Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Cara Hanna. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Cara, appreciate you joining us today. Can you take us back in time to the first dollar you earned as a creative – how did it happen? What’s the story?

My first dollar I ever earned as a fiber artist was from a friend who I had met through Instagram. I remember feeling that it “didn’t count” as my first sale because we knew each other. And I remember feeling imposter syndrome, and strongly: that the piece wasn’t worthy of belonging in someone’s home, let alone someone paying for it. There were these little details in my weaving that I would change, back then and now.

But, looking back, that moment taught me something invaluable—that I can create something that can speak to someone as much as it did to me, from when I first picked up fibers, to weaving them together.

And of course, there was that feeling of giddiness that I had actually made a sale. All the layers of all the feels!

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I actually fell into weaving during the pandemic. In 2020, I focused on sewing masks, and achieved my goal of sewing more than 100. After that, I rediscovered embroidery, having become enamored with puffy embroidered roses that I had never seen before. I followed the pattern maker on Instagram, and stumbled across her friend’s weaving account. And that was the first time I ever saw art yarn — beautiful chunky, sparkly, multi-colored, and textured yarn. I had to have some. Then some more — sparkly and non-sparkly. And then I had to figure out what to do with them.

So began my weaving journey. I started learning how to weave on a handmade loom made of cardboard, roughly 5”x7”. I purchased “Destash Fiber Packs” on Etsy as I experimented and learned via tutorials that I discovered on and through fabulously talented weavers. I purchase most of my fibers from women- and independently-owned businesses, and all the art yarn that I use are hand-spun by women across the world.

My proudest moments include when I sold my first pieces at one of the largest makers markets in my city, The Front Market. The market is hosted by a non-profit organization that supports artists and makers, focusing on women, people of color, and members of the LGBTQ+ community. The market was the first that the Future Front had opened post-pandemic, and I was thrilled and felt so honored to have been accepted. And there, I found that talking with others in person, being able to share my passion for weaving, was just as much fun as the sales.

Another moment I will always cherish is when I found out my favorite piece—a whopping 19” hoop named “Faerie Forest,” made in forest greens and clouds of pale pink, with the softest brook of Malabrigo yarn—was accepted for an exhibit at a local art gallery, Artus Co. Not only was I floored at being accepted, but seeing my families and friends in the gallery and their reactions added another layer of awe for me.

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

Take a pause and experience art in any form. That could be music, photography, fiber art, woodworking, sculpture, origami, etc., in addition to sketches and paintings. Not everyone is artistically inclined, so people don’t necessarily need to create—just allow themselves to enjoy an experience. Or push themselves to engage in something uncomfortable, even. Taking that one step once a year, or hopefully more, can take that exposure to a new level of appreciation for the arts and also perhaps self-discovery.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist is drawing people into my weaving obsession — seeing that spark, feeling that connection, and then empowering someone to try this medium. Sometimes it’s a nudge to try it when I hear someone say, “I could make this”—I support that statement, and start sharing my story and how they can actively get in there. Or it’s a push, when I see someone’s eyes light up when they see my weaving, and I want them to continue pursuing that lightness. These conversations will never get old.

Contact Info:

• Website: Etsy.com/shop/carabelladesigns
• Instagram: carabella.designs

Image Credits
Products (self); photo of me: Zaid Gallo; photo of booth display:  Aria Brownell