Feature Friday! - FraidyCatCreations

It's the first installment to my Feature Fridays and I'm VERY excited about it! My first fellow etsian that I'm featuring is Pat @ FraidyCatCreations! Pat was kind enough to answer some questions I had for her, so why don't you all sit back, relax, and meet Pat! All pictures of products are linked right to their listings on etsy! So click away kids for item details! :)


1. Let us know a bit about yourself...

I'm a 73 year old retired Administrative Secretary. I worked many years at Exxon-Mobil in New York, and later at Riverview Medical Center in Redbank NJ. My husband and I currently live on the Jersey Shore. I am the only woman I know in my age group who isn't afraid of computers, but I firmly believe you can do anything if you put your mind to it!


2. When did you start crafting? What/who inspired you to become an artist? Do you do any different crafts then just what you sell on etsy?

I started getting interested in sewing when I was 14, and from then on, I sewed all my outfits for school and work. I liked drawing at an early age, but didn't find the time to paint (my first love) until I was in my 30's. My favourite artists are: Eric Sloan, Andrew Wyeth and Edward Hopper. I just loved all those landscapes! My painting style evolved into Impressionist and my landscapes looked similar to Monet's (although I'm not as great as he was!). Over the years, I've tried my hand at stained glass, crochet, needlepoint, nature photography (my second love), fashion design, writing children stories, and now jewellery making.



3. What was your sole purpose of opening your shop?

I started working with polymer clay and then crystals, glass beads, and sterling silver. I made so many pieces of jewellery that I ran out of friends and relatives to give them to! I first tried selling on Ebay, but with little success. Then a friend told me about Etsy. It sounded like a great place to sell my jewellery and other crafts, and hopefully, make a profit!



4. How did you decide on your shop name?

I named my Etsy shop after an adorable black and white cat I had for 13 years, Fraidy Cat. When she passed away, my husband and I were broken hearted. When I had to come up with a name for my business, she was the first thought that came to mind. Thus "FraidyCatCreations" was born.



5. What is your favourite item to create, and why?

I derive great satisfaction from painting. I guess my favourite item would be my oil paintings of whimsical cats. I like to get inside a kitty's head and think like they would, hence my whimsical cat series.


6. What venues do you use to promote your work?

I've recently started a Facebook Fan Page and a Blogspot to help promote my shop and make new friends in the craft world!


7. Where do you see yourself in 5 years concerning your crafting business?

I will be satisfied in the coming years to be able to continue making jewellery and painting, and hopefully offer pretty jewellery at reasonable prices for the woman on a strict budget! (Especially in today's economy!)


8. Is there any other information you'd like to share with us?

Advice to Newbies: Jump right in and find a place on the Internet like Etsy! It requires a lot of computer work, but be determined and you'll learn everything you need to know to get your shop out there.


9. Name a few of your favourite things!

Cats, dogs, big jungle cats, wolves and foxes. Listening to classical music while I work. Going to Art Galleries. Taking close up pictures of flowers. Spending time outdoors with nature!



10. If you had a super power, what would it be, and why?

I'd like to turn back the hands of time so I could have many more years to create!


I hope everyone enjoyed this feature! I love getting to know the person behind the crafts! Again, all pictures are linked to their listings on Etsy, and if you find the time, head on over to Pats blog or facebook and become fans, and help this wonderful lady out by getting her shop out there!