Ha, I love James Lipton!
Anywho, today’s a bit of a special post, as will every Thursday post this summer. Unless I’m on vacation. Or I forget.
Inside the Etsy Studio is a chance for me to ask some questions to some cool Etsy seller and for you to be able to check out their shop and get the inside scoop.
This week, Kathy from ArtWorkbyKD graciously agreed to a mini interview.
She runs an eco-friendly jewelry shop, where she creates bright, funky pieces from soda bottles and other recyclables. Check out some of my favorites…
Eek! So beautiful.
Here’s the mini interview!
Me: Your work combines two great things for good art to have, beauty and environmental frugality! Nature is also echoed in a lot of the plastic jewelry shapes. Most have a lovely, rounded organic feel to them and it’s super fun to see them in bright, poppy colors. What are some of the elements that inspire you when checking out a plastic bottle?
Kathy: Rich, bold color is definitely my main driving force when collecting materials. Texture and unique material comes in a close second. It’s also important that the plastic is soft enough for me to work with.
Me: Is working with the aluminum cans a different experience? I’m thinking that because they tend to have darker colors and sharper edges that they might set your imagination off in a different direction.
Kathy: Working with aluminum cans is different, it’s actually easier to work with than plastic. Since it’s thinner it cuts and files cleaner and easier. The edges are actually not sharp. People tend to think that it’s like sheet metal, but aluminum is flexible, not sharp. The colors are fun and I can bend the aluminum to create texture if I want (something I can’t do with plastic).
Me: Any other mediums that you’ve been eying in the recycling bins?
Kathy: Other than plastics and aluminums I also reuse magazines, paper bags and plastic bags.
Me: What pieces of jewelry from your shop do you love and wear the most?
Kathy: I love everything! I try to make something for myself whenever I can, or whenever I come out with a new design. I’d have to say though that I wear my orange circle bracelet all the time and also a pair of beer can moblie earrings (the very first pair I made).
Me: An element that is a bit special about your shop is that you also offer recycled gift boxes and envelopes! That seems really helpful for a customer buying a piece as a present and being able to get their packaging right from you. Do you have any plans in the works for other environmentally friendly stationary or gift-wrapping?
Kathy: I make really cute tote bags out of magazines and paper bags. I use them at my shows and for orders delivered in person. I also make my shipping envelopes out of magazine pages. Still working on new ideas!
Me: After checking out your MySpace page, I got to listen to some of your tunes. You are one talented lady! How do you divide your time between music and crafting?
Kathy: Thank you! I try to give even time to both but for me it’s basically impossible. Sometimes I feel overwhelmed but I remember that I love both and if it means taking a half day off of my art to learn a song or prepare for a gig then so be it. Generally I work all day on my eco-jewelry and I try to practise music in the evenings.
*Go to http://www.myspace.com/kathydellavalle for the tunes.*
Me: What’s next for ArtworkbyKD? Anything else you’d like to add in?
Kathy: I’ve been working my tale off to get my name/work out to people and I’ve booked a ton of art shows around my area for 2009. I also have lots of new designs for this season. I want to keep growing, I want every year to be better than the last. I’m so thankful for everyone who gets excited about my work and all of my wonderful customers! Building a business takes time, patience and lots of hard work. I truly believe that if you want something bad enough it will happen!
Thanks Kathy! What an awesome designer.
