The Big Crafty on Sunday for me marked the kick-off of a little project I’m starting this month in the hope of building support for all the great artists, crafters and other creative types here that sell on etsy.
The plan is to feature at least one (maybe more) etsy sellers each day here at Ashvegas. My hope is to continue this feature beyond Christmas, though the holiday shopping season is a great time of year to start. The goal — to help support these local business people and entrepreneurs.
The format: I emailed out a list of five questions and asked folks to respond, so you’ll see the same questions, and each person’s responses. I’ve gotten a great repsonse, and everyone’s answers are insightful and instructive.
So without further ado, I hope you’ll take time to get to know a local etsy seller and consider making a purchase.
Here’s Krista, from her etsy shop, canoo.
Q: Please summarize what you make and sell on Etsy.
A: I make dolls, mostly monsters, but also cats and pigs and bears, out of old wool sweaters and other unwanted clothing. I think about making other things out of junk clothing, such as hats and blankets and pillows. Someday I’ll get all my ideas out into the 3-dimensional world.
Q: What item makes you sad to let go?
A: In other words, what do you have a special connection to? All my dolls are individuals. Some of them have a stronger personality than others, and those are the ones I have trouble letting go. But they’re like kittens: there will always be more, and more and more and more.
Q: What are you inspired by, whether it be something in nature or a musician, artist or other creative wellspring?
A: In creating the dolls, I let the shape, color, and texture of the sweater guide my hand and eye. In naming them, I pull inspiration from anywhere. It could be the song on the radio, gangster slang from the 1930s, a line from a poem, or a weird food fad from the 50s. I keep a list of future monster names on post-its all over my computer.
Q: With the economy the way it is and the holiday shopping season coming up, what’s your perfect stocking stuffer or small gift?
A: Currently I’m only making dolls, which start at $24. I also have some little clay monster guys in my shop – great for peeking out of flower pots or guarding your medicine cabinet – and they’re $6 each.
Q: What else would you like people to know about you?
A: I do custom work! If you or your loved one has a favorite ratty old sweater, I can turn it into a monster (or several). Sweaters must be 100% wool. I can also do custom color combinations and embroidery work. Order early for the holidays! 3-4 weeks is a good window.
3 Comments
Katie, your points are well taken.
The idea to feature crafters was yours, yes. But I’ll just note that the idea of supporting local businesses this year on this blog has been an ongoing theme here. Check my posts on C.A.R.P.
I apologize for not featuring you first. You’ll be next.
Thank you for reading the blog. It’s nothing without readers like you.
I’m really glad you finally decided to do this! Featuring local sellers, even if they don’t have anything but a virtual storefront is important. Buy handmade!
I am going to have to call you out though for not only acting like this was your idea (I contacted Jason about doing these features months ago and have been contacting him throughout that time asking when he’d be doing the features…to which I have gotten ZERO response, and I’m also the one who posted the surveys to the Asheville Etsy Street Team) but also because it was my idea you said that you would feature me first. I’m not bitter, I’m really glad that you have decided to do this, but do what you say you’re going to do, okay? I’m a loyal reader and I think its only fair.
Hey Thanks for doing this! There’s such a great wealth of Etsy people doing great stuff here in Asheville – and Helen and i love Krista’s work and bought a few this summer at the Domino Lane East West Asheville Craft Fair.