Crafter in the Spotlight Manasa Priya Yedla

Hello dear arty crafty friends! The ‘Crafter in the Spotlight’ day of the week is here again! Let us hear it all from talented crafter Manasa Priya Yedla this time. A native of Visakhapatnam, Manasa is now a full time crafter along with being a devoted mom to a cute-little baby.

She is always on the hunt for colorful bits and pieces. What seems waste to many is a treasure trove of creations for Manasa. She thoroughly enjoys upcycling and DIY form of crafts. Given a chance, she wishes to open her own craft studio and utilize the space for conducting workshops to teach children styles of crafting and the importance of recycling. Manasa cannot keep her eyes and hands off Itsy Bitsy’s new offerings.

Read further to find out her arty-crafty story. How did Manasa get into crafting, what inspires her, what are her tips for fellow crafters, her favourite quote, how would she contribute to the crafting world if she had magical powers? Read answers to all these questions, discover more about her interesting journey and catch a glimpse of a step by step project by Manasa in this interview. Don’t forget to leave your comments for her.

Rashmi Closepet M.D Itsy Bitsy: Tell us a bit about yourself & your background?

Manasa Priya: Hi guys, I am Manasa, a native of Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. I completed my Masters in Business Management and Psychology and worked for a corporate bank. I was into crafting my whole life, but it’s only been 6-8 months that I have chosen it as my full-time profession, alongside managing my wiggly toddler at home. It’s a beautiful thing when your career and passion comes together.

RC: How did you get into crafting?

MT: As a child, I was always encouraged to craft and create pretty stuff out of waste and discarded things. It all started with copying what my mother did for her school projects and home décor. I learned the basics of drawing from my father which eventually became a hobby. Every birthday or a holiday, I used to make handmade cards for friends and family. All through school and college, I never left a chance to be a part of any creative team. Unknowingly, all these things contributed to having a creative side in me.

RC: What is your favorite type of craft?

MT: Paper crafting and Up-cycling are my favorites. I enjoy making home and party decor. DIY’s are a huge obsession too.

RC: What are your favorite products at Itsy Bitsy?

MT: Undoubtedly, Chalk Paints. I just love the texture and finishing they give. Itsy Bitsy has an awesome range of colors. I also have a huge crush for the handmade flowers and decorables. They are adorable!! I have an eye for all the newly launched products like the Resin and Hardener, Mixed Media paste, Box dies, Tassel tool and my list goes on…..

RC: If you had magical powers, how would you contribute to the Crafting world?

MT: Forget contribution, if I have magical powers, I would swing my wand to hoard all the craft supplies from the store. Just Kidding!! God willing, I wish to have my own fully equipped craft studio where I plan to conduct workshops regularly and teach kids the idea of crafting and imbibing the habit of recycling. My idea is to reduce waste footprints and create greater memories.

RC:  What are the prized possessions in your craft stash from Itsy Bitsy?

MT: I would go with Monte Marte Hobby knife set, Decoupage glue, Flowers, Acrylic Paints, Crackle Medium, Glitters, Texture Tack and of course Chalk Paints.

RC: How would you describe your style of crafting?

MT: I try to be contemporary as I am mostly into up-cycling projects and home/party decor. I can call myself a paper crafter since most of the things I make, are made from paper. Decoupage, Mixed Media, Crochet, Recycling, DIY’s – I do them all. Planning to try my hands-on Clay Modeling as well (Already hoarded some pastel shades of polymer clay from the store because, buying craft supplies and using them are two separate hobbies!!

RC: How do you organize your time for crafting?

MT: Where there is a Will, there is a Way. I finish off my chores and put my toddler to sleep by mid-morning to have good 2 hours of time for my crafting. If there is any unfinished project that needs to be done the same day, would turn myself into a night owl (with all due help and cooperation from my husband).

RC: Tips for people who want to craft

MT: Well, in my little professional crafting experience, I have learnt Consistency is the Key! Whatever little you are doing, do it every day. Managing time and creating an order of priority plays a key role since most of us have other things to do as well. Be organized and most importantly be confident and happy with what you have created. As Mickey Mouse quoted, there is no right or wrong in creating art, always make sure you are having fun. An essential aspect of creativity is not being afraid to fail.

RC: Your all -time favorite quote

MT: What you think, you Become; What you feel, you Attract; What you imagine, you Create.

– Buddha

Here is a gorgeous project by  Manasa  & the step by step procedure:

Step 1:

I am using Little Birdie’s Pretty Pastels Pattern Paper, Silicon glue, Bone folder, Scissors and a pen to make my project – a party decor ball/pom pom

Step 2:

Mark circles of desired size on the reverse side of the patterned paper and cut 20 circles

Step 3:

Using Bone folder, fold three flaps of the circles to form triangles

Step 4:

Attach each triangle side by side using the glue. Make two domes of 5 triangles each to form the upper and lower parts of the ball

Step 5:

Now attach 10 triangles side by side to form a straight line that has to be used as the center portion of the ball. Attach the upper dome, center strip and lower dome carefully aligning the flaps. And, your party decor ball is ready!

Aren’t these adorable? Do try out making this yourself and let me know your thoughts .

Happy Crafting !! 🙂

Here are a couple of  Manasa’s  other awesome creations:

Many congrats  Manasa for being the CRAFTER IN THE SPOTLIGHT – ITSY BITSY !

You will receive Rs.500/- Itsy Bitsy gift voucher & a Crafter in the Spotlight badge, which can be proudly displayed on the side bar of your blog and other platforms. Looking forward to many more creations, Happy Crafting!

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