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PrintTop 10: Julie Stafford
Craft and fiber artist.
Julie Stafford has always considered herself an artist. Rightfully so, considering the 26-year-old native Tulsan taught herself to knit with the help of Debbie Stroller’s book “Stitch ’n Bitch.”
Using her newfound skill to make scarves and hats for friends and family, Stafford soon found an entire community dedicated to crafting on the website Crafster.org.
“I am constantly inspired by other people,” Stafford says. “Other artists and crafters definitely spark my creativity, and, in turn, I hope that it inspires others. It’s a wonderful domino effect.”
In March Stafford merged her longtime love for owls with her knitting skills.
“(I’ve) been knitting for six years now and hats are usually my go-to project,” she says. “I wanted to make something fun and quirky, something I could imagine a lot of different people wearing — from kids to adults.”
Apparently, Stafford is not the only one who loves owls. Downtown shop Dwelling Spaces, where her knitted hats are sold, can barely keep them on the shelves.
“I think the owl trend has some staying power,” she says.
Stafford is also a fiber artist, creating wearable art accessories using the wet felting technique. She says she hopes to incorporate knitting, embroidery and jewelry making into her work.
“I have a passion (for) just the process of my craft,” Stafford says. “Seeing the progression of each step becoming reality is so satisfying.”
Julie’s Top 10:
1. Vera Wang “Princess” perfume: The first and only perfume I wear! Do I feel like a princess when I put it on? The answer is, yes.
2. She & Him, “Volume 2”: The perfect summer album. It’s been on heavy rotation in my car since the release, actually. M. Ward and Zooey Deschanel is a genius pairing! Her voice is so angelic. She’s also one of my style icons.
3. UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship): I love a good, bloody fight! Getting the boys together and being rowdy — now that’s a good Saturday night.
4. Blistex Lip Infusion: My favorite lip gloss that I can’t do without. It’s not at all sticky, unlike most lip products. I have one stashed in my car for emergency run-out.
5. Sushi: I crave it so much more during the summer. My favorite place to go to is Flying Fish near 111th Street and Memorial Drive. Absolutely fabulous.
6. Words with Friends iPhone app: I am so addicted to this game, and I’m kind of a beast on it. Username:
dittybird.
7. Owl necklace: One of my new favorite purchases — a vintage-inspired owl necklace (big surprise). I bought this at the Alliday craft fair by local vendor The Gleeful Peacock. I love to support local (businesses)!
8. Beatles “Mono” box set: Hands down my most prized possession and biggest must-have splurge.
9. Chai tea: I’m a self-proclaimed chai snob. My favorite is from Shades of Brown. Try the iced version called Indian Summer. It’s a raspberry chai with ginger. Whoa.
10. Vintage drinking glass: I collect coffee mugs/drinking glasses. I bought this at a garage sale from Elsie Flannigan, creator of Red Velvet Art. She’s a huge inspiration of mine.
