My name is Krista Johnson, and I am a crafter. Every profession I have had involves making things with my hands. My first professional job was in a hospital art clinic as an Occupational Therapy Assistant. I later went on to running my Hollywood studio business making props and graphics for television and film for 22 years. (I made the amplifier in the movie This is Spinal Tap go to 11!). Since moving to Ashland, I have worked as a handwork teacher at the Waldorf school and then15 years as a Costume Crafts Artisan at OSF. I make everything in my booth, including potholders using re-purposed fill material, play swords and shields using OSF costume fabrics, hand-knit purses from recycled plastic bags, large shopping bags and sachets, and hydrosol spray made with Ashland-grown organic lavender. I also make pincushions, needle holders, knit and felted wool purses. I enjoy making potholders the most. I have made thousands over the past 25 years – functional art for your kitchen! Each one is like making a quilt: picking the right fabric (especially if it makes someone smile), matching backing, and hand finishing each one. It has become a form of meditation for me. I love making things and I love having had a space at the Ashland Artisan Emporium for the last 9 years. You can also find me at the OSF Holiday Fair the first weekend in December.
