Qween City is thrilled to be highlighting the city & region’s myriad artisan makers this holiday season. If you would like to be highlighted in the Craftiste directory, please shoot an email to [email protected].
How long have you been an artisan & business owner in Buffalo?
I have been an artisan in Buffalo for about ten years when I started knitting. I started selling on Etsy when friends started requesting things like mittens and scarves. I taught myself how to crochet about 7 years ago and somehow it took off.
Where are you located in the city / region?
I live in Amherst, NY
Do you have a physical storefront? If so, what is the address?
We started out with a storefront but are now just vending at local shows and cons.
Have you operated elsewhere?
My husband and I opened up a storefront on Main St. in the University Heights District back in March of 2015. That store was open for just about two years until we decided to close it.
Please describe your work / product; if applicable, please include your artist / personal statement or mission.
My main focus is something called amigurumi. Amigurumi is the Japanese art of knitting or crocheting small, stuffed yarn creatures. I’m best known for making things like jellyfish, Pokémon, Totoro, potted cacti, lots of special commissions, and lots of other cute things. Some favorites are butter lambs, avocados, donuts, and pierogies. Basically, I put little eyes and a mouth on something, and it becomes ridiculously cute! Because of the holidays, I’m making just about anything that’s been popular in the past. I love seeing how happy my work makes everyone. Watching a grown man walk away with one of my Cute-thulhus (a very cute version of the dark god, Cthulhu) is amazing!
Who are some of your favorite artisans / makers in the region?
There are so many amazing artisans and makers in Buffalo! And they are all so inspiring!!
Some of my all time favorites are Amy Lynn Duengfelder, Sisters of Salazar (Joy and Melissa), Heather at Martinsville Soapworks, KatyDidArt, and Vintango.
Where will you be representing your wares this holiday season?
The upcoming month or so will be very busy! On Small Business Saturday, November 25th, I will be selling my handmade items at Buffalo Women’s Gifts at Babeville. On December 2nd and 3rd, we will be at Totally Buffalo’s 716mas Festival at Riverworks. My next stop will be at the WNYBAC Last Minute Panic Sale on December 15th and 16th. We will be a pop-up shop at Martinsville Soapworks in North Tonawanda on December 23rd. On January 6th, I will be selling my amigurumi at Pulp 716 in North Tonawanda. After that, comicon season starts with the local colleges!
If there’s anything else you’d like to include, please feel free to do so below!
It really makes me happy to see such a strong artisan/maker community in Buffalo. This city is filled with such talent. I love seeing so many people pull together and support each other through small shops, shows, and events. I love being a part of that!
Contact:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/MermaidWeasel
Instagram: mermaidandweasel