12 Days Of Etsy: Curious Pip

1. Tell us a bit about yourself



I am a Bristol based textile artist and illustrator creating a unique line of dolls,brooches and illustrations all stemming from my love of old Hollywood,circus history and fairytales. I originally trained and worked as an actor for many years but I always had a desire to create a niche for my constant sketching and making. After my son was born I developed my skills and created Curious Pip.



I use a variety of new and vintage fabrics to capture the charisma and charm of old Hollywood, I guess my aim is to create work which not only evokes nostalgia but brings comfort and a smile to your face. I'm rather obsessed with tatty vintage costumes! 


2. How did you choose your shop name?


I had reams of possible names for my business but my little boy liked the word Pip and I love the word Curious. My household shelves are full of interesting finds and curiosities. Victorian wooden dutch dolls, Swedish vintage glass, old children's toys and books, even feathers, bones and fossils!




3. What do you enjoy making the most?



I love the whole process of creation, from my early scribbles and research to sitting down with a pot of coffee and drawing a more detailed sketch. I love choosing and playing with fabrics. The face and hair are an exciting stage because they then seem to develop a personality. I particularly love making my Circus Showgirls. I love the theatricality, bold stripes, stars and feathers!

4. What is the best seller in your shop?



Since every doll is unique its difficult to say. People seemed to love my Christmas fairies. There was also a lot of interest in my Pink haired Marie Antoinette doll. 5 people wanted that little candy coloured cupcake of a doll.

5. Your work sells all over the world, in which parts of the world is your work most popular?



I think its Australia at the moment, yes I seem to ship alot to Australia. U.S and UK. My blog appears to have quite a following in Bahrain - 

lots of pageviews from Bahrain. Very interesting.


6. What inspires you?



Old Hollywood glamour, showgirl routines in old Busby Berkeley musicals, The Ziegfeld Follies and circus history. I'm forever inspired by costume and its ability to create magic.



7. How long have you been crafting?



As long as I can remember I have always sketched and made things. I used to knit clothes for my Sindy dolls when I was a child (with the help of my mum) tapestry, flower arranging, sewing and making paper dolls...

8. What are your other hobbies?



Well apart from making and illustrating I enjoy dancing. I tap dance and do ballet - as a hobby. Since giving up acting 5 years ago it fills that void of what I got from performance. I did a fair bit of physical theatre but I never danced professionally during my career. I did ballet as a child but tap is totally new to me - I love it. I love going to the cinema, the theatre and reading. I've always got several books on the go. This time of year ghost stories are my favourite. Susan Hill's ghost stories are chilling! My plans for 2013 are to learn the accordion and do some Aeriel performance. We have a circus school at the bottom of our road so I've no excuse to not do a class.

9. Do you collect anything?



Not so much these days but I've had my moments. My husband and I have both been obsessive collectors in the past - chairs, glass, vintage clothes, the list goes on! Our shelves are still full of curious objects. We love flea markets and car boot sales.



10. What is your favourite Christmas tradition?



My favourite Christmas tradition has to be the fetching and decorating of the tree. I love a real tree. Nothing beats the smell and look of a real festive spruce in your household. I love taking out all the decorations that were so lovingly put away last year. My little boy thinks they're like treasures! His particular favourites are two little retro reindeers I've had for years! However I guess my answer might be swayed a little this year in favour of my little boys first nativity play! oh I love a glass of mulled wine and a mince pie too of course.



11. Do you have a favourite Christmas song or carol?



Fairytale of New York and Rosemary Clooney singing Here Comes Suzy Snowflake.

12. What is the funniest Christmas present you have ever been given?


I'm writing this several days before Christmas 2012...So I'll let you know!


Many thanks to Sarah from Curious Pip for taking part in this feature. Click here to visit her Etsy shop.