The wonderful Heidi Kenney has replied to my email! I'm so pleased because she really is a huge influence of mine, I even referenced her in my recent critical studies presentation. Her blog is another favourite of mine, http://www.mypapercrane.com/blog/
She creates food-related plush toys, fabric printed with her own designs and more recently even vinyl toys. This is the type of thing I would love to do with my life so her answers are really helpful, thanks again Heidi!

1. How did you become interested in making toys and art?
I have always made things, my parents were both crafty so sewing is something I've done all my life. I started making plush 9 years ago for fun.

2. How did you initially get started?
I decided to quit my job when my youngest son was born and started a blog and website as a place to keep track of what I was making.


























(I actually own one of these!)

3. What are some of your influences, both in art and in everyday life?
My kids, vintage toys and kids books, all the amazing art blogs out there.

4. How do you use your time productively/stay motivated?
I try to keep pretty set hours for myself for work, and set small goals for each week.


























5. Could you describe your process a little?
When I have a new plush idea I might sketch something or just make a note so I won't forget then I play around with fabric sewing as I go, sometimes I'll make a paper pattern, but not usually.
























6. What challenges do you come across while working and how do you overcome them? Mostly keeping myself on task and making sure I get work done. The boring parts like taxes are an annoyance to. Again setting small weekly goals helps me remain on task.

7. Finally, how long did it take for you to discover your personal style?
I'd say it's something always evolving but a few years to feel like what I was doing was distinctly my own