FEATURED SELLER: Galafilc - Galina Błażejewska

Galina is the person behind Galafilc, a store specializing in felted scarfs, hats, bags and other wonderful items. Here she's going to share some information about herself and her craft. 

Tell us something about yourself

My name is Galina Błażejewska. I come from Minsk - the capital of Belarus and I live in a small town in the North of Poland not far from Kołobrzeg. From childhood I've had a passion for handmade. My grandmother has taught me to knit, so I was knitting clothes for my dolls and later sweater, hats and gloves for myself and my friends. I've always like the process of making things out of colorful spools of threads, as well as assembling patterns and putting colors together. 

How did you first become an artist

Since 2007, my entire time has been filled with felting. I've learned the technique of the internet and since then I've been constantly improving it and getting familiar with different types of wool and fabrics.  I've been experimenting a lot and I'm still looking for new ways of felting. I feel like even in a 100 years, I won't know it all about wool and felting. 

What do you enjoy the most about felting

What I like the most about felting is the fact that there are no patterns to follow. I can simply create anything from delicate broaches, elegant shawls to fat, thick rugs and shoes.  I get my inspiration from the nature that surrounds me.  I really enjoy painting bags with flowers made of felt, making shawls covered with interesting and unusual designs and texture and creating new shapes. 

What advice would you give to somebody just starting out

I sell my product on craft shows and at online galleries like Etsy, where I started about a year ago. I try to take interesting photos and always list new items in order to get new clients.  I find being part of the Poletsy team and the Russian team to be the best way of promotion on Etsy. 

Your favorite stores on Etsy

Ira Rudman's store  with world famous fantastic scarfs - she's really creative!

Ing00te a store with felted slippers made by a Latvian girl - Inga - her items are truly made to perfection.

To find out more about Galina, feel free to follow her blog, check out her pictures of flicker and / or follow her on twitter and facebook.