Holiday Guide - Handmade gift how-to from Shannon Mulkey, Indie Craft Experience co-founder

FELT FORTUNE COOKIES

These plush gems are the perfect small gift or party favor. They can be made with items you probably already have around your house. Write a customized fortune or fill your cookie with candies to finish it off.

Supplies

Felt squares (you can also recycle a felted wool sweater)

Scissors

Sewing needle

Thread or embroidery floss

Circle templates (yogurt lids work well)

Scrap paper to make fortunes

Step 1: Trace a circle onto your felt using a template. Cut out the circle.

Step 2: Fold the felt circle in half – it’ll look like a small taco! Stitch the outside edge, leaving a 1/2-inch opening on each side. (You could also use a glue gun.)

Step 3: Bend the open edges together to make the classic fortune cookie shape! Stitch into place.

Step 4: Cut your paper into strips, write a fortune and slide it into a cookie.

These cookies look cute packaged in Chinese takeout boxes.

ARTIST Q&A

How did you get into crafting?

I have been making things my entire life. I am lucky to have a very crafty mom who encouraged all of my crazy ideas.

How long have you been in the business of indie crafting?

I started selling my handmade clothing in 2004. At first I was doing it because it was fun, but it really took off. Now I sell at markets in Austin, Chicago, San Diego, Providence, Boston and Brooklyn. My small clothing line Patina is sold in seven boutiques across the country.

You can find me locally at Youngblood Gallery and Boutique and at www.ilovepatina.com.

What kinds of crafts do you specialize in?

I dabble in almost everything. I specialize in clothing.

I make reconstructed knitwear. Hand-dyed slip dresses and small-run seasonal pieces. Patina is always changing to reflect where I am as a designer.

Why is making stuff better than buying stuff?

We live in a world full of choices. Making stuff presents EVEN more choices. You can literally create the life that you envision.

What’s the best thing people can learn from crafters during these tight economic times?

Resourcefulness! Recycling! Use what you already have.

What’s the story behind ICE and how’s it different from other indie-craft organizations in Atlanta?

ICE was founded in January of 2005 by Christy Petterson, Susan Voelker and myself. We all shared a vision for an indie craft market in Atlanta. At the time there was not a market that focused on nontraditional crafters and up-and-coming designers. Our first event happened at Eyedrum gallery on June 18, 2005. It was a huge success for us. Susan Voelker has since moved to New York. Christy and I put on two events per year in Atlanta.

Atlanta is home to a diverse and talented group of crafters and designers. We have partnered with many local organizations, businesses and galleries. It’s great to be a part of this community and to provide a market for this genre. ICE continues to grow each year. One aspect that makes ICE stand out is our goal to create an “experience.” We offer the best selection of crafters and designers from around the country, great music and DIY projects. We want people to walk away inspired.