Friday, August 12, 2011

Day #141 - "Crafty Corner" Interview!!

Good morning, everyone!

Been a bit quiet with some things I needed and continue to need to do here.  But, all that aside, it's time to meet another creative person!

Today, we are going to meet Erin!   Enjoy!

Some pillowcases Erin made!  Cute, eh?

How did you start your business in the first place?

I sort of got thrown into it.  I made myself a diaper bag, and a friend of mine liked it so much that she asked me to make one for her, too.  Then it snowballed from there.  I have a Facebook page for my little sewing business, and that attracted a boutique owner in Canada who wanted my stuff for her store.  Last fall, the smallest member of the Rowdy Bunch (my 3 sons – lol) had some medical issues come up, and I had to stop sewing.  I am getting back to it as much as I can though.

How did you come up with your company name and what does it mean to you?

Mama Cubed Creations was all my mom’s doing.  When I found out I was pregnant with my first child, my mom started calling me “Mama,” like I have with her all my life.  Then when our second was on the way, it turned to “Mama Mama.”  With our third, who was a HUGE surprise, she decided that “Mama Mama Mama” was just a bit too much, and she shortened it to Mama Cubed.  When I needed a name for my business, she suggested Mama Cubed Creations.  It was perfect.

How long have you been in business?

January of 2010 was when I started, so about 18 months.

How has what you do changed over time?

I design a lot more than I used to.  I need something new all the time, so I am constantly coming up with things that I want to make.  I have a few notebooks full of things “to do,” but sadly I haven’t figured out how to get more than 24 hours out of everyday.  (When you do, Erin, let us know!!)

One of her felted pincushions!  Soooo sweet!

WE ARE WONDERING ABOUT YOUR CREATIVE LIFE…
Tell us about what you make and how you got started.

I make all kinds of things; bags, blankets, key fobs, lanyards, laptop cases, aprons, etc.

How long have you been creating ?

About as long as I can remember, though my mom recently found a report card of mine from 4th grade where it said I needed improvement in my creativity.  Ha!  I wish I could go back and show that teacher where I am now.

What is your favorite project to work on? 

I don’t really have a favorite.  A lot of it depends on my mood.  Sometimes I want to get down and dirty and paint, and others the hum of my sewing machine is therapy for me.  I get the most joy out of making things for my kids and family.  Plus, I know they aren’t as critical as I am, so they won’t notice the flaws that stick out like a sore thumb to me.

How do you get your ideas? Do you start with a fabric, yarn, or fabrics or a concept in mind first?

I usually start with a concept, and go from there.  Since most of my business is custom order, I tailor my fabric selection to my customer’s style and preference.  

What other type of crafting to do you?

I paint, bake, decorate cakes, sew, and crochet.  I’d like to learn how to make soap, both melt and mold and cold process, do stained glass and a few other things.  I am always creating.

Describe your crafting/studio space to us.

We have a spiral staircase in our house that leads to an attic/bunkroom of sorts.  I’ve taken over one side of that for my crafting.  I have a sewing table, lots of book cases and BOXES full of fabric.  Most of my sewing is done at our kitchen table though, as I like to be near my hubby so we can watch movies while I sew.
 
For Fun…

What is something that makes you laugh out loud?

My youngest is very dramatic, and he can usually do something that makes me giggle.  I can’t wait to see what he, and his big brothers, turns out to be.

What is absolutely the best cookie you’ve ever had?

There was a bakery at the mall when we lived in Washington state that was divine.  They had these cookies that were chocolate that they would cover with a marshmallow crème type of frosting, and then cover with chocolate butter cream.  I’ve been trying to replicate them for years, and while I’ve come close, nothing is as sweet as my memory!

What is your best “stress buster”?

Sewing is wonderful, but when that’s not possible, I plug my iPod in, turn on Pandora Radio, and blast it and sing and dance with my boys.

What are your lifelong dreams?  
                          
I’d love to open a café/bakery and gift store.  Somewhere where I could have all the things I love together in one place.  A place where I would be able to create all the time.  It would be a friendly place where the coffee was always on, and the company would be good. (So would the coffee.)

What three character traits would your friends use to describe you? 

Since I had to ask them, this is what a few of them said – “Industrious” (that made me giggle), “Generous” and “REAL.”  I love my friends.

If you could visit anywhere on Earth, where would it be and why?

Ah, so many places… if I had to pick just one it would be Ireland.  I am in awe of the landscapes and lifestyle there. 

How many hats OR shoes to do own?

I have 10 pairs of shoes, unless some are hiding somewhere.  And I only own 1 hat.  Not much of a fashionista, huh?

Do you have a favorite author? Who is it and which of their works do you enjoy the most?

J.K. Rowling is my absolute favorite.  I had to get the Harry Potter books in hardback  because I was wearing them out.

I f you have a blog, how do you decide what to write about?

I mostly write about my sewing projects and the boys.  I don’t have enough time to blog consistently, but the nice thing about my blog is that it’s always there when I need it.

If you could meet anyone, who would it be, why?

This is a tough one.   There are so many people I’d like to meet… most of them creative – Kate Spain, Deb Strain, Patty Young, the Pioneer Woman, the Whisk Kid, Julie Herman of Jaybird Quilts… the list is endless!

If you could choose one superhero power, what would it be and why? 

I would be able to fly.  I love the idea of being able to pick up and leave and go somewhere completely new at the drop of a hat.  And all the things you’d be able to see that you miss from on the ground.  It would be amazing!

Some adorable bags she made for the boys!
Thanks so much, Erin, for sharing your world with us!  Check out her blog at Mama Cubed Creations!
Enjoy the day!
Quilty hugs,
Carrie

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