Meet: Kirsty of Kirtsy Elson Designs
How long have you been making?
I started about 6 years ago, after I didn’t get a job as a postman! Now I am very grateful for that!! I just started making driftwood boat cards and taking them to galleries. They did really well and I began to get regular orders from all over the country. In the last 18 months I’ve expanded my product range alot.
What processes & techniques do you use in your work?
I love working with driftwood, but you’re kind of limited with this medium as sometimes there is none to be found! So I make fabric homewares/accessories to supplement the driftwood stuff. Recently I’ve had a couple of commissions for collages, which is how I worked when I did my illustration degree nearly 20 years ago. I don’t believe you need to stick to one process. Most of my products have a nautical feel: that’s what links everything together.
What are you inspired by?
That’s easy…the beach!
Do you have a workspace or studio? What is it like?
Only recently! I spent years working at the dining table, now I am lucky enough to have a room of my own and I love it! I can just shut the door on the mess – it saves me so much time, not having to constantly clear stuff away etc!
Where can people buy your work?
How do you promote your work?
I’ve just signed up to be in the ‘Not on the High Street’ Christmas catalogue, which was quite expensive, but it has a huge distribution, so hopefully it’ll be worth it. And writing a blog has been really worthwhile (www.sixtyonea.blogspot.com).
What goals do you have for the future?
I’ve just given up a part-time job at a bakery which meant a 5am start! I’m doing well enough with the business to do without it, which I am very thankful for! My youngest son has just started pre-school: as time goes on, I should be able to concentrate on the business more. Ultimately, I will be more than happy if I can continue creating at home and be self-employed for, like, ever!
What advice would you give to someone thinking about turning their craft/art into a business?
Ideally, you should have a unique product, confidence in that product and be passionate about what you do. If you want to do it badly enough, you will!
A few of your favourites (just for fun)…Colour red
Animal reindeer
Season Christmas! or failing that, spring.
Person My mum and dad – don’t make me choose between them!
Food: Mexican, Thai….chocolate?
Website: Sorry, can’t choose a website – far too many lovely ones to choose from!
Thanks for sharing a peek into your life and work Kirsty!
Kirsty also has a Facebook page – Make sure you ‘Like’ her page to keep up to date with the latest news and information. Kirsty has just ran Facebook giveaway and will be running another one soon – keep your eyes peeled!
This is my favourite folksy shop and I love her wonderful creations. I so want the beachhut she has in her shop at the moment, and the lovebirds and the ……..
Sam x
Good interview and loving your work Kirsty. Also, I work on a dining table so your interview has given me hope that one day I will have a room of my own!
Interesting how different life would have been if you'd become a postman!