Handmade Friday Interview

Today's Handmade Friday is a little different. I was lucky enough to interview Estela Romanos of The Felt Bird and and Stelabird who I featured last year.

Name: Estela Romanos (Stelabird)
Location: Enid, Oklahoma
Shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/stelabird
http://www.thefeltbird.com/

How did you first get started crafting? When did you learn to sew?
I learned to sew my freshman year in college when I saw a flier in my dorm hall that was for sewing lessons. I loved it so much that I changed my major to apparel design and that’s where I learned more techniques. I’ve always loved creating things; but I mainly used the hot glue gun, painted on clothes and drew back when I was younger.

I've always found that creative people had a crafty mentor, usually a family member, is that true for you?
To be honest, the only creative person in my family was my grandma who could crochet but I wasn’t interested in that when I was 5. I still don’t know how to crochet, and that makes me sad.

When did you start Stelabird? When did you start selling on etsy?
It was early Spring of 2007 when I started making felt birds to decorate my apartment. My friends loved them and wanted them in their places and also encouraged me to sell them at stores. I started researching on how to sell my work and that’s how I stumbled across Etsy. It was so inspiring to see people selling their handmade goods online! I got prepared and opened up my etsy shop in June 2007. After I graduated college I moved to my hometown of Enid, OK and opened a boutique downtown called The Felt Bird, which I named after the first thing I sold. I, of course, carry handmade goods in my shop and I was so happy to have met other artists through craft shows & the blogosphere!

What was your first craft fair/booth like? Any advice to give for people who are just starting out at craft fairs?
My first craft show I attended they only provided a table, which some don’t even do that. My finance built a pegboard wall which I used for my art. We used cute plates from home to put our jewelry on, and a yarn basket for our owl snugglies. We pretty much used furniture & accessories around our house for displays! It was easy and cheap.
It depends on what style you want your booth like, but anytime I went to a thrift store or garage sale I kept my products in mind to see if they could make a great display. If I hated the color I would simply paint it. Thrift stores and garages sales are great places to find cheap displays. If you’re looking for nicer displays like black fabric covered jewelry stands, I would suggest going to used store fixture warehouses or to stores going out of business.

How do you decide on your displays for your booths? I love your suitcase setup!
I decide what products I will be selling and go around the house to see what they look best on. I use my own personal jewelry holders for the jewelry I sell. I try to keep it easy and stress free. I also keep in mind what I can fit in my car!