We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Alie (alexandria) Hernandez. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Alie (Alexandria) below.

Hi Alie (Alexandria), thanks for joining us today. How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?

I was able to pick up this skill via a children’s crafting kit I saw at a bookstore. I was bored one Christmas season and I decided I wanted to do something easy on the mind. It sparked an obsession and opened a world I didn’t know existed. This little craft has taught me so much, everything from business techniques to inner peace. Truly that kit was the best thing I ever bought. The most essential skills are having a dedicated and organized space, and not letting too many projects at once overwhelm me. Felt isn’t the most common craft so that was an obstacle in learning more but Instagram provides a wealth of knowledge to the point where it seemed as though everyone was making felt crafts. It turns out it was just my algorithm.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I don’t currently know any other local artists in my area working with felt. There are many and I have taken so much inspiration from all over. These accounts are mainly international. Working with felt takes so much time and dedication. I pour many hours into each piece. It’s truly a labor of love. I stitch everything from magnets, plushies, keychains, car airfresheners and hair ties. It started with a love for fake food and playsets made for my nieces and nephehws and evolved into a little something for everyone. I do custom orders of anything under the sun. If it can be made out of felt I will attempt it. I’m so proud to know the people I’ve met in my local vendor spaces. There’s truly some of the sweetest and most supportive people out here in our community.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.

Yes! I think a lot of people who aren’t constantly creating think everything should be monetized. We live in an economy these days where everyone has a side gig. I personally have 4 “jobs” outside of my regular 9-5. I completely understand the desire and encouragement that comes with telling people to monetize their art but more often than not that tends to suck the joy out of it for a lot of people. When you really sit down and have to spend hours focusing on making things that aren’t for your personal enjoyment it can be very overwhelming. I was incredibly reluctant to start this as a business and had to really mentally prepare myself for that would mean. So far I’m having a blast and I’m going to keep doing it unless one day it loses its joy.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

Times are tough and selling creative things that aren’t necessary for daily use is a challenge. Since starting this journey I have opened my eyes to all the markets that are out there. This year most of my Christmas shopping will be done at local markets. If I have the chance to buy something frivolous I now know where to focus that budget. People love having unique items that were handmade. When I walk into the mall or go on Amazon thinking I need to buy a gift I have no idea where to start. A maker’s market is all gifts! Another way to support that’s completely free is social media. Leaving comments and sharing content is much appreciated.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/feltcutemighteat/

Image Credits

Stephan Hernandez