Featured Etsy Seller: Space Oddities

Who are you? Where are your roots?
I've lived in Wisconsin all of my life and currently call Madison my home. My husband and I moved here shortly after we got married because it's the only place in WI that he is willing to live. No kidding. It's a great creative community! And there are so many fun things to keep our 2 kids busy. I think we'll stick around awhile.

What were you like in High School?
I found reasons to miss as many classes as possible. I was editor of my school newspaper. I was very into punk rock and went to shows all the time. I wrote/cast/directed a very punk rock play that won a one act play contest. I loathed gym class and loved to hide out in the darkroom.

What would you consider your muse?
I love pretty papers and interesting text, especially if it's vintage. It's really hard for me to throw anything away. I have bags and boxes and piles of paper scraps everywhere because I know that eventually it will be perfect for one project or another. I also really love making valentines. Seriously, I could make them all day.

What is your favorite medium, and why?
Paper! I love paper craft. I love to cut and paste and rip and tear. My gift bags are entirely handmade from old newspapers, gift wrap, or manga comics. My wax paper greeting cards incorporate all kinds of paper scraps, sometimes including fortune cookie fortunes, drink umbrellas, vintage valentines, and text and images from old magazines. In my house, every bit of paper finds a way to be rediscovered.

Tell me about your artwork, what kind of style are you?
A little bit vintage, a little bit rock n roll. My style is honestly quite random. I usually start with an inspiring piece of paper or an image that I love and go from there. I try not to go too wild because I really feel that simplicity is important. I often find myself asking my husband "is this too much?"

Who do you think your top market is?
I think that some of my work appeals to a younger crowd but most of it is fun for everyone. My cards are unique and are all quite different, so I think those have a wide appeal.

Who is your most favorite and least favorite celebrity?
Conan O' Brian is my favourite. I have a lot of least favourites - but I'll go with Britney Spears

Do you listen to music while you create? If so, which, and who is your favorite?
When I'm creating stuff, it is almost always after
my kids are in bed at night and I am almost always sharing my space with my husband. So half of the time I am listening to some sort of audio version of Lord of the Rings or maybe Art Bell (my husbands choice) and when it's my choice it's usually something like The Smoking Popes, Johnny Cash or Jets to Brazil these days. I also like silence. It's a nice change after my wild days.

Other than creating art - what is your favorite hobby?
With a 2 year old and a 4 month old, there's not time for much these days. When I can steal a moment, I love browsing through used bookstores, collecting LPs, cooking fun new recipes and of course shopping on Etsy.

What do you believe is essential for an etsy seller?
Passion and patience. A banner that represents your shop well won't hurt, either.

Thanks for reading the interview, be sure to check out her shop!

Thanks
Abbie