The photo above was taken last year when we first met Joyce and Jordan of Monsterella Plush Art at the 10A Alabama Arts and Crafts Fair. Since then, we’ve been amazed at the quality of their work. Their pride in the handcrafted truly shows in the whimsical toys and knickknacks they make out of fleece and felt. They’ll be having just 3 plushie-making sessions here at the workshop, this month until October! The first session’s just about filled up, but there are two more sessions if you’d like to learn how to make these adorable plushies. Check out the sessions here.
How long have you been crafting? What got you started?
We’ve been crafting since before we met each other. I (Joyce) used to stitch my own rag dolls while Jordan made some wooden bead accessories and joined a plush/graffiti group called A-bomb way back college. Joyce and her friend, Karen, were the ones who started Monsterella Plushies (former name) then Jordan eventually shared his knowledge in plush making.
What’s your favorite medium? Why?
Felt and fleece. We love the combination and versatility of these two in making fluffy and colorful plushies. Fleece texture gives warm and comfy feels while felt gives vivid details on it.
Tell us about your favorite projects.
Heima bunny plush- we were asked to make a plush that would fit Heima’s summer collection two years ago and now we’re working on the fourth edition. We love its sophisticated and chic look.
What’s the one crafting skill you’ve always wanted to master/learn?
We both wish to learn needle felting.
What are you currently working on?
Currently working on prototypes for a collab project and new designs for our next collection.
What’s your dream project? What have you done to make it happen so far?
We’re eyeing to hold a plush exhibit or even to join one in the near future first. Currently, we are still trying to make connections to those who are already in the scene.
Aside from crafting what else do you do?
Jordan also makes durable carry options like bagpacks (all by himself) and he calls it Exonomad while I teach ESL for Koreans and play with rubber stamps and washi tapes during spare time.
How does creativity influence the other areas in your life?
It helps us to be more practical. We have this mantra “Don’t buy it. We can make it.” Same goes with cooking. We try to experiment with different spices. When it comes to hiking (as our common hobby), we make our own gears for organizing. As for home needs, Jordan’s knowledge in Interior Design does the job.
Any advice for other aspiring crafters?
Don’t jump on different crafts at once. Focus on your own and make the most of it. Craftsmanship is still the most important of all. Enjoy the process and learn techniques from other fields of interests.
What do you do to beat a ‘creative block’?
Just get enough sleep. We watch inspiring films, browse our favorite artists, listen to music then we can get back on track with new ideas.
Give us 3 crafting essentials you must have in your toolbox at all times.
Sketchbook, Sharpie, and sewing needs- and we’re ready to make imaginary friends handy.
Why should people get their hands busy (and start crafting)?
We are never a fan of mass-produced stuff especially stuffed toys. It’s still best if you have or you share one of a kind, heartfelt creations.
Where can we find your work?
Some of our plushies are available at Pocket Universe Gallery, 2nd floor Saguijo Bar, Makati. We also sell regularly at 10a Alabama Arts and Crafts Fair. Our online shop is working but custom order is still closed.
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Newsflash! Just a reminder of this evening’s crochet-along–we’ll be crocheting flowers with Trey Ajusto of Gantsilyo Guru selections, and she’ll be raffling off a vintage crochet magazine! Sign up at our event page here.
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