Featured Etsy Shop: Paper Kite Creations

I’m back with Wednesday featured artists! Today you can meet Shalane from Paper Kite Creations on Etsy! She makes the most beautiful (and completely unique) jewelry! Seriously, how crazy gorgeous is that necklace above?! Check out our interview below and see how you can get free shipping in her shop just for being a Katie Crafts reader!

Tell us a little about yourself…

I’m originally from Canada, but upon doing some travelling I came to New Zealand, fell in love with it and haven’t left since. I am now based out of Wellington and work full time in the disability sector. I love what I do, but as time has gone on I have begun to realize just how much I truly love being creative. I opened up my Etsy Shop a year ago and have spent that time pushing myself up the learning curve of creating a small business that might be viable enough for me to quit my day job.

What do you love about your craft?

I love that I create one of a kind pieces – it helps me to keep things fresh and interesting. I tend to get bored easy, so the idea that I could create each piece differently from the previous means I get to keep the creative wheels turning while using each piece’s uniqueness to represent the individuality of women worldwide. 

What item was your favorite to make so far?

I definitely have a few. I suppose any of my statement necklaces are faves just because they took me a lot more time and I tended to be exploring different techniques in my work. The beaded circle necklace (in top photo) is one I am particularly proud of and intend to make some future pieces with a similar style of beadwork to create a bit of a collection.

Where do you find your creative inspiration?

Everywhere really. Pinterest is a great resource in a pinch, but overall my inspiration comes from colours in nature, music on the radio, food I eat, magazines, photos, a feeling I have. I tend to pick something that catches my eye and then I roll around the idea in my head until it becomes my own and I know what I need to make.

How did you decide to open your Etsy shop?

Coming from Canada, Etsy was always something I had heard about as it is quite popular there. When I decided to start getting serious about my jewellery, I knew I wanted to sell online as it worked best given I still have a full time job. It didn’t take very long to connect the dots back to Etsy.

Any advice for others who want to start their own Etsy shop, or who are looking to fulfill their passion for crafting?

Take it one step at a time. It’s not going to happen overnight and unless you have a background in business and marketing, there is a MASSIVE learning curve that goes with it. But it’s worth it – never back down from the quality or standard of craft you want to do. Also – never be afraid to ask for help – connecting with the Etsy community has been one of the best things I have ever done to support myself in getting better at how I do what I do.

If you’d like to learn more about Shalane and Paper Kite Creations, you should definitely follow her social media accounts!

Blog          ♥︎          Facebook          ♥︎          Pinterest          ♥︎          Twitter

Totally adore something in Paper Kite Creation’s shop? Of course you do! Here is your chance to get FREE SHIPPING on all orders over $50! Just enter the exclusive to Katie Crafts coupon code FR33SH1PP1NG upon checkout. Offer expires September 30, 2014!

Which piece of Shalane’s is your favorite? Tell us in the comments!