Around the World Blog Hop

Welcome to [Amy's] Crafty Shenanigans - the next stop on the 'Around the World Blog Hop'.  Thank you to Lisa of In the Boon Docks and to Kelly of jeliquilts for asking me to participate in this get-to-know-you blog hop! 

Hello - my name is Amy and I am a start-a-holic.  Yes, I am a serial starter.  A magpie of starting shiny new projects before the other projects are finished.

What am I working on?
The easiest answer would be what am I NOT working on?!  Seriously - I currently have 16 quilts in various stages of 'being made', several partially started zippy pouches, a dozen pincushions waiting for my attention, Block of the Month blocks to make, bee quilts to sew together etc etc.  Here is a picture of the fox that I machine appliqued to the front of a Reusable Grocery Bag for my secret partner in The_Fox Swap:

Kip & Fig Fox pattern

 How does my work differ from others of its genre?
I don't even know what that question really means so my answer would be that I consider myself a crafter.  I love trying new crafts and learning new skills.  Last year I tried rag rug making.  I love working with beads.  I make found-object sculptures.  I like to up-cycle.  I have done bookbinding, pottery classes, card making, scrap booking, felting, jewellery making, welding, printmaking - and I love it all!!  Next on my list is weaving.  I need to retire (please note:  I am still more than 25 years away from retirement) so I can fill my days with all the things I want to try!

Some of the books I have made

Why do I create what I do? 
I NEED to be busy.  I NEED to create.  My hands NEED to be busy doing something therefore I make schtuff.  This is why I join in so many swaps and volunteer to be a pattern tester!!  I have a restless mind so having a project - any project - to occupy my thoughts can often help me focus and tame that restless energy!!  I bake if I'm not being arty farty or crafty.  But then again, if I am not baking, swapping, sewing or crafting, I am on the internet pinning on Pinterest, drooling over images on IG, looking at fabric or planning my next shiny new project!  I make a lot of lists and piles. 'Nuf said.  
 

Wonky Houses and Trees

I started the blog so my family could see what I was working on.  They are in Canada and I am in England.  I had no idea that this creative on-line quilting and sewing community would be my source of finding and meeting some of my best pals.   For that I am truly thankful!  [waves at everyone] 

Big Bear pattern by TartanKiwi

How does my creating process work?
Hmmm - difficult question!  My head is so full of all the things I see on IG, Flickr, Pinterest, from books, from the things I see around me, that they all melt into each other and eventually I NEED to make something. However, my creative process can also depend on a deadline!!  If it is a quilt-along, the deadline keeps me motivated.  Swap projects and pattern testing are the same - a deadline set by someone else is important!  The rest of the time I am all over the place, creating whatever and whenever I feel like it.  I switch from project to project, not completing anything unless it is a swap item or something for a link up!

My Citrus Triangle quilt from the Triangle Along

There you have it!  That is me. 

Artist Trading Card swap

 
I am happy to direct you to rainbow-mad Kelly of Jeliquilts, for your next stop on the Around the World Blog Hop.

Wonky Churn Dash and textile with wire bird

Thanks for stopping by!
Amy x