By Deanna Sharley | April 21, 2025
Curiosity Sparked It All
Last fall, I was wandering through pop-up markets, admiring the amazing art for sale, when the thought hit me: I bet I could make something too.
At the time, I had just wrapped up my Halloween costume — a wild creation stitched from a comforter and a sheet. Months of planning, cutting, cursing, and sewing... and when it all came together, I was ridiculously proud. Like, "someone please hand me a trophy" proud.
Since then, crafting and spinning Poi have become my twin obsessions. If I’m not working, I’m either doing chores or finding a way to sneak hobbies into my chores. (Yes, it's an art.) My inner voice keeps whispering, What can we make next? and frankly, it refuses to be ignored.
Crafting on a Shoestring (Literally)
Looking around the house for cheap (okay, free) materials, I stumbled across a stockpile of glass jars and tin cans.
Cue the creative experiments.
I also fell hard for quilling — the ancient art of paper rolling — partly because I didn’t see much of it at the pop-up events. Plus, how can you not love an art form where you can turn toilet paper rolls into masterpieces?
"Work with what you have."
— Deanna Sharley, Curious Explorer
Progress, Not Perfection
Here’s the truth: practice makes progress.
Small tweaks here, tiny improvements there, and before you know it, you’ve built something beautiful. It’s true for art, Poi, and yes — painfully — weight loss too. (Hello, late-night snacks, my old nemesis.)
You can build magic with small steps. You can also undo progress the same way.
Life, man. It's a full contact sport.
Saying Yes Before I Felt Ready
Ever heard someone say they were in the right place at the right time?
Well, one random Instagram scroll (after a much-needed break) landed me there.
I stumbled across a post: Call for Artists and Designers — 16th Annual Mannequins Project.
Theme? Recycle It! Don’t Trash It!
Cue my brain exploding. I've been recycling bottles, cans, cardboard, and comforters like a woman possessed. It felt meant to be.
I did what any rational person would do — immediately requested more info before I could psych myself out.
The Emotional Rollercoaster: Front Row Seat
Then came the email asking for pictures of my work.
Cue imposter syndrome meltdown.
Who was I kidding? Why would they pick me?
But I pushed through the doubt and sent them a YouTube video of my costume.
Two days later — BAM — I got an email saying they wanted to discuss the project.
Excitement skyrocketed...
...and promptly crashed when I found out about the $300 application fee.
No way around it: I couldn’t afford it. I needed a sponsor.
Cue another wave of insecurity — and a hard case of "maybe I’m just not cut out for this."
Honestly? I almost quit right there.
A Surprise Twist
Fast forward to Saturday, April 12th.
While running errands, I noticed a missed call from Monday.
It was the Director of the Mannequins Project. I figured she was checking if I had a sponsor (spoiler: I didn’t).
When I called back, she surprised me: They found a sponsor for me.
I stood there in the parking lot, phone to my ear, totally stunned.
I GET TO PARTICIPATE.
I'm in.
The Adventure Begins
I have four weeks to create something fabulous for my mannequin.
Then it’ll go on display at the Delmar Loop for the world to see. (No pressure, right?)
There’s even a chance to win up to $3,000.
The finale happens on June 8th — two days after I turn 50. (Talk about a full circle birthday gift.)
Win or lose, I’ll be celebrating:
✨ The courage it took to say yes.
✨ The beauty of recycled creativity.
✨ The scholarship winners who will be empowered through this project.
Because thanks to the sponsors, it's not just me who's been given a chance — it's a whole community of future artists and dreamers too.
INTERESTED IN DONATING TO THE SCHOLARSHIP FUND?
The Dorothy Davis Art/Fashion Scholarship helps high school seniors chase their dreams in Art and Fashion.
Want to be part of something bigger? Here’s how to get involved:
📞 Phone: 314.527.3093
📧 Email: [email protected]
📱 Facebook: Mannequins Project
📸 Instagram: @MannequinsProject
Share, follow, and spread the love. 💛
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Mic Drop Final Note:
Curiosity is powerful. Art is transformative. And sometimes, the universe surprises you... when you dare to say yes before you're ready.