I got a review copy of Beasties: How to Make 22 Mischievous Monsters that go Bump in the Night by Diana Schoenbrun several weeks ago, and when I went to sit down and have a thorough look through, it was gone. I couldn't find it anywhere, until it occured to me that someone in this house is probably enjoying this book very much...Emma. The book was already quite living in her room and already quite dog-eared. For an 11 year old crafty girl, this book is just her thing. Cool, unique, unusual-looking, expressive and friendly, yet ever so slightly sinister only begin to describe these monsters.
Sometimes its hard for me to look objectively at a book like this in several ways. Mainly because I have my own way of sewing, and often I have a tough time reading sewing information objectively. That's why is so great to have Emma to offer her thoughts and enthusiasm. This book has easy for her to follow and understand basic sewing instructions, clear illustrations, and the patterns are with each monsters how-to pages, not at the back of the book, I like that. But the best part are the creatures themselves!
I was lucky enough to trade a few questions with the author, Diana, about the making of this book and her art, and here's what she had to say.
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Blair: These monsters are so full of personality! What inspires your initial ideas, where do you generally draw inspiration from?
Diana: Visual design greatly impacts the development and personality of each of my characters. The beginning of a character?s development focuses on the shape, color, texture, and attitude. Initially, I made a list of characters from research in mythology and cryptozoology. I read descriptions and made sketches from the ideas that popped into my head. I also looked at imagery from other artist?s drawings and photographs. Old prints and engravings of animals inspired how I designed some Beasties. Often the fabric I picked out would drive the character. When making a werewolf I had some frightening references that lead me in the wrong direction. I felt stuck in my sketch process and decided to go fabric shopping for a grey faux fur where I discovered a red, white, and blue fur. Aha! I was going to make a patriotic American werewolf. After I redrew the werewolf to be more approachable. The final Beastie resulted more from my fabric choice than my initial research.
B: One of our favorite parts of the book are the scenes created around the monsters in the photographs (I actually think my favorite might be the photo for Bloody Mary, pictured above). Did you create these yourself? What goes into coming up with ideas for these vignettes?
D: I created the environments for each Beastie using basic art and craft supplies. First, I made all the characters and then created the sets. I decided my design aesthetic would appear entirely handmade rather than photograph an actual environment. For example, I knew I wanted the Bloody Mary photo to look like the viewer was staring into a simple bathroom mirror. The fake bathroom was made with cardboard, paper, and paint. The faux sink was made of sculpy. I incorporated found objects such as the birthday candles and substituted cellophane for water.
B: So many of your animals have really creative uses of textured fabrics and faux fur? Do you have a favorite place to shop for these materials?
D: I begin with fabrics I already have at home and then go on from there. Over the past ten years I have been a pack rat collecting fabric. In the past I went to a place called the Rhode Island Recycling Center which sold fabric and upholstery leftovers from fabric mills. I often incorporate reused fabric from old clothing such as sweatshirts and sweaters. For example, the Asp Turtle?s grass is made from my shrunken green wool sweater. When I shop in New York City and Brooklyn, I usually go to Mood, Purl, and Fiber Notion.
B: Do you sell your stuffed creations?
D: In the past I have usually given my stuffed creations as gifts. I have just reopened my etsy shop that sells Beasties and stuffed animals.
I am hoping to sell more Beasties this year at upcoming craft fairs in New York!
B: Emma and I imagine that your studio or creative space must be filled with creatures similar to the ones in the book, peeking around corners and hanging form the ceiling? (Actually, I think Emma thinks that would be ideal!) What is your creative space like?
D: My creative space is my studio in my apartment. I consider the room a controlled mess. I have a desk, sewing machine, and bookshelf. I have an armoire overflowing with fabric, paper, and boxes of art supplies. The space is still going under some reorganization. Recently, I bought glass jelly jars to color organize my button collection by color. I have old cigar boxes that store beads and embroidery thread. I do keep inspirational objects and figurines that I have collected from my travels. One of my favorites is a Nagual from Oaxaca that looks like a cat with a mustache. I often have a few projects going at once so there are always stuffed creatures and Beasties surrounding me.
Thank you Diana!
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And for one of you lovely folks, I have a copy of Beasties: How To Make 22 Mischievous Monsters That Go Bump in the Night. Just leave a comment on this post of your favorite Halloween costume (I need some ideas) to be eligible. I'll keep the comments open all this week and draw a name at the end of the week (US addresses only please).
Update: Winner has been chosen, thanks to all who entered!
