Life & Work with Katy Patrick Carlson

Today we’d like to introduce you to Katy Patrick Carlson.

Hi Katy, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I am Katy Carlson, the owner of Carlson Custom Handmade Goods – a Macrame shop specializing in home goods and jewelry. I am a proud Colorado Native, and reside in Johnstown with my Husband Russ and two dogs Beluga and Tobias. I’ve always been a creative person, dabbling in a wide variety of art forms. In Grad school I was hired to work in the Anatomy Lab (I am a Doctor of Physical Therapy) and a passion for osteology quickly developed. I found myself obsessed with skulls and skeletons, and soon after started collecting antlers, bones and skulls that I found in nature to compare and study. I find something so beautiful about these structures, and over time started decorating them with paint and feathers to try and highlight the artistry in anatomy that I was experiencing. When the pandemic hit Colorado and quarantine went into effect, my full time canine Physical Therapy business slowed dramatically. I turned to art to fill my time and help manage all the big emotions that I was experiencing. I discovered macrame while trying out different art forms, and was addicted. I knew immediately that I wanted to use macrame in my current artwork, and I started teaching myself different knot techniques to make my visions come to life. I was blessed to have the support of friends and family early on, as I started out with macrame antler wall hangings and macrame earrings. I quickly expanded my inventory to include plant accessories, coasters, placemats, yoga straps, wristlets, diffusers and more! As of 2021 I partnered with a few other local small businesses, and You can currently shop in my Etsy shop, or in person at Top Terra Cotta (Boulder) or Hometown Shops (Loveland). I also take custom commission orders, and offer rentals for weddings, events and photoshoots.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
If I am being completely honest, all of my obstacles and challenges are what prompted me to create Carlson Custom. I struggle with Complex PTSD, Anxiety and Depression resulting from severe trauma I experienced as a teenager. Art has been my form of therapy for as long as I can remember, and Carlson Custom has provided me with a platform to share that art with others. It has encouraged me to dedicate time to this form of self-care, and has helped me connect with a great support system of other makers and small business owners. I cannot recommend art highly enough if you are someone that also deals with mental health issues.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am very passionate about the environment and sustainability – so all of my pieces are made with 100% recycled cotton cord sourced from other small businesses. I love to use recycled and foraged elements in my work, so it is common to find reclaimed barn wood, driftwood from the Poudre Valley, antlers, skulls or feathers incorporated into my pieces. All of the materials I use are ethically sourced, and every item that I make is uniquely one of a kind.

Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
I love to collaborate on projects, and would be thrilled to expand my services and locations that my products are sold so if you are interested please reach out! I also thoroughly enjoy custom commissions and large pieces for backdrops in weddings or photoshoots.

Pricing:

• Earrings: $20+
• Custom Wall Hangings: $100+
• Plant Accessories: $20+
• Custom Yoga Straps: $40+
• Diffusers: $15+

Contact Info:

• Email: carlsoncustomhandmade@gmail.com
• Website: www.carlsoncustom.etsy.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carlson_custom/?hl=en
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/carlsoncustomhandmadegoods/
• Other: https://www.pinterest.it/CarlsonCustomHandmadeGoods/

Image Credits
Katy Carlson