Today's featured artist is Dilara Casey

Who are you?

My name is Dilara Casey

Where are you located?

I live in Columbus, Ohio

What do you create?

I create a little bit of everything. I knit and crochet, I make jewelry, I have started experimenting with resin, I like to make papercrafts. I also dabble in sewing and needlework. I have a sister-shop called BuckeyeBling http://buckeyebling.etsy.com/ where I make things targeted directly to fans of the Ohio State Buckeyes.

Are you able to support yourself with your creations?

I have a full time job in addition to selling my goods. My husband is currently in law school so the supplemental income I make from selling my crafts definitely turns a profit and helps pay the bills.

Where do you sell your creations?

I have two etsy shops http://locura.etsy.com/ and http://buckeyebling.etsy.com/ and I sell some of my Buckeye rosaries at a local jeweler here in Columbus called Worthington Jewelers http://www.worthingtonjewelers.com/

Where do you create?

This is an easy one. I create EVERYWHERE. I think it might drive my husband crazy but he is a good sport about it. I mostly make jewelry on the dining room table. I crochet and knit on the couch. I alter clothes in the living room. I cast resin on the patio...I kind of just go wherever there's space. When my husband and I were in a rock band, I would often crochet blankets and scarves in the van while we drove to shows. We live in a small condo and once we get a house it has already been decided that I get a crafting room!

What inspires you?

Retro things mostly. My friend said that my stuff is cool with a 70's vibe. I never intend on that but I guess since I like things that are fun and funky; things you won't see everywhere, it inspires me. I love wearing vintage stuff so I try to make things that are cool and timeless and will transcend trends and fads and last a long time. I think it would be awesome if somebody kept a piece I made and their kids dug it out of their closet one day and decided to start wearing it. Another thing that inspires me is cost; I like to make these things awesome but I also want them to be affordable for people.

What are your goals?

My goals are in three years to quit my full time job and make a living off my creations. By then my husband will be done with law school and I can focus more on taking myself to the next level.

What do you friends and family think of your creations?

Every friend and family member I can think of has at least one thing I made and they love it. My husband is especially encouraging and supportive but I have to say that all of my friends and family are great. They come to shows and seem to be just as enthusiastic about my crafts as I am. It is very flattering and such a blessing, it really fuels me.

What do you do when you are not creating?

Sleeping. Seriously. I usually work at my day job from 7:30am-4:30pm and I go to the gym, get home and start creating. I usually don't stop until I literally fall asleep. I can't tell you how many times my husband has pried a crochet hook out of my hands while I am sleeping. But in all honesty, I really love working out, cooking and baking, spending time with my man, going to concerts and traveling. I also collect Pez dispensers. It doesn't take much time except when I do my annual inventory count. That is another story though...

Is there anything else you would like to share with us?

I have always been involved with crafting in one form or another. My aunt started a craft business in the 1980's and ran it for about 25 years before retiring. She taught me most everything I know about crafting and how to find that balance between business and a hobby. I also saw her get really stressed and burnt out by certain aspects of it so I've been really good with time and project management.

I try to live by one of my favorite quotes from songwriter Jewel,

"My whole goal is to keep my spirit intact. If that doesn't happen, none of this is worth it."

Thanks having this awesome feature on your blog!

Thank you for allowing me to feature you.