Today we're talking to Kelly Kiser of Kiser Krafts. Kelly is one of the wonderful people I've met through the Storenvy community. Kelly is a fellow animal artist, turning socks into some of the cutest sock critters you've ever seen. Without further ado...here's Kelly!
Who are you? and where can we find your amazing work?
I am Me! Or at least so I have been told. My name is Kelly, a wife and Mother of two toddlers, sock animal creator extraordinaire. It is funny how you are known not by just your name but what you do to. Anyone can find my amazing KRAZY work at Kiser Krafts! And trust me they are sock-o-silicious!
Kelly's Shop - Kiser Krafts Kelly's Blog
You can also find Kelly on Twitter and Facebook.
 |
| Dot Bunny |
How did you get started doing this thing you do?
Funny side of it all is - I am TOTALLY addicted to socks!!! I have been for most of my life! I have a large collection ranging in the hundreds!! I have socks for every season, holiday, event, and random character socks. NEVER ever thought to cut them up until a birthday gift from my Mom. And as they say history was re-written. Now I see to kinds of socks: socks to keep & admire and sock to cut up into the animal it 'speaks' to me. A dear friend Cody saw my creations and encouraged me to start selling them and Kiser Krafts was born. It opened up two major doors. One, I could stand home and care for my brand new daughter. And two, I could feed my sock & craft addiction. It has not always been easy, I added another baby into the mix, but it has been so worth the late nights. It is truly my dream, to stay home to care for my family and still provide milk/food for the table with the talents I have been given.
What's your workplace like?
My work place includes the dinning table, floor, couch, bed...ottomans...even standing. Pretty much wherever, I am currently at the time, I craft. I do not get my very own little room or space but I love to create whenever I get to sit down (& trust me with a 2 yr & 3yr old it is on the bit rarer side). And I am really strange...I have nothing the bugs me. Seriously, the house can be in shambles and I will still craft, much to my hubby's horror. Crafting to me like breathing, you constantly need to do it. I do have one photo of MY couch corner where I love to sit and hand sew my creations.
What materials and tools do you use to make your art?
SOCKS! Recycled fabrics, stuffing, yarns, and buttons. Generally, a hand sewing needle and thread - sometimes the sewing machine comes into play...and COFFFEEEE tons of coffee. :)
Where do you find your inspiration too create?
In the smiles on my tykes faces, in the sun rising through the mist in the morning, through a birds song, through my husband's laugh, through my Mother's wisdom and example, and from those who have gone on before me - my late Grandmama and Grams. They always encouraged me to color my own way and not in the lines of others. To quote Grams, "Your life is your best piece of art. Fill it with your own creations, drawings, colors, hopes, dreams, and wishes. That way those who follow can view how you painted your life. Let your vibrancy shine through."
 |
| Fox and Vixen Plush Set |
Now that we've got the formalities out of the way, on to the fun and silly questions!
What color are your bedroom walls?
I can't paint my bedroom walls. :/ BUT I know - much to my hubby's horror - I would LOVE my bedroom to be a sunset mural. That is the most vibrant sight in this world.
What animal do you fear?
Are spiders an animal?? Spiders, snakes, and rats. Spiders majorly...and rats horribly...but snakes if glass is between us I'm okay.
Are spiders an animal?? Spiders, snakes, and rats. Spiders majorly...and rats horribly...but snakes if glass is between us I'm okay.
If you could be an animal for a day, what animal would it be?
I think a cat - so I could have as many naps as I wanted! I am so sleep deprived.
I think a cat - so I could have as many naps as I wanted! I am so sleep deprived.
 |
| Razz Monster |
I'll be honest - I do not like pets. I like animals...for short periods of time - like as long as my allergy medicine is working.
Jeans, Khakis, or skirts?
Skirts. They are so girly and classic and comfortable. Though if I'm at home - sweat pants, yoga pants, or pj bottoms are the norm.
If you could live in a fictional world, which one would it be?
I think Narnia would be cool. It would be fun to be friends with talking animals.
If you have a box of popsicles which color do you eat first? Why?
If you have a box of popsicles which color do you eat first? Why?
Lime Green...always lime green. It is the BEST color and it tastes SO yummy!
Sock, sock, shoe shoe or sock, shoe, sock shoe?
I never do it the same way twice.
I never do it the same way twice.
 |
| Drew Lion |
I fear walking under a ladder...and breaking mirrors...so superstious about those two things...oh and NEVER open an umbrella in the house - like EVER.
What's your favorite snack while working?
...coffee...does coffee count as food?? Really, Coffee is breakfast lunch and dinner and all snacks in between.
If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be?
I think it would be nice to live in Ireland. To see the green, sea, and to heard their language would be so inspiring day in and day out. Plus I love Celtic music.
If stranded on an island, what 3 things would you want to bring?
My WIP basket, lip balm, and my hubby for company.
Be sure to visit Kelly's Shop - Kiser Krafts, where she not only has her super cute sock animals but also lots of fun crochet items. She also frequently updates her Blog and you can also interact with her on Twitter and Facebook.