Day 82- Yasmin, local artist

This week we introduce to you an amazing multi talented crafter by the name of Yasmin Hagalwadi. Yasmin's skills are so extensive and versatile AND she teaches as well as inspires all who love to create beautiful handmade items. Self taught and growing in ideas and creativity, we can all learn from such a skilled artist. Her blog is spilling over with eye candy that one can not only admire but that one can also be inspired by!!

Name: Yasmin Hagalwadi

Blog: Hooks And Laces

1. Please tell our readers a bit about yourself
I'm from India and have been living in UAE all my life. I am married to my "best friend" and live with my husband and 10 years old son in beautiful and serene Al Ain. I love working on different crafts and I'm a self taught crafter. I love working on my projects and giving craft classes and workshops.
      

2. When did you start on your creative journey? Was there something specific that kick started you?
I always admired beautiful things and handmade in particular. I have always been inspired by creative people and their beautiful creations. I have always tried my hand at different crafts since I was a little kid.

3. What kind of crafting do you do? Do you or did you have to attend classes/workshop to learn this skill?

I do different types of crafts like Crochet, Paper quilling, jewelry making, knitting, tatting , beaded flowers, cake decoration, polymer clay art, flower making, origami, cards, broken glass art, felt work etc...But I'm passionate about crochet and Paper Quilling the most. I had to learn most of it by trial and error :) I did not attend classes but have spent years of hard work and dedication to learn on my own. My best source has been the internet of course and the beautiful works of artists all over the world. It is  such a pleasure and a learning experience to see the different techniques and ideas used by fellow crafters. I give Crochet and Paper Quilling classes and workshops in different parts of UAE. I really enjoy teaching crafts and it is so wonderful to see the students learning and creating beautiful things.

4. What type of projects do you enjoy creating the most?  

I love doing 3 dimensional work and wall art. I love making quilled dolls, flowers, paper jewelry and other decorative items in 3D. I'm so particular about details that I spend a lot of time on my projects to get them to my satisfaction. I also like to work on elaborate framed work with intricate details.

5. What or who inspires you to create? Where do you get your inspiration from?

For the paper quilling, I'm eternally grateful to Amna Al Fardh for introducing me to this art. Amna's beautiful dolls and flower framed work was the first time I came across paper quilling. Just looking at her gorgeous work , I was so inspired and motivated that I fell in love with it. I worked endlessly for 6 months learning and practicing different techniques and methods. I'm inspired by everything beautiful ....and the works of great crafters. Whenever I see something pretty my mind starts racing about, wondering how I can use it in my art. The colors or the designs or just the look. And my friends and family's support and appreciation is a very motivating factor.

6. Are you or were you on any design team?  Were you published before?
I'm not a part of any design team. I have designed few things for some craft sites as a guest featuring their craft kits.

7. Do you sell your items or do you create for fun?  Do you participate in challenges, contests etc?

I create for fun most of the time but recently I've been making art for custom orders. I also design for my clients once they give me an idea of the color palette and the look they want. Most of it is wall art, birth announcements and certificates decorated with quilling. I have participated in just a few challenges and contests. It is always fun to see what everybody creates and their take on the given theme. I love the challenges for altered art- you get to see such lovely creativity and ideas.

8. Where do you sit and create? 

I have a work studio where I can work in peace and have my privacy. I usually work at my own pace and whenever the inspiration strikes.Usually I work late into the night and early mornings. But if I'm commissioned for a project then I work a fixed time : 7:00 am - 12 :00 pm and sometimes extend the hours depending on the timeline given.

9. Who out there in the creative world inspires you the most and why?
There are many great artists of Paper Quilling whose work inspires me. It motivates me to keep improving the quality of work and techniques. I love learning new things and my crafter friends online are my greatest inspiration, motivation and support.

10. Where to from here Yasmin? What are your future plans surrounding your amazing talent?
I believe that creativity is a never ending journey. There is so much to learn and do. I would love to keep learning and improving my art. I'll keep crafting for the fun and joy of it, for the wonderful feeling of turning an idea into a physically tangible object. I would love to teach more and more people and spread the art and creativity. I hope to make some wonderful works of art and have an exhibition of all my work.

I am drooling over her photographs!!  Love her attention to detail and am totally smitten by the last one!  Can you believe that its crocheted??  Wow Yasmin, talent like yours will surely not go unnoticed and I am sure we will be hearing much more about you in the future!  Go visit her blog and give her some love - she has earned our praise!!

Remember we promised you a surprise from the Fascinating Fridays Team (Hint: it will be next Friday, so keep visiting!!)