Feature Friday Crafter Interview – The Papery Craftery

This week’s crafter interview is one I’ve been excited about since the crafter first emailed me. I love seeing what others create and learning new techniques, but this one is special to me because my husband’s grandmother did beautiful paper quilling. I hadn’t seen anyone make this craft in recent years, so was excited to see the beautiful creations of Meredith at The Paper Craftery.

My Favorite Projects from The Paper Craftery

I spent over an hour browsing projects on The Paper Craftery. There are so many cool things! Cute things, delicate things, beautiful things…who knew you could make lace out of paper?? It’s beautiful! I’ve picked two of my favorites to share with you today.

There are MANY quilled flower tutorials available on The Paper Craftery. I had a hard time choosing my favorite, but I settled on these Gerbera Daisies. Daisies are my favorite flower in real life, so why not in crafts too?

I also wanted to include something more dainty because that’s what many quilled projects are. I just love this quilled paisley! It’s dainty, yet modern and would look great framed in a bedroom or in your craft room!

Crafter Interview

I asked Kristen to share about her crafts, her family, her life…with all of you! Join me as I learn more about this talented crafter!

Tell me about yourself and/or your family.

I’m Meredith, art school grad and mama of two awesome and incredibly energetic littles. I’ve been married to a wonderful man for 10 years and we live in Delaware. I’ve been a stay-at-home mom since our daughter was born in 2014. In addition to crafting, I love cooking, thrifting, and learning about ways to make our home more eco-friendly.

How long have you been doing these specific crafts?

I taught myself quilling about 8 years ago, right after I had our son and I needed a new creative outlet. Soon after I started an Etsy shop, selling quilled wall decor and ornaments. Around the time my daughter was born, I began writing quilling tutorials on my website and I discovered how many people were looking for basic quilling advice! Once I realized how much I loved sharing my ideas and supporting other crafters, I closed my shop so I could focus on my website. Now I’m working on revamping my YouTube channel to reach even more crafters with quilling videos. 

What are your can’t-live-without craft essentials?

Aleene’s Tacky Glue is one of my go-to products that I recommend to everyone. I love trying to recreate 3-dimensional objects in paper and Tacky Glue saves me from having to hold everything as they set. 

I am also slightly obsessed with black Sharpie markers! I have them scattered all over the house, mostly for note-taking since I’m always coming up with new ideas that I have to write down right away or my mommy-brain takes over and they’re gone!

What does your workspace look like?

When we moved into our current home about 4 years ago, I claimed one of the closets in our bedroom as my workspace. I took the doors off, slid my drafting table in, added some shelves and a stool, and its been working perfectly! I do find myself spreading out around the house sometimes, too. Especially when I’m filming a video or taking photos for a tutorial. 

How do you organize your time so you have time to craft?

This has been the first year that both of my children have been in school for at least a few hours every day. That has opened up tons of time so I can start really building my business again. But for years, I mostly crafted at naptimes and in the evenings. My projects have definitely spilled over to family-time too, though. Luckily, my family is very used to me having bits of projects all over the house and sometimes my children will be crafty right alongside me!

What is your favorite quote about creativity?

“To practice any art, no matter how well or badly, is a way to make your soul grow. So do it.” — Kurt Vonnegut

Meredith’s Favorites

I asked Meredith to share a couple of her own favorite projects and the photos she sent–LOVE THEM!! These were the photos that first got me so excited about this post!

How adorable are these little cacti?

And I absolutely love these cheery sunflowers!

I am in no position to be taking on another craft right now, but I have to say, if I had the time, paper quilling would certainly be on my list of things to try. And now I know the perfect place to go to find all the tutorials I need!