Jennie Larsen is obsessed with crafts, hence the title of her blog CRAFT-O-MANIAC. She writes about everything from craft work and decorating to cooking and baking. A stay at home mom, Jennie’s greatest creation is her 4 kids, followed closely by Craft-o-maniac and all of her creative projects. She has a passion for thrift shopping, organization and photography, sharing her ideas and creations to inspire her readers. So we are proud to bring you the Designer Insights of Jennie Larsen.
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1) In your own words describe your unique style and creative aesthetic?
I would have to say that my style is "Trendy Vintage" I love most of the new trends that come out like "gold" for instance, but I don't like things to trendy and or modern. I like to mix things up with some vintage stuff as well. Like take an old gumball machine and spray paint the gumball machine metallic gold. There you have "Trendy Vintage!"
2) When starting a new project, what is your creative process?
Typically I have a vision as to what I am wanting to create/do. So the vision helps me get started, normally it starts with cleaning the space or item. Then I move onto the next step, whether its sanding, taping, painting, etc.
3) Out of the creative people you have worked with, who is it that you respect and admire the most?
As a DIY/ Craft Blogger I haven't exactly worked with anyone side by side per say. That said I guess you could say I am working with hundreds of talented bloggers, because we are all in the same creative mind set and mode of refurbishing, up-cycling, painting, building, and creating. I was inspired to start my blog 5 years ago when I read and enjoyed the blog Tater Tots and jello. I would say Jen inspired me and to this day I still look up to her and have a lot of respect for her, she is very talented and very sweet.
4) When looking for inspiration is there a particular thing you do to get inspired?
Whether you are a blogger who just "writes" or a creative blogger, you still run into blank empty thoughts and creative ideas. I love to visit one of my favorite small town antique shops "The Mercantile" its two levels of awesomeness, and normally when I go there and stroll the store by "myself" my creative ideas start coming back. All it typically takes is just "one" item for me to think what can I do with this? or how I can use this?. This happens to me at craft stores too! I just need to be a lone and take a look around.
5) What has brought you to this point in your career? And what is your advice for people looking to follow in your footsteps?
Growing up I was surrounded by a very domestic and creative "amazing" mother. She new how to cook, sew, create, decorate, and do everything domestic. I assume my love for the same things were because of what I was surrounded around as a child. I started my blog because of my love in all things designer and all things creative. Its a lot of fun to share your ideas with like minded creative woman and the support is wonderful too. I would have to say that if and when anyone starts something anything in your life, no matter what it is, that you start it with the passion you have for it. If there is something that truly brings you joy and moves you, then that is what you should do. You have to have a love for it and passion for it to bring you happiness, and the happiness you have and get from it will shine through in your work.
