I got into crafts when I was about 13, thanks largely in part to my mom's crafty nature and persistent leading towards a needle and thread. Out of my older sister and I, I was the one who caught the line. I was bitten by the crafty bug and that will never go away.
I will never forget my first project. I took a pair of my jeans, a needle from my mom's sewing box, a random spool of thread, and a container of beads from my sister (without her knowing of course, like any little sibling would) and went to town. I somehow managed to thread the needle and tie a couple knots at the end and I slipped it into the thick bottom hem of one of the pant legs. A few pricks later, I got it through, tugged it tight and strung on a red bead. I threaded the needle down, then back up, and added an orange bead. I continued this for hours until there were rainbows at my feet. The beads were crooked, the strings were loose and my knots threatened to come undone at any moment but these were now the most amazing pants in the world. I wore them to a family get together immediately and rocked them proudly. I was so smitten with myself and my rainbow beaded jeans. Some cousins teased me, asking what was all over my pants, but I didn't care. It grew from there.
I asked for a sewing machine for Christmas soon after. My mom and grandma taught me the basics; how to thread the needle, how to straight stitch and how to stop. With these few bits of information, I began (badly) making things. I quickly became frustrated and turned to the internet. I watched tutorials on YouTube, looked at craft blogs and forums, and began again. My projects got better and better, and here I am.
Along that journey, I picked up a handful of other crafts as well as really getting into fashion. I began making jewelry, sculpting with polymer clay (though that didn't last long), perler beading, drawing, and decoden, amongst others. I explored various fashions for the first time in my life and that definitely helped my creativity grow.
I never considered making my hobby into a business until high school. People would constantly ask where I got a certain piece, to which I would happily reply "I made it!" More often than not, that would usually follow with a reply somewhere along the lines of "I want one!", "Make me one!", or "You should sell that." or a combination of the three. After hearing it so many times, I began to think about it. During my senior year of high school, I decided that's what I wanted to do. I was the girl with the rainbow hair who made and wore crazy outfits. I had no problem with that.
On July 28th, 2011, Frills and Chills was born. I decided I wanted to make unique, totally one-of-a-kind things inspired by the things I love. Frills and Chills is a one woman show; I design, create, photograph, list, and advertise every piece you see on my own. I don't just make one craft. I create my items using tons of different mediums to create a nice variety. This shop is my baby and I'm proud of where its come and where its going. I am always going to learn and expand. One day, I hope to own my own physical location where I can continue doing what I love.