Today we’d like to introduce you to Cass Parker.
Hi Cass, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’ve always been a creative person at heart—crafting has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. Whether it was sewing, making cosplays, up-cycling furniture or trying out new DIY techniques, I’ve always found joy in making things by hand. But it wasn’t until the Pandemic hit that I really had the time and space to dive deep into something new. Like a lot of people, I was searching for ways to stay grounded and inspired during such a strange and uncertain time. One day my husband walked in with a $20 resin kit from Michael’s, and EVERYTHING changed.
There was something about the process that just clicked for me. It was this perfect mix of science, patience, and creativity, and I loved the endless possibilities it offered. I started experimenting, learning as much as I could, and sharing my pieces online. Pretty quickly, I realized there was an audience out there that connected with what I was making—especially in the gaming community.
That’s how Ctrl Alt Delights was born. I wanted to create a brand that celebrated geek culture in a fun, artistic way. The birth of Ctrl Alt Delights as it is today started with a resin recreation of an NES Cartridge. I began with my personal favorite, The Legend of Zelda. I bought a junk cartridge off eBay and cast my own mold. My husband helped me create a 3D-printed Master Sword for the inlay. I created every detail top to bottom, and it started selling almost immediately! I was like, “Oh! I’m on to something!” From there, I started expanding the collection out to other NES games, and even started crafting Gameboys, SNES, and N64 games as well. As a Millennial, I really wanted to create pieces that felt nostalgic and personal to fellow fans. I saw an opportunity to offer something a little different—handcrafted items that blend functionality with fandom, with a lot of personality in each piece.
Over time, the business began to grow, and so did my audience. While gamers are still the core of my customer base, I’ve been gradually expanding into other genres—things like fantasy, anime, and pop culture more broadly. Each new collection is a chance to connect with different communities and try something creatively challenging.
It’s been an incredibly rewarding journey so far. What started as a way to pass time and stay creative during lockdown has turned into a small business that allows me to do what I love every day. Ctrl Alt Delights is still evolving, but at its core, it’s all about creating handcrafted pieces that delight, inspire, and bring a little magic into everyday life.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It definitely hasn’t been a completely smooth road—like any creative journey, it’s come with its fair share of ups and downs. One of the biggest challenges has been the medium itself. Resin is beautiful and versatile, but it can also be incredibly unpredictable. There’s a lot of trial and error involved, especially early on. Things like temperature, humidity, mixing ratios, and cure times all affect the final result, and even with experience, it can still surprise you. I’ve had pieces that looked perfect during the pour, only to develop bubbles (OH THE BUBBLES!), warping, or other flaws hours later. It really taught me patience and persistence, and it’s made me respect the craft even more.
Another major challenge has been navigating the world of social media. As a small business, having a strong online presence is so important—but the algorithms, trends, and constant pressure to create content can be overwhelming. There’s a learning curve to figuring out what resonates with your audience while staying true to your brand. I’ve had to grow not just as an artist, but also as a marketer, photographer, video editor, and customer service rep—all roles that come with running a creative business today. Shoutout to my social media manager Janaya for being a constant source of support (and hand-holding) along the way!
There have definitely been moments of frustration, self-doubt, and burnout along the way. But every challenge has pushed me to learn, adapt, and grow. I’ve come to appreciate the imperfections in the process, both in the art and in the business side of things. They’ve helped shape Ctrl Alt Delights into what it is today—a brand built not just on creativity, but on resilience and a genuine love for what I do.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Ctrl Alt Delights is a fully handmade business that specializes in creating fun, geeky, and nostalgic pieces—mostly inspired by video games, pop culture, and fandoms. I design and craft everything myself! From my bespoke resin pieces to stickers, mashup Tarot cards, laser engraved tumblers, 3D printed items and so much more, I’ve really tried to make a little something for everyone. My work is stamped with my personality, making every item thoughtful and personal. Each piece is meant to be magical—something that feels like it was made just for you.
I’m probably best known for my resin work, especially the way I incorporate bright colors, pixel art elements, and subtle references that speak to fans without being over-the-top. I like creating items that spark that “I get that!” moment—whether it’s a set of dice tray styled after a favorite game aesthetic or a Helldivers 2-themed clicker keychain that makes someone smile.
What I’m most proud of is the way Ctrl Alt Delights has built a little community around shared interests. I’ve had so many amazing conversations with customers who tell me my work reminds them of childhood memories, favorite games, or just brings them a bit of joy in their day. That emotional connection is what drives me—it’s more than just selling a product; it’s about creating something that resonates with people on a personal level.
What sets me apart is the combination of handcrafted quality, attention to detail, and the niche I’ve carved out in the gaming and fandom space. I’m not mass-producing items or chasing every trend—I’m really intentional about what I make, and I pour a lot of love and personality into each piece. I think people can feel that. It’s not just about aesthetics—it’s about storytelling, community, and delighting people through craft.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
My biggest advice is to show up consistently and authentically—whether that’s on social media, at local maker markets, or in online communities. Share your process, engage with others, and don’t be afraid to reach out to artists or business owners you admire. For me, building genuine relationships through Instagram and craft fairs has been the most effective way to connect and learn from others in the creative space. And Youtube, definitely Youtube.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://ctrlaltdelights.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/ctrlalt_delights
Image Credits
Personal Photo: Chris Villain
Product Photos: Ryan Richardson, Cass Parker
