Member Interview: Allison of Moondust Jewels

Allison of Moondust Jewels specializes in one-of-a-kind tiaras, headbands, hair combs, crowns, and hair accessories for any occasion!

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How did you learn your craft?
I've been crafty and creative since I was in middle school, and I got really into art in high school. I started making tiaras when I was about 16, and everything was trial and error! I've made over 200 unique tiaras.

If you were a fantasy character, who would you be and why?
Hands down, I'd be Galadriel from Lord of the Rings. She's ageless, is endlessly talented (she like made all those elven cloaks and brooches for Frodo and his friends!), and so graceful!

What do you do when not crafting?
I work full-time as a museum tour guide in Seattle. I love art, so it's great to be around it and get to talk about it all the time! In my free time I love to go out into nature, craft, read, and play video games! My hobbies are: going to thrift stores and collecting postage stamps.

Member Interview: Sarah Alden Art

Sarah Alden started her journey as a watercolor painter in 2001, but knew from a very young age that she wanted to be an artist. All of her prints are made in her studio where she's able to ensure every print's color is as close to the original painting as possible.

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What inspires you to make your creations?
My inspiration comes from many areas in life: nature, fairytales, personal experiences, family, friends, fashion, music, and daily life. One of the biggest reasons I love to paint Fairy art and Butterflies is because to me they represent the beauty of "Wild and Free." Really anything uplifting and inspiring, that’s the beauty I want to share!

I love all things Fairy and fantasy. So, I have a deep love and passion for bringing my imaginative ideas to life on and off paper. I've always loved fashion and had my own unique sense of style. So I like to create beautiful fantasy inspired accessories and jewelry along with my art. Things that truly represents me and my brand.

What advice would you give to other Etsy sellers?
Be patient. It takes time to build up your shop and gain followers. Really focus on photographing your products with great lighting and non-distracting backgrounds; it truly does help. There are many blogs and youtube videos on how to improve with light boxes. The right lighting makes all the difference!

If you were a fantasy creature, what would you be?
If I could be any fantasy creature I would certainly have to be a fairy because of their gorgeous wings and the ability to weightlessly glide through the air, wild and free. Though more specifically, a Spring Fairy because it's my most favorite time of the year with all of the gorgeous Azalea flowers blooming.

Member Interview: Samantha Jean Illustrations

Samantha Jean is a freelancing illustrator with a love for fantasy, mythology and the human form. She produces her own prints and handmade magnets.

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What sparked your love for fantasy?
I don't recall a time when I didn't love fantasy and fairy tales, but I'm going to go out on a limb and blame Disney films. I grew up watching Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty as a little girl, and then Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, etc as they came to theaters and VHS (and then again in DVD). The stories always fascinated me, and I would also check out tons of books from the fantasy and fairy tale section in libraries, because I wanted to learn about all the variations out there.

If you were a fantasy creature, what would you be and why?
A gargoyle. I love their mythology, the cartoon series, and how strong they are by night, but vulnerable by day. They protect those they love, and are a very good example of "you can't judge a book by its cover" or "real beauty is found within" mottos. Also, they have wings and fly. Gotta love that.

When did you decide to pursue art as a career?
Age 10, after acquiring the book “Aladdin: The Making of an Animated Movie”. I discovered these awesome people called animators - people who got paid to draw and make movies! Fantastic! I wrote to Mark Henn, a supervising animator for Disney, for advice on how to do what he did. He wrote back, and I still have his hand written letter. Obviously I did not become an animator for Disney like my original plan, but I'm still an artist. A freelancing artist who gets to be my own boss. And that's pretty fantastic too.