Friday, August 22, 2008

Form Meets Function: Unique Teapots Add Design Panache!


A Crazy Porcelain Teapot with A Whimsical Funtional Design by Page Pottery

Whether you are serving that "spot o' tea" to special friends, or simply want a unique accent for your kitchen curio, these beautiful, handcrafted teapots will bring charm and whimsy into your living space.


Wickedly Sweet Teapot by DBabcock

Each pot certainly has its own personality, as unique as its creator! A simple search for "interiordesignteam and teapots", or "designstyleguide and teapots" on Etsy's website will bring you so many delightful pots that you will most likely want to start an entire collection.


My Hero - Handbuilt Teapot by DBabcock

These would be quite a conversation starter when company drops in!


Ghost Leaves Teapot and Cups by PatsPottery

Thursday, August 21, 2008

Our Interview with Laurie Beggin


Who are you?

Laurie Beggin, Stained glass artist for The Looking Glass

Where are you located?

Warrensburg, Illinois

What do you create?

Stained glass panels, free formed pieces, mosaics and glass applique' antique windows.

Where do you sell your creations?

Etsy at http://www.27lauriebethbeggin.etsy.com

Where do you create?

In my studios at The Olde Farmhouse (our farmette)

What inspires you?

Nature that surrounds me, beautiful stained glass windows in churchs, stained glass windows in turn-of-the-century homes

Is your Etsy shop a full-time job, part-time job, or hobby?

Full FULL time!


What type of marketing is the most effective for you?

My blog
Marmalade Pink
Wickedly Chic
Merchant Circle
Project Wonderful!

I also cannot stress enough how vital it is for members of this group to go to each members website, copy their URL and link it to their blog site if they have one. It takes a lot of time, and it's boring to do but if this collective group does it, it will raise our internet rating, increase each members pages viewed and by doing that increase our sales. It is so important and it is one thing that I've noticed very few members are doing.

What do you do when you are not creating?

I am a master gardener and I love taking pictures and share them on my blog.

What role does creativity play in your marketing methods?

So far I'm bare-bones with my marketing. I need to immerse myself in the strategies, demographics and internet options but it's been hard for me to "enjoy" that aspect of my business. Pam at PassItOnPlates has been a huge help!

What are your goals?

I would like to make a steady income that matches the salary I made when I worked as a Realtor and a "Legal Assistant" at the Wisconsin State Capitol. Okay, to be honest, I'd like to make MORE money than that!!!

How do you envision your creations being used by your customers?

I want my creations to be treasured and cared for in their new homes. I hope that the pieces are handed down through the family members. That is one of the wonderful features of Stained Glass. If taken care of property, it is timeless!

Is there anything else you would like to share with us?

Sure, I'll share my quotes that inspire me...here yah go!

Challenges are gifts that force us to search for a new center of gravity. Don't fight them. Just find a different way to stand.

"The most beautiful experience we can have is the mysterious...the fundemental emotion which stands at the cradle of true art and science." Albert Einstein Philosophy
A human being is a part of the whole, called by us, "Universe," a part limited in time and space. He experiences himself, his thoughts and feelings as something separated from the rest -- a kind of optical delusion of his consciousness. This delusion is a kind of prison for us, restricting us to our personal desires and to affection for a few persons nearest to us. Our task must be to free ourselves from this prison by widening our circle of compassion to embrace all living creatures and the whole of nature in its beauty. Nobody is able to achieve this completely, but the striving for such achievement is in itself a part of the liberation and a foundation for inner security. – Albert Einstein

Online store: http://www.27lauriebethbeggin.etsy.com

Blog: http://www.lauriebethbeggin.blogspot.com

Going to the beach......5 artists

I have been planning a trip to the Oregon beaches today so I thought, why not showcase some of the interiordesignteam artists on etsy today....with a beach theme.... Hope you will check out their shops and let them know that you heard of them thru this blog.


Palama's Beach Original Watercolor with Pen and Ink ACEO

From artist, http://kauaiartist.etsy.com/

"Palama's Beach" is an original watercolor with pen & ink painting measuring 2.5" x 3.5" -> ACEO size and perfect for collecting, trading, or as a gift! It is signed on the front, and on the back it is titled, signed, and dated.I use only the finest quality art supplies in my watercolor paintings - 140 lb. CP Arches watercolor paper and Winsor and Newton paints. Also, my art has been certified and accepted by the County of Kauai into their "Kauai Made" program which represents those products made on Kauai, by Kauai people.The item will be well packaged and shipped FREE via USPS First Class anywhere in the world.The story behind the painting: Palama's beach is located on the south-west side of Kauai. To access this beach you need to arrive by boat or have a permit to access the property through the Kauai Coffee Plantation. Since it is so remote, chances are you will be the only one on the beach (well, you and your honey, of course)
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SUMMER RAIN - TtV Original Fine Art Photography Print

From Artist, http://citrustree.etsy.com/

Listing is for SUMMER RAIN print only...This is a "Through the Viewfinder" style photo. The scratches, flecks, black border,etc will be visible on the print. These artifacts lend to the beauty and charm of each print.

This image will be printed on high quality Archival paper, with a luster finish, that will last a life time.
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Fishie Bunch Wooden Hanging Decoration

From artist, http://halfanacre.etsy.com/

Another one of our fishie bunches - mostly blue this time.Three wooden hand-painted fish hanging on jute string.Hang them around your home to cheer it up!

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sunset - 11x14 Fine Art Photograph

From Artist, http://nestahome.etsy.com/

'sunset' is a digitally altered photo taken in the French Polynesia... It is professionally printed on Kodak Eudora Lustre Archival paper with UV coating for a photograph that will last a lifetime...The photo measures 11" x 14" and makes for a great piece of artwork for your home.



******************** Windsurfer Stained Glass Suncatcher

From artist, http://creationsinglass.etsy.com/

I made this adorable windsurfer 3D Suncatcher Whirl in my studio/workshop out of handcut glass then fused the sail & board. I used the copper foil method to solder the rings together. Then the solder is polished to make is shine! All designs and patterns were created by me for this piece.There are a total of 6 outer rings made from a blue water glass (3) and iridized clear glass (3). This piece measures approximately 7" X 7" and truly sparkles in the light!This piece will look beautiful showcased in your home or business! It would make an excellent Birthday, Wedding, Hostess, Housewarming or ANYTIME gift! In fact, you could even get it as a gift for YOURSELF! You deserve it! It's an especially thoughtful gift to the windsurfers in your life!

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I hope you will visit these artists at etsy or at least search for your favorite artists with using the team tag of interiordesignteam the next time you visit etsy. Well I had better get back to painting...you may visit my etsy shop at http://paintwithbarb.etsy.com/ for all types of oil paintings.