7 Questions is our spotlight on our favorite artisans. Please welcome...
1. What do you sell in your shop? My
shop started with a few knotwork items made in rope. I made these items
using traditional maritime knots I learned when I used to sail on
wooden ships. One day, I got the idea to shrink them by using thread
instead of rope and my nautical knot earrings were born.
Today,
most of my items either contain something nautical, something recycled,
or something found in nature. I have jewelry, home decor pieces, and a
smattering of other items.
2. What is your favorite thing about etsy? There
are many things I enjoy about etsy, but I think what I like most is its
professional appearance and the ease with which I can create a
professional-looking shop using etsy.
3. What is your least favorite thing about etsy? I'm not complaining because etsy
offers fantastic opportunities, but I wish fees were lower, even a
little bit. A 20 cent listing fee doesn't seem like a lot, but if you
make something small that shouldn't cost much, having to account for
that 20 cents can really bump up the price of something/cut into what
you make.
4. What does your studio/workspace look like? I
live in an apartment, so I converted the dining area into my workspace.
It gets decent natural light and opens straight into the kitchen, which
is where I do my metal working. Two wire shelves above my desk hold a
lot of my supplies, and three big plastic drawers next to/under my desk
hold everything else.
5. What do you do to relax? I
do my best thinking when I'm running or biking. The repetitive motion
keeps my body occupied, allowing my mind to be free. It's almost like
some strange form of meditation for me.
6. What accomplishments are you the most proud of? They
don't get as much love online as they do in person at shows or the
local shop where I sell my jewelry, but I really like my knotwork
earrings. As far as I know, I invented the idea - I've never seen
anything else exactly like them.
7. What are some of your goals for the next year? I
am finishing up my master's and have to student teach during the fall
2013 semester. Student teaching is a full time job without pay. I've
been saving for it and I can use student loan money to pay my rent and
feed myself, but I am very anti debt. I would like to make enough online
by next fall to cover at least half of my monthly expenses so I can
minimize the amount I need to borrow.
Find more of Natasha here:
Shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/StalkingTheWildSnark
Blog: http://www.diaryofaplagueyear.com/
Twitter: @natasha5887
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/natashalh/
G+: https://plus.google.com/101728681318768552003
Twitter: @natasha5887
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/natashalh/
G+: https://plus.google.com/101728681318768552003
12 comments:
You have such a unique shop Natasha...love all your cool creations!
So wonderful to read/learn more about you Natasha!
I greatly admire your work, especially the knotwork earrings! I am anti-debt too!
Thanks, Memories for Life! Your wood greeting cards are really cool and unique, too!
Duni - Just the other day, a woman told me that people in Germany don't use credit cards and such the way Americans tend to. I don't know if that's true or just what she thought, but you seem to confirm that. Here people tend to look at me like I'm crazy when I explain I have no consumer debt and do not own a car to avoid it.
We're anti-debt, too! We almost never carry a balance from month-to-month on our cards, and we save up to do projects on our house instead of charging them. We get weird looks about it, too, so I know where you're coming from!
Those knotwork earrings are SO cool. I've never seen anything like that either!
I love wooden ships - grew up sailing, so you've peaked my interest on your background! I agree with you about the 20¢ fee. Just started making smaller items and the fee will outdo the product quickly... Great introduction! {:-Deb
It's nice to get to know you a bit better Natasha! I love your work:) I wish you good luck on your sales goals and hope you can accomplish them!
nice feature! The knoted earrings are cute. I like how you find running meditative. If I did then I might actually run more often.
great to learn more about Natasha and her work! Her knotwork jewelry is unique and lovely!
Natasha's work is absolutely superb,nice jewellry and lots of other amazing items.
Informal Sports News
@Natasha
people over here prefer paying with a cash card or in actual cash!
10-12 years ago a credit card was unheard of!
I love the nautical theme in your shop. I've never seen earrings like yours anywhere--they are really cute!
That's so lovely!
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