{Crafter Interview} Leah of Skipper's Creative Expressions

Today in our Crafter Interview series we are chatting to Leah of Skipper’s Creative Expressions. So settling in with a cuppa and enjoy

My name is Leah aka Skipper and I have waaaaay too many hobbies for my own good. I love to do quilting, sewing, crocheting, digital scrapbooking, project life, scripture journaling, cross stitching and more recently have been sucked into the vortex of planners! I also do whatever I fancy, creatively as I am inspired to do so. I like to blog on my crafty blog over at http://skipperscreativeexpressions.blogspot.com.au/ and chat about my crafting life. I have three children, one cat, one dog and the most wonderful of husbands who not only encourages me to get my craft on, but is proud of what I create and shows an interest in whatever I am up to. I’m currently a SAHM while I do my uni degree externally. It all keeps be very busy!

When did you start crafting? 2001 – I started with painting and cross stitch. Before then I thought arts and crafts were for old ladies!

If you could only pick one craft to do for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Quilting. It’s so incredibly beautiful, relaxing and it can be done just about anywhere.

What is your crafting “style”?

Modern and Bold. I love colour and patterns and I’m not afraid to use them.

What is the main source of inspiration?

Pinterest. I spend time looking for things I like and putting them on my boards. Then when I am ready to start a new project I scour my boards for inspiration.

What is the best advice someone gave you about crafting?

If you aren’t loving what you are doing, ditch it. Why spend precious crafting time on something that doesn’t bring you joy?

What tips would you give a beginner?

Start small. Find basic and small projects so you don’t become overwhelmed and give up. Fire up you-tube and look for tutorials to learn skills – there are so many expert teachers on there that can teach you all you need to know.

What is your must have crafting tool?

I keep it pretty simple around here and keep my equipment and tools to the bare minimum. But I do love freshly sharpened fabric scissors. Nothing annoys me more than scissors that do not cut properly!

Where do you craft? Dining table, own dedicated craft space?

I have my “craft hub”. It’s a small room off of the lounge. It has our old kitchen table as my desk in it so I have plenty of room to spread out and create.

How many WIPs do you have on the go right now?

I have 5 out of the WIP crates that I am working on right now and around 15 in the crates. In two days time I will be starting a Block of the Month project for our king-size bed, increasing the WIP number!

What would be on your crafty bucket list

I would love to create my own artwork for my home with acrylic paint and watercolours.

Do you listen to music when you craft?

No, I tend to “watch” TV series and documentaries. Music annoys me for some reason when I am trying to create. The only time I listen to music while crafting is at Christmas time, and the carols are cranked right up!

Tea or Coffee – which do you prefer?

Do I have to choose? I love them both. If it’s morning, definitely coffee! But in the afternoon, nothing makes me happier than pouring freshly brewed tea from my cupcake teapot.

Favourite TV show?

Downton Abby

What non-crafting related item can’t you live without? Why?

My kindle. I love to read!