Featuring ArtFire Shop - Unique by Karlee

I met UniquebyKarlee in the ArtFirePolymer Smooshers Guild. She not only creates with polymer clay, but also crochets and sews as well. When I first entered the shop of UniquebyKarlee, my eyes were immediately caught by several striking coffee cup cozies. I have been drinking a lot of tea lately due to cold and rainy weather, and these cup cozies would be ideal for someone (like me) who drinks warm/hot beverages. Then I poked around in her shop a little more, and found all kinds of different treasures. I had to find out a little more:

What is your favorite item in your shop?

I'll let you choose your favorite. I don't have some stuff listed yet, and I have some fairly neat stuff to list. :) I absolutely love it when I get to pick the fav, and since it has been terribly stormy for the last couple of weeks, I was immediately attracted to this Lightning Striking Coffee Cozy. But wait this gets even better!!! She is having a SALE right now 5 cozies for the price of 4! These would make excellent stocking stuffers at Christmas. I'm thinking gifts for the neighbors, office workers, and family; PLUS there is a great selection. You're sure to find one for everyone on your list, and if you click on this picture you can see all the different views of this cozy.

What inspires you to create?
Colors, textures, letting my mind wander. I don't really go looking for clay inspiration, I just start playing with the clay and let it happen. I've come up with some neat stuff this way, and other times some serious train wrecks.

And do you have any inspirational advice for other artists?
Sometimes thinking outside the box will get you that really great piece that you may not like, but someone else can't live without. You never know what a customer is going to look for, so unless it is REALLY bad, go ahead and make it then list it. It very well may the thing that puts you on the map.

Do you create in more than 1 medium?
Oh yes. I started my artfire shop by sewing. Clay is the latest addition. I've been sewing for most of my life, and quite often sew more things than I have room for. My husband, family, and friends suggested that I start selling my wares to free up space for new things, and for a little revenue.

If you could live anywhere in the world, where would you choose? And why?
Birmingham, Alabama. My best friend lives there with his family, and they are more like my extended family without actually being family. I visited him for a week a few years back, and fell in love with the area (and the magnolia trees).

What is your favorite food?

Schnitzel. I grew up on German cooking, and can't seem to get enough schnitzel.

Favorite animal?
My favorite animal has always been, and will always be, horses. I am lucky to own a horse, and if you ask her, she will tell you she is spoiled rotten.

Favorite color?

Chrome. LOL, just kidding. Blue, hands down. 90% of my horse equipment is blue, my purse is blue, seat covers in the car are blue, favorite coffee cup is blue...the list goes on.

Do you have a favorite quote you'd like to share?
“Life is not a journey to the grave with intentions of arriving safely in a pretty well-preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out and loudly proclaiming ... WOW! What a ride!” LOL! I love that :)

Other places UniquebyKarlee can be found:

UniquebyKarlee on ArtFire (I only sell on artfire)
UniquebyKarlee's website (All but one product on my website is linked to my artfire shop)

Unique by Karlee's blog

Also a member of the ArtFire Polymer Smooshers Guild

Thank you so much for taking the time to do this interview and giving us a laugh or two. Be sure to visit UniquebyKarlee and get some of those coffee cozies while they are still on sale.