I first came across Cloudberryskies looking for cute gifts for my children, and when I saw her adorable little felted ornaments, I just fell in love! Kick back and read to find out why.
What's your real name?
Denise Marshall
Where were you born & raised?
I was born in South London, brought up in Surrey.
Where are you now & what led you there?
I currently reside in Portsmouth. I’ve been here nearly 10 years, I came here to attend University, but when I met my boyfriend I decided to stay on after my course finished.
What types of creations do you sell in your Etsy shop(s)?
I started out on Etsy selling tote bags, but I’ve just discovered how much I love felt! I’ve spent the past few months experimenting with designs so I am branching out, I’ve just added some ornaments and brooches to my etsy shop.
What's your educational background, as it relates to your work?
I have a degree in Illustration.
What age and How'd you get started creating?
I’ve been interested in art as long as I can remember, I was always drawing or making something as a child. It was originally my ambition to go into children’s book illustration, but during University I realized that I would probably end up having to go in Graphic design to make regular money and that world is too competitive and restrictive for me (also I’m not too keen on computers). I knew I wanted to be creative but didn’t really know what I wanted to do so I became a bookseller, bought myself a sewing machine and started off by making presents for friends and family. After a while, a couple of friends from work suggested that I should open an Etsy shop and I did, I find sewing so relaxing it doesn’t ever feel like work.
What's your muse, or what turns that little creative light inside you on?
My inspiration can come from anywhere or anything and at anytime. My biggest problem is that I have so many ideas that I never get round to creating most of them.
Where do you create? Do you have a whole studio, a room, a closet space?
I have a great space for my sewing machine in the corner of my bedroom but I can normally be found on the sofa, sewing in front of the TV.
Do you belong to any Street Teams? If so, which ones and why? If not, why not?
I get told off all the time by my fellow Etsians as I don’t belong to any Street Teams (yet) but I’ll get round to it. I’m not very good at promoting myself I just feel that I want to get on with making side of things.
Do you feel there are limitations or barriers when selling Internationally?
The only thing I find a problem is pricing my items in dollars especially with the ever changing conversion rates.
Where else(if any)do you sell your work?
I can also be found on Folksy (a sort of British Etsy)
What's your favorite thing about selling on Etsy?
It may seem like a cliché but I love the feeling of community that Etsy has. I am naturally quite a shy person so it gives me the chance to communicate with likeminded people from all over the world.
Recommend your five favorite shops on Etsy.
This is a tough one. My favourites at the moment are –
Ahpeele and BRANDED – I’m a big fan (and repeat customer) of both of these shops. They sell fabulous screenprinted t-shirts.
coldtoes – Absolutely gorgeous illustrations.
bigbluebed - Cute little gifts - including the almost forgotten English craft of Dorset buttons.
Paperandstring – Uber cute felt gifts and supplies.
Show us pictures of your three favorite items from your own shop.
Thanks again,
Denise
Thank you Denise for sharing your adorable felt ornaments with us! I think I need the Olive Felt Ornament for my rear-view mirror:)
~Amber aka Blue Scarab
A great feature on a talented etsyian (and friend). And a big thank you to Denise for mentioning me!
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