Not all creative projects have to be expensive. In fact, there is the beauty of upcycling - taking something you already have and recycling/upgrading it to something even more fabulous! And did you know you can sometimes create your own version of something so fabulous in that new catalog that landed in your mailbox for a small fraction of the cost?
Enter Jessica Fediw.
Jessica is the founder of Oh So Happy Together and a DIY-er extraordinaire! She is super inspiring in her do-it-yourself ways and has the best tutorials. Really. And not only will she teach you how to do make some cool projects, but she inspires you to look at things in a new way and see potential instead of something you need to just simply toss out.
Keep reading and you'll find out all kinds of facts about Jessica, what inspires her and how she does it all! I promise you'll be inspired to grab some scissors and thread and try your hand at some DIY clothing as well!
Where are ya from, Jessica?
Well, I was raised in Virginia Beach, VA and moved to Jacksonville, FL almost two years ago for my hubbies job (he's in the Coast Guard). We are actually in the midst of moving to Pace,FL right now for him to attend flight school. So we are living in hotels until our new house is ready.
Do you have a website &/or blog? Where can we find you on the web?
I have a blog, www.ohsohappytogether, where I mostly write about my crafting endeavors. I sew, crochet, and play around with a lot of other crafts. I love to share what I learn and create with tutorials too. It's the "teacher" side of me.
You can also find Jessica & Oh So Happy Together on Flickr, Facebook, Twitter and she even has an etsy shop!
Tell us about your family, if you'd like.
I married my college sweetheart and he's the love of my life. I couldn't imagine being with anyone else. He's amazing. He's also super talented. He plays the guitar, drums, sings, is an excellent writer and speaker, and is good at soccer. I have a three year old daughter as well. She's a little firecracker for sure. Very strong willed and loud, but also funny and very loving. She loves to have me make her things and tells everyone that I made it for her.
So when do you start creating?
I grew up with a very crafty mom and talented grandmother. My grandma used to make me clothes and crochet beautiful things. So when I was little there were always things for me to "create" with, but it wasn't until a few years ago that I really took up an interest in things like sewing and crocheting. It was the last year of college that I really got into it (a little over 4 years ago).
And why do you love to create handmade projects?
For so many reasons:
1) It makes me happy!
2) I love making things for people to bless them.
3) It brings me a sense of fulfillment.
4) It provides me with a wonderful outlet. 
Where do you look for inspiration?
I look for it all over the place from nature to department stores. The best inspiration is always the kind I wasn't looking for.
What's going on in your art space while you create?
Well, right now it's all packed up in boxes. But I am super excited because the house we are moving into will allow me to have my very own room to create in!!!! I'm so excited! I have no idea if I will ever have this again, so I'm so thankful for what I am about to experience with that.
What are a few of your FAVORITE projects you've done?
Recently, I made some crochet hair bows for my daughter and for some to sell. I just love them! So simple and cute.
And my most favorite accessory at the moment I made was this necklace. I always get a lot of compliments on it.
What are your go-to supplies for handmade projects?
The main thing I work with is fabric, but there are so many things that come in handy for the variety of projects I do. I could list like a whole page!
Do you have a goal for a certain number of projects per week or do you just create as it comes?
You know, I used to but then I realized that at this place in my life it is unrealistic. With the responsibilities of being a mom, wife, and homemaker, I simply do the other things when I have the time. I usually get the most done when both my daughter and hubby are asleep. I don't have anyone really to watch my daughter, so I have to strongly rely on her sleep schedule.
Any other hobbies you enjoy?
In my little bit of spare time here and there, I like to learn about photography and practice it. My #1 goal for this hobby is to capture family memories the way I want to and then #2 provide nice pictures for my blog.
Can you share a few of your favorite shops that inspire you or you just plain love?
If you follow my blog, you know that I adore Anthropologie. I just love the uniqueness of it all. I also am inspired by J Crew, Mod Cloth, Urban Outfitters and Target.
Now a few random fill-in-the-blanks...
First thing in the morning, I... wake up to "Mommy!!!! Get up now!!!!" and groggily head to the kitchen to make breakfast for the little one.
I'd love to travel to...Europe.
My favorite season is... fall because... it's cooler weather which means cuddly cardigans and boots with the thought that Thanksgiving and Christmas are just around the corner.
My guilty pleasure...SWEET TEA. I just can't break the habit!
I love to listen to..all kinds of music.
Some artists on my playlist right now: Jason Upton, Kelanie Gloeckler and Beckah Shae.
Any hints on an upcoming handmade project you'll be featuring on your blog?
I am hoping to get some fall things up once we are settled in our new house and all. Some are decorative stuff and of course, some clothing :)
Here are a few more of Jessica's cool projects! You can get more details and how-to's on her blog!
Thanks, Jessica, for sharing your creative story with us here at Cartwheels In My Mind and for being an inspiration for handmade designs. Gotta love handmade.
oh my gosh...your stuff is FANTABULOUS!!! love what you do so much!
Posted by: cheryl | October 06, 2010 at 12:04 AM