Interview with My Bearded Pigeon from Etsy

Here is an interview with Cath of My Bearded Pigeon, an Etsy shop featuring eco-friendly pillows for all people of the world:

Tell me a little bit about yourself and your Etsy shop.

My name is Cath , and my Etsy shop is called My Bearded Pigeon. I have combined my love of vintage with my love of organic textiles.

What inspires you to create?

I am inspired by other Etsy artists. I have no choice but to make things. When I get the itch, everything else falls by the wayside.

Describe your creative process.

There is lot of searching for vintage maps and then, sewing. Answering emails and packaging orders takes a lot of time, which I hadn't really expected. I have more ideas than time. Keeping up current stock levels is difficult at the moment, as I want to do some other things, too, but there is no time.

What are some of your own favorite creations?

My favorite creation of my own in an embroidered deer head I did that was a finalist in the Feel Stitchy Rainbow of Colors competition last year. It took me forever, but I still love it.

How do you want your craft and business to evolve?

I am not sure. I never really had a business plan. Obviously I would like to reduce my (other) work hours more. I am just starting to do wholesale now, so I will see where that goes.

What or who influences you as an artisan?

I am not sure who my influences are. I know what I like, but I am influenced, probably, by other bloggers .

What brings people to seek out your creations and what makes your work unique?

Lots of people buy the map cushions because they remind them of a special holiday - like a honeymoon or the place they met their love or the place they were born. Lots of people also buy them when they are living away from the country that is their home to hug to cure homesickness.

What choices have you made that helped your business the most?

To get myself out there. Self promotion is the key. No one is going to do it for you. I have learned you never know who is watching and reading, so it is always worthwhile.

What advice would you give to other artisans?

Do something unique and original and price accordingly. If you charge a price that you feel makes it worth doing you will be happy. It's not just making the product either; it's the photographing, listing , packaging, promoting, and marketing! That all take s a lot of time. People need to learn that handmade comes with a price. If you want inferior products made badly in sweat shops, they will be cheap. Handmade is not.

Where can your creations be found (on the web or in shops)?

Just on Etsy at the moment. I was also featured on the Etsy blog.

Enjoy all of Cath's lovely creations at My Bearded Pigeon on Etsy, as well as the many other inspiring artisans on the site.

You can also see my own jewelry creations in my Etsy shop, ideology, here, and you can read more articles about the many creative Etsy artisans here.