fiftyseven-thirtythree

You know, usually I can do pretty well writing intros for these blogs, but today I'm having a bit of a hard time. It's not that I can't relate to anything about fiftyseven-thirtythree. Believe me, it's not that at all. I mean, we have TONS in common, including our love for Cap'n Crunch. I guess maybe it's just that I'm speechless. There's SO MANY visually fascinating items in fiftyseven-thirtythree that I just don't know what to do with myself. Go see for yourself if you don't believe me...

Frankenstein Waffle shirt

1) Your shop name:
fiftyseven-thirtythree

2) Your real name:
James Patrick Dawson

3) Your favorite breakfast cereal:
It used to be King Vitamin, but I think they stopped making that. I really love Cap n' Crunch. It's absolutely delicious, however if you don't let it sit in the milk long enough before you eat it, it cuts the roof of your mouth.... I guess every rose has its thorns

4) When did you begin creating?
Ever since I can remember. My Dad liked to draw, he was a compulsive doodler, he sketched all day long, while he was at work, on the phone, in meetings. We'd draw together. I use to have a binder full of the drawings we did together. He was much better than me, but he always told me I was really good. One Christmas I decided to help decorate, so I took out my crayons and started drawing pictures all over the living room walls. I got my ass whooped for that (yes, a long time ago parents actually smacked children for misbehaving).

5) Got a day job?
I'm a photographer mainly, I shoot a lot of music stuff and fashion stuff. I've been published a ridiculous number of times all over the place. I've had pictures in Rolling Stone, The New York Times, countless music mags. I've met all kinds of great people, it's a great job. I photographed The Killers, The Arcade Fire, The Back Street Boys, Scott Adams (dilbert), Billy Beane (the oakland A's) all kinds of people who are very accomplished. I just started shooting music videos. Back in the day, I used to hang sheet rock and do construction, I even had a job working for Clairol answering phones at the help line. I'd help people who messed up their hair. That was hilarious. It was a great job for meeting women because there were only like 2 straight guys in the whole office.

6) Your inspirations:
I get inspired by the strangest things, some artists, but more often stories. I like people who've done things that others said were not possible. That's why I use images of people like Anna May Wong and Josephine Baker. They were way ahead of their time, and they lived their lives as they wanted, not as they were suppose to. I live in an old industrial neighborhood in East Oakland; I find that inspiring. The decay and abandonment are beautiful in a way. These things that remain from a time that is long gone. They tell the stories of that time, they stand as monuments to what was, when this country was very different. There is something inspiring about the fact that these things (buildings, railroad tracks, machinery) still remain despite there neglect. They endure.

Josephine Baker silkscreened embroidered Hoodie with applique

7) Weirdest thing you've ever made
I'm not sure what the "weirdest" was but a few stand out. I wrote an illustrated book called "A Brief History of Gender Relations for Children". People liked it, but no one ever let their children read it, so I guess it was a failure. I also did another book called "My Miserable Life and Flatware" All the pages were made of duct tape, and it was a mixture of cartoons of terribly traumatic things happening to me and bad illustrations of fine flatware. I also painted a nude portrait of Pat Benatar when I was like 12. I hid it inside the record sleeve so my Mom wouldn't find it. It seemed reasonable at the time, but looking back it's a little weird.

8) Creation that you are most proud of:
I can't really answer that. I have created so many things and I have attachments to all of them. That's like asking a Mother which is her favorite child. I'll say this though, I've made a couple of books of vacation pictures for my girlfriend. You know, of trips we've taken together. I don't consider them particularly creative or works of art. My girlfriend, however, LOVES them to death. So maybe I am most proud of them because they make her so happy.

9) Explain your shop name:
My studio address is 5733 San Leandro St. I like where I live.

10) Final thoughts?
Should you ever be walking through a rain forest in Hawaii and come across a gorgeous 40 foot waterfall that local kids are jumping off. You'll probably think "Wow that looks Fun! I wanna do that." Resist the urge to climb that waterfall and leap off it like those kids....
'cuz it's a lot trickier than it looks.

Oakland T-shirt

Please go visit fiftyseven-thirtythree, and keep checking back for more interviews with amazing Etsy sellers!

Craftymoose

It is 11:03 am. The day has already been somewhat of a fiasco. I had to wake up pretty early to bring my cat to the vet. He's getting declawed today (my mother's choice, not mine--don't tar and feather me!), but... nobody told us that we had to fast him... So we didn't. Luckily, they decided to take him in, anyway, since they're keeping him two nights. They'll do the surgery later today... I pretty much threatened them, "If anything happens to my cat, I SWEAR to you, I will flay you within an inch of your life. Consider yourself warned." Okay, so I didn't say that, but I sure felt like it... So, here I am, sitting here, being haunted by thoughts of something bad happening to my kitty, and what do I find? This lovely piece by Craftymoose, which instantly made my day that much better by bringing a smile to my face.

Stripes Tiger Beaded Art Doll

1) Your shop name:
Craftymoose

2) Your real name:
Debbie DiJusto

3) Your favorite breakfast cereal:
Hot oatmeal in cold Weather; Honey Bunches of Oats in hot weather.

4) When did you begin creating?
With the idea of selling: 1992, but I have been creating things as gifts & to decorate all my life.

5) Got a day job?
Not outside the home.

6) Your inspirations:
To continue to do what I love & hopefully share with the world my creations.

Forsynthia, Marrigolds and Bellflowers

7) Weirdest thing you've ever made:
Perhaps a paper mache cactus out of a tissue box & newspaper that still resides on our fireplace.

8) Creation that you are most proud of:
A recent custom order I had to make 3 headpieces for flower girls using french beaded rosebuds.

9) Explain your shop name:
The name Craftymoose came about because of my love of crafts and my husband's love of moose. My avatar is the head of a 4'+ tall moose I made him one Christmas!

10) Final thoughts?
Handcrafted items make the world prettier! Thank you for this opportunity!

If Only I Could Be A Rose ACEO

Please go visit Craftymoose, and keep checking back for more interviews with amazing Etsy sellers!

McFarlandDesigns

I am at work. We just spilled ammonia on the floor. And it smells. Bad. I need some kind of relaxation. Something pretty to look at. How about.... McfarlandDesigns!

Labradorite and Sterling Silver Ring, size 8-1/2

1) Your shop name:
McFarlandDesigns

2) Your real name:
Tamara McFarland

3) Your favorite breakfast cereal:
Peanut butter puffs with chocolate almond milk

4) When did you begin creating?
Well, if you mean really seriously creating jewelry with a mind towards selling it, then only about a year and a half ago. But if you mean creating in a broader sense, I've always been creative. I was artistic as a child and during high school was drawn to graphic design and architecture. Somehow I ended up doing bookkeeping/accounting instead, which was a big mistake! After 10 years of that, I finally quit and now I have the time and energy to devote to being creative nearly full-time. Over the years, I've dabbled in jewelry, knitting, sewing/quilting, and other crafts. I feel like I've finally found my right place with jewelry, although it's always fun to try new things... Who knows where I'll be in a few more years. :-)

5) Got a day job?
Not anymore - see above, although I do spend the bulk of my days taking care of my 18 month old son. Jewelry work happens during naptime and after bedtime, often until the wee hours.

6) Your inspirations:
My inspirations are all across the board, from my family and friends, my animals and all the animals on the planet, to the beautiful part of the world where I live (Humboldt County, CA - redwoods + pacific ocean), to the other Etsy sellers I see creating amazing things.

When Life Gives You Lemons... Bracelet

7) Weirdest thing you've ever made:
Once I was playing around trying to make something to donate to a high-dollar animal charity fundraiser and I made a glitzy mosaic-style dog bone pendant. It never made it to public view, but I still have it. I have no idea what to do with it.

8) Creation that you are most proud of:
The creations that I'm most proud of at the moment, although this may change depending on the day you ask me:
Fancy Wrapped Green Garnet Necklace with lots-o-gemstones
Citrus Sorbet Necklace

9) Explain your shop name:
My shop name doesn't need much explanation; it's not particularly clever - McFarland is my last name.

10) Final thoughts?
Thank you so much for the opportunity to show my work on your blog. I really appreciate it. If anyone wants to visit my sites or drop me a line, here's my info:
www.mcfarlanddesigns.com
www.mcfarlanddesigns.etsy.com
www.bestbeads.etsy.com (my second shop, where I sell gemstone beads)
www.mcfarlanddesigns.blogspot.com
email: orders [!at] mcfarlanddesigns.com

Lemon Drop Necklace - Lemon Quartz and Sterling Silver

Please go visit McFarlandDesigns, and keep checking back for more interviews with amazing Etsy sellers!

Dark Temptations

It's true that on Etsy, there is a little something for everyone. I can tell you this for sure. The shop I found today takes gothic, combines it with vegan goodness, and makes WONDERFUL products. Who am I talking about? Dark Temptations, of course!

Fever Revitalizing Foot Polish 8 oz

1) Your shop name:
Dark Temptations

2) Your real name:
Jacquelyn Michelle Scott, known by Michelle

3) Your favorite breakfast cereal:
Apple Jacks

4) When did you begin creating?
I've always been involved in arts & crafts since I was young, but I started with my soaps, perfume oils and bath products 2 years ago.

5) Got a day job?
Yes, I'm a Manager for our transit system

6) Your inspirations:
Gothic, Victorian era, ancient Egypt, dark romance, things that run toward the not so main stream.

Bubbles for Charity Lemon Poundcake

7) Weirdest thing you've ever made:
That would be my In Shower Moisturizer bar, you rub it on while wet and dry yourself off and your skin ends up soft and moisturized.

8) Creation that you are most proud of:
I'm most proud of my Bliss! 3-in-1 scrub, it cleans, exfoliates and moisturizes.

9) Explain your shop name:
It embraces my bit of a gothic, quirky nature and tempting products.

10) Final thoughts?
I'm happy that I can combine my passion to create with my vegan ideals. I'm having a blast and I plan on doing this for a long time to come.

Gingerbread Baby Warming Scrub 2 oz/ 8 oz

Please go visit Dark Temptations, and keep checking back for more interviews with amazing Etsy sellers!

Tigergirl

I think I need a nap... I forgot just how early 6 am is (especially when you went to bed at 2 am). The good part was how green it was outdoors today. The color kind of matched my envy of the products in Tigergirl.

Green With Envy Chaos Necklace

1) Your shop name:
Tigergirl

2) Your real name:
Linda-Maree (everyone calls me Lou)

3) Your favorite breakfast cereal:
Muesli with water zapped for 30 sec in the microwave then a dash of 99% ff milk (Oh, sometimes when we're staying at a hotel I'll have Coco Pops if they have them - so unhealthy but so yummy)

4) When did you begin creating?
My memory doesn't go back that far - a few too many beers and wines ago.

5) Got a day job?
Not at the moment. My 'trade' is Software Developer, I'm still trying to decide if I want to stick with it or not.

6) Your inspirations:
Everything and anything, usually I have no idea where my ideas come from.

Green Tea Chaos Necklace

7) Weirdest thing you've ever made:
Hmmm, I don't think I've made anything very weird, maybe that should be my next project?

8) Creation that you are most proud of:
That's tough. Probably my chaos necklaces but then again, I'm very proud of some of the clothes I've made, especially tailor made men's shirts.

9) Explain your shop name:
A long, long time ago I got a tiger tattoo, ever since then people are always giving me tiger things, so it's a theme. Until recently my motorbike helmet had tiger ears on it (one fell off somewhere while I was riding, so my hearing isn't as good anymore ha ha).

10) Final thoughts?
Don't dwell on what can't be changed - either change it, or move on to something else, life is too short.

Blue and Green Geisha Pendant Necklace

Please go visit Tigergirl, and keep checking back for more interviews with amazing Etsy sellers!

PamelaMichelle

I love this time of year! The birds are chirping, the weather is warm, the flowers are starting to bloom (although, not in MY front yard, because we never actually PLANTED flowers this year)... I love the weather. You know what else I love? PamelaMichelle! It's like she and Mother Nature have been conspiring to create together some pretty neat, geometric, nature inspired art. Check it out!

Tree Print

1) Your shop name:
PamelaMichelle

2) Your real name:
Pamela Michelle, but I usually go just by Pam.

3) Your favorite breakfast cereal:
Oh...I haven't had breakfast cereal in so long. But I do miss getting those little toys from the bottom of the boxes. My sister and I would fight over a box of cereal to get the toy out before the other, which usually ended with cereal all over the table and floor.

4) When did you begin creating?
I been creating my whole life. I've always been the crafty type, not afraid to try new things. Just recently I started selling prints of my paintings on Etsy, and that escalated into turning those prints into jewelry.

5) Got a day job?
My day job is tons of fun. I'm a graphic designer/illustrator for a major in-house design studio in Dallas, Texas. I work with energetic, talented, inspiring people, so it not a boring 9-5 by any means.

6) Your inspirations:
Right now I'm inspired by nature, modern design, and graffiti art.

Green Leafy Pendant Necklace

7) Weirdest thing you've ever made:
I've made many weird things. For Halloween last year I took a white sheet and cut and sewed it into a 'sexy ghost' costume (mind you I'm not properly trained how to sew, and all of it was done by hand). It turned out pretty weird. It covered my head, with strands of white strips draping down from the top (hair), I cut out holes for my eyes, and mouth and drew the most horrible lipstick and eyelashes on it, then it flowed down to a mid-length dress. I showed up to a party, where people asked me if I was a ghost nun or a white Klingnon. Let's just say I've since given it to goodwill, so someone else can enjoy it.

8) Creation that you are most proud of:
I'm most proud of my new necklaces. I had a blast creating them and I'm extremely happy with the outcome

9) Explain your shop name:
My shop name is my name. I just used something simple, so people I know or meet can remember it easily.

10) Final thoughts?
Whew! I'm going to need a big bucket of cookie dough ice cream now. Would anyone like to share? Grab a spoon! :)

Spring Time Flowers Print

Please go visit PamelaMichelle, and keep checking back for more interviews with amazing Etsy sellers!

green loves you.

Happy Memorial Day, everyone! Since today is such a special day, I'm interviewing an extra special Etsy seller. Her name is green loves you. I'm pretty much in love with everything in this shop. :)

The Key To My Heart Necklace

1) Your shop name:
green loves you.

2) Your real name:
Jamie Lee Ferraioli, but people call me Jamie Green.

3) Your favorite breakfast cereal:
There was this cereal I can't remember the name of when I was younger that was shaped like little stars and had frosting on top of them and little non-pareil sprinkles. I think the mascot for the box might've been a genie. I wish I could find that cereal again, because it's my absolute favorite!

4) When did you begin creating?
I don't think I can remember a time when I wasn't creating something. Making things is definitely my passion, so I'd say the second I was old enough to pick up a crayon I was on a roll.

5) Got a day job?
I WISH I didn't have a day job, but I do. I work for Eckerd Drugs doing merchandising and stocking. I just graduated college so I'm now on the prowl for a job in my field, so we'll see how that goes. Know anyone in need of an illustrator?

6) Your inspirations:
My biggest inspiration is food. I LOVE food. If I could have a job where I draw and create pretend foods all day I would be so happy.

Chocolate Sprinkle DOUGHNUT Cellphone Charm

7) Weirdest thing you've ever made:
A few years ago, when I was bored and playing with some polymer clay I decided to sculpt out the likeness of my boyfriend sitting playing a video game. Somehow he ended up looking like a melting muppet. Not a good look for him.

8) Creation that you are most proud of:
For a project in my 3D Color & Design class I made a beaded curtain out of paper beads. It took days and days and piles of magazine strips and Elmer's glue. I got the inspiration from a celebrity showing off her house on TV and she showed a beaded curtain she loved that she bought for $4,000. I thought "I can make that.", so I did! It's so stunning, I would love to make a second one one day.

9) Explain your shop name:
My nickname in highschool was Jamie Green because I was obsessed with the color green. We're talking insanely obsessed. One day, I just started ending notes and emails and even tests and quizzes with "green loves you.". It's stuck with me for so long that I didn't think twice before naming my shop that.

10) Final thoughts?
My final thoughts...If you haven't played Tales of Symphonia for Gamecube yet you haven't lived! Oh, and green loves you.

Petal Pusher Earrings

Please go visit green loves you., and keep checking back for more interviews with amazing Etsy sellers!

New Treasury

I know, I know, I owe you guys an interview.

Buuuuuut... in the meantime....

I snagged a Treasury!

It's watermelon themed, and it's very cute. See?



Please, go visit and leave me comments! :)

All Things Etsy

So, let's do a quick update about what's going on in my life. Right now, I'm working a TON. Like, in the last three days, I worked 24 hours. That may not SEEM like a lot, but the store I work at was only open for 28 hours. It's a holiday weekend. Waaaaaaaaaaaah! Haha, no, it's all good. At least I'll have a little extra cash...? LOL.

As for Etsy, I brainstormed some new ideas for pins and Father's Day cards (and stuff of that nature), and right after this post, I'm probably going to start designing them and stuff of that nature. I'm also going to start my entrance for the Etsy & Instructables: Sew Useful Contest. I'm not even going to HINT what it's going to be here, but I will DEFINITELY post a link here when it's done. Trust me, it's nothing TERRIBLY innovative, but I can promise you that it will be something that can save you quite a bit of money. Plus, the commentary will be PRICELESS. :)

In addition to all of this, I just started helping a little bit with the "All Things Etsy" project. Here's a quick little synopsis of what's going on that I found from this forum post:

"Q. what is 'all things etsy'?

A. all things etsy (named in a forum contest by kreatedbykarina) is a way to get your store noticed. it basically works like this:
-you send me your items (samples, promos, coupons, business cards)
-i repack them into pretty organza bags (now with handstamped i heart etsy.com tags - thanks to sssmommy for the perfect custom rubber stamp!)
-these bags are available individually in my shop, or in larger numbers as custom orders

*much like etsy itself, this promotion is constantly growing and evolving to better suit its community. please feel free to post any questions, comments, or suggestions in this thread*"


This whole thing is being run by an Etsy seller named octarine. What have I been doing for the project? Blog interviews, of course! If you're interested, you can visit the blog for "All Things Etsy" or you could get some more information about the project on this forum thread. Check it out. It's pretty neat! :D

I'm pretty excited with everything that I'm working on right now. Hopefully I won't botch any of this up. You should start to see some new products in my shop sometime this week! Yaaaaaay!

Enjoy your Memorial Day, everyone! Over and out!

Brooklyn Nite Owl

Little update on work. They sent me home early yesterday. I was supposed to work a six hour shift. They sent me home after one hour. Apparently, I am REALLY inept when I am sick. I can't count change, I can't bag items, I can't remember to give the customer his or her receipt... And I had lost my voice. They were like, "Wow. You are special. No, seriously. Just go home." So I did. And you know what I did right after that? I browsed Etsy. And I saw this cute shop by Brooklyn Nite Owl!

Sweet Zoe Scents - Bibianna Goat Milk Soap

1) Your shop name:
Brooklyn Nite Owl

2) Your real name:
Heather Kunka

3) Your favorite breakfast cereal:
Cream of Wheat with honey and tasty little Sunmaid dried fruit bits (stop laughing!) (Or it was my fav before I went low carb again -- down 10 pounds and counting! Now fav breakie is bacon, lots of bacon!)

4) When did you begin creating?
I began creating with finger paints at age 3 on freshly painted apartment walls (yes, really). Mom and Dad were less than thrilled with my creative genius. Never leave a 3 year old unattended! My grandmother was a terrific artist though, and very encouraging!

5) Got a day job?
Cool actually, customer service for a heating oil cooperative -- I help people all day, and enjoy it!

6) Your inspirations:
Abstract patterns are my inspiration, and I find them everywhere: nature, architecture, reflections, broken glass, in light, shadow, mist, rain... The simple play of sunlight on leaves amazes me!

June Raspberry Metalwork Bracelet

7) Weirdest thing you've ever made:
Some of my paintings have been a bit, uh, unique... One of the most memorable is a whirling dervish of color that I think I titled "Riding the Carousel After One Too Many Tequilas!" I still have it, and I think it's cool!

8) Creation that you are most proud of
I am very proud of my Metalwork bracelets, since each one is done from scratch without bracelet forms or anything like that. I love the whole process of forming the sheeting, making the bracelet (I use an old fashioned rolling pin!), and building up layers of sheer tints to add depth. I really like the drama of them!

I am also very proud of my pies, which are not available on Etsy. I made damn good pie! Today's pie was blueberry/blackberry/strawberry, with tiny chunks of candied ginger, cinnamon and allspice. My boyfriend is gaga for pie, so I usually make one every week!

9) Explain your shop name:
Shop name, huh? I've lived in Brooklyn for over a decade now, in very diverse areas, and given the opportunity I love being up late at night, working on a project... Though I confess I'm probably even more of a morning chick, since I love the dawn! But Brooklyn Morning Owl just sounded stupid.

As for the owl, I adore birds, even the ubiquitous sparrow, even starlings (whom no one seems to like), crows (very regal), and, yes, even pigeons (ok, so they're rats with wings--most of them are exceptionally pretty!). My favorite birds are: Stellar's Sea Eagle and the Junco and any type of owl. Whooo can resist owls, with their amazing hunting skills (even when blindfolded), their huge eyes, and their haunting hoot? Such cool birds.

10) Final thoughts?
I like creating something original. Ideas come to me all the time, so I've learned to scribble them down so I don't forget them (damn, forgot the great creative thought but remembered to pick up eggs!). When I was in high school I won lots of medals for paintings and drawings, all very realistic ... and heave a little sigh of regret ... I was forcing myself to conform to what was expected of me. NOW -- hah! I do what I want!

For someone with a sunny disposition most of my paintings are fairly dark in nature (but not in color!) In fact, I've just about finished one, painted on metal sheeting, that I'll be posting in a couple of days. But my jewelry is cheerful and bright and definitely wearable!

Pink Sandstone Pendant

Please go visit Brooklyn Nite Owl, and keep checking back for more interviews with amazing Etsy sellers!