Wood Cutting with Catch the Sun Design

Have you ever seen the sun stream through a window and reveal a stunning array of colors and designs? Or seen information about creating with wood and wanted to know more about it?

Catch the Sun Design does all this and more! She creates stunning sun catchers in so many shapes and sizes with a ton of different designs from landscapes (magical and peaceful) to families walking to detailed flowers and trees. If she can imagine it, she’s created it to include underwater, music, nature, and so much more!!! In her interview below, you’ll find out what inspires her, some advice she has for new entrepreneurs and woodburners and much more.

You can find more of her beautiful designs in her Etsy Store and behind the scenes as well as the latest news on projects and new pieces on her Instagram profile as well as her Facebook and even more on her TikTok.

Note - This post contains affiliate links, which means I will make a commission at no extra cost to you, should you click through and make a purchase.

Wood Cutting with Catch the Sun Design

What gave you the idea/inspiration to start Catch the Sun Design?

Is there anything better than light pouring through colors? I find it so magical. I used to make mosaics on old windows but I found they were too heavy and fragile and time consuming to continue. I have such respect for glass artists! I decided to create an alternative that gives a similar effect.

How did you get started in creating sun catchers?

I made my first prototype in my basement on a scroll saw. It was a simple design and took me a few hours to cut out. It came out beautifully and I was hooked but I knew I would have to change my process if I wanted to make this a viable craft. That is when I started looking into laser cutters and I fell in love!

What’s your favorite type of sun catcher?

All of them?! l have always been fascinated with colors. Specifically how the color black makes other colors pop! The silhouettes in my sun catchers allow me to juxtapose bright colors with black. I especially love working on custom pieces. They allow me to go outside my comfort zone and work directly with clients. I am always as surprised by the end results as the clients are!

How do you choose the colors and materials you work with?

Color theory is everything with these, particularly the mandalas. There are times I finish a large piece and there is one color that is off. I can’t let it go until it feels completely balanced.  I often have an idea of what color is needed, but I am always using trial and error to find the perfect fit. Collaging is incredible because you can just pick up and move colors over and over again. I never tire of the process. I love it!

How do you choose the pieces you create – ie is there something that you take inspiration from when you start a piece?

Almost every single time: nature. I also love stories, so telling a story through nature? The best.

What would you tell a new wood cutter for encouragement?

Try to think outside the box. Listen to your inner voice and let it drown out everything else. There is no one in the world who can make the art you make. Own it.

What is something you are passionate about and why?

Education. I used to be a public school teacher before having kids and starting my art career. It is unconscionable that schools are funded by local taxes, giving poor neighborhoods less money to fund their schools. How is it justifiable to spend more money to educate one child than another? I strongly believe if we educated everyone equally, so many of the country’s problems would be solved.

What is the most common question you get asked about your work?

How do you do that?! ;)

What is one thing that you wish people knew about creating sun catchers?

In general, I wish people knew how much time and effort goes into being an artist even aside from making the item; marketing, photography, packaging, shipping, supplies, etc.

If you had one (or several) things to share with a woman entrepreneur, what would it be? What would you encourage them about?

Make friends with other female entrepreneurs and take advantage of their knowledge. Know that you will mess up a ton while you are learning and that’s ok. Keep going.

What is a lesson learned for being a woman entrepreneur that you wish someone had told you when you first started?

Get someone to help you sort out the money from your business if that isn’t in your wheelhouse. If you have a small business, it’s not super complicated but there are a few things you need to know. My friend, who happens to be a consultant for small businesses starting up, kept trying to convince me that I should get her help with the accounting. I resisted for a long time but when I finally did it, it helped so much and I wished I had done it earlier!

How has COVID changed or impacted your vision/strategy?

Like everyone else, my business was affected by COVID. For one thing, I have had less time to work. I have two young kids so without in person learning, finding time to work was incredibly challenging. Also, I sorely miss doing in person events, craft shows, etc. I have done one outdoor event since the pandemic. It is immensely gratifying to connect with people and share my work in person. I am looking forward to hopefully doing more in the near future.

What is something that has helped you get through, during this global pandemic?  Something that is encouraging or a positive thing for you?

Seeing my kids go through it. They are so resilient. Masks, no masks, vaccine, no vaccine, in person, online, public school, all outdoor school, canceled travel plans, canceled family visits, daily hikes, etc. I am so impressed by their flexibility.

Fun question – if you could meet one person in history or present, who would it be and why?

Bruce Springsteen- childhood hero.  I think he is just brilliant in every way!

What is your dream for Catch the Sun Design to be (where do you see Catch the Sun Design in 5+ years)?

Right now, I am using a laser cutter at a nearby university but I’m hoping to have one in my house by then. I will have more time to work once my youngest goes into kindergarten next year as well so I hope I can work on more custom work and new designs!

Thank you for joining us on this interview with Catch the Sun Designs and thank you Olive for the interview opportunity. If you have a maker you recommend for a feature or want to share what you have from Catch the Sun Designs please email me or comment below. Have a wonderful day my friend!