ARTIST SPOTLIGHT: Kathryn Doll

• Tell us a little bit about your shoppe.  I was searching for a creative outlet several years ago when I discovered polymer clay. I was browsing in the bookstore and came upon a book that featured amazing polymer clay creations and I was immediately hooked! I have a background as an Art Therapist and Social Worker, and I always found that having a form of creative expression was vital to my sense of well being. With polymer clay, I was able to combine my favorite art forms of painting, ceramics, and collage into wearable polymer jewelry creations. My shop grew out of my passion to create, and a desire to share my art with others.

  I opened my Artfire shop last year, and it is full of colorful, one of a kind, mixed media creations. I am especially excited about my new line, The Sparkle Collection, which features semi-precious gemstones. Many of my pieces are vintage inspired with a modern flair. I keep a journal of ideas, and I hope to find time to add all my ideas to my shoppe. In the near future, I will be adding items that incorporate metal clay and polymer clay.

• What is your favorite piece from your shoppe and why? My current favorite is my Mosaic Bangle Bracelet, because it was inspired by all the tiny scraps of polymer clay veneers I have left over from other projects. I can never bear to part with the scraps I accumulate. In the case of this particular bracelet, I decided to use all the colors available, and I was really pleased with the outcome. Somehow, the wild colors work together, like a crazy quilt of clay. It was a spontaneous and fun piece to create. It is always a great feeling when something comes together without too much planning!

• When you’re not handcrafting your gorgeous jewelry line, what are your hobbies?   I love to spend time with my family and my two dogs. We have a Sheltie named Eddie that we rescued when he was abandoned, and a Papillion named Allie, who is a complete diva. She is the true boss of the house! I enjoy reading, attending concerts, shopping, and traveling. I am also addicted to a few television shows, including Breaking Bad, Mad Men, Justified, and The Walking Dead.

• What do you like best about The Artisan Group? There is much to love about The Artisan Group! Beyond the amazing celebrity gifting opportunities, I am so grateful for the support of the group. I have learned so much about marketing and growing my business, and I am always awed by the varied talents that are represented in the group. The Artisan Group has really been the single most important factor for my business since I opened my Artfire shoppe about one year ago.

Kathryn recently participated as a display participant in a luxury celebrity gift lounge on February 24-25, 2012 at The W Hotel in Hollywood, California, in honor of the The 2012 Academy Awards Nominees and Presenters.