TotusMel Tats

Name: Pamela Quevedo
Shop Name: TotusMel Tats
Shop Link: TotusMel.etsy.com
Location: Merced, CA
Ships To: Anywhere

What inspires you? I am inspired by a lot of different styles and designs from Gothic and Victorian to simple and modern. I like to start with vintage patterns and turn them into something a little more wearable and unexpected. Other artisans constantly provide me with ideas. I enjoy trying to recreate only styles of jewelry with tatting though sometimes the results are less than spectacular.

How long have you had your shop on Etsy? I started on etsy in April of 2006. It is my very first and my only selling experience.

Is this a job for you or a hobby? My job is my two daughters and my family, but my tatting has been slowly gaining momentum as of late and could one day be profitable enough to consider it my job. I would, however, continue to tat for the sheer joy even if I never sold another piece

How did you get into your craft? I'm a lifelong creator of stuff, but I only discovered tatting a few years ago. I taught myself with the aid of the internet and a few books. It began as a much needed break from more time consuming knit and crochet projects, but quickly became my favorite pastime as I began to design my own jewelry and accessories. The versatility of tatting continues to amaze me with each new project.

Do you have any advice for fellow Etsy shop owners? While I am no great success story, I have been very happy with my etsy experience. I think it's because I really enjoy what I make and try not to take any rejection too personally. Etsy is a big place and though I'm not a very sociable person, making friends on the forums and in teams has made the experience beyond selling much more enjoyable.

What do you love about Steampunk? I love the dichotomy of the many steampunk genres. While many folk see it as broken watches, gears and keys, I see it as a way for us to find what we like in different eras and styles and mash them together in interesting and amazing ways. It is like creating an alternate reality through fiction and art. To imagine a future, but from the past, is a creative experiment that I for one thoroughly enjoy!

Anything else you would like to add? I would just like to thank all the many creative minds that I have had the pleasure of meeting and working with throughout my etsy adventure. I have had nothing but good experiences with the steamteam and I highly recommend them as sellers and friends!