Last year, Stacy Lellos took the helm at Klutz, our books+ imprint that publishes amazing, crafty books and kits for kids, such as Shrink & Link Jewelry and Mini Pom-Pom Pets. We asked her five questions about her world.
What's new at Klutz?
Stacy: We’re super excited for the holiday season! We are celebrating with a bunch of great ideas for making one-of-a-kind gifts using Klutz books. Klutz is Handmade for the Holidays! The new year will bring lots more fun and innovative kits from Klutz, and just last week we released Coloring Crush, the PERFECT tween version of the hugely-popular coloring kick that is attracting kids and adults alike.
Klutz has a new workspace in SoHo. What's a typical day like there?
Stacy: A typical day…is not so typical! Ranging from experimenting with crystalizing in the kitchen…to creating 3D robots…to testing out face painting designs on the team’s faces, a day at Klutz is as varied as our title list. And our team!
Can you tell us a fun fact about Klutz that most people wouldn't know?
Stacy: When Klutz was first founded in 1977 and published Juggling for the Complete Klutz, employees were expected to know how to juggle…and do it well! Klutz maintains the same playful spirit today, but we don’t expect any of our staff to juggle on command. (There’s always time to learn though!)
Just how crafty are Klutz employees?
Stacy: VERY!! It’s awe inspiring to work in a place where creativity is so prevalent. Klutz books are designed and brainstormed in-house and our editors all bring a very diverse background of talent and ideas—from artists to crafters to book makers to toy experts.
Are there any hot new trends in crafting/toys that have helped inform your product development?
Stacy: The coloring craze is everywhere—and in addition to Coloring Crush, we have more coloring fun coming this spring with Marker Everything, a book dedicated to permanent markers and all of the amazing things you can create with them. The ‘mini’ craze helped inform Sew Mini Treats, also out this spring, which combines felt, sewing techniques, and lots of cute (!) to create tiny fabric finger foods. Like toy trends, fashion moves at the speed of light—and so we created My Fashion Portfolio, a fashionista's guide to design and style chock-full of the latest styles to mix and match.
Thanks so much, Stacy! Folks, go follow Klutz on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram, and check out their blog for more. Plus, read through #Klutzhandmade for some great holiday gift ideas!
