This month we’re shining the spotlight on Heather, the maker behind Freckled Brunette Creations. What began as a way to fill her time as a new empty nester turned into a full-blown love affair with amigurumi, as well as a business built on colorful, one of a kind plushies! Heather stitches with Fairfield Poly-Fil and shares a little bit of everything in this fun interview: her creative journey, her favorite tools, a genius maker hack, and a random fact that might just surprise you. Let’s get to know Heather of Freckled Brunette Creations!
How did you get started on your creative journey?
I’ve always been crafty, even as a kid, and I’m definitely what some would consider a hobby hopper. I’d find something new, become completely obsessed with it for a few months, maybe even a year, and then suddenly lose all interest and move on to the next thing.
Then I picked up crochet.
I was at that point in life where I had become an empty nester and needed something new to fill my time. I signed up for what was supposed to be a beginner crochet class, and it was kind of a mess. 😂 So I headed home with my skein of yarn and crochet hook, immediately pulled up YouTube, and decided I’d just teach myself.
Apparently this hobby forgot it was supposed to be temporary, because here we are!
How did your hobby evolve into a business?
I knew from the very beginning that I wanted to make plushies. What I didn’t expect was to immediately fall in love with making them!
Once I figured out the basics, I just kept making them. And making them. And making them. Suddenly I had this ever growing pile of plushies and started thinking, okay, what exactly am I supposed to DO with all of these?!
Someone suggested I try selling them, so I did and things just grew from there. What started as me needing something new to do as an empty nester eventually turned into Freckled Brunette Creations, and somehow the hobby I expected to eventually hop away from became the one that stuck.
How do you stay inspired when you hit a creative block?
It really depends on what kind of creative block I’m in. Sometimes I’ll grab a mindless project like a blanket or tote bag and work on that while I binge some TV. Other times, I’ll do the exact opposite and dive into something completely new and outside my comfort zone just to get my brain excited about creating again.
And sometimes? I don’t make anything at all. I’ve learned that it’s okay to take a few days off and let myself miss it instead of trying to force creativity when it’s just not there.
The funny part is I never know which version of me is going to come back. Sometimes I return wanting to make something HUGE, and other times I’m suddenly determined to make 47 tiny things. There’s really no in between. 😂
What materials or tools do you love using most?
There are a few things that are pretty much always within arm’s reach when I’m crocheting: Premier Basix Chenille yarn, Furls and Clover hooks, my FyberRing, safety eyes that I’ve painted myself or purchased from some incredibly talented creators, and, of course, Fairfield Poly-Fil!
After making as many plushies as I have, you definitely figure out what you like and once I find something that works for me, I’m loyal.
Do you have any favorite “maker hacks” or tips you’ve learned along the way?
My favorite maker hack, and the one that always gets the biggest reaction when I share it, is how I support the necks and large heads of amigurumi.
Sometimes it doesn’t matter how firmly you stuff the neck, the sheer weight of a giant plushie head is eventually going to win. My solution? Pool noodles!
Run to your local dollar spot and grab a few. I cut a piece to the length I need, insert it down into the body, and then crochet the head up and around it. It gives the neck the extra support it needs while still being soft enough for a plushie that’s going to be snuggled by a kid.
It’s one of those ridiculously simple tricks where you try it and immediately think, why didn’t I do this sooner?
How would you describe your creative style or brand aesthetic?
Honestly? I make what makes me happy.
I don’t think I’ve ever really fit my work into one specific aesthetic, and I actually like it that way. I try to keep multiples of my smaller, popular items available, but one of my favorite things about preparing for markets is making a huge variety of one off plushies.
I love having a booth where you have to stop and look around because you never know what you’re going to find. There might be something cute, something weird, something giant, something completely ridiculous, and probably a little bit of all of the above.
What’s the most rewarding part of sharing your work with others?
100%, it’s watching someone fall in love with something I’ve made. I have pictures of almost every single customer I have ever sold to at a market and their smiles just make my heart happy.
There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing someone’s eyes light up when they spot a plushie that just speaks to them. I get to see those moments at markets all the time, and I don’t think they’ll ever get old.
I’ve also had customers send me updates later. A plushie sitting on display in their home, being packed around everywhere by a kid, or tucked into bed getting snuggled. There’s something really special about knowing that something I made became something another person genuinely loves.
That’s the part that makes all the hours of making worth it.
What’s one thing people might be surprised to learn about you?
This is completely random, but I’ve never had French toast. 😂
People are always AMAZED when they find this out, and I really don’t have an explanation for it. I don’t dislike French toast. I haven’t been avoiding French toast. French toast and I simply haven’t crossed paths in 47 years.
At this point, I’m almost afraid to ruin the streak!
What upcoming projects or goals are you excited about?
I really just want to keep learning and growing, meeting more like minded creative people, and seeing where this little business takes me. I’ve met so many amazing people and had opportunities I never would have imagined when I first sat down with that skein of yarn, hook, and a YouTube video.
And I do have one very specific goal I’m chasing right now: 10,000 followers on Instagram! I’m getting closer, and I’m determined to see that little 10K on my profile. Will anything actually happen when I get there? Probably not. Will I stare at it and feel ridiculously accomplished anyway? Absolutely.
From a messy beginner crochet class to a business built on giant heads, pool noodle neck supports, and one-of-a-kind plushies, Heather’s story is a great reminder that the hobbies we least expect can turn into something we never want to give up. Follow along with Freckled Brunette Creations to see what she stitches up next, and to help her get a little closer to that 10K goal! Here’s where you can find and follow her to see more of her work:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freckledbrunettecreations/
- Etsy Shop: https://www.etsy.com/shop/FreckledBrunette
- Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@freckledbrunettecreation
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@freckledbrunettecreations
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FreckledBrunetteCreations/