Young Artists Get Crafty
By Stephanie Lynn, age 23, Massachusetts
SDM Editor-in-Chief
With the brand new year, it's a goal of mine to feature more young artists, designers, photographers, and crafters under the age of 25. So starting this past summer, I set up an account at Etsy.com and have found a lot of young people who are selling their homemade crafts, fashions, jewelry and accessories, art work, photography, graphic design, and even supplies, patterns, and vintage items.
Since Etsy is so much fun to browse, buy, and sell cool homemade items (and lots more), I decided I'd spotlight some of the hot young entrepreneurs I've been in contact with so far.
Make It a Meal Fast Food Eraser Set
By Moogu, Joyce, age 19, Canada
http://moogu.etsy.com
You may avoid fast food in real life, but these are the cutest fast food erasers I have ever seen! Okay, they're the only fast food erasers I've ever seen. Joyce creates some super-cute sushi, ice cream, and popsicle erasers and earrings, as well as felt flower clips. In addition to her Etsy shop, feel free to visit Joyce's website at http://moogugu.weebly.com for more hott jewelry items. She also loves and sells origami!
Eiffel Tower Earrings
By FunnyPeopleCo, Sophie, age 22 and Louie, age 18, Puerto Rico
http://funnypeopleco.etsy.com
Bonjour! If you're a fan of Ol' Paree, you'll definitely want these elegant Eiffel Tower earrings. FunnyPeopleCo was started by two sisters, Sophie and Louie, offering bracelets and earrings in a variety of styles, as well as plaid messenger bags. Buttons, beads, and Asian charms? Only at FunnyPeopleCo. Feel free to add Sophie and Louie on MySpace. (http://myspace.com/funnypeopleco) and visit their blog (http://diaryofayoungdesigner.blogspot.com/).
Skull Necklace - OOAK
By PenguinsPlunder, Ashley, age 23, Utah
http://penguinsplunder.etsy.com
Ashley designs everything from cherries and mushrooms to toast and zombie candy corn, as well as puppies and full-sculpted figurines out of polymer clay! She offers a few charms as jewelry pieces, but you can also attach her cute charms to your cell phone or keychain. She also enjoys custom painting figurines. You can see a lot more of her work by visiting her Etsy shop or blog at penguinsplunder.blogspot.com.
Recycled Altered Open Book Wall Art
By Ptlu, Lyndsey, age 15, Massachusetts
http://ptlu.etsy.com
You've heard the term "going green" so many times, but it's obvious Lyndsey values the act of recycling with her beautiful open book wall art. These books were going to be trashed by a company that went out of business, but she's transformed them into interesting art. She combines her painting skills and ingenious imagination to create her masterpieces. Her shop is still new, but she sells a variety of hand-painted items, including some cute PacMan shoes!
Craft / Sewing Apron
By PearlGirl901, Lydia, age 19, Michigan
http://pearlgirl901.etsy.com
Lydia sells sewing aprons and sewing patterns perfect for any new or experienced fashion designer. She has been machine sewing since she was 7 years old, and sold her very first item at the fresh age of 9. Besides aprons, she also sews quilts, clothing, and curtains. Lydia also enjoys paper crafting, and she occasionally knits, crochets, cross-stitches, and embroiders when the mood fits.
Itty Bitty Party Animals Set with Customized Greeting
By Clementineclay, Jessica, age 22, Massachusetts
http://clementineclay.etsy.com
Aren't these animal greetings just the cutest? You can customize the message to say anything you wish, whether it's "Happy Birthday" or "Get Well Soon". The tiny animals are made from polymer clay and hand-painted with acrylic paint and glaze. Jessica runs this shop with her boyfriend Andrew, who's also 22. What a cute team! Besides their cute polymer pieces, these two college students design earrings and other goodies. M&M earrings, anyone?
Boo Boo Kits
By TheMilkShake, Tessa, age 17, Washington
http://themilkshake.etsy.com
Tessa's boo boo kits will definitely come in handy the next time you're babysitting. When one of the kids gets a boo boo, just tear open one of these life-savers. Inside you'll find a sucker, band-aids, and stickers sure to make any young child brighten up and forget about the pain.
Rose Lampwork Charm Bracelet
By EnidJewelry, Valerie, age 22, Quebec, Canada
http://enidjewelry.etsy.com
Valerie has been making jewelry since she was 15 years old. She designs a variety of jewelry types including earrings, bracelets, necklaces, and rings, even selling religious/Christian jewelry! She really cares about making a difference, which is why 75% of the proceeds for this charm bracelet and other pink items in her Etsy shop will go to the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation. Way to go, Valerie!
If you're an artist, designer, photographer, or crafter under the age of 25, and would like to be featured in Sweet Designs Magazine, please contact us using the form below.
Be creative and have fun!
Stephanie Lynn
