Meet Jennifer (JD) from JDStar

After couple of weeks of silence (sometimes silence is much needed to regain the sense of direction) I wanted to take you all to Oklahoma City (Oklahoma State, US) to meet the owner of JDStar Ltd. Co., the JDStar store on Etsy.

10 days ago Oklahoma City lived through the series of tornadoes (http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2011/05/24/national/main20065840.shtml). I see the sign in having this interview done now, and not a month ago when I first contacted JD.

Oklahoma City is a beautiful city that went through a lot: tornadoes, bombing, flooding, wildfires…

At the same time it is only 1,5 hours from one of the most sacred places on Earth - Arbuckle Mountains, Oklahoma.

Arbuckle Mountains

Collings Castle

The place helps us to become who we are. This place makes full-hearted people who have seen so much and understand like nobody else how to live NOW, not tomorrow. One of those people happens to be among us.

Meet Jennifer (JD) McCoy!

Random Facts about You?

I'm OCD*, I feel more productive and creative after dark and I'm WAY introverted (not shy). I also hate to leave the house but love road trips.

What got you started weaving?

I started weaving about 9 years ago when I saw someone doing it in a fiber class I was taking.

Any particular technique(s) that you enjoy the most?

What part the process makes you the most passionate? (Choosing the right materials, the actual process, the end result, the sale, etc.)

Choosing colors is my favorite process closely followed by seeing the colors come together in the weaving.

What is your source of inspiration?

I find weaving to be so therapeutic. That's mainly what inspires me to do it. It's repetitive and productive so it works for me.

Where do you sell?

I sell online on Etsy and in real life in several stores around the United States. I also do craft shows occasionally.

Apart from creating things, what do you do?

I take care of my one year old. That keeps me pretty busy these days. I also run a craft show with my BFF (“Best Friend Forever”)called Deluxe Indie Craft Bazaar. It's a one day show once a year but there are always little things that need to be taken care of around the year.

What first made you want to become an artist?

I've always loved making things and drawing. It's either in my blood or deeply ingrained in my DNA. Either way, it's just something that's as natural as breathing for me. I didn't find weaving until adulthood but it's become a huge part of who I am now and I like it that way.

What handmade possession do you most cherish?

Definitely my inkle loom. It's the loom that I use almost all of the time so it's pretty important to making my bracelets but working with my mother to build it really makes using it something special!

What advice would you give to artists who are new to Etsy?

List, list often, renew when you can't list, keep your shop full and your customers happy.

What do you like about Etsy?

I like that it gives everyone a chance to put their work out there without a huge investment.

Do you have a website, blog, Facebook page, or other online endeavors?

 Website www.jdstar.net

Facebook http://www.facebook.com/JDStarLtdCo

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* OCD - anxiety disorder (from the author - for our international readers who are not familiar with the term)