Etsy North Georgia Weblog

www.Dingogirl66.Etsy.com

Tell Us a Little About Yourself. I was raised on a farm in north Georgia. Growing up, I always did crafty things. I had parents who really supported my creativity – especially because I have always had two left feet! I use to draw what I could see in clouds and nature, and by the time I was 12 or 13 year old, I had begun painting with oils and acrylics. By 15, I was working in soft sculpture, ceramics and screen printing. I began sewing on a machine about three years ago and doing appliqué work about 1 ½ years ago. In trying many different craft mediums, I found that I liked sewing the best because it allows me to manipulate textures, colors and dimensions to get the results that I desire. For me, appliquéing is like creating a painting with fabric.

How Did You Pick Your Shop Name? My shop name comes from my nickname, “Dingogirl,” that was given to me in my teens and just kind of stuck. And what is a dingo? It is a den animal – meaning that it is very self-contained and has everything it needs in its den.

What Makes Your Items Special/Unique? Dingogirl66, features one-of-a-kind soft sculpted toys, pillows, blankets, hoodies and purses. The toys are whimsical woodland animals or cute and creepy creatures that I call “mutants.” I began drawing them as little cartoon characters that have evolved over time. And now, I enjoy bringing them to life. I think it comes from reading Edward Gorey, Dr. Suess, Tolkien, Mark Ryden and Jim Henson. If there was one person in this world that I could meet, it would be Jim Henson – so I could tap into his mind. I love the drama and comedy behind everything he has ever created. I view him as an icon and mentor.

Is There Anything Else We Should Know? I love Japanese toys, faeries and other mystical items. Really, I just love anything that is off-the-wall that has a sense of humor to it and makes me feel like a child. When I begin to create a toy, I usually have only the shape of the body in mind. I create the majority of them from recycled material such as old wool sweaters. Once I have completed the shape, I sculpt the rest of the features by hand.

I currently reside in Grant Park in Atlanta and have lived here for about five years. My yard is overrun with whimsical yard art and gnomes as well as multiple gardens. When I am not crafting, I do interiorscape design and maintenance for upscale hotels, atriums, restaurants and cooperative buildings. It is very fulfilling to be able to design a planting arrangement or floral arrangement and then see the finished project. I have formal training in landscape architecture.

I am a huge animal lover with three dogs, three cats, a tortoise and two fish tanks. These guys are my children and consume or consummate my motherly instincts. I have always loved dogs and would do anything to save one. Recently, I helped a stray find its way back home. The owner was thrilled, and I was relieved! I also have studied canine training and psychology and have worked with an animal behaviorist in the past.

CONTEST INFO:

Go to Dingogirl66.Etsy.com & have a look around. Come back here & leave a comment about your most favorite item. Doing so will enter you in a contest to win your choice of any Zippered Bag from Dingo Girl’s Den.