time; I am a born beachcomber! I am lucky enough to be back living at home again now, after living in the UK for a long time (in the midlands - as land-locked as you could be) and I love to take my crochet down to the beach with me -- this is me working on a bag. Our house and garden are full of beach-combed treasures - from whale bones to pretty shells -- we even burn driftwood in the winter to keep warm! 

What is your favorite beach destination? Why?

I've never actually gone on a 'beach holiday'  apart from visiting various beaches in the UK while we lived there. My favourite beaches would all be local ones - our coast is so varied, you can choose from long sandy strands or proper rugged rocky beaches: I prefer the rocky ones - they are always more atmospheric and you are less likely to bump into other people there.

Anything else we should know?

I'd love to have the chance to thank my friend Carrie for introducing me to Etsy and for being my Etsy-guru.

Summery Artist: SSMDesign

This Floridian makes beachy jewelry! Thanks for the interview, Stephanie! Check out her shop, blog, and website!

Tell us a little bit about your shop and how you got started:
I started making jewelry as a creative outlet. My J O B was not where I saw myself when I started out in the world, which is why I very recently quit to focus on my craft full-time. I'm still finding my own voice in my creativity, so I don't limit myself to one technique or medium. I am always learning and trying different things and right now my shop has an eclectic mix of all my trials. 


I only make jewelry I would wear, so my designs tend to be more delicate and girly. I have a relationship with every piece I create and a lot of who I am goes into them. So while I am always elated when someone else loves one of my pieces and purchases it for themselves, I am a little sad to see it go! 

How does the ocean/beach inspire you?
The beach is my calm, my center, when I look out over the water I see infinite possibilities! There is no end, no ceiling, no expectation only the endless individuality and creativity mother nature has conceived beneath its surface.

What is your favorite beach destination? Why?

That's a difficult one and I can't pick just one, each of these is a favorite for different very reasons! The beach near my home, is a private beach where I can simply take it all in and just be. It's what I imagine old Florida to be, with dunes and rocks, before all of developers took it over. And a little north of here, there is a sandbar that can only be accessed by boat (or if you're a distance swimmer) to stand there is like walking on water, and it's just peppered with sand dollars! But then there are the beaches of Hawaii, my all time favorite place, and like no other! There is a beach on the The Big Island, a green sand beach, created entirely of olivine, a gem that forms within volcanic rock. It is quite a hike to get to, but so worth the work!

*Stephanie is having a sale in honor of her shop's 2 year anniversary. Customers will receive 10% off and free shipping with a special code. "How can I get this code?" Just "like" her Facebook page or follow her on Twitter!