Monkeying Ah'round!

I have nothin' for ya' today. Nothing profound, or witty, cute, funny or fresh. So, what I'm gonna do is fall back on the only thing have left. Goofy. Not the dog-man thing from disney, but good o'l fashion Monkeying Ah'round!!!

This is your Monkey...






This is your Monkey on Drugs!

Any Questions?









Sorry, but I did tell you that i had nothing today.

Wha-wha-WHAT!

Okay, I thought i saw it all. I mean just being on line opens your eyes to a myriad of images, some good, some bad. Well, I like to think of myself as an explorer of sorts. I spent a good amount of time online so I have seen alot of things. Things that would make the average persons head turn, know what I mean? I've seen things let me tell you. Unimaginable things friends and things of wonderment and beauty. This however has trumped them all, this image that I'm about to show you truly takes the cake people. Behold the horror, the terrible, the astounding "What the heck is thatness" of...

CHACHI-TAT!!!

Ok, so maybe its not the weirdest thing you can find online, but come on you have to admit, its pretty freakin' strange. I found this gem while I was doing a Google image search and the caption for the pic really killed me. It said "...really loves them some Chachi". I guess you would have to in order to do this, right? I liked Chachi as much as the next guy (well, not as much as this guy) Happy days was a great show, but really was a memorial tat in order? I can't help but think this dudes lost a bet or passed out and woke up with it. Anyway, I just wanted to share this with you babies, I thought it would be good for a laugh. Here's another quick image before I go. Get ready for.....

CHACHI MASK!!!

Be on the look out for my next post in which we'll investigate the anomaly of toe-cheese, stiff upper-lip and the dreaded ring around the collar.

The Robits are coming, the Robits are coming, the Robits are HERE!

"Don't be afraid, we come in peace."

Yes the Robits are here and want to be friends. I started making these lil' guys, oh I guess two weeks ago. The first 4 were trial runs, they are made from polymer clay so I had to get used to working with it. The first, unfortunately was scorched in the baking process, poor lil' Robit. The next 2 were given to my kids, now I told them that these were for looking at and not for playin, but my son (He's 4) decided that his yellow Robit was gonna drive his toy school bus and make it fly, again i say poor lil' Robit. One of the 4 never made it to the baking process because being new to polymer clay i didn't realize that you have to work in light colored clay to keep lint down, it was a mess, i wore a black T-shirt, the lil' Robit was coverd in lint, what a mess.

I Think i have the process down and really enjoy makin' them, I've sold 4 and have a bunch listed in my shop. I hope they keep selling so I can keep makin' them. I hope you enjoy these pics of them.

Where have i BEEN!

Indeed. It has been about THREE WEEKS since my last post, and my blog is PISSED! I am in some serious trouble this time. Flowers haven't worked, candies, poems, sweet talk, expensive gifts, nothing. So I'm gonna try to give it the only thing i have left...LOVE. I won,t slack off anymore, i promise, I'm gonna get it together and start posting on a regular basis again. Serious, honest promise.

Theres gonna' hafta' be a few changes though. First some of you might have relised that I;ve changed the name from Oddist Showcase to Oddist world, this is because I'm changing the format. I used to post 3 interviews a week, and while i had a great time doing it and got a fantastic reaction from them, i just don't haver the time to do that many in a given week. I will keep doing them, never fear, but I'll do one or two a week. It,s really hard work conducting good interviews, what with contacting the talent, coming up with good, in-depth questions, getting them to the interviewee, then posting them. Wow, I'm getting tired just thinking about it. I have an interview ready to go and it will be posted soon.

I am also getting rid of the lil' Monkey Shine segment and replacing it with a pic of my ever changing monkey avatar, he does like to get into the wardrobe department and dress up. He loves the attention, what a little egoist.

From know on i will be posting more about myself, my work, what i'm into and things like that. I think i want to make it a little more personal. I had so much fun with it in the past, i just want to keep it fresh and interesting for everyone else. I hope you all continue to read it and enjoy it as much as you did.

NataJane. Hats, scarves, wristgloves and ipod pockets.

Brrrr, its be so cold here in PA, its snowing today and the temperature is falling fast. If your feeling the winter chill you should check out etsy seller NataJane. Her shop has all you need to keep you warm an cozy. You'll find hats, scarves, wristgloves and , recently added ipod pockets. her handmade pieces are made in such wonderful, deep colors, this aspect of her work is what originally caught my eye. heres an interview I did with NataJane, i'll let her explain her color selection, read on and enjoy.

1. How long have you been doing what you do?

My grandmother taught me how to crochet and knit the basic stitches when I was a kid. I made a couple of scarves back then, I think I was about ten or eleven. However, I didn't pick up a hook or needle for years after that. It wasn't until last August that I started crocheting again. So, I guess I've been doing this seriously for about five months now.

2. I really love the colors you use in your work. How do you go about selecting them?

I've always been very picky with the colours that I like and wear. I love deep, rich colours and earth tones. When I started selling pieces, I figured that since I was going to have to stare at it for hours at a time, I would only buy yarn in colours that I really love. I hoped that I would be able to sell things that I loved rather than try to make what I thought other people would like. I knew that not everyone would like each piece I made, but I would.

3. Your shop pics are terrific. Do you take them yourself? What kind of camera do you use?

My husband, Chris takes all of the photos in which I am modeling the pieces. He is a graphic designer/photographer and does a fantastic job. I take the rest of the photos that I am not actually in. We use a Nikon D-70, and it has never let us down!

4. I read in your profile that you also draw and paint. Will you be listing any of this work in your shop in the future?

I do also draw and paint, but I’ve never made prints before. Chris and I are looking forward to having our own gallery one day to sell our original paintings and photographs exclusively, so I don’t think I’ll sell originals in my Etsy shop, but perhaps prints…

5. Is there any other place people can see your work? (website, blog, myspace, etc.)

I write about my new pieces in my blog- http://natajane.com/blog/. I started this blog to keep my family updated on my life, so it is not exclusively about my Etsy pieces, but I do include them and many other projects I’m working on. I also sell pieces in two other online shops- The Shiny Squirrel, and Ninnole.

6. What is your favorite Etsy shop?

Oh- there are so many! I’ve never been good at limiting my favorites to only one, so here are a few of the shops that I always enjoy. I really admire the work of Joseph Blake- his illustrations are amazing. Irene Suchocki’s shop has beautiful, very calming colours and compositions in her photography. The last two are Sara Paloma Pottery, and Venessa Gade Jewelry.

There are just so many more creative minds out there that I could mention, and I am always amazed to see the new pieces they continue to post on Etsy.

There you have it. Many thanks to Natajane for allowing me to take up some of her time and giving me such wonderful answers. Be sure to check out her blog and visit her shop. I can't say enough about her color choices, she has a fantastic eye for color.

In two days we'll have another fantastic interview ready so be on the look out for that, oh and remember BUY HANDMADE!

They said it couldn't be done: Part 2

Okay, i know i said last Sunday that i was going to have at least a few items in my shop by that Monday. Well, Monday came and went, followed by Tues, Wed, Thurs and Fri and still my shop was empty. Yesterday, Saturday, i did finally get those few items in my shop. Now it is so happy. So am I. I have a couple of things to list today and am also working on more. I have to confess that when my wife first started selling on Etsy(Visit her shops. PanicAttack and OldiesbutGoodies) and i would look at some of the work listed and say " Gawd, i can do that" or " If that persons selling that than i can sell this" i thought it would be easy. WRONG! Yes i could not have been more wronger. It is hard, coming up with ideas, then actually bringing said ideas to life while still dealing with a family (We have a 7yr old and a 4yr old) ,keeping the marriage flame stoked and working. Yikes!

I just want to give everyone who lists on Etsy mad, mad props (Congratulations) for doing what they do. It may look easy, it may look like people aren't putting a lot of thought into their work or it might seen like some are just throwing any ol' thing n there shop. Well I for one suggest that you step back and think about all the little things that really go into opening and maintaining a shop here on Etsy or any other place, brick and mortar included. Its hard work and it should be, at the very least, appreciated.

I tip my hat to all of you out there working hard on your craft, art, photography or what have you. Keep the creative fires burning. Keep up the good work ( no matter what anyone says or thinks) and keep making those great HANDMADE items. I'm so glad to be a part of this.

Come back tomorrow for my feature on Etsy seller NataJane. I got to do an interview with her that your not gonna' want to miss.

Stilettoheights. Mixed media collage artist.

I'm thrilled to present todays featured Etsy seller, Artist Stilettohights. By now I'm certain that most of you are familiar with her work. Jennifer Gorden opened her shop in April of 2006 and has had great success selling her mixed media collage art from it. One look at her distinct style and its easy to see why. Her work is both frenetic and serene at the same time. You gaze upon the pensive figures placed in Jennifer's pieces and wonder what their thinking, where have they been and where they might be headed. Along with all this imagery , she incorporates subtle snatches of text teasing at an underlying story that you can't fully comprehend. Read the accompanying interview for a little insight into what inspires Jennifer and her views about prosperity on Etsy.

1. How long have you been doing what you do?

I have been making collage for as long as I can remember really, it was about 7 years ago that I very slowly started to combine paint into the mix along with imagery....even then it was all just for fun I only started sellinf my art when I joined etsy in April 06.

2. Your work is very interesting, can you tell us about the creative process that goes into it?

For years I was writing a lot of poetry, just tons of it...until one day an Ex of mine read my journals and I was hounded with questions about what each poem "meant". I guess it was at that point I started to do more with collage, as I used them as visual poems, I guess the process is still the same as writing. I start with an idea, a story to tell and go from there. The color variation and line work and sections are like stanzas in a poem, each piece has a different piece to tell.

3. stilettohights is such an intriguing name, what does it mean?

When I originally joined etsy I thought of it as mainly a place to sell the comic I was self publishing and writing, that comic was semi autobiographical and was called "Stiletto Heights". The name itself was what I used to call my old house in NH, like that was what I named it, I thought it was funny because all "great homes" in Soap Opera always had these wonderful names, so I named my house that...then it became a comic, then an etsy shop. Also, I love shoes and fashion.

4. I read in your profile that you also write, is there any place that we can see your written work?

I still have some select copies of my comic available, people can convo me though etsy if they are interested...also have a blog which I update religiously (stilettoheights.blogspot.com), I am also hoping that sometime this year I will be selling though etsy a book of poetry/art, and perhaps a comedic zine, oh, and once a week I have a comedic web comic I write called Petite Heights (petiteheights.blogspot.com)

5. You've had your Etsy shop for a while now and its very successful. do you have any tips for beginners that you can share?

I would say just to update as much as you can, a couple times a day, blog, have original ideas and really think of your target audience and find a way to get them to know you. I wish I had more words of wisdom, I really just work hard at what I love.

6. whats your favorite Etsy shop?

There are too many to mention and it depends on my mood, I do hate copycat shops and shops that purposefully mis tag their items just to be seen more.

Many thanks to Jennifer for allowing me to do this feature. Check out her blog, its updated frequently and is always interesting, also be sure to check out her comic, its a fun read. Before i go i would like to congratulate Jennifer, i just read on her blog that she is getting married. I myself have been with the love of my life for over 14 years and everyday just gets better. Heres to Jennifer and her future husband, all the best together, forever.

In two days we'll have another fantastic interview ready so be on the look out for that, oh and remember BUY HANDMADE!

Coonies handmade gifts. Charms & accessories.

Have you ever seen an apple wink? Or met a piece of bread that just wanted to be your buddy? I have, at coonies handmade gifts. This Etsy shop is filled with some of the cutest charms and accessories you've ever laid your eyes on. These unique polymer clay and felt pieces will brighten the gloomiest day. From happy blue clouds, cube chickens and pink blobbies your sure to find something that will put a smile on your face. If your interested in finding out more about coonies shop read on to the interview below.

1. How long have you been doing what you do?

I've always had a strong interest in arts and crafts but never really took it up until this past summer. I guess you could say I've been working with polymer clay for about 6 months. I found myself with a lot of time on my hands and took it up as a hobby. Naturally, once I started I couldn't stop. I spent a lot of time researching and experimenting different techniques. It's really fun, everyday is a chance to learn something new.

2. You make such cute little characters, where do you find the inspiration for your designs?

My inspiration comes from life experiences. Everything from the things I see during my day to day activities to the food in a cookbook to the flowers I grow in my garden, etc.. Inspiration has no boundaries. My bread buddy for example is inspired by my morning meal and my new Valentine's day brooches are inspired by candy hearts.

3. I really like Bread Buddy, what is your personal favorite from your shop?

My bread buddy is my absolute favorite shop item. Of course, I love all the things I create but bread buddy is one of the first charms I designed and it has a lot of sentimental value. Bread buddy is also my shop's signature.

4. Is there any other places people can see your work, myspace, blog, website, etc?

For updates on my shop, I recently started a new blog called Handmade by Coonies where I update everyone about what I'm currently working on. (http://www.coonieshandmadegifts.blogspot.com) As for other places to view my work I am on practically every social networking site you can think of! Flickr, DA, Facebook, Indiepublic and We Love Etsy.

5. Is there anything special coming up for your shop in 2008 that you would like to share with us?

My goal for 2008 is to switch out all of my silver plated findings for sterling silver as soon as my supplies arrives. In a few weeks I will be starting on a new collection of charms to be released in the spring and I'm also working hard to expand into different areas such as stationary and stickers.

6. Whats your favorite etsy shop?

Hmm.. it's hard to pick! There are so many shops that I love and so many that I discover everyday! I guess if I had to pick just one I would say Invitapaperstudio (www.invitapaperstudio.etsy.com) is my favorite. I have a great love for graphic arts and at Invitapaperstudio's they've got simple and classy designs. It's really inspiring to see someone put together something so beautiful.

7. Does Bread Buddy eat sandwiches? And if so whats his favorite???

Haha, no Bread Buddy does not eat sandwiches. That would make him a cannibal if he did would it not? His favorite foods however are peanut butter and jelly! He just can't get enough of it :)

To finish off, I just want to wish everyone the best of luck in 2008 I hope you have a great one! Thanks :)

Be sure to visit coonies blog, right now there are pics of some great chocolate truffle charms shes made. they look so real I swear i put on a pound or two just looking at them. My thanks go to coonies for letting me feature her, and thanks to all of you who took time out to read this.

In two days we'll have another fantastic interview ready so be on the look out for that, oh and remember BUY HANDMADE!

Moon Struck Magic. Bath and beauty products.

Its been a long day. Work was terrible, traffic was awful and the house is a mess. You need to relax, kick back and forget about your troubles for a while. Moon Struck Magic has a varied selection of bath and beauty products that you can use in a nice hot tub to soak your day away. Thats not all though, theres lots more available at her shop for after, body lotions and sprays, balms for your lips and so much more. You work hard so treat yourself, you deserve it.Read the interview below to find out more about the magic that that goes into whats being made in this charming shop.

1. How long have you been doing what you do?

I have been making bath and body items for four years now. I've been in business for two years.

2. What benefits do you think people gain from using homemade bath and body products?

When I first tried a bar of cold processed soap I was amazed at the texture and feel of the soap. I instantly fell in love because I have very dry/sensitive skin. Every commercial product out there is supposed to be designed to clean your body. Sure it does but at the same time your washing your body with a detergent? I was not happy with that. I began researching ingredients and what they meant and was horrified at the results. My soaps have no detergents, sulfates, or alcohol therefore providing you with a soap that not only cleans but nourishes your body inside and out. All of my family and friends use and love everything that I make because it's not mass produced. My products are made in my home to yours.

3. Do you have any favorites from your shop that you use?

OH yes! I love my lotions, soaps and body sprays. I use them every single day. Unscented of course!

4. How do you like to relax after a busy day of filling orders and replenishing stock?

Believe it or not, I relax by making more soap. It relaxes me a great deal because I know I'm making something special for someone's special skin needs.

5. Whats your favorite Etsy shop?

Boxbliss. She is my absolute favorite shop. She provides boxes and packaging for me made especially for me! She also quickly became a dear friend of mine! I'm extremely happy to have met a lot of wonderful people on etsy.

6. I read in your profile that your also a tarot card reader. Tell us what the future holds for Moonstruckmagic in '08.

I knew this question would come up! I see moonstruckmagic's bath and body items growing into a business that will hopefully become a favorite in everyone's homes!

Well, was that as good for you as it was for me? I hope so, what a great interview, I would recommend taking a look at this shop, what a great selection. My wife and i bought some lavender oatmeal soap there a while back and we loved it. Trust me this shop has a lil' something for everyone, and great prices to. Experience the magic for yourself, you won't be sorry.

In two days we'll have another fantastic interview ready so be on the look out for that, oh and remember BUY HANDMADE!

They said it couldn't be done!

That i couldn't tear myself away from the forums long enough to get any work done. That my shop would remain empty forever, that i would never get anything finished! Well i showed them, i showed them all! Ok, so i don't know if anyone ever said any of that but i did finally finish a few projects to put in my Etsy shop. I tell ya, its real easy to spend alot of time doing what you shouldn't be doing, know what i mean? Forums, blogs, movies, coffee breaks, they're all designed to take up all your time so you don't get any "real" work done. Wow, I'm such a time squanderer, really i think its catching, don't get to close I wouldn't want anyone else to get it.

I just wanna' give y'all a lil' sneeky peek preview of what i got so far. I'll be listing these two items tomorrow after i seal them and add any little finishing thouches they might need. First take a look at the "Jawfull Robot. I'm going to give people the option on whether to put a magnet on the back or add wire to hang him up. He's kinda' big, as the pic with my hand shows. I made him out of cardboard, cereal boxes and corrugated boxes. I cut the pieces, painted them and glued the whole thing with my own two little hands. Whatta' ya think?


I also did this little heart n' frame combo, a lil' something for the lovers out there. this will be a magnet since its not too big. The frame and heart will be two separate magnets. The idea is to give your love the heart, then in the space left by the heart, someone can either write their loves name, or cut a pic of their love out to fit in the frame. I think I'll add a bit of self adhesive magnet so if they choose to go with the pic, people can stick it to the back and it will sit nicey nice in the frame. these to were made out of cardboard, all pieces hand cut, painted and put together by moi.

Like i said these will be up tomorrow followed by more throughout the week. Let me know what you think. enjoy the pics, I'll be back tomorrow with a great feature on etsy seller MoonStruckmagic. Check it out.

jbug

Today I have something a little different lined up for you. Up until now I have featured only Etsy sellers and their shops. So far I have posted 6 great interviews with 6 amazing talents , you've seen a sample of their work and got to hear in their words what makes them tick. Its been a blast so far but, thats only one side of Etsy. Today i want to feature the other side, the side that keeps it possible for the sellers to do just that...sell. I have a fantastic interview ready for you with an Etsy BUYER. I'm very excited to be trying this out, jbug was kind enough to take some time and answer my questions, and I tell you she did an amazing job, you dont have to take my word for it read on and see for yourself.

1. How did you find out about Etsy?

I was looking at Go Fug Yourself because it makes me laugh and noticed a little ad for a website called rare Bird Finds so I clicked on it. I'm easy that way. Well, Rare Bird Finds seemed to be a compilation of some funky stuff that you could buy and one of the profiles that caught my eye was an artist on etsy. I followed the link and *voila* I was in etsyetsyland. Magic.

2. How long have you been shopping on Etsy?

My first purchase was in April, so just under a year.

3. What was the first item you bought on Etsy?

Two pillowcase dresses for my daughter from mamamonkey.

4. This is a two part question. First, did you buy any gifts from
Etsy sellers to give as Xmas presents this year?

Yep. Took the Handmade Pledge in late Oct/early November so any xmas gift not purchased by then came from Etsy.

Second, Did you get
anything from Etsy this year as an Xmas gift?

I did not, unfortunately. I'd send links to my favorites but by the time they'd get to the website, it'd be sold. Busy time of year. And I didn't want to have people see my entire favorites list because some of the items on there were for them and that'd spoil a surprise. Ah well.
I *did* get a handbag from Etsy for my birthday, tho. And I buy myself presents all the time ;->

5. What do you like about Etsy most?

The fact that I'm helping to support people's passions. I'm not at all crafty or artistic and I have such an admiration for those who are. There is so much talent on Etsy that it's stupid to me to buy anything that can be found there at a mall or box store. I love that nothing there is mass-produced or "common". I'm always getting compliments on things I buy from Etsians and it makes me feel all cool :-P
6. Whats your favorite Etsy shop?

OMG that is so difficult to answer. I am in love with Sugar Lips stuff and am waiting for her to reopen so I can stock up. Vegan Honey makes the most scrumptious goodies. And I get so many compliments on my daughter's hat from Babyrocksmohawks; plus she's super nice to boot. I could go on and list a dozen more, from people I've bought from, to those I'd like to buy from (if money were no object), to people I admire from their forum postings. So I can't pick just one.

Wonderful, the first, in what I hope to be many, Etsy buyers interview completed. I'm hoping to do one of these special interview every couple of week or so. If you only buy on Etsy or if you know someone who's just a buyer please feel free to contact me, i would love to get a chance to talk to you.

In two days we'll have another fantastic interview ready so be on the look out for that, oh and remember BUY HANDMADE!

RaeGun

Remember that song from the school yard that went something like "...sitting in a tree, K-I-S-S-I-N-G, first comes love, then comes marriage. Then comes the baby in ah' baby carriage!". Okay, so now you have the baby and the carriage, now you have the dress the baby, I mean you can't let the little one run around naked. Well have I got the solution for you. RaeGun, this Etsy shop specializes in clothes for the little cuties. Her handmade clothing is designed with great detail and attention to comfort. Did I mention that they were also seriously stylin'. Oh yeah, these threads have flair, sophistication and a whole lotta' kiddie chic. All this high end quality at a price normal folk can afford, who could ask for anything more? Take a look at the interview I did with ReaGuns Marissa Fischer and enjoy.


1. How long have you been doing what you do?

I've been sewing since I was little. Some days after school I'd go to gymnastics other days I'd go to sewing.

2. What made you decide to focus on making baby apparel?

I really got into baby clothing when my sister found out she was pregnant with a little girl. There's nothing more fun than sewing dresses for a munchin.

3. Are there any other places people can see your work? Website, blog, myspace etc.

I've got a blog http://raegunwear.blogspot.com/ that I really focus on. I do have a myspace, flickr and indiepublic page but they don't really get much love (I think they are all under raegun or raegunwear)

4. Is there a big difference between making clothes for boys and girls? which do you prefer?

Well since I don't want to do onesies or things that look like small adults (or teenagers) boys clothing is a lot harder to me. There is a fine line between cute and to be honest, sissy. Since I'm trying to make things that I would put on my own (future) kids it's a little tougher for the boys. Also I like a classic feel and the fabric selections are way more fun for girls. But I do have a new boy design in the works.

5. Did Santa leave you anything from your favorite Etsy shop? If so what was it?

Not for me but the Etsy gifts that I gave were a huge huge hit.

6. What names do you like best for a boy and girl?

Even though I'd love to have girls I don't have any girl names yet. If I have twin boys (it runs in my husband's family) I want to name them Andrew and Philip and call them Ender and Pip. My husband is totally against that and really likes ahem Mack Truck. I do hope we have girls haha.

Another interview over, I wish I could have asked six more question, but I wouldn't want to take up to much of Marissa's time. I can't wait to see what her new line of boys clothes looks like. Be sure to visit her store and check out her work, even if your young'uns are bigger now you might know someone who's wee ones are still wee. Don't forget to check out her blog either, its a lot of fun

In two days we'll have another fantastic interview ready so be on the look out for that, oh and remember BUY HANDMADE!