Member Spotlight - Cocodelay

Marti's shop, Cocodelay features very cool Chalkboard jewelry, paper mosaics and much more. Let's learn more about this great talent!

Tell us about yourself....
I was born and raised in Southern California and have been a bit of a gypsy - lived eight years in Memphis (didn’t see Elvis) and am in New York for the second time. Although I am single with no children, I have a godson who lives near me and loves to tease me about the fact that I know nothing about football, or most sports, for that matter.

What is your professional background?
I was in advertising or related fields for many years. For the past eight years, I managed the photo studio and personal life of a lifestyle photographer. This involved everything from dealing with the likes of Martha Stewart to tending chickens to picking up the kids from school when they were sick.



What led you to your current craft?
I work in various mediums and my current favorite is paper. I guess it all started when I was about eight years old - my mom taught me how to fashion a little box from an old Christmas card. From then on, I was a paperaholic and am always in search of interesting ephemera.

How do you feed your creativity?
Intuition plays a big part in my life and I listen to my inner voice and let it guide me. So, whether I’m walking in the woods or visiting a museum or pumping gas into my car, I am always listening to my inner guidance and it always serves me well.

Describe your work area
I have always been a big floor sitter so that is where I do most of my work.




When is your favorite time to work?
Now that I have quit my day job, I work all the time - probably put in 12-15 hours per day. However, it doesn’t feel like work. It’s all fun, all the time. Even when I’m doing taxes or seemingly mundane tasks. I love being my own boss.

How did you end up on Etsy?
I can’t remember when I first heard of Etsy but it is such a great, creative marketplace. And, if anyone is interested in the origin of my company name of Coco Delay - it is my “stripper” name - where you take the name of your first pet and the first street on which you lived. That becomes your stripper name. What is yours?

Other than supplies and materials, what do you want to have if stranded on an island?
I am a student of spirituality and metaphysics and I would want my A Course in Miracles book. And Mallomars and macaroni and cheese.


Any Guilty Pleasures?
My favorite things to do: make art, hike in the woods, beach comb, dance, cook, meditate, laugh, love, watch old movies.

Words of wisdom for aspiring artists?
It’s been said a thousand times, but it’s certainly true for me - follow what is in your heart.