Thursday, April 29, 2010

Etsy German Steet Team Sellers: Missus D


Name: Kathleen Dalseno
Location: Munich, Bavaria, Germany
Where are you from: Singapore
Etsy Stores: MissusDPaperie, missusd
Blog: http://craftymissusd.blogspot.com/
Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/craftymissusd
Twitter:http://twitter.com/katdalseno

Tell us a little bit about what you make. I turn bits of two dimensional yarn into three dimensional amigurumi (Japanese for plush toys). As it turns out crochet can be very mathematical and I find it very fascinating.

I also illustrate, and turn my illustrations into printables or digital clip art for scrapbooking on Missus D Paperie (http://www.etsy.com/shop/MissusDPaperie).

While living in Australia, I worked in an architect's office fiddling with the illustrator and turning flat things into three dimensional architectural models all day long, and I love reliving aspects of what I used to do in that office. Don't miss dealing with the local town council though!

What are some goals for your Etsy store? I have many goals on many levels! Well, I started Etsy in Germany because I didn't know if I wanted or could get a job (that I like) in Germany, and I didn't want to lose that creative part of me so I used Etsy to push and motivate me to improve my skills. Eventually, I would like my stores to provide supplemental income. Finally, I came to Germany without any friends or contacts, but Etsy has opened up social doors and support I never imagined to receive in Germany, so I hope I can also be a source of support to other sellers.

What item has been a best-seller in your Etsy store ? My amigurumi See Slugs have been selling well! They come in the form of toys and keyrings. They have the funniest expression! http://www.etsy.com/listing/45253205/amigurumi-alien-seeslug-keyring-pink


How would you describe your style?
Quirky, humorous and out of the box. I like cute, but not saccharine cute, more like cute with a jagged teeth edge for my amigurumi. As for my illustrations, I am not so stylised because there are so many things I like, and they don't always come together easily, I like cuteness, humour, typography and patterns, and it's a challenge putting everything together elegantly, but I will try!

Is this your fulltime work? Yes.

Where do you do your work? In my tiny apartment! I recently finally got myself a worktable which has all my mess so I don't have to clear up the dining table for dinner anymore. But really I can't sit still in one place all the time, having two tables means I can switch and change for a break.
How would you like to see Etsy develop in Germany? I would like it to be a household name.

What do you see as some of the benefits/potential benefits of being part of the German Etsy Street Team? To fulfill the vision of Etsy being a household name, numbers would be our strength. Together, we can generate buzz, for ourselves and for one another. Personally, for me, it is a social space to meet, support and encourage each other. We can create a positive vibe which will attract other people who are curious about us, and begin to appreciate what we do.

6 comments:

  1. Hi Kathleen,
    nice to meet you and learn more about you!

    One of your see slugs watches over my studio and I love it!

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  2. What an awesome expat story. Those alien slugs are so creative - I love products that make people smile the second they see them.
    Another awesome interview!
    Katie

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  3. It's great to learn more about you Kathleen! It sounds like your existence in Germany is pretty nice... I love your work! Your tiny workspace is so sweet... my favourite is all of the suitcases that surround you! Is that for a quick getaway?! Just kidding!! Thanks for the post!

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  4. dear kathleen,
    it´s nice to see you here, so I have now an imagination of you in my head. thank you for your commitment in the team!
    best wishes, regine

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  5. Hey Kath..
    Cute picture of yourself! We all need to improve ourself and our work and products... Great Sucsess for you!

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  6. Thanks everyone for the encouragement!! Thanks Eleanor for having me on this feature!

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