Behind the Blog: My Girl Thursday

Ever wonder about some of your favorite bloggers?  You visit their blogs, read about their lives, see their projects and think… How did they create that beautiful (insert word here)? How do they balance their art with the rest of their lives?  What inspires them? And really important questions like… What's their favorite coffee drink?

I'm very excited to start a new feature today.  "Behind the Blog" will be a series of interviews with interesting and talented bloggers.  First up, Thursday from "My Girl Thursday."

What inspired you to start a blog?

I first started blogging many moons ago when I lived in China.  It was an easy way to keep my friends and family up-to-date on my latest adventures.  

After I started crafting in 2006 I decided to begin another blog that focused primarily on my handmade projects.  Over the years I have changed my blog domain a couple of times – but I’m finally feeling at home at MyGirlThursday.com.

Thursday's Craft Space

Where do you create?  What types of projects are your favorites?

I used to craft non-stop.  I’m not exaggerating.  I was so neurotic.  I had to have a project with me wherever I went.

Being pregnant and having a baby has killed my compulsive crafting.  Now I like to set aside a day or two a week and spend the entire time crafting.  I have a really supportive partner who will whisk away the baby for a day of daddy time.

I try hard to only create things that I love.  At one time I screenprinted thrifted clothing and sold them in boutiques and on Etsy.  Problem was that I hated screenprinting.  I have a rule about this sort of thing now.  Don’t make what you don’t love.  Simple, but it keeps me a happy crafter.

 Thursday's Etsy Shop Goodies

What's the last thing you made?

Most recently I have been creating a copious amount of aprons and tote bags in order to get enough stock for my Etsy shop.  So it would either be an apron or tote.  That is unless you want to count the cake I made last night (I bake.  I bake too much.)

Have you always had that creative spark?  How do you nurture it?

I’ve always had the desire to be creative – but I didn’t act on it for a very long time.  I grew up surrounded by creative women, but because their style was so different from my own I didn’t feel like I had a place in the creative world.  I also really struggle with my need for immediate perfection in my handmade work.  I get discouraged very quickly when my work isn’t impeccable after my first try.

But back in 2006 I started working at a thrift shop and met tones of interesting and creative people.  This really inspired to get off my tush and make something.  After my first (misshapen) crocheted dishcloth I couldn’t be stopped. 

Personal Project:  Baby Shoes

What inspires you?  How do keep your inspiration fresh?

It’s seems almost a clichéd to say – but I’m hugely inspired by all things vintage.  I could spend days leafing through old print ads and watching Petticoat Junction.  I grew up watching 50’s and 60’s television – so there’s something about vintage kitsch that feels like home.

To keep my inspiration fresh I do a few of things:

• Remember the things that grab my attention.  I keep a journal where I record anything I see, love and don’t want to forget.
• Keep an eye on trends.  I don’t think it’s a terrible thing to follow trends that you love.  On the same note – I absolutely refuse to incorporate trends that I’m not digging – no matter how many blog views or sales it would bring.
• Reevaluate often.  Just because I adored a fabric when I bought it months ago does not mean that I’ll dig it forever.  A couple years ago I loved casting resin more than any other craft.  Now that I have a baby I can’t stand the thought of having those toxins in the house.  It’s important to me to only create things that I am crazy about (and not things that make me crazy).

Personal Project:  Pot Holders 

You're a very witty writer…

I am a terribly awkward person in reality.  I’m shy, sarcastic, have a rotten sense of humour and I really hate showering.  But there’s still a part of me that enjoys some level of human interaction.  

Blogging allows me to be true to myself in a way that I’m not really comfortable with in real life.  If you like me – you like me.  You comment on my blog, we make a connection and it’s cool.  If you don’t like me then you just don’t come back to my site.  I can’t see the strange look on your face and I don’t feel judged. Seriously – it’s a social phobic’s dream come true.

(via) 

Favorite Coffee Drink?  Drink Drink?

I don’t drink coffee or tea.  I used to drink Coke – but I now have a ginormous dental bill to pay because of it.  I miss Coke.

If I’m getting a little boozy my favourite drink is pretty boring.  I love my vodka with a little juice d’orange. 

Gentleman Prefer Blondes

(via)

Best loved Movie, Book and TV show?

Movie – Gentlemen Prefer Blondes 

Know it word by word.

Book – Alias Grace by Margaret Atwood

I don’t ever read a book twice – but I think I need to pick this one up again.

TV Show – Project Runway

Kind of cheesy – but I almost always feel inspired after watching an episode.

Dinner Party with your favorite creative people—who’s invited?

I’d invite just two people – Amy Sedaris and Martha Stewart.  I wouldn’t say one word the whole time.  I’d be more than pleased to just sit back and watch the show.  

Is there a quote you especially feel drawn to?

Be the change you wish to see in the world. – Gandhi

It’s a popular one, but I really love it.  I had the first three words tattooed on me about five years ago.  I don’t always follow the advice, but having it on me is a pretty strong reminder to be the person I want to be.

Thursday's Multi Coloured Badges on Etsy 

Colors you tend to use?

There’s a lot!  I’m a huge fan of colour.  My favourite color is yellow.  It can be combined with so many to create a perfectly alive look. 

You have beautiful graphic design on your blog— school or are you self taught? How do you do it?

I’m totally self-taught.  I’ve spent countless hours in my own school of trial and error.  I have leaps and bounds to grow, but it’s something I really enjoy learning.  

I loathe bad signage (and I’ve been responsible for some terrible design in my time). That’s what motivates me to keep growing as a amateur graphic designer.

Thursday's Self Portrait with Gnome

What's the deal with the gnome on your profile picture?

The gnome in the picture is your classic stolen garden art.  But don’t worry! I lifted him from my grandma and she knows about it.  Maybe that makes him not stolen – but that makes the story a lot less interesting.  

Anything else you’d like to share?  

I’ve just reopened My Girl Thursday on Etsy.  It’s been in the works for months and I’m so elated to finally have it up and running.  

I am so dedicated to making a go of my handmade business.  I want nothing more than to be able to stay at home with my little girl once my maternity leave is up.  It would be a dream come true to be able to make a living through my creative endeavors.

Personal Project:  Embroidered Pillow 

Where can we “find you”?

You can find me lurking in these corners of the web:

Blog: https://www.mygirlthursday.com

Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/mygirlthursday

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/mygirlthursday

Flickr: https://www.flickr.com/photos/my-girl-thursday

Thanks Thursday!  Next week on "Behind the Blog"… Holly from 504 Main.  And coming up…

Keren from Free Pretty Things For You

Kim from Today's Creative Blog

Rory from Tools are For Women Too

And many more!  If you'd like to be the subject of a grueling interview for "Behind the Blog" (HA!) email me.