We’re just more than one week out from Maker Faire Bay Area, and things are really gearing up for a fantastic weekend. As a special countdown to Maker Faire, we’ll be profiling some of the awesome folks who will be at Bazaar Bizarre at Maker Faire. Even if you aren’t able to be at Maker Faire, you don’t want to miss out on the work of these fantastic vendors. Today we introduce you to Katy Kristin.
Tell us about what you’ll be showcasing at Maker Faire/Bazaar Bizarre:
I’ll be making a whole bunch of different things! Plush toys and dolls, like hedgehogs, gnomes, Bigfoots, and more. My wool felt and suede lariat necklaces, all botanically inspired (poppies, roses, dandelions, acorns…). Necklaces and earrings featuring glass mushrooms, wooden animals, and fairytale charms. Handmade and hand-embellished tops with my individually drawn treehouses, hedgehogs, and other illustrations. Also, kits, art, and baby items.
How did you get started hand crafting your goods?
Probably like most of us craft artists, I started making things as a child. I went to art school, got jobs doing movie special effects and other art department stuff, and would still always find myself making jewelry and toys and other things for fun. Eventually, I realized I enjoyed illustration and craft-making the most, so I started doing fairs and selling things I made in stores and online. I’m still working hard on new things and on getting my goods out there.
What are your main sources of inspiration?
I love collecting things and I have so many collections, there’s no way I can list them all.
But here’s some themes I love that inspire both my collections and my art/craft (in no particular order):
Alpine things, especially the Matterhorn; Bigfoot and Yeti and the Loch Ness Monster; gnomes; hedgehogs (my favorite animal since forever); other woodland creatures; nature hikes; Pippi Longstocking; fairytales like Red Riding Hood and Alice in Wonderland; vintage and antique children’s books, especially their illustrations; old toys and dolls; traveling as much as possible; treehouses and other little hideaways.
What new idea (in or outside of your field) has excited you most recently?
Well, it’s not exactly a new idea, but I’ll be going on a trip to a place that’s mostly new to me! In June, I’m traveling to Great Britain, and I’m extremely excited to see lots of things, but especially: the world’s oldest treehouse (built in the 1600s); the Gnome Reserve and Wildflower Garden (over 1000 gnomes); the Jacobite Steam Train in Scotland (Hogwart’s Express, yes, I’m a nerd); and Loch Ness!!!
What is your motto?
Be as kind as possible all the time and always do my very best in every task.
Katy Kristin’s Links:
Website: www.katykristin.com
Blog: Skooky Jack
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