I’m excited to introduce a new series on my blog called Feature Friday! I will be interviewing crafters from all areas of expertise and sharing with you about their daily life, their crafting space, and their projects. For each crafter, I will be sharing something they have made that I just love!
My first Feature Friday crafter is Julie from Sum of their Stories. Julie does sewing, papercrafts, upcycling, crochet, and embroidery. She’s really a Jack (or Julie)-of-all-trades! Come get to know her with me!
My Favorite Crafts on Sum of Their Stories
I could spend hours on Julie’s website getting ideas. She just does so much that I would also love to do! Here are a couple of my favorites!
These Gingham Vase Glass Jar Upcycle are so cute! They would look adorable as vases or filled with candy to give as a gift. They’d be great for teachers or neighbors this spring.
As an avid crocheter, I had to include something from the crochet section of the site! This Crocheted Flower Garland is so pretty and sweet! It would look great hanging in a kitchen window or in a girl’s bedroom.
Crafter Interview
I’ve been married since the early 90’s to my best friend. We have 3 grown up children who are in various states of leaving/ almost leaving home. I come from a family full of craft loving people so I grew up with a ‘Don’t buy that, I can make it for you’ attitude all around me.
How long have you been doing these specific crafts?
I’ve been crafting for as long as I can remember. Each time I try something new I tend to love it which can be difficult to manage, but I do my best!
Apparently I was a big fan of ‘cutting and sticking’ when I was about 3! I remember getting an needlepoint embroidery kit when I was about 7 and LOVING it (it was a very handsome horses head!) I always made clothes for my dolls when I was little, then clothes for myself as a teenager and it’s just never stopped.
Why do you do your craft?
It keeps me sane, and helps with the stresses of everyday life. I love the satisfaction you get when something you’ve made actually turns out how you imagined it would! Not everything works of course, if something doesn’t turn out right then it gets put in a carrier bag at the bottom of the wardrobe to think about what it’s done! It might be saved or reimagined months or even years later.
How did you learn your craft?
Mostly I was taught by my mum and both my nans. My blog is a tribute to them really and all the support they gave me.
What are your can’t-live-without craft essentials?
Good sewing scissors, my xacto cutting knife, a needle and thread, my sewing machine, decent crochet hooks and knitting needles. Plus a good stash of fabric, yarn, and paper of course!
Are there any crafters/artists/designers you look up to?
Lots and lots, too many to list! Instagram is my favourite place to follow other designers.
What does your workspace look like?
A hot mess! I am not a tidy crafter! I craft in the dining room and have a massive tidy up when people are coming round to dinner. I’m lucky because we have a table in the kitchen which we can use for everyday. (this photo is after a BIG tidy up!)
Where do you look for inspiration?
Pinterest, Instagram, Magazines, Old books, Other blogs, TV, it’s everywhere – make it stop…. (only joking, don’t make it stop!)
When do you feel the most creative?
Inspiration strikes all the time, I always have a notebook with me for ideas, Pinterest is a great way to save ideas too, and the save option on Instagram.
How do you organize your time so you have time to craft?
I don’t unfortunately. I’m not good at time management I’m afraid. I’m up till midnight finishing something quite often.
What is your favorite quote about creativity?
Creativity is messy and I’m very creative!
and also
Why did she make thing? Well, she enjoyed it of course; but it also somehow helped her remember who she was and where she came from.
What are YOUR favorite projects?
Thank you so much for inviting me to share a little about my crafting life. Some of your questions really made me stop and think. I just love making things and sharing my enthusiasm with others so I really do appriciate the chance to share just a flavour of that here with you today 🙂
What a great idea! I enjoyed getting to know Julie better.
Liberty from B4andAfters.com
I’m glad you enjoyed reading more about Julie! I had fun getting to know her as well.
It was fun to learn more about Julie. I’ve been linking to her Handmade Monday Link Party for the past year or so. Have a great weekend!
So glad you enjoyed it!