Jo-Ann Featured Artisan: Mary Wright

Shelby Rose Studio on ArtFire

Meet Mary Wright, the artisan behind the ArtFire studio Shelby Rose and a member of the Jo-Ann Community on ArtFire.

Mary makes wearable and decorative creations from yarn and fabric that range from pretty and feminine to playful and whimsical. Also thrown into her mix of handmade yarn products are some cute and clever embroidered works.

When we visited Mary's ArtFire studio, we were especially impressed by the thoughtfulness of her pieces. Even the simply skinny scarfs have fun features and creative color combinations.

We invited Mary to tell us more about herself and her creative process.

What crafts do you do and which do you enjoy most?
Mary: I do a lot of crochet, which is my favorite. I love trying new designs, but my fingerless mittens are my faves.

How did you get started crafting?
Mary: I started crafting in grade school. I loved home ec, baking cookies, drawing and sewing!

Who taught you your craft? Have you studied or taken classes?
Mary: My mom died when I was a young child, and the women in my neighborhood first taught me the basics, but I am mostly self taught from there.

I made a lot of mistakes trying to learn, but I kept going until I got it right. I wish those women in my neighborhood would have taught me some cooking skills though. (Ha ha!)

What is the first thing you remember crafting?
Mary: A beautiful poster of a decoupage girl with a flower I made in the 5th grade.

Where do you find your inspiration and/or who inspires you?
Mary: Beautiful flowers and color inspire me. Designs that are totally different and add versatility to your wardrobe. I really love making yarn wreaths; they add such charm and warmth to your home, but my real inspiration is my daughter.

How would you describe your style?
Mary: My style is not traditional; I love anything that is different. I love homemade crafts for decorating.

What are some of your favorite tools, materials/products, colors, etc.?
Mary: Soft yarns, bright colors, my crochet hooks (for sure) and felt from Jo-Ann.

What rituals or processes do you have when it comes to designing/creating a new item?
Mary: I kinda get my ideas from searching patterns, but then I may add or subtract from the design to make it my own. Most of my crochet items are designed by me—trial and error until I get it just the way I envisioned it.

What is your MOST favorite part of the creative process? And your LEAST favorite part of the creative process?
Mary: I love creating. From deciding which colors to use, what materials, the style and so on. Sometimes my designs work and sometimes they are a disaster.

What craft (that you don't currently do) would you love to try and why?
Mary: Metal stamping; I would love to learn that craft. I see the most awesome designs from other sellers.

Besides ArtFire.com, where do you sell your crafts?
Mary: I also sell on Etsy. I have two shops there. One sells crochet items, and the other shop sells yarn wreaths. I have just combined the two on Artfire.

What made you decide to take the plunge to selling your creations?
Mary: Well, I decided to take the plunge after I became unemployed last year. I never knew my crafting skills would provide a little bit of an income, and it's something I really like doing.

What advice would you give to others getting started (either related to crafting or to selling crafts)?
Mary: Just do it. Don't be afraid no one will like it, and don't get discouraged. Sometimes it might take a while before you make a sale, but don't give up. I wanted to many times, but I kept plodding ahead. Try different ideas, one craft or many will be the one.

If you like what you hear and see, join Jo-Ann in being a fan of Shelby Rose on Facebook and keep up with Mary on Twitter.

About ArtFire

ArtFire.com is an online artisan marketplace. As part of its Common Good Program, Jo-Ann seeks to support and promote independent artisans and crafters as they work to sell their handmade goods.

If you're an artist or crafter, you can help build an even stronger online community and sell your handmade creations, by joining this FREE and fully supported venue.

Learn more about ArtFire, its merchants and its Common Good Partners by visiting ArtFire.com.

We invite you to visit and encourage sellers to join the Jo-Ann Community on ArtFire at www.artfire.com/joann.

Resources

• Online Artisan Marketplace: ArtFire.com
• Visit or Join the Jo-Ann Community on ArtFire
• Like Shelby Rose on Facebook
• Mary Wright on Artfire at ShelbyRose
• Mary Wright on Esty at Wreaths & Crochet Products
• Find Jo-Ann Store & Class Locator
• Shop Jo-Ann Fabric & Craft Stores Online
• Like Jo-Ann on Facebook
• Follow Jo-Ann on Twitter