Thursday, January 13, 2011

An Interview and Giveaway with Twinkie Chan!




Twinkie Chan has been crocheting silly goodies like tiger-head Kleenex cozies, frog hats with dangly legs, and BBQ pork bun plushies for her friends and family since she was ten years old. She was a weird kid! She currently lives in San Francisco, CA and works on her crafty stuff full-time after 10 years in the publishing biz.



Nowadays, she creates all kinds of fun, food-themed accessories and cozies at www.TwinkieChan.com. She was extremely honored to contribute exclusive designs to the Hello Kitty 35th Anniversary fashion show in 2009 and the Sanrio 50th Anniversary art show in 2010, and her work has been featured in magazines such as Giant Robot, Glamour Italia, and Nickelodeon Magazine. Her book of quirky crochet patterns, “Twinkie Chan’s Crochet Goodies for Fashion Foodies: 20 Yummy Treats to Wear,” was published in Fall 2010 with Andrews McMeel Publishing www.TwinkieChanBooks.com, and she also just launched her new clothing and accessory line www.YummyYouClothing.com, making her signature designs more accessible and affordable for more awesome people!

1. What inspires you to come up with new designs?

Everyday life! There is inspiration everywhere. I always have my business, crocheting, and crafting on my mind, so I think I'm always just aware of what's around me and how I can incorporate my world into my work.



2. How long have you been creating?

I grew up in a very creative household, so basically all my life! I painted and sculpted and crocheted as a little kid, thanks to the creative women around me. I started Twinkie Chan in 2005 as a result of moving to the city and needing to make cute scarves for myself!




3. Where do you do your work? Do you have a dedicated area of your home, or?


I am lucky now to work at home full time on my business, both my Twinkie Chan handmade originals, as well as my mass-produced line "Yummy You! by Twinkie Chan." We just moved, and I finally have a craft room for the first time!!! It's awesome! But since I don't have a really big work table yet, I still spread all my junk to the living room and the dining room! Doh!



4. Tell us about a goal you have for your business

My goal is sort of two-fold. Firstly, I always want to bring creativity and cuteness to my Twinkie Chan brand and its audience, with high quality work, unique designs, and my own personality behind everything I make! But secondly, I hope to really develop and expand Yummy You. I created the line to make my work more accessible and affordable to everyone. It's still in its early stages, and there are lots of kinks to work out, but I hope it grows into something I am super proud of and that lots of people can buy and enjoy! I am hoping to nail down non-crochet offerings like jewelry and apparel, but we're focusing on getting the crochet part right first!




5. What is your favorite album?


Wow! I so do not listen to music anymore! In my early twenties I had some CD playing at all times, and I'd trek into the city to see bands on a regular basis. Now I'm like an old lady who crochets in front of the TV! All I need is a rocking chair and some prunes!



6. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

One of my hopes and dreams is to have a full-time assistant! We'd work in our studio and maybe have a small storefront! Oh that's a crazy dream!



7. What is your favorite thing to do on a weekend?

I like taking my dogs on hikes and eating a giant Sunday brunch!




8. Tell us about a new skill you'd like to learn


I am dying to learn how to sew!! But I just don't make the time to do it. For some reason, I'm super intimidated by sewing machines. I'm afraid they will eat my fingers!



9. Write down any random thought

I need to wash my hair! I'm gross!

10. Where is your "happy place"?

I love taking a nap with my dogs on the couch. We sleep in a big monster pile, and it's so super cuddly!

----------------------------------------------------------------------


Look what you can win!




To Enter;

Visit Twinkie Chan's Etsy Shop and pick your fave item, and leave it in a comment.

To qualify for additional entries you can..

2. Follow Twinkie Chan on Facebook
3. Blog about this giveaway
4. Follow this blog on GFC and Twinkie Chan`s Blog here
5. Follow Papercakes on Twitter
6. Put my button in your sidebar
7. Tweet this giveaway
8. Like Paper*Cakes on Facebook
9. Follow Twinkie Chan on Twitter

Closes Jan 24

141 comments:

Unknown said...

*squeel* i love twinkie chan!
my favourite item is the ice cream scoop hair clip :D

ceeyracatastrophe at hotmail dot co dot uk

Unknown said...

i already follow twinkie on facebook :)

ceeyracatastrophe at hotmail dot co dot uk

Unknown said...

i follow papercakes on twitter :)

ceeyracatastrophe at hotmail dot co dot uk

Unknown said...

i 'like' papercakes on facebook :)
my facebook name is ciara baron.


ceeyracatastrophe at hotmail dot co dot uk

Unknown said...

i follow twinkie chan on twitter too :3

ceeyracatastrophe at hotmail dot co dot uk

Sarah Jordan said...

I follow you and Twinkie Chan on twitter. I hope I win! :)

sarahmaccarelli AT gmail DOT com

peapod said...

Everything - I love everything! But I guess the bread and butter scarf made me lol the hardest :)

petra.redmond at virgin dot net

peapod said...

I'm following Twinkie Chan on FB but I already follow you on FB.

petra. redmond at virgin dot net

peapod said...

I am following Twinkie Chan on Twitter and I already follow you.

petra.redmond at virgin dot net

peapod said...

I have added your button to my blog http://what-will-we-find-today.blogspot.com/

Hoola Tallulah said...

WOW, I have never seen this Etsy store before, it is AWESOME, Twinkie Chan rocks! So fun and colourful and oh I want it all, it was hard to choose a favourite item. If I could knit it would be the Yarn Ho tee, but being as I am knitslexic (I think I just made that word up), I choose this http://www.etsy.com/listing/62933144/cupcake-scarf-white-frosting-and-blue, love it! Thanks for the generous giveaway.

peapod said...

Have also blogged about this giveaway: http://what-will-we-find-today.blogspot.com/2011/01/lovelies.html

dorottyazsofia said...

My favorites are the cupcake scarves! All of them, I can't really choose :).

badorka@vipmail.hu

dorottyazsofia said...

I follow this blog, too (mabye I'm the blind one, but I didn't find a google following button on twinkie's page).

badorka@vipmail.hu

dorottyazsofia said...

I also like you on fb!

badorka@vipmail.hu

dorottyazsofia said...

And I follow Twinkie on fb, too!

badorka@vipmail.hu

Libby said...

I likw the Cupcake Scarf - Chocolate Frosting, Yellow Cake
libbilogs@gmail.com

Birgit said...

Love this one http://www.etsy.com/listing/64871669/cupcake-scarf-pink-frosting-white-cake !
danaan at gmx dot at

Birgit said...

Following your blog on GFC!!
danaan at gmx dot at

Birgit said...

Liked you on FB!!
danaan at gmx dot at

Mrs. Cherry Heart said...

What a cutie.... Thank you for introducing us to Twinkie Chan!
I love all of her creations but having to choose one I absolutely love the Cupcake Scarf - Pink Frosting, White Cake!
Soooooo stinkin sweet!

Smiles,
Dolly

Mrs. Cherry Heart said...

I am a follower on your blog and am off to follow Twinkie too!

Dolly

thebockster said...

I love her cupcake scarves, and I've had my eye on her book for awhile! I am following Twinkie Chan on twitter, and I am also following Papercakes! I'm @thebockster!

Kara said...

I love the yarn ho t-shirt
kawarrasaurus at gmail dot com

sabrina said...

I LOVE the "Yarn Ho" t-shirt. It made me giggle. (I've been crocheting non-stop for weeks at home and I think my fiancé is getting jealous!)

sabrina said...

I'm a follower on GFC.

brinaroze(at)gmail(dot)com

Anonymous said...

My favorite item in Twinkie Chan's etsy shop is the bread and butter scarf!! I love her stuff!!

-Casey
swatchyourback [at] gmail [dot] com

Anonymous said...

I follow Twinkie Chan on twitter!

-Casey
swatchyourback [at] gmail [dot] com

Anonymous said...

I am a fan on Twinkie Chan's facebook!!

-Casey W.
swatchyourback [at] gmail [dot] com

Anonymous said...

I liked Paper*Cakes on Facebook!!

-Casey W.
swatchyourback [at] gmail [dot] com

Anonymous said...

I now follow your blog!

-Casey
swatchyourback [at] gmail [dot] com

Anonymous said...

I am now a Twitter follower! My name is shoplollywood.

-Casey
swatchyourback [at] gmail [dot] com

CupcakeCatie said...

-the white frosting cupcake scarf is by far my favorite!

-i follow Twinkie on facebook!

-i follow Paper Cakes on Twitter

-i retweeted this giveaway @ZombieCupcake90

-i like Paper Cakes on facebook

-i like Twinkie on Twitter!

Krista Healey said...

I love her crochet goodies for fashion foodies book.

I also follow twinkiechan on facebook and papercakes on facebook.

Maggi said...

Twinkie Chan is one of my favorites! I love the Tight Hooker necklace in her shop, lol.

I'm already a follower of this blog, Twinkie Chan and Paper Cakes on Twitter. (@addglitter) :D

magicbeanbuyer said...

Loveeee Twinkie Chan's ice cream scoop clip!

magicbeanbuyer said...

I also follow Twinkie Chan on facebook!

magicbeanbuyer said...

I follow Papercakes on twitter!

magicbeanbuyer said...

I follow Papercakes on facebook too!

magicbeanbuyer said...

And Twinkie Chan on twitter!

magicbeanbuyer said...

Aaaand finally...tweeted! http://twitter.com/#!/magicbeanbuyer/status/25730993314861056

Rachel Ewing said...

I LOVE the Pink Frosting, White Cake Cupcake scarf :D

I follow Twinkie Chan on Facebook.♥

I blogged about this giveaway on my tumblr and added your button. ---> http://ohhaisunshiin3.tumblr.com/

I follow PaperCakes on Twitter♥ http://twitter.com/#!/OhhaiSuNsHiiN3

Tweeted this giveaway, follow Twinkie Chan on twitter and I've liked Paper*Cakes on FB :]

Tadaaaaaaaaa! ^_^♥

McKayla said...

YARN HOOOO! Love this. I'm a major Twinkie Chan fangirl, teeeheehehe.

McKayla said...

And of courseee I follow Twinkie Chan on Facebook! ;)

Ash said...

My favorite Twinkie Chan Etsy item is the Ice Cream Scoop hair clip! Looooove!

lyrasilvertongue11@gmail.com

Ash said...

I follow Twinkie Chan on Facebook.

lyrasilvertongue11@gmail.com

Ash said...

I blogged about the giveaway:
amelancholoymoose.blogspot.com

lyrasilvertongue11@gmail.com

Ash said...

I follow Paper Cakes using GFC and also Twinkie Chan

lyrasilvertongue11@gmail.com

Ash said...

I follow Paper Cakes on Twitter.
@lyrasilver11

lyrasilvertongue11@gmail.com

Ash said...

I added your button to my sidebar.
amelancholoymoose.blogspot.com

lyrasilvertongue11@gmail.com

Ash said...

I tweeted about the giveaway.
@lyrasilver11

lyrasilvertongue11@gmail.com

Ash said...

I like Paper Cakes on Facebook.

lyrasilvertongue11@gmail.com

Ash said...

I also follow Twinkie Chan on Twitter
@lyrasilver11

lyrasilvertongue11@gmail.com

PennySocks said...

Favorite item is her hamburger coffee cozy! Anything she makes into a hamburger is awesome!

I follow her on fb, thanks!

HelloHayley said...

I already follow Twinkie Chan on Twitter, but I added her Facebook and started following Papercakes on Twitter!

How exciting :) I don't think ANYTHING could be the cupcake scarfs. SO so cute!!

hellohayleychapman@gmail.com

Jacci said...

the cupcake scarfs are the best!

i follow twinkie chan on fb and twitter, and papercakes on twitter.

justjacci@hotmail.com

Kristen Meow Carless said...

It's far too hard to pick just one!
I love the sushi scarf (even though it's not on etsy atm) and I love the Yarn Ho! T-shirt which I wore today ^_^

I follow/Like Twinkie Chan on facebook
and her blog
and I follow/like Paper Cakes on facebook also :)

invader-kutwijf@hotmail.com

Emilie Proctor said...

My favorite item in Twinkie Chan's shop is the ice cream scoop clip!


jeepers133@gmail.com

Emilie Proctor said...

I follow Twinkie Chan on Facebook!


jeepers133@gmail.com

Emilie Proctor said...

I follow PaperCakes on Twitter!



jeepers133@gmail.com

Emilie Proctor said...

I like Paper Cakes on Facebook!


jeepers133@gmail.com

Emilie Proctor said...

I follow Twinkie Chan on Twitter!



jeepers133@gmail.com

Anonymous said...

I love her bacon and eggs scarf, but all of her stuff is sooooo cooool. mary@brassica.com

Irit said...

My favorite items is the Cupcake Scarf - White Frosting and Blue Cake. Double yum!

Irit said...

I follow Twinkie Chan on Facebook.

Irit said...

I follow your blog via GFC, and also follow Twinkie Chan's blog.

Irit said...

I follow Paper*Cakes on Facebook.

Jenny said...

My favorite is the foodie thank you card set!

jennywigdahl@gmail.com

Jenny said...

I follow your blog on Google Friend Connect!

jennywigdahl@gmail.com

Glo said...

I like: http://www.etsy.com/listing/62934149/ice-cream-scoop-hair-clip-or-hat
contest82[@]gmail.com

Marija said...

The bread and butter scarf is too cute!

marija.majerle at gmail dot com

Marija said...

following you on twitter @mrsclutterbuck

marija.majerle at gmail dot com

Marija said...

following twinkie chan on twitter @mrsclutterbuck

marija.majerle at gmail dot com

kiddomerriweather said...

I love the Chocolate Cupcake Scarf.

kiddomsg at gmail dot com

kiddomerriweather said...

I like Twinkie Chan on FB (Suzanne Gregg).

kiddomsg at gmail dot com

kiddomerriweather said...

I follow Papercakes on Twitter @kiddo47.

kiddomsg at gmail dot com

kiddomerriweather said...

I like PC on FB (Suzanne Gregg).

kiddomsg at gmail dot com

kiddomerriweather said...

I follow TC on Twitter @kiddo47.

kiddomsg at gmail dot com

jhitomi said...

love the Cupcake scarf with Pink frosting.
jhbalvin at gmail dot com

jhitomi said...

following papercakes on twitter as jhitomi
jhbalvin at gmail dot com

Anonymous said...

OMG I totally love Twinkie Chan!!

My favorite item is the Cupcake Scarf! I have tried so many times to make it myself but it never looks as great as hers!

lindsayfields at live dot com

Anonymous said...

Following Twinkie Chan on FB as Lindsay Fields

lindsayfields at live dot com

Anonymous said...

Following Papercakes on Twitter as Lfields08

lindsayfields at live dot com

Anonymous said...

Following Twinkie Chan on Twitter as Lfields08

lindsayfields at live dot com

polly said...

your cupcake scarves are just adorable!
pkeintz@gmail.com

CerenaLeigh said...

Oh My Gosh. I think I would be best friends with her. I am obsessed with cupcakes and crafting.

My favorite is definitely the Yarn Ho! Shirt!! I would wear that everywhere.
Cerena Leigh
Luckycldh(at)aol(dot)com

Cerena-Leigh said...

I follow your blog via GFC

Cerena Leigh
Luckycldh(at)aol(dot)com

Cerena-Leigh said...

FB Fan
Cerena Hammond

Cerena Leigh
Luckycldh(at)aol(dot)com

Cerena-Leigh said...

twitter follower of yours as well! :)
@cerenaleigh

Cerena Leigh
Luckycldh(at)aol(dot)com

Cerena-Leigh said...

I follow Twinkie Chan on FB
Cerena Hammond

Cerena Leigh
Luckycldh(at)aol(dot)com

Cerena Leigh said...

I follow Twinkie Chan on twitter.

@cerenaleigh

Cerena Leigh
Luckycldh(at)aol(dot)com

Fanny said...

My favorite item is the Chocolate cupcake scarf :) 2pmishere(at)gmail(dot)com

Fanny said...

I follow Twinkie Chan on Facebook (tom c.) 2pmishere(at)gmail(dot)com

Fanny said...

I already liked Paper*Cakes on Facebook (tom c.) 2pmishere(at)gmail(dot)com

Jasmine1485 said...

My favourite item is the 'Foodie Thank You Card set'

Kate1485 at hotmail.com

Jasmine1485 said...

I'm a fan of Twinkie Chan on Facebook (Kate Ryan)

Kate1485 at hotmail.com

Jasmine1485 said...

I'm following you on Twitter (@NTFancy)

Kate1485 at hotmail.com

Jasmine1485 said...

I'm a fan of Paper*Cakes on Facebook (Kate Ryan)

Kate1485 at hotmail.com

Jasmine1485 said...

I'm following Twinkie Chan on Twitter (@NTFancy)

Kate1485 at hotmail.com

Candy said...

I like the Cupcake Scarf - Pink Frosting, White Cake ! so cute!
oohmybento at gmail dot com

Candy said...

I follow you on twitter!
@ love for dinner
oohmybento at gmail dot com

Candy said...

I follow twinkie chan on twitter
@ love for dinner
oohmybento at gmail dot com

Candy said...

I follow paper cakes via gfc and bookmarked twinkie chans blog (couldn't find the follow button)

oohmybento at gmail dot com

Liza767 said...

Cupcake Scarf - Pink and Blue Frosting

Liza767[at]roadrunner[dot]com

Liza767 said...

Liza Vladyka face book follows you
Liza767[at]roadrunner[dot]com

Allie said...

My favorite has got the be the ice cream scoop clips. That is so creative!

kraftykrochetkreations(at)yahoo(dot)com

TopHat said...

I love the bread and butter scarf! So cute!

hrfarley at gmail dot com

Anonymous said...

The bread & butter scarf is so original! LUV IT!!!!!!Thanks for the chance to win it.
Zoe0825@verizon.net

Stephanie said...

I follow Twinkie Chan on Twitter!

karabekianesque at gmail dot com

Stephanie said...

My favorite item of Twinkie Chan's is anything with yellow cake! Yellow cake purse, berae, gloves, scarf, tissue cozy, coffee cozy- I want it all!!!

karabekianesque at gmail dot com

Unknown said...

I love the

Yarn Ho T Shirt.

jswandrn at gmail

Anonymous said...

I love the cute Foodie Thank You Card set!

Camila F.
naomemandeflores@gmail.com

Mary Sue said...

Her Yaaarrn temporary tattoo is hilarious!

Mary Sue said...

I am following your blog now!
marysuetattoo(at)gmail(dot)com

Anonymous said...

As my favorite combination EVER is yellow cake with chocolate frosting, I'm going with this scarf:

http://www.etsy.com/listing/64871408/cupcake-scarf-chocolate-frosting-yellow

Kele Lindsey said...

Following you on Twitter now!

Love, love, love the pink cupcake scarf!! These are amazing!!!

Unknown said...

favorite item is the Cupcake Scarf - Pink Frosting, White Cake

Unknown said...

I Follow Twinkie Chan on Facebook

Unknown said...

I Follow Papercakes on Twitter

@CricketSaunders

Unknown said...

I Like Paper*Cakes on Facebook

Unknown said...

I Follow Twinkie Chan on Twitter

Unknown said...

Eeeeek!! Where can I get some of those cupcake coffee cup cozies??!!! MUST HAVE!!! ♥

Samantha said...

I already follow you on Facebook and I already follow you both on Twitter.

My favorite Twinkle Chan item is definitely her classic cupcake scarf....so adorable!

Anonymous said...

I really like the Bread and butter Scarf.

vena.nedkova at gmail dot com

Anonymous said...

I am following your blog via gfc.

vena.nedkova at gmail dot com

centuries said...

Thanks so much for the chance! I love her 'Tight Hooker' necklace! So clever!

xx
Rossi
youmey0u at yahoo.com

centuries said...

Have 'liked' her Facebook for a while!:)

xx
Rossi
youmey0u at yahoo.com

centuries said...

Following your blog!

xx
Rossi
youmey0u at yahoo.com

Basia Marie said...

She is SO creative! I love the ice cream scoop hair clip!
-Basia :)

bozthefreak@hotmail.com

Hazel said...

I love the cupcake scarf!!! So pretty and unique!

Hazel
hwilcox2008@gmail.com

Anonymous said...

I love the cupcake scarf!

skipthelaundry said...

Like the foodie thank you cards.
skipthelaundry at gmail dot com

skipthelaundry said...

like twinkiechan on facebook
amber jackson porter
skipthelaundry at gmail dot com

skipthelaundry said...

follow you gfc
skipthelaundry
skipthelaundry at gmail dot com

skipthelaundry said...

like you on facebook
amber jackson porter
skipthelaudry at gmail dot com

skipthelaundry said...

follow twinkie on twitter
skipthelaundry
skipthelaundry at gmail dot com

skipthelaundry said...

tweeted
http://twitter.com/skipthelaundry/status/29194304543002624
skipthelaundry at gmail dot com

Stephanie Gauthier-Bujold said...

Hello!
Enter me please!
I like the pink and blue frosting cupcake scarf!


additional entries

2. I follow Twinkie Chan on Facebook (Stephanie Gauthier Bujold)
3. Blog about this giveaway: http://msbubuandhergirlyness.blogspot.com/2010/09/giveaways.html
4.
5. I follow Papercakes on Twitter : MsBubu26
6. I put button in your sidebar http://msbubuandhergirlyness.blogspot.com/
7. Tweet this giveaway: http://twitter.com/#!/MsBubu26/status/29247459981008896
8. I lke Paper*Cakes on Facebook (Stephanie Gauthier Bujold)
9. I follow Twinkie Chan on Twitter (MsBubu 26)

Samantha said...

I LOVE Twinkie Chan's signature cupcake scarf. It's the reason I started following her on twitter (SquidLeeMcD).

I also follow you as well on Twitter and liked you on Facebook :)

Anonymous said...

Love this!
http://www.etsy.com/listing/62936033/yaaarrrn-temporary-tattoo

caliojewels@gmail.com

Junk Loving Girl said...

I adore the cupcake scarf!

thepricklypinecone(at)gmail.com