Shop address: http://www.tamdoll.etsy.com/
In a nutshell: You never know what I’m going to come up with.
Tell us a bit about yourself:
I learned to use a sewing machine while in college and began making dolls to give away as presents, which eventually turned into some pattern and art doll sales - but lately my work has turned to exploring fabric in new and different ways. Now I’m working on some fabric jewelry – it’s still brewing in my head, and I have some itchy [failed experiments!] things I’ve made with wool – but I’m working on it!
Trashion materials: fabric, wool sweaters, found objects, foam cushion leftovers
I transform them into: totes, handbags, art dolls, fabric jewelry
How do you do it?
Brainstorming ideas while I’m at work and then [staying away from the computer] when I get home -- focusing on cutting and sewing when I find the time.
What inspired you to do this and why are you involved in trashion?
I’ve always been concerned about the environment – why waste and purchase more things when there are lots of great materials at hand? And I get a lot of pleasure from making something out of nothing – it’s like making a delicious meal out of leftovers. There’s surprise involved, too, that something beautiful, functional and creative can come from a cast-off.
Do you remember the first thing you made using the trashion concept?
What was it?
I remember when I was little, cutting up one of my out-grown tops to hand-sew a Cabbage Patch Doll shirt (I can still see the horrible plaid rainbow fabric with metallic threads woven in it)... But I think my first commercial effort was in the 90’s when I made clocks out of trashed computer components and sold those in a small boutique. They were a big hit as gifts for men, but eventually it became a little boring just drilling holes and putting those together so I moved back to fabric creations.
What are your current projects and what is on the horizon?
I still have some wool sweaters that I’ve boiled and are cut up for some new bags and totes – but really I want to develop some of the fabric jewelry ideas that have been brewing in my mind for a while. I also have a bucket of found objects that have been calling for me to collage and create with – I’ll dive into those one of these days this winter.
Why should people buy handmade, and buy from trashion?
Buying handmade puts a face behind the creation, a person instead of a machine. When you buy something for yourself, or as a gift, that is handmade, and especially from trashion, you are guaranteed to have something that’s unique, has been made with heart and great thought.
More you'd like to share:
I’d love people to stop by my blog and chat up some of my works-in-progress & creations with me. I love to be inspired and challenged to share new ideas with like-minded crafters and the internet is a great place to do that. Visit me at http://www.tamdoll.blogspot.com/. Of course, spending too much time online does take away a lot of the time I could spend creating so I’ve got to watch that.…
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