Home Decor that Brings the Beach to You! ~ Meet The Boardwalk Artist Series ~ Featured Artist ~ Shari Curtiss of Beach Grass Cottage

The Boardwalk - on 1000 Markets - welcomes a new artist Shari Curtiss of Beach Grass Cottage!

"Hi, shore lovers~

I'm Shari Curtiss, owner/artist of Beach Grass Cottage, and I admit it-- I am a self-proclaimed beach girl and shore lover! It probably started growing up on a lake in Michigan, being a short drive to the pristine beaches of Lake Michigan. Lots of trips to the beach with friends!

Then, something happened that cemented my love of the sea. My family began vacationing on Anna Maria Island, on Florida's Gulf Coast, and I was officially hooked! My parents bought a condo there and became snowbirds, and I began yearning for my already frequent visits to the shores of AMI. Crossing those bridges was like coming home; still is today.

My mom and I fell into the crazy habit of getting up in the early am, before the sunrise, in the dark, and getting to the beach to "get the big ones" before the other beachcombers arose. My family just shook their heads. Often, our diligence was rewarded, with us bringing home a bounty of gorgeous shells, sea glass, and prizes washed in to the shore. Every day was fueled by the thrill of the hunt! I was hooked on seashells and the sea forever!

Professionally, I have extensive experience in the gift industry, first owning a corporate gift company, then moving on to Beach Grass Cottage. What better way to follow my passions than to use my God given gifts creating beautiful things from the bounty of the ocean! To be able to do something you truly love, and to have the talent for it to actually survive at it, is such a blessing!! Beach Grass Cottage truly was a dream realized through many prayers.

Beach Grass Cottage is located in Portage, Michigan, near the pristine beaches and resort communities of Lake Michigan, home of obsessively devoted beach dwellers, killer sand dunes, casual lakeshore living and the most gorgeous sunsets on the planet! While our main line of products will always be beach glass and seashell decor and gifts, I also have a second business in custom floral design and also dabble in refinishing "junk" antique furniture. I live in Portage, Michigan with my husband and two sons.

~ Shari"

Check out Beach Grass Cottage on 1000 Markets and Shop Now!

Thanks for strolling by The Boardwalk... Where we hope the sun is always shining!

Jump Into These Coastal Creatioins! ~ Meet The Boardwalk Artist Series ~ Featured Artist ~ Norma Gafford of Beachcombers Cove

Many thanks to Norma for such a great bio! Next week another Boardwalk artist will be featured - so don't forget to stop by!

"I am a retired hippie..... livin' the dream of being a creating artist and loving every minute of it. (Actually I am a retired art teacher.) Inspired by the ocean and sky, every day is an adventure on the Texas coast.

My philosophy is: Life's a Beach and we may as well jump in and make a splash!

I love to design in sterling silver wire. Most of my pieces are inspired by the natural beauty of the ocean and beach. All of the work is designed and hand-made by me.. I make my beads by the lampworking method. This is an ancient process where glass rods are heated until molten, then wrapped around a stainless steel mandrel, which forms the bead. Then the beads are kiln annealed for durability. Other materials such as Thai Silver, Gemstones, Shell, Bone, Leather, & Beach Glass sometimes add to the variety of design.

My 2-dimensional work is also inspired by the sea and air. I love to draw and paint fish, mermaids, turtles, dolphins, all kinds of sea and beach creatures. My favorite media are colored pencil, pastels, and watercolors.

Life is too short to wear boring jewelry. Jewelry should be FUN!"

See more of Norma's work here:

www.beachcomberscove.1000markets.com

www.beachcomberscove.blogspot.com

It's Time To Deck Your Walls! ~ Meet The Boardwalk Artist Series ~ Featured Artist ~ Wendy Russell of Artrussell

Many thanks to Wendy for such a great bio! Next week another Boardwalk artist will be featured - so don't forget to stop by!

"I'm a native New Englander, having been born and raised in southern Connecticut. My family lived within walking distance of Long Island Sound and I spent the summers of my youth at the beach swimming, playing in the sand, boating and chasing after ice cream vendors. Bliss. Ocean themes have naturally become important additions to my portfolio of paintings.

Art has always been an essential part of my life. After graduating from college with a degree in Interior Design, I was determined to give city life a try. I moved to Boston and after working in the city for a while, I realized that although I'd always love to visit cities, living there was not for me. I tried the Massachusetts suburbs and worked on a visual merchandising team for a major department store chain. The work was varied and creative, but also very physical. I carried more sofas and ladders than I care to remember. In the meantime, I had taught myself to spin and weave and eventually, left my job to pursue my art and craftwork.

The country life began to beckon and I moved to Vermont in the early 1980's. Three children, lots of gardens, and piles of artwork later I still awaken each morning wondering what subject might catch my eye and become the focus for my next painting. My husband and I consider ourselves very fortunate to have found a home on a gem of a lake in this beautiful state.

My motto: There's an artist in each of us. Trust in yourself to let go and create what you need to create."

Stop by Artrussell on 1000 Markets and Shop Now!

Take a stroll down The Boardwalk next week for another featured Boardwalk artist... until then...

Rock Out to Some Heavy Metal with Heather Gill of Cherry Creek Designs ~ Meet The Boardwalk Artist Series

Many thanks to Heather for such a great bio! Next week another Boardwalk artist will be featured - so don't forget to stop by!

"I started out my career in 'the arts' in a very different artform. I went to culinary school and became a chef. That kind of life is not for a young family so when I gave birth to my daughter 4 1/2 years ago I 'retired' from the food business.

I needed to do something creative so I signed up to take a class in making jewelry. I found PMC (precious metal clay) and traditional metal shortly after. I love what I do everyday!

I've been featured in a couple books and magazines in the last year and I'm getting very busy. This is much more then I ever dreamed it would be and I'm looking forward to seeing what this year has to bring."

Shop Cherry Creek Designs on 1000 Markets Now!

Take a stroll down The Boardwalk next week for another featured Boardwalk artist... until then...

Fun Friday Find #3 - Taylor's Eclectic Shop

How cool are these finds for the day - wow... to think what you can make out of paper.... the mind wanders. I am in awe when I come across such art... love these vibrant colors!

The light seems to just illuminate like stained glass windows of a church.... little hues of mosaics to make your mouth water... could be on your end table for $175.

Mmmm.... here is another beautiful piece that could be yours for $125 - love these two colors together - it has a very modern island feel to it!

And to think you could have these tiny mosaics envelope your body... here is a little finger candy that would be fun to wear for only $25.

Well - I think you have seen... there is no going wrong with Taylor's Eclectic Shop and the many pieces of art they have to offer!

Taylor's Eclectic Shop on 1000 Markets - Shop Now!

It's Time to Suds Up! ~ Meet The Boardwalk Artist Series ~ Featured Artist ~ Jess Glendinning of Chase Street Soap Company

Many thanks to Jess for such a great bio! Next week another Boardwalk artist will be featured - so don't forget to stop by!

"My name is Jess and I have been making soap for almost a year now. I began in our home in Maine, as something to do as a stay at home mom and soap making seemed to fit easily into my schedule with my daughter (I make soap late night after the family is asleep). Now we live in New Jersey and my soaps were an easy thing to transport. It also, although not in the very beginning, makes us some extra money here and there, plus I love it!

My soap ideas came to me immediately. I knew I wanted vegetable based, vegan and environmentally friendly, but to be different and a bit edgy. I knew what I wanted the name to be, how I wanted the packaging to look, the scents, etc. I also wanted to do a men's line, thus, The Salty Dog™ line was created.

I began with 4 different scents in the basics and 6 in the Salty's. Now I have over 40 scents to choose from, available at different times of the year...

My biggest inspiration has been growing up in Maine, my love of the ocean and sea adventures. I feature a sea monster from an old 16th century map as my main logo and paintings by the American artist Howard Pyle on my Salty Dog soaps. I do everything myself, from
measuring, to mixing, pouring, cutting and designing the labels. My standards for quality and perfection border on obsessive-compulsive.

I have included a few pictures of the factory, some of my favorite soaps and one of myself, on a beach back in my home state of Maine, taken by a friend of mine professionally."

Chase Street Soap Company on 1000 Markets - Shop Now!

Watercolor with Grace and Ease ~ Meet The Boardwalk Artist Series ~ Featured Artist ~ Mary Ellen Golden

Many thanks to Mary Ellen for such a great bio! Next week another Boardwalk artist will be featured - so don't forget to stop by!

Watercolor is considered a difficult medium by many people. My goal is to create a space in which it happens with grace and ease. My very first art teacher was Margaret Cooper in Rose Hill, North Carolina. I studied oil painting with her from the age of 10 until I went off to college at 17. She gave me an absolute love for the process and an innate color knowledge that has made my path what it is today. I hope that I can pass that on to all my students.


I have been painting in watercolor for more than thirty years. The medium still holds the same fascination that it held for me the very first time I carefully wet the paper, applied a small amount of color, and instantly blotted it with the tissue clenched in my left hand. My students to this day say that when the left hand goes in my pocket, the painting is going well.

That first watercolor lesson was in 1975 in Charleston, SC. The teacher was Virginia Fouché and I am very fortunate to have known her. She had asked me to help her teach her high school art class macrame and when we finished said "how can I repay you?" I told her that I was having trouble with an acrylic painting I was working on and she invited me to her adult class that night..We gathered in an old building in the old village in Mt Pleasant and painted in oils and acrylic..She told me if I would come to class, she would have me painting all the time...and she did.

When she attended a master class in watercolor at Rangemark in Maine, she returned and taught us all watercolor! Hallelujah! That was my media..and the brushes haven't dried out since. She immediately brought Jeanne Dobie and Christopher Schink and Ralph Smith to Charleston and we received wonderful instruction very early in our watercolor journey. Many of those in that class are among Charleston's premier artists today and I love to go back and see what they are doing...

After 4 years in Charleston, my husband John transferred to Wilmington and I opened a tiny gallery in the Cotton Exchange in 1977. When my son John grew up, we added him to the lease and grew the gallery to include his photography. He became a graphic designer and animator and has become well known online as John W Golden, digital artist.. He has shown me the delights of online marketing where I met Beachy Rustica and have been guided by her to 1000 markets and The Boardwalk. She has been an amazing mentor for me and I would like to thank her for leading me here.

Rolling Along.Very small me Lotus (not beach but still water. )Storm Watchers

Mary Ellen Golden on 1000 Markets - Shop Now!

A Soldier Finds Therapy in Creating Beautiful Watercolors ~ Meet The Boardwalk Artist Series ~ Featured Artist ~ Derek McCrea

Derek McCrea is a US Army Infantry Combat Soldier with two tours in Iraq with the 3rd Infantry Division, and this is his stress relief. He has always loved to paint; it allows him to express emotions on paper and relax. Derek paints in a whimsical impressionistic style in plein air settings. He was born in Albany, Georgia on February 19, 1969. He presently resides with his wife, Sheila, of 20 years and his two sons. He first started painting with oils in the summer of 1984. From 1985 to 1986 he painted under the instruction of Jimmy Peterson, a well known artist from Georgia. In 1986 he won 1st place in the Georgia Arts Exhibition.

Derek joined the United States Army in 1987 and continued self study and painting on landscape subjects in France, Holland, Germany, Italy and Hungary, painting in the plein air style. He has completed over 20 commissions in the past year. His works were most recently placed in the Shoppes on Madison in historic Douglas GA, and at Artsy's on the River Street in historic Savannah Georgia.

Derek has donated several artworks to non-profit and charitable organizations in the past: February 2007 to Christian Mission Hospital for HIV children run by Joyce Meyer Ministries in India, silent auction for a baby with PWS syndrome October 25, 2008, and the Annual Benefit on OCT 17, 2008 with Rescue Ink out of NYC.

Check out more of Derek's amazing work at his 1000 Markets site, personal website and blog!

Derek McCrea on 1000 Markets - Shop Now!

Derek McCrea's Personal Website

Derek McCrea's Blog

Each week we will feature another Boardwalk artist - so be sure to come back and check it out! This post was also posted at The Boardwalk Blog on 1000 Markets.

Stock up for Summer with Beautiful Coastal Pieces by Bancroft Studios!

Oh heck - these pieces are not just for summer - they are just delightful to use all year long!

Brooke Pickering of Bancroft Studios - and fellow Boston Handmade member - has become a good friend of mine over the past months. We live a stones throw away from each other on the beautiful North Shore, MA coast in Salem & Marblehead. I first discovered Brooke's work on Etsy - and was so impressed by her workmanship - she just had to join Boston Handmade... and of course she was accepted!

She uses the love for the coast in all of her work - as each collection is "ocean inspired". All pieces are hand poured in a slip cast method, hand painted and hand finished in her Salem, MA studio. Besides her stunning pottery - she does these amazing wall plaques that can be viewed & purchased here!

The following collections can be viewed and purchased directly from wwww.bancroftsudios.com - The Marblehead Collection, The Chesapeake Bay Collection, The Cape Cod Collection, The Blue Star & Green Shell Tableware, The Coral Collection and the Seaweed Collection. The Cape Cod collection particularly takes her a good deal of time with all the detail that goes into the hydrangeas. They all are so different, detailed & vibrant that you can't go wrong with any.

Bancroft Studios deals heavily in wholesale - so if interested drop her a line! Check out Brooke Pickering's work at her following shop locations: wwww.bancroftsudios.com ~ Bancroft Studios on Etsy ~ Bancroft Studios on 1000 Markets.

*All photos used are the sole property of Brooke Pickering of Bancroft Studios

"Summer In Sepia" Etsy Treasury In the Buried Treasury Blog

Check out my "Summer in Sepia" treasury in Timothy Adam Designs new blog Buried Treasury and feel free to drop comments!

I love the warm vintage feel of these items.... I am so glad summer is around the corner!

Check out his blog and the stores featured or click the links below!

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=9025812
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=9419052
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=11306245
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=7268108
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=11168130
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=9107175
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=8385623
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=11190136

Critiques and Reviews Has "Critiqued and Reviewed" Sea Glass Things

I was lucky enough for Tim, from Timothy Adam Designs and owner of the blog Critiques and Reviews, to be picked for the April 22nd Etsy shop/blog review.

Tim also used me as his first video review - which was very exciting to see. I thought the video brought so much more to the table as you see and hear him as he navigates my Etsy store and this blog.

Tim has dedicated this particular blog of his to helping his fellow Estians promote, polish and drive traffic to their Etsy stores and blogs.

He was so quick to get my sites reviewed and he sent me a convo with all the information as well as a link to where I can view the review. Come check it out here to leave comments.

You are bound to find a lot of useful information and may be able to extrapolate pieces fitting to your needs.... after all... there is ALWAYS room for improvement!

Please leave comments here as well - ideas, opinions... all I welcome!

If you haven't done so already - contact Tim to get on his blog roll, sign up for his newsletter and start to particapte in the FREE information sharing that is taking place on his blog - Critiques and Reviews.

I also want to thank Cassandra of Cassandra Russell

Design for posting something about the critique on her blog and making a new avatar for me - I am trying it out now!

Check out her blog!

So tell me... am I "click" worthy???

Sea Glass Things Feature Sponsor on Tha Hotness

Check out my sponsor feature today on
Tha Hotness and look for my ad on Tha Hotness blog!

Etsy Featured Artist - Week of April 7th: Snitter Dog

Oh boy... looks like I will be posting featured artists randomly now - seems like I just can't make it to the computer to post as much as I would like. Last week was crazy busy so I didn't get anyone posted. So - here it is April... and the April 7 - April 11 featured Etsy artist is Kerry from Snitter Dog. Read her story, check out her store and leave comments!

Snitter Dog by Kerry: http://snitterdog.etsy.com/

If you are looking for some fun and funky artwork to spruce up your bare walls... look no further! Kerry, of Snitter Dog, may have just what you need... color, passion, talent... and artwork that tells a story. Whether you are in the mood for cute, mod, or something slightly bizarre... she has it. Kerry's bold colors, and attention to detail sets her apart - and she has something for everyone. Since being on Etsy only five months - she has already built a client base and continues to thrive. Oh - and if she wasn't talented enough already - she also creates jewelry and paper goods that she sells in her two OTHER Etsy stores: http://thegreenefairy.etsy.com/ and http://pookietown.etsy.com/ - Check out her amazing talent in her store and find out more about her below!

Question & Answer with Snitter Dog!

Q: Tell me a little about yourself… your background and how long you have been involved in your art/craft/hobby…
A: I am originally from southern WI, and have been doing art since I was a very small child...When I was a kid I was always doing something creative-- drawing, painting, making friendship bracelets...I wound up at UW Madison at age 18, where I studied fine art. I received my bachelor's degree in 2001....It was here in college where I started using watercolor a lot-- It's the medium I use most frequently now.

Q: Where do you get your inspiration?
A: I get my inspiration from a variety of sources...While in college, I was very interested in dream imagery and personal symbolism...I use this occasionally still--if something is on my mind, I will try to create a piece of art based on what I am feeling...Also, I often just see something in the world-- and it inspires me-- like certain color schemes, textures, and it makes me want to create!

Q: What mediums are involved in your work?
A: I currently use a lot of mediums-- I have trouble sticking to just one!...I probably use watercolor and gouache most often...I also am very fond of a fine point bic pen, colored pencils, and embroidery thread....

Q: What would set you apart from your competition?
A: I think what sets me apart from the competition, is that I am reluctant to throw just anything out there...I spend A LOT of time on most pieces....I like to make sure that if I am trying to sell it, that it is worth the price I put on it...often more....

Q: What piece are you most proud of?
A: I am probably most proud of my painting, The Conception of Dorothy Gale-- it is a watercolor/mixed media piece...I worked on it on and off for a couple of years, and it's fairy large scale in comparison to the sizes I usually work in...I think it turned out pretty well :)

Q: How do you market your products in and out of Etsy?
A: I try to market my products in a variety of ways-- I am a member of Indie Public, Flickr, Marmalade Pink, I blog, and I also participate on the Etsy Forums....there's probably more ways I market...these are the first ones that pop into my head! :)

Q: If I were to ask you – “Where do you see yourself in five years.” – What would you say?
A: In five years, I will probably still be a poor artist!...Although I hope I won't be :)

Q: Lastly, tell me something I should know about you – funny, quirky, profound etc. anything you would share with the Etsy community?
A: ...something to know about me-- my Dad was my high school principal :)...It was actually not that bad-- if I ever forgot my lunch money, I just had to go and hunt him down...and I got to alter my class schedule to get my favorite teachers :)

Thank you to Kerry for taking the time to answer the questions and much continued success in the future!

Stayed tuned for more great artists to be featured in the up coming weeks!!

Feel free to drop me a line of someone you would like to see featured as well - just email me!

Etsy Featured Artists - Week of March 17th: Kute Klipboards by Amy and Two Bees In A Pod

Happy St. Patrick's Day! March 17 - March 21 featured Etsy artists are Kute Klipboards by Amy and Two Bees In A Pod. Read their story, check out their stores and leave comments!

Kute Klipboards by Amy: http://kuteklipboardsbyamy.etsy.com/

Who would have ever thought you could be so creative with clipboards - Amy from Kute Klipboards by Amy did! These "klipboards" can be used in the car, given for gifts, used for your business, shopping - you name it - there is a use for a clipboard and just about any theme you can think of as well. Amy comes from long line of artists and crafters. She brings her love of all things unique and handmade to Etsy. Amy has a fairly new shop, however, she is paving her way one Etsy... Find out some great things about this store below!













Question & Answer with Kute Klipboards by Amy!

Q: Tell me a little about yourself… your background and how long you have been involved in your art/craft/hobby…
A: I have been crafting all of my life - I will see something and go home and try to make it. I can remember going to craft shows with my mom and sister ( they had booths) all the time. I have been making the clipboards for a couple of years now, starting out making them as gifts, then in craft shows and now on Etsy. I don't try to make any the same so all are unique.

Q: Where do you get your inspiration?
A: I got the idea from a friend of mine who is very crafty and creative. I love putting papers together and creating different combinations. I am a little "paper-obsessed"!

Q: What mediums are involved in your work?
A: I use standard clipboards in 3 different sizes as well as ribbons and scrapbook papers.

Q: What would set you apart from your competition?
A: I have had several people compliment my clipboards over others because I do seal mine pretty well. The whole clipboard, even the edges, is sealed with 2 coats of mod podge as well as 2 coats of acrylic sealer on each side. They are pretty durable. Also, I do not put any 3-D embellishments on the front so they can be used as a lapboard; no bumpy things to hinder writing on them.

Q: What piece are you most proud of?
A: I love them all!! This one is one of my favorites - http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=9880472

Q: How do you market your products in and out of Etsy?
A: I have business cards (which I hand out every chance I get!) and have made quite a few for friends, too. Three shops in the area also sell them in their stores and I have been doing craft shows in the local area, also.

Q: If I were to ask you – “Where do you see yourself in five years.” – What would you say?
A: hope in five years that I feel just as blessed as I do now. I do hope my business picks up a bit and is steady. I do have fun making my clipboards and enjoy creating new ones as well as custom ones. I would love to be able to make some real money from doing this to help contribute to my household but really don't want to be overwhelmed. I hope my Etsy shop flourishes and I continue to meet lots of new and talented people. My family comes first and hopefully we are all just as happy and healthy as we are today.

Q: Lastly, tell me something I should know about you – funny, quirky, profound etc. anything you would share with the Etsy community?
A: I love making people smile and also love creating new clipboards. I always welcome any new ideas and also love to meet new people! I am pretty much a homebody, just content to sit back and let life go by. I enjoy etsy and have met some wonderful new friends through it. I am your typical PTA mom, on the boards at two schools and loving every minute of it! I taught Pre-K for 14 years before staying home. I love to read and scrapbook. Other than that, I lead a pretty boring life. LOL

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The next featured artist of the week.....

Two Bees In A Pod: http://amsx05.etsy.com/

It is true that Etsy is saturated with card makers - however, that didn't stop Ally, of Two Bees In A Pod, from carving out her own niche and leaping into the waters herself. Ally's card designs are fresh, modern, creative and funky... and that is what is setting her apart from the rest. In only a few short months of joining Etsy she has racked in just over 50 sales.... I don't think she with be a "newbie" much longer!









Question & Answer with Two Bees In A Pod!

Q: Tell me a little about yourself… your background and how long you have been involved in your art/craft/hobby…
A: Well my name is Ally,I have not been involved in my craft for too long and I just recently gained the confidence to broadcast it to the world. Once i received some positive feedback, It really boosted my self-esteem and now you cant stop me! lol!

Q: Where do you get your inspiration?
A: I usually get it from magazines, i look at all the different colors and their layout, i can immediately go home and know what i want to create just by looking at a simple magazine in a dentist office!

Q: What mediums are involved in your work?
A: Way too many to list!!! Paper,ribbon,pens,pencils,cutting board,xacto knife the list goes on FOREVER.

Q: What would set you apart from your competition?
A: My prices are AFFORDABLE. I can't tell you how many times i go onto another card makers website and see cards for like 5 dollars, not including shipping. I just know i would never pay 5 dollars for a card. You get high quality items, for a cheap and affordable price.

Q: What piece are you most proud of?
A: Good question, i would have to say i am most proud of my "thank you for your business cards" I came up with each design myself and designed each one until I was completely satisfied. I have relisted them 7 times already in less than a month. I am thrilled.

Q: How do you market your products in and out of Etsy?
A: Since i have only been on Etsy less than two months, its hard to really say. I spent a lot of times in the fourms chatting away with interested customers. Also I participate in the SNS on Saturday nights, which i don't think has helped so far..but we'll see. Outside of etsy, I attend craft shows a lot, I am really trying to get a table set up for a couple coming up.

Q: If I were to ask you – “Where do you see yourself in five years.” – What would you say?
A: Graduated from college, steady teaching job, while still selling and making great cards here on Etsy for my wonderful new friends ;]

Q: Lastly, tell me something I should know about you – funny, quirky, profound etc. anything you would share with the Etsy community?
A: I am highly claustrophobic, but my work space is a cluttered mess! Go figure!

Thank you to the artists for taking the time to answer the questions and much continued success in the future!