Sunday, September 28, 2008

Let me introduce myself, I'm Shelley

Hello. I'm the newest member of the Hollywood Craft Mafia. I'm a seamstress with quirky taste that changes from one day to the next. I have been sewing since childhood and recently have become obsessed with kitschy aprons. I like to create aprons with unexpected fabric combinations and unusual fabrics.

I've got an affinity for vintage prints and absolutely adore polka dots.

I am a business woman and believe in a woman's ability to do anything she wants to, including being a domestic diva. Having a stylish kitschy apron can be empowering to accomplish amazing things in the home, or can be motivation for getting the un-fun chores finished. Doesn't everyone work better when they look good?

I started sewing in elementary school making clothes for my dolls. In middle school I started making my own clothes. High School, I pretty much just "re-made" store bought things and when I moved in to the dorm at FSU I started making money with my skill by charging dorm-mates for alterations and repairs.

I love Halloween and love creating costumes, so I usually create several costumes a year for myself and friends. This wonder woman one is my favorites. I've also done a Raiders Cheerleader, Julius Caesar, Little Red Riding Hood, a Baby Lady Bug, Madonna, Tinkerbell and Captain America, just to name a few.









I worked as a bartender through college then for a few more years while floundering around trying to avoid getting a "real job". Being a sports fan working on game day, I needed something to wear. So, I created a corset top to wear to work and the orders started pouring in. Since then, I've made tops out of dozens of NFL and NCAA fabrics.
So, that's it. That is me and my craft. I love fabric and love to create things out of it.

-Shelley




Monday, September 15, 2008

The Hollywood Craft Mafia aims to kick out the conventional and to bring the edgier side of crafting to the forefront. This ain't your mama's arts and crafts. From reconstructed, recycled clothing to handmade books and cards, one-of-a-kind jewelry pieces to domestic apparel, The Hollywood Craft Mafia is on a mission to spread the good news of DYI across the land.

The Hollywood Craft Mafia's members are just as diverse as their product offerings, and the group includes an art teacher turn recycler, a jewelry maker slash print maker, a kitschy sewing costume designer. These crafty individuals have banded together to pool their resources and expertise in spreading the "DYI or Die!" attitude to everyone still buying mass-produced products.

The very first Craft Mafia was formed in Austin, Texas and serves as a model to the almost 50 Craft Mafia organizations worldwide. The Craft Mafia name has been synonomous with indie pride, quality handcrafted wares, and mutual respect for fellow indie business owners. It has provided a forum for sharing ideas and furthering the DIY movement since 2003. Please visit www.craftmafia.com for additional information on the Craft Mafia concept, or to start your own!