Crafty Bastards Vendor Q&A with Katie Parker

Katie Parker is a skilled DC-based potter who draws inspiration from many things, including dead fish. According to her vendor statement:

Seahorses, dead fish, frogs, coral, and flea market plastic toys are pressed on the surface of my planters, mugs, sake sets, dog bowls and lidded jars.

Stop by booth #11 this Sunday to get your hands on some of Katie’s awesome pottery!

1. How long have you been making things?
Since about age 2.

2. What is your earliest/favorite crafting memory?
At age 8, overhearing my art teacher tell my mom that I was more talented than my sister (I have no idea why a teacher would tell a parent something like that).

3. Why do you make things?
Some sort of compulsion.

4. What sort of things do you make?
Flowerpots, cupcakes, parties, Halloween costumes for my dogs, earrings for my sister and cousin, mix CDs for my friends, t-shirts for my brother’s flag football team the Chicago Banana Hammocks (perhaps you’ve heard of them), websites, baby booties, dog treats, chocolate truffles… and lists of other things I want to make in the future, like a knitted vest for my friend’s pet rat.

5. Any success stories you’d care to share?
This might sound corny but Crafty Bastards has been a huge encouragement for me. I look forward to it every year and being accepted as a vendor is a big validation of my work.

6. Inspirations?
The usual stuff– nature, animals, books, music, friends.

7. Craft supplies you can’t live without?
Weird little objects I find at flea markets and junk shops that I use as stamps for my pots.

8. Describe your work area.
Sadly I don’t have a dedicated work-space in my tiny one bedroom apt, but my next home will. My craft supplies are stashed throughout my apartment in boxes, drawers, closets, and other hiding places.

9. Family? Pets? Plants?
My dogs are regular targets of my creativity. I sometimes make them treats and homemade food, and I still drag out the homemade bumblebee costume for my beagle Gracie to wear on special occasions. I’ve knitted them sweaters but they don’t really need them since it doesn’t get that cold in DC. My husband is used to my endless projects and is very supportive.

10. Favorite color or pattern?
I always go back to green. I am a dedicated city person but I need a connection to the natural world.

11. Have you been a Crafty Bastard before?
Yes!

12. Tell us about other crafters you love and your favorite handmade purchases.
My mom is my favorite crafter. She’s kind of a midwestern Martha Stewart and she is always learning new tricks. She always has recipes and knitting ideas and gardening plans and is always planning a surprise or a party or a baby shower for someone. She taught me how to sew, at a young age, against my will. Now that I’m a little older I envy her energy.

14. What is one thing everyone should know how to do themselves?
Wipe their own ass?