Tiniest Observations

Hi Everyone!

My name is Erika and I live here in beautiful Portland, Oregon with my husband, our two cats Stella and Yoko, and our dog Coco! I have a Bachelor of Arts in Cultural Anthropology from Portland State University, where I focused on studying public/community-based art.

Before returning to school in my late 20s to complete my degree, I attended multiple colleges and explored various degree programs. My educational journey included working towards Studio/Fine Art degrees, delving into Interior Design, and pursuing Visual Merchandising. Through my Studio Art training, I gained hands-on experience with diverse artistic mediums, such as sculpture and painting. However, none of those programs ended up being a good fit for me at various points in my life.

It wasn’t until I finally switched my major to Anthropology and FINALLY graduated that I discovered my passion for other creative arts. These creative pursuits were never part of my formal education before, but they have become a significant and fulfilling part of my life since then. This newfound interest has opened up a whole new world of self-expression for me, enriching my life in ways I never anticipated. Most of all, doing what I enjoy for myself and sharing it with others, not worrying about if it’s “good enough”, but because I know someone will love it because I loved making it. 🩷

🎨 It’s worth mentioning that many formal arts programs can be quite expensive! 👇

Partially because of the high cost of supplies and number of units needed to complete. They’re also highly competitive, making it difficult to be accepted into, and even harder to complete within a “standard” 4-year Bachelor’s Degree period. Finally, Fine Arts graduates have some of the lowest wages on average related to the debt of the degree following graduation. I found all of this ironic and unnecessary since true creativity shouldn’t be about constant critique or making the most money by being the most “popular”—rhetoric I often encountered in my formal Studio Art degree training.

Dolls

I absolutely adore dolls—well, most dolls. There are definitely some creepy ones out there, but that’s a story for another day. 😐 My love for dolls spans across various types, from Barbies^© (and Kens^© too of course) to figurines and Polly Pocket^©. I’ve always had a soft spot for anything miniature. Tiny furniture, accessories—it’s all just so irresistibly cute.

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, I found myself in need of activities to help me relax and pass the time. That’s when crochet came into my life, thanks to some fantastic books and a little guidance from my aunt. It didn’t take long for crochet to become my go-to hobby. Then, I discovered Amigurumi dolls, and I was “hooked,” if you will. Lol! The process of creating these adorable, handmade dolls has been incredibly therapeutic and rewarding, providing me with a creative outlet that brings immense joy.

Music

I have a deep appreciation for a wide variety of music genres. My love for music was significantly shaped during my late teens and early 20s, when I worked at a record store in the mid-2000s. This experience was transformative, exposing me to an extensive array of music styles and fostering a passion for discovering new sounds. Working in the record store wasn’t just about music; it was a vibrant cultural immersion. I encountered a diverse range of people, each with their own unique musical tastes and stories. This environment enriched my understanding of music and expanded my horizons in ways I never anticipated.

From rock to jazz, classical to hip-hop, and everything in between, my time at the record store allowed me to appreciate the vast types of musical expression. The experience wasn’t just about the tunes—it was about the connections, the stories behind the albums, and the joy of sharing musical discoveries with others. This period in my life ignited a lifelong love for exploring and enjoying different kinds of music, making it an integral part of who I am today. 🎶

Jewelry

I learned beadwork from my mom, who is an amazing beaded jewelry maker. However, I didn’t fully get into making my own jewelry until I started experimenting with epoxy resin crafts. That’s when I really found my passion for creating unique pieces.

When you see my collection, you’ll quickly realize that I love a little bit of everything! Whether it’s glittery sparkles or elegant matte finishes, chunky statement pieces or delicate designs, geometric shapes or organic forms—I’ve got it all. I love experimenting and playing around with different styles and materials to create something unique and exciting. If you can name it, there’s a good chance I’ve tried my hand at making something like it. My collection is a delightful mix of textures, colors, and styles that reflect my love for creativity and endless possibilities.

And More…

What else can I say? I create all sorts of things, including crocheted items, resin jewelry and other accessories, and painted pieces. My passion for crafting doesn’t stop there! I love exploring new mediums and techniques to bring my ideas to life so there is always more to come!

In addition to my handmade creations, I love finding unique treasures. My store features a curated selection of new and pre-owned vinyl records, dolls, and other accessories, where each item in my collection has its own story. I take great pride in offering these pieces to others, and I love the joy they bring to my customers. Sharing these special finds is a rewarding experience that pushes me forward to keep looking for unique items anywhere I can find them. 🩷