Meet The Maker: Mika’s Makes

Who are you, where are you from and what do you make?

I’m Tamika from Mika’s Makes and I am a student currently based in South Wales. I got into crochet during the first COVID lockdown and slowly built myself up from there. I crochet baby rattles, baby blankets and stuffed animals. The process is very important to me and I challenge myself by creating new designs and writing patterns which helps to expand the variety of what I make. 

What inspires you?

First and foremost I am inspired by colour. Coming from a Nigerian background where bold colours are celebrated in clothing and design, colour has always played a huge part in my creative process and is one of the first decisions I make when designing something new. Additionally, I’m inspired by the challenge of making consumption more ethical, we all love giving and receiving but a lot of the time it is at the expense of both people and the environment. 

What is your workshop luxury?

Being able to sit on the sofa and watch films while I crochet, there’s nothing glamorous about it, but I feel lucky to be able to relax in that way. 

Your favourite studio lunch?

Kimchi fried rice, it’s a great way to use up scrap veggies in the fridge and always tastes yummy! 

Best spot in the British Isles?

The Pembrokeshire coast holds so many fond memories! The rich and dynamic history and landscape is so inspiring and all made better by the vast range of wildlife you can spot on any walk along its many coastal paths. 

What do you find challenging about being a creative?

It’s tricky to always feel the enjoyment of making when challenged by a deadline or having to create lots in a short space of time. When it begins to feel more like a chore than a hobby I must remind myself why I make and what being creative means to me. 

What would you like to learn next?

Everyday I think of a new skill I’d like to learn, one day it’s carpentry, another day pottery, another day printing. I have to be disciplined because once I start something new I become a bit obsessed with it and unfortunately I don’t have endless time and resources. For now, I’d love to learn how to naturally dye fabrics with food waste (onion skins etc) which I hope will also motivate me to improve my sewing skills.

How do you let your hair down?

I love to go wild swimming. Between the sea and the waterfalls of the Brecon Beacons, South Wales boasts so many beautiful and accessible opportunities to get into water. Being immersed in and connected to nature always helps me to switch off from the busyness of everyday life and feel calm and present in the moment.  

What are you listening to at the moment?

The Yikes Podcast hosted by Mikaela Loach and Josephine Becker. It is a podcast about all the things that make us go YIKES in the world, from the climate crisis to racism. They explore these overwhelming topics in a helpful and accessible way, inspiring their listeners to get more involved in social movements and activism which help to create a brighter and more hopeful future for all. 

What makes you feel well chuffed?

Cooking for others and sharing meals with friends. I love to spend time in the kitchen and sharing food with people is a surefire way of showing them that I love them, when it is enjoyed and accompanied with good music, good conversation and a fun time it makes me feel warm and fuzzy inside.