ABOUT

¡Hola! I’m Amanda. Studio journal is a little spot for me to share the things I make. I live just north of Sydney, Australia.

I’ve tried a bunch of different things, yet the one thing that has remained a constant in my life is making with my hands. I like the idea of sharing both the process and the end results with you, and I like how this will document the natural stages and changes of making.

I don’t have a favourite craft; I like so many! This means I am a beginner at just about everything, but I (mostly) don’t let this stop me. I have a tiny little studio at home, filled with the accompanying accoutrement.

Things I like to do:

• wood working

• block print on fabric

• make books/journals

• basket weave

• knit

• crochet (regular, Tunisian and amigurumi)

• sew (mostly by hand, but some machine)

• quilt (by hand, including piecing)

• mend

• embroider

• paint

• dye

• browse craft supply stores, particularly the ones in small towns

• try new crafts

• make and eat cake!

I feel lost when I’m unable to make something with my hands, which is the main reason most of the things I enjoy doing are also portable. People often stare, but I don’t mind. Sometimes people will smile, oftentimes they’ll say something. An elderly man told me he hadn’t seen someone knit since his wife passed away, and it made him remember all of the times he helped her wind the yarn. It was a beautiful moment.

I enjoy crafting with others, but it’s been several years since I did this. I miss it. If you’re a crafty type, please come and say hello on Instagram. I’d love to see what you’re making.

Amanda