BBEST-Boomers and Beyond Etsy Street Team

This week we are fortunate to have an interview with JunkyardGypsy!


1.What is the name of your shop/s?

Junkyard Gypsy

2. What kind of items do you sell?

Mostly recycled assemblage art, with some select vintage items thrown in.

3. How did you find Etsy and Boomers also?

My sister, KarmaRox, got me started on Etsy – she found it and loved it, and just kept talking about it until I decided to check it out, too. I heard that joining teams was a good way to become involved and get your name out there, so I looked around until I found the team that felt right for me – the Boomers!

4. How long have you been engaged in your art/craft?

I’ve only been doing recycled assemblages for about a year, but have always dabbled in various kinds of crafts – cross-stitch, basket weaving, tole painting, crochet, plastic canvas, ceramics – but I never felt as much satisfaction as I’ve found from recycling junk into a craft.

5. Do you consider yourself a hobbyist or a professional craftsperson?

It’s purely a hobby, but I would love for it to evolve into more.

6. What inspires you?

Almost everything – but especially my family and looking around at the miracle of nature. Sitting in my water garden, giving my mind free reign to wander is the best. I also get a kick out of using something that I found at the dumpster - knowing I kept something out of the landfill is a thrill.

7. Please share with us what a typical day is like in your workshop or studio?

Well, I really don’t have a “typical” day – they’re never the same. It just depends on what turns up in the junkyard. I spend a lot of time trying different parts together, trying to come up with a combination that looks good together, and also a lot of time cleaning whatever I’ve brought in. The vintage parts I collect are usually pretty dirty and need some TLC. And sometimes they have to be dis-assembled before I assemble them into something else. I also spend A LOT of time looking for this or that – my space is spread out and not very organized – mostly because our shop is primarily devoted to our boat manufacturing business, and I just stick my “junk” wherever I can find a spot.

8. What keeps you company while you are working on a project?

I’m usually listening to oldies on the radio. And my dog Max sometimes like to hang around.

9. What is your favorite 'task' related to your art/craft?

Oooh, this is an easy question – going to estate auctions is my passion! I love finding old things that nobody else seems to want, but that can be turned into something whimsical – rescuing lost treasures is so much fun!

10. What is your least favorite 'task' related to your art/craft?

Hmmmm, I don’t know – it’s all great fun. I guess the “marketing” is my least favorite part – creating a listing on Etsy seems to take me forever – taking pics, editing them, creating the listing – I would much rather spend that time creating!

11. Would you care to share any 'words of wisdom' with other aspiring artists or
crafters?

I dunno – I’m not very wise LOL. But I guess just to find something you love, and don’t listen to the naysayers. If you have a passion for doing something, just do it!


Please leave a comment for the artist/craftsperson on this blogt as she is sure to want to know what you think and what you can relate to!