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Amy Sedaris, Author of <em>Simple Times: Crafts for Poor People</em>
By
Jaya Saxena
Published Nov 1, 2010
Modified Nov 19, 2010
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By
Jaya Saxena
Published Nov 1, 2010
Modified Nov 19, 2010
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Is there anything Amy Sedaris can't do? She's conquered comedy with her stint with the Second City comedy troupe, as Jerri Blank on Strangers With Candy*, and the co-author of* Wigfield with some guy named Stephen Colbert (we think he did something in D.C. this weekend). She's shown the world she can entertain a household better than your mother ever could with her book, I Like You: Hospitality Under the Influence. And now, she's taking on the edgy world of arts & crafts with her new book Simple Times: Crafts for Poor People. And no, it's not just about those bracelets you made with pipe cleaners when you were in preschool. We talked to her about about how she got started in the craft world, and whether or not she plans on giving Martha Stewart a run for her money.
So you've already released a cooking/entertaining guide, and now you have a crafts book. Are you going to launch a battle against Martha Stewart? You better believe it—the competition is on! I'm going to kick her boney little ass.
How did you first get into crafting and DIY stuff? I started crafting as a kid in Girl Scouts and Junior Achievements. I always and still do, have something to make and sell. My family crafted a lot growing up—I've always been attracted to homemade things.
Do you think it's important for people to learn, or is it just something fun to do with your free time? I think everyone needs a hobby. You always need something to do with your hands so your mind can wander.
What is your favorite craft, or favorite thing to make? I really love making pot holders using the kits and extra loops from Klutz. It takes me 20 minutes to make a pot holder! It really makes time fly when you are on a airplane.
Are there any crafting projects that you're just not good at? I'm not good at a lot of things. I'm good with coming up with ideas and making them happen but I am very limited as far as what I can make.
What places in the city have you found to fund your crafting hobbies? I like the flea market on 25th and 6th Ave, Pearl Paint, hardware stores, and smoke shops.
Smoke shops? What do you get there? I buy lighters, and then I cover them with sticky shelf paper and personalize them in my way. I also buy blank match books and personalize them, and I buy rolling papers and personalize them.
Besides the homemaking, what have you been up to lately? Any more TV or movie projects? I have a few projects I'm working on but my goal is to have my own homemaking show-it's just a matter of finding the right home for it.
What's your best "only in New York" moment? Well I just love watching last minute shoppers anywhere, but in New York it tends to get violent.
Simple Times: Crafts For Poor People comes out November 2nd.
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