Tuesday, August 25, 2009

Meet Rachel- Week #4 + Giveaway!

Everyone, meet Rachel! She is a funny, cute, crafty mama, expecting baby #2. Her blog is so inspiring. . .I am sure you will all enjoy her interview as much as I did!


1. Tell us a little bit about your family, business and hobbies.
My husband and I live in Springfield, Missouri with our three year old, Sebastian and are preparing to welcome little Ruby in early November! We have put together a fun, mix-n-match house full of thrifted and repurposed finds and try to get outside for little bits of each day while the mosquitoes are sleeping.

2. How do you include your family in your crafting fun?
I always try to find ways to let Sebastian join in when he shows interest in something crafty I'm doing. Whether that is getting out the paints for him to make something pretty for Mama while I supervise out of the corner of my eye, or help him build a tower out of those same paint tubes, I always try to let him feel welcome in the studio space and allowed to create something with me. My husband and son are both supportive and equally interested in our random trips to flea markets on the side of the highway and can usually find something to entertain themselves with while I scan the booths for things I must have. I let Sebastian take home little tractors or trains that he shows extra interest in as long as the price is manageable. He's learning how to enjoy things for a moment and then putting them back without a big fuss, which is quite mature of him since sometimes I can't manage that myself.


3. How has being a "crafty mama" enhanced you and your families lives?
I think it has made our daily atmosphere a little more colorful and eclectic and encourages thinking outside of the box. I hope to be able to pass along special family treasures to my kids in the form of handmade items that will always remind them of how much they are loved and teach them them to appreciate putting time and effort into gifts. Being able to learn from and enjoy the visual examples of other crafty mamas online has encouraged me to be more thoughtful and intentional in what experiences I offer my family and how to make our lives more rich.


4. What is your all-time favorite craft or project that you have made?
My very first large-ish quilt was started right before I found out I was pregnant with Sebastian and before I knew just how daunting of a task it would be to finish. I started with naive ambition and made a lot of mistakes along the way but still love how wildly colorful it is and the memories attached to it. In a similar way I was working on my first large-ish painting right before I found out I was pregnant with Ruby earlier this year and like to think whatever hormone cocktails were brewing in my body both times were causing me to want to make big, pretty things.
5. Do you have any tips for mama's who would like to get in on the creative fun but just can't seem to find the time or money?
There will always be more things you should be doing elsewhere which can make giving value to creative time feel like a selfish act but it is usually something that leaves you feeling enriched and inspired and can become a shared experience with your family. Planning ahead and communicating with everyone about what you'd like to do will help you protect that time and might even get them a little interested as well. Look for craft supplies such as yarn, fabric or wooden shapes that can be reused. Keep a list of supplies you need to make a project and collect them over time. There are tons of video tutorials on YouTube.com and crafty blogs that can help you start a new skill without spending money on a class. Often times local craft and quilting stores will offer inexpensive classes that leave you with a finished project at the end and a few new friends. Don't be scared to try something new and don't put it off until you have more time. Make some time.



6. What is your all-time favorite dessert?

Oooh, favorite healthy dessert is cold watermelon scooped straight from the melon. I keep one in our fridge at all times. I just cut off the top 1/3 to slice or scoop out into a tupper ware dish for easy storage and then I stick the large part open side up into a pyrex bowl and cover it with saran wrap. When I'm in the mood for something sweet, I just grab a spoon, take it out of the fridge and help myself! My husband doesn't like watermelon and my son doesn't mind double dipping so it's a fantastic set up.

My new favorite not as healthy dessert for summer time is cold rice pudding! I love it almost any time of day. I used to tutor two young Armenian boys a few times a week and their grandma would always be sending me home with Armenian treats. One day she gave me the best rice pudding I'd ever had and sent me home with a vague recipe. I've never been able to replicate it quite like she did but I still try!

Take care,

Rachel Denbow

http://blingonmysewingmachine.blogspot.com/

http://flickr.com/photos/denbow

http://ponyparty.etsy.com/

Giveaway #4

Paula and Percy Peacock Teacup

Leave a comment on Rachel's interview and make sure to leave your e-mail address so I can get in touch with you :-)

Winner will be chosen at random!


8 comments:

Clifford Jeffery said...

I have loved your crafty month even if I don't have a creative bone in my body! LOL

Kristan said...

I am glad I am not the only one who feels both guilty and great at the same time after/while making something crafty-- instead of cleaning house or cooking... I love to read others blogs, I always end up feeling like there are others out there that are like me.

Lovely Kasey said...

Rachel is always such an inspiration. :)


email--putyourredbootson@yahoo.com

TZel said...

This teacup is so cute and friendly-looking! I would love to start my day with it! Thank you so much!

angela said...

Rachel is such a creative and kind soul. im glad to call her my friend.

Clifford Jeffery said...

Ok, this one is from my mom because she does not have a google account and cannot figure this out! LOL!!! She says, "Caleb is sure cute and I like the teacup. This is my first blog thing to comment on and I have no idea how!" - Sharon Wheeler

Adriane said...

I love your big bright painting. I tend to make them big and bright as well. It just makes you feel happy! It is harder to find craft supplies over here in Korea though. I am sure there is some place to buy them, I just have not found it yet.

I love the tea cup as well, so I hope that I win it. It would be great for my cup of tea every morning!

Lmpreiss said...

What a neat interview. I've been trying to do more of this with my kids. Hopefully this will get me motivated.

What a beautiful tea cup!!

Linda
l.preiss@comcast.net