In case you miss part I of this Q&A, you can see that here.2. HOW DOES YOUR WORK DIFFER FROM OTHERS IN YOUR GENRE?
Boy, that’s a question. I have so many different ways to answer this. First off, I don’t feel like I have a genre, per say. I started this blog a year ago to document things that I make. I really thought my main focus would be on crafty things I did for and with my kids, but it has taken a whole different direction. People seemed to enjoy the decorating the most, and that’s something that I’ve become more and more passionate about. I really enjoy doing all of the things I blog about equally, though, so I think it’s hard to put me strictly in one genre.
Along with that, I think I differ because I try to just do me. My past and experiences certainly effect my design choices – be in an opera or two and your bound to be drawn to very classic, sometimes over-the-top things, and they allow me to stand out as an individual in this blogworld (or so I hope). While I attempt to keep up with what’s going on around the internet, I do my best not to let what other bloggers are doing effect what I am working on. In fact, I often turn away from things that feel too trendy or done by everyone. I try not to allow this thinking to shape my own style, but rather be a test as to whether I really love something or not.
Along with that, I think I differ because I try to just do me. My past and experiences certainly effect my design choices – be in an opera or two and your bound to be drawn to very classic, sometimes over-the-top things, and they allow me to stand out as an individual in this blogworld (or so I hope). While I attempt to keep up with what’s going on around the internet, I do my best not to let what other bloggers are doing effect what I am working on. In fact, I often turn away from things that feel too trendy or done by everyone. I try not to allow this thinking to shape my own style, but rather be a test as to whether I really love something or not.
3. WHY DO YOU WRITE/CREATE WHAT YOU DO?
I do this because I feel like it was something I was given the ability to do. I believe wholeheartedly that we are all given gifts, and mine just so happens to be the ability to make things. Someone pointed this out to me, and I hadn’t really realized it myself, but…I cannot, NOT make things. It’s something I have to do. I hope through all of this I can be an encouragement to you to find and utilize the talents God has given you. We all have gifts, and thankfully they’re not all the same. I need people around me who love to cook, can do my taxes, or make me laugh. Because I’m not so great at any of those things.
4. HOW DOES YOUR WRITING/CREATIVE PROCESS WORK?
I wish I had a clear cut answer for this, but things just kind of come to me. And if I have a thought more than once, I know it’s more than just a thought. My brain never shuts off. Relaxing? What is that? I am constantly thinking about projects, new designs, how to do things better, honing skills or learning new things. Many bloggers have a blogging schedule, and while I am a Type A perfectionist in most categories, I’ve found this blog thing works best for me when I let it be organic in nature. Some of my favorite projects are last minute, make-it-work scenarios, and some of my better writing comes in the wee hours of the night, when I really didn’t think I had too much to say.
According to the rules of this tour, I’m supposed to name another blogger whom I love to follow, but instead of picking just one, I’m going to name a handful…because, well, I’m not very good at picking just one of anything. All of these woman have individual style and talent that inspire me, and their kindness is the sweetest bonus! Enjoy browsing!
Rachel Rardon says
I adore this post. I resound with and respect so many things that you said. Thank you.
themakerista@gmail.com says
Thanks for reading, Rachel!
Joni says
Aww, thanks Gwen!! You are so sweet!! I'm totally with you on the creative process – sometimes I wish I were a bit more organized about the whole blogging thing, but somehow just going with the flow seems to work best (especially with little people underfoot!!).:)
themakerista@gmail.com says
Yes, especially with that element! 🙂
Albertina M. Cisneros says
That was so fun to get to know you better. And I can relate to your creative process and how you approach your blog. And I love that you have focused on decorating because I love your taste.
FROM THE RIGHT BANK says
Love following you right back! 🙂 You're a gem. Truly. xo
themakerista@gmail.com says
Thanks, Ally!
designchic says
I loved learning more about you and like you, so often our posts are last minute things we just loved and had to talk about…they are my favorites!!