Featured Artist: Wendi G of Miz Darlin'

Meet Wendi G., our newest featured artist! A recent retiree who has moved onto her dream island and on to becoming a full-time crafter, she creates beautiful hand-crocheted hats and neck warmers from non-sheep's wool: no allergies or shrinkage! She sells her creations as Miz Darlin' and her hats are all one-of-a-kind and come in all sizes, from baby, to extra large.


What does it mean to you to "buy handmade"?
'Buy handmade' is the way I try, as much as humanly possible, to live my life. It is a philosophy to me, not merely a slogan. I try to support myself creating and selling handmade goods, and I buy handmade goods whenever I can, by preference, for their superior quality and price, and the added bonus of helping others to support themselves this way. Anyone who spends any time creating and selling in any venue that is amiable to handmade, will find that it becomes a lifestyle rather than a random choice.

How long have you been active in your craft?
I have been creating since I was a small child, and always restlessly searching for whatever I can put my hand to regarding creativity--I love learning new disciplines and perfecting old ones. I have been actively crafting and selling my work for over 30 years.


What inspires your work?
My inspirations are boundless--but usually it starts with the natural world. I love doing representations of natural things or using natural elements in my work; for example, wood, or freshwater pearls. I also enjoy using elements made by others, to re-purpose or recycle parts and create new things. I am also terribly weak when it comes to texture and color--I can go wild with yarn buying, because I find a new color, texture or type of material, and I discover I cannot continue to live without acquiring it and working up something new. And let's not talk about my exotic bead addiction...



Where do you sell your creations?
I am currently selling on two online venues, Artfire and Etsy, and my blog, Ms. Exile in Paradise, has links to both these online shopping sites.. I also sell at a local weekly Farmer's Market and several craft fairs throughout the year.

Friday Fun Finds 3.27.09

One of my the things I am most excited to do with this blog is to feature cool handmade items by other artists. I love to choose a theme and then search some of the online venues to see what cooolness reveals itself!

This weeks theme is "dragonflies". Why? Simply because I love them!

First is this incredibly cool, yet functional, dragonfly metal earring holder by Moxie Metal. You can find this gem in their 1000 Markets shop.

Next, this original handpainted "Luck Dragonfly" silk scarf from Meyer Lemon Designs is a gorgeous addition to your wardrobe. More beautiful silk scarves such as this are featured in their 1000 Markets shop, too.

Fans of steampunk will love this incredibly clever interpretation of a dragonfly using a vintage watch face, called "Moment in Time". Designed by Vintage Filigree, you can find this piece of art in their etsy shop.

And finally, I beautiful item in which to keep your treasures! This Barn Wood Keepsake box features a woodburned and hand-painted dragonfly design, and is made from reclaimed pine boards. Created by Paradise Hill Designs, you can find this and other upcycled wood items in their etsy shop as well.

Want to suggest a theme for a future Friday Fun Finds? Email me at handmadechicblog@gmail.com !