We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jennifer Himstedt a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Jennifer, thanks for joining us today. Do you wish you had started sooner?

On one hand, yes, I wish I had started my creative career earlier because I believe I would have had more time to refine my skills and explore my creativity. However, on the other hand, I am glad I started when I did. I began my creative journey when I felt I had the capacity to truly enjoy the process and the learning that comes with it.

One challenge I faced early on was lacking confidence in my work, often dealing with imposter syndrome. It took time to overcome these feelings and embrace my creativity fully. Despite these challenges, what has truly amazed me is the overwhelming appreciation and love shown by fellow vendors and the people who buy or commission my items. Their support has been incredibly motivating and reassuring, reinforcing my passion for what I do.

I’ve found immense joy in collaboration and continuous learning throughout my creative journey. Working with others has not only expanded my horizons but has also given me the opportunity to learn from different perspectives and styles. So, while I may wish for an earlier start, I wouldn’t trade the experiences and lessons I’ve gained along the way for anything. Each step, no matter when it was taken, has been a valuable part of my creative learning journey.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I’ve always had a fascination with collecting spare or scrap items and transforming them into something new and creative. It started as a hobby, but over the years, it evolved into a passion. My journey into crafting began with my grandma teaching me sewing skills, and I quickly realized that my love language was creating handmade gifts. This love for handcrafted items led me to explore the world of repurposing and reusing materials in my creations.

I founded Scrap Sidekick, a venture dedicated to collecting repurposed scraps and giving them new life in whimsical and fun ways. My creations primarily involve felt creatures and handmade items. What makes my work unique is my commitment to using only repurposed or secondhand items in my process. I find immense joy in the challenge of taking leftover scraps and turning them into something silly but meaningful.

My medium of choice is felt, a tactile material that allows me to feel like I’m doodling in 3D. There’s something incredibly satisfying about working with felt; it adds a unique dimension to my creations, making them both visually appealing and touchably delightful.

One of my biggest challenges has been putting myself and my work out there. My booth is a reflection of my eclectic style, featuring felt-focused, silly items that never fail to bring a smile to my face. For me, a true win is when my creations make others smile too. I want people to know that every piece I make is infused with love, creativity, and a commitment to sustainability.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

Supporting artists and nurturing a thriving creative ecosystem is essential for the enrichment of our culture. From my perspective:

Talk to vendors. Engaging in conversations with artists and creatives not only helps understand their work on a deeper level but also provides them with valuable feedback and encouragement. This dialogue fosters a sense of community and understanding between creators and their audience.

Buy local and handmade is paramount. By choosing locally crafted and handmade products, consumers not only invest in unique, high-quality items but also contribute directly to the livelihoods of artists and artisans in their community. This support enables them to sustain their creative practices and continue producing exceptional work.

Encouraging unique, new collaborations can work wonders for the creative ecosystem. Collaborations between artists, creatives, and professionals from diverse fields often result in innovative projects and ideas. These collaborations bring fresh perspectives, allowing for the fusion of different skills, knowledge, and creativity. It’s within these unique partnerships that the magic of support truly happens.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

My creative journey is deeply rooted in a mission of upcycling, sustainability and repurposing items for something new. I am passionate about getting creative with what’s already there. My goal is to breathe new life into overlooked items, making them into unique and meaningful creations. This commitment to upcycling and repurposing is not just about creating art; it’s a way of contributing to a more sustainable world. This mission drives every project I undertake, infusing my creations with purpose and environmental responsibility.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.etsy.com/shop/ScrapSidekick
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scrapsidekick/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/scrapsidekick/

Image Credits
Clinton McCarty Jennifer Himstedt