Adorable Teddies!

Here is another amazing recycling shop. Sighfoo has the cutest stuffed "teddies"! Jen has such a great imagination.

Where are you from? Tell us a bit about yourself.
I was born in Evanston, IL and I've lived most my life in the Chicago area. Just a few years ago I moved to Phoenix, AZ and blizzards are now becoming a faint memory. I studied graphic design in college, worked in a communications company for 8 years. left the job for health reasons and took up glass lampworking and created Starving Artist Bazaar (my other shop). I've been doing that for 6 years. I also practice Kung Fu (not now... broke my foot in sparring), have an organic garden, pamper my cat and dog and let my boyfriend beat me at Guitar Hero.

*How did you decide on your shop name? Why did you start your business?
My new shop, Sighfoo, is the phonetic spelling of my last name, Syfu. I don't like it when people call me See-foo. I just started this shop this month. Last year a friend asked me to test out a beginners sewing pattern of a cute bird. The instructions called for felt and I decided to make my own felt from a sweater. After that I became addicted to coming up with my own patterns and creating whatever pops in my head. I started the Sighfoo shop because I can't stop making these things and also to justify time spent away from bead making. I love creating glass beads, but making felt dolls lets me express my weird sense of humor.

*What got you started in recycling?
I think I've always recycled even before I knew what that word was. When I was younger I reused old things because I didn't have that many art supplies. For example, I would cut the tops of old gift boxes instead of buying poster board. I guess I could have asked for poster board, but I was a very frugal kid.

*What's your supply addiction; is there a specific color or type of supply you just can't pass up?
I love going thrifting. My friend and I call it "Goodwill Hunting." We hit 3 to 6 Goodwills in the Phoenix area and end the day at a yummy Vietnamese Restaurant (which happens to be next door to a Goodwill). I'm always hunting for different colored wool sweaters.

*What motivates or inspires you to create?
I just can't stop making things. I don't know why. When I was on vacation I couldn't stand not doing anything. I borrowed my brother's car and hit the nearest thrift store, bought some sweaters and made some Christmas ornaments. Maybe I need help.

*Do you have a blog?
I have a livejournal.
http://sighfoo.livejournal.com.
I try to update that when I remember I have it. I'm better about updating my Facebook fan page: http://www.facebook.com/starvingartistbazaar