Meet the Mafia – Librarian Barbarian
This week it’s the turn of Markie of Librarian Barbarian.
Why did you start in business/crafting?
I needed a way to support my crafting habits. I wouldn’t be able to afford to create what I want otherwise. It’s also a great way to de-clutter the masses of materials I have accumulated. And of course there is that worthwhile element to make people smile and hopefully spark some DIY inspiration.
How did you come up with your crafty name?
I’m a Librarian Assistant and I’m a history nerd. The name allows me to sum up my deep down dorkiness by combining my profession and one of my favourite historical eras with a simplistic but effective rhyming scheme.
Is your glass half full or half empty?
That’s something that I would like to know too.
What is your favourite thing that costs nothing?
Books! Glasgow has sooooo many libraries [from the public, reference, academic, to the brilliant women’s library] with such great collections that it’s foolish not take advantage. I’m also a big fan of walking and exploring. There are many amazing little hidden parts of Glasgow that make this city unique and exciting. I also enjoy visiting the museums.
Where do you find inspiration for your work?
Mainly from the personalities of people I interact with. I make A LOT of gifts for friends based on their interests and peculiarities, as well as our inside jokes. Of course, I do not sell these. As for wares I do sell, my inspiration generally comes from practicality. When using recycled materials, it forces me to look at an object and conceptualize what else can be done with it. Books and internet are a big influence too. There are so many amazing ideas floating around that you can brainstorm with.
Top 5 desert island essentials
Haha, I really don’t know. It would have to be one hell of a situation me to even be near a desert island. I’m a land-lubber no doubt about it.
What is the ugliest most pitiful thing you made?
The ‘robot’ that I was determined to make for my 2nd grade science fair project. It was a box encased with taped tinfoil and had a small cassette player blasting New Kids on the Block from the inside of it. To a seven-year old little girl in 1992, Joey, Danny, Donnie, Jordan, and Jonathan’s harmonics vibrating from a hand-made robot was pure science. Unfortunately, my New Kids Bot annoyed the judges, and they made me stop my Step by Step tape. It was so embarrassing that the teacher took pity on me and helped make a new project for the fair…elastics stretched over the hole of a tissue box…which was the second most pitiful thing I’ve ever made.
What have you made that you are most proud of?
I made an Archie comic fan fiction booklet for a friend of mine a long time ago as a gift. I won’t go into the gory details, but let’s just say that jerk Archie gets his come-uppings. .
What’s so great about Glasgow?
Coming from a very small city, I still find it thrilling and a bit overwhelming at times. Here is a point form list of things I appreciate about Glasgow:
• The combination of red tenements and lush greenery
• The hidden alley shops
• The different wall colours at each underground stop
• The font of the street signs
• Feeding squirrels in Kelvingrove park
• Discovering tiny parts of the west end
• Listening to an angry Glasgow mother discipline her child,
• Taking a charity-shop hike down Dumbarton Road
• FREE museums and heritage sites
• Wafting chip shop aromas
• Watching Still Game and knowing where they and understanding the humour.
Favorite Biscuit?
Tunnock’s Tea Cakes, unrivalled.
What crafts do you still want to learn?
I’d like to venture more into tailoring…not so much for profit, but for myself. A pair of well fitting trousers is a rare find. I’d like to weave and try basket making, and get into making miniatures professionally.
What is your idea of a perfect day?
Getting up early and take a spontaneous day trip and having a small picnic at my destination.
What do you do in your day to day life, other than being a Mafioso?
As I mentioned, I’m a Librarian Assistant, but I get to see a lot of crazy stuff. I always get a kick out of the oh-so obvious market researched Mills and Boon titles, my favourite is The Greek Tycoon’s Baby Bargain. I’m also trying to get through a gigantic pile of never-ending books. It’s an impossible task. I like going to a good gig, if my wallet permits me.
What is your favourite crafting tool?
Sew-Simple fabric glue
What are your plans for the future?
Move to the forest in small thatched roof cottage near a creek and have a pug dog named Stockhausen. There I can somehow magically be a Librarian from home [paid a comfortable, reasonable wage of course], work on crafty projects, and enjoy my god awful late 60s/early70s Progressive Rock collection.
You can bag yourself a unique Librarian Barbarian upcycled purse at the shop.
Thanks Markie!
