Miniatures by Yelena Vakker
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What’s your earliest memory with miniatures?
I loved playing with Polly Pocket sets from the ’90s.
How did you first get started making miniatures?
I love watching the puppet stop motion animation films. As a kid I wanted to be a part of the team that does the props like clothes, objects and landscapes. I also played a lot with LEGO and plasticine.
What does “kreaschief” mean?
Kreaschief is a wordplay based on a German word for creative “kreativ,” combined with the word “schief” for slanting. So, kreaschief means “slanting creativity,” or “something unusual.” It’s a different kind of design.
Do you remember the very first miniature you ever made?
I do not remember what the first miniature I made was, but the first backpack brooch I created was a black hiking backpack made of felt with metal beads and a crocheted scarf. I still have it.
What is your favorite type of miniature to make?
I really like doing backpacks and bags. I think a bag is a great expression of a personality. Big bags, designer bags, sport bags, hiking backpacks, laptop backpacks. Each and every one of them give a glimpse on what kind of person you are. But I also like making nature-inspired brooches like flowers or veggies.
What is the most challenging miniature to make?
From the whole process of creating a miniature backpack, two things are really challenging: making buckles and creating paintings on the backpacks.
Are most of your miniatures wearable charms?
Yes. All of the backpacks are brooches, but I also created a keychain variation once.
Tell us about the process of creating one of your miniature backpacks.
I use genuine leather to make the brooches. Each and every one of them is a unique piece of handcrafting. The design is tested several times before it is transferred on leather. I collect and combine very carefully the colors and the charms to create a backpack. They all have a theme: business, hiking, Italy, France, Oktoberfest, photography, and more. All are a unique style.
What advice would you give to new artists?
Be patient. Every single thing you do will take a long time to create at the beginning. Repeat and become a master of your art.
What inspires you?
I am curious about the world around me. My daily routine, traveling, designing logos, vacation, doing groceries… everything inspires me in a different kind of way. And at the end of the day, I have an idea for the next piece.
What is the most memorable miniature you have ever seen?
I am really fascinated by the works of miniature food artists. They look so awesome, tasty, and adorable! But, at the same time, a huge amount of work goes into the creation of these masterpieces.
What is your hope for the field of miniatures?
I really hope that 3D printing can help out in the creation of some objects that are too tiny to make by hand (but of course not to replace our art, but just to help out).
Any favorite mini makers you would like to mention?
I follow several artists on Instagram whose art I really like: @wendyminicity, @woodcastles, and @shayaar.
Upcoming projects planned?
Right now I am working on a set of Bavarian-styled backpacks to be sold for the first time offline in a local shop in Munich.
What’s to come from Yelena Vakker?
Doing what I love has two separate paths. I work as a freelance Visual Designer and creating backpacks is my second job. I do both with passion and love. But I definitely would love to create more backpacks, especially custom-made themes.
Words you live by?
Every day is a great day.
Other activities you enjoy?
I like listening to the music, dancing and reading books.
Yelena Vakker is based in Munich, Germany. To see more of her miniature backpacks and other work, visit the Kreaschief website or you can follow along on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.
