I can honestly say that the first year that I was accepted to show at Plush You! was a huge turning point for me.  I felt like I was doing something more than crafting, that I was making something that people would be interested in. Who knew that a year later I would be accepted again, and that opening night of Plush You! would coincide with the opening night of my first solo show?

Schmancy is a quirky little toy shop in the heart of downtown Seattle, run by the amazing Kristen Rask.  Kristen is a driving force in the world of “art” plush.  If not for her, plush would still be in the realm of “not safe for 3 and under” toys rather than the sculpture that it truly is. 

She not only has an eye for amazing art, but she is an artist and craft book author herself. And because she doesn’t seem quite busy enough, she is a founding member of Schoolhouse Craft, an enterprise that teaches people like me the “business of craft” (disclaimer: I have not been to one of their many workshops, which is ridiculous because I am the target market. Kristen, I promise to get to a class soon).  Oh, and I can’t forget to mention that Kristen is the president of Urban Craft Uprising “Seattle’s largest indie craft show”.  At this point I’m pretty sure I’ve missed something, that just doesn’t seem to be enough.

Kristen, thank you for everything you do. I know I wouldn’t be where I am today without you.

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When I find fabulous artists I never wish that I could draw/stitch/create like them.  I’m always just glad to have found them and know that their art is there for me to come back to time and again.  I’ve decided to start featuring some of my favorites every Friday so that you can enjoy them too.