Our Fall Event is on Nov 1st 5-9pm + Nov 2nd from 12-4pm.
xoxoJLo Crochet
whimsical, cute and quirky one of a kind crocheted creations
Meet The Maker
WHO ARE YOU, WHERE ARE YOU FROM, & WHAT DO YOU DO?
Jessica Lopez (JLo) is the Owner/Artist of xoxoJLo Crochet. A Columbia, SC native, Jessica started her “love affair” with crochet in 2010 and has been HOOKED ever since. A former public school teacher for over a decade, she made a career change to full-time artist in June of 2021.
JLo prides herself on creating high-quality, whimsical, weird, handcrafted and, “heart-made,” items that are sure to give years of smiles and love to everyone. Her mission is to “spread happiness, one stitch at a time.”
Grateful to be living the artist life, JLo often donates pieces and/or portions of her sales to local and regional fundraisers/charities that support causes close to her heart including: women’s rights, LGBTQ+ rights, no-kill animal shelters, mental health and causes benefiting chronic illness/disabilities, including muscular dystrophy, which Jessica has a form of.
You can find her selling her crocheted goodies, with her husband Vinnie by her side, at events and markets in SC, NC and GA.
DESCRIBE YOUR PROCESS.
I love to make fun, bright and colorful creations that evoke a sense of joy. I make creations that I know “little me” would have loved, and that kids of ALL ages (0-101!) will enjoy and cherish for many years. I usually crochet in a calm space surrounded by lo-fi music, a locally sourced candle, some coffee and either a podcast or audiobook. This helps me get in the “crochet zone” so I can let the pieces flow as I create.
WHAT INSPIRES YOU?
A lot of what I make is with the early childhood ages in mind. After teaching Pre-K for over a decade, I still wanted to be able to connect with kids. I feel my creations help me do just that. I’m inspired to create heirloom quality pieces kids can have for years, as well as toys that provide experiences of learning through play, such as pretend food, and reusable crocheted water balloons.
FUN FACT ABOUT YOU.
I’m OBSESSED with unicorns, and I just might actually be one myself. 😉
FAVORITE THING ABOUT DOWNTOWN AUGUSTA.
have heard the food is AMAZING! I’m a self proclaimed “foodie” and I’m looking forward to trying out a few restaurants and bakeries while in the area!
WHY DO YOU LOVE TO DESIGN, CREATE + MAKE?
I love to create plushies (amigurumi) and holiday themed items and decor. I have recently started designing free patterns that are suitable for beginner crocheters and I’m looking to expanding my pattern writing skills this year and beyond.
WHAT IS ONE PIECE OF ADVICE YOU WOULD SHARE WITH OTHER ARTISTS + MAKERS?
Create what brings you joy! If it brings you joy to make, it will shine through your work, and bring joy to others too!