Janet Holson-Mazzer: Etsy Artist from Canada

Janet Holson-Mazzer is a potter. This is fascinating to me because the best I could ever do with clay was to make a really big mess. What she does is most certainly not a mess. See what you think...

1. What is your shop name and what do you sell?

My shop name is Janson Pottery. I sell handmade porcelain and stoneware pottery and tiles. [My work] can also be found at www.jansonpottery.com and www.craft.on.ca/portfolio/JanetHolson-Mazzer .

2. What long series of events led to you doing this?

I went back to school as a mature student part-time and then decided to take a full time Ceramic Art and Design program because it had always been a dream of mine to work in clay. I had taken ceramics programs in high school and knew that one day, I would return to the medium that I was so passionate about. Most of the time, this passion leaves me feeling in awe of life. 

3. Who taught you the particular skills you use in your work?

I went to George Brown College in Toronto, Ontario and since graduating from the Ceramics Art and Design program, I have done many workshops, gone to lectures, and courses as well. 

4. When did you start selling on Etsy? 

November 13, 2008 

5. What is your favorite thing about Etsy? 

My favourite thing about Etsy is the diversity of mediums and styles of work. I also love the forums, what I have learned about business promotion and how to take better photos. 

6. What is your favorite thing about what you sell? 

I love to look at my work and know that others will love it the way that I do. I also really appreciate feedback. 

7. What is your favorite item in your own shop and why? 

It's hard for me to choose because I love everything. If I had to narrow it down, it would be the tiles. A number of them are pressed with wildflowers and it reminds me of spring and [not being] snowed in all of the time.

8. What teams do you belong to and what do you like most about them? 

I belong to Design Style Guide and the Etsy Mud Team. I like that they have both been great places for learning, sharing and feedback. 

9. What is the most fun thing you do to promote your shop?

Getting out to shows and meeting people as well as educating them about what I do. 

10. What are some of your favorite finds by other sellers on Etsy? 

I love Rob Eastman's photos, as well as My Two Seasons because I like scrapbooking when I have time. I also really like Clay By Day. 

11. What do you do in your spare time? 

I love spending time with my family, travelling, having quiet time for reflection, photography, reading and taking care of our pets. 

12. Do you have anything else you would like to share? 

Thank you so much for interviewing me and visiting my shop. I really appreciate it.

You are most welcome!

•••••

If you make Handmade Home Decor Items, come and join our team by clicking on the image below.

Not only will you be able to network with us, but also you will have the ability to post your listing on our team website.

If you like this blog entry you'll love my blog, jn3 Hand Crafted Woodworks. Check it out. I'll be glad you did.

Dawn Dalto: A Sgraffito-ist

As I was perusing our new members I was drawn to the bold ceramic boxes of Dawn Dalto. Dawn is an artist that resides in Asheville, North Carolina where she makes beads and ceramics. She has been creating art since her involvement in Brownies and hasn't stopped since. Dawn has published her patterns since 1997 and in 1999, opened up her own bead shop , Blue Bear Beads. Since then she has discovered ceramics while working at a ceramic school which brings us to her beautiful shrine and wall boxes. Dawn uses a technique called Sgraffito which is produced by scratching on the surface of pottery and ceramics. Visit Dawn at http://www.dawndalto.etsy.com/ and then check out her website at http://www.dawndalto.net/ and her blog at www.dawndalto.net/blog

The UnExpected - Deck

It's hot. At least in the northern hemisphere. And at my apartment, absolutely every moment possible is spent outside on our little deck. Beautiful with the sounds of birds and a huge maple that brushes down onto one corner and plenty of plants in beautiful glazed pots. But why do we so often leave the decorating to those pots. Here are some unexpected choices for making the outside, another room of your home.

whirligig pillow set
from enhabiten

Wonderful crisp clean colors and each pillow is filled with buckwheat hulls and lavender which can only add more soft sounds and scents to our outdoor space (ideal if plants are not possible). Plus each pillow (and you get two) is 9" x 14.5" - a perfect size to toss into your 'deck bag' and bring inside.

It's only natural - large tree tote
from cipolla

Deck bag? Grab a great bag like this linen and cotton tote to bring your outdoor decor easily in and out in inclement weather and you'll never be more than 30 seconds away from bliss.


pale palmera leaf metal artwork
from CopperLeafStudios

Perfect to set the mood of a relaxing space, a pairing of these amazing zinc images would make any space. Nestle them close to the house, under an overhang for protection (avoid rain and bring indoors in the winter), and they will evoke the sounds of a pond anywhere they hang.


small oval dish
from DishfulsofDoodles

An abstract celebration of natural forms makes this dish ideal for the center of the table. With my pockets always full of pebbles and shells I've collected from the shore, this platter provides a stylish way to display such found natural treasures.

These ideas can so easily transform your deck into a haven for every spare moment. Your space is really yours now, with all your great design sense added and quite frankly, I'm not sure you'll be able to get your friends to go home. But hey, that's the price to pay for great design. Might as well bring them some lemonade.

Celadon Green Tumbler Serving Set
from juditavill

Enjoy.

P.S. Show us what you can do with your outdoor space - post a link to your photo in a comment!