Hey there, can you introduce yourself?

Hello readers! I'm a 30-something blogger with two college degrees - one in science and one in business. So where does the crafty come in? Well, I come from a creative family and have been sewing and knitting since I was young. About five years ago I decided to try Mod Podge and I fell in love. I liked it so much that I started blogging about it, and that is how Mod Podge Rocks was born! In addition to blogging, I enjoy being outside, reading, running, the color blue and sock monkeys.

Tell us a bit about the book?

Since Mod Podge Rocks is my first book, the focus is really all about teaching people to Mod Podge as well as giving them simple ideas using a variety of themes. The book covers everything from home decor to jewelry to gifts to holiday. I also have some amazing guest authors that contributed so the book is quite well rounded.

What was the inspiration behind it?

Interestingly enough, I was contacted by my publisher out of the blue - 24 hours after I had the thought "I should do a book one day." It was serendipity! When coming up with the projects in the book, I focused on themes that were popular on the blog (because I knew that people obviously liked those type of projects) as well as what I thought would be fun for beginners. The great thing about Mod Podge is that a lot of projects can be made as easy or complicated as you like, so advanced Podgers will like the book too.

Which is your favourite project?

It's definitely hard to choose, but the trick-or-treat container done by my friend Julie Lewis. Halloween is my favorite holiday and I love her pumpkin faces.

What is your craft space like?

Wow, it's a complete mess! I don't have a fancy craft space that you would see in a magazine. I have a small space and I just make it work. Sometimes it's really tight, but you do what you have to do, right?

Have you always been creative?

Yes - my mother fostered it in me when I was little. I took a lot of classes and was always doing projects But I think everyone has some level of creativity, and I hope my book fosters this in others. Creativity is learned. Sure, some people are born with amazing talent, but have you ever seen Van Gogh's first drawings? You CAN get better at your art. You just have to keep doing it.

When did you first start crafting?

I actually have the first project I ever did - I was two years old and it was thumbprint art in plaster. It broke at some point and I glued it down the middle. I treasure that piece.

Who are your crafty heroes?

When I started blogging I was inspired by Cathe Holden of Just Something I Made and Katie Steuernagle of Matsutake. They are still my blogging heroes! They are so talented . . . I am still amazed by what they come up with. I also love Cathy of California. She loves the 70s for inspiration, as do I.

Where do find inspiration?

I look through magazines, websites, Pinterest. When I come up with project it's usually not based off of something else - it's more than something I see (a color, a pattern) triggers another idea that is only remotely related. I just let my brain go where it wants to go. And yes, I have dry spells sometimes. Eventually they pass and I have more ideas.

What's next for you?

I'd love to do another book at some point, but until then I'm blogging away and looking to be a good representative of the craft blogging community. There are always some exciting projects around the bend, so keep up with my blog to find out what they are!