Boston Handmade: Tell us a bit about yourself
Cody's Creations: Hi, I am Kerrie Beck, the person behind Cody’s Creations. My home studio is located in Natick and is often inhabited by my brood of three rescued beagle mixes.
BH: How long have you been doing your artwork/craft?
CC: I have been making pet accessories for 5-6 years. I started to think about starting a business when my home become overrun with collars – to this date my pups have an impressive collection of collars/leashes.
BH: What's your favorite color?
CC: I love purple (if you ever see Cody’s Creations at an event, that will be evident! ) I try my best not to let my favorite colors overrule my ribbon/fabric selection. I unfortunately cannot control the fact that I am attracted to skulls and cupcakes, so you will tend to see a plethora of both.
BH: What are your favorite materials?
CC: Ribbons and fabric – I have a slight obsession. Though my obsession gives lots of choice.
BH: What inspires you? Where do your ideas come from?
CC: Necessity. Items like the Treat Pocket and Leash Pouch I created out of necessity for an item that was functional and something that I would want to use and be seen using in public.
BH: Describe your work.
CC: Handmade pet accessories with a bit of an edge.
BH: Are there other mediums you’re not working in that interest you?
CC: I would love to work with leather and add a line of leather collars.
BH: Any tips on selling handmade stuff?
CC: Passion is contagious, if you are passionate about your craft others will pick up on that passion when you are talking to them. In turn, when they are talking about your art/you they will relay that passion and enthusiasm.
BH: How do you promote your work?
CC: Facebook, word of mouth, I try tweeting but I think I need a crash course. My customers are my greatest promoters and I am so thankful for them.
BH: How long have you been involved with Etsy and what have your experiences been? CC: I have had an Etsy shop since November 2007. Etsy has been an amazing experience for me. There is a great community feel, sellers love to help other sellers, and the customers have been wonderul – many customers have turned into great friends.
BH: What advice would you give to artists who are new to Etsy?
CC: Selling on Etsy takes patience and a lot of hard work. Read the forums, join a team, learn how to take great pictures of your products, and don’t be afraid to redo your shop if it isn’t working. I often change pictures/descriptions if my shop seems like it is getting stale.
BH: Read any good books lately?
CC: I love to read, though lately I feel like I haven’t had too much time to do so. I recently discovered that listening to audio books (downloaded from the library onto my iPod- yes, the Natick Library rocks!!) is very good for productivity. I just finished the Nobodies Album and the Lock Artist. Two books I probably would not have picked up to read, but after listening to them I thoroughly enjoyed them.
BH: What’s your favorite way to spend a Sunday morning?
CC: I love taking road trips with my husband (depending on location and the pet friendliness we may have the three dogs) and exploring little seaside towns. And bonus, we typically can find a shop that sells wares from the local community so we do a little shopping.
BH: Is there anything about you that would surprise people to know?
CC: Until College, I was afraid of dogs!
BH: Where do you see yourself in 5 years with your art ?
CC: A collection that includes only Cody’s Creations designed ribbons and fabrics. I am slowly building towards that!
BH: In ten years I'd like to be...
CC: in my own little store front with my sewing machines set up on one side so customers can watch the process as they browse.
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