| 1.
Could you please introduce us to who you are and
what you do? |
Hello,
I am Random Granny and I love to make unusual fabric
handmade dolls. I am based in Northampton, UK and
sell locally in the old Fishmarket
at the Bicycle
Basket Bazaar and also on Etsy
and Coriandr.
I have always been creative and studied art many
years ago at Goldsmiths College in London. |
As
a fairly new venture, Random Granny currently only
sells dolls but due to the randomness of my interests
I intend to expand my range. I have previously collaborated
with my husband who makes automata so we intend
to offer some more unusual items (keep watching!). |
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2.
What led you to take up your craft?
|
I
have sewn the odd thing since I was young but a
year ago a friend set up the local handmade goods
bazaar and I went along to support him with only
three dolls.
They sold so quickly and were so well received I
decided to continue and have expanded my collection.
This has also lead to commissions
for personalised dolls. |
My
main inspiration is my love of reusing things (especially
fabric!) and creating slightly different less cutesy
items. Although I initially became interested in
the Japanese kawaii style amigurumi which I also
make, I wanted to create something more British
and slightly darker with a hint of humour. I have
a huge love of British comedy and our culture and
I think that has a great influence on my work. |
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| 3.
Which part of your work do you most enjoy? |
Without
doubt I love to collect new (old) pieces of fabric
and dream up new ideas.
Each bit of fabric has endless possibilities and
imagining what I am going to do next is wonderful.
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| 4.
Which part do you find hardest? |
I
suppose parting with some of the dolls is probably
the hardest thing.
They are often limited editions due to the vintage
fabric and I fall in love with some of the dolls!
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5.
Where do you hope to be in 1 year’s time?
|
I
hope to be doing what I do now. Everything I make
is handmade by me so I am pretty small scale.
If I can continue to enjoy making and selling new
creations I will be very happy. Making a living...
well that’s a different thing! |
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6.
What is the best advice you have ever been given?
|
Never
eat yellow snow. Seriously! |
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| 7.
Could you name artisans sites / shops would you
recommend are worth a Visit? |
I
always check out Mollychicken
to see what she is up to. Her designs are lovely
but I also love the way she writes. She is a very
funny lady!
Everyone who could get to Northampton should check
out Bicycle
Basket Bazaar and come and visit us. |
I love Skull
a Day definitely worth a look if you like something
different.
If that's not enough for you, there are plenty more
to look at on the links
page. |
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8.
What is your favourite sandwich filling?
|
I
introduced a friend to a peanut butter and pickled
onion sandwich the other day with excellent results
but others have expressed stomach turning reactions
to this.
But I say, don’t knock it until you’ve
tried it.
And if you do try it, let me know
what you think! |
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Interview
by Autonomous
Artisans |
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