PTBO Makes – Julia’s Sister
I’m so excited to introduce you to this weeks PTBO Makes feature, Julia’s Sister. I don’t exactly remember how I stumbled upon Jess’s work but I’m so glad I did. Her cacti are too adorable!
My name is Jess Weitz, I’m 22 years old and am currently working towards an undergrad degree in English. I grew up in Lindsay and relocated to Peterborough for school in 2012. While I wouldn’t mind being a student for the rest of my life, I am hoping to eventually work as a social worker in some capacity. I’m a self proclaimed feminist and mental health advocate, meaning I’m passionate about social justice. When I have a bit of free time, I love to hike and read (I truly am 22 going on 80).
What inspired you to start your shop?
Julia’s Sister is a collection of crochet plants you can’t kill and other home decor items. I started making crochet cacti as gifts for family and friends; after my Mum’s coworker’s put in orders for their own cacti, I decided to open an Etsy shop! The name of my shop is inspired by, well, my sister Julia! She’s one of my biggest supporters and has always loved everything I make.
Plants you can’t kill!
Where did you learn your craft?
I’m a self taught crochet artist and knitter. I have YouTube and Pinterest to thank for teaching me the basics! Because I had a bit of a hard time throughout high school, I took up knitting as a stress release. Although I started off knitting, I totally fell in love with the art of crochet and amigurumi. I learned to crochet specifically with the intention to make cacti!
Practical for sewists too!
Tell us your favourite thing to make.
Of course I’m obsessed with making cacti, but I’ve recently started making crochet bonsai trees and have to say they’re my favourite thing to make. Each tree I crochet is one of a kind, and set in vintage china. I feel like the uniqueness of each tree and the incorporation of fun, vintage china (I loooove to thrift shop) shows off a bit of my eclectic personality.
These. Too Perfect. That pink teacup. So much LOVE!
What is one thing you would love to learn?
If I had the time (and money) I would really like to give MMA fighting a try!!!
Tell us one random fact that most people don’t know.
To give the idea of mixed marshal arts a little context, I used to be play rugby and wrestle in high school. I even wrestled at the OFSAA level (provincials for Ontario high schoolers). Despite my 5ft tall stature, I desperately miss having something to help get my energy out.
Just a fungi hangin’ out!
I have a serious love for Jess’s current faves. How awesome do these look? Teacups make me so happy!
I’ve fallen in love with the Ptbo community, and really like connecting with local customers. I often do personal showings for those wanting to see a larger collection of my product (by request), but also offer local pick up through my Etsy shop using the coupon code PTBOPICKUP . For those not living in Peterborough or the Kawarthas, I ship worldwide.
Find Jess on the web here:
www.juliassister.etsy.com
@juliassister
www.facebook.com/JuliasSisterThank you Jess for letting us get to know you a little bit more! If you want to meet Julia’s Sister in person this weekend, head on down to the Peterborough Yoga Festival. I can’t wait to meet her in person and get my hands on one of those teacup bonsai. Which one is your favourite?
Next week I have a super special maker to me and she’s getting a double feature. She’s a friend of mine who has started my quilt obsession. I wonder who it could be?
If you’re a maker in or around Peterborough, Ontario and want to be featured, fill out this FORM and I will do my best to be in touch! Be sure to tag your photos on Instagram with #PTBOMakes and #MadeInPTBO so I can see your local makes! (Check out my profile while you are there!)
