Today we’d like to introduce you to Kara Bass
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I’ve always loved being creative, but several years ago I got my very first scroll saw and I was hooked! I loved the endless possibilities of making both artistic and useful wooden creations. Over time, I acquired more tools and started to learn more and more about different types of wood working. In 2019, I finally decided to leave my full time job and pursue this little passion of mine full time. It’s really rewarding to look back on my older projects and see how far my skills have come.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Running my own business is so rewarding, but it doesn’t come without its challenges. My biggest struggle is probably marketing. I feel truly in my element when I’m creating with my hands and brainstorming new product ideas, but putting my ideas out into the world and asking people to purchase them is really out of my comfort zone. Settling in on a niche and target market has been difficult for me as well. Woodworking and wood art cover such an expansive range of items and styles and I want to explore them all. I wish I could say I’ve truly overcome these hurdles, but it’s sort of an ongoing challenge to find balance between exploring new avenues artistically and being a savvy business-minded entrepreneur.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I make things out of wood! That’s a very general answer, but wood is the medium by which I create both art and everyday household items. I’m a huge reader, so I suppose my bookish inspiration and more whimsical designs set me apart from other wood workers. Most of my scroll saw art is inspired by books I’ve read, and much of my woodworking items are designed with fellow readers in mind. I’m probably most well-known for my handcrafted book coasters. I think I’m most proud of my scroll saw art. The whole process is so exciting for me. I start by drawing up an original design, hand cutting it on my scroll saw out of wood or MDF, shaping each individual piece with a variety of sanding and shaping tools, painting or finishing it and creating a custom frame and backer. I don’t think bringing my designs to life like that will ever get old to me. I take custom orders as well.
We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
Success is a hard word to define, but I think it involves putting in the hard work to be authentic and kind in all that you do.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://outofthewoodscraftco.etsy.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/outofthewoodscraftco
- Facebook: https://Facebook.com/outofthewoodscraftco
