Artisan of the Week, Drew from Fairy Tale fibers.

Good Morning all! It's a fine sunny Spring morning here with us in South Wales. The daffodils and crocuses are starting to flower and all feels right with the world. What a perfect day to introduce you to the lovely Drew from Fairy Tale Fibers. This lady makes the most gorgeous elf hats from up-cycled yarns. I was not only drawn to feature her because of her beautiful hats, but because of her genuine conviction to try and change peoples misconceptions about recycling and the goods made from recycled materials.

1. Could you please introduce us to who you are and what you do?
My name is Drew. I hand make Furry Eco-Friendly head wear for playful, yet practical folk. I run an Etsy Shop. I live in the puddle-tastic town of Portland OR. in the USA. I am a maker. It's not just the product, or even what I do. It's who I am. I create and recreate. If something stays in my hands too long it may find it has become something new.

2. What led you to take up your craft?
I took up crocheting because I wanted to create clothing and accessories that were unique, useful, and fun to wear.

3. Which part of your work do you most enjoy?
Gee, I love it all. I guess the most enjoyable part is customer feedback. When someone drops me an email saying that their hood has lead them to a more sustainable lifestyle. I light up inside! It's awesome when folks send pictures of my creations all over the world being constant companions to their owners. That is so gratifying!

4. Which part do you find hardest?
I recycle (up-cycle is a clearer description) wool selvage. It's quite a process to de-tangle and straiten it out so it can be usable. There are days when it's so discouraging. Then I look at my two year old and remember that reusing a material that would have otherwise ended up in a landfill is a small step toward ensuring a better future for her. That gives me the vivacity I need to dig back in.

5. Where do you hope to be in 1 year's time?
Almost exactly where I am. Perhaps my work space will be better organized, perhaps I'll be getting more sleep. Otherwise I'm very satisfied. The Etsy shop is giving me the freedom to stay home with my daughter while managing a successful, gratifying small business. I really couldn't hope for a better place to be.

6. What is the best advice you have ever been given?
There are two pieces of advice I took equally to heart. The first bit of business advice is from Ani Difranco "generally my generation wouldn't be caught dead working for the man and generally I agree with them. Trouble is you gotta have yourself an alternate plan"
The most helpful piece of business and life advice toward creating that plan was from Maya Angelou "Success is liking yourself, liking what you do, and liking how you do it."

7. Name other artisans sites/shops would you recommend are worth a visit?
I am a member of the Etsy Trashion Street Team and I help run our team shop, so of course I'm going to recommend you come check us out. It's an awesome group of over 150 Etsy Shop Artisans that reduce, reuse, recycle, and remake every thing you can imagine all the while keeping fashion in mind.

My favourite clothing is custom made by Treehouse28. Alix is absolutely incredible!

The only soap my family is willing to use these days is made by Naps.

Charlie at Faery? Where? Makes the most exquisite leather masks. They are remarkable comfortable to wear and rather sturdy too!


8. What is your favourite sandwich filling?
Pesto!! It may sound odd, but everything tastes great with fresh pesto!

Drew I have to agree with you about Alix of treehouse28. I love the simple yet beautiful style of her clothes. Thank you for introducing me to Faery? Where?'s shop. I particularly like this mask. Your hats are adorable, beautiful and so practical. Thank you for sharing them with us.

Right, I'm off to check out the Etsy Trashion Street Team and then some hula hooping in the park. Have a fabulous and creative day everyone!