Featured Artist - Halodesigns!!

Today is so exciting.....today I have my first ever featured Etsy artist! It is my intention to not only give these artists exposure, but also let you, the reader, learn of such wonderfully talented people!

I am thrilled to introduce today's featured artist Malaika of Halodesigns. I have come to the conclusion that I can learn a few things from Malaika. In addition to home schooling her three children and, well, being a mom...she has TWO Etsy shops....Halodesigns and Heavenlybodies. I can barely handle one child and one shop! So, I applaud you Malaika- as crazy as times may get, she creates such beautiful jewelry, cards, crocheted gloves and a whole shop of bath and beauty products. Check out these earrings...I love the structure and design:

and this soap sounds divine

How would you describe your shop? My shop is a colorful mix of whatever mood my brain is in on any given day. My first love is jewelry but everything else comes in at a close second. Right now I am on a cardmaking binge. I love bright colors and trying to make things that no one else has.

I also have a bath and body shop, heavenlybodies.etsy.com, that has a yummy variety of skin loving products made with the best ingredients that I can find.

How long have you been crafting? I have been crafting pretty much all of my life. Growing up with not much money and a creative mother, I had to rely on crafting when I couldn't afford what I wanted and often times I ended up with something everybody else wanted.

Where does your inspiration come from? I have to say that at this moment my inspiration comes from seeing all of the other Etsy artists that I share this extraordinary site with. The talent here is unbelievable and I am proud to belong to it and I work harder everyday to measure up.

What is your favorite piece? This could change at any moment but today my favorite piece is this pair of earrings. I love the color purple and these just look like a fun summer day.

How do you spend time when you're not crafting? I have three kids and when I am not huddled over my desk in my hobby room I am coloring with them or doing a puzzle or playing baseball or soccer. Other than that, I am on the super addicting Etsy forums.

What is the best advice you have received? and from whom?
Always wear clean underwear, you never know when you are going to get into an accident. From my mom. She is a smart lady. Thanks to her my bra and panties always match.

Final comments? Thank you for taking the time to read about me and my funky little shop.

....and Thank You, Malaika, for letting me feature you! Please visit her stores to see her wonderful creations:

http://www.halodesigns.etsy.com

http://www.heavenlybodies.etsy.com