We head to Abbotsford in Canada to meet Falene who loves building and making things.
Featured Member Interview
How did you find CO+K and why did you join?
In my last job, I was required to create events that encouraged people to paint, to draw, to create anything. I would spend hours looking for something that I could easily buy materials for, that I could teach to a group of busy people, and that would have a product that encouraged people to spend their creative energies again. In my pursuit, I found CO+K, though I did not sign up for a time (I just didn't want to commit). Finally, though, the variety, availability, and organization of the website drew me in. I succumbed and signed up.
What projects are you currently working on?
So many things! I am trying to make Reindeer Antlers for the winter season (after my fall antlers, I had to make more), I have a pile of jewelry sets just waiting to be given form, and while writing this I decided to make some Smaug moccasins! I'm also doing an exchange with another CO+K crafter, though it is taking me longer than I had planned to personalize everything (eep!).
Stats
- Joined
- August 19, 2011
- Location
- Abbotsford, British Columbia, Canada
- Projects
- 14
- Featured Projects
- 3
- Favorited
- 180 times
What does your craft space look like?
It is akin to a Tickle Trunk; a box with materials in it. I have moved 9 times in the past 5 years, so I have learned to not make a separate space to craft. As such, I carry my box with me and I craft on the floor, on tables, in coffee shops, etc..
Which tool or craft supply do you use the most?
Needle nose pliers. They are useful for wire bending, for holding stamps in place, for maneuvering papermache, for holding soldering material, for pulling needles through leather, for fixing my HuskeyStar sewing machine, etc.. In addition to that...the remote for my camera (after it broke I had to start running to get into pictures, and while it is a workout, it is not fun).
What do you craft along to?
My family and I watch reality TV while we craft. Specifically Survivor, ANTM, and The Amazing Race (Canada and otherwise). To this list we've also added Beauty and the Geek but, as I run off whenever the geeks get embarrassed, I don't tend to get much done. When I have a long term project (knitting or beading), I listen to audiobooks, with Scott Lynch's Gentleman Bastard and Tamora Pierce's Circle of Magic and Tortall being my 'go-to' authors/series. For short term projects requiring concentration, I listen to songs by "Of Monsters and Men".
Falene's Most Popular Projects
Favorite Craft
I love beadwork. It is the most relaxing thing that I've done, but it takes such a long time to finish a single piece! As such, I enjoy jewelry making more. I love when I come to a project and I have an outcome.
Falene's Top Crafts
If you could learn one new craft or make anything, what would it be?
Leather Working/Metal Smithing. I would journey to learn these skills had I the time, money, and knowledge of where to learn them. I am working with leather now, but my understanding of it is quite limited and I would love to learn more.
Who are your crafting heroes?
My parents. My father could create anything out of anything. If you needed it and he had materials, he would make it. He taught me to solder, to manipulate wire, to stamp, to spray paint, and to sew. When he was in his fifties, he started to build a motorcycle out of old parts (note: he had no prior experience, but he was good at reading instructions). My mother was similar, though she added magic to crafting. Her creations were not as...perfectionistic as my father's, but the journey was always more fun. She gave me the understanding that "there are no mistakes, only fortunate blunders", and "imperfections become the signature that you'll be known for...perfect is boring".
Falene M.'s Favorite Projects
How to make Mochi: this recipe always impresses! How to make Panda boots: this was my introduction on making slippers and it lead me to make moccasins Guide to Plastic Safety: This is one of the first projects that I added to my favourite list, and it is one I go back to constantly. No, it is not technically a 'project', but safety is the rather important when making anything (if you are used to having fingers and eyes, it is easier to keep them than to l
And finally...
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