Featured Etsymom: Kirsten Skiles

I was going through the members of the Etsy team I just joined (Etsymom) and didn't get very far before I fell in love with one of them. So I've paused in my browsing to bring you Kirsten from Knitsteel. Being an aspiring metalsmith myself, my mouth dropped open at the pure gorgeousness of her work. I have no chasing or repousse tools in my shop, but someday I hope to remedy that. In the meantime, here's an interview with Kirsten.
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Who are you?
I’m an Artist specializing in Custom Bronze and Ironwork. I make nature themed jewelry, home décor, artwork and sculpture.

What is your Etsy Shop Name/link?
http://knitsteel.etsy.com

What tag categories do you specialize in?
Art, Jewelry, Handmade Supplies, and Housewares (home décor)

Do you create for children or adults, women or men?
I create for adult men and women, but my work often appeals to teens and young adults.

What do you like about Etsy?
The opportunity to list whatever I want, when I want. I can list something whether I’ve got 1 or 10 available, whether it’s $10 or $100. It’s also wonderful to be selling directly to the customer and to develop personal relationships with buyers and other Etsy members.

What do you like about creating?
I get to use the talents God has given me and to work toward the visions that fill my mind. It’s also very rewarding when someone writes and lets me know how my work has enriched their life.

What do you love about your business?
1.Making money with my talent.
2. Getting to meet and work with all sorts of highly skilled and creative people.

What is your favorite product right now?
It’s hard to pick just one. I always love the single leaf wallpieces.

What makes you unique at Etsy?
I’m a highly skilled and experienced metalsmith. I work on large scale commissions outside of Etsy. I exhibit work in art shows. I specialize in the techniques of Chasing & Repoussé and teach workshops regularly. I make and sell my own chasing tools.

What makes you unique as a woman?
I’m a blacksmith.

What do you love about kids?
My kids have been the greatest joy and the greatest responsibility of my life. They’ve helped to focus all of my energy, in my art and in every day life. They teach me new things all the time.

What are some other sites to find out more about you and what you love to create?
My blog is probably the most informative http://knitsteel.blogspot.com
For more information on blacksmithing, start with http://www.abana.org . Then visit their affiliates page to find a group near you. In Minnesota start with http://www.metalsmith.org . In Wisconsin go to http://www.umbaonline.org