12 October 2014

A Conversation with Fiona of Blue Fedora Ltd...

Creating unique, luxury embroidery greeting cards is Fiona of Blue Fedora's 'thing' with an aim to making the people that receive them feel that somebody really cares.  Here, we get a glimpse into her creative world...



Who is Fiona Claudius?
I have many interests which are quite diverse (now I am thinking about it) including art and craft, science and technology, photography, investing, drinking and eating out with friends.  I also like an adventure and travel when possible.  I feel very lucky having the opportunity to run a business around something that I love doing.   

What’s your “handmade groove ?”
Difficult to answer as there are so many things.  I love thinking of new designs and drawing inspiration from the world around me .  I enjoy being able to combine my former software skills with creating new embroidery designs for my cards, especially when the finished product makes people smile.

What’s on your bedside table right now? (hey, no tidying up or censoring)
A lamp
Kindle
Alarm Clock
Box of Tissues
I have lots more items in the drawers below, but I digress as you didn’t ask about those!

Who are your creative role models? What music, books, images, poetry spark your creative fire?
My mother and father are my biggest creative role models.  They ran a very successful drama club in London and were involved in all sorts of things creative;  from making period costumes to painting stage sets.  Print, pattern and interior design are the type of books that inspire me the most.  I love all sorts of music.  At the moment I’m listening to Nina Simone.

What could you talk late into the night about with like minded people?
Cards and crafty subjects would be very high on the list.  I also love discussing movies, economics and current affairs.

If you could go to three free workshops/creative events this year which ones would they be? What are they about?
I would love to attend an embroidery workshop.  I have never attended one and I know there are many more things I could learn from very talented people.  The same goes for photography and graphic design.

How do you balance your creative life with your family, life commitments?
I try to plan my work around set times so I can stop when most households normally get together i.e. dinner time.  I also have a very supportive partner who often helps me out which makes things easier.

What is your favourite creative screw-up?
My very first run on my embroidery machine;  I inadvertently sewed the back of the fabric to the front!

Kitchen table or studio?
I think most card makers start out taking over the kitchen table.  I am no exception.  But now I am lucky enough to have a space in the study where I can create and assemble my cards and I love it.  My production line has been known to creap into other rooms though, especially when I am cutting and glueing lots of cards.

Do you have a wish list? Can you tell us what’s on it?
Get to know more “crafty” people.  Attend those workshops I mentioned.






You can find Blue Fedora Ltd on line here...



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