You will have to check out Chelsea's LOVE AND A SANDWICH shop out on Etsy to find out who this delightful fellow is! I'm happy to have Chelsea of LOVE AND A SANDWICH out here on DZFANTASY as a featured artist. I believe you will enjoy reading what Chelsea has to say about herself and her work. She is truly delightful, just like her creations!
Hi! I'm Chelsea Rae, I'm 19 years old and the one woman handsewing machine behind Love and a Sandwich. I hope my work makes you laugh or at least makes you giggle under your breath.
What led you to start creating your art/craft?
I worked at a craft store one summer between college semesters, and even though it was mostly boring it was sometimes really inspiring to be around all these materials, and have all this time to brainstorm things to make with all of them! I was also inspired by one of my favorite artists Brandy Milne, who had recently put up a bunch of strange looking monsters on her site, and I fell in love with them. I wanted to make my own so bad! So I bought a bunch of felt, borrowed my moms sewing kit, and took out some embroidery and doll making books from the library. I had hardly any sewing experience at all, and taught myself all from scratch. After I made my first plush, (A small 3 inch tall embroidered owl made out of old sheets and felt) I didn't really want to stop. And I haven't. That was last September.
How did you decide what medium you wanted to work with?
It just kind of happened I guess. I tried it and I really loved it. So I kept at it. It didn't hurt that felt was pretty cheap and easy to come by. My drawings were always simple so it seemed more appropriate for them to be in 3D form, which made my monsters look much more impressive. Also, sewing was something I could do while I was doing something else. I watch movies and documentaries a lot while I sew. When I was drawing, the hyperactive part of my brain wanted to do something else, so I never got as much drawing done as I wanted to. With sewing I could get all the pieces cut out, and then turn on a movie and watch it while I did the tedious parts of sewing.
What aspect of creating your art/craft do you find the most enjoyable?
Designing them, and getting really excited about what they're going to look like when they're all done! Having all the pieces cut out and laid out on top of each other, and being really happy about it, so happy I might even start wiggling around in my seat with excitement.
If you had to choose a fruit OR a vegetable, to describe your art/craft, what would you choose, and why?
Hahaha good question! Hmm I'm not sure. I guess oranges, 'cause they're squishy and vivid and good with breakfast! Just like my monsters.
If you had to choose one other medium in which to display your “creativity”, what would that be, and why?
Clay probably. I do love drawing, but it stresses me out sometimes. I'm afraid to mess up. My monsters look so much better in 3D than they ever could on paper, and I like the idea of being able to pick up and hold and feel whatever you've made, instead of just being able to look at it.
What message, if any, do you want to convey with your art/craft?
Happiness! Hmm... yeah that's it really. I just want to make people happy with what I make. Make them giggle or smile, make them enjoy life a little bit more. Give them something to hug. Everyone likes hugs.
What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?
Don't stop! Ever! If you love it, at least. If you hate it, by all means, stop.
CHELSEA, thanks for taking the time to share your fun, whimsical creatures, and your thoughts about them. I do believe you've accomplished your goal of making people smile or giggle a little! I know I did! If you need a bit of cheering up and feel like smiling, take a look at LOVE AND A SANDWICH, and Chelsea's other sites! You'll be happy you did!
1 comment:
So cute!My nephew would love it!
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