Friday Interview with Mamakopp

Hi all! Here's another interview with a member of the NaturalKids team. Meet Mamakopp whose wonderful shop is full of amazing woodwork toys, fun stamps, and way cool robot arm bands! Come and get to know her...

What is the main thing you make and sell in your store? What else do you make and/or sell?
The main things I sell in my shop are wooden toys. I started wood working long ago. Four years, but got into making things with a scroll saw over two years ago. When I discovered nature tables, I couldn't afford the sweet wooden animals from the German companies so I asked for a scroll saw for my birthday and received it! I have been making the fox, raccoon, skunk and mole with the same template I hand drew then. I make all my own templates. Drawing is something I do in my spare time. I hope to soon to share some of my drawings on Etsy too. I also knit and make stamps. I make books for my kids and sew.

Who if anyone has been instrumental in helping you hone your craft? Where do you get your inspiration?
My children. Often a new design comes from those eager little voices asking for mommy to make this or that. The griffin and phoenix were a request from my son Lucas. My children always get the first of anything I make. Also inspiration comes from the natural world and my innate desire to always create and always challenge myself to take it a step further. It helps to be selling as well :) This always keeps me going, knowing that my work is appreciated and loved. I love being a part of heirloom toy making. I think often about all the neat toys my grandchildren will have that my children played with and loved. Some I made and some they made. I enjoy doing this for other families as well.

What are your favorite materials?
I LOVE to work with wood. My drawing abilities come shining through in a three dimensional work. That's neat. I also like to knit and sew.

What advice would you give other Etsy sellers and those interested in opening up a shop?
Take it slow and enjoy the process. It's a wonderful feeling to find yourself through art, if you are true to the process.

What advice would you give to beginners in your main craft?
Take it slow. Don't let the scroll saw intimidate you. Buy the good stuff.

What is your Etsy shop address and name? Where else can we find you?
www.mamakopp.etsy.com
www.livenlearnnow.com