1. How did you get your start in the handmade community?
I started Flat Bonnie 6 years ago with the hope of helping animals in need.
I made the first 5 "Flat Bonnie" bunny plushies and donated them to a
local rescue named BunnyLuv.
They sold the plushies and used the proceeds to help care for the bunnies.
After that I started getting requests from other rescues to make animals
like guinea pigs, bears, tigers, elephants, and even turkeys.
2. What do you feel makes your work unique and truly your own?
My plush animal designs are minimal and clean. I try to capture the cutest
thing about the animal without getting too busy or complex.
My plushies are flat, making them easy to travel with. Also, I only use
animal friendly products, no leather or wool. Vegan friendly.
3. What or Who Inspires you?
I am inspired by all kinds of animals, wild and domestic, but mostly my
bunnies. I also find inspiration by looking at cute animals on the
internet.
4. What is your creative process like?
Once I decide on what new animal to create, I start making the pattern. I
usually know what I want the finished plush to look like, so I don't
sketch it out first. Looking at sketches can restrict or distract me
sometimes. Some things on a sketch won’t translate to the finished plush
very well.
5. What is the coolest artistic tip you have ever received?
It's O.K. to say no when someone asks you to make something that you are
not passionate about.
6. What can we expect to see from you at Jackalope?
I will have lots of cute plush animals, including the super rare
Jackalope. Also, I will be bringing animal themed Vinyl wall art, enamel
pins and jewelry.
7. Where can we learn more about you?
You can see many of the things that I make and read Flat Bonnie's mission
statement on my website.
I try to keep the website's blog and Instagram updated with art shows,
collaborations and upcoming events.
FlatBonnie.com
Instagram.com/FlatBonnie
Facebook.com/FlatBonnie
