What do you create? How did you get started and what motivated you to start?
I create all kinds of things from knit, crochet and plastic canvas, primarily, stuffed toys and collector dolls from crochet, but also sweaters and clothing accessories (ie. scarves, slippers, etc)
I learned to knit and crochet at ages 6 & 8, because mom and grandma and my aunts all knit and/or crocheted and/or sewed (and I do all three). As I got older, I found it kept my hands busy while watching TV, and I could make things that people really liked, not to mention, it was a very easy grade in Home Ec.
The thing that got me started in crocheting collector costumes for Barbie style dolls, was a pattern of a 1906 Gibson Bride dress; I have a photo of my great-grandmother wearing an identical dress, and I HAD to make this! It was just a hop, skip and jump into making plastic canvas furniture for the dolls and then into crocheting stuffed animals.
I create all kinds of things from knit, crochet and plastic canvas, primarily, stuffed toys and collector dolls from crochet, but also sweaters and clothing accessories (ie. scarves, slippers, etc)
I learned to knit and crochet at ages 6 & 8, because mom and grandma and my aunts all knit and/or crocheted and/or sewed (and I do all three). As I got older, I found it kept my hands busy while watching TV, and I could make things that people really liked, not to mention, it was a very easy grade in Home Ec.
The thing that got me started in crocheting collector costumes for Barbie style dolls, was a pattern of a 1906 Gibson Bride dress; I have a photo of my great-grandmother wearing an identical dress, and I HAD to make this! It was just a hop, skip and jump into making plastic canvas furniture for the dolls and then into crocheting stuffed animals.
Which item do you have the most fun making?
I can't really pick one item that I enjoy the most, as I enjoy making all of them. I try to make one-of's, sometimes 2 or 3, but then it starts to become tedious and I have to move on to something else. Variety is the spice, so it is said. :)
The most surprising item I've made, though, is my dragon - surprising because it turned out SO BIG! But he generates a lot of conversation.
What are you doing when you're not creating?
When I'm not working on a project (which is rare), I'm reading a good mystery novel, or puttering in the garden, or taking landscape photos. OR I'm at work.
Where do you work on your creations?
On the couch in the TV room, while watching TV. I can't just sit and watch TV, or I miss half of what I'm watching because I'm bored, and have nodded off. LOL But if I'm working on a project, I make progress with the project AND get my shows watched too. :D
How do you occupy your mind while working?
Watching TV is the magic combination for me.
I can't really pick one item that I enjoy the most, as I enjoy making all of them. I try to make one-of's, sometimes 2 or 3, but then it starts to become tedious and I have to move on to something else. Variety is the spice, so it is said. :)
The most surprising item I've made, though, is my dragon - surprising because it turned out SO BIG! But he generates a lot of conversation.
What are you doing when you're not creating?
When I'm not working on a project (which is rare), I'm reading a good mystery novel, or puttering in the garden, or taking landscape photos. OR I'm at work.
Where do you work on your creations?
On the couch in the TV room, while watching TV. I can't just sit and watch TV, or I miss half of what I'm watching because I'm bored, and have nodded off. LOL But if I'm working on a project, I make progress with the project AND get my shows watched too. :D
How do you occupy your mind while working?
Watching TV is the magic combination for me.
Where do you get your inspiration?
As I create from patterns designed by other creators, I'm attracted to their creations, such as the collector costumes for Barbie style dolls, or the stuffed animal, because it's super cute or different from most of what you see elsewhere.
Sometimes, I'm inspired by the materials (yarns) and color combinations.
What's the most difficult part of the process?
Sometimes, the most difficult part of the process is finding certain materials or colors.
As I create from patterns designed by other creators, I'm attracted to their creations, such as the collector costumes for Barbie style dolls, or the stuffed animal, because it's super cute or different from most of what you see elsewhere.
Sometimes, I'm inspired by the materials (yarns) and color combinations.
What's the most difficult part of the process?
Sometimes, the most difficult part of the process is finding certain materials or colors.
What else should readers know about you and your creations?
I will sometimes make special order requests, within reason.
Where else do you sell your creations?
I really only sell at the Aritsan Fair shows, but because I post pictures in my album on Facebook, sometimes my friends will ask if they can buy it - so of course, I sell it to them.
Meet Theresa James on November 5th and December 3rd at 347 Burnham St, 10am-2pm in Peterborough, as well as on December 10th at the Peterborough Public Library, 10am-2pm!
I will sometimes make special order requests, within reason.
Where else do you sell your creations?
I really only sell at the Aritsan Fair shows, but because I post pictures in my album on Facebook, sometimes my friends will ask if they can buy it - so of course, I sell it to them.
Meet Theresa James on November 5th and December 3rd at 347 Burnham St, 10am-2pm in Peterborough, as well as on December 10th at the Peterborough Public Library, 10am-2pm!