You’ve seen Kamila of Puddlestomper in the Gallery, now get to know her on a more personal level.
What is your craft / art / creative endeavor?
I make needle felt mobiles, dolls, pirates and anything that can be needle felted. I can needle felt you for that matter;)
How did you get started? Have you worked in other creative areas before the kind of work you’re doing now?
Growing up in the former Czechoslovakia behind the iron curtain where art was discouraged was probably the best place to grow up for an artist. The repression brings out a huge amount of creativity and my drive to do anything.
It’s taken me a long time to discover my self as an artist but art was always my thing. I was always a doodler, all my school notebooks always had doodles, sketches and drawings. I have tried it all, photography, oil, acrylic, filmmaking, knitting, crocheting, sewing and finally felting.
Felting makes sense to me, it brings all those skills together and the possibilities are endless.
Is there a story behind the name of your shop?
I own a really good pair of rain boots because I am a puddle stomper. My girls are puddle stompers.
Puddles equal rain. All major things in my life happened while it was raining. Meeting my husband, getting married and going into labor with both my girls. My younger daughter’s middle name is “RAIN”.
I love to come out with my daughters after the rain has stopped smell the air and watch them jump in the puddles. Puddles make them happy and happiness is all that matters.
Do you work alone? With a team? Do you engage your family or friends in the work? What is your process? How do you ensure you get your work done yet still have a life?
After my girls go to bed that is my time. Crafting makes me happy. It’s a job I can do and still be with my girls and watch them grow. I choose my own hours and I choose what I want to make.
My older daughter loves to felt, I am happy I finally found a safe felting needle she can use. Arts and crafts have taken over our house. Please buy my stuff so I can get a studio :)
My husband is a computer geek and he promotes the hell out of me. He is a Puddlestomper promoting genius.
Where do you sell your work? Which venues are your favorites? Do you prefer selling online or in person? Do you attend shows or fairs? Is your work in a gallery or brick-and-mortar store?
I did my first craft fair at PS 29 school in Brooklyn. It was a great fun and now I am addicted. I would love to do more craft fairs. I love talking to people, meeting new artists and personally handing my stuff over.
Right now I sell exclusively on etsy. www.puddlestomper.etsy.com
Do you have a favorite handmade shop or seller?
There are so many people that make beautiful things out there. I am always marking favorites on etsy. I do have to give a shout out to two very talented women.
Madeley makes awesome retro stationary for all:
www.chickprint.etsy.com
My friend Karen makes hats and prints at:
www.finnyandzook.etsy.com
What inspires and motivates you?
Art, nature, my family, my friends and my neighborhood inspires me.
Traveling to different parts of this world and watching people live inspires me.
Eating great local, clean food inspires me.
What do you wish I had asked you?
“Where will I be 10 years from now?”
Happy being my own boss doing what I love to do. My girls growing up happy, healthy and strong.
What a great dream — thanks Kamila! If you would like to be interviewed next, just cruise over to DIY Interview.
