Feature Friday - Karilan Designs

It's a late feature today, I apologize! I got busy with my skirt tutorial and had a crazy mishap...more to come! But first! We have a feature on a good Etsy friend of mine, and new owner of the first Mini Ruby 'Roo (custom made just for her!), Karilan from Karilan Designs. Her designs incorporate the dream catcher theme into many different pendants, earrings and necklaces. She also makes journals and notepads. You can find out more on her blog, A Dreamer's Destination. I absolutely LOVE her skeleton key pendants...I've collected keys since I was little, though my collection is pretty small. Anyhoo, let's get to know Karilan!

1. How did you get into crafting?

Ever since I was little, I was encouraged to be creative. I explored many different crafts but began making my own jewelry a few years ago.

2. How did your Etsy shop come to be?

One day I helped my sister make a miniature version of a dream catcher to give as a gift. It turned out so well, some friends suggested that I start selling them. I was having a tough time financially and decided to take a chance. My family pooled together about $100 for my birthday and I used the money to buy supplies and set some aside to cover fees, and my Etsy shop was born!

3. What is your favorite part about being creative?

I guess you could say I have a strange sense of style, and I often can't find things that really express me. Creating items myself is the best way to capture my own personality.

4. Are you a full time crafter or do you have a "day job?"

Right now, I'm a full time crafter, but I'm seeking employment. I've also been working on a series of novels, so I have a lot going on.

5. If someone were to buy you a birthday gift on Etsy, what 3 words would they use in their search?

Are you hinting at something? Hmm, I'd have to say "steampunk", "victorian" and because I'm a loyal sap to a great group of friends, "ignored".

6. How do you create your designs?

With a tiny needle and a lot of patience! I have a sketchbook full of ideas that I try to keep up with, but sometimes when I go shopping for one little thing, I come home with materials for 3 more designs.

7. What's in your Soundtrack to Sewing?

Tough question!! I love songs that can just carry me away. Lately I've been listening to a lot of Placebo and The Fray.

8. Favorite spots for inspiration?

I meditate while I weave, so I often sit at my craft table, in front of my altar, or downstairs in the backdoor. As long as I'm sitting in daylight, I'm serene.

9. Who inspires you?

My sister is a crafter too and she often gives me more ideas than I can afford. My boyfriend is very supportive and is a great person to bounce ideas off of.

10. If you had to choose one item in your shop as a signature piece, what would it be and why?

I suppose I can't choose the dream catcher in general...my butterfly shaped dream catcher necklace has become a recognizable piece for people and I really hope to offer it in more colors, but it's difficult to get that shape.

A big thanks to Karilan for answering the questions so we can get to her better. Definitely head over to her shop for beautiful and unique gifts! And you know, if anyone is wondering what I would want...look no further than the top of this post! ;)

In other news, I started on my tiered skirt tonight! It is looking awesome, and even though it is kinda complicated, it's also simple, in a sense. Unfortunately, I took a ton of pictures for my tutorial and in my haste, I failed to realize that my measurements were off...and it is just a little too small. So, what I'm thinking of doing is adding a super ruffly side panel...I thought it would be kinda edgy and feminine, and I wouldn't have to scrap all my hard work. Because if I did, it would not worth the back pain I have right now. :)

More to come on the skirt soon! Have a great weekend!