A Crafter’s Life: my day in photos.
It’s that time again. I am really loving these features and am happy with the feedback from all of you. Hope you’ll enjoy another fun interview…
Name: Suzanne Kruse
Business Name: SUZANNEMADE
Location: Kelowna, BC (Canada)
Website/Blog: www.suzannemade.com; www.suzyville.blogspot.com
First of all, can you tell us what you create?
My passion is making jewelry! Although I really enjoy creating anything and everything, so I have recently begun to expand the “Suzannemade†line to include my paintings, sewn goods (bags, etc), stationery, and a few other little goodies. I mostly sell my pieces in my online shop but about once a season I will participate in art and craft shows (sometimes I’ll even host my own, at home).
How do you begin your day? Any morning rituals?
Lately I have been getting up extra early, when my husband gets up for work (at the crack of dawn). Unfortunately I am not much of a morning person so being up early requires lots of coffee for me (usually in latté form). I’ll use this time to catch up on e-mails and blogs in my Google Reader (which is very handy for me since it seems like I read like over 100 blogs now!), updating items in my online shop, munching on some granola and yogurt, and of course, more coffee.
Do you do something crafty each day? Where does your inspiration come from?
I definitely try to do something creative every day – whether it’s taking pictures, baking and decorating cupcakes, making jewelry, drawing, sewing, etc – so I am pretty much always crafting up something!
I am inspired by so many things. Sometimes it’s as simple as the materials themselves that inspire me to make something out of them, sometimes it everything else… books, buildings, animals, trees, flowers, people, random objects, clouds in the sky…
There is a constant stream of new ideas popping into my head and I seem to have more ideas than the time to make them into reality so I try to keep lots of lists or sketches of to-do’s and to-make’s.
What’s your workspace like (organized)?
I wish I could say my workplace was this awesome studio somewhere, however, in reality it is just my little apartment. Usually either my kitchen table or coffee table! Technically our spare bedroom is supposed to be my “craft room†but I like to watch tv or listen to music while I work so I’ve ended up with charms, crystals, chains and tools all over the place now – but it’s organized chaos! I do try to keep some of my supplies somewhat organized, in one of those plastic chests of drawers – otherwise it would take my forever to find what I need!
How many hours does your normal work day consist of?
I work a full time office job, so my “crafting†work day is during evenings and weekends. I usually make stuff during the evenings throughout the week, then on the weekends I will take photos (as that’s the only time I am at home with natural light!) and post items on my shop.
How do you end your day of crafty business? Any evening rituals?
Usually I’ll have a mug of hot chocolate or a bowl of cereal, then make some lists of things I need to finish next, upload things onto my Flickr / Facebook / Twitter, and usually post on my blog (I am trying to get into the habit of posting at least 5 times per week). At bedtime I like to snuggle up with my kitty and husband and watch mind-numbing tv like TMZ – although lately I have also been watching Jimmy Fallon on late night – he cracks me up!
What is your definition of a perfect day?
A sunny autumn day and picnic at the beach with my husband.
Thanks so much, Suzanne! “Organized chaos” is something I can absolutely relate to. Crafting in a small apartment is often rough, but I’m glad you make it work!
If you’re interested in being featured, just let me know. I’d love to have you! Just send me an email (liana@mixedplateblog.com) if you’d like to learn more.
Thanks Liana! That was fun :D
Great feature! I really enjoyed this!