DIYer of the Week: Lisa M. Dalton
Name: Lisa M. Dalton, 33
Hometown: East Northport, NY
Occupation: Special Education teacher / Wiffle ball player
Craft: Plush toys and hand-crafted zines
Web site: lmdalton.etsy.com
Why do you love making plush toys and zines?
The Travel Kitty toys make me happy because I designed the perfect toy for any age! I’ve always loved things that I could take with me in my pocket or my backpack. Travel Kitty owners are asked to photograph their kitty while traveling and then the photos and stories are posted on a blog. 
I love that this project grew from a drawing I made while drawing with my son. I turned it into a poseable plushy toy, which gives it bonus fun points. I also got to design all the packaging, accessories, and the Web site. The whole process was a great way to learn. I really like the interactive part of the project too.
I’ve met a lot of really cool DIYers through the process of creating, publishing and distributing my "Temporal Millionaire" zines. They are intelligent, good-hearted people who make zines because they want to tell the world something, not just make a buck.
I think that anytime you can get people participating in something fun together that the fun points multiply and people feed off each other’s creative energy.
How did you get into your crafts?
I started sewing when I was a kid. My mom taught me everything I know on the subject. She made everything when I was growing up, even clothes for whatever little toy I was carrying around that week — she earned super cool mom points! She would always tell me what a great seamstress her mom was though, chalking out suits on big pieces of fabric.
I got into making my own zines because I was trying to get some comics published without success. I stumbled into the self-publishing realm and really fell in love with the idea and the simplicity. I started writing "Temporal Millionaire" in the fall of 2006 when I stopped working to stay home with my son. I wanted some direction with my free time and I had the opportunity to do whatever I wanted, so I took advantage of the time.
What is your zine about?
Temporal Millionaire is my art journal. It's a compilation of my drawings and journal entries over the months when I stopped teaching and stayed home to take care of my son. It's generally about living life without a lot of time constaints (The title refers to one who is rich in time.)
"Temporal Millionaire" and the Travel Kitty Project are not connected. However, there will probably be some entries in the upcoming "Temporal Millionaire" zine about the project. We'll just have to wait and see.
Where do you find inspiration?
From hanging out with my 3-year-old son and making things to crack him up or interest him. From others whom I see succeeding at being an artist full-time. And when I feel like I can’t draw, I pull out my Ed Emberley Make a World drawing book from childhood to get my creative juices going again.
Where do you get your supplies?
I’m still searching for cool places and I’m also on my new and improved budget, so spending more money isn’t really an option. It forces me to be more creative with the stuff I have on hand. I always have my pen and drawing book, which you can get anywhere.
What's your biggest challenge?
I could really work on my projects non-stop, but I only have a handful of hours each day that I can spend working on things without interruption. My brain is always ticking though, thinking of all the things I want to draw and make. That’s why my drawing book and pen are always with me to write down ideas.
What's your best tip?
Write down anything you are thinking about creatively. I do it obsessively now. I put everything in one book, including my journal entries, drawings, lists of things to do, random ideas. I take it everywhere with me. When I do have a free minute here and there, I use it to work on something, instead of trying to remember things after the fact. I usually just cut and paste parts from this book in order to make an issue of "Temporal Millionaire."
What would you like to try next?
Lithography, really any print making. I find the whole process interesting. I’d like to get my hands on a Gocco machine too!
Do you have any advice for beginners?
Haaa! I’m the beginner … Someone give me some advice! I guess if I had to give myself some advice right now, it would be to tell everyone you know about your projects. If you want people to be interested in what you are creating, then they have to know about it.
For more information on Lisa's hand-crafted zines and travel kitties, please visit her Web site: lmdalton.etsy.com
Want to show off your creative side? Send me an e-mail with pictures showing off your favorite craft and you might be chosen as our next DIYer of the Week!
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Comments (2)
What cute kitties! I love them!
Hey Lisa, these are adorable! I admire your energy. I hope some of your creativity will rub off on me.