*A press pass was provided for this event.
Where are you from, and how did you get into craftwork as
a profession?
I’m based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. I got into crafting
because ever since I was young, I was always making things. I love art and the
different mediums it can take.
How did you get into making the Pokémon terrariums?
I got into it because I love Pokémon. I remember collecting
the cards when I was younger and imagining a whole world just from the card
artwork. The terrariums express that imaginary world in the real world.
What goes into making them?
The amount of work that goes into making them varies
depending on the world I decide to create for the terrarium. For example, the longest
process is the lava layouts I make, but they’re also by far my favorite to
make.
As for materials, I’m always on the lookout for items that
fit inside the terrarium that make the world feel a little more real. For
example, I found these mini wheelbarrows and they fit inside the Poké Ball. I
imagined someone collecting flowers and putting them inside the wheelbarrow and
pop! There's an Eevee in the wheelbarrow amongst the flowers.
As I mentioned before, the lava layouts I make are my
favorite layouts; they especially stand out when they have lights inside. I
also very much enjoy making Vaporeon terrariums, as that's my favorite Pokémon.
However, any time I have someone reach out to me for a custom terrarium, those
are by far my favorite to make. I recently made a Porygon and that one I
absolutely adored. Knowing someone has a special place in their heart for each Pokémon,
I want to make sure that feeling is conveyed in the efforts I put into making
the terrarium.
What's it like being a vendor at an anime convention?
It's so much fun! Meeting new people, seeing familiar faces
adds to the experience. Seeing someone's face light up when they find their
favorite Pokémon or seeing someone mentally debating which Pokémon to take
home, seeing all those emotions sometimes still surprises me; that my creations
can stir those positive feelings. I hope when people stop by my booth it adds
happiness to their day at the con. Being able to be a part of such a positive
experience is really enlightening.
Any other conventions you'll be at in the near future?
I will be at Carthage Con
on April 15,2023 in Kenosha, Wi. I will also be at Anime Magic in August 18-20, 2023 in
Rosemont, Il. My schedule is usually updated on my Instagram.
Where can folks find you online?
People can follow my work on Instagram and they can
also reach out to me at my email.
If you'd like to see more of Merari's work, take a look at this short:
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