Meet The BOOMERS!

One by One! We're running a series of mini interviews, based on questions that we think were originally posed by Gerry of Gerry's Jewel Box as a basis for getting to know each other (thanks, Gerry). We will go in no particular order, but will do our BBEST to get everyone posted. Next in our series is ZudaGay

1.What is the name of your shop/s?
I am so imaginative when it comes to names. Ha! I've tried for years to come up with a name for my business and all I could ever come up with is my own name. So, the name of my shop is ZudaGay

2. What kind of items do you sell?
Although I do work in different mediums, I primarily work with polymer clay. So far all the items I've listed in my shop are made of polymer clay. I make pendants, focal beads, brooches and recently I've been making ACEOs. I also recycle glass objects and tins by covering them with clay.

3. How did you find Etsy and Boomers also?
I read about Etsy on Polymer Clay Central several years ago but didn't decide that I wanted my own shop until May 24, 2007. I found the Boomers group in the Forum when they were talking about starting a group for the older Etsy-iers. I liked the idea of a group of my peers to share the Etsy experience with.

4. How long have you been engaged in your art/craft?
I've been playing with clay since I was old enough to know not to eat play dough. I've always loved to make things out any type of clay. For years I made Christmas ornaments out of salt dough. I found polymer clay about 13 years ago or so.

5. Do you consider yourself a hobbyist or a professional craftsperson?
Hummm....I'm leaning toward professional craftsperson.

6. What inspires you?
All of creation!! I love flowers and the majority of my work involves flowers. I love trees and leaves and animals. I used to make a lot of animals, but I've been stuck on flowers for quite some time now. Colors, I LOVE colors!

7. Please share with us what a typical day is like in your workshop or studio?
My studio is in our second bedroom. I get up in the morning and sit down at my computer to check out my shop. Make tea. Check the Boomers forum thread and spend way too much time there. List something. Eat breakfast and make more tea. I go in my studio and work a while then have to stretch my legs and go back to my computer. I go back and forth for the rest of the day. I need a 12 step program, I think. Hello, my name is Zuda and I'm a Boomerholic...

8. What keeps you company while you are working on a project?
My cat Rusty lays up on the top shelf of my work bench next to the window so he can supervise and keep track of any cats that happen to venture into the yard. I always have some sort of music playing. My grandson Eli worked with me some during the school year, but he starts kindergarten in the fall.

9. What is your favorite 'task' related to your art/craft?
My favorite thing is mixing colors and making blends. Playing with different color combinations. And making flowers. Sometimes my favorite thing is just smooshing clay.

10. What is your least favorite 'task' related to your art/craft?
Waiting. Thankfully the longest I have to wait for something to cure is about an hour or so. I don't know what I would do if I were a potter and had to wait a whole day or more!!

11. Would you care to share any 'words of wisdom' with other aspiring artists or
crafters?
Just do something. Don't be afraid to start. Enjoy the process of learning. Find what you are passionate about and do it. Work at it until you do it well. Find your own style. It is okay to be inspired by another artist, but take what you learn from them and change it into something that is your own. Smoosh some clay, open some paint and dip in your brush, cut some paper or fabric -just do it!

Please leave a comment for these great artists. I'm sure they'd love to read some feedback about their interview. What did you learn about the artists that you didn't know before? Do you agree with some of their philosophies?