Hi! My name is Kati and I live in Saint John, the port city of New Brunswick. I am 32 years old, live with my boyfriend and our chocolate lab, Clutch. He is our world! I work for an insurance company full time but love creating polymer clay earrings in my spare time. It started out as a hobby and the rest is history!
When did you get started? I started about a month and a half ago! I have learned so much already and have improved with every pair I make.
How did you get started? I was seeing how popular they were in New Brunswick and thought I would give it a try! I was instantly obsessed with making earrings with clay. It is super therapeutic and helps me relax! I have a knack for crafty stuff so it was right up my alley.
Do you offer shipping? Yes, I offer shipping within Canada and US for $2 Canadian flat rate
What does being a Maker mean to you?
Being a maker means bringing happiness to others. I find so much joy in other people's joy. It helps me stay focused and helps me with my anxiety that I, unfortunately, struggle with.
What motivates you to create?
All of my fans, family, and friends. The support I have is truly amazing.
How have you developed your skills? I am continually searching different techniques, trends and watching videos on how-to’s. I ensure I am trying new things each day so I don’t lose the magic touch!
Where are you from and how does that influence your work? I am from Saint John NB born and raised. It is a small town but polymer clay earrings are a huge hit right now in the maritime. Supply and demand!
How have your life experiences shaped your art? I was always a very creative person. I always took extra art classes, skipped a few levels when it came to art in school, and just had a natural talent. I use to draw and paint and prior to making earrings, I would paint rocks and hide them around the city so people could also enjoy my passion.
How has the pandemic impacted your creativity? It has actually given me more time to focus on my side gig. I am home more now and have made my own space for crafting. I enjoy my evenings in that room with the music on and just creating!
How do you apply your creativity to other aspects of your life? It helps with my self-esteem and self-confidence. Once I have completed a pair of earrings I put them in and imagine what outfit I could wear them with. They make any look 10 times better. It adds that oomph and makes me feel great that others can enjoy them too.
What themes do you pursue in your work?
I like anything other than cartoon-looking stuff. I am more of a simple but elegant type of chick. You may find some cutesy stuff on my page as well.
What is your favorite thing you've created and why? I would have to say my favorite thing I have created so far would have to be my knitted heart studs. They have been a huge hit!
Tell us about your first sale My first sale was so unexpected! I had made a pair for myself and a friend saw them and asked if I could make them a pair. They gave me extra money for luck on my small business and I have had over 50 sales in a month and a half.
What is your dream project? My dream project is to make a great collection and name it after the important people in my life.
Do you accept commissions? Not at this time, I do not make custom earrings, but release a style for everyone to choose from.
Describe your creative process
I ensure I have checked out Pinterest and IG for some inspiration. If an idea comes to me, I go straight to the craft room!
Describe your latest project My latest project has been hoop clay earrings! They were so fun to make and so cute.
How do you know when you've finished a project? Once I have placed it up to my ear and say, would I wear this?! Or is there anyone I know who would enjoy this. If it feels good to me I place it on my card and put it on IG.
What are your long-term goals? To make people feel good while wearing my earrings. I will continue to keep this as a side gig for now!
What steps are you taking to ensure your growth as a maker? I am ensuring I am always on social media, engaging with my followers, and ensuring I share what is happening
What inspires you? My family inspires me every day to do better. They are my rock and thing everything I make is beautiful. They are my biggest fans.