It’s time already for our second Feature Friday Crafter interview! Where crafters from all over the world and all areas of expertise share their work and their life experiences with you. And where I get to pick a few favorite projects to share!
Today’s featured crafter is Kristen from Upcycle My Stuff. Kristen’s blog focuses on taking items you already have, or items that would otherwise be junk, and using them to create something beautiful! Come learn more about her with me!
My Favorite Projects from Upcycle My Stuff
It was not easy to narrow down my favorite posts on Upcycle My Stuff. There were SO many cool ideas!
One thing I enjoyed while browsing Kristen’s site was the abundance of roundups. If you need ideas for something, she’s got them! I particularly loved this round up of 25 Stunning Ideas for Reusing Your Old Jeans. My kids tend to put holes in their jeans every other week, so we have an abundance of old jeans just waiting for projects like these!
Along with the roundups, there are some great tutorials on Upcycle My Stuff. I thought this tutorial on How to Upcycle a Plastic Bottle into a Vase was perfect for spring! I was really impressed with how the plastic bottle looks just like the glass ones around it.
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!
How long have you been doing these specific crafts?
I have always been a bit creative and a bit of a ‘have a go’ sort of a person. So while I haven’t formally learned any of the skills that I use I’ve learned a lot from blogs, videos and just mucking in there and trying things out. Sometimes it works out, sometimes it doesn’t….
Why do you do your craft?
There are a lot of reasons why I am a bit addicted to upcycling. One is a bit of a lifelong aversion to anything going to waste and another is the mood lifting effect of transforming something old and unwanted into something lovely and cherished. The literal definition of upcycling has to do with adding value to something and keeping it out of the waste cycle. It sounds a bit dry but it really gives me a buzz to be able to make use of something that might otherwise be discarded. I’ve written more about how I came to start my blog here.
What are your can’t-live-without craft essentials?
Mod Podge, leather punch, faux gold leaf and my staple gun. I can do a lot of damage to a lot of different things with these tools and supplies!
What does your work space look like?
My work space at the moment is any room I can keep the kids out of :)! So I’m often on the floor of my bedroom or out in the garden in the summer. I do have a fabulously big cupboard for storing all my supplies though. I love it!
How do you organize your time so you have time to craft?
My husband takes the boys to a Dad’s only playgroup on Saturday mornings and sometimes Sunday mornings too. Otherwise it is an in the evening after they are asleep sort of an affair….and I usually have to stop midway when one wakes up too! My oldest is 3 and my youngest is just over 1 – so sleeping through is still a pipe dream!
What is your favorite quote about creativity?
I have loads to be honest! Hard to pick a favourite so I’ll give you one funny one and one serious one:
‘I upcycle so hard I sweat chalk paint!’
‘Creativity is making marvelous out of the discarded.’
Kristen’s Favorites
Kristen shared a couple of her favorite projects with me.
First were these cork centerpieces. They’re adorable, aren’t they? Perfect for an upcycled wedding!
Second, this reupholstered headboard. A great way to add a pop to a boring room!
Finally, this brooch from an eyeglass lens is a fun way dress up an outfit!
I hope you enjoyed getting to know Kristen more in this Featured Crafter Interview and are ready to go upcycle your stuff!
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