Figments by Kathleen

Shop Name: Figments by Kathleen
Shop Link: http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5308339

Location: Indiana
Ships To: Everywhere

What inspires you? I don't think there is any one thing that inspires me. Often I will see or pick up an object and get an idea of what I could do with it. Some pieces just seem to make themselves, others take some prodding.

How long have you had your shop on Etsy? I started out on etsy with my first shop just about a year ago. Then in September I opened Figments by Kathleen and turned my other shop (Eclectic Miscellany) into a destash shop.

Is this a job for you or a hobby? I would say it is more of a calling than either a job or a hobby. To me a job is something you have to do to make a living but it isn't necessarily something you enjoy. I do not depend on my etsy income so I suppose it could be called a hobby. But I don't think hobby is really the appropriate word either. I feel the need to create things and hope that others love my creations as much as I do.

How did you get into your craft? I started out doing beadwork. I have done beading off and on since I was a child. About a year ago I was doing so much beading that I ended up having more jewelry than I could ever wear. At that time I read an article in our local paper about etsy and I was hooked. I was constantly exploring new styles and looks and came upon the Steam Punk style and was hooked.

Do you have any advice for fellow Etsy shop owners? If you love what you do it shows and others will see the beauty in your work. Don't get stressed out about slow sales right now. The economy sucks (to put it bluntly) and things are slow right now but there will always be a desire for art so just hang in there. Promote yourself locally and on the internet. You can't just sit back and expect people to find you if you don't put yourself out there.

What do you love about Steampunk? I love the aesthetic and the mixing of periods, styles, textures....

Anything else you would like to add? Not off the top of my head. Follow your muse and see what happens.