The inspiration
Craftpudding originally began as an online Etsy shop in 2007, offering hand-carved rubber stamps. Kussel’s love of Japanese crafts and artwork inspired her to begin making the stamps as a hobby. She combined her favorite hobby and her favorite food, rice pudding, to call her business Craftpudding.
“I got very inspired by Japanese [culture] and I started to read books, especially in the area of crafts because they’re so well explained that [I didn’t] really need to know how to read Japanese,” she said.
Kussel decided to open her own studio after she began started painting to find solace after retiring as a disabled veteran and recovering from breast cancer.
Digging deeper
Craftpudding sells a wide selection of kawaii-inspired items—the Japanese culture of all things cute—such as Hello Kitty, Keroppi and My Melody merchandise, as well as other Sanrio characters. The kawaii aesthetic places emphasis on cuteness, bright colors, child-like charm and cartoon characters.
Customers can also find stationary items, apparel, cups and accessories. The handcrafted items Kussel offers include handbags, jewelry, artwork and rubber stamps.
What's special about it?
Craftpudding's appeal spans across all ages, Kussel noted, and that this experience also inspired her daughter to become a graphic designer, who now collaborates with her to design products.
“I always love to see families showing their kids what they loved as kids,” she said.
- 216 Pat Booker Road, Ste. 216, Universal City
- Facebook: Craftpudding
