Featured Crafter of the Day for April 20, 2006

Hellsbelles Designs

Tell us about yourself.
My name is Elizabeth and I love fashion, music and art. My business is called hellsbelles designs because I started with items that had a funky, but fun edge to them. I have collected vintage clothing all my life. I also collect vintage fabric, mostly barkcloth and lots of other stuff. Last fall I started restyling some vintage blazers and everything I made was well received so I've kept at it. I love the idea of taking a good quality piece of clothing that is not longer in style and giving it a new life. Any time I can combine something current with something vintage and make it funky I'm happy.

What will you be selling at the Craftstravaganza?
Restyled clothing for women and men. Lots of fun tops, jackets, dresses, etc.

Do you sell your stuff anywhere else?
I have a website (which I'm will be updating with the spring/summer fashions soon) and I also have items in a boutique - Cliche on 24th and Lyndale in Minneapolis.

Where do you find inspiration?
Just having a feeling for what people are in to and what they would like which is tied into what I like. Trends always cycle around around and I've lived through several cycles already. But, my true love for fashion is the elegance and detail of the 1940s.

What's your favorite animal?
The gorilla. I absolutely love gorillas and my dream is to visit them in Rwanda before it's too late.

Featured Crafter of the Day for April 19, 2006

Betz White

Tell us about yourself.
I am a Super Mom, but not in the classic sense. When I am not sewing capes and masks for my 2 little superhero boys, I am felting anything that holds still. My secret identity is posing as a textile designer for the children's apparel industry.

What will you be selling at the Craftstravaganza?
Mostly items made from recycled wool sweaters: Felt covered journals, pillows, baby blankets, and my now "famous" cupcake pincushions.

Do you sell your stuff anywhere else?
My items can be found at a few shops, galleries, and online sites.
Check out www.betzwhite.com for the list!



Where do you find inspiration?
Whether I'm web-surfing, out for a run, or snuggling with my kids, my radar is always on for new felting ideas. You never know where inspiration will find you! My favorite quote:

"Invention, my dear friends, is 93% perspiration, 6% electricity, 4% evaporation, and 2% butterscotch ripple"

-Willy Wonka

What's your favorite animal?
You'd think it'd be sheep since I'm obsessed with wool....but I'd have to say otters! Otters are so playful and their babies are adorable little fuzzballs. (hey...I think I just had an idea...)

Featured Crafter of the Day for April 18, 2006

The Pursecution

Tell us about yourself.
My name is Jackee Strom. I am an artist/craftster/stay at home mom. I am a painter, but have recently gotten very carried away by the crafty world (thanks to http://www.craftster.org).

What will you be selling at the Craftstravaganza?
The items I am going to be selling are primarily purses and some wooden brooches that are hand painted. The purses are very unique and hard to describe, so I'll keep you curious and just tell you they are made out of flowers and wood and some painting.

Do you sell your stuff anywhere else?
I do have examples of my purses on my website, thepursecution.com.

Where do you find inspiration?
I guess that my inspiration is my very artistic husband, who is also a painter and a tattoo artist. He is very motivated and gets me going too, even when I just want to sit and watch tv.

What's your favorite animal?
My favorite animal would be any one of my two dogs and three cats at home (actually it's my black dog 'Beans', but I don't want to hurt the others feelings).

Featured Crafter of the Day for April 17, 2006

Katie J Meyers: Buttonpom.com

Tell us about yourself.
I am a 21 year old college student who started sewing at the age of nine as a result of my grandmother's wishes to have someone to teach and pass her handicrafts onto. I was the only granddaughter willing to learn! Now after 10 years of many mistake and much practice, I have started using what my grandmother has taught me to make and sell handbags and accesories. Many of my handmade items are made from vintage/reproduction fabrics that my grandmother has provided me, as well as fabrics that I search out in local thrift and fabric stores. In addition to sewing, I also enjoy knitting, crocheting, quilting, screenprinting, and collecting old craft books. Opposite my crafty side, I enjoy the company of my boyfriend, watching Chinese movies/soap operas, having serious conversations, collecting plants and flowers, and taking naps during the daytime!

What will you be selling at the Craftstravaganza?
handbags, purses, messenger bags, cosmetic bags, pencil cases, wristlets, clutches, and many other accessories!

Do you sell your stuff anywhere else?
yes! http://www.buttonpom.com

Where do you find inspiration?
from my grandmother as well as others who make handmade things!

What's your favorite animal?
cats