What is crochet?  Crochet is the method of creating textiles by using a crochet hook to interlock loops of yarn, thread, or strands of different materials. The name is originated from the French word crochet, meaning 'small hook.' Hooks can be produced from other materials, such as metal, wood, bamboo, or plastic. In 2019, I created toy figures such as sweet tiny fruits, hats, and purses using crochet. I had an interest in making Mini Amigurumi and referenced Lauren Espy's works in the process.

What are Perler Beads? Perler beads, also called Hama beads or melty beads, are tiny, plastic beads. You organize them on a unique pegboard to create a design. You then use iron and wax paper you fuse the beads. As they cool off, you have a hard piece of plastic in your design. At the age of nine, I started to make Perler Beads. All the designs created were collected online. It helped me to improve my hand-eye coordination and learn color styles.

What are handmade dolls? A handmade doll is also called a rag doll which is a children's toy. It is a cloth doll traditionally home-made from and filled with extra scraps of material. They are the oldest children's toys in existence. Presently, many handmade dolls are commercially made to reproduce the features of the original homemade dolls, such as simplistic features, smooth cloth bodies, and patchwork clothes. I handmade dolls in 2015. My first handcrafted doll was named "Brownie," made from old clothing and buttons. My latest handmade doll was a crocheted fox called "Foxy." 

What is felt? In early times, felt was utilized to make rugs, shoes, clothes, and even toys! Felt toys are an excellent addition to a play space for young children. It is thicker, more tightly woven, and has strong fibers, so it holds up better so seams won't rip when stuffing your toy. Felt toys are soft, highly textural, and add a sensory element to children's play, developing their engagement and play experience. I created Felt Toys in 2016, utilizing felt fabrics, and taught myself how to sew using my hands and my sewing machine. 

Rainbow Loom is a plastic device used to make multicolored rubber and plastic bands called loom bands, into embellishing items such as charms and bracelets. It has pegs over which small, colored rubber bands are looped and pulled by a special crochet hook. The resulting loop knots, known as Brunnian links, can be compiled on the loom into bracelets and other shapes. In 2017, I also made several Rainbow Loom creations ranging from bracelets in different styles, people figures, animals, and dragons, referencing Cortney Nicole.

What is outdoor art? Street art is one of the most distinct forms of artistic expression in our modern world because its purpose is to draw upon viewers from exterior structures such as buildings or homes. Outdoor art is visually and physically accessible to the public since displayed outside. Outdoor art explores to embody public or universal concepts rather than commercial, exclusive, or individual concepts or interests. I ventured out of my comfort zone and applied my drawing and painting skills to outdoor items such as a deck to add color and fun, using various Exterior Wood paints. 

Mosaics are used as floor, wall, and window decoration and were particularly popular in the Ancient Roman world. The history of mosaics is as modern as it is historical. Mosaics are artistic, practical, and beautiful. Mosaics can and should regularly be considered in interior design applications to add functional characteristics in homes, offices, and places of worship when a statement needs to be made.
In 2021, I experimented with making my mosaic lamps. The process of organizing each colorful glass is as therapeutic as it is beautiful. The final creation is unique to you and your perception of the artwork you aim to create. 

At the beginning of 2021, I sparked an interest in how to make my own handcrafted puppet. I conducted online research and watched numerous videos on the topic. I applied the techniques and tips shared by puppet creators to my own creation and was pleased with the result. As I furthered my learning journey, I enrolled in Adam Kreutinger's courses, which preceded the making of my puppet. Adam Kreutinger also appreciated the outcome of my creation.

Embroidery is the method of decorating fabric or other forms using a needle to apply thread or yarn. I explored in 2020 with embroidery for my fashion design work. The goal was to embroidery something that represents me and how I see the world. My interpretation was to create eyes and textures to express me artistically. 

I am customizing sneakers to represent images from fanart images. I use Angelus leather care products and Nike Air Force One. First, I created my sneaker concept design. Also, I replaced the original white shoelaces with black-colored ones to go splendidly with the concept design for Alice in Wonderland design. 

I made necklaces with various materials such as stone, shells, bones, glass, plastic, wood, and pearl. I got inspired by Lisa Sahakian, Katie Rawsthorne, Gena Wachendorfer, Yasmin Moon, Mary Anderson, Camille Shakirova, Cecilia, Eunice Wong, Alexandria Rosa, and Regan Lowe.

I made The UNIF Stitch Bag using needlepoint made of yarn, needle, felt, scissor, glue, and plastic canvas. I was inspired by a needlepoint kit from the '70s called Ecology Tote Bag by Columbia Minerva. Columbia Minerva Corporation is a company that published patterns from the '60s to the '80s.

Pottery, an enduring and universally embraced art form, revolves around creating functional yet aesthetically pleasing items from heat-strengthened clay. I was honored in 2012 to gain training from Özay Korkmazgil, a ceramics artist who sees pottery as art, therapy, and stress relief. Clay connects us to the earth, providing calm and creativity for all ages.

SELLING HANDMADE ITEMS ONLINE

I highly recommend those who have an interest in creating animation and digital art to also explore the world of hands-on craftsmanship. Working with actual materials not only provides a tangible experience but also helps alleviate stress while enhancing motor skills. It's worth noting that there is a growing market for handmade items, and you can even start selling your creations on platforms such as Bonanza, Etsy, and Amazon Handmade.

Handmade Creations: Uniquely Crafted Artistry by Anisa Ozalp

Handmade creations hold a special place in the world of art and craftsmanship. Anisa Ozalp is an exceptional artist who has dedicated herself to the art of handcrafting various items. The process of creating handmade pieces involves a deep connection with the materials, allowing for a sensory experience that cannot be replicated. Anisa's approach to crafting items is marked by attention, respect, and a conscious understanding of what each piece wants to become. This cognitive viewpoint and conscious design result in exquisite and beautiful objects that possess a value of individuality.

Crafting items by hand also offers numerous benefits beyond the end result. It enhances an artist's motor skills and hand-eye coordination, fostering the development of fine motor skills and precise movements. Anisa's journey into handmade artistry was inspired by her exposure to Ghibli Studios Animation and the integration of fine art with digital mediums. While she appreciates digital art, Anisa's desire to touch and feel a variety of materials led her to become an artisan artist.

Anisa has explored various handmade arts throughout the years, honing her skills and discovering the value her digital and fine art bring to her creations. From crochet and Perler beads to handmade dolls and felt toys, her range of expertise is vast. Additionally, she has ventured into Rainbow Loom creations, outdoor art, mosaic art, custom puppets, embroidery, customized sneakers, beaded jewelry, cross-stitch bags, and pottery. Each art form holds its own significance, allowing Anisa to express her artistic vision in unique ways.

For those interested in creating animation and digital art, Anisa encourages them to explore working with actual materials as well. Engaging in handmade crafts provides a grounding experience, relieving stress while improving motor skills. The demand for handmade items is thriving, making it an opportune time to sell your creations online. Platforms like Bonanza, Etsy, and Amazon Handmade offer excellent avenues for reaching a wider audience. Anisa also provides insight into her creative process through Speedpaint videos on her YouTube channel, offering inspiration and the possibility of commissioning artwork.

By leveraging the craftsmanship and artistry of handmade creations, Anisa Ozalp's diverse range of unique items captivates the senses while adding a touch of individuality and beauty to the world.

COMMISSION

You can watch and learn how I made some of my art by watching the Speedpaint videos, and you can subscribe to my youtube channel for more. You can also let me know if you need to commission artwork.