"I have done so many different kinds of crafts over the years, it's been a struggle to focus on and find just the right medium. This last year I have been doing a lot of sewing projects, purses, pouches, aprons, bibs, blankets, bowl covers, wallets and all kinds of things. I really enjoy the practicality of sewing. Need a new purse? I just make one myself.
I like to have lots of variety to keep me interested so I took up making miniature clay charms. I like that I can be a little more creative and artsy with this medium, which I lacked with sewing. This is fairly new to me but I enjoy it immensely.
I like to have lots of variety to keep me interested so I took up making miniature clay charms. I like that I can be a little more creative and artsy with this medium, which I lacked with sewing. This is fairly new to me but I enjoy it immensely.
I have been crafty my whole life. As a kid I would make pom pom animals, Christmas tree ornaments and all kinds of things with my Grandma to sell at the crafts sales along with her knitting. What got me specifically into sewing and miniature charms were mostly Pinterest and YouTube. There are so many great ideas and other crafters sharing how to make all kinds of things, it's really inspiring to try and so easy to learn new things. The thing I really enjoy the most is coming up with and then creating new things. It's really satisfying when your idea and hard work comes to fruition.
[When not creating], I spend a lot of time on Pitnerest and Youtube, looking up new crafts and getting inspired. I also have my own Youtube channel that I share my ideas and some tutorials on. I also really enjoy reading and playing the occasional video game.
For my sewing I really like practical items, I use a lot of neutral colours for purses, but get a little more funky with the accessories. For my clay charms I enjoy making really cute miniatures, many in the Kawaii style (Japanese, cute) or miniature foods.
The most difficult thing for me is picking one thing to make. I get so inspired and have so many ideas all at once, or find lots of projects on Pinterest that I end up not doing many of them because it gets a little over whelming to stop and pick just one. As for the actual making of each item, I find my mind really works well at following instructions and following patterns very easily and I pick up new things quickly. The only thing that would be difficult is the waiting, waiting for the clay to bake and not having patience with my sewing machine when it tries to be a pain.
The most difficult thing for me is picking one thing to make. I get so inspired and have so many ideas all at once, or find lots of projects on Pinterest that I end up not doing many of them because it gets a little over whelming to stop and pick just one. As for the actual making of each item, I find my mind really works well at following instructions and following patterns very easily and I pick up new things quickly. The only thing that would be difficult is the waiting, waiting for the clay to bake and not having patience with my sewing machine when it tries to be a pain.
I work in our spare bedroom. I have put my grandmother's kitchen table in there where I keep my sewing machine on and work on clay. I have completely taken over the entire room, there is no room for anyone to sleep!
I tend to work in short bursts, an hour here, 15 minutes there. Clay pieces tend not to take too long to make and sewing projects are easily set aside which works great for me and my short attention span.
My favourite piece was the very first purse I made myself. I had such trouble finding purses I liked in stores. It's been a year and I still use it as my main bag, even with all the kool aid stains, ketchup and dirt.
I tend to work in short bursts, an hour here, 15 minutes there. Clay pieces tend not to take too long to make and sewing projects are easily set aside which works great for me and my short attention span.
My favourite piece was the very first purse I made myself. I had such trouble finding purses I liked in stores. It's been a year and I still use it as my main bag, even with all the kool aid stains, ketchup and dirt.
I have recently set up an Etsy shop, www.KraftyKitty123.etsy.com. Anyone local willing to pick up at my home in Peterborough doesn't have to pay anything for shipping, just shoot me an email through my Etsy store or at [email protected]." You can meet Tonia at 30 Craft Market on May 2nd at the Peterborough Public Library (her purses will be available at the June 27th show at Silver Bean).