Today we’d like to introduce you to Michelle Lin.
Michelle, we’d love to hear your story and how you got to where you are today both personally and as an artist.
When I was little, my mom would use to crochet dresses for me to wear. When I found out that you can make little stuff animals, called amigurumi, using the same techniques I just had to learn. Several YouTube videos and books later…I started my new obsession with making amigurumi!
We’d love to hear more about your art. What do you do? Why? And what do you hope others will take away from your work?
I make little stuff toys, usually food items, using a hook and yarn. Crocheting with yarn makes a fabric which you can shape and stuff to make into anything you can imagine!
I use to make so many things for fun, but when I found out I was pregnant with my baby boy, I knew I wouldn’t be able to continue work as a preschool teacher and have my son in someone else’s care. Financially it just does not add up. So one day while making a few donut rattles for my unborn baby, I decided to list a few on Etsy also.
I got my first sale ever just days before giving birth to my baby.
That’s when I knew this is what I’m going to do. My son has always been my inspiration since. I make because of him. Believe it, or not all toys need to be approved by my son before I introduced them to the world. Usually, I would show it to him. He would smile and say what it is and sometimes hug it. If it’s something he’s not sure of, he would just look at it, but no reaction of joy would be given.
I use this as a measure of how others might react to my creations. I want someone to hold something and smile and feel joy from it.
What do you think it takes to be successful as an artist?
Success is when someone can pick up an item you make and relate to it, find joy in it, and share it. As an artist you have to remember, not everyone will like what you make, and that’s simply because everyone is unique and have their own tastes. Be thankful always, don’t quit and keep going, because you will eventually meet “your” people.
Do you have any events or exhibitions coming up? Where would one go to see more of your work? How can people support you and your artwork?
You can find my work at Crafted. Crafted is a warehouse filled with artists, and their hand made items! It’s like a physical Etsy.
You can also see my work on Instagram @craftyoperation. This is where I post things that I’m currently working on.
You can suppose my work by simply liking and commenting! Purchasing would be awesome too, but not necessary. To purchase follow the Etsy link in bio, stop by Crafted, or even shoot me an email!
Contact Info:
- Address: Physical shop inside CRAFTED:
112 E 22nd St San Pedro, CA 90731 - Website: www.craftyop.com
- Email: michelle@craftyop.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/craftyoperation/
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/craftyop/
- Twitter: https://mobile.twitter.com/craftyoperation
- Other: https://www.etsy.com/shop/CraftyOperation
Image Credit:
Michelle Lin
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