I had the pleasure of “meeting” Pinky from online a few months ago. She began sharing projects with me that use Plaid product via e-mail. She’s known as “Pinky” for obvious reasons, and her hair is so fabulous that I remember seeing her at Summer CHA in Chicago. I wish I would have walked up to her and introduced myself! I was drawn to her funky style and use of glitter immediately – then I realized she’s particularly talented at incorporating paint into paper crafts. I’m always looking forward to what Pinky comes up with next, and I think you’ll be intrigued as well. I had the pleasure of conducting an interview with Pinky, and, like her projects, she didn’t disappoint.
What made you want to be a crafter and designer? I have been told I was always “crafty” but I wanted to become a designer because crafting speaks to me. I wanted to show people that ANYONE can create, and EVERY project is beautiful because it is made from the heart. What is more beautiful than someone who cares enough to hand make a project? I wanted people who don’t craft (or even the ones who do) to see that crafting is more than just paper and glue, it is a personal expression, an art, and art is amazing.
What inspires you – how do you decide what to make? Generally speaking, my emotions inspire me; I create the most when I am full of emotion whether it be happiness, sadness or anger. The more emotion I feel the more creative I am.
What is your studio or workspace like, and how do you work in your studio? I am so blessed to have a wonderful room with bay windows, lots of light and two ceiling fans; it is one reason we bought this house. The room itself is a converted garage, but all the work was done in a light, airy southern style. It’s my own private heaven.
How would you describe and think of your style, what kind of crafts do you make and what type of materials do you prefer? My style is all over the place, from vintage shabby chic to trendy and bold. The comment I hear the most is BOLD with naturally conveyed emotion. I love, LOVE using fabric in any and all projects; if I can add a scrap of fabric, I will. Believe or not, my other favorite material is cardboard. There is something so naturally beautiful and textured in cardboard. I love peeling it, painting it, distressing it. It is the base for many of my projects.
My favorite crafting website is (and why): Would it sound narcissistic to say my blog? Because I work so hard on it? Ok, ok…probably not the best choice, let me see. . . . I don’t really surf one specific craft site, but I do like and Country Living.
What has been the most rewarding moment in your crafty career? My most rewarding moments are when the average crafter e-mails or comes up to me and says “Your work spoke to me in so many ways, I completely feel what you are saying and my life has not been so easy either. . . thank you.” I love it when someone shares their story with me and I can see I had an impact on their life, or when a non-crafter emails me and says “ I saw what you did and I decided to start crafting because your art touched me.” Those are the most rewarding moments, the one-on-one connections when I know that speaking out and sharing my work is making a difference.
Looking back, knowing what you know now, is there anything that you would do differently (in your crafty career)? A couple of things come to mind. First of all, when I began crafting I would have ignored the people who repeatedly told me I had no talent and my work was awful. I took it personally and I believed them. . . they were wrong. Now I see that everything created has value, and I never let anyone under-value my time and work. It did teach me to see the beauty in all art; it taught me to appreciate all levels of crafting, not just the professional pieces, but all pieces. It taught me that my work stands by itself. Anyone who tries to tell me otherwise is probably having some issues of their own and it is no reflection of my work.
Secondly, I would have been more confident in my own way of creating. I create with such emotion, and when I began it really bothered some people. I backed down many times, but what I found out was that my unique perspective on crafting is what makes me stand apart from the rest. My unfaltering voice is what draws people to my crafting and makes it special.
What new directions do you hope to move in the future? Do you have big plans, new ideas or designs you will be exploring soon? I am hoping to move more towards the in-house designing and teaching side of crafting. My plans are (or should I say dreams): to travel and be paid to teach and design, as well as get with a graphic designer and scrapbook company to create my own line of paper and embellishments. I have so many ideas in this crazy head that are unique and I know the modern crafter looks for. Maybe one day. A girl can dream, right? I would also love to teach children and adult survivors of trauma how to use crafting/scrapbooking to express their emotion. This seems to come so naturally to me. I would love to share it with others.
What is your biggest budget crafting tip? Figure out what kind of crafting you are comfortable with. If you are comfortable spending $50 on one project and really going all out, then save and do one at a time. Have fun with it, accept it! If you feel you need to save and make your crafts the most frugal way possible, then accept it and be frugal; work on using every last bit and scrap. If you work within your comfort zone when crafting, then it won’t be stressful. It will be fun! It’s ok to spend $50 on one project if you can, and it’s ok to be frugal as well. It’s all about YOU.
Thank you so much for the wonderful interview, Pinky. Please visit Pinky at for some fun Halloween crafts and all-around great ideas. It’s very true that her heart comes out in her crafting. You can help but want to join in the fun!
