Katie Kaapcke, also known as Kiki, is a 31 year old artist/writer comic book maven and etsy shop owner from San Francisco, CA. Her shop dear kiki has prints, original paintings, ACEO cards, wood paintings and stationary. Katie’s paintings combine, cuteness, humor and often an element of “gory” or dark humor.

Mustache girl : $20.00, I watch the hills : $20.00, sometimes i cry myself to sleep : $20.00 and Heathers Monocle Girl : $75.00. All available at tikikiki.etsy.com.

I am a HUGE fan of vintage signage. I can’t help but snap a few shots whenever we are on a road trip. These images from stoopidgerl’s etsy shop are some of the best pictures of hotel and motel signs I’ve seen in awhile.

Holiday Motel Las Vegas : $25.00

The Old Frontier Las Vegas : $25.00

stoopidgerl.etsy.com

I first became aware of Blu Lima’s work when I received one of their very popular Keep Calm prints for Christmas last year. I love it and always look at it in times of stress. Now Blu Lima has a ton of new and different designs to choose from. My favorites being the prints below.

Take this job and LOVE it : $16.00, Let Them Eat Cake : $12.00, Your Courage Will Bring Us Victory : $12.00 and Always room for dessert : $16.00. All available at BluLima.etsy.com.

These are a few of my favorite things that I came across this morning. They all remind me a little bit of Fall and that the crisp cool air will be here soon.

Birthday Stems Screenprinted Card : $5.00, Vintage Leaves on Linen Chair : $800.00, Woollen Bean Bag : $69.00 and Lisette Framed Silhouette Print : $40.00.

Matt Schwartz creates incredible prints of polaroid transfers photographed by himself. He creates them by pulling apart the film of a polaroid and rubbing the negative onto watercolor paper. I’ve toyed around with transferring my images but so far none of them have turned out this good an as someone who is really getting into the world of polaroid I found his work to be so inspiring. The images are beyond gorgeous, I would say magical. All images are available framed and unframed.

girl in field listening to record player : $65.00, nude silhouette in stained glass window : $65.00, girl with piano : $65.00 and girl in suitcase : $65.00.

www.shehitpausestudios.com or shehitpausestudios.etsy.com

Jennifer Ramos, is the owner and designer of MadeByGirl.com. Once a business of embellishing different styles of furniture from Chippendale and Louis-style coffee tables to older antique pieces Jennifer is now dedicating her time to paper goods. The cards and posters (my favorite) she designs are fun and full of bright color! All of her cards are printed on recycled or post consumer paper, with the hopes of creating a positive change in others.

Broken : $45.00-$120.00, Take Me to Dinner : $2.95, LOVE in Candy Mint : $25.00 and Sitting Next To U : $2.95.

Kelly LOVES Whales: the shoppe showcases the artwork of Kelly Connor. I talked about Kelly last week when I stumbled upon her blog and her story of a year of no-new clothing inspired me to try the same but just for a week. Well, so far we’re not even a week in and it has been tough but I haven’t bought anything yet! In fact I’ve gotten rid of so much stuff that I feel much lighter. Now not only is Kelly a blogger but she is also an artist. Her work is even more inspirational than her no-new clothing!

Beneath the Surface : $30.00, Just be YOU : $13.00, the weight of lightness : $45.00 and om : $10.00.

KellyLovesWhales.etsy.com

Sarah Jane has been illustrating the world around her since she can remember. And now, as a Mommy of two, her children are her world. Thus, Sarah Jane: Illustrating Childhood™ was born.

August Sound, May Flowers, July’s dilemma and April Showers. All just $24.00!

Sarah Jane’s images are simple, naïve and leave room for the viewer to imagine their own story. Her art is simple like a child’s mind, yet reflects vintage elements of times past mixed with fresh and modern color palettes. Sarah Jane’s work is perfect for the modern nursery and play room as colors are often inspired from her favorite Children’s designers.

For a more inside peek visit Sarah Jane’s blog and be sure to read today’s interview with Sarah over at etsy.

Today is one of those busy days where I feel like there just aren’t enough hours in the day. I have errands galore and must get caught up on all of the lovely email I’ve received. Then it’s off to my favorite farmer’s market to pick up some fresh veggies and fish for dinner. Although I’m in a rush I still wanted to tell you about swallowfield. I could look at these beautiful collages and drawings by Jennifer Judd-Mcgee all day long!

To view more of Jen’s artwork visit her etsy shop and to learn more about the woman behind the art check out her blog. Enjoy!

How did you get your start?

I have always made art. Its in my blood. I don’t think I could live if I stopped making art. It would like if I stopped breathing.

Do you have any formal training?

I attended Mt Wachusett community college for two years and studied fine arts. The I went on to get my Bachelors of illustration from the Savannah collage of art and design.

When and why did you create your business?

I started my shop A rabbit girl in February 2008. I wanted to see if I could do well selling online. I would love to be able to make it my full time work.

Has it changed at all since you began? How?

It has only been a few months. So its hard to say. Though its been a little slower this month than last month.

What is the best part of running your own business?

The best part of running my own business is that I have control over my work. I set the prices and I collect the money. I decide what my work should look like. etc.

and the worst?

The worst to date is when things break I am the one who has to fix them. My large printer broke recently

You create so many wonderful pieces. Where does your inspiration come from?

I have been inspired by other artists as well as books and movies and television shows. My mind is very impressionable. Things I see leave there imprint on it. These things get translated to my works.

Who is your favorite indie designer?

I have several favorites.

VintagebyCrystal.etsy.com, magicjelly.etsy.com, aminytray.etsy.com, theblackaple.etsy.com. Thats just a few of them.

What was your most recent indie buy?

Lets see, I ordered 3 wonderful huge delicious candy apples from DoubleDippedSweets.etsy.com for my husbands farther’s day gift. They were so large we have been cutting one up each evening after dinner to share between 3 of us.

What one thing couldn’t you live without?

A heart. In so many ways.

What will you be wearing come summer?

powdered wigs, hoop skirts, white gloves, petticoats, lace up boots, parasols, the usual

What music/books/magazines are you into right now?

Music- Gram Rabbit, The Ramone’s. Tom Waits, Tapes n tapes, Rasputina, Leonard Cohen, Nick Cave and so many more. Books- Hannible rising, anything by Neil Gaimen, anything by Chuck Phalaniuk, Glass castles, Fabels (graphic novels by Bill Wellingham), Perfume, Wicked again there are too many to list Magazines Wired, National geographic, Juxtapose, Family fun (the articles in Family fun make me tear up. I am unsure why.)

You’ve been very successful at selling your designs online, what advice would you give to other designers that are just starting out?

Have patience with yourself and others, Good communication is a must in any life endeavor, be professional (know what not to say and when not to say it. Online this is equal to knowing when to not post an opinion) think about what you say and how you say it to others. Don’t jump to conclusions, work hard to get what you want (the world owes you nothing), don’t waste time, take pride in your work, take pride in yourself, being positive and polite goes a long way.

Where do you hope you/your business will be in 5 years?

I hope to be selling at least ten items daily. I hope to be able to sustain myself and my family on my shop business. I hope to be happy doing this.

Do you have any new projects on the horizon?

I have a book out and I was just asked to do a collaboration with a fellow etsian babybisou.etsy.com. It will be for the Bubble NYC trade show Aug 2,3,4. The Bubble is an upscale baby and children’s trade show in Manhattan.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received regarding your business?

Keep doing what your doing.