1.Tell us a little about you and your blog.

I started my blog, the Craft Project, simply to motivate myself to spend some more time crafting and finishing projects (I have a tendency to get distracted). In its humble beginnings the plan was to create one project a week but it quickly ballooned to much, much more. Flash forward a couple of years and I’m now a professional artist and writer, who also does cake and fashion design, work for local theatre companies, public engagement art pieces, and dance performances on the side. My blog has provided me with a venue to explore all sides of my creativity and has allowed me to become a true “maker”.

2.How and when did you start crafting?

I’ve been crafting since I was a child. My parents have always been very supportive of my passions and from a very young age art and craft were one of those passions (that and Lego…I used to tell people that I was going to be a Lego designer when I grew up…not the answer they expected from the girl in the tutu). I took a break from it during high school and university – I didn’t stop completely but only dabbled as sports, research, and boys were distracting me (in fact I turned down a fine art scholarship to pursue earth and ocean science figuring that “I could always paint and dance in my free time” – sigh, the naivety of 18 year olds). In my late twenties I got more and more involved in the DIY movement which culminated in the launching of my blog. At the time I was working at the United Nations on climate change and I felt like I was banging my head against the wall trying to create positive change. I just wanted to do something that felt inspiring and creative and positive and art and craft fit that bill. I haven’t looked back since.

3.How often do you craft?

All the time – in fact you could call me obsessive (some people do), although I prefer my friend Oliver’s description of me: “Amber does all the things.” To give you an example, in the weeks leading up to this competition I premiered a show of artwork jointly with a fellow artist called JUXTAPOSITION; started prepping for a solo show of new work which opens in April called Manipulating Media; worked as a production assistant for an elaborate puppet show, painting and building, called the Sci-Fi Double Feature; performed more than 30 shows with the Sourdough Rendezvous can can line for the Yukon’s annual winter festival; accepted two commissions – one to paint someone’s wedding dress, one to create 50 handmade garters; confirmed the design of my younger brother’s wedding cake with his fiancée; and of course started scheming my projects for So You Think You’re Crafty. There are days that I think my to-do list will eat my alive, but I love every minute of it.

4.Where do you get your inspiration?

Everywhere! I find the more projects I’m working on the more ideas are constantly popping into my head. I keep lists in my studio, a notebook in my purse, and on my iPad so that I don’t lose any of them. I also spend a lot of time on the DIY blogosphere, on Flipboard, and on Pinterest – I’m such a visual learner, so I find these venues amazing to spark ideas. That said, I try to make sure I spend just as much time outside of the virtual realm – I spend as much time outside as I can, I play sports, I read books, I go to plays and movies and dance performances and art shows, I play with my dog, and I drink wine and tea with friends – unplugging is great for my creativity.

5.What is your favorite medium to work in?

Acrylic. I’m terrible impatient by nature – I get distracted by things that take too long – so I adore how quickly acrylic dries. I used to work in oils but the drying times drove me up the wall. The last oil painting I was working on I quit almost eight years ago. It sat forlornly on an easel in the living room until last year when I tucked it away for a rainy day in the studio. My friend Kyle has announced that it is going to his house when it is finally finished, but I honestly don’t know if that will ever happen.

6.What is your guilty pleasure?

Homemade macaroni and cheese; vintage clothing (I’m embarrassed to admit that I have close to 400 items on my Modcloth wishlist); shock-factor haircuts – if my father is appalled I’m doing it right (most recently I went from middle of my back and natural to an updated 1920’s bob with red and purple streaks); So You Think You Can Dance; and musicals (despite the fact that I could not sing on key if my life depended on it – despite the best efforts of some talented teachers to try and remedy this).

7.What makes you smile?

Teletoon Retro, dancing in my living room, fresh strawberries, summer thunderstorms, and my puppy Shiloh.

8.What is your favorite thing to do (other than crafting)?

Playing outside. I grew up in a national park, so I essentially spent my entire childhood in the woods and rivers and nothing has really changed now that I’m “all grown up”. This is followed closely by travel. The most exciting places I’ve been in the past are Easter Island and Antarctica. The top of my wish list is Madagascar and the UK.

I’m also working on a new project to help fight cancer using art.  Make a donation to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada through this page and I will send you a copy of one of two art pieces.  You can find more specifics HERE.

Here are Amber’s fantastic projects from the season:

1.Tell us a little about you and your blog.

At the suggestion of my wonderful husband, I started our blog to document all of our adventures, as we like to call them. From big adventures like learning to cook gluten free, to digging out and finishing our basement, to little adventures like new favorite things and lessons God is teaching us, we love living each adventure together. The Adventures of D and V is a lifestyle blog that is about…well, our life!

2.How and when did you start crafting?

I have always loved crafting. Ever since I was in Elementary school, I was always making something. A 9 patch blanket for my doll, a chair for my Barbie, homemade cards for friend’s birthdays. I have always been a “make it from scratch” kind of girl. Designing and creating something is the fun part for me.

3.How often do you craft?

I craft whenever I have the time! Sometimes that is every day, and then sometimes I go weeks between crafts. But I try not to let it go that long, because crafting makes me happy!

4.Where do you get your inspiration?

I like to draw inspiration from memories and things that are sentimental to me. Things I remember from my grandparents houses, ideas that come to me while we are on vacation to help remember a special time. But let’s be honest here, Pinterest is also a constant source of inspiration, as well as my local flee market!

5.What is your favorite medium to work in?

Both of my grandmothers were sewers, so from a young age sewing and fabric has been a favorite of mine. When I was growing up it was a special thing to get to sew with grandma, now that both of my grandmothers have passed away, it is a special thing I do to in memory of them and all that they taught me.

6.What is your guilty pleasure?

I would have to say, watching TV. Daniel and I love watching shows from the beginning to end on Netflix, and totally get sucked in, sometimes watching 3 or 4 episodes in a row…it’s just so easy when you don’t have to wait a week for the next episode!

7.What makes you smile?

My husband. Even when I am in a grumpy mood, and do not want to smile, he some how manages to make me laugh. He is my favorite!

8.What is your favorite thing to do (other than crafting)?

Swimming or teaching swimming lessons. I grew up in the pool, was a competitive swimming from age 5 – 22, and have been teaching swimming lessons for over 10 years. I just love being in the pool and sharing that love of the water with little swimmers!

1. Tell us a little about you and your blog.

Spool and Spoon is mostly crafty, some foodie, and a whole lotta Jess. My blog is definitely an extension of me. It’s where I get to escape the monotony of my left-brain life and experiment with all of the creative goodness out there.

2. How and when did you start crafting?

When I was 4 years old I went nowhere without my tutu and 72-count Crayola crayon carrying case; during high school, I filled my schedule with every art elective possible; I started college as an Art Ed. major; I DIYed my entire wedding; and now, I have a whole room in our house dedicated to pursuing my creative endeavors. The point is: I can’t remember a moment without crafting.

3. How often do you craft?

All. The. Time.

4. Where do you get your inspiration?

I wish I was one of those people who found inspiration in every nook and cranny of their life but I’m not really wired that way. Pinterest has led me to so many amazing blogs that have exposed me to projects, trends, and mediums I wasn’t even aware existed so I’m incredibly grateful to the talent of others. On that same track, I super love knock-offs so paging through my favorite catalogs is probably the most inspiring pastime.

5. What is your favorite medium to work in?

I’m one of those people who are fanatical about a lot of things but obsessive about none. A couple years ago, I would have easily answered this but I’ve since tried so many new things that picking just one seems impossible.

6. What is your guilty pleasure?

“Here Comes Honey Boo Boo” – enough said.

7. What makes you smile?

Beside the obvious (my husband in Ray Bans, sexy pants and chuck taylors, our cat and pup sharing a tender moment, and a trove of new blog followers) – it’s the little things that make me smile. Surprise Starbucks from the Mr. An incredible sale at J.Crew. Receiving a random greeting card in the mail. A marathon of The Office. A husband-approved Target shopping trip. A good hair day.

8. What is your favorite thing to do (other than crafting)?

Shopping. That was an easy one.

1.Tell us a little about you and your blog.

I started blogging a few years ago because I wanted an outlet for my crafts. I love crafting, and teaching, so posting tutorials on Snips and Spice seemed like the perfect option for me.

2.How and when did you start crafting?

My mom instilled in me a love for creativity when I was a small child, and encouraged me to learn as much as possible in every part of life. My mom taught me how to sew lots if different items and bake a plethora of delicious dishes. In elementary school, my best friend and I would sew blankets and clothes for our American Girl dolls, and in high school, my mom taught me how to sew my own prom dresses (the first one she did, the second one we did, the last one, I did). I wanted to learn how to crotchet, so I bought a book and taught myself using the pictures. I also learned how to knit and quilt the same way. I just can’t get enough of crafting, or learning how to do new things.

3.How often do you craft?

Although I would like to say that I craft daily, or even weekly, it ebbs and flows. I go through creative periods where I have the time and energy to craft daily, but there are many times where my life is just to filled with other obligations to craft. Right now, I get to craft at least once a week because I sponsor the fashion club at the school where I teach.

4.Where do you get your inspiration?

Everywhere! Sometimes I just dream up ideas without any idea where they came from. I get ideas from pinterest–seems like a no-brainer. Inspirations is just waiting around every corner I turn.

5.What is your favorite medium to work in?

This is such a difficult question to answer. If we are talking about food crafts, fondant definitely! Right now I am really into sewing. There have been times where scrapbooking, card-making, crotcheting, knitting, or quilting have taken front and center, but right now it is definitely sewing. I got a dress form–named Veruca–for Christmas, and I love sewing new clothes.

6.What is your guilty pleasure?

Chocolate or frosting. Maybe a Chai Latte before morning cheer practice. I have quite the sweet tooth, and I am trying to cut back.

7.What makes you smile?

handmade gifts, learning, crafting, flowers, baking, teaching, reading a book from cover to cover in one sitting, green beans, almost anything sweet, surprises, family, friends, hamburgers and fries, watching movies while crafting, finding a love note from my sweetheart, sunshine, the beach, cuddling, sleeping in, 80′s music, frosting, condiments, rain on my skylight, shoes, nail polish, glitter/sparkles/shimmer, blankets, peppermint chapstick, crazy dancing, singing in the car, holidays, and colored pens

8.What is your favorite thing to do (other than crafting)?

Reading! I love reading a good book. It is the only thing that can compete with crafting when it comes to my free time.

1.Tell us a little about you and your blog.

I started my blog, Attempting Aloha, as a way to chronicle our home renovations when we moved to Oahu three years ago. It ended up being a whirlwind year, and we relocated to the East Coast within 12 months! I’m still attempting to live the aloha life by sharing my creations and things I learn along the way with anyone who happens across my blog.

2.How and when did you start crafting?

I am a self-taught seamstress and builder! I’ve never considered myself crafty or artsy or creative, but I LOVE to learn. Hence the tagline of my blog: “I have no special talent. I am only passionately curious.”–Albert Einstein

3.How often do you craft?

I always have 4 or 5 projects in different stages going on at once. It drives my husband crazy, but creating is just a part of daily life now.

4.Where do you get your inspiration?

Other bloggers, stores, magazines, garbage on the side of the road…

5.What is your favorite medium to work in?

It’s a toss-up between fabric and wood!

6.What is your guilty pleasure?

I love watching chick flicks and staying up all night working on projects when my husband works night shifts. It’s true therapy for me.

7.What makes you smile?

“I just like to smile. Smiling’s my favorite.” Funny quotes make me smile.

8.What is your favorite thing to do (other than crafting)?

Running. It’s my other form of therapy.

1.Tell us a little about you and your blog.

I started my blog as a way to make myself accountable for actually finishing my crafts. All too often I would start a project and not finish, and having this outlet helped motivate me to get them finished!

2.How and when did you start crafting?

My earliest memories are of me around age 4 waking up early enough to draw the sunrise. I’d sit outside on the sidewalk and draw the sun as it peaked over the mountains. My mother taught me how to sew and crochet, and she enrolled me in all the art classes I wanted! My love of drawing morphed into painting which morphed into love all things crafty!

3.How often do you craft?

Usually weekly, but mostly it’s spontaneous. I almost always have a project or two lying about that I work can work on in my spare time.

4.Where do you get your inspiration?

I’m always looking for inspiration in other crafters on craftster.org, pinterest or stumbleupon.

5.What is your favorite medium to work in?

Paint. I also enjoy a bit of sew and crocheting. I’m pretty good at nail art. I love finding old, useless items and transforming them into something new and wonderful!!

6.What is your guilty pleasure?

Pepperidge Farm Pirouettes (Chocolate-Hazelnut flavor). I probably have 80 or so empty tins at my house (and I’ve used a couple dozen already for other projects). I’ll eat an entire tin in half a day if not monitored…

7.What makes you smile?

90′s music, rainbows, baby animals and my beautiful daughter and amazing husband. Oh, and glitter.

8.What is your favorite thing to do (other than crafting)?

I love to Zumba and go swimming! I’ve been inspired by a close friend to try out roller derby… that is my next goal- learn to roller skate!!

1 Tell us a little about you and your blog.

I graduated from Brigham Young University in 2009 with a degree in
painting and a 3 month old baby girl. I started channeling a lot of my
creative energy into making things for my sweet girl, and the blog
just evolved as a way for me to share what I had been making. My
creative interests span a wide range of media and techniques, and I
always love learning and trying new things.

2. How and when did you start crafting?

I started making things when I was a little girl. I always had some
project or other going, and I would keep a constant rotation of
library books on all sorts of different arts and crafts.

3. how often do you craft?

At least once a week.

4. where do you get your inspiration?

I usually look to nature for my inspiration. I love looking at
different leaves, trees, flowers, and rock formations, and there are
tons of new things to see living in the Galapagos. I also look to art
history and the great master artists for inspiration.

5. what is your favorite medium to work in?

I love felt. It’s so versatile; I am always finding new ways to use it.

6. what is your guilty pleasure?

Cookies and Project Runway. Best taken together.

7. what makes you smile?

My little girls.

8. what is your favorite thing to do other than crafting?

Snorkeling and exploring our Island.

1.Tell us a little about you and your blog.

I started my blog to be able to share with my family and friends the fun things that I had been creating. More specifically I had become quite infatuated with creating fun and interesting cakes for my friends and family for holidays. I remember sitting on the couch one day watching a cake show on food network and thought to myself….”I can do that!”. I looked up a few things on the internet and I was on my way.

2.How and when did you start crafting?

My mom helped my sister and I start crafting at a VERY young age, I would say 5 or 6. I loved to glue things together and paint them fun colors. I remember buying craft kits and thinking I would be able to sell the “treasures” I made for money and become a millionaire. I think that early art classes and even girl scouts concreted my love of art and crafting. I still to this day have a unicorn t-shirt that I painted with puffy paints when I was about 7, to this day it is still soooo cool.

3.How often do you craft?

I love to craft and bake as often as possible. I would say that I easily craft at least once a week if not more. There seems to always be something calling to me to try and make or create. I have even gotten to the point now where I need to keep a list of ideas on my cell phone to keep track of them.

4.Where do you get your inspiration?

There are many places that I get my inspiration from! First would be my friends and family. I love to create things for people that are specific to their love and interests. I also love to read craft books and scour the internet for new and fun ideas. Most recently I have found myself visiting art museums and being in awe of the talent and patience, then wandering home and attempting things in my own way.

5.What is your favorite medium to work in?

I love love love clay, however it is a little too expensive to work with for just fun projects. I have found fondant and chocolate an excellent replacement for my sculpting needs and everyone is willing to take part in eating whatever odd projects I have created. I also love working with fabric of all kinds, to this day is still amuses me how you can take a flat piece of fabric and create it into so many things.

6.What is your guilty pleasure?

Oh man…..that’s a broad question. I am not sure I can just pick one. Glee, crab rangoons, and shoes.

7.What makes you smile?

Everything makes me smile, I am often referred to as “irritatingly perky”…..in the best way possible…..so to name a few things: Family, friends, cats, dogs, unicorns, soccer, softball, Alana, pink, unicorns, cookies, costumes, kids, trampolines, stars, boots, snow, leaves, grass, clouds, lemonade, pizza, tiny note books, guitars, music, coffee shops, haircuts, flowers, fresh vegetables, balloons, warm blankets, snuggling, a good book, cartoons, car rides, swimming, jumping off things, gardening, apple picking, movies, glue sticks, spray paint, take out….and the list could go on and on.

8.What is your favorite thing to do (other than crafting)?

I love to play soccer on my local co-ed team. No matter how grumpy I show up to soccer, I leave in a fantastic mood.

Thanks so much Chrissy!  You can learn more about her on her bio page.