Monday, February 11, 2013

Artisan Spotlight - Stalking the Wild Snark

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

12 comments:

Memories for Life said...

You have such a unique shop Natasha...love all your cool creations!

Duni said...

So wonderful to read/learn more about you Natasha!
I greatly admire your work, especially the knotwork earrings! I am anti-debt too!

Natashalh said...

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.

Paige @ Little Nostalgia said...

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!

storybeader said...

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

Anonymous said...

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!

Eyelah said...

nice feature! The knoted earrings are cute. I like how you find running meditative. If I did then I might actually run more often.

Splendid Little Stars said...

great to learn more about Natasha and her work! Her knotwork jewelry is unique and lovely!

Unknown said...

Natasha's work is absolutely superb,nice jewellry and lots of other amazing items.
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Duni said...

@Natasha
people over here prefer paying with a cash card or in actual cash!
10-12 years ago a credit card was unheard of!

Judy Nolan said...

I love the nautical theme in your shop. I've never seen earrings like yours anywhere--they are really cute!

Eatlovemerry said...

That's so lovely!