MARCH BIRTHDAY BABIES
3-1 Blueplatevintage
3-3 MyInnerPrincess
3-5 PaperArtPlus
3-8 BoompsaDaisy
3-12 BPDesign
3-11 lyonscreations
3-22 Susansee

March's Featured Artist/Seller

Every month, the Brat Team chooses one of it's members to “highlight;” as it’s Featured Artist/Seller. This month, we are pleased to introduce you to “Anise” of Seavbeach Designs. http://www.seavbeach.etsy.com/

Tell us a bit about yourself.

I grew up in a rural town in NC. My mom and I were brought here from California to live where my step dad grew up. Dad was always tinkering in the shop and I was always helping, wearing coveralls with pockets full of things. I learned to be an individual and got my artistic ablilities from the both of them. Mom loved to draw and dad put things together, for me that was the best combination.
Today, I live in a small coastal town that is just blooming with artistic people. I love collecting things on the beach, walking the dogs and socializing with friends.

Quartz Beach Stone Pendent

What inspires you and where do your ideas come from?

My inspiration comes from many places, for example, right now I'm looking out the window watching the dogs play under a beautiful tree stripped of all its leaves... And I’m thinking to myself, how can I recreate this moment?
I usually daydream and then sketch out my ideas: nature, such as leaves, vines, patterns, all give me creative ideas.

Fall Leaves - Sterling Silver Wired Earrings

What are your favorite materials?

My absolute favorite materials are Silver and Copper. I love forging, bending, drilling and making things shiny. My newest and most enjoyable medium so far would have to be PMC: Precious Metal Clay. I've worked with Silver Clay and can't wait to work with Copper Clay.

A Rose is a Rose - Hand sculpted fine silver rosebud

What have been the most valuable lessons learned from other artists on Etsy?

Patience! Not all shops start out full force; although I've only had one sale, I am learning more everyday. Being self taught and having your own business isn't easy, I know if I have any questions, there are fellow Etsians out who are willing to answer them. I have met some wonderful people on Etsy by staying active in forums.

Bottle Top - Sea Glass Pendent

Why should people buy handmade?

I think about this question often. There is so much put into something handmade, far more than the average person might think. For one thing, when you buy handmade 9 times out of 10 going to be one of a kind. I like the idea that no one will have the "exact" same thing that I have. It always puts a smile on my face when I order something from Etsy and I get my item and someone has put their personality in packaging or boxing. That is the personal side of Etsy and what makes buying handmade so great!

Shell Button Charm Bracelet

What features/services would you most like to see on Etsy?

I would like to see a privacy feature for our own purchases. I have family members that frequently look at my shop and I wouldn't want them to see a gift that I’ve recently just purchased for them.

Adjustable Recycled Copper Bracelet

Apart from creating things, what do you do?

I am currently out of work, and have been focusing on getting my Hand Crafted Jewelry out there. I have always worked with the public and probably always will; I love the interaction with people.

Read any good books lately?

Cookbooks.. I love them! I read them like books, lol! I like the Vintage Cookbooks the best, and they have to have pictures so I know what its supposed to look like when its done.

I Heart U - Amber Glass Dangles

In ten years, where would you like to be?

Still creating, successful with a husband and maybe children.

How did you come up with your Etsy Shop Name?

Its my name combined with the beach; since, I live at the beach.

Gears - Inspired by Habitat for Humanity

What is the connection between being a Crafter and being a Brat?

Well, being a brat teaches you discipline from an early age. I think that with my art it has taught me to reach to a higher boundary than I would have if I hadn't had my dad in the Military. He was very proud of who he was and this country and I am glad that he instilled it in me as well.

　
Thank you for spending time with our Featured Artist/Seller and please stop by and visit her blog http://www.seavbeach.blogspot.com/ and her etsy shop http://www.seavbeach.etsy.com/

Robin