Featured Artist- Crickets Creations

Celeste at Crickets Creations specializes in luxurious and fun hand knit scarves. When you visit her shop, you realize scarves aren't just for winter anymore. Whatever the season and whatever your mood, she has it!

1.Tell us a little about your craft, what is it and how did you get started in it?

I design & craft one-of-a-kind, handmade scarves from vintage & novelty yarns, and have sold over 300 worldwide since August 2007! I have sensitive skin myself, so I make every piece super-soft, comfy & nurturing. I love the glamour of wearing scarves in every season, so I offer a large variety of colors, thicknesses & styles.

I took an elective class when I was eight years old. From there, I studied knitting books and tried out patterns. Now I design all my own work.

2.What inspires you or helps you create?

My muse, inspiration & support is my sweetie, Nicky. I made my very first scarf for him (see that first scarf, modeled by Nicky at http://www.flickr.com/photos/cricketscreations/2181004294/in/set-72157603673305394/). He loved it so much that he said, "You could sell these and people would love 'em!" I guess he was right.

I love scarves that are reminiscent of everything that either gives us life or brings joy to our lives. I have nature themed scarves (Sea Colors or Embers & Ashes, for example), food themed scarves (Chocolate Mint and Oat Bran Muffin are two current favorites) and fun-themed scarves (Carnival or Gothic Disco). My favorite inspirations are animals (Macaw, Octopus, Animal Print, etc). 3.What do you love most about being a crafter?

The colors & textures of fiber slipping through my fingers are as mesmerizing as flickering fire flames or a cool, gliding river. It’s like meditation. I typically work with over 10 different yarns per scarf; it’s my creative playtime!

4.What one thing would you tell a new designer that you wish you had known when you first started?

The best way that I’ve been able to sell almost 300 scarves in less than a year is to have fun, create a quality product, and cherish the many people who choose multiple scarves for themselves or for gifts. It’s been a blast and I appreciate the opportunity! I offer a special price of only $30 per scarf to those who contact me before checking out, because I so enjoy the chance to interact with my customers and get to know them as people or even friends.
5.Where do you see yourself in five years?

Right here in Southern Utah near the Grand Canyon, knitting a special order scarf in the garden under one of our big trees.