In partnership with
THE CREATERY
I can’t claim credit for painting magnetic magic across the sky, but this is my fave shot. We watched the lights for hours the night before my aunt passed. I like to think we saw her spirit dancing.
IN LOVING MEMORY
Welcome to the first edition of
THE CREATERY, and thank you for reading and supporting my artistic adventures! I’d like to dedicate this first issue to my beloved auntie, Paulette, who became an ancestor last month. She adored all things shiny and soft, and I hope to honor her by creating art with aspects she’d enjoy.
Local folks: If you see me wearing an orange hat and scarf set with gold running through, that’s from her. She got it in 1968, and clearly had timeless style. I cherish all the accessibility advice, gifts, guidance, and heirlooms she entrusted to me.
WITH LOVE, ALWAYS 💖
Paulette Klein: 1948 - 2025
🧶 Crochet-y ✨
IT COMES IN PINTS?
A toast to those who have gone before, and those who will come after…
Back in ye olden days of dial-up Internet and sharing the family Gateway with my younger brother, I taught myself how to crochet with a $1 hook and a book I picked up at the library as a way to pass time. To this day, it remains one my favorite crafts to develop, and I look forward to eventually cladding myself in my own creations. I derive an inordinate amount of joy from transforming a Long String into garments, tapestries, and 3D objects, though I have to be cautious not to overdo it and rile up my repetitive stress injuries.
My favorite materials to use are natural and novelty skeins, though I’m not one to turn down an opportunity to upcycle something and give it a new utility while diverting it from a waste stream. Oh, how I long for a shopping spree at StevenBe — every queer fiber lover’s dream! Until that happy day, I am working my way through a stash of donated scrap yarns of indeterminate origin, and looking for bamboo, cotton, corn, soya, and other plant-based yarns that are naturally dyed. Bonus points if they are organic too!
One of my favorite things to make are pint glass cozies with handles, transforming a standard cold brew container into a gigantic mug of coziness. I like to fill mine with piping hot Earl Grey or red rooibos chai, and it works as a washable coaster on the go while keeping hands and beverages warm. Great if you’re inclined to go a-wassailing! If you’d like one, I have a few ready to sell, and I’d also be glad to make customized versions in any color and stitch combination. To order your own customized uber-cuppa, just click the GIF below and use the shiny new commission listing on my Ko-Fi!
MORE CROCHET CREATIONS 👇🏼
Cozy Crafts
CADDIES + SQUISHIES
Never lose or melt your chapstick again!
KEYCHAIN/ZIPPER PULLS!
Handmade using sock yarn and featuring a button closure so it’s easy to open and close, even with gloves!
Warm, breathable, and un-snaggable!
COTTON BELT SCARF!
Probably the softest scarf I’ve ever made. Two wooden beads secure it in place, and make a happy lil face!
Soft, friendly fidget toys to ease stress!
SQUEEZE ME: TOYS!
Washable and made with natural fibers and reclaimed polyfill from pillows, these squishy toys bring cute comfort and soothe.
Select your favorite color, fiber, and stitch!
LONG BOIS: SCARVES!
Custom designed to spec, I love to crochet long and creative scarf designs with hoods and pockets.
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🎶 AUDIO REQUIEM
Hum inside my heart a little while…
ALL THAT GLITTERS
My aunt loved crystal and glass art. She taught me how to see subtle dynamism in light and shared her appreciation for all things that glisten and shine. What I remember most about her home was her impressive roster of crystal figurines, all safely nestled in curio cabinets.
When my partner and I got our own place, she gave us a gigantic teardrop-shaped crystal that casts rainbows all over whenever the sun is shining. She relished the ephemeral joy in seeing light refract through the prisms, calling it a form of daily magic. I know I certainly feel blessed by the essence of Gay when one of the rainbows that grace our space lands on me.
Our window sentinel, waiting for the sun.
I like to think of her glistening crystal cohort as the origin of my affinity for glass. My asthma and heat intolerance mean I’ll never be the one blowing or molding it, but I’ve enjoyed weaving glass seed beads since I was a teenager learning how to weave string. In the Twin Cities, the glorious wall of beads at Northland Visions is a constant source of inspiration and temptation.
🤩 An Indigenous-owned store and playground of color — and yes, I want one of everything.
What started with making friendship bracelets for childhood friends became a meditation on color and form, repeating tessellations to create hand-woven jewelry bound together with a single through-line connecting it all. Using waxed cotton cords for the exterior and mercerized cotton thread through dozens of seed beads, the bright and lustrous hues pop between the border edge to play with complements and symmetry. Most of the combinations I select are inspired by nature — and pride.
Available for local pick-up: $35 for metal beads; $30 for crystal and glass only
Since shipping fragile objects is a little dicey right now, I’m keeping these on local offer in the Twin Cities only until I can find a workable option for glass-safe bubble mailers. Once I have that sorted, I’ll add any I have in stock to my Ko-fi shop. Also, once my beadwork supplies are out of storage, I’ll add a commission option for custom orders too!
WHAT’S NEXT?
Let’s unbox these Stewart Semple supplies together!
Being a big fan of shiny things myself, I plan to continue incorporating sparkling, glitzy themes well into the new year, and I’m looking forward to playing with my new art supplies from Stewart Semple’s Culture Hustle.
What do you think I should start with? Click the option you are most intrigued by and I’ll prioritize whichever one gets the most votes for the next edition of The Createry! Subscribe or upgrade to join the Discord chat if you’d like to know more before you decide.
Where to begin?
Artistic Endeavors
INFO + INSPO
These upcoming opportunities are on my calendar/to-do list, if you’d like to join:
💝 Love Languages
Works by Dyani White Hawk (Sičáŋǧu Lakota) at the Walker Museum
RIP Frank Gehry
🖼 The WAM
Since its architect passed, I’ve been itching to visit the Baldwin-inspired exhibit.
Re: Darkness and now
🍄 Mushroom Church
Climate Diva delivered moving ideas I’m carrying with me.
One More Ask
WORK WITH ME
As mentioned in the LEVELING UP-date, I’m launching a communications services startup in 2026 with a focus on sustainability and a goal to amplify climate solutions, as well as the leaders who put them into action. Are you a purpose-powered changemaker who wants to share your ideas and story with the world? I’m here to help.
If you’d like to work together or have an opportunity to share, please get in touch! For an intro to my background and to see a selection of past work, check out this short About Me + Portfolio summary. I’m available immediately and very happy to provide a detailed rate sheet, resume, references, and work samples upon request.
Until next time,
Shelby
October 2025 - Word Nerdery and Sundry