Meet Katie from Sweet Girl Expressions

1. How did you start crafting?

I started crafting when I was little. I really don't remember exactly when. Both my mother & my grandmother are artists so we were always painting or creating something together. For the last 10 or 15 years my crafting skills had been sitting dormant. I was busy taking care of babies or helping run the family business so I never had any energy left to be creative. Now that we do not have the business any more & my youngest is in school I have gone back to my crafting ways. In fact my creative side has come back with a vengeance, I am constantly making things now!

2. What's your favorite style?

My style is kind of like a person with a split personality. I like the shabby chic, girly style but I also love a good amount of rust & junk. So I guess you could say my favorite style is rusty-junky-shabby chic.

3. Besides crafting, what are your other hobbies?

Besides crafting I chase my kids around & try to "hold down the fort" at home. I also love to blog, cook, and go to flea markets or estate sales. I'm always on the look out for something that catches my eye & turn it into something unique.

You can read about my crafting & my crazy life on my blog - Sweet Girl Expressions.

You can follow me on Twitter - @15kates

Or find me on Pinterest -http://pinterest.com/kates15/ ....(I spend way too much time on there)

Meet Kacey from Stay at Home Artist

1. How did you start crafting?
I've always loved to create. I drew constantly as a little girl, made friendship bracelets and keychains to sell to neighborhood kids in elementary school, took every art class I could through middle and high school, and earned a degree in Art Education K-12 in college. After teaching art in public school for 3 years and privately for 2, I'm now teaching myself how to sew, learning to use some different graphic design programs, and running an Etsy shop. It seems natural for someone like me to write a crafty blog....creativity plays such a huge role in my life.


2. What's your favorite style?
That's a tough one! It's always fun to try out new trends and experiment with different styles. That's what keeps crafting fresh and interesting, I think. I would describe my general style as a combination of contemporary and traditional with a dash of whimsy. :)


3. Besides crafting, what are your other hobbies?
Reading is my other life-long love. There's nothing like devouring a good book. I also love to watch sports--especially basketball and the Olympics. But mostly I enjoy hanging out with my husband. We're total home bodies, so we spend a lot of evenings snuggled up on the couch watching our favorite shows on Netflix or cheering on our favorite sports teams.


Kacey's Blog: www.stayathomeartist.com
Kacey's Pinterest: pinterest.com/kaceface/
Kacey's Etsy Shop: kaceface.etsy.com

Meet Connie from Measured by the Heart

1. How did you start crafting?

I can't remember a time when I wasn't making something. I grew up in a very creative environment and I am trying to pass that on to my little girls.

2. What is your favorite style?

I am not a "favorites" type of person. I can see things I like in a variety of styles. I guess you would call me eclectic. I like to think out of the box and not be limited to one particular style.

3. Besides crafting what are your other hobbies?

I LOVE to read. So much so that I host an online book club on my blog. I also love graphic design. It's probably my favorite type of crafting. But the thing I love the most is spending time with my family. There is nothing better than curling up with the my girls and hubby on a lazy evening. Well actually there are vacations, and swimming, and outings and movies. But it all boils down to family time. As long as we are together there is no where I'd rather be!!




Head over to Connie's blog, Measured by the Heart, and say hello!

Meet Rhonda at home.made

 

1.  How did you start crafting?

I've pretty much always been a "tinkerer"... but things really picked up in the crafting department once I had a home and my two children - they inspire so much of my creativity.

 

 

2.  What’s your favorite style? (steampunk, modern, shabby, etc.)

My favorite style is probably shabby~vintage~country, although I'm really all over the place depending on what I'm making.  (Creative minds are like that, right?)

3.  Besides crafting, what are your other hobbies?

I enjoy spending time with my family and my church and refurbishing old furniture.  (I'd love to say something like running marathons, but let's be honest... when would I craft if I were running all the time?!)

Stop by home.made and say hello to Rhonda!

Meet Carrie from Lovely Etc,

 

1.  How did you start crafting?

I really didn't do much crafting until college.  Like most college kids, I had no money so I started making cards and gifts to give for birthdays and Christmas.  Pretty soon I realized that I really loved playing around with color and design to create something beautiful.  And the challenge of figuring out exactly how to make what I dreamed up was an added bonus. 

2.  What’s your favorite style?

This is a really tough one because I love to mix so many styles...but I feel like saying eclectic would be a total cop-out.  So I am going to say my personal style is rustic glam cottage.   I love to combine freshly painted furniture with well-worn vintage finds and a just a hint of sparkle. 

3.  Besides crafting, what are your other hobbies?

I have always been an avid reader and I feel incomplete if I'm not making my way through a novel. (Yes, I am a complete dork). I also love roadtrips (the only travel I can afford on a regular basis), through the viewfinder photography, and treasure hunting at yard sales.

Go by and say hello to Carrie at Lovely Etc.

Meet Ashley from Cherished Bliss

 

 

1.  How did you start crafting?

It all started when I was pregnant with my daughter. I couldn't find crib bedding I wanted so I bought the cheapest sewing machine ever (which I still have and hate) and taught myself to sew. I had always wanted to learn anyways and now I can't get enough! I later learned to crochet so I could make my kiddos hats and now I'm redecorating my house.... : )

 

 

 

2.  What’s your favorite style? (steampunk, modern, shabby, etc.)

 

Maybe you can tell me? I always wonder this myself! I like distressed/vintage furniture bright colors and a little bit of modern. So maybe vintage with a modern twist?!

 

3.  Besides crafting, what are your other hobbies?

 

I LOVE theatre and in high school I was involved in the Technical side of it. You will never find me on a stage unless I'm building a set piece or doing lighting. My husband is a worship leader so that allows me to get a little of my theatre side out! I'd have to say lighting is my favorite part though!

Stop by to visit Ashley at Cherished Bliss!

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas from the OMTWI team! 

image source

Meet Jessica from Sunny Tuesday

 

 

 

1.  How did you start crafting?

Oh boy, I've been crafting for as long as I can remember!  My Grandma taught me to sew when I was probably around 7 and she'd always have little projects for my sister and me when we went over to her house.  Sometimes it was embroidery or crocheting (fail) or one time we made some little cheesecloth angels (still have mine!).  My mom would send me to clean my room and I'd spend hours cutting up fabric to make clothes for my Barbies or creating tiny works of art for my dollhouse.  And not cleaning my room.

 

 

2.  What’s your favorite style? (steampunk, modern, shabby, etc.)

This question sent me on a "What's My Style" quiz binge without a clear answer in the end!  Ha!  I'll just say my style is anything that makes me happy.  That tends to be vintage/shabby with a little bit of bright & funky and a splash of fleur-de-lis.

 

3.  Besides crafting, what are your other hobbies?

I love reading when I have the time, but lately my time has been consumed with being a mom, keeping house, crafting, blogging and church.  So, next time I go to the beach, I'll be checking back in with y'all for some good book recs!  Also, we're pretty big college football fans in our house. :)

Stop by Sunny Tuesday and say hello to Jessica!

Meet Kristen from My Covered Bridge

 

1. How did you start crafting?

It started out of necessity.  I wanted to decorate my home – on a budget.  So, I started making things on my own – trying to get a high end look at a fraction of the price.

2. What’s your favorite style?

I guess I’m pretty traditional – but with a modern twist.  I like classic and simple.

3.  Besides crafting, what are your other hobbies?

I spend my free time raising my four kids, remodeling my house, and hanging out with my husband.  I’m not sure if they qualify as hobbies but it’s what I love to do.

Stop by My Covered Bridge and say hi!

Meet Libby from A Perfectly Crazy Life

 

1. How did you start crafting?

I have always been a crafty person.  It started as necessity, no money to purchase home décor, so I made most of it.  Now I love to see what I can create and change up our décor without breaking the bank!  Like my Knockoff Jumbo Chalkboard.

2.  What’s your favorite style?

I love rustic and shabby; however, my home is currently what I would call traditional…slowly trying to change that.

3.  Besides crafting, what are your other hobbies?

I love to read, but I actually haven’t read a book in four years.  If I tell you that I have a four year old is that enough explanation?  He keeps me busy!

Stop by to visit Libby at A Perfectly Crazy Life.

Meet Catherine from Freddy & Petunia

 

1. How did you start crafting?

When I was 7, I remember swiping a small block of wood from my dad’s workshop and hammering 4 looong nails into the corners.  Then wrapping it in some fabulous fabric, creating a canopy bed for my Wishie doll. (Oooo—does that really age me?)

I just can’t remember a time when I wasn’t creating!

2. What’s your favorite style?

I am a designer and decorator, who loves to renovate and build homes! And a favorite thing is to re-Purpose, or, re-Invent furniture—giving a new life to some ruinous piece.

Like the former dresser that is now a handy bench.

Go see more re-Inventions on Catherine’s blog—Freddy & Petunia.

Meet Bethany from A Fish Who Likes Flowers

 

 

1.  How did you start crafting?

I've been crafting for so long that I can't remember a time that I wasn't creating something. My grandmother taught me to cross stitch when I was 5 years old, and my mom bought me beads and other crafting supplies when I was a little older. I definitely like to experiment with new crafts, techniques and ideas. I'm always working on something.

 

 

2.  What’s your favorite style? (steampunk, modern, shabby, etc.)

Honestly, I think I'm still trying to figure out what my style is. Eclectic is probably the best term for the style that I tend to lean towards right now.

 

3.  Besides crafting, what are your other hobbies?  You mean you can have other hobbies besides crafting? Just kidding. I like watching movies with my boyfriend, going to Portland Trailblazer basketball games, driving anywhere (as long as it's out of town) and hanging out with my crazy family, especially my nieces and nephew.

Stop by A Fish Who Likes Flowers and say hi to Bethany!

Meet Jenn from A Jennuine Life

 

 

1.  How did you start crafting?

I started crafting as a child - my Mom is very creative and taught me to sew, cross-stitch crochet, and craft.  I'm a bit of an indecisive crafter as I enjoy all kinds of mediums - knitting, quilting, sewing, and DIY projects.

2.  What’s your favorite style? (steampunk, modern, shabby, etc.)

That's a tough one - I guess I'd say I'm drawn to timeless styles, but I like to follow trends in an understated fashion.

3.  Besides crafting, what are your other hobbies?

My husband has said he was first attracted to me because I was a kickboxing runner that sewed and knitted.  Just like different types of crafts, I enjoy all sorts of activities.  I do enjoy running and am looking forward to getting back into a routine after the birth of my second daughter.  I also like to bike, travel, and backpack; and always have a good book on my bedside table.

Head over to A Jennuine Life and say hello to Jenn!

Season 7 Contestants!

Carrie

Hello! I'm Carrie from Lovely Etc. I love to take on new challenges and will attempt to DIY just about anything. My passion is taking something others see as ugly or useless and helping it become something beautiful. I find joy in hunting down vintage treasures, making something meaningful out of old junk, and uncovering beauty in unlikely places. I just love a good challenge and I am so excited to be a part of OMTWI!

Connie

Hello everyone!! My name is Connie and I blog at Measured by the Heart. My blog is a blend of all things DIY. I love reading, cooking, home improvements, crafting, decorating, and graphic design. I’m excited to be part of this competition and look forward to getting to know you better!!

Rhonda

Hi OMTWI readers! I'm Rhonda from home.made. I'm a full-time working mom striving to bring handmade into the everyday as I transform our house into a home while hoping to maintain our budget. From cooking to sewing to painting to knitting... I believe everything is better when it's made by hand, with love.

Ashley

Hi!! I'm Ashley, and I blog over at Cherished Bliss. I am wife to the world's best husband, and a mommy to the two most beautiful children... they are truly the best inspiration anyone could ask for! You can generally find me sewing, gluing, or painting pretty much anything. When I shop, I generally think to myself "what would that look like if I spray painted it?". I also run an etsy shop, and my 18 month old daughter won't wear ANYTHING you see in there. However, making crochet patterns is a recent obsession (lots to come soon)!! I am THRILLED to be apart of OMTWI and can't wait to see what everyone comes up with : )

Bethany

Hello, It's nice to meet you! My name is Bethany and I share my creative ventures over at the blog A Fish Who Likes Flowers. I live with my boyfriend, our dog Luna, and my glue gun, Debra in the liquid sunshine state known as Oregon. I love a good challenge, and flexing my creative muscles whenever I get a chance. I'm really excited about participating in Season 7 of OMTWI, and looking forward to seeing what creativity will inspire from all the amazing contestants.Good luck to all!


Kacey

My name is Kacey and you can find my little corner of blogland over at stayathomeartist.com. I'm a former high school art teacher, now working on my Etsy shop--Kaceface Sewing & Accessories--and other creative pursuits from home. I spend my days in my little spare bedroom studio making a big mess of things. It's a fun life. :)

Jenn

Hello! My name is Jenn and I blog at A Jennuine Life. I've been crafting and creating as long as I can remember. My Mom taught me how to sew when I was little and we created a whole bedding ensemble for my cabbage patch doll Krissy Lynn. My Dad is a retired home builder and I used to build things at the job sites with scrap wood when I was young. I was one of the only girls in shop and woodworking class in junior high, but I learned how to use all the tools and I can wire a mean lamp! Now that I'm all grown up, I love to sew and knit for my daughters Arden - almost three, and Hadley - two months; as well as an occasional DIY project for our home.

Libby

Hi! I'm Libby from A Perfectly Crazy Life, and I'm so psyched to be chosen to participate in One Month To Win It! I am a proud Army wife, mother to three daughters and one little boy, and started crafting and blogging to save my SANITY! I like to reuse, repurpose and spray paint is my best friend!

Kristen

Hi! I'm Kristen from My Covered Bridge and I'm SO excited (and nervous) to be a contestant in One Month To Win It! I am a happily married stay-at-home mom of four. I started my blog a short time ago to share my home remodeling and decorating projects. I love taking on the challenge of turning my house into my home - on a budget!

And I'd like to wish all of the other contestants Good Luck!

Jessica

Hey there, I'm Jessica and I blog at Sunny Tuesday. I started crafting practically before I started walking and hope to raise my little girl the same way (7 months - gotta start working those fine motor skills!). My usual sidekicks are my sewing machine and my hot glue gun, but sometimes I like to branch out. I do a little a' this, a little a' that, but lately my focus has been on kid stuff. I like to keep it real, so I'll let you know right off the bat I'm really horrible at crocheting and baking. :)

Katie

Hi! First I would like to say "WoW!" I'm so shocked that I was picked to be a contestant on OMTWI. I went over the schedule & I feel that I can swing it, in fact I've already got ideas swimming around my head! So here's my bio:

My name is Katie Franck from Sweetgirl Expressions & I'm married to my high school sweetheart. I have four children & many pets that keep my life interesting, to say the least. Our family has been through a lot of changes in the last year, including closing our business. As a result I have found time to rekindle my love of art & crafting that had been neglected for many years. I especially love to take what most people would call "junk" & use it to create something totally new & unique!

Catherine

from Freddy & Petunia

My favorite thing in the whole wide world--? Creating!

Through decorating, designing, building, sewing, painting--and anything else I can put my hands on!

I have a crazy imagination,

which never seems to shut down. And I'm lucky to be one of those incredibly visual people who can

"see the diamond in all that mess!"

Season 7 Contestants -- Top Audition Picks

Time to announce our contestants for Season 7!  These are the 12 ladies that are going to compete next month with the crafts they auditioned with.  In no particular order we have....

Lovely Etc -- Pretty in Pink Chair

Measured by the Heart -- Good Morning Cereal Bowls

Home -- Made -- Advent Pillow

Cherished Bliss -- Christmas Mantle

A Fish who likes Flowers -- Roses Wreath

Stay at Home Artist -- Mod Podge Ornaments

A Jennuine Life -- Reclaimed Wood Shelf

A Perfectly Crazy Life -- Faux Fireplace

My Covered Bridge -- Ornament Wreath

Sunny Tuesday -- Book Page Pom Wreath

Sweet Girl Expressions -- Stool Makeover

Freddy and Petunia -- Dresser to Ottoman

I can't wait to see what these ladies have in store!  We will be learning more about all of the contestants over the next few weeks.  Then the contest will start in January!

Season 7 Themes

Ready to see our themes for next month's contest!  Here is a brief overview of each one!

Week 1

Graphics Fairy

Contestants will use at least on image from The Graphics Fairy in their project.

Week 2

Deco Art

Contestants will use at least one Deco Art product in their project.

Week 3

Buntings and Banners

A week filled with buntings and banners!

Week 4

Furniture

A wide open theme for the finals!  It should be a good one!

Stay tuned as we announce our contestants and find out a little bit more about each one of them!  Then the contest will kick off after Christmas!