Terri’s Curiosity Shop.

Terri has lived at Camphill for over three decades and is a deeply talented artist in many mediums, especially in her crochet and knitting work. “When I was first at Camphill, my dream was to do arts and crafts,” Terri said. So, she learned how to crochet and knit over 30 years ago and since then, Terri has mastered the craft. She has translated her artistic talents into a growing business called “Terri’s Curiosity Shop”. 

Terri does a range of work creating unique pieces from her own ideas as well as custom pieces that bring her client’s visions to life. From dolls, llamas, and watermelons with smiling faces, to functional pieces like technicolor sweaters and slippers, there are endless possibilities for Terri’s creations. She’s even crocheted dolls to resemble the cast of Golden Girls along with a mini couch as a custom design for a client. She explained that she often chooses the colours and patterns seasonally, such as creating mermaids, fish, and dolphins in the summer and Christmas designs in the winter. “I also make up my own creations too, like Chocolate Fairy or Cherry Blossom for Valentine’s Day, and a little bit of a funky thing: HamBeargur, a hamburger to look like a bear!”

Through the Supported Independent Living program at Camphill, Terri has support from staff for a few hours a day. Terri told us that during those support hours her staff have been an excellent help in building and maintaining the technical aspects of her business. Together, they set up an Instagram account to showcase Terri’s artworks during the pandemic when it was more difficult to sell products in person at fairs, markets, and festivals. Now, Terri can take orders online. She expressed that owning a business is great for artists looking to make money independently. As an avid traveler, Terri appreciates that her business allows her to “to earn more money to give me those trips as goals. And I could also sometimes pick up a little more expensive foods at the grocery store.”

Terri is looking forward to having her crafts displayed again at the Camphill Holiday Market on Friday November 18, but in the meantime, Terri’s art can be found on her Instagram account, Terri’s Curiosity Shop.