Today we’d like to introduce you to Kristina Turner.
Kristina, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Although my crochet journey only began 5 years ago, I’ve always been a creative person. From a young age, I loved drawing, writing stories, and inventing art projects. Through the years, I continued doodling in the margins of every notebook and scrap of paper and never outgrew my fondness for cartoons and fun characters.
It never occurred to me that my creative pursuits could become my career. A life as an artist didn’t seem feasible. The adage “starving artist” always came to mind when I thought of making a living through my creativity. I also never felt strongly pulled to any medium and couldn’t commit to focusing on just one.
After learning to crochet in 2013 and not being able to put it down, I knew I was on to something. At first, I made traditional crochet makes like pillows, blankets, and hats. In fact, my first crochet project is a hexagon blanket that I still haven’t finished! Several years later, I discovered amigurumi – the Japanese word for crocheted and knitted dolls – and my first doll, Henry, came to life.
What he lacked in arms, he made up for in personality! Amigurumi allows me to combine my love for illustration and character design with the tactility and handmade ethos of crochet. I’ve been making crochet dolls ever since!
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Thankfully, it hasn’t been a smooth road because along my journey I have grown tremendously as a person. The biggest struggle I’ve had is overcoming doubts, insecurities, and perfectionism. My personality is equal parts pragmatic and whimsical.
My creative side wants to try new things, explore, and make mistakes, but my perfectionist side wants everything to be right and tidy. These two sides are constantly at odds. My perfectionism wants to stop me from trying anything for fear of failure or embarrassment. But failing is inevitable when you’re trying something new and that’s exactly what creativity is – trying something new.
Because of this internal struggle, I resisted my desire to pursue an alternative career path that involved creativity and working with my hands daily. Reading the book “Big Magic” by Elizabeth Gilbert was a major mental turning point for me because it gave me the reassurance that it’s okay to do your own thing and live life on your own terms. And, in fact, you’ll regret it if you don’t. Now I find meditation to be really helpful in identifying negative thoughts and recognizing when you’re standing in your own way.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Tiny Curl – what should we know?
Tiny Curl is all about happy crochet, bright colors, and not taking yourself too seriously. It’s the go-to source for quirky, yet modern amigurumi patterns, handmade dolls, and unique accessories.
My focus for Tiny Curl is developing crochet patterns based on my designs to help others find joy through making things with their hands. It’s rewarding to see others make Tiny Curl dolls and gift them to loved ones or display them proudly on their craft shelves. I also regularly stock dolls and accessories I’ve made in my Etsy shop and love when they find forever homes!
Tiny Curl has been my happy place of self-expression. Whether I’m designing a new pattern or dancing with my cats, I make sure it’s what I want to be making or doing and not what I think others want to see. I firmly believe that everyone’s biggest asset is owning their individuality and sharing their joy with others.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
First and foremost, I need to thank my husband Kyle. Without him, Tiny Curl would not exist. He gives me constant encouragement and unwavering support. He pushed me to take the risk of starting Tiny Curl and has never doubted me. In fact, the name Tiny Curl comes from his nickname for me – Curl – because of my curly hair!
I also have a wide support net of family and friends – especially my parents who have fostered my creativity through the years and encouraged me to do what makes me happy. And I’ve found Instagram to have a bustling crochet community that is all about support, collaboration, and lifting each other up. I am constantly inspired by my fellow crafty artists on Instagram.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.tinycurl.co
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tinycurl/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tinycurl/
- Other: https://www.etsy.com/shop/tinycurlshop
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