Happy Friday, folks!
So glad you could stop by for today's Friday Feature with MzCreation! Farrah's got such an interesting background in costume design, Sesame Street, and the San Jose Ballet. She's also got a great sense of humor and whimsy which is quite evident in her creations! You're going to be blown away by her experiences and charmed by her anecdotes and the little treasures living in her etsy shop.
Enjoy!
1. To which Etsy Teams do you belong?
SF Etsy
2. Please tell us about the items in your Etsy shop. What do you make? How did you learn your craft? What is
involved in your creative process?
I learned how to sew and craft in college (I have a Masters Degree in Technical Theatre, Costuming). I became more involved in the craft section of costuming because I loved the freedom of it. I loved playing with new materials and new techniques. My job as Costume Craft Artisan Supervisor at Ballet San Jose has allowed me to do this sort of thing for a living. What really sparked my interest in starting my own business was the thought that the average
human might just want to have as much fun as the stage version. Bringing just a bit of fun and whimsy to your everyday life makes everything brighter. Including those around you.
3. Tell us two or more other interesting things about you.
I used to tour with Sesame Street Live. I’ve worked on costumes designed and built by Bob Mackie (Blue Suede Shoes). I make a mean bacon brownie.
4. What inspires your creations?
Lately, it’s been children’s books with monsters in them.
5. What is your favorite item in your shop (currently for sale or previously sold)? Why is it your favorite?
I love my MzCreant Monster Clips. I like to wear things in my hair occasionally but I’m not really a flower wearing kind of woman. But I’ve always like the fluffy fun things my friends wear….just thought it could use some teeth.
6. If you had a gift certificate to Etsy for any one item you wanted, what would you buy?
7. What crafting skill(s) do you wish you had or hope to learn someday?
Welding. In fact, I want to combine this question with the “if you had a bunch of money” question – because if I had the cash, I would get a membership to Techshop and take every single class available.
8. What has been your biggest success and/or proudest moment since opening your Etsy shop?
My first review on Etsy totally made my day. It was for a custom order, “Simply amazing! This seller is one of the best I’ve encountered on Etsy. She worked with me to create exactly what I wanted! Her communication is superb, her timeliness is top notch, and her craftsmanship is impeccable! I seriously could not be happier! HIGHLY recommend!”. I think I smiled ear to ear for a good week.
9. What is the craziest gift you have ever received?
Ok, before I say what it was, you need some back story. A) I’m from North Dakota. B) My family has a very strange sense of humor. C) Christmas gift opening is often something to be taken on with less eagerness than trepidation. D) I once told my sister that the smell of leather and cow poop sometimes made me homesick.
That being said, last Christmas I opened my package from my sister to find a leather air freshener and a potpourri holder full of dried cow paddy.
18. Where else can we find out more about you and/or your creations?
www.farrahsoutham.com (my professional resume and portfolio of my craft artisan “day job”)
http://www.facebook.com/pages/MzCreation
If you're an Etsy seller in the San Francisco Bay Area, contact Katy or Steph about joining SFEtsy!
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