Bonhomie is back!!!

Not that I've actually gone anywhere.........but (obviously) I've been absent from the blogosphere. I'm sure you don't want to read all the tedious details of my life since last December - suffice it to say, I spent some time concentrating on my family and home life, reprioritized quite a bit, and have come up with a brand new gameplan (which may not look like a new gameplan to you BUT includes a brand new mindset for me!)



So..........up and coming: new designs, some redesigns, new photos (more on that later) and a new direction for my blog. You can also expect to see some price changes. I've held off as long as I could but material costs are gettin' up there..........:-( In addition, I've let go of my 1000Markets shop for the time being. Marketing one shop is hard enough!!! *grin*



Some specific changes to look out for: I'd like to begin my "Artist Confession" series again. There is so much fabulous work on Etsy and I'd really like to start sharing some of my favorites again. That being said, if you haven't been featured before, see the "Confession Instructions" on my sidebar. To see what they're all about, you can read previous confessions here.

I mentioned "marketing one shop" a minute ago. Technically, I'm actually marketing two shops if you include my Bonhomie Charms site. I'm considering offering a few charms through my Etsy shop. The customization options wouldn't be as great but perhaps it would get the word out - my local sales have been great but no real activity online. My thought would be to have a specific font assigned to a specific charm shape......what do you think?

I would really like to thank all of my customers - the support they provided even when I wasn't working as hard as I should have been is so greatly appreciated!!!

Please, please, please do comment! Fellow artists, former & current customers and anyone who just happens upon my blog! Your feedback is invaluable!!



Until next time (which will be much sooner than you've previously been accustomed!!!)

Artist Confessions - Sara of Soap Rehabilitation

We've got another Artist Confession - this time it's coming from a maker of all things bath & body. Welcome!



1. Your name: Sara

2. Shop name: Soap Rehabilitation

3. Anyplace else your products can be seen (online and IRL)? I have a blog, a Facebook Business Page, photos on Flickr, and an Artfire shop.

4. Tell us one thing - as it relates to your craft - that would be surprising. Soap making is both science and art, and it's really important to know some of the science behind it. It can also be temperamental, and sometimes subtle changes result in disasters!

5. What's your favorite item? What's your least favorite item? Why?

I am loving my new FreshTart exfoliating soap right now...the tiny apricot seeds feel so delightfully scrubby, and I love a little scrubby in my shower. Also, my Chocoholic Body Balm has been a staple lately, for extra moisturizing in this dry winter weather. My least fav would be some of the "oops" soaps...sometimes one of those disasters that never make it to my shop because they are just too ugly are technically usable and still make it to the shower... ;)

6. Tell us about the mistakes you've made that have turned out well. Sometimes my soap experimentations go awry and I get some ugly soap! On more than one occasion, what I thought was going to turn out ugly ended up pretty in its own way, even if it didn't turn out the way I had intended.

7. Who's work - in your genre - do you envy? There are so many fabulous soapers and bath & body formulators that I admire and have so much respect for, that make me positively drool over their lovely products. Copperlilly, Patti Flynn, and Product Body just to name a few.

Thanks for the opportunity to 'talk soap'!!

Thank you for sharing, Sara. Make sure you drop by Sara's blog and say you saw her here! Also be sure to check out her shop - she's got some great specials going on!
And Sara, don't forget to grab your button to let the world know that you 'confessed'!

Artist Confessions - Melissa of AlwaysAdorable

Today we're talking to crafter Melissa of AlwaysAdorable - creator of art, dolls and tutus!! A very appropriate shop name, Melissa!

1. Your Name: Melissa


2. Shop Name: Always Adorable Boutique


3. Anyplace else your products can be seen? My blog and my new venture at Artfire.


4. Tell us one thing - as it relates to your craft - that would be surprising. Probably the most surprising thing that would be found about myself as a crafter would be that I have never been formally trained at any of my crafts. It all started with a box of crayons at the age of three. Since then I have devoured books and how-tos on the skills I wanted to learn whether it be painting, drawing, or sewing.



5. What's your favorite item? My most favorite item would have to be the Colorful Flower Letter Alphabet Print because it was the inspiration for starting my whole adventures in selling online. What's your least favorite item? Why? My least favorite item item is unfortunately the two-sided plush doll, Molly Marina. Boy was she a pill during the whole creation process. I had to redo her face twice!!!







6. Tell us about the mistakes you've made that have turned out well. Oh, there have been mistakes, but that is all part of learning a craft and becoming great at it! Usually every first item of a series whether it is a new doll, drawing, or painting is a test run. And I just rework it over and over until I love it. Nothing is so bad to me that it can't be saved.



7. Who's work - in your genre - do you envy? I envy with the utmost awe another painter from Etsy, Megan Aroon Duncanson, "MADART". Her paintings are mezmorizing and rich beyond belief.



Thank you so much for this opportunity to reach others and brighten their lives with a little bit of what I have to offer!





Thank you so much, Melissa! Don't forget to grab your button and readers, hop on over to her blog and let her know how adorable her work is!!

Artist Confessions - Chrissy of Chrissy Ann Ceramics

We're talking to our first ceramics artist on Bonhomie. Such beautiful work, such a pleasure and a fellow New Englander! Welcome, Chrissy!

1. Your Name: Chrissy

2. Shop Name: Chrissy Ann Ceramics http://www.chrissyannceramics.etsy.com/

3. Anyplace else your products can be seen (online and IRL)? Etsy is my only online shop venue at the moment. I'm still sort of figuring out its ropes, but its such a fantastic site! The people listing on Etsy are super supportive of one another, and really helpful! I just discovered their forums and I've met some great people who love to help one another out. It really is a strong artist community... just online! I also have work listed at New Bedford Open Studios. Its a website for the artists in the city I work out of, New Bedford, Massachusetts. We have a huge annual event, the New Bedford Open Studios, and we keep folks up to date with plannings on that page, check it out! I also have a Chrissy Ann Ceramics myspace page (although I haven't been to good keeping it up to date as of late) you can check it out at www.myspace.com/chrissyannceramics. In real life, I sell locally at different shops, mainly consignment. I'll be stocking them up again in the spring time!

4. Tell us one thing - as it relates to your craft - that would be surprising. Ceramics is a completely temperamental and unpredictable medium. You really have to cross your fingers and hope for the best every time! There are so many things that can go wrong, pieces warp, crack, colors vary, etc, you really can't make the same exact piece without variation, and you lose many pieces during the process. I make these scallop dishes that I sell to local restaurants. They're about 12" with a scallop design, square, I've made hundreds of them in the same two colors. My last batch had a full kiln of glazed dishes that went wrong. The glaze was a completely different color than it was suppose to be, it kind of bubbled up, and I had to turn them all into mosaic pieces, and start again from square one. I was in a rush, miscalculated, and ruined 12 dishes that took me hours to make, clean up, and fire. Its the most frustrating thing, but you have to be open to it, and just move on. You make because you love it, and its what you do.

5. What's your favorite item? What's your least favorite item? Why?
My favorite listing in my Etsy shop would have to be my Petal Plates. I've been making these dishes for about five years now, and they've always been really popular. Lots of people order them for wedding gifts, and many realtors have bought them from me as a house warming gift for their clients. I like that they're light and delicate and feminine with a flowing scooping edge that is just so fine. They're fun to make because each set's shape varies a bit from the next, they just evolve in their own way. So after I've made them and each set is complete I sit them all side by side on a drying table, and they each seem to have their own little personalities or style like people do. I love them, I just think their gorgeous!!! I don't know if I have a "least favorite" , that's a tough one I really love everything that I make. Well, at least everything that I've photographed and posted on Etsy! I will admit, I do have a pile of work in the "soon to be mosaic tiles" bin at my studio.

6. Tell us about the mistakes you've made that have turned out well. Hmm.. that's a tough one. I guess as an artist, you become very critical of your work, even a bit over critical. I've learned that if something hasn't come out to your liking, color or design wise, it doesn't mean that someone else won't adore it, everyone has such different taste. I mistakenly set up a "free stuff" table at my studio during one of our open houses, I put all the work that was "awful" on the table.. let me tell you, there were people who LOVED them, and took them home for free. I should have priced them too!

7. Who's work - in your genre - do you envy? I absolutely adore the work of Alice Ballard Munn. She makes these incredible organic sculptures that are just so beautiful you want to touch them. She sculpts things like a clove of garlic, but she'll turn into the most beautiful thing your eyes have ever feasted on. She's totally incredible! I was suppose to take a workshop with her a few years back but my fiancee had a bad car accident so I had to cancel last minute so I could stay home with him. It was completely heartbreaking. But rumor is she'll be at Penland next year!!! Sign me up!

Thank you so much for sharing with us, Chrissy! Readers, be sure to check out Chrissy's blog!

Artist Confessions - Victoria of the Mad Helmeteer

Wecome to another session of "Artist Confessions"! This week, we're talking to a creator of crocheted goodness. Meet Victoria of Mad Helmeteer:

1. Your Name: Victoria

2. Shop Name: The Mad Helmeteer http://www.madhelmeteer.etsy.com/ Dundas, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada

3. Anyplace else your products can be seen (online and IRL)? I've just opened an ArtFire account (yesterday, in fact) and I hope it too provides me with some traffic. I do sell my items locally in select areas and I sell at Mom-to-Mom sales and my town's local summer festival. I find, though, that most of my selling succes has been through family, friends, acquaintances, and word-of-mouth. Lots of people approach me with wholesale offers but because 98% of my items are one of a kind, I don't think that this is a good option for me. I delight in being able to tell my customers that the hat they are getting cannot and will not be duplicated or found anywhere else.

4. Tell us one thing - as it relates to your craft - that would be surprising. I am a crocheter and I do not knit (not very well anway) and I am always so surprised that most people still view crocheting as a grandmother-doily-craft. There are so many fabulous crocheters and knitters out there who are creating hip, funky, and modern items. Move over Granny!

5. What's your favorite item? What's your least favorite item? Why? After much debate, I have decided that my favourite item is the elephant hat. I love it because it is so unique and I have yet to see anything quite like it. I love the craziness and the whimsy of it. It is the item that always attracts peoples' eyes. My least favourite item is the Warm Me Up Scottie neck warmer. Although it may be ideal for that one person out there, I don't think it is quite my style. It was actually a piece that sat around here for a very long time because it had not felted the way I wanted it to. Finally, I added the closure and found a use for it as a neck warmer. I'm still not overly pleased with it though. I find it particularly interesting that, in my experience, the items that I love are not generally popular whereas the items that I do not like are snapped up immediately! Strange.

6. Tell us about the mistakes you've made that have turned out well. Almost everything I have done has turned out despite the mistakes and I think that is the most special part of my growth as a crocheter. I see mistakes as a strength rather than a deficit. I never, ever throw anything away. I tried to do ears on a cat once and they were disastrous so I detatched them and they sat around in my crochet catch-all for about a year. Then I found a use for them on a dinosaur hat. They were no longer used as ears! I still have trouble following a pattern and I don't know how to write one. I just sit with the yarn I have and start making until I get something that I like. I am forever practicing new stitches and techniques so that I can explore the relationships between colour, texture and pattern.

7. Who's work - in your genre - do you envy? Although he is a knitter, I am very much drawn to Kaffe Fassett. His work with colour, and texture are so fabulous that he has single-handedly changed the craft of knitting to an art form. Crocheting all started with my mother. She made for me when I was a little girl a huge pompom hat and matching sweater, which I saved and dressed my two little boys in. I got so many compliments that I wanted to make a set for my son. And that is how it all began. She recently made a white tuxedo-style jacket for my first son's baptism. It was stunning.

Thank you for sharing, Victoria! Don't forget to grab the button for you blog! And readers, be sure to check out Victoria's blog!

Artist Confessions - Lyndsey of Tanybug & Lynseandfancy

It's a new year and Artist Confessions has returned!!! And for the first time we're interviewing an etsian with two shops! Okay, as far as I know, it's the first time ;-)

Welcome Lyndsey of Tanybug and Lynseandfancy where you can find camera straps, accessories, art and prints!

1. Your Name: Lyndsey

2. Shop Name: Tanybug- http://tanybug.etsy.com/

and Lynse & Fancy-http://lynseandfancy.etsy.com/

3. Anyplace else your products can be seen (online and IRL)? Online, I keep my products all on Etsy. I feel it's the right place for me, and I don't want to spread myself too thin selling all over the place. I have been featured on numerous blogs, including GeekSugar, but for selling, I stick to Etsy.

In real life, I exhibited at my first Art Exhibit in 2008 and it was a lot of fun, I hope to look for more opportunities like this in 2009. The exhibit was called "Rollin' on 20". It was a bike themed exhibit and I shot a lot of BMX photography on 2007/2008, so it was a great fit.

4. Tell us one thing - as it relates to your craft - that would be surprising. I am not sure if this is surprising to others, but I am often surprised at how much I get done and accomplish with my art and craft... all while working a full time job. A minimum of 11 hours of my days, Monday- Friday, is dedicated to my full time job and commuting to it. It's actually rather exhausting at times.

5. What's your favorite item? What's your least favorite item? Why? My favourite item(s) would probably have to be the paintings in my new shop, Lynse & Fancy. With my paintings, I feel like I am putting my heart on paper. Each piece evokes a special feeling for me, and I think painting is a very personal thing. If I had to pick one item, it would probably be the Rain Boots painting. It reminds me of the innocence and fun and carefree ways of a child. Least favourite... well really I am not sure that I have a least favourite in my shop(s). If something I create doesn't please me, I usually won't sell it.

6. Tell us about the mistakes you've made that have turned out well.

One recent mistake that sticks out in my mind, was just two weeks ago. Months ago I had thought it would be a good idea to list some items for sale on other marketplace type websites. Well, the items sat there and never really did much, as I wasn't putting any effort into promoting them on this other site. They sat there for a couple of months and I honestly forgot all about them, until one day out of the blue, I sold one. Unfortunately, it was actually a camera strap that I had sold out of a few weeks earlier. I felt horrible, and had to go back to the customer and work something out with her. Luckily she chose a different strap that she loved and everything worked out, but it really put me in check about how much I can juggle at once. It solidified my thoughts that I really need to just give my all to one online venue, and not spread myself too thin. I was glad for a lesson learned before I got in way over my head!

7. Who's work - in your genre - do you envy?I don't think envy is the right word for what I feel, but a couple artists who I greatly greatly admire, and aspire to be as successful as are: Michele Maule and Elsie Flannigan.

Thank you for the interview! It's been fun!

Thank YOU, Lyndsey!! Don't forget to grab your button for your blog! And readers, be sure to show her some love!!

Artist Confessions: Nancy of NanjoDogz

Hello, All! This week we meet Nancy, a polymer clay artist with an affinity to man's best friend.

1. Your Name: Nancy


2. Shop Name: NanjoDogz
   


3. Anyplace else your products can be seen? My blog
   


4. Tell us one thing - as it relates to your craft - that would be surprising. The surprising thing about my craft is that there are many different techniques and styles you can come up with polymer clay -- the same material, but oh so many possibilities.
   


5. What's your favorite item? My favorite item from my shop are my tiles. What's your least favorite item? Why? My etched pendants are probably my least favorite item because there's not a lot of detail in them.
   


6. Tell us about the mistakes you've made that have turned out well. I have a lot of projects that are mistakes that I ended up tearing apart and reworking so there's not only one unfortunately there's many.
   

1. Who's work - in your genre - do you envy? I absolutely love Marcia Palmer's jewelry, her shop marciapalmer is full of incredible pieces, she does amazing things with polymer clay and makes some wonderful pieces of jewelry.

Thank you, Nancy! Make sure to visit her blog and mention you saw her here!

Artist Confessions: Madeline of Maddie Anne

This week's confession comes to us from a fellow jewelry artisan who finds inspiration in nature!


1. Your Name: Madeline

2. Shop Name: Maddy Anne www.maddyanne.etsy.com in Round Rock, TX

3. Anyplace else your products can be seen: Online at:
www.beadage.net
http://beadage.net/gallery-vintage-treasures-necklace.html

4. Tell us one thing - as it relates to your craft - that would be surprising. I started making jewelry when I was 11 years old. My uncle's girlfriend introduced me to it, but passed away due to cancer soon after. I've decided that if I ever have my own store, I'll name it after her.

5. What's your favorite item? What's your least favorite item? Why? My favorite item is definitely my "Jolie Bracelet." It's fun and bold, but at the same time, it's not over the top. I'm not sure I have a least favorite. I enjoy making all of my pieces and couldn't bare to pick out the worst. :)




6. Tell us about the mistakes you've made that have turned out well.
My "Rebecca Necklace" is actually made from a mistake. I ordered it in hopes of the hole being drilled in a different spot. It was more challenging, but I think it came out rather interesting.

7. Who's work - in your genre - do you envy? I'm not sure I envy other jewelry makers. I love browsing and learning new techniques from others and seeing new ideas. I always get excited to see successful jewelry makers because it gives me hope that others will be able to enjoy my creations as well.

Thank you, Madeline, for sharing with us! Be sure to show her some love and visit her blog, people!

Artist Confessions: Tricia of Eyeful Fine Art Photography

Happy Halloween, all! It's time for our weekly chat with an Etsian Artist who's medium is photography. I truly admire the skills of a great photographer and she's no exception. Meet Tricia of Eyeful:Photography by Tricia McKellar!


1. Your Name: Tricia

2. Shop Name: Tricia McKellar Photography at http://eyeful.etsy.com

I create dreamy landscape and nature photographs from my original
photographs and digital painting.

3. Anyplace else your products be seen (online and IRL)?

My art may be seen online:

on my website http://triciamckellar.com

on flickr http://flickr.com/photos/triciamckellar

on trunkt http://www.trunkt.org/triciamckellar

on etsy http://triciamckellar.etsy.com

on 1000 markets http://triciamckellar.1000markets.com

In real life, I'm a juried artist member of Artspace, Raleigh, NC (http://artspacenc.org) and hang art there. For Oct - DEc of this year I'll have art hanging in exhibitions locally at UNC Women's Hospital and the Duke Hospital Eye Center.

4. Tell us one thing - as it relates to your craft - that would be surprising. I have about 12,000 digital photographs on my computer. Sometimes when I take a photo, I don't like it right away and when I look at it again in a few weeks or months, I decide I like it and work with it to create a work for my portfolio. I can't always tell right away if a photograph will work for me in my art.

5. What's your favorite item? What's your least favorite item? Why? My camera is my favorite thing! I have a big camera and sometimes I wish I had a little spy camera to tuck in my pocket. When I'm without my camera, I feel a little lost. Not sure that I have a least favorite...


6. Tell us about the mistakes you've made that have turned out well. The nice about working digitally with images is that things can always be undone and re-done and worked again. The bad thing about working digitally with images is that things can always be undone and re-done and worked again. LOL! Sometimes it's hard to know when to quit working an image.

7. Who's work - in your genre - do you envy? I greatly admire Laura Kicey at http://helveticaneue.etsy.com . She has an amazing sense of color and tone.


Thank you, Tricia, for sharing your art and your inspiration with us! Be sure to also check out her other etsy shop, Art by Tricia McKellar, featuring mixed media prints.

Artist Confessions: Suzanne of Bliss Candles

It's that time of year when I love to burn scented candles that smell like fall........pumpkin pie, apple crisp.......yum!! It just so happens that our next artist to confess all can help me out with that.

Let's take a looksee at Suzanne's secrets......

1. Your Name: Suzanne

2. Shop Name: Bliss Soybean Candles and Gifts, http://blisscandles.etsy.com, Grand Haven, Michigan

3. Anyplace else your products can be seen? My website: http://www.blisscandles.com; Calico Cat in Grand Haven, MI; Bloom Essentials in Canada; Enchanted Wings in Pittsburgh, PA; Edna Hart Boutique in Los Angeles, CA; and Jen Rose Skin Care in Long Beach, CA.

4. Tell us one thing - as it relates to your craft - that would be surprising. Making soy candles is a science. Many people would lead you to believe that you melt this and that and throw it in a jar (I wish!). It takes time and experience to get the right wick for each jar and get the right combination of ingredients.

5. What's your favorite item? What's your least favorite item? Why?

Wow – it is hard to name a favorite. I would have to say my Premium 16 oz Jar is my favorite jar style because the lid is so cool! My favorite fragrances are numerous – I am most addicted to Caramelized Pralines, Pumpkin Pie, Pumpkin Spice, Vanilla Hazelnut Pumpkin, Cool Citrus Basil, and Amber Sunset.

My least favorite items would be mason and mayo jars simply because my product line and vision cater more to a decorative, high end jar. Oh – and I hate the fragrances Patchouli and Clove (sorry to the many who love them – I’m more food motivated!).

6. Tell us about the mistakes you've made that have turned out well. I don’t think I have any that turned out well! Like I said, it’s a science so if you goof, you have usually just destroyed the product. Although, I do love it when I have a “short pour” because I couldn’t possibly sell a partially filled jar so I have to keep it!

7. Who's work - in your genre - do you envy? I like decorative, high quality soy candles and you don’t see a lot of people who venture outside of the norm (jelly and mason jars). I do have an Etsy West Michigan teammate, sweetsurrendercandle, who has a nice product line and does incredibly well on EBay.

Suzanne, thank you for participating!! Make sure you grab your button and tell your friends! Readers, be sure to check out Suzanne's shop - she's got some awesome deals going on!! Also be sure to stop by her blogs and show some love:

Bliss Soybean Candles

Must Love Etsy

Artist Confessions: Amber of Ambermaida

It's time to reveal the secrets of the first feature artist who, by coincidence, is also a 'neighbor'!! I'd like to thank Amber for participating.......make sure you grab your button and tell your friends, Amber!

Amber's got some seriously cool artwork on etsy. Now let's see what she has to say........

1. Your Name: Amber

2. Shop Name: ambermaida

3. Anyplace else your products can be seen? www.ambermaida.com ; www.myspace.com/ambermaida and in galleries throughout CT, VT, NYC and England.

4. Tell us one thing - as it relates to your craft - that would be surprising. I am an award winning choreographer as well as an international artist that fuses the love of the visual and performing arts. I am also a NYS Licenced Massage Therapist. All of these elements get fused together at about 6am: picture a big cup of java, Bowie music playing, dancing with the canvas in my pajamas oscillating the canvas, pouring painting, "massaging" the colors and textures with my hands and brushes... ultimately creating a royal mess!!!

5. What's your favorite item? Fragmented Urbanism- it reflects my love of the city, especially Manhattan! What's your least favorite item? Heart Why? It was a theraputic creation, my family suffers from heart trouble and it reminds me of that. i try to give it a positive light though, I'm thankful for every day with my family and cherish my relationships with them all. It's a reminder of how strong our love is.

6. Tell us about the mistakes you've made that have turned out well. I recently was going through some of my older paintings to organize my studio space a bit and held them up very close to my face while transporting them, realizing that they were much more interesting up close, way up close to the point of seeing a small section of canvas and the rest disappears... i tore a section of the canvas off on a whim after seeing this because it was like a little world within the larger painting. When i glanced back at the canvas with the missing section i felt as if i ruined it. A few more days passed and i kept glancing at the small little world realizing that it was ok and was meant to happen for some reason. i am now in the process of removing more of these "little worlds" and plan to mount them on matt board, possibly frame them to draw the attention to the areas that i felt were the most special of the old paintings. I always work spontaneously and intuitively, this just fortified my trust in that.

7. Who's work - in your genre - do you envy? Envy is a strong word... i prefer admire. i admire artists who explore, dream, tell stories and simply must create! To add to this, just a bit: David Bowie- he's amazing! Painting, musician, singer/songwriter- he makes me feel it's ok to do many things and that they all can be great, not just good. Anselm Keifer- i love his work and the freedom of creation that he has, there are no limits for him in size of the art, subject matter, depth of thought- brilliant!

Thank you for this opportunity to share my art with you and your blog readers!

Be sure to show Amber some love and check out her etsy shop!