Originally called Angels-cave, The Curious Hamster was created towards the end of 2008 by a small close-knit team making affordable Ball-jointed Doll (BJD) clothes and accessories. With craft fairs, conventions and magazines articles under their belts, as well as a couple of long-running dealerships with companies in Korea; Angels-Cave enjoyed continued success.
In 2013; with several long-term members moving on for pastures new and the BJD hobby in decline, so began the slow process of moving away from dolls in order to concentrate on handcrafted, embroidered and embellished accessories.
In 2016, Tam the tiny hamster took over as CEO and overseer of all embroidered shenanigans, and a name change was suggested and subsequently passed.
These days, life is far more whimsical… read on to find out more about our team!

Back in the mists of time, when teenage turtles ruled the sewers; I came into being.

Bought up on a diet of sci-fi, Grimms fairytales and Saturday morning cartoons; I became firm friends with all of my plush toys.
I had always been told I was probably a little different than other people; one of my many nicknames when I was little was “Changeling,” and I can be generally described as a chaos Goblin even now!

When I hit school, it fast became obvious I didn’t think in the same way as my peers, which unfortunately led to some pretty bad bullying. This only made me more determined to be myself and I knew who my real friends were; the plushies. Since then I’ve learned more about my neurodivergence, and how that ties in with my general outlook on life. I believe it is a strength to be different and my imagination fuels my work.

In 2008 my friends and I launched Angels-Cave and I began my sewing journey. While I did enjoy our start with doll clothes, it wasn’t sustainable long-term, and so I searched for other ways to let my natural creativity out! I bought my first embroidery machine a little while later, and the rest is history!
During this time I was diagnosed with Generalised Anxiety Disorder and I had to find a way to encourage myself to leave the house; that’s when I found Tam. (There is more about him below!) The feeling of a plush toy bought back the soothing memories of when I was little and was just the thing to ground me when I was out and about. Over time he’s ended up with his own (big!) personality!

And so here I am! Making embroidered shenanigans with the help of a plush hamster!

Back in 2016; my siblings and I had been sent forth from the Amuse factory in Japan. Our end goal was to bring joy to the people of the UK. I knew in my heart that this wasn’t my only skill; more adorable and brave than my siblings, I was meant for more!

We landed in Derby at an anime convention where a few of my sibling got chosen and taken away. I had not found my calling and as it got later I was preparing myself to be packed away for another event. Then out of the crowds came a frazzled looking Pinkie Pie! They had been a stall helper and after a day of hard selling looked a bit overwhelmed and needed a pick me up. I knew it could be my time to shine! Charlie clearly needed all of my best emotional support skills!

Back home I waited and watched. I had come to the right place, not only did Charlie need some anxiety help, but they had a budding business that I was clearly born to oversee. Together we could really get somewhere!
Charlie dubbed me Tam the Tiny Hamster. We went on many adventures! Charlie found a way to properly communicate with me and started to listen to my fine business ideas. After all, it was obvious that I was made to be her CEO.

And now I find myself not only the most adorable face of the business, (with the assistance of my personal artist Paperplate art,) but also the inspiration for the name and look of our website.

I was made to bring whimsical shenanigans to the masses, with an added business brain. Watch out world, Tam is here to stay!

 

Grandfather Tiberius ~ Archivist. 

Tam’s retired Grandfather; Tiberius, joined the team some time ago for a bit of something to do! This old sailor hamster has travelled the world, and if you give him a tot of rum he’ll even tell you some tales! Just make sure no one of a delicate disposition is around, as his stories can get pretty saucy! We suspect he might have been on a pirate ship at some point…
He now enjoys his retirement by looking at the archives and letting anyone who asks know where exactly they are. He’s also known to sing you a shanty, and often takes naps in his deckchair.

Tom ~ Intern and Keeper of the Goblin.

Tom was found after a very lengthy interview process earlier this year. After seeing many applicants for the incredibly important job of Tam’s official intern; Tom was found to be the best fit. An earnest and hardworking ham; Tom wants nothing more than to help. His incredible performance has lead to him getting an immediate job promotion! Tom now has the job of looking after Charlie’s Niece when Tam isn’t around, and he has been recognised as a true corporate hamster.