Saturday, July 11, 2020

Wacky Interview


*Dusts off laptop*

Hello blog world!

I have missed you! 

I know I have been MIA on this blog for a while but I have a new idea and hopefully you will enjoy it. 

I know so many talented people who are trying to let their creativity flow and I want to support that. And it seems like the facebook page is getting more traffic now so hopefully I can help them spread their craftyness!

I have never done blog interviews, and I don't know if there is a right or wrong way of doing them... But as we have known in the past I tend to put my own spin on things anyways. So lets try it out and see what we come up with!

My first vicitim... I mean Interview... is a dear old friend of mine. 

Kasondra Decowski! *play upbeat music as intro*

Kasondra and I went to High School together. GO BULL DAWGS... oh that felt weird to say haha. 

Recently she started making custom tumblers, wine glasses and keychains. She is taking orders now on her Facebook and Etsy page!


Go place your order today! 

They look amazing! Lets dive in and talk.

Casey:
 So you started making custom Tumblers, wine glasses and key chains... tell me what kind of products you make and how you customize them.

Kasondra:
I always start by cleaning my cups with alcohol then spraying them with a base paint. From there it depends on whether I use modge podge or epoxy for the next step. My 6yro daughter always gets to help with glitter cups! This is probably why those are my favorites to do. I always end up sanding my cups to buff out imperfections before placing my final epoxy layer on. Once dried I wash them thoroughly before they are handed over to the customer. Safety is my first priority.

Casey:
So besides the glitter cups, what would be your favorite?

Kasondra:
Water Slides, here are some pictures of the ones I did.


Casey:
I think my favorite is the you are my sunshine. Those came out great! Why are the water slides your favorite type?

Kasondra
They are so pretty!

Casey:
Agreed! But from what I have seen, all your cups are pretty. Can you tell me how the process is different?

Kasondra:
The image just looks more lifelike to me and it is as simple as printing your picture on the appropriate type of paper, sealing it with acrylic sealer, soaking it for 30 seconds and sliding it onto your cup

Casey:
Is there a process you have tried and it's harder than you thought it would be? Or is there one you have tried that you think you need more practice on

Kasondra
I definitely need to do more practice with vinyl. I haven't mastered the cricut mat with all its different cuts for more intricate designs

Casey:
I have always wanted to check out what you could do with the cricut mat and all its tools. But I am not going to lie, it looks very overwhelming to me.
When ever I do a project most of the time I wing it. I'll get ideas from Pinterest or other projects I have seen out in the real word and I put a Casey spin on it. Sometimes it works out other times it's a complete fail. Which is why I started this blog in the first place. So when you craft are you following along with instructions, or do you have help? Or are you winging it?

Kaondra:
Ill watch a tutorial just so I have a basic idea of how to do something. Then I just go for it on my own and it comes out with my natural spin.

Casey
Do you have any tips and tricks that might make it easier for a newbie?

Kasondra:
I tried my first "woodgrain" look and fell in love with its simplicity but how pretty. Light strokes with makeup brushes are perfect for that one


Casey:
Oh great idea!
And you can usually find ones that are pretty inexpensive.
Speaking of costs, would you say the start up costs is expensive for starting this as a hobby or a business?


Kasondra:
I get makeup brushes, rubbing alcohol, popsicle sticks ( to stir epoxy), glass wineglasses all at dollar tree. To start as a business definitely a bit expensive.But hobby fairly inexpensive.

Casey:
What made you decide to start doing this?

Kasondra:
As a mother of 2 going to school full time out of pocket and loans since my veterans bill ran out I needed some side money since my paychecks go right to bills.


Casey:
So whats the goal? Are you hoping to be able to do this as a full time gig or just for extra money?


Kasondra:
Definitely want to try for full time. Id love to be able to be with my kids more and create my OWN schedule around my creativity. Life is too short and my kids are growing so fast

Casey:
I hear that!
So you mentioned your daughter helps, does your other kid have anything to do with it or not yet?

Kasondra:
He LOVES to touch them and tell me they are beautiful!

Casey:
So you have a number one fan already! That's great.


I'm sure trying to tackle these projects requires a lot of patience.
Do you have any other advice for anyone that wants to try doing this

Kasondra:
Every cup can be saved. No matter what. Its very easy to strip them and start over OR to cover up what you may not like

Casey:
My last question is what is your favorite project you did so far, maybe one you are having a hard time parting with or plan to make for yourself

Kasondra:
My favorite look is the one that has the dave matthews band decal. I Love how that one looks. I plan to make a Golden Girls cup, and Cheshire Cat for myself

Casey:
Well I look forward seeing all your creations!
Good luck on your journey!

Kasondra:
Thank you!



So I hope you liked this style of blog.
Some more information about Winters Wacky Wonders:

Kasondra wants to make sure you are happy with the product you receive. If it has any imperfections you are not happy with she has no problem redoing the item for you.
She is new to all this and as we know there is a little bit of a learning curve with any project.

I hope you everyone has a wonderful weekend and if you find yourself needing a custom tumbler, wine glass or keychain...Please check her out!

I know my order list is getting long... :D I will be sure to post pictures of what I order on the page!