I thought today we could tackle the subject matter that is also the name of this podcast … the craft room. More specifically … small crafting spaces. Because, let’s be honest, as much as would all probably love one of those Pinterest worth, fully decked out and coordinated craft rooms, the reality for most of us is that we have a relatively small space to dedicate to craft. Unless you have a spare bedroom, home office or rumpus room going unused, chances are that you craft at a desk tucked into ...
May 13, 2019•38 min•Ep. 11
Today I’ve been thinking about one of the most common questions I see in Facebook cardmaking groups … “I’m new to cardmaking, what should I buy?”. The answers always intrigue me. Everyone is so passionate about what they think is the best tool or most useful thing to have, and I really love seeing everyone being so helpful to those who are new to the craft. However, while the answers come from a place of pure enthusiasm, they’re not always going to be what the person who has asked the question a...
May 04, 2019•50 min•Ep. 10
As you may have guessed by the title, today we’re going to chat about those frustrating early days of crafting. Whenever we pick up a new craft, or pursue any new creative endeavour, there is inevitably frustration because you have a firm idea in your head about what you want your finished piece to look like, but it’s just not up to your ideal standard straight away. I honestly don’t know a single creative person who hasn’t been through this exact scenario … and I’ll start with a little story. A...
Apr 26, 2019•31 min•Ep. 9
Today let’s talk about how craft can be good for your health. I mean ... it offers us so much … physically, emotionally, socially and phsychologically. I put out a call to my Facebook page for some stories about how crafting is helpful, and was not disappointed by the response. Some stories are my own, some are other people’s but it’s heartening to see how many people use craft for both physical and mental health benefits. Links https://www.smh.com.au/lifestyle/health-and-wellness/how-craft-is-g...
Apr 18, 2019•28 min•Ep. 8
Welcome to The Craft Room. Today let's talk about the thing that everyeone seems to be talking about ... decluttering. it really does feel like everybody is talking about declulttering at the moment (minimalism would be a close second), so let's go there today, specifically in relation to craft stuff. Now if you haven't heard of Marie Kondo, she is a Japanese professional organiser. Her book, 'The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering & Organising', is a New Yor...
Apr 10, 2019•36 min•Ep. 7
Welcome to The Craft Room. Today we're going to explore, not only my top 10 ways to find your lost mojo, but also some reasons why it might have gone MIA in the first place. Understanding why your creativity has taken a dip will help you figure out which of these tips might help you find it again. 1. Walk away - Sometimes you need to take a break, distract your brain, by walking away from your project to make a cuppa, sleep on it or take a couple of days off. Coming back to it with fresh eyes ca...
Apr 02, 2019•38 min•Ep. 6
Welcome to The Craft Room! Today I am joined by Marni Franks, of Frankensteins Fabrics, who is sharing with us the top 10 supplies & tools you will need to create a quilt top. Sure, there are lots of wonderful toys you can buy to make quilts, but we're talking bare basic necessities. We've each thrown in an honourable mention each, so stay tuned till the end for those. 1. Pattern 2. Sewing Machine 3. Rotary Cutter 4. Ruler 5. Self-healing Cutting Mat 6. 1/4" Sewing Machine Foot 7. Fabric 8. ...
Mar 27, 2019•25 min•Ep. 5
So glad to have you in The Craft Room with me today. All through March we’re talking about getting started, and since we’re on a roll with paper crafting, there are two tools that we need to talk about. They often frustrate and freak out their new owners, so I thought we could chat about those today, so you’re aware and prepared! Both tools are popular and can be expensive, and like most people, I learned these quirky issues the hard way. We’re talking about trimmers and die cutting machines. Le...
Mar 19, 2019•29 min•Ep. 4
Hello! Thanks for joining me in the craft room with me today! Here I was with only the cat to talk to, and now, here you are. Last week we talked about card making, and my top 6 must-have items for making a basic card. A lot of card makers become stampers, so today, I thought we’d talk about stamping, specifically … what exactly you NEED to start. Naturally there are a lot of options, as with card making, so I’ll try to break it down for those who are just starting out in the world of stamping. ...
Feb 25, 2019•20 min•Ep. 3
Hello! I am so glad to have you in the craft room with me today! Today, I thought we’d talk about card making, specifically … what exactly do you NEED to start. Firstly, let’s consider a card you might buy at the newsagent, or even at the dollar store. Essentially, you have a folded piece of heavy weight cardstock, with an image, and usually a sentiment, on the front … a matching envelope, and possibly a sentiment or longer verse inside. It might be funny, pretty, whimsical, macho, minimalist, a...
Feb 25, 2019•25 min•Ep. 2
Hello … and welcome … I am so excited that you’re joining me today for this very first podcast episode. I’m going to try to keep this intro episode short and sweet, so we can get to the good stuff, but I thought I’d introduce myself and give you an idea of what this podcast is all about. You may have guessed by the title, each week we will be in the craft room … talking all things craft. You may also have guessed that I really love craft … and this is true. I love it so much that I created a car...
Feb 25, 2019•9 min•Ep. 1
