Welcome to Sizz Handmade, a fiber studio located in The Brouwer House Creative, the oldest house in Schenectady, New York. We are passionate about helping people find balance and inspiration by weaving with sustainable materials.
At Sizz Handmade, we believe that when we weave with natural, local, and recycled materials, we help shape our culture for the better.
Sizz Handmade started to help busy people find more joy. You do it all; and, maximizing your time is important to you, the people around you, and for the those in your greater community.
At Sizz Handmade, we inspire you along your creative journey in a fun and simple way. Weave along with us or simply be inspired by your one-of-a-kind woven wall hanging as a daily reminder to live an inspired life.
Hey there, I’m Sarah Boink, Founder of Sizz Handmade. I’m a down-to-earth kind of gal and enjoy the simple things in life, like watching the sunset slowly dip beneath the horizon.
A few years ago, I realized I needed something more in my life and felt like I was missing something. I realized that I was lacking creativity! And so, I embarked on a path to become a full-time fiber artist.
What the heck is a fiber artist you ask? Well, a fiber artist typically uses natural materials from plants or animals, like wool from sheep hair spun into yarn. We focus on the materials and the process involved as part of the works' significance. Fiber artists have practiced globally for millennia and have often been associated with domestic or utilitarian production, but fiber art is a valid art form, just like painting and sculpture. Fiber artists tell stories about the past, present and future. We evoke so much emotion into the fabric of our work, going well beyond the handmade potholder.
Prior to owning my own business, I curated nearly 100 art exhibits and public art projects for artists of all abilities, taught art to children and adults, and sold my paintings and sculptures to institutions and collectors.
My motivation is to help my customers lead more inspired lives. From my own experience as a busy professional, mother, partner, friend, and daughter, I longed for a creative outlet. I help other women who are juggling and balancing, doing and stressing, find peace and balance through art. I design weaving kits with busy people in mind to help them unwind, de-stress and renew through an artistic weaving project.
These days, when I am not working on my business, you can find me on a hike with Mike, petting our cat Lipstick or daydreaming about tiny house living.