My first victim is Kerry Wilkinson who runs PennyDog and creates lovely hand made jewellery using resin. I first came across her work on Folksy and recently asked her whether she would answer my 20 questions and she said yes, so here goes… isn’t her doggy lovely!!!
1. What is the name of your business and how did the name come about?
PennyDog came about when I adopted a greyhound – Penny – and I wanted to donate money through my craft to re-homing more of these ex-racers by donating to the Retired Greyhound Trust. I now have another greyhound- Fletcher, but somehow FletcherDog doesn’t quite work!
2. Tell me a little about your business – what is it that you make and sell and where are you based?
I make jewellery, home-wares, knitting needles and all sorts really using resin, and I’m based in rural(ish) Leicestershire in a listed farmhouse.
3. What inspired you to start your business?
I’ve always made things. My first craft fair was when I was 12 selling bead woven jewellery. I booked the table myself and everything, with my younger sister as my assistant. I think my Dad enjoyed having the house to himself that day, though it chucked it down and we barely sold anything! I’ve always been quite entrepreneurial, selling jewellery to teachers at school even! It was just second nature to me.
4. How long does it usually take for you to complete a piece?
I have to cast on one day which only takes a few minutes once the design is decided, then at least two days later it needs sanding and finishing which can take anywhere from 10 minutes to an hour for a bigger or more complicated (or more stubborn!) piece.
5. Where do you work and can I get a photograph of your studio/work space for the blog?
I’m pretty posh and have a huge room all to myself to prevent polluting the rest of my house…
It’s ideal for holding workshops in, and I will even have an attached gallery when I open Rothley Craft Farm soon. I know I’m very lucky to have got such a fantastic deal on my house though.
6. What would be your dream project?
I have planned making a cast resin guitar for quite a while. I’m not sure if it will be a little too heavy though, but my other half made a steam-powered guitar with copper piping and valves, etc so I guess it wouldn’t be so bad, it could be a decoration if nothing else. I’ve been putting it aside though because making the mould would cost at least £100 just in silicone, and another £25 for the resin to fill it.
7. What is the most challenging piece you’ve ever made?
I’ve not made anything too scary, but I have made a paperweight with an intact dandelion seed-head inside which baffles people all the time!
8. What is your favourite thing to do when you are not crafting/working?
Watching stand-up shows and chilling out with my dogs, partner and a glass of wine. I don’t get a lot of free time as I work in marketing full time too. Penny is actually sat next to me now willing me to take her for the last walk of the night.
9. Who are some of your favourite crafters/artists/designers?
I love the work of Jane Moore. She’s an enameller but her style is exactly my taste and I can see her influence a little in my fabric pendants. Resin-wise I like the uniqueness of Serena Kuhl‘s work.
10. What inspires you / where do you get your inspiration when you are designing/creating your products?
Everything from finding something on the ground, or an old shirt only fit for the bin. I usually see the potential in materials that I see rather than seek out specific things, I’m quite impulsive.
11. What are your favourite blogs and what online site do you visit a lot?
Crafteroo crafts forum is a place I visit several times a day. My favourite blogs are:
http://artmind-etcetera.blogspot.com/
http://artistsinbusiness.blogspot.com/
12. Where do you source your materials/supplies?
Often they are other crafter’s scraps, but my favourite resin supplier is East Coast Fibreglass Supplies and PJ Beads stock most of my staple findings.
13. How do you balance your day job [if you have one] and your crafting enterprise?
Unbelievably well if I’m honest. My typical day is to get up as close to 6am as I can manage. I leave for work just after 8am so it gives me a couple of hours to pack orders, do some casting and get dressed, eat breakfast, etc. This is also when I sneak in some housework. I then work well into the evening when there are big orders, but I plan to cut my time down to 4 days a week in the new year, especially if Rothley Craft Farm takes off.
14. If you could have any super power what would it be?
Anti-exhaustion! Either that or to be so perfect that I never lose things, work tidily and everything I make is flawless – I think that should be a superpower!
15. What is the last book that you read and enjoyed?
I’ve been reading quite a bit recently, but what stands out in my mind is “Blood, Sweat and Tea” and also it’s sequel “More Blood, More Sweat and Another Cup of Tea” by Tom Reynolds. It’s basically excerpts from his blog about being in the London Ambulance Service. I’m currently reading “I Was Told There’d Be Cake” by Sloane Crosley, which is completely relatable and a light enjoyable read of small pieces of autobiography, from keeping My Little Ponies under her sink to being a Jew at Jesus Camp.
16. What is the last film you watched and enjoyed?
I don’t watch a lot of films, not until they’re on DVD for about £5 anyway! I think the last film (not TV series) was Talladega Nights.
17. If you won a million on the lottery tomorrow what would you do with the money?
Bank it and live off the interest! I would love to pay off my debts and actually invest money in my hobby business though – I could actually afford to exhibit at the Clothes Show Live 😉
18. Where can we find your products for sale or see you products online?
www.pennydog.com
www.folksy.com/shops/pennydog
http://pennydogaccessories.etsy.com
http://pennydog.wordpress.com
19. Any advice for other crafters out there who may want to start their own business?
If you want it you’ve really got to live and breathe it. Listen to your customers, both good and bad comments and take it all on board equally. Don’t underestimate the importance of being confident either!
20. What is your favourite recipe – savoury or sweet – care to share it?
I make awesome vanilla sponge, but it’s not my recipe. The recipe is here but I heat up the butter in the microwave a bit which makes it a little lighter.
Many thanks Kerry for taking the time to answer all my questions.
All photographs taken with kind permission from Kerry’s shop & blog.
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Do you want to get featured on this blog? ‘Milomade 20 Questions’ is going to be a regular spot on my blog which will showcase other crafters/designers/artists who work predominantly with recycled, upcycled and reused materials. If you are interested in getting featured then please get in touch.
Thank you for featuring me 😀
Thanks for taking the plunge and being my first victim.