JOAN
CABARRUS
I love to sculpt and to problem-solve. Sculpting with Polymer Clay and Trash Fashion Designing are the perfect crafts for that.
The Artist: Joan Cabarrus, JFCRN
I am a trash fashion designer, and I made that title up. I discovered that I have a talent for creating high-fashion wearable-art using recycled, upcycled, and unconventional materials. I create outfits to wear for special occasions, model them on the runway, or display them publicly in some of the local businesses in town. I also created a YouTube channel for trash fashion video tutorials.
Several years ago, I taught myself to sculpt using polymer clay while working as a nurse in February 2018. I started creating customized sculptures for those grieving the loss of a pet. I use my talents to encourage creativity, resourcefulness, sustainability, courage, and compassion towards animals through my sculpting video tutorials, published books, and other creative products. I founded JFCRN Limited Company and created a sculpting product line, Doggo Bake Animal Sculptures. ("JFCRN" is derived from my initials and pays tribute to my time helping others as a registered nurse.)
My video productions showcase a variety of sculpting processes and explorations and bridge the gap between sculpture and music, which I create in my leisure time. You can find my videos, as well as episodes of my entertaining web show, The Doggo Bake Show, on my other YouTube channel.
Creating Beautiful Artwork for Public Places
The Austin Creative Reuse, Bat Conservation International, Austin Youth River Watch, and I collaborated to create a bat sculpture made of recycled plastics on July 11, 2024, with supplies collected from donated items, dumpsters, and the environment. I feel blessed to be chosen to lead this private workshop with a large group of high school students to form a large bat sculpture in 3 hours. It required more time to finish so I continued working on the project that took approximately three days to complete. I named the bat Mrs. Batreuse, and she is flying at the Austin Creative Reuse ceiling ready to greet visitors at the entrance door.
The purpose of this workshop is to spread more awareness about plastic pollution in our environment and bats. What it did to me was it encouraged me to research more about plastics, their types, safety, and environmental issues, and it sparked more creative ideas for the future. It also encouraged me to write a sculpting book tutorial for bats.
After experiencing this opportunity for the first time with the Austin Creative Reuse, I have redefined my priorities and mission as an artist. Cultivating resourcefulness is a huge part of my mission, and creating artwork to be displayed in public places using recycled, upcycled, and reused materials has been added to my art medium.
I am looking forward to working with animal shelters, animal-related businesses, organizations, and other places that will seek my creative help and talents.
Click the pictures below to view the news and magazine features.
My Sculpting Workshops
Austin Texas
Long Term Care Settings
Animal Conservations
Cultural Events
Thank You VoyageAustin Magazine for the Feature
MY STUDENTS' PROGRESS USING MY BOOK TUTORIALS
Sue, a follower of the Handmade Pet Sculptures by JFCRN Facebook page, purchased the book DIY Realistic Dog Sculptures 1. With a background in portrait painting, Sue decided to expand her artistic skills through sculpture. Even though she is comfortable creating two-dimensional works of art, Sue was nervous about creating realistic sculptures until she found Joan Cabarrus's book.
After purchasing the book, Sue immediately started her first sculpture, with astounding results. She was able to follow Joan's technique and apply the instructions for sculpting a short-haired dog to create a sculpture of a German Shepherd.
Sue reached out to Joan for a critique. She shared pictures of her progress, and Joan was able to provide valuable feedback.
After several days of sculpting, Sue's finished product was unbelievably well made. We couldn't believe this was her first time sculpting! Here are some pictures of Sue's sculpting journey. from beginning to the end. Thank you, Sue, for giving us permission to share your experience.
A recipient of a JFCRN Custom Pet Sculptures 7 inch full figure commission piece for Christmas.
2018
August
Business Registered
Social Media Accounts Initiated
Member: Colorado Business Committee for the Arts
2019
Denver Pet Expo 2019: Vendor and Sponsor
Fox31 and CBS Denver News Feature
Book Published: DIY Realistic Dog Sculptures 1. Book Published
Made To Order Podcast Feature
"9 Best New Polymer Clay Books To Read in 2019" by BookAuthority
Member: Foothills Art Center, Colorado Business Committee for the Arts, Jury of two art shows
Facebook Followers: 4,400+
IG Followers: 2,000+
2020
"8 Best New Polymer Clay Books
To Read in 2020" by BookAuthority
Member: National Sculpture Society, Colorado Business Committee for the Arts
Education: Art MBA Online Courses
Clothing Sponsorship from: NVME Clothing
VIDCON 2020 (cancelled>pandemic)
Donor: Denver Metro Area Artist COVID-19 Relief Fund
Book Published: 4 Books Published
Member: Society of Animal Artists
JFCRN® Trademark Official
From Sole Proprietorship to LLC, New Business Name:
JFCRN Limited
2021
YouTube: Joan Cabarrus Presents
The Doggo Bake Show
Doggo Bake™ Animal Sculptures E-Commerce Launch
New Instagram name:
@The_DoggoBake_Show
@joan_cabarrus
Doggo Bake® Trademark Official
Commissions Closed from July 2021 - TBA
Relocated to Austin, Texas
Doggo Bake® Animal Sculptures Transitioning to Digital Sculpting Product Line
Member: UMLAUF Sculpture Garden & Museum, Austin Tx/Torch Bearer
Sponsor to: Skater at UMLAUF Sculpture Garden & Museum
Business Name Updated:
JFCRN Limited Company
2022
My Workshops: Monthly Family Day at UMLAUF Sculpture Garden & Museum, Austin
2023
Education: Communication Skills for Professionals Certificate Program at The University of Texas at Austin
Book Published: 4 Books
Monthly Donor: Emancipet,
Austin Humane Society
Attendee: Emancipet 24th Anniversary Gala
Member: Bee Caves Art Foundation,
International Polymer Clay Association
2024
Goals: Publish 3 Books
Monthly Donor: Junglekeepers, Austin Bulldog Rescue, Emancipet
My Community Workshops: Austin Creative Reuse,
Bee Caves Art Foundation
Sponsor and Volunteer for: Austin Filipino-American Association: Philippine Independence Gala 2024
Private Workshop: ACR Partnering with Bat Conservation International and Austin Youth River Watch, Bat Sculpture (Mrs. Batreuse) from Recycled Plastics
Sponsor for: Filipino Young Professionals (FYP) Annual Filipino Day Market Oct. 2024: Aswang (Filipino Folklore Monster) Sculpting Workshop
Volunteer for: Querencia at Barton Creek: Monthly Volunteer Sculpting for the Elderly
In-kind Donations for: Austin Creative Reuse: Two Ovens for Art Teachers/ACR Workshops
Sculpting Video Content for: Hoary Bat Sculpting Video for BAT WEEK 2024, Supported by BATCON.org
Contest Participant: Austin Creative Reuse's Q3 Reuse & [Re]Think CD Case Challenge Winner: Dragonfly Sculpture Made Out of CD Cases
Sponsor and Donations for: Austin Wildlife Rescue: 7th Annual Caring Critter Brunch 2024, Armadillo Sponsorship and Books Donated for Online Silent Auction
Contest Participant: Austin Creative Reuse's Q4 Reuse & [Re]Think Crayons Challenge Winner: Pitri's Sculpture Made Out of Crayons
2025
Goals: Publish 2 Books
Monthly Donor: Junglekeepers, Austin Bulldog Rescue
Memberships: International Polymer Clay Association
Volunteer for: Querencia at Barton Creek: Volunteer Sculpting for the Elderly
Contest Participant: ACR's Reuse on The Runway Fashion Show
Book Donation for: BAT BAKE Polymer Clay Books donation for Merlin Tuttle's Bat Conservation
Community Workshop: Bat Sculpting Workshop in Collaboration with Merlin Tuttle's Bat Conservation
Magazine Feature: BATS MAGAZINE - Bat Conservation International
Collaboration: SCULPEY - Polyform Products - My books with Polymer Clay GIVEAWAYS
Art Exhibit: ACR's Reuse on The Runway Art Exhibit and Artist Talk
Community: AUSTIN TRASH FASHION DESIGNERS - Facebook Community
2026
Community Workshop: ACR Polymer Clay Sculpting for Beginners along with Book GIVEAWAYS
Community: AUSTIN TRASH FASHION DESIGNERS - Facebook Community
Exhibitor: BRIDAL AND WEDDING EXPO - DIY Wedding Crafts and Wedding Gowns Made of Recycled Materials - March 2027
Private Workshop: Collaboration with Austin Creative Reuse - Project Reuse Runway Style Contest. Sept 2026
News Media Interviews: KUT and CBS Austin.
Sponsor for: Reuse on the Runway 2026. Austin Trash Fashion Designers Community
Designer and Model: Reuse on the Runway 2026 - Cracked Pickleballs and Purple Cosmic Gown
Community Partners: ACR Sustainable Event Sept 2026
YouTube: Trash Fashion Designer - "Save Yo Twash"
Couture on Display: Cracked Pickleball Couture for The Picklr Austin West and Retired Climbing Ropes and Shoes Couture for Mesa Rim