ok then, here we go!

Oh gosh, thanks guys so much for your questions! I got some of the nicest and sweetest comments too, you really know how to tug at my heart strings! Thank you.

Well, I thought originally that I would try to group the questions together in categories and answer them that way, but now I think it might just be easier to answer them in the order the came.

How did you learn to sew? Any tips for beginners? 
I don't have any memories of actually sewing anything until I took Home Ec in 7th grade. Although, I have lots of watching my mother sew (and fighting with her machine over the tension) when I was very young. I also remember always being very interested in anything someone made themselves. So, I guess the whole sewing thing started for me in Jr. High but the fascination with it was there all along. My own interest in it and the classes I would continue to take in school gave me my foundation. Most of my sewing skills came from trial and error and I shudder to think of some of the errors I wore to high school! My advice to beginners would be to not take on anything to grand that would be totally frustrating and rob you of the fun. Start basic and work your way up to more involved projects. Don't be afraid of trying a new skill, and most of all DON'T EVER GIVE UP! It will all be worth it, promise.

When did you realize you were and artist, what were you crafting?
I have never thought of myself as an artist. That word has always felt way more talented then I ever considered myself. Though I have come to the conclusion recently, that what many of us do really is art. I don't feel that way about everything I make of course, but some of it I do. In our own personal ways, I think we are all artists. That feeling has been coming on slowly and only recently. There was not a defining moment while I was working on anything in particular.

Have you crafted since you were little or did you start later in life?
Yes, since I was young. I remember making Christmas ornaments each year, doing cross stitch that came in those tiny kits complete with a cheap-o frame and crocheting a 50 ft. long chain because my mom forgot how to turn around! ha. I would say no matter your age now, if you have an interest--dive in!

Have you always enjoyed photography? What kind of camera do you use?
Oh yes, have always enjoyed photography. I took it in high school, way back before digital ;) and used a dark room for all my developing. The camera I use now was given to me (thank you daddy!) and it's a Cannon Rebel. It's their older model, but still plenty of camera for me. More bells and whistles then I know what to do with!

What do you think about when setting up a photo?
Well, first I think about the color or colors of the object I'm photographing and what kind of background would complement it best. It's not like I have a lot choices around  here, but  almost always I prefer a neutral background. Overall, I always want to think about the whole photo and not just my subject. Natural light is always best I think, so I wait (if time permits) for the right time of the day when I know the light will be pretty. Or, sometimes I notice how wonderful the light is spontaneously and grab my camera for an impromptu shoot. And then there are those days when just getting the picture taken is the priority and I don't have the luxury of setting things up just the way I would like them. Such is the life of a mom! Details need to wait many days.

I just got a call from Mark and he is taking me out to dinner! So I'll need to stop a little short of where I planned. Answering all your wonderful questions will take another post or 2, or 5 :)

A bit about the photos before I run:

1. Still life in monochrome. Flowers from my yard, ceramic lemon.

2. New pink daisies I'm getting ready to plant.

3. Part of my whole sprucing up deal, an old chandelier is getting a new paint job! Can't wait to hang it.

Back soon!

T.

Comments

[macati]

oh, I'm liking this... good questions and great answers and lovely pictures.
:)
manela

[Queen Bee]

This is a great idea! It's really interesting to find out more about how people got into crafting in the first place :)

[Queen Bee]

I forgot to say - hope you enjoy your dinner!!

[Kathe Kramer]

Your answers, another example of how you put your heart into everything you do. This is gonna be good!

[June]

Your questions and answers post is quite interesting. I really enjoy understanding how other people view their work, process, inspirations, and resulting creations--it helps me learn, too.

[Tracy]

Such fun reading all the questions/answers...and as always, wonderful photos! Happy Day :o)

[stacey]

The pictures are fabulous! I just got a Cannon Rebel XT and it's a bit much camera for me - so any tips I can pick up - all the better:)