Fri 25 Jul 2008
www.plumuniqprettiesplus.etsy.com
Let’s start by telling us a little about yourself.
I will be 48 in August (08). I have two kids, Adam (21) and Tamara (8). They are my lights. I have a hubby, Rick. I enjoy reading, writing, playing the piano (keyboards, including accordion) and violin, and have since childhood. I am also a ventriloquist-have been since the age of 14 - of course crafts, sewing and PC is my favorite craft.
What challenges have you faced in your work?
The main challenge I have faced is myself! By that I mean my disabilities. I have fibromyalgia, spinal arthritis and bi-polar to name the worst. They truly interfere with everything, however, crafting is a great source of comfort and refuge for me, especially in times of bleakness. When I have too much pain, I just do my best until I can create again. Financially, things haven’t been easy, as it has been hard to get the supplies I needed to work with PC. Honestly, if it hadn’t been for a few terrific people on PCAGOE helping me out with some things, (and a cousin of mine), I’d have very little to work with except some clay that I purchased at Michael’s. Also, my hubby is not my best enthusiast, sad to say, but true. I craft around him, but he doesn’t always think it’s worth the effort I put into it. So that is a challenge also. But I have faith, and that’s what counts I think.
How has the internet impacted your art?
A lot! I mean, I now can look up various techniques once only available at a library or bookstore, or by word of mouth, or just experience! Plus, the ability to chat with others, as in PCAGOE, and learn from the more experienced clayers is a great blessing to me.
And of course, being able to sell online is a wonderful opportunity. Before we had craft shows or galleries and that’s not always the easiest way to sell. There is a world of people to see my our crafts. It’s a great experience, especially with Etsy, which I only discovered in February of this year!
What things do you know now, that you wish you knew from the beginning?
As far as within the medium itself, I have learned better techniques in lighting, photography, that I wish I had known then. I also wished I had known some better marketing techniques. I’ve learned various PC techniques, that I never even knew existed, that are so exciting to me! Many I have yet to try, and can’t wait - it will be so cool. Good advice for a beginner is to take time to learn these things.