People in the Odenwald

British Hobby Crafter, Sam Jackson, Finds Her Niche in Germany

One of the main purposes for this series, "People in the Odenwald", is to introduce local ex-pats who
 have put their talents and interests to use, not only to offer a service or product, but to also make their own life more fulfilling and, in doing so, inspire others. For today's article,  I spoke with craft enthusiast Sam Jackson about her love of crafting, the projects she has on the go and how she sees her hobby developing in the future.

Sam, who moved to the region from England eleven years ago, now lives in Griesheim with her husband, John; eight-year-old son, Max and three British short-haired cats:  Shadow, Teddy and Missy. She has drawn on both her formal training and natural  talent to create a wide variety of craft products, using a variety of different materials and media. 

English Speaking Odenwald (ESO): Sam, I know that you're quite busy, so I want to thank you for taking time from your schedule to sit down with me today. You refer to yourself as a "hobby-crafter". Can you tell our readers what that is exactly?

Sam:  A hobby crafter is someone who is involved in crafting as a hobby. They are not reliant upon it for their living, unlike a professional who produces handicrafts as a job.

ESO: I follow your Facebook (FB) page, so I know that you make quite a few different items. Can you tell us about some of the craft projects that you have done in the past and what you are currently working on?

Some of Sam's Fabric Crafts  

Sam: I make quite a few fabric items, and do a lot of sewing. I make bags, purses, coin purses, pencil cases, things like that. I make three-tiered cake stands from porcelain plates and cups, and I've also started making a few things from willow, plant trellises, for example.

ESO: I'm quite familiar with your bags, as I have a couple myself, and I saw on your FB page that you upholster furniture. Can you tell me about that? Where do you get the furniture?

Chair Upholstered by Sam

Sam: Yes, I have upholstered a bit of furniture and, as a matter of fact, I have a project on the go now, an umbrella/coat stand which I'm in the process of up-cycling. I get the furniture from people who are throwing things away, classified ads, Facebook groups, places like that.

ESO: You certainly have a wide variety of craft interests. Which projects do you enjoy doing the most?

Sam: It really depends on my mood. I can be sat down doing sewing for a week, preparing for a market, and then I think, "I've had enough of that."  Then it's nice to do something else. I enjoy all of it. For example, at the moment, I've just started working with willow again because the weather's nice, so I want to get outside and do more in the garden.  

 Succulent Plants

I also sell succulents in recycled pots. So, yes, now that the weather's nice, I'm out doing the planting, getting them ready for the markets; getting the willow soaked, that kind of thing. It also depends on what stock I need, as well. If I'm preparing for a market, I will sometimes have to concentrate on one particular project, such as the sewing. 

ESOC: So that leads to my next question. Which of your projects are the most popular? Which do other people tend to like the most, I mean.

Sam: As for which projects are the most popular, people are most familiar with my cake stands and fabric items, and it's about 50/50 as far as which they like best. People tend to want quite a few of my small, open bags; coin purses and pencil cases. 

ESO: What was the first market you participated in? 

Sam: My first market was a Shabby Chic market in Gross Gerau about one and a half years ago. I haven't been doing them for very long, but I do quite a few markets with a friend of mine. It's helpful going with her because she knows some markets that are going on, and I find others. If one of us needs a break, we also cover each other's stall when we're at the same market. We do quite a few markets together because our products are different, but they complement each other.

ESO: How difficult was it for you to go to your first market?  I suppose you were nervous.

Willow Plant Trellis

Sam: My first market, I was lucky because you could set up the day before. My husband and son came with me to set up.  That was helpful, but I had no idea how my products would be received. I only had my fabric items at the time, and, yes, I was very nervous. The following market my friend was with me, and that makes it easier, but this year I'm on my second year of markets, so it's not as daunting now. 

ESO:  I know you say you're a hobby crafter, but you make some very beautiful products. I could see you turning this into a business at some point, rather than just doing it as a hobby. Where do you see your crafting going in five years time?

Sam:  That depends on where we are. I assume we'll still be here in Germany, and in that case, I suspect it will remain much the same as it is, just as a hobby. I think the amount of crafting that I do will stay roughly the same.

ESO:  What about in ten years?  Any changes?

Sam:  If we're in Germany, no, but if we're in England, it's a different story. I would most probably turn my crafting from a hobby into a profession, possibly with a shop. I have thought about having a shop where other crafters could rent space or sell on commission, something along those lines. It's nice to have a variety of products to offer buyers. I have a fairly large range myself, but by involving other sellers, you'd have even more product.

ESO: That's a good idea, somewhat like a co-op.

Sam: Yes, exactly. I'm part of a large group in England, and I see shops of this type advertising that they have space for vendors. They seem to be becoming more popular there.

Fabric Crafts

ESO:  Do you think that's because purchasing local handicrafts ties in with people's desire to buy ethically-made goods. I know, for myself, one reason I wanted a bag from you is because I know where it comes from, that it was ethically made, which is important to me.

Sam:  I think so, yes. The shops do seem to be becoming more popular, and it makes sense that there would be that connection.

ESO:  How did you get into crafting? Do you have any formal training?

Sam:  Yes, I went to college and studied something craft-related. I studied jewelry design, though because I've moved around a bit, I never really got into making jewelry. I've always had something on the go, however, knitting, cross stitch, embroidery. I also paint, though not as much as I used to. I think I just got to the point that we had been in Germany for so long that I thought, "Well, let's try to do some markets, and see how it goes."

Three-Tiered Cake Stand

ESO: Research has shown that a lot of ex-pats suffer from depression and other mental health issues, often because they feel isolated and have left past careers, etc.. Do you feel that having a hobby like crafting could help people who are depressed or feel disconnected from social networks?

Sam:  I think so. Even though I'm a hobbyist, crafting does keep me busy. If I feel that I need to be doing something, I always have a project to turn to. Also, if I  haven't seen anyone for a long time, the markets get me out of the house. I've already booked two markets for as far away as December. 

ESO:  So what do you do when you're not crafting?  Do you have any favorite places you like to go, things you enjoy doing in your spare time?

Sam:  Crafting normally takes up most of my time, that or working on the house. I do like to spend time with my family and my cats. We do normal family things together, trips and that kind of things.  We like to go to the Jugendstilbad (indoor swimming pool) in Darmstadt, other swimming pools, and my son, Max, likes Legoland.

ESO:  What is your advice for people who may want to get into crafting?

Sam: Have a go!  Just have a go, and then perhaps get involved with a local group and see what they think of your product. You never know unless you try. Not all of my products are successful, and you will sometimes fail, but just have a go. You may have some failures, but you'll also have some successes.

ESO: I think that's excellent advice. Thank you so much for allowing us to learn a bit about what you do and, possibly inspiring a few people to try their hand at crafting. 

To learn more about the products Sam has on offer, visit her Facebook Page, Handmade by SamJ, at: https://www.facebook.com/handmadebysamj/

Dmitri Leaptrott Discusses his New Book "Siegfried and the Nibelungs"

King Gunther and Hagen watch Siegfried's entry to Worms

Was the princely knight Siegfried, hero of the Rhineland and Odenwald, really a wolf?  Could Queen Brunhild have been a bear? Maybe not in original story, but there is no reason why they can’t be now, or at least that’s the idea of local artist Dmitri Leaptrott, who specializes in anthropomorphic art.

Dmitri, who comes from the United States, recently moved to the Odenwald and quickly became enchanted with the story of Siegfried and the tale of the Nibelungs. It wasn’t long before he decided to put his talents to work to reinvent Siegfried and his companions, and while the hero’s exploits remain largely unchanged from the original Germanic sagas, the characters themselves have taken on a new appearance. Dmitri is currently working on a children’s picture book that will be written in English and feature the characters of the Nibelung saga in anthropomorphic form. I sat down with Dmitri to find out more about his work and what he envisions for his upcoming book. 

Interview

English Speaking Odenwald (ESO): First of all, thank you for taking the time out to speak with me.  Could you start off by telling us a bit about the story of Siegfried and the Nibelungs?

Dmitri: Yes. It’s a very interesting tale taken from Germanic sagas written down in the 12th century, though the action takes place during the 5th century. Most of the action occurs in and around the German city of Worms, which, at the time, was the capital of a Germanic tribe called the Burgundians. 

Siegfried is a prince from the Netherlands, who comes to Worms to wed the sister of the Burgundian king, Gunther. The story begins with the Burgundian knight, Hagen, telling King Gunter about the exploits of Siegfried, how he acquired the hoard of the Nibelungs and how he later made his skin impenetrable by killing a dragon and bathing in its blood. Siegfried does end up marrying the king’s sister, Kriemhild, but he is later betrayed by the Burgundians and killed. 

ESO: That sounds like an exciting story and one that would appeal to kids. They usually like a bit of blood and gore. 

Dmitri Leaptrott at Work
on his book "Siegfried and the Nibelungs

Dmitri: It has the potential to be a bit gory, but I’ll tone it down so that it can be enjoyed by younger children because it will be a picture book, geared towards six to ten year old kids.

ESO:  What made you choose the Nibelung saga as the subject of your first picture book?

Dmitri: I think a lot of it has to do with just being here in the Odenwald. I enjoy hiking, and where I walk in the woods, I’ve encountered places associated with Siegfried and the saga, such as the spring where he was supposedly killed. Of course, I know that it’s a legend, but there are so many place and street names associated with the sagas that it almost seems as if it were real. Also, since coming here, I’ve spent a lot of time reading about the legend and have visited the Nibelungen Museum in Worms. I've always liked a good story with heroes and villains. 

I also wanted to write about Siegfried because I find him to be such an heroic character. He is a nice guy, a loyal friend, who goes out of his way to do kind things for others, such as helping Gunther and the Nibelungs but he is always betrayed.  He is a bit of a tragic hero. 

ESO: I’ve read the saga myself and know that it’s a bit long.  Will it really work as a picture book for children?

Dmitri: I’ve condensed the story and am really keeping the focus on Siegfried: his coming to Worms, the meeting with Gunter and Kriemhild, his helping Gunter win the hand of Brunhild and then the final betrayal in which he is killed. There is, of course, more to the story such as when the Burgundians fight Attila and the Huns, but I really want to focus on Siegfried. 

ESO: You’ve chosen to portray the saga’s characters in anthropomorphic form. Can you tell me a bit more about that?

Dmitri: Well, I’m a huge fan of the furry community and most of my art centers around that style, so I coupled my appreciation of anthropomorphic art with the fact that animal characters normally appeal to children.  

ESO: You say, "the furry community".  Can you tell us what that is exactly?

Dmitri:  It's a subculture where the members are interested in, and often dress up as, animal characters.  The characters have the physical appearance of animals but also exhibit human characteristics and personalities. Members of the furry community usually meet up at conventions or other events. There are also internet groups where they exchange ideas, that kind of thing.  Each person usually chooses an animal that they identify with. We call it a "fursona". 

ESO:   That sounds quite interesting.  I'd like to ask you a bit more about that later, but first, could you tell me what animals have you chosen to portray Siegfried and his companions?

Dmitri: I decided to stick with animals that would have been found in the area during the 5th century, giving each Germanic tribe a different animal. Siegfried is a wolf, the Burgundians are various breeds of dog, the Nibelungs are boars and Brunhild is a bear. 

ESFE: I really like that you've chosen animals that would have lived in the area in the 5th century. When do you anticipate having the book finished?  

Dmitri: A large part of the work has already been done, which is the research part. First, I had to summarize the saga, which is fairly long, 178 pages in the translation I am working with. I also visited some the sites associated with the legend, researched period costumes, that kind of thing. The research took several months. 

Now, I’m getting to the fun part, at least for me as an artist. I have just finished working on the concept sketches and have moved on to the final watercolors. I will then write the text of the story, or I may have someone else do that part. I’m more of an artist than a writer, and contracting that work out will allow me to move on to other projects. 

ESO (laughing): I’m always looking for work. But, seriously, what other projects are you thinking of for the future.

Dmitri: I always have a few commissions on the go, and I'm starting up my costume and design manufacturing here in Europe. I am also toying with the idea of creating more picture books based on sagas from the Odenwald and maybe later, hosting a few small furry events here. This is such a beautiful part of Germany, and in my travels around, I often see venues that would be ideal for hosting informal furry meet-ups. Of course, I know it will take time to establish  myself here, but I'm patient. 

ESO: Those projects sound exciting. I wanted to ask you a bit more about your participation in the furry community. How did you get involved with it and do you have an animal character that you identify with?

Dmitri:  Sure. I’ve been part of the fandom since I was eleven. Early cartoons such as Disney movies helped developed my interest in anthropomorphic characters. From there, I started attending conventions when I was 18. I’m primarily involved as an artist and costume maker. It’s a fun and interesting hobby where I meet lots of new and exciting people.

The animal I identify with, my fursona, is a spotted hyena; to be specific he’s a space pirate. He’s a Robin Hood-type character who travels throughout the galaxy, stealing from the rich to give to the poor. His name is Lazer.

ESO: Why did you want to move to Europe and how do you see your work progressing now that you're here? 

Dmitri: I thought it would be an opportunity to have a better life in a beautiful country. I probably don't need to go into the current state of politics there, as everyone is aware of it. I have family here, as well.  I wanted to be closer to them. 

As far as how I see my work progressing, I would like to become more involved with local anthropomorphic conventions, so that I can share my art with a new market and make more amazing friends.  I really hope to develop the costume-production side of my business and incorporate the sagas and legends of the area into both my digital and traditional art. I will see how successful this new children's book is and perhaps, if things work out well, I'll do a few more.  

ESO: I'm sure the our community will be seeing lots more from you. I know that i interrupted your work, so I’ll let you get back to it.  Thank you for taking them time to discuss your book and I wish you all the best.