At 13 years old, most teenage girls are into being silly, running to the mall with friends, and talking about boys. When Mandy Copeland was 13, she was hanging out with her aunt and learning something that would help her relax later in life as an adult.
Mandy's aunt taught her how to crochet at the age of thirteen. Crochet is the art of making things using yarn and looping it with a hooked needle. In Mandy's case, she watched her aunt working that needle and yarn to create a blanket. As she learned and got better at the task, Mandy began to make scarves, hats, and useful items to start. And then, one day, she saw a picture online of a crocheted toy and went down a rabbit hole. Mandy became almost obsessed with the "amigurumi" that she discovered.
THE CANDY CANE SCAVENGER HUNT
THE SNORLAX PICTURED WILL BE ONE OF THE ITEMS IN THE BIG DRAWING AT SANTA IN THE PARK at KIROLI!
Pronounced "ah-MEE-goo-roo-MEE," it's the Japanese art of making "small, crocheted toys". Mandy made simple dolls for the first couple of years. All of them went to her sister's kids. There have been hundreds made. Yoda hats, small Star Wars keychains, Pokeball gloves, Pokemon creatures, Ash Ketchum figures, an elaborate "Tentacruel" hat (a Pokemon), and just about anything you can imagine. She has even made a large 14-inch Dragonite and several Pikachu.
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Photo by Sadie Summerscales |
Copeland says she doesn't do it for the money. "It's relaxing. And I can make a toy in just a couple of hours." She says she likes making the toys because they're more useful and you don't have to wait till it's cold to use and love on them.
Mandy's amigurumi toys can currently be found at Frog's Flea Market in West Monroe. Prices range from four bucks up to over a hundred dollars depending on the character and how complex it is. The yarn is also a big determining factor. Some items are made with simple inexpensive yarn. Others with short skeins (rolls) of thick, expensive materials. Mandy also makes custom pieces and has some openings to get things done for the holidays. If you're interested in a custom amigurumi piece for someone special this holiday season, reach out to Mandy by email at mandycopelandmakes@gmail.com. You can also check out her Etsy store at mandycmakes.
We are honored to have been gifted one of Ms. Copeland's prized creations, a large squishy Snorlax. The Snorlax will be one of the big giveaway prizes for the Annual Candy Cane Scavenger Hunt!
