A few weeks ago, I wrote a post on my newest obsession with Plush Toy making. I had a chance to talk with Kristen Rask, author of Plush You! and owner of the cute Seattle, WA toy shop Schmancy.
I’ve been to your store Shmancy- it is so adorable! What is the story behind it?
Well I was selling jewelry to Sally Brock, owner of Fancy. The shop opened up next to hers and she suggested I open a store. It was on one of those days where I was hating everything. You know those days? Anyways, two days later I had a lease. It was crazy and has been ever since. But a good crazy.
How did you learn to sew?
I guess I learned some stuff as a kid. I loved all things craft related. I made a huge plush dolphin in middle school that I was super excited about. Then I went to FIDM in San Francisco where I really learned a lot more about sewing.
Why plush toys?
Why not? I actually do not make many plush toys myself. I make more plush jewelry (pictured above) but I love plush. It was also the best way to incorporate the new toy movement my store focuses on with my love for crafting and the handmade. It seemed like a natural progression and makes my store standout from other vinyl toy stores.
How did your book Plush You! come about?
Plush You! is an annual show I have at my store. I had done it for several years and with so many people in it I thought I would like to do a book to highlight the awesomeness of plush. I was talked out of writing a book proposal by some more practical friends because I had too much on my plate. But then f+w publishing contacted me. It was amazing. The day I got the email that said “congratulations, you can call yourself an author” was one of those high five moments. I remember calling Elena who works here and whom I just love and telling her as I am picking up some of my toys from a magazine photo shoot. It was a great day.
Your book, features so many fantastic designers- how did you get involved with all of them?
I am very lucky to work with so many amazing plush artists. I got so lucky by luck I guess. Doing the show, having a blog, a flickr pool for the event, etc. was I guess how I have been able to meet so many folks. It also seems like I was one of the first stores to actually focus a good amount of attention to plush so I guess my name got out to a lot of plush designers. The craft community is very supportive. Lot’s of people have blogs that talk about Plush You! so I have no trouble finding plush people…although I always love to hear about more.
What exactly is Plush You! the event?
It is an annual show that showcases over a hundred plush artists from all over the world. You have to apply to be in the event and sadly this year we had to turn away tons of great artists. I am sure there are a lot of people wondering how or why they didn’t get in. We simply don’t have enough room. This year we have a show in Seattle on October 10th and then there is another Plush You! show on November 7th at Double Punch Gallery in SF. Then I am also participating with Gallery Hanahou for their show that opens Dec. 4th. It’s going to be winter plush madness!
What inspires you?
There is so much that inspires me. Sometimes I read blogs a lot, other times I am obsessed with flickr. Other times my speakers on my stereo inspire me. I guess I can be easily inspired. My friends and fellow crafters inspire me as well. I love going to some craft event to get the fuels going again.
Who are your crafty idols?
Oh man. There are too many but I will say I love Heidi Kenney. Every time I look at her blog or flickr I feel like the biggest lazy ass ever…but in a good way. I got to meet Matte Stephens a few weeks ago and his talk was really inspiring to me and he’s a super nice guy. I love all the folks at Craft magazine, their publication is amazing. All my craft friends are my idols. Seriously, it’s just too hard.
And finally, I noticed you asked a lot of the contributors in your book what is their favorite sandwich- so what is yours?
Ha! That’s funny because I actually am not a huge sandwich fan. I was a vegetarian for a long time and loved an avocado sandwich but now that I eat the meat I guess anything from Salumi’s is good with me! But mostly I love cupcakes although I think I have to give them a rest for awhile. I need to stop the sugar intake pronto!
Ah and what’s your favorite Candy?
Hmmmm i would say first would be a fine chocolate with a filling…preferably a maple kind then on the cheaper side of candy…I love those mint chocolates that are pastel colored with the white dots on top…I never know the name then I like Kitkat and Twix.
If you are in Seattle, be sure to check out Schmancy 1932 Second Avenue Seattle, WA 98101. (206) 728-8008. Kristen’s fabulous book Plush You! is available at bookstores and online. You can also visit her blog.
