So this year I’ve decided to join the #marchmeetthemaker Instagram challenge created by Joanne Hawker. It involves a new Instagram post each day for the whole of March. People can get to know a bit more about the story behind the maker. Its a great way to connect with lots of amazing new creatives along the way. I remember following the whole thing last year. Back then I didn’t feel brave enough or organised enough to commit to joining in. So this year I’m taking the next step.
The list of prompts for the whole month’s Instagram challenge is on the www.marchmeetthemaker.com website so anyone joining in can plan ahead. There are some I can instantly think of the answer to but some might need some more planning. I’m going to need to get organised…
Day 1, on my Instagram feed was favourite to make. I shared my most recent custom order – a felt fan doll of Paul Stanley from KISS. Custom ordes are my absolute favourites and I love making unusual requests for people. Today, day 2, is all about how I started. I actually ‘started’ as a child, growing up in a creative home with a mother who was very talented. My mum was active in her sewing and making (she makes great cakes too!). I was always surrounded by the interest, inspiration and materials to get creative.
As you grow up and do sensible stuff like getting a job, a house, some children the creative things often fade away. There isn’t time for that sort of stuff any more. When my daughter was small I was inspired to make her a simple little felt doll. After I made it I thought of all the ways I wanted to make it better, so I made a second one and then a third. From there the idea of turning this into a regular activity began, and then I started selling what I make.
My first official PepperPot doll was the one I now use as my profile picture on social media. She sits on my bookcase and watches over me as I work. I have made replicas of her for other people but the original little lady will always stay with me. So here she is, and her picture will be going out today as my second #marchmeetthemaker post.
So why not come and join in – you can just follow along if you like. You can go to Instagram and find #marchmeetthemaker to see posts from creatives all over the world making all kinds of things, or visit the official website to find out more.
And please follow along with my posts too – I’m on Instagram at www.instagram.com/pepperpotcrafts but I’m also posting my updates on my twitter feed at www.twitter.com/pepperpotcrafts