Meet Carolina, our Saturday Artisan this week. Come and explore her Etsy shop, Pikithins, a sweet little shop of jewelries and doll making.Tell us a bit about yourself and what arts/ crafts that you make?
I live in New York by a marina. My love for crafts started in Jr. High School, when I was obsessed with Japanese culture (still am). I enjoyed Japanese character design, crafts, and pocky cracker sticks. When I reached college, I decided to study illustration because of that interest. I also studied in poetry, so I write as well. I mainly create bracelets and dolls but have dabbled in illustration, printmaking, painting, card making, and costume design.
What is your best seller?
The Hollow Bead Bird Charm bracelet. It originally was a birthday gift for someone. I tailored it for this person specifically because I wanted to show that I cared. However, I never got to give it to them, so I decided to put it in the shop one day after it sat on my desk for awhile. I was really surprised as to how successful it became. This bracelet is a reminder of a person I don’t have contact with anymore. The bird tries to fly, but its purpose is hollow, unfulfilled. The name fits, doesn’t it?
What inspires you?Color. Color. Color! It dictates the style and materials used in creating a Pikithins’ bracelet. I like my bracelets and dolls to have strong character, and through color I can achieve a bold, stylish, and cute personality. The color of the seasons is a huge factor in the design of my bracelets as well.
How do you balance your personal and work life?
I am a workaholic! I get so caught up in ideas and craft supplies, I forget to have a social life sometimes. I have one or two off days of putting crafts aside so I can breathe a little. I don’t want my brain to burst! During that time, I write stories or try getting in contact with my friends. My favorite thing to do though is to ride the boat to the city and watch the sunset in the park.
Any advice for others running their on-line shop?
If you have a lull in sales, don’t take it as a sign that you’ve done something wrong. Take initiative and promote yourself through blogs, passing out business cards, and talking to people who have the same interests as you do. Also take the time to go outside and get inspired. There is always room for new ideas and time to relax before you take the plunge in running your business!
Anything else you would like to share?
You can reach me at these links and check out what I’m up to!
Blog: pikithins.blogspot.com/
Dream Blog:http://pikidreams.blogspot.com/
Shop: www.etsy.com/shop/Pikithins
Fanpage: www.facebook.com/Pikithins
Twitter: twitter.com/pikithins
Deviantart: pikithins.deviantart.com/
Stay-tuned for a new giveaway starting tomorrow!
I enjoy knowing that not only do you craft, but you write as well. Studying poetry seems so interesting! It must vary from country to country, of course, but I'm sure it must be great to delve in all those wonderful works. I wonder if it helped you develop a special kind of sensibility that you later apply to all sorts of crafts, beyond writing. :)
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