Crafty Bastards Vendor Q&A with Tasha McKelvey

Last year, we didn’t get to post all the Q&As of vendors who participated in the 2007 Crafty Bastards fair, so here they are now!

On her website, Tasha McKelvey observes that our homes today “are filled with stuff stamped out by machines.” One beautiful handmade ceramic pot at a time, she is helping to make our homes “a little more human.” Well, who could argue with that?
Not only can we step back and admire the aesthetic loveliness of her art, we can actually use it too! Clay pots, dishes, saucers, buttons, jewelry and more make up Tasha’s collection. Lucky for all of us, Tasha will be a vendor at the upcoming Crafty Bastards Festival Saturday, June 28, at the Pyramid Atlantic Arts Center.

1. How long have you been making things?

I’ve worked in clay for over 14 years now – and professionally for about 8 of those.

2. What is your earliest/favorite crafting memory?

My earliest crafting memory is making mud pies in the driveway when I was three years old – out of boredom because my older sister had started kindergarten and I just had my Mom to hang out with.

3. Why do you make things?

I can’t help it – I just *have* to make things.

4. What sort of things do you make?

Functional pottery, ceramic buttons and jewelry – I just love making stuff out of clay.

5. Any success stories you’d care to share?

Well, I guess that I do this full-time is a success story, right?

6. Inspirations?

Plants, Animals, Asian pottery, quilts and block-printing.

7. Craft supplies you can’t live without?

Clay, potter’s wheel, rolling pin and a kiln.

8. Describe your work area.

9. Family? Pets? Plants?

I’m married and our seven year old daughter is a beagle named Tela. I’m not so good with plants.

10. Favorite color or pattern?

I love blues and greens.

11. Have you been a Crafty Bastard before?

Yep, last September.

12. Tell us about other crafters you love and your favorite handmade purchases.

I just love my fellow members of the Richmond Craft Mafia. It is very hard to choose a favorite handmade purchase because I buy handmade as much as possible – but I do love Jude Stuecker’s fabric work especially.

13. What is one thing everyone should know how to do themselves?

How to cook.