Happy Monday everyone. It's me, your pal E and boy do i have something special to share with each of you today. Today's interview is about a southern gal that's close to my heart! We've been friends for years now. Our friendship blossomed at The Heritage House while we served coffee together... and it led down a path of summer hangouts, spend the night parties, crafting days, "work outs" buddies, and oh so much more! Ready to read about this awesome chickadee?
Meet Brooke.
Hi! I'm a true blue Alabamian, wife to a law student, English teacher, and crafter! I love being in the woods with my hubby and our pup (and now that Alabama is beginning to feel more like autumn and less like Hades, many nature walks are in order!). I always have trouble trying to sum myself up because I love toommany things - I want to be a baker, a seamstress, a cellist, a fluent French-speaker, and an avid runner. Well, I'm working on getting in all my interests, but sometimes there's not enough time in the day!
::Tell us a bit about what you do:: I love to create functional items that help "young-at-heart" grown-ups stay organized in an unstuffy, fun way. I work mostly with wood and enjoy carpentry as well as up-cycling found objects. From my fun photobooth props and chalkboard speech bubbles to my hand-cut office chalkboards, I make the task of keeping it all together much more enjoyable!
::Who do you create for?::It sounds a little self-centered, but myself! I say that because I've found that if I don't like what I'm creating, it shows in the piece. If I try to follow trends or create based on what will sell, I get burned out and am not having a good time. Since Playing Grown Up's whole motto is "making being a grown-up fun" I feel attached to the fun of the creation process.
::Do you have any tunes you like to jam to?:: Geez, these days with fall coming to Alabama, all I can listen to is Fleet Foxes. They are so "fall" to me! Lately I have also been delving into my old tunes and listening to a lot of Ray LaMontagne. Leftover from my childhood, I love Alison Kraus. But when I need to kick it into high gear, I love Stevie Wonder and the Black Eyed Peas ( I love me some dancing in the kitchen!).
::Where does your inspiration come from?::Well, I love being organized. I love making lists. I love not being stressed. These things inspired me to get in the shop with a saw and a sander and make things that allowed me to do that and still not sacrifice good design. As far as the design for my projects, I love looking to nature and thinking of celebratory things. (I want to make each piece remind people of a celebration so you can celebrate in the everyday!) ::Who inspires you to keep going?:: My husband is so encouraging. Quitting my full-time teaching job and going to a part-time one to allow time for more creating was a big leap, as he is a student and I am the current bread-winner, but he has been nothing but proud. He makes me feel so good when he brags about me to his law associates! ::What type of medium is your fave?:: WOOD. ::Describe your artistic style in three words:: whimsical. practical {yes, those two usually contradict}. fun! ::What's your creative outlook on life?:: Well, for me, I serve a God who is a creator, so I think we all have a bit of creativity in us. I just think wanting to create things is a natural desire. I also think that creating is such a great way to stay young at heart (a.k.a. play grown up!).
::DREAM project:: Oh goodness, I have so many dreams (my husband calls me Fickle Phylis because I change my dream all the time)! I would love to have a coffee shop where I could create cute things to sell as well as bake delicious treats! Also, in recently planning my nephew's birthday party, I developed a new dream of being a "handmade event" planner.
Oh, and my husband and I both have the "dream project" of having a slew of beautiful children and living on a farm with an awesome garden in the back yard!
::When your not creating what do you like to do?::I love being musical with my hubs. He plays guitar and we sing - it's so fun! I love baking, but it's probably more that I love eating sweets! I love meeting with my Bible study and talking (while eating sweets).
::Any words of wisdom for all of us out there?:: All I can say is (not to echo Nike) Just Do It! You may create something horrid or get a glue-gun burn, but don't let that stop you. Also, aspire to enjoy the process of creating, not just the finished product. If you don't enjoy the process, you may want to explore with other arts or mediums. Creating is for enjoyment!
::Lastly, can you do a cartwheel?:: Sure can! I took about 4 years of gymnastics and was a cheerleader in high school, so cartwheels are pretty standard requirements! They are so fun no matter where you are!
Shoppy shop: HERE
Bloggie blog: HERE
She is also featured on Photojojo. Check it out: HERE
Thanks Brooke for taking time out of your busy schedule and allowing us to interview you! You have inspired all of us to get out there and JUST DO IT!
Awesome article, E-liz! And you should have seen Brooke in action on Saturday talking to this super old guy at Homestead Hollow about scroll saws. Classic.
Posted by: Brittni | October 04, 2010 at 10:00 AM
oooh, can't wait to check ou her shop. such cool stuff, what a great interview!
Posted by: amy | October 04, 2010 at 10:37 AM
Very creative. Especially I liked one with the "smiling garage".
Posted by: cv writing service | December 14, 2010 at 07:59 PM