Monday, August 11, 2014

How about a little crafty blog-a-thon.....in my wellies!

I've been asked by my friend Elaine to join in with the Creative Bloggers hop.
It's a continuous hop every Monday with a host of different inspirational bloggers taking part each week.

Elaine and I were on the same design team for Sugar Nellies and although we have never met in person, we have chatted on the telephone and over the internet, becoming great crafty pals.  I really admire her work, her cards are amazing.  I love how she colours her images, just fabulous dwarling!
Now apparently I have the following questions to answer.....

What am I working on.

I have just bought a lovely selection of wool to make a crochet blanket but am still deciding whether to do a chevron pattern or a hexagon design, decisions, decisions.



How does my work differ from others in my genre?

I don't know whether my work does differ from others but I suppose if we are talking strengths I tend to be able to turn my hand to most things, sometimes with help from my friends.  I enjoy trying different crafts and am driven to give things a go especially if it is something I have not tried yet.
I love clean and simple cards at the moment but can layer up with dies and images if required. I tend to keep colourways simple sticking to two or three shades, dependant on what I am working on, card, material or yarn.   
Basically I would say I'm a jack of all trades but master of none!

Why do I write/create what I do?

My Mum was very creative, always making clothes, baking, mending etc... I guess she rubbed off on me.  The only downside is we live so far apart or we still would be getting together to make now.
As long as I remember I have made things, dolls houses, furniture and clothes, cards and gifts whilst young.  
When I was in the armed forces I used to cross stitch or whip up a tapestry when on duty during quiet spells, it kept you awake on nights!
Then when I had the children and gave up full time work it was something to earn a few pennies whilst at home, and keep me sane.  
I really have progressed from there especially enjoyed demonstrating for PI and sharing my love of crafting with other local crafters.  
Basically I like to keep my hands busy and my mind occupied, plus it beats housework hands down! 

How does your creative process work?

Oh, now that would be telling!  ;)
Sometimes it just comes to me, I have an idea and want to play around with it.  It never usually works as I pictured in my head but I guess that is the fun of crafting.  I have lost count of the times I have started something with a clear idea of what I want and throughout the process it has changed beyond recognition.  That is the beauty of crafting, so many possible combinations and not enough time in the day to play!   
I find starting with the key material, usually the colour combo and work from that point, matching materials as best I can as the process developes.  I like watching out for trends but then giving it my own twist.
I also love Pinterest, a great site for inspiration.  

Now it's my turn to pick 3 bloggers to answer the questions.
In alphabetical order:
 
Beckie is a Freelance craft designer and I first met her at a Rusty Pickle event years ago down in Edinburgh. (If my brain serves me right!) 
She is a lovely lady and creates perfect scrapbooking pages always.   
I have enjoyed one of her classes when she visited our local craft shop a few years back which I thoroughly enjoyed plus I have enjoyed an online class via UK Scrappers.
When it comes to scrapbooking, Beckie is your girl!

Lau is next on my list, she designs for numerous different craft companies with regards to card making.  
Lau lives in France and it just goes to show what a small world it is when it comes to blogging.  
We have regular contact through our blogs and work, luckily for me, her English is far better than my French!
Lau creates fabulous layered cards with beautifully coloured images.  

Patricia and I have become good blogging friends over the last year.  She also teaches card classes and enjoys making lots of different crafts.  I love her use of die cuts and have to say she makes a mean flower!
Seriously, go see if you don't believe me.  Her latest post is just stunning, but don't take my word for it.

That's all from my blog-a-thon today folks I hope you have enjoyed all my answers.  
We had a really bad storm last night and things are not looking great if it continues to rain.  
Sandbags at the ready!  
Our garden has a natural pool in it just now and the garage is leaking.  
The shed at the moment is just managing to stay above the water.  
The problem not only seems to be the volume of water that came down last night but one of the drains next to our neighbours house has collapsed, road closed and the waterboard sorting as we speak.  Hopefully we will have running water in the house before the end of the day, via the taps and not the doors, or it will be washing alfresco tonight, brrrr!
Oh the joys!  As the saying goes, it never rains but it pours!
On the upside the recent repairs to the roof have kept the house dry. 
I hope you are managing to stay dry where you are, a perfect day to maybe start cleaning my craft room.  
Scary!
Maybe just the floor would be a starting point!

3 comments:

scrappymo! said...

These posts are so interesting to read. So fun to find out the fun details!

Elaine said...

Erika...you are amazing! I admire all your beautiful handmade creations and I don't know anyone else that's as versatile as you are.
You're extremely talented and I am always a little green with envy!

Big hugs
Elaine xxx

Lau W said...

Thank youuu my dear friend !
I post today on my blog, but i'm alone lol ! No friends for follow up...but i had fun :-))
Big kisses !