My name is Sofia and I am a craft artist specializing in weaving. I have been involved in decorative and applied arts since my early childhood and I enjoy how my work evokes vivid emotions in people. One of the main features of my toys is their unique button eyes. Every pair of button eyes is different, which gives each toy its own character. This is why I prefer to make the buttons myself using avocado pits or ceramic materials.

Most of my creations are frogs because they come in so many different shapes, colors and variations in nature. This allows me to let my imagination run free when creating new designs and not be limited by any preconceived ideas.
No matter where I am in the world, I will always continue doing what I love.

When did you start creating? Was there a specific moment or inspiration that led you to it?

Creativity has been a part of my life since childhood. After graduating from art school and studying at college in the field of decorative and applied arts, it has become an integral part of who I am and a way for me to express my love.

When I create toys, I feel like I bring them to life and give them a character and soul. My favorite part of the process is working with the image of frogs and transforming them into unique and memorable characters.

Nature is a great source of inspiration for me. Since starting to travel more, my work has taken on new colors and textures. The more time I spend in nature, observing moss, grass, and the texture of trees, the more vivid my images of frogs become.

What emotions, messages, or themes do you hope to convey through your work?

Through my toys, I hope to convey the same feelings of childhood - when a favorite toy becomes a true friend. My frogs are small characters with their own unique personalities and emotions, as if they could come to life at any moment. I want them to bring warm memories and happiness to you.

My tapestries are filled with harmony and peace, like a reflection of nature. They represent my vision of the world - soft, peaceful, and alive.

What materials, tools, or techniques do you use, and why did you choose them? (This can include digital tools, traditional techniques, or unique processes.)

I use fabric and yarn most of all in my work, but it is important for me that the materials are textured, with interesting relief, pleasant and unusual to the touch.

For the eyes of my toys, I cut buttons out of avocado seeds. I like this process: first, I carefully cut out the mold, then dry, grind and soak with oil. I put the future character of the toy into each button.

I am currently sewing on a 1957 Soviet Zenit sewing machine. She's simple, but with a story and a soul, and I'm pleased to work with her.

The legs of my frogs are made of polymer clay. To make them movable, I use hinges, adding more vivacity to the toy.

What was the biggest challenge you faced in your creative journey, and how did you overcome it?

One of the big problems was the lack of a sewing machine. My car was left at home in another country, and we often moved without being able to take it with us. All this time I sewed by hand, even large toys had to be sewn with a hand stitch. But once we were grounded in a new place for a long time, I was able to purchase an old sewing machine. I restored its wooden body and was happy to start working.

Do you remember your first sale? How did it feel?

The first sales took place on my first market. I was 20 years old, and for the first time I saw the vivid emotions of people caused by my work. My first toy was bought because the customers also loved frogs.

Has a customer ever shared a special story or reason for purchasing your work?
If yes, we’d love to hear more! What was their story?

One customer told how his wife also loves frogs very much. He spent a long time choosing which toy she would like the most, and even consulted with me to choose the best one.

Is there a particular piece or product that customers seem to love the most? What makes it special?

Customers find me because of a similar love for frogs. They find it special how I make them.

What are your future plans? What do you hope to achieve through your creative business?

I want as many people as possible to see my work. I like to find like-minded people and communicate with them. I dream of having my own space where I could invite people, create something wonderful together and observe their vivid emotions.

Are you working on any exciting new projects or collections?

I'm currently working on a large embroidery tapestry. In toys, I plan to develop a new, smaller pattern of frogs and use sawdust as a filler.

Why did you choose to join ZART? How has our platform helped your creative business?

ZART is the first offer I've ever received from an online marketplace. I was pleased and interested. I think this is a new opportunity to present myself.