Crafty Queen
We chat to new designer, Louise Brigden
Some of you may recognise her from the CB forum, but this month Louise Brigden makes her designer debut in the March issue of Crafts Beautiful with a beautiful silk painting project (Silky Way, page 116), plus stylish cards in our Spring Celebrations book. We caught up with her to find out where she gets all of those fantastic ideas!
Have you always been creative?
Yes I’ve been creative forever! I was one of those children you hear about that enjoys playing with the packaging more than the toy.
What inspires you?
Oh just about everything really; nature, beautiful fabrics, artwork from around the world, different cultures and traditions, and of course, other people’s creations.
What was the first thing you ever made?
I don’t think it was the first thing, but I clearly remember making a photo frame/pen holder out of an instant soup box. It was covered with off cuts from a bathroom blind. I think my Dad still has it (30 years later)!
What was your biggest crafting disaster?
I had a bit of a disaster recently when I had a go at making ‘Dolly’ from the January issue of CB. She had turned out beautifully and I was really pleased with her, the only problem was she had a mark on her face. I took her to the sink and started to rub away with a cotton bud, but forgot I’d used black pen to finish off the centre of the eyes. It started to spread and she soon looked like she’d had a night on the town with mascara all over her face! Luckily I stripped off her clothes and stuck her in the sink. It soon came out – phew!
What’s your favourite craft material to use?
I love collecting patterned scrapbook papers – the trouble is, some of them are so beautiful I’m afraid to use them. Paper is so versatile, it’s amazing what can be created if you use your imagination.
What do you enjoy most about crafting?
Well I’m now lucky enough to have my own craft room, and there’s nothing I like better after a busy day at work than to escape into my little space and craft away. It really is great therapy. But unfortunately my cat always wants in on it – and we all know how cats like to lay on paper!
To see more of Louise’s creations, check out her blog at http://craftsbylouly.blogspot.com/
