Interview with Etsy's GrowingUpWild

Kelly of GrowingUpWild on Etsy creates lovely organic clothing and shoes for babies, as well as gorgeous pieces of pottery. Here she tells us more about her unique creations.

Tell me a bit about yourself and your Etsy shop.

I am a work at home mom with a beautiful baby boy. My Growing Up Wild Etsy shop is full of my organic and original clothing and shoes for babies. I don't sell anything that I wouldn't proudly put on my own son or nieces. The comfort and safety of babies and the future of our planet are my number one priority. However, that doesn't mean that little ones can't look adorable in the process! I have a second Etsy shop where I sell my handmade pottery at Engel Pottery. The wheel has been a love of mine for nearly a decade. It used to be my break from my career as an elementary school teacher. Now, it is how I help to support my family while being with my son full time. I have a wonderfully supportive husband who allows me the space and time to create when he is not working as an elementary school counselor.

What inspires you to create?

I am most inspired by nature. We spend the bulk of our family time outdoors camping, hiking, and skiing. I am in awe of the rich variety, textures, and hues that nature has to offer.

Describe your creative process.

I often awaken from a dream with an idea. Although I often pay for it the next day, I can't go back to sleep until I get up and try to create what I just envisioned. Sometimes I begin with a sketch; other times, I just go at it. I rework pieces over and over again until I have them just the way I want.

What are some of your own favorite creations?

My favorite piece of pottery is from a Raku fire. I glazed the piece in dolphin and after the burning straw was gone it wound up looking like a world map on the side of my pot. My current favorite baby creation is this little camper organic clothing set.

How do you want your craft and business to evolve?

I create pieces that I love and I hope that never changes. I approach each item in my shop as a one and only work of art. I hope these pieces can find their way into the hands of others who will love them too!

What or who influences you as an artisan?

I have always been amazed by painters. I have too many favorites to list but I think that painting is a fascinating medium.

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

I think that people who seek out my Growing Up Wild shop are looking for organic and eco-friendly ways to let their baby's personality shine through. There is something special about a piece that was handmade just for your own little lovebug. People that seek out my Engel Pottery shop are looking for custom but affordable ceramics.

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

I have joined amazing teams on Etsy that provide friendship, inspiration, and support. My SAHM of Etsy and Eco Etsy teams have been amazingly helpful.

What advice would you give to other artisans?

Create what you love! I think that people can tell if you are putting your heart and soul into what you do.

Where can your creations be found?

www.growingupwild.etsy.com and www.engelpottery.etsy.com.

Enjoy and support Kelly and her wonderful creations, as well as all of the other incredible crafters on Etsy.

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.