Q: Tell us a little about yourself.
A: I grew up in the Pacific Northwest, but skipped town the day after I graduated high school in order to pursue my life adventure. After a two-year detour in Colorado, I made my way to Austin, Texas where the friendly atmosphere, culture and my lovely Austin family number as some of the many reasons I am fortunate to live here still.
I keep myself busy as a full-time student double majoring in English and Psychology, working part-time for the National Dating Abuse Helpline, and running my shop while trying my hand at local craft shows. When I grow up I want to be a writer, a counselor, a full-time crafter, or a librarian.
Q: How did you get started as an artist?
A: My mother and grandmother both sew, and my other grandmother knits, which is where I’m sure I got it from! When I was a kid, I always preferred to sew by hand. I made small, scraggly quilts out of fabric scraps that I tried to force our cats to sleep on.
When I started college, I tried many hobbies in order to find something to soothe the nerves that began to react to juggling several part-time jobs, a full-time course load and the ill effect of a poor economy. I taught myself how to crochet, and instantly fell in love – the meditative quality to it was just what the doctor ordered.. I began to spend more and more time on it before I even realized what I was doing, and soon enough, I began my own business.
Q: What inspires your work?
A: I began by making things that I wanted to wear, but couldn’t seem to find anywhere. It was a revelation to me to learn the skills to simply create what I wanted. As I continued to work, I fell in love with accessories that told a story – more specifically, the story of the crafty, inspired individual who would wear them. I began making button earrings and hair pins from the supplies I’d accumulated, and adored wearing them myself, so decided to share them with others. Beyond that, I continue to gain inspiration from looking at all of those accessories I’ve looked at and said to myself “I WISH it did this…”
Q: Why Etsy?
A: A dear friend, Betsy Schairer, (of http://betsyschairer.4ormat.com/) started out her creative career selling her original artwork and modified vintage clothing on Etsy several years before I gave it a try. I was such a fan of the concept and of her work, that I was a patron of her shop nearly as long as she ran it.
I not only adore buying handmade, I also love how accessible and appealing Etsy makes it. Etsy has grown in popularity to such a degree since I first became aware of it that it was a no-brainer decision for me when it came time to choose what online storefront to use. The terms they set for their artists are so reasonable!
Q: You've been very successful in a relatively short period of time. Do you have any advice for new shop owners?
A: It’s important to develop a cohesive focus before opening up shop – thinking about branding, who your audience is, and how to reach that audience are all good questions to ask yourself before you start. “The Handmade Marketplace” by Kari Chapin is a great book to read that covers those topics at length, with great anecdotes from successful artists.
Also, reach out and see what local resources you have! Chances are there is someone in your area that’s been successful doing the very same thing. I joined the Austin Craft Riot team (www.austincraftriot.com) nearly as soon as I went into business, and I am infinitely grateful that I did. Most cities have some sort of Etsy team, or some other professional organization that you can join to grow and promote your business.
Q: What future plans do you have for your shop/work?
A: I am always trying to push the envelope of what I can produce, and attempting new designs. I have a lot of ideas – I’d like to become more successful at local shows, and perhaps carry my work into the storefront retail world. I’m considering opening different shops for different lines of work all under the Blue Couch Designs banner. I’m also considering a curated shop containing items all donated by artists to raise money for charities in need. Really, I plan on simply moving forward in every way that I can, in the hopes that hard work and dedication continues to open doors.
Q: Anything else you'd like us to know?
A: I’d really like a cat. I got a goodie bag from a local craft show I participated in, and there was a cat toy in the bag. I thought maybe it was a sign. So, maybe if I put this thought out there into the universe, it'll happen!
Q: Just for fun, what are a few of your favorite shops on Etsy?
A: I’ll give you three ---
I absolutely adore the Ukranian embroidery that Ms. Natalka of Skrynka makes. I purchased one of her necklaces last summer, and I wear it all the time.
I have also long been fascinated with embroidery hoop and cross-stitch art – it was, in fact, the first serious foray into crafting that I made as an adult, with less than satisfactory results. But why even try when there are amazing people out there like Moxie Doll, already doing a bang-up job?
I wouldn’t have made it as far as I have without the help and my best friend and best boo, Faith, and all of her encouragement. She also has an adorable shop, Oh Thanks that you should all go check out immediately.
--- okay I said three, so I lied. You should also go check out the team page for Austin Craft Riot. There are a multitude of shops there full of amazing items that would be just perfect for all of your holiday shopping needs!
Kirsten set up 2 special coupon codes just for my blog readers!
1. Make a purchase between Friday November 25 and Sunday November 27
with the coupon code BLACKFRIDAY11 to receive 40% off your total order.
2. Make a purchase by December 15
with coupon code HOLIDAYMADESS for 25% off your total order.
BONUS:
in the "Note to Seller" field, and Kirsten will slip a free gift into your package!
How to Enter the Giveaway:
1. Follow this blog (Mandatory)
and leave a comment here saying you did.
and Invite 10 or more friends to like BCD, too
and leave a separate comment here saying you did.
and leave a separate comment here saying you did.
and leave a separate comment here saying you did.
and leave a separate comment here saying you did.
Make sure to bookmark my giveaways page if you haven't already,
and READ THE FINE PRINT
Only 6 entries per household please
Giveaway ends November 30th at midnight PST
Winner will be chosen by random.org
Entries will be validated
Winner will be announced here
Winner will have 3 days to contact me,
after which a new winner will be chosen
Must be 18 years of age or older to enter
Recently I have had to choose a second winner for quite a few giveaways
due to lack of an email response from my winners.
If you really want to win, check your SPAM folders often, or better yet
add moderntypography@aol.com to your address book. Good luck!
