Friday Featured Artist - Amanda (aka. Ulixis)

I had the good fortune to be featured a couple of weeks ago in myHandmade Resistry.com's More Meaningful Gifts group. I was also asked to pose a challenge, and being inspired by Earth Day, my challenge to the group was to use something from nature or something recycled to create something new and interesting. I'm proud to say that Amanda (aka. Ulixis, Uli, Ulimanda) won the contest. Her submission was this really cool recycled notebook that she sells in her Etsy shop.

I've come to know Amanda really well. She is this uber-smart chick, who will go way out of her way to help someone out. If she doesn't have the answer, she'll keep digging until she figures it out for you. She was the perfect choice to moderate MyHandmadeRegistry's Ningcompoop Group, because she is always willing to share her knowledge with us! Her blog is one of my favorites to keep up with. This is where you really get a good sense of who Amanda really is as her personality just shines in every post she writes.

Uli was gracious enough to answer a few questions for me:

1. Tell me a little about yourself, what makes you so special?

I've been creative my whole life - when asked in grade 2 what I wanted to be when I grew up, I said "artist" instead of "teacher" like all the other little girls!

During high school though, 3 great loves came into my life, pushing crafting aside. These were math, science and Pat, my partner (almost 8 years together now! And I know "partner" sounds ridiculous, but after so long, "boy friend" just doesn't seem appropriate). I am continuing my education in science (I'm currently working on my Master's in Medical Sciences) but after a few years, the creative itch returned. Some online tutorials got me started, and a friend pointed me towards Etsy. I've only been selling on Etsy for a little over a year and a half now, but during that time I have fallen in love with the wonderful community and garnered a lot of great advice from somewell-established artists and new-found friends.

While "scientist" and "artist" go a long way to introducing you to who I am, there are many other categories I fall under. I'm also a proud Canadian, a hick (I grew up in the middle of nowhere Northern Ontario), an avid reader, a pretty darn good cook (I love experimenting in the kitchen - it's like a combination of science and crafting!), a mentor, a teacher's assistant, a gardener (if I had a garden that is), an animal lover, an abuser of brackets and much more.

2. What's some of the best advice you ever received?

Life - "Just relax and breath." Etsy - "List something every day (or almost)."

3. When's your birthday, and what's on your birthday wishlist?

My birthday is August 21 and I want: a new camera (a "real" one that requires manual adjustments and lenses and stuff... :D), a garlic press, a Kitchenaid mixer (not going to happen unfortunately), and pretty much everything in my Etsy favourites...

4. What is your most cherished handmade item?

A couple of blankets my grandma knit for me.

5. Where can you be found besides Etsy?

• Twitter: http://twitter.com/Ulixis
• blog: http://ulixis.blogspot.com/
• MHR: http://www.myhandmaderegistry.com/profile/Amanda
• Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/21386656@N02/
• Facebook (not that I've been updating it): http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/pages/Hamilton-ON/Ulixis-Crafts/56755009850?ref=ts

Wanna know what Amanda's prize was for winning my challenge? She got her choice of any greeting card or ACEO from my Etsy shop and she chose this Blue Leaves Whirlpool ACEO.