Meet A Maker- Fried Okra

We'd like to introduce you to this week's Meet A Maker!
Meet Adrian Mix, creator of Fried Okra.
Location: Ponca City, Oklahoma
the awesomeness: sock monkeys and coffee cuffs


*how did you come up with the name Fried Okra?
I was hungry! It's always been my absolute favorite food :) Okra any other way is totally disgusting, the slime factor is overwhelming.




*Can you tell us a little about your background and what compelled you to start a craft business?
I've just always really enjoyed making things, it's like an itch you can never scratch. Mom's super creative, sisters, grandmother, grandfather, etc... all artisans in their own way :)
I started selling simply so I could stay home with the kids and not have to go get some soul sucking job. And now I can pay for my own fabric :)





*Where does your inspiration come from?
The socks speak to me! They tell me they long to be a sock monkey, they don't want to live their life stuffed in a shoe :)
For real though... colors, patterns, texture, old & new mixed together.



*2 favorite websites?
Etsy of course!
I'm a big fan of these blogs, simply as a needed daily laugh:
www.cakewrecks.blogspot.com
www.awkwardfamilyphotos.com/



*What’s next for Fried Okra?
I've recently gotten hooked on weaving, I can feel it leading me in a fun direction.
A lot of the same ole same ole, fabric keeps me always interested and inspired.



*Any tips or advice for anyone starting their own craft business?
I don't feel especially qualified for this question!
Be your own person!
Branding too, make yourself recognizable.



* 5 random facts about you!
1. I am a *huge* Wes Anderson fan. He is genius :)
2. My sister and I learned to knit from an issue of Martha Stewart Kids. Well, she learned then showed me what I was doing wrong.
3. I'm secretly hooked on Plants vs. Zombies, I play everyone elses account while they're at school/work. I think I'm pretty darn good!
4. I have 13 earrings in each ear. No particular reason, just stopped at 13 :)
5. I'm actually a very shy hermit-like person, what you see is my nervous-don't-mind-me-I'm-totally-cool alter ego.

You can find Adrian's sock monkeys and coffee cuffs here at the felt bird!

Wanna know more about Adrian and Fried Okra?
TWITTER: CLICK HERE!
FLICKR: CLICK HERE!
SHOP: CLICK HERE!

Thanks Adrian!

Meet A Maker- The Knit Owl

We'd like to introduce you to this week's Meet A Maker!
Meet Amby Franks Barnes, creator of The Knit Owl
Location: Tulsa, Oklahoma
the awesomeness: fabric button rings & bobby pins, wristlet key fobs, and NEW cowls, fingerless gloves and Grecian style headbands!!

*how did you come up with the name The Knit Owl?
I had just started knitting, something I had wanted to learn forever! I seriously used to ask my friends if they had a grandmother that could teach me. Finally, I made myself just figure it out. Around the same time I had started obsessing over cute vintage owls. So the two just came together in my head one day! It's also kind of a play on words, "night owl."


*Can you tell us a little about your background and what compelled you to start a craft business?
My mom is super crafty, so I grew up watching her make lots of cool things. She was always encouraging me to learn, especially when it came to sewing. I wasn't quite as into it as a child, but a few years ago I got a sewing machine and just got inspired to give it another go. I started by making tote bags as gifts and had so much fun that I wondered if I could sell them. I was really unhappy with the job I had at the time and the thought of doing something I enjoyed sounded amazing! At the same time, sites like Etsy were starting to become successful. Once I did a little research and saw just how many people were trying to make a living by selling handmade, I got so excited and dove in from there!


*Where does your inspiration come from?
I read about 15 fashion blogs everyday along with my magazine subscriptions! It really gets my mind going. I also get a lot of ideas whenever I find a new batch of vintage fabric. I always know immediately what each piece will become.


*2 favorite websites?
I can't get enough of this blog: http://cupcakesandcashmere.com/
This is a fun site if you knit or crochet: https://www.ravelry.com/

*What’s next for The Knit Owl?
Well, it's fall and this is when things get really busy and fun! I plan to be at Indie Emporium and some other shows this year. So I am working hard to make some new products. I'm really focusing on cowls and scarves, both crocheted and knit.


*Any tips or advice for anyone starting their own craft business?
Be sure you enjoy making the product, because if it takes off you'll be making a lot of it!!


* 5 random facts about you!
1. Without realizing it, I obsess over a certain color every fall. Last year it was mustard and this year it's navy! I just start noticing a trend in what I buy. Weird, I know.
2. I drink hot tea every morning. It's like my coffee.
3. I love to bake and cook.
4. Rainy days are my favorite.
5. Last but not least, I am a total Twihard...meaning I love Twilight and think everyone should read and see the movies! It's fun to indulge the teenage girl in me.


You can find The Knit Owl at The Felt Bird!!
Wanna know more about Amby and The Knit Owl?
MYSPACE: CLICK HERE
TWITTER: CLICK HERE
SHOP: CLICK HERE

THANKS AMBY!!!

Meet A Maker- Felix & Jayne

We'd like to introduce you to this week's Meet A Maker!
Meet Cristi Martin, creator of Felix & Jayne
Location: Bloomington, Indiana
the awesomeness: clutches, rings, cuffs, headbands, barrettes & necklaces!


*how did you come up with the name Felix&Jayne?
Jayne is my middle name and even though I'm the only person in my company I liked the idea of being part of a team, someone to celebrate with when things are good or someone to blame when things are bad, so that's where Felix came in.



*Can you tell us a little about your background and what compelled you to start a craft business?
I've always been a crafter but while in college I thought I wanted to be an artist with a capital A. I got my degree in painting but with no clear plan for how to make a living as a painter, I ended up working a few clerical jobs. I was working for a doctor when I started the business and couldn't see myself making a long term commitment to the job. As my business began to grow I found it difficult to balance both and began to pursue turning Felix & Jayne into a full time business. In October it will be 2 years since I quite working at the doctors office and although it has been a lot of hard work I wouldn't change anything.




*Where does your inspiration come from?
For me inspiration comes from the creative process itself. A lot of my process depends on my mood, when I'm screen printing or sewing the design on the bag, mostly I just go. I don't really think about what I'm doing, I just do it. If I can't make something work I'll put it away and cut out new bags or iron interfacing.



*2 favorite websites?
Design Sponge
colormekatie.blogspot.com


*What’s next for Felix&Jayne?
Conquering the craft fair season




*Any tips or advice for anyone starting their own craft business?
Sign up for the JoAnn sales newsletter and invest in a good coffee maker.





* 5 random facts about you!
**I would watch infomercials all day if I could, especially the ones featuring knives or cleaning products. You never know when you're going to need to cut a cement block in half with a kitchen knife.
**I hate when people take photos of me while I'm eating.
**I absolutely love clogging, its by far my favorite style of dance.
**I've never eaten shrimp. Ever.
**I believe that a couple should sit on opposite sides of a booth. I'm pretty firm on this.


You can find Felix & Jayne at The Felt Bird!!
Wanna know more about F&J?
BLOG: CLICK HERE
MYSPACE: CLICK HERE
TWITTER: CLICK HERE
SHOP: CLICK HERE

Thanks Cristi!!

Meet A Maker-Kelly Georgette

We'd like to introduce you to Kelly Georgette Phelps, creator of Kelly Georgette!

Location: Nashville, TN
the awesomeness: yo yo brooches & crocheted electronics cozy



* 5 random facts about you!
1. I cover EVERYTHING in hot sauce!
2. I adore Lucille Ball.
3. I collect buttons and salt and pepper shakers.
4. I recently won 1st place in a quilting contest.
5. I own over 25 pairs of scissors.

*Can you tell us a little about your background and what compelled you to start a craft business?
I've been making things my whole life. My grandfather George was a carpenter and my grandmother Violet was a crafter/seamstress who decorated cakes for a living...so working and creating with your hands was passed on to me from my family. My grandmother Violet taught me to crochet when I was very young and I've been doing it ever since. I started crocheting ipod cases roughly 5 years ago. My friends loved them and they inspired to start selling. On July 4th 2009, I launched my etsy shop, kellygeorgette.etsy.com.

*Where does your inspiration come from?
Basically anyone who makes anything with their hands....and their workspaces. I love looking at other designers studios and seeing where they create. It makes me want to go to my studio area and get to work.

*2 favorite websites?
It's so hard to pick just two! I have over 100 craft-related blogs/sites that I try to check everyday. I'd have to say my favorites are http://www.designspongeonline.com/ and http://blog.craftzine.com/


*What’s next for your company?
I hope to expand my variety of goods. I am working on a line of baby quilts and also some crocheted jewelry to be sold in my etsy shop. One day, I hope to open my own little shop here in Nashville. Estela and The Felt Bird are such an inspiration and proof that it IS possible!


*Any tips or advice for anyone starting their own craft business?
DON'T DELAY! I tossed around the idea for years before finally taking the initiative to just do it. Other crafters/designers are great sources of advice for any questions you may have. And take pride in each and every item you create! After all, it's your little baby going out into the world to adorn someone's life and make it brighter.

Also, create a blog! Its a great way for people to follow along with your projects/inspirations/hobbies/etc.

If I can be of help to anyone out there contemplating the idea of starting their own business don't hesitate to contact me!..: kelly.georgette@gmail.com....and kellygeorgette.blogspot.com


You can find Kelly's yo yo brooches & cozies at The Felt Bird and kellygeorgette.etsy.com

Also look for her scarfettes at The Felt Bird next month!


Thanks Kelly!!

Meet A Maker-JDStar

Every Monday you will get to learn a little more about the wonderful artist that sell their awesome work at The Felt Bird.

We'd like to introduce you to Jennifer McCoy, creator of JDStar!!

location: Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
the awesomeness: handwoven bracelets


*random facts about JD*
1. I get lost (deep) in thought watching the water sprinkler.
2. I usually make a point of developing a great flip-flop tan each year.
3. I'm still working on my own business goals.
4. I (currently) have 2 sergers, 2 sewing machines and 6 or 7 looms.
5. Like most very right-brained people, I have trouble with left and right.

*Clearly the name stems from your name, right?
Yes, the JD part of JDStar comes from my first 2 initials. The Star part comes from a fascination with five-pointed stars. The first time I used the name JDStar was when I signed up for my Etsy shop. I've liked it and used it since then.

*Can you tell us a little about your background and what compelled you to start a craft business?
My background is actually in art education and when you choose art education over a degree in a studio art, you get a very diverse knowledge of different media. Not an in-depth knowledge of everything but enough to explore a lot of different things just enough to find out if you might like to learn more. That's how I found weaving. Specifically inkle weaving. I was in a fiber arts class the first time I saw an inkle loom and I knew I wanted to learn more about using it. Eventually my mother and I built my first inkle loom in her garage and I didn't use it very often. It was one of those flash back days that I went and bought some embroidery floss and wanted to make a friendship bracelet. I tired and remembered how long it takes and how frustrated I get when I mess it up. Then it hit me... what if I warped the inkle with the floss? It worked out well! I started weaving long bands and tying them on, and soon, I had a lot of woven bands. Somewhere in there it occured to me to use snaps and a closure and it became evident that I needed to do something with the finished product besides wear them and give them away. That's when I started selling them in a local store and then opened my Etsy shop. It all started as a hobby, but last year I resigned my art teaching position and began working on my own. I have really enjoyed making my own hours and working at home.

JD demonstrating weaving at the state fair of Oklahoma on behalf of City Arts Center's Weaving classes and studio


*Where does your inspiration come from?
When I weave, I look through my floss stash and find colors that might look good together. I have also dreamt of colors to use and I have seen color combinations that I like on other things (a favorite pair of flip-flops for example) and I try to stay away from doing the same thing more than once.


*2 favorite websites?
I'm really enjoying Twitter right now
and
I spend a LOT of time on Etsy.

*What's next for JDstar?
JDStar has branched out from weaving embroidery floss to recycling silk sweaters into woven bracelets. I've also added a serger to my equipment and I spend a lot of time making t-shirt blankets. They can be seen at www.wtfokc.org. And you'll still see me doing Deluxe events several times a year. I'd also like to start doing full-service weekend camping trips for crafters. That's way off though.

*Any tips or advice for anyone starting their own craft business?
I'd say set out your goals and make a specific plan to follow to meet those goals. If you don't have it written down, you are likely to flounder and give up. If you are working towards something, you will go farther!
If you really want a business, you've got to treat it like a business and not a hobby.
Save a lot of money before you quit your job.
And give yourself a job title that's descriptive and fun to use like Hardcore Crafter. When people ask you what you do, you'll sound more confident than if you say "I make stuff at home".

You can find JDStar handwoven bracelets at The Felt Bird & jdstar.etsy.com


THANKS JD!!