KaBoogie Shoes - soft soles...for babies that boogie!

Tell me about your shop. What will I find there?

My shoes are sort of an evolution of need vs. style. I love to dress my babies (all 6 of them lol!!) like little grown ups. I could never relate to commercial colors, designs, etc., so I just didn't buy a lot of clothing. Plus with this many kids, cost is always an issue. So one day I took yet another pair of hand-me-down shoes apart, cut up my husband's old bomber jacket and made my baby a pair of shoes. The mocs evolved from there. I loved the pair I had as a child but always hated that they didn't stay tied and were stiff.

I scour thrift shops, and items are given to me sometimes in trade. I use only the newest condition garment weight suede I find on the inside of often the most hilarious 80's style leather jackets. The thing is, too many people buy leather pants, wear them twice, then donate them. I hate the waste I see, so for me, using these pieces serves two purposes. It contributes to Salvation Army and other good causes, and reduces the waste out there. My mocs are totally retro, soft, and subdued. My other shoes are funky, cool, and sometimes a little edgy! They may be leather, fabric, fleece or felted wool.

How long have you been in business?

I started my etsy shop last November, so I'm still quite new.

Where do you sell your creations?

My shoes can only be found on http://www.kaboogie.etsy.com. I currently don't have another online venue, but am actively seeking wholesale opportunities!

Do you have a blog or web-site?

Sadly, no. My home life is extremely full, so I spend my online time promoting and reading wonderful blogs like this!

Who is your favorite crafts person/artisan or favorite web resource ?

I am currently a big fan of http://www.indiepublic.com. There's an immense arts and craft community out there, something I wasn't even aware of before I joined etsy! Some of my favorite etsians, or at least ones I've bought from are www.unearthed.etsy.com, www.mjcopper.etsy.com, www.shineyourhiney.etsy.com, and www.morganstreet.etsy.com. This is a tiny fraction of the incredible talent on etsy! I also love www.craftzine.com.

Are there any upcoming craft fairs/art shows that you’ll be participating in this year?

This fall I will be participating in the Sturbridge, MA, Harvest Festival http://www.sturbridge.org/harvest_festival.htm,

and the Coventry, CT, Regional Farmer's Market http://www.coventryfarmersmarket.com/ in October.

As a homeschooling mom this will be a tremendously busy fall for me, so I'm keeping my eye on opportunities that won't be too much of a conflict with the start of the school year. I'm looking for wholesale venues to get the KaBoogie mocs brand to as many people as possible!