Thursday, June 12, 2008
A mad hatter's Pottery
Truly, her works are exquisite.
Mad Hatter’s Pottery
Website: http://madhatterspottery.etsy.com
Blog: What’s a Blog? JK….
Products: Artisan soy candles in handmade pottery
Country/Location: Divide our time between Jupiter, FL and Blowing Rock, NC, USA
Can you tell us something about yourself?
I have spent most of my life with my head up in the clouds. A self-evowed right-brainer, I would rather be creating than doing something “responsibly productive” (read: making money). Was a corporate girl for too long. It was eating away at my soul. Now, I am in a place that allows me to create and be true to myself.
What are your goals for your crafting?
Hmmmm…to sell something!
Where do you find the inspiration for your designs?
Throwing pottery is therapy. To feel the cool clay beneath my fingers and be able to create something useful from it still amazes me. I love to go to “work.” And I am inspired by certain scents. I still remember the smell of Ivory soap in my grandmother’s house. Certain scents that I use in my candles spark such memories. The Sun and Sand one reminds me of long days at the beach when I was a teenager. Ah, those were the days!
Describe your daily routine.
Get up, coffee, coffee (did I say coffee?), check email, my Etsy site, forums, work out (sometimes), then get to “work.” Every day is something new. Either I am throwing, glazing, firing, pouring candles, photographing. I am never bored doing the same thing over and over.
How long have you been crafting?
Since I was little. I was born an artist, as some people are born singers, musicians, etc. I think it is very genetic. I come from a family of artists.
Are you a full time or part time crafter?
Depends on the day!
What made you decide to focus on your crafting and make it a business?
I had to do something with all the pottery around the house! I started making teapots and I am not even a tea drinker! Then someone gave me the most luscious soy candle as a gift and, voila! Lightbulb moment! I could make my pottery into candles and enjoy two things at once. And it occurred to me that no one else seemed to be doing it.
How do you market or promote your items and where can we see it?
I am not good with promotion. I have a booth at the Shoppes at Farmers Hardware in Boone, NC. And my shop on Etsy. I try to show my face on the forums, have a Flickr account, have my own website. Next season, I will be at the local greenmarket. In this economic environment, I am not dismayed by sales being down. Let’s face it, most people are just trying to put gas in the tank and keep food on the table. I am looking forward to the holidays, though! I have a product that is great for gift giving!
What can you say about your choice of work?
Pottery, today, painting tomorrow. I wrote a book last summer. If I am creating, it is all good.
What can you tell your other fellow crafters?
Have fun! It’s not the destination but the journey. Okay, overused saying, but still so true. If you are not having fun, then it is just another “job.”
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