I always ask people what inspires them to craft, but today I have to say that Kathryn has inspired me. Reading through your entry, and the way you’ve used crafting through your recovery, is a reminder to us all of how wonderful of an outlet our crafts can be. Thank you so much for sharing your story, and inspiring others to follow in your footsteps to recovery. All the best!
Kathryn Chapman
Random Facts About You?Anorexic gone Bulimic gone college student gone broke - was in treatment from August to October 2010 & much better now.
I love crafts of all types - sewing, knitting, crocheting, painting, writing, breathing, making soaps, cooking...and the list goes on!
My biggest goal in life right now is to join the Peace Corps; I am so in love with the idea of helping those who need and want help.
Baby carrots? I love baby carrots!
What got you started crafting?
When I was about 10, my father presented me with my great grandmother's White Rotary sewing machine, that looks a lot like this: fiberarts.typepad.com/fiber_arts_furry_critters/images/domesticclose.jpg. A lady at my church taught me how to navigate it, but other than that I am completely self-taught.
This lovely old gem has one stitch going: the straight stitch. Very basic, but very beautiful and strong. After a few years, one of the belts gave out and my mom gave me an old 1980s Singer. I wasnt' crazy about it as it malfunctioned a lot, and it eventually stopped working all together. In December of 2009, I bought my lovely brand new Singer. We are best friends and spend lots of time together.
I started at a young age making outfits for my American Girl Dolls and pillows, and over time moved onto bigger things. Right now, I am all about making purses.
I find that, after all of the eating disorder treatment, crafting is very therapeutic; it works as a distraction while keeping me happy and occupied.
What is your source of inspiration?
The world. Every time I am suddenly inspired, it's because I see something beautiful. Something like a coffee cup design can set me rolling, and I rarely go fabric shopping with an idea in mind. I run all around the store and collect ideas. I don't just make plain bags, I really spend a lot of time embellishing them and turning what is in my mind into a purse. I love the instant gratification that comes with looking down and seeing something so beautiful that I made with my own hands and mind.
What have you made recently?
I recently made a tote that had been floating in my mind for quite some time. It incorporates real pressed rose petals, and I was tickled pink with I realized this idea is possible.
I work at a banquet hall and a few months ago we hosted a big Greek wedding, which used roses a lot in its decor. I told all of the other servers to save them for me, and I went home with a lovely bundle. I made rose petal beads for me and my boyfriend, and pressed the rest.
While browsing my favorite fabric store I cam across iron on vinyl and was instantly on fire with this idea in my head.
When I got home I tested a few petals on fabric with it and the results were splendid! I immediately began this purse. I ironed on vinyl over the rose petals onto a piece of fabric that I incorporated into the purse. You can see it here: http://www.etsy.com/listing/65938522/pink-floral-victorianesque-tote
By the end I was SO happy to see REAL rose petals in a purse.
Also, ironing vinyl over rose petals put me in aroma heaven.
Where do you sell your crafts presently?
I have a shop on Etsy.com, and I have yet to make a sale there. Out of Etsy, I sell to friends and locals. I always carry one of my bags with me and leave business cards all around town.
I sell mine at a price which gives me some profit, not not a whole lot. I love making art and seeing it advertised in public. :)
Why are handmade crafts important to you?
I love handmade products, and I know others appreciate them as well. I love buying things for people knowing that hard work and care went into making that single product. It brings forth, to me, a much more personal connection to the item. I put a lot of time and thought and love into my purses, and I am so excited to see others enjoy them!
I have a special place in my heart for OOAK items.
Find Me
LocationNortheast Ohio
Email Address
Kathryn Chapman
Personal Website
http://www.KtheQuaint.blogspot.com
Store Website
http://www.etsy.com/shop/KtheQuaint
http://www.facebook.com/kathryn.chapman1
