Bringing you some bright + cheery eye candy on your average Monday morning, I am delighted to introduce today's Meet the Maker: Kelly Hanson Handmade. Kelly is a Minneapolis-based crafter and avid thrifter, queen of pretty felt flowers and glorious, girly accessories.
Before I launch into our inspiring interview, allow me to mention that Kelly is giving away the turquoise fascinator below to one very lucky reader! This hand stitched brooch is made of 100% wool blend felt and features a charming little vintage button. Am thinking this would either be the perfect touch to your Easter dress or would make one very hip Mother's Day gift. You decide. For the scoop on how to win, read on my friend...
Q:A
Meet Kelly Hanson:
How did you begin crafting?
I started knitting about five years ago and just learned how to sew last year. I began sewing skirts then quickly moved into women’s accessories experimenting and crafting with different fabrics and buttons. I really enjoy working with felt. And I love, love, love to thrift shop, so that’s where I like to find a lot of my unique, vintage buttons.
Describe your perfect day.
If I wasn't crafting felt flowers, I would start my day with a nice long run on the Mississippi River Road, then do some boutique and thrift store shopping, then end my day cooking a delicious meal with my husband in the evening. We both enjoy cooking!
What inspires you most?
I am really impressed and inspired by other local artists. I’m amazed at the number of local artists in Minneapolis & the quality of their work. Minneapolis has a really great handmade movement.
What was your biggest craft-tastrophe?
This would have to be participating in my very first craft show last fall. Not only did I not know what to expect, but quickly realized after the show started that it was not the right craft show for me. My products did not fit in well with the others. Unfortunately, I sold well below my expectations. On the upside, though, I met some great people and learned a lot!
What advice do you have for other crafters or small business owners?
Don’t be afraid to try new things. I continually try to evolve my product line. It’s fun to craft new items and post them on Etsy to see what the response will be. I am now experimenting with hair clips, headbands and linen fabrics for the summer. Another piece of advice… to never, ever, ever give up. Focus on creating a quality product and good things will happen.
And last but certainly not least, where can we find more of your work?
My flower accessories can be found at I Like You in NE Minneapolis, Sara Cura in Dinkytown Minneapolis and online at my Etsy Shop, Kelly Hanson Handmade. You can also check out my blog.
xox
Here's how you can get in on the giveaway goodness and win the turquoise brooch above:
1. Leave a comment describing your quintessential spring accessory and where you'll wear it.
OR
2. Post a link to this giveaway post &/or Kelly's shop on your Twitter, FB, or own blog. Drop me a line to show where you've spread the word!
OR
3. Do both and double up your odds!
Comment lines are open until Wednesday 3/17 at 11:59 CST. The lucky winner will be randomly selected + announced first thing Thursday morn. Hoping you're on your way to a more cheerful Monday. :)
19 comments:
These are so cool! Thanks for highlighting small businesses...I love it.
I've been invited to Easter Sunday brunch with a family that I've met and i'd wear it to church and brunch. since I'm far from my own family for the holidays, they've been kind enough to adopt me into their family.
what a darling giveaway! i love these pretty felt flowers. if i had a little girl, i would so dress her up in one of those headbands.
i'd love to be wearing my springy yellow shoes to church on easter sunday, but, if there is still snow on the ground this plan will be shot. that's why this cute little fascinator would come in so handy for me- snow or no snow!
I wore one of Kelly's flowers at my baby shower. I had just a black maternity dress and then venetian glass earings I bought in italy that matched the flower! I felt good (an accomplishment at full term) and think I looked as fashionable as a pregnant mama could look. :)
Love those flowers! *If* I won, I'd wear it on my jean jacket this spring. That'd be so cute!
I love these pretty felt flowers! They would sure dress up my springtime wardrobe!
How cute!
Spring... I love my yellow jacket. It reminds me of Easter!
Awesome, I am now having a better Monday. My spring time must have is rainboots. Where will I wear them? At work.
I read you blog because it's on a friend's blogroll. It's nice to read all the crafty ideas and find links to new crafts to make.
Holly
Hi there! My favorite spring accessory is printed headbands (the stretchy kind). I don't know why, but I love wearing them with capris when I'm out and about.
If I won this give-away, I would wear the gorgeous pin to Church and then dinner at my mom's house. Thanks for featuring these!
So cute!
My favourite spring accessory is joy - because the sun is coming out! And here in the PNW that is a big, huge deal, right??? :)
I just love the felt flowers. They are so cute. I will second beauty and joy- the sun is shining here now and that is exciting!
First, I love Meet The Maker Monday! I think it is great!
Second, my favorite Spring accessory is a new pair of sandals and a pedicure. I can't wait to wear sandals for Easter Sunday and to see cute toes!
Also, I have linked this article on my blog, http://whimsicalelegance.wordpress.com.
Thanks!
So, I love your idea of giving the giveaway as a funky mothers day gift. My mom is having to close her quilt shop (so super sad). I'm not looking for a sympathy giveaway here - but I think it would be fun to win her something - maybe even b4 mothers day, as a little pick me up. Her last day open day at the shop is April 1st. (and she's not joking around). Spring weather is coming and this would brighten up her favorite accessory, her jean jacket.
PS. Got to your website via Sandra, the gal who posted before me. ;o)
Adoring this new Monday pick-me-up...and extra adoring that fantastically teal bloom! How sweet! :)
Hmm...quintessential spring accessory would probably have to be a brand new pair of flip-flops, preferably in a metallic. I'm an over-eager flip-flop wearer...I start in March, as soon as the snow melts! :)
I love these pretty flowers, and I think my mother-in-law would love one!
Spring in Minnesota means I get to break out the box of sunny weather shoes that's been under my bed all winter. Yeah!
What a fun giveaway! I posted a link on my blgo, and I have to say my favorite spring accessories are purses and bags. In the winter when you are bundled up it is okay to use a neutral bag that goes with all your jackets, but in the summer I like to have a bag to go with my outfits.... so i have lots and I am always scouting for new ones. I think a felt flower would look perfect on one of my bags!
My spring look changes every year - but it's bright and fresh and i can't wait to put winter away!! That beautiful shade of turquoise would in your giveaway brooch would look great on my blazer, or a little cardie, or on my bag, or propped on the computer screen at the library where I work.....
thanks for spreading some color and cheer to a winter-weary woman
Such a darling pin and I adore that color! The headbands are super cute too!
I would have to say that my favorite spring time accessory would be a smile. Because it's spring. Because the sun is shining. Because the flowers a blooming and new little creatures are being born. Because it's birthday planning time. Because flip-flops and sundresses are only a few days away. :)
The best spring accessory is a good floppy hat: I wear them everywhere.
Am I too late?!
Quintessential spring accessory: My hot pink ballet flats, the shoes I wore at my wedding. They are so fun and girly and springy, and go with everything from jeans to a wedding gown!
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