We head to St Albans to meet Arty Kitkat who loves all things arty and crafty!
Featured Member Interview
How did you find CO+K and why did you join?
I came across the site via Flickr. Someone had posted a pic of a bangle made from an old toothbrush with a link to the tutorial on CO&K. I checked out the tutorial and signed up to be a member shortly after. From then I was hooked :)
What projects are you currently working on?
I've got a big painting on the go at the moment which really needs finishing. It's of a lady standing in the middle of a forest summoning the bats of the forest. Along with cats bats are one of my favourite animals and I have a huge collection of bats dotted around our home so it's a bit odd that they've never made it into any of my painting before. I'm also working on some Christmas pressies for family and some new items for my shops.
Stats
- Joined
- April 13, 2009
- Location
- St Albans, England, United Kingdom
- Projects
- 57
- Featured Projects
- 1
- Favorited
- 301 times
What does your craft space look like?
My craft space is a little chaotic and messy as I always have several projects on the go at once. I also work from home quite a bit so my craft space is also my workspace for when I'm doing work on my website or client paperwork and this thankfully means I keep it fairly clear otherwise it would probably be covered in beads and bits of wire.
Which tool or craft supply do you use the most?
This would probably be a toss up between my pencils, paintbrush and pliers. I probably use my pliers and pencil everyday. I paint less often and tend to work in bursts, so I may go weeks without doing anything and then work for hours on a painting when I'm feeling inspired.
What do you craft along to?
I love goth and industrial music and recently I've been listening to a lot of Nine Inch Nails and Sisters of Mercy. I also love Strictly Come Dancing so I like working to that. I also listen to quite a lot of podcasts and audiobooks. My favourites are David Mitchells Soapbox rants, Sherlock Holmes and podcasts by Todd Henry at The Accidential Creative.
Kat's Most Popular Projects
Favorite Craft
I love crocheting, needle felting, painting and making jewellery and jewellery making is probably the craft I do the most. I love working with beads and love to recycle so I've always got a stock of broken jewellery that needs dismantling. My favourite items to make are gifts for friends and family.
Kat's Top Crafts
If you could learn one new craft or make anything, what would it be?
I'd love to have a go at making some resin jewellery as that looks fun. I'd also like to try making some more ambitious crochet items. I tend to stick with small things and nothing too fiddly. I'd also like to get better at dress making. I used to make loads of my clothes when I was younger and have made a lot of my nightwear and an infinity dress and would like to try making some more.
Who are your crafting heroes?
I love the art and crocheted hats made by Rachael from Talk2Trees. Both my boyfriend and I own one of her hat so I was delighted when you featured her here as one of your crafty superstars. I also love the art work of madoldcatlady (http://www.madoldcatlady.com/) - I'm a bit of a crazy cat lady myself so her art always makes me smile. I'm also a big Tim Burton fan and find his films and art really inspiring. I love anything a bit dark and quirky. Finally, a little cheesy but probably my biggest crafting hero is my boyfriend. He works part time as potter/ceramic artist and I feel so lucky to have met someone so in tune with me and who loves creating as much as I do (www.patrickjoyce.co.uk).
Arty Kitkat's Favorite Projects
Crochet Safety Cone - I fell in love with this little fella a while back and love Alicias creations :) I had a go at making my own and although he came out a bit wonky I still having on my craft desk and he's one of the first things I ever crocheted. Hanging Kittycat Scarf - I love this kitty scarf and must get round to making myself one. I love cats so it would go well with my lolcat hat Kiddo made me in one of the swaps. Skeleton Shoes - I also love these shoes and need to get round to making some for myself.
And finally...
Make sure to follow Kat to keep up to date!