Indie Arts Buzz

Broken TeePee Designs

2007-02-02T12:18:00.000-06:00

Broken TeePee Designs creates gorgeous jewelry with incredibly interesting color combinations. Using sterling silver, semi-precious gemstones, pearls, swarovski, and lampworked beads, these creations really POP!!

Another item to add to my list of Hawaii-inspired (and desired) items. How cute are these Hibiscus earrings?

A Little About Broken TeePee Designs

2007-02-02T12:01:00.000-06:00

Website address: www.brokenteepeedesigns.etsy.com

How did you become interested in the items you sell? I started making beaded jewelry almost as a fluke. I have a lot of medical problems including very poor eyesight. When I learned I would need two pairs of glasses I decided I wanted to make beaded eyeglass holders so I could keep the glasses handy for myself. Well, I found my talent! I fell in love with the beads and the colors. I started making jewelry and decided if I didn't start selling it I would soon run out of space. I have since acquired a third pair of glassed to wear while beading! I have chronic headaches and although I can only work in very short bursts of time it does help distract me from my headache. I also have difficulties with maneuvering my hands.

How did you come up with your name? I called my little hobby business Broken Teepee because we had just moved to Montana and the only thing on the lot we bought was this broken teepee. I figured no one else would have the name....

What type of items do you sell? I sell beaded and sterling silver jewelry. I use semi precious gemstones and other stones to create brightly colored and uniquely designed bracelets, earrings and necklaces. I have also worked with customers to custom design pieces to suit their needs.

What makes your items unique? I think my pieces are unique because of the way I use color. I think that it is because of the way I see (or maybe don't :) ) see things. I don't tend to see very well, but I do see colors vividly. I love to combine colors that you might not tend to see together.

Broken TeePee has offered readers of this blog a 25% discount, good through February 16th. Be sure to mention that you saw her mentioned on Indie Arts Buzz!

Patty has also contributed a gorgeous Sterling Silver and Garnet bracelet for the monthly giveaway. Be sure to sign up for our mailing list to be entered to win a basket full of great products from selected featured artists!

I adore this bracelet! The colors of the lampworked beads are perfectly picked up by the turquoise, pearls, and the mother of pearl beads. It's just so pretty!

Digging A Little Deeper

2007-02-02T11:48:00.000-06:00

A little more info about Patty from Broken TeePee Designs

If not working in your current job, what would you like to do? Since I haven't been able to really work since my health problems descended on me I am just happy to be able to spend what little time in the week I feel well making my jewelry. It has been a godsend for me to have found this.

What three people (living or deceased) would you invite to a dinner party? My dinner would include my father who passed away three years ago - he was a funny and literate man and I miss him terribly. Jon Stewart who just cracks me up. It is always good to have a comedian at dinner - you never know when you will need someone who can make a joke. And finally, Michelangelo. I was an Art History major in college and was fascinated by his talent. It would be thrilling to meet the man, although he was well known to be obnoxious and anti social!

What is your favorite curse word? My favorite curse word - now that is a tough one. I suppose it depends on why I am cursing. If I have done something stupid I stick with "crap," if I have done something to have caused myself pain I go with "son of a bitch" and if someone has hurt someone I love I go with "that asshole" and if things are just generally bad it's "shit." I am a multicurser :)

Last book you read? I just finished "Duchess" about the Countess of Marlbourough who was Winston Churchill's great, great, great, great, great Grandmother and am currently reading "Prep."

What is your biggest indulgence? My biggest indulgence is beads. Beads, beads, beads. And some chocolate in there somewhere.

What inspires you? The scenery in my new home state. It is awe inspiring. I had never seen mountains like this. We live on the Clark Fork River and the views are astounding. Also seeing all of my beads in their boxes. I will often come up with my designs just by seeing different beads next to each other.

Pajamas or street clothes? Pajamas! Gotta be comfortable!

I love the color combination of the green turquoise and the golden amber in this necklace. So pretty and great for any season!

Digging A Little Deeper...

2007-01-29T15:35:00.000-06:00

A little more about Irma from Gifts Define

If not working in your current job, what would you like to do? Traveling around the world and learn foreign languages

What three people, living or deceased, would you like to have dinner with? My late grandfather, Tom Cruise and Oprah

Last book you read? Head First HTML (not really a fun book to read)

What is your biggest indulgence? Traveling and shop till you drop in Paris

What is the one item you cannot live without? Laptop with wireless connection on it

What is your biggest inspiration? My mom

Favorite curse word? Sh**

Pajamas or street clothes? Pajamas

Wouldn't these customized dolls make a great bridesmaid gift? Or how about a personalized seating card? So very cute and unique!

About Gifts Define

2007-01-29T13:32:00.000-06:00

Business Name: Gifts Define

Website: giftsdefine.com

Tell us a little bit about your business: Gifts define offers uniquely adorable and affordable gifts for any gift giving occasions. Featuring our handmade InDOLLgences, Gifts define shop is a fun source for little pick me ups! Our mini dolls aren't just for kids or for collecting dust on the shelf - these chic, hip little handmade wonders are for fun, appreciation and celebration!

How did you became interested in the items you sell? A hobby that later became an addiction and flourished to be a small business for me.

What makes your items unique? 100% hand made, hand-stitched that makes each piece of my mini doll special, personal, and extra-ordinary. Of course, each of my handmade creations is well-known for its cuteness and loveliness.

How sweet would this baby bee be on a package at a baby shower? Mom could remove it and have a keepsake for later, too.

Gifts Define

2007-01-29T13:14:00.000-06:00

Irma from Gifts Define creates whimsical stuffed animals. They're adorably pint-sized and have faces chock full of expression. At just 2 3/4 x 3 inches, you can wear them as a pin on your clothing or bag. It's like double-duty!

I love these teeny tiny monkeys. How cute are they?

Week of January 22-27th Recap

2007-01-27T14:07:00.000-06:00

After a week of severe weather (and a prolonged power outage), we were finally able to get up and running!

Monday - Time2Cre8

Tuesday - Lost due to food poisoning

Wednesday - Lost due to food poisoning

Thursday - Artsy Clay

Friday - My Sister's Great Idea

Be sure to sign up for our mailing list! All members are entered to win a gift basket chock full of items from selected featured artists.

Monday - Time2Cre8

2007-01-27T14:02:00.000-06:00

Time2Cre8 offers a wide variety of cleverly created items at a reasonable price. Everything from pushpins and magnets to stickers are available, all derived from MaryLou's original whimsical art.

The image above is a set of her great cat stickers.

Thursday - ArtsyClay

2007-01-27T13:55:00.000-06:00

Artsy Clay has clever and unique polymer clay creations. Most of her items have a whimsical slant to them. She's currently featuring several Valentine's-themed pendants, pins, and brooches.

I'm partial to this one. Purple, sparkly, and swirls? YES PLEASE!!!

Friday - My Sister's Great Idea

2007-01-27T13:49:00.000-06:00

What do you get when you take two sisters, two states, and a big dose of creativity? Mysistersgreatidea, that's what!

Adorable little boxes that are cleverly decorated and make a great wrapping for a small trinket, as well as bookmarks are the staples of these artists.

This Sweetie Box would be great for Valentine's Day or just that special someone.

My Sister's Great Idea has offered free shipping on all purchases when mentioning Indie Arts Buzz.

Flip Flops & Hawaii

2007-01-26T15:44:00.000-06:00

Flip flops and Hawaii go together like peanut butter and jelly.

While thinking (okay, fantasizing) about an upcoming trip to Hawaii, I saw this bookmark. Perfectly themed for laying on the beach and reading a great book.

My Sister's Great Idea has contributed one of their great boxes with a fabulous bookmark hiding inside for our monthly giveaway.

"How do I enter the giveaway?" you ask? It's simple! Simply sign up for our mailing list and you'll be automatically entered every month.

Digging A Little Deeper...

2007-01-26T14:28:00.000-06:00

What would you like to do if not working in your current job? I currently work in my dream job as a photojournalist for the Chicago Sun-Times. But I would like to spend more time on crafting and other endeavors.

What three people would you like to have dinner with (Living or deceased)? Eleanor Roosevelt, George Clooney, my papa.

Last book read? The Namesake by Jhumpa Lahiri

What is your biggest indulgence? sweets and shopping

What is the one item you cannot live without? my camera

What inspires you? my kids, my friends and my heart

Pajamas or street clothes? PJs all day every day.

What is your favorite curse word? the f-word, whatI like to call the most functional curse word in theEnglish language. It's a noun, a verb, an adjective...I use it way too much.

I have to make a confession. I have an affinity for little boxes and containers. My desk is functionally useless due to the decorative little boxes covering the top. Therefore, I LOVE these boxes.

About My Sister's Great Idea

2007-01-26T12:22:00.000-06:00

A little bit aout yourself/your company: I run the shop with my sister and friend Chrissy. We currently sell beautiful, fun, unique embellished boxes andbookmarks. Everything we sell can be personalized! We've only been at this a few months, but we have been inspiring each other in crafts and many other endeavors our entire lives!

Type of product(s) you sell: embellished boxes,bookmarks, lots of other fun, funky stuff to come!

How did you become interested in the items you sell?: Chrissy loves beading, and makes lovely bookmarks. I came up with the boxes idea after wantingto incorporate several different mediums into aunique, functional craft.

What makes your items/designs unique?: Everything we make is one of a kind. All are made with love! All can be personalized!

Website www.mysistersgreatidea.etsy.com

What a cute and clever bookmark! These hold the page in your book without falling out. You no longer need to fold a corner down to keep your place.

My Sister's Great Idea has generously offered free shipping on all orders placed from Indie Arts Buzz. Mention that you saw them here!

My Sister's Great Idea

2007-01-26T02:00:00.000-06:00

What do you get when you take two sisters, two states, and a big dose of creativity? Mysistersgreatidea, that's what!

Adorable little boxes that are cleverly decorated and make a great wrapping for a small trinket, as well as bookmarks are the staples of these artists.

This Sweetie Box would be great for Valentine's Day or just that special someone.

Digging A Little Deeper...

2007-01-25T15:56:00.000-06:00

What would you like to do if not working in your current job? I love my current job (public relations for a large health services company) but it would be awesome to work at home, doing my clay art full time.

What three people would you like to have dinner with (Living or deceased)? Helen Keller, Anne Frank, Mother Teresa

Last book read? Art and Fear by David Bayles & Ted Orland

What is your biggest indulgence? Ice cream

What is your favorite curse word? crap

What is the one item you cannot live without? My silver and turquoise ring

What inspires you? The beauty of nature

Pajamas or street clothes? Pajamas

This whimsical face pendant reminds me of Paula Best and her artwork. Wouldn't it make a great icebreaker?

About ArtsyClay

2007-01-25T15:05:00.000-06:00

Name: Artsy Clay Imaginative Jewelry & Gifts

Website: ArtsyClay.etsy.com

A little bit about yourself/your company: I have always loved arts and crafts and have tried many different types of mediums. I began working with polymer clay in 1997 and have never gotten tired of it. I am intrigued with the endless possibilities of layers, shapes, colors and embellishments.

Type of product(s) you sell: polymer clay jewelry, magnets & ornaments

How did you become interested in the items you sell: My friend's 6-year-old daughter was wearing the most beautiful necklace one day with big, bold-patterned, colorful beads. I asked her where she got it and she said she made it at school. Her mom told me it was called polymer clay and told me where I could buy some with an instruction book. I made almost everything in the book and went on from there.

What makes your items/designs unique: They come from my imagination and my brain is always at work, thinking up new ideas.

I think this Sunflower Pin is great. I love the detail and the individual petals. So very pretty.

Artsy Clay

2007-01-25T11:26:00.000-06:00

Artsy Clay has clever and unique polymer clay creations. Most of her items have a whimsical slant to them. She's currently featuring several Valentine's-themed pendants, pins, and brooches.

I'm partial to this one. Purple, sparkly, and swirls? YES PLEASE!!!

Zoom Zoom

2007-01-22T19:18:00.000-06:00

I think this pendant is great! It looks like a checkered flag as a racecar speeds by. It'd be wonderful for the (female) race fan in your life.

Hmmm...maybe I don't want to spotlight it, and would rather save it for myself. Nah, I'll share it, lol.

A Little About Time2Cre8

2007-01-22T11:29:00.000-06:00

Mary Lou says:

"I've been drawing and creating for my entire life. My Mother taught me to draw and to sew, and I've picked up all kinds of other crafts through the years -- knitting, crocheting, beading, cross-stitching, and just about anything else one can imagine. I began selling my original drawings on eBay in early 2006, and I'm now branching into other areas. Almost everything I create is colorful or whimsical, since I love to laugh and I love to make others laugh. The name of the company just came to me one day, and it just seemed like the perfect name!"

Questions we asked:

Type of products you sell: Originals and prints of my artwork, which are mostly whimsical pieces. At some point I may sell some of my large, abstract pen/ink drawings, but I'm not sure. I also sell knitted and crocheted items: hats, scarves, and accessories. I make jewelry and I love to do bead crochet. Most of the jewelry I've sold to date has been custom work -- lariats, earrings, and bracelets. I've recently begun making glass magnets using both my own artwork and 'found' images.

How did you become interested in the items you sell: I'm interested in just about everything! I love trying new things, and I'm always experimenting. I have a notebook full of ideas, and I haven't even gotten around to doing half of them.

What makes your items unique: My own sense of whimsy and color. I love silly things, so quite a lot of my artwork is just downright goofy.

Time2Cre8 has generously offered the following discounts of 25% off her knitted items. She is also offering a price break on large glass magnets if purchasing more than one. Mention that you found her here!

Time2Cre8

2007-01-22T11:08:00.000-06:00

Time2Cre8 offers a wide variety of cleverly created items at a reasonable price. Everything from pushpins and magnets to stickers are available, all derived from MaryLou's original whimsical art.

The image above is a set of her great cat stickers.

Items Are Pouring In!

2007-01-12T14:35:00.000-06:00

Items are pouring in for our monthly giveaway! We have received items from the following shops:

My Sisters Great Idea

Attic Loft Creations

Right As Rain Creations

Basil The Cat

Wonky Tonk

Broken Teepee Designs

Margot Bianca

We're Gearing Up!

2006-12-28T20:57:00.000-06:00

We're gearing up to the debut of the blog.

Starting next week, there will be a new artist featured every day! Stay tuned...

A New Indie Shopping Blog!

2006-12-21T15:55:00.000-06:00

We love to shop for the unusual. We also love to support the independent artist. Fortunately, those two passions tend to converge in the items we uncover.

We plan on featuring one artist, as well as other items, every day and would like to get these great items in people's hands via a monthly drawing.

Please contact us if you are an independent artist and would like to participate and/or be featured. If you have come across a great artist, let us know about that as well!