Sammi and Dee

In November of 2021, I decided to try a new medium, wool felting. I began by making a small pumpkin head. Once the head was done, I thought it would be cute to make a small body. That small decision brought back a passion I thought was long lost.

I have always had a particular fondness for stop motion animation. In 2020 I began working on multiple stop motion projects with friends and classmates. I was excited and motivated, but then the world stopped. The projects I was working on were canceled and as the months passed by I felt a shift in the way I saw the world. It felt as if all the creativity I once had was sucked out of me. I spent over a year not creating.

One day in late November, I had an urge to make something new. I spent hours at my desk creating Sammi. This changed everything for me; I needed to make more. I created another character named Dee. Suddenly things changed, and I felt a flood wash over me. I began to see the world the way I used to. I could step outside and think of new characters and stories. My mind would wander again to obscure and fantastical worlds. I began to dream again.

I created a set for the characters and made mini versions of my favorite albums and movies. The more I created, the more I needed to create. I promised myself that I would continue to make characters and their worlds. I wanted to cling to this feeling. I needed to make sure that I never let this part of me slip away again.

After I finished making Sammi and Dee, I decided to make a promise to myself. I vowed to create a new puppet every month for the next year. So far, I have kept that promise. If I could speak to myself a year ago and show her the work I am doing now, I know she would be proud.

Check out Sammie and Dee's favorite playlist 'Fall with me'