Crafty Bastards Vendor Q&A with Cleo Dee
I think that the squid might be the new owl.
If you know what the hell that means then you will love Cleo Dee, booth #78 at this year’s fair. Cleo Dee’s name is not Cleo, it is Bethany and Bethany creates all manner of rad squids. Look at this squid embroidering a cat! I don’t know any owls who can do that. Do you?
Below are Bethany’s answers to our Crafty vendor questions!
1. How long have you been making things?
I guess I could say “forever” but I mostly got into making items during college when I majored in Fibers and Printmaking.
2. What is your earliest/favorite crafting memory?
My earliest memory is my plastic bear that had holes in it and a plastic needle that I used to “sew” for long periods of time.
3. Why do you make things?
I make things because I can’t stop! I love having something to do with my hands and seeing how my ideas turn out in real life.
4. What sort of things do you make?
I make plush squids with mini accessories, totes, and embroidered patches. I also enjoy making things for my house (shower curtains, embroidered curtains, placemats, pillows, blankets…)
5. Any success stories you’d care to share?
I guess my biggest one is being able to do this full time (along with the help of my husband who helps fill in the other half (or more) of the bills)
6. Inspirations?
Searching the internet, music, and little moments I witness while walking around my neighborhood.
7. Craft supplies you can’t live without?
Felt and embroidery floss.
8. Describe your work area :
My apartment has an upstairs that I split with my husband as our workplace. My side has my work table, sewing machine, and 4 sets of drawers crammed full of supplies and finished products and I have lots of space to set up my ironing and light box. I’m still giddy with the amount of room I have to spread out my work. On the other side is my husband’s computer and work area. In the middle is the X-Box for lots of needed breaks.
9. Family? Pets? Plants?
I share my apartment with my husband and our 15 lb cat, Ico (he’s not fat though, just big-boned).
10. Favorite color or pattern?
Favorite color is black and favorite pattern is polka dots.
11. Have you been a Crafty Bastard before?
Yes I have and proud of it! I love doing this show and looked forward to it all year.
12. Tell us about other crafters you love and your favorite handmade purchases.
Right now I’m hearting lots of items from CircaCeramics and my favorite place to buy cards is from Red Cap Cards.
13. What is one thing everyone should know how to do themselves?
Everyone should know how to sew on a button. I think after you figure out how simple sewing a button is, it can lead you to other utilitarian sewing skills.
