Blogger Profile: Sarah Rees

Posted by Mary Egan on Nov 04, 2013

A Lord of the Rings inspired Kindle cover

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This week we're featuring the blogger Sarah Rees. Sarah blogs at the Making Do Blog, which carries the subtitle “thrifty ideas for making, loving, and giving.” At the blog, she talks about her life and her various crafty adventures. Sarah also has an Etsy shop called “Handmade with Love" where she sells crafts made by her, her friends and her family. We asked Sarah some questions and here is what she had to say.

Can you tell us a little bit about your blog and when you started it?

I started it a few years ago with the goal of sharing cheap ways to made stuff, as well as to highlight photos of porcelain art projects I've sold on Etsy. When we adopted our first child, who is now 18 months old, the blog got less attention, so it really is time for a refresh. But I'm still hard at work with those same goals: sharing ways folks can explore new crafts that don't cost much. I'm currently using the blog to highlight my newest shop: a fundraiser to bring our second baby home through adoption. You can check out the shop and the community that created it at this address.

What is one of your favorite projects you've ever made?

One of the projects I'm fondest of was a Kindle case made from an old book cover. I think I was most proud of it because I didn't follow an exact tutorial online and it actually turned out super nice on the first try. Plus, it was a gift for my husband and he loves it! The pictures from that project are on the blog.

Where do you find inspiration for your creative projects?

Many of my craft projects involve either pottery or porcelain. I use my porcelain paints and liquid gold to add text or designs to pieces before a final firing in my kiln. For the pottery projects, my inspiration comes from J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis and the worlds of Middle Earth and Narnia that they created. I try to create pottery that looks like it came from those places. For the porcelain, my inspiration is creating text that looks like it was typewritten on the pure white porcelain. It's a fun look.

Which of your craft projects took the longest to finish?

I'm one of those people who can't hang on for the long run with projects. If it can't be done in an afternoon, I usually don't start it. I have spent weeks painting porcelain pieces before, firing many times and using many layers of paint and overglaze, but those were mostly back in my single days. :)

Describe your personal style in 3 words.

Literary, eclectic and simple.

When I'm not crafting, I can be found...

Taking care of the world's cutest little boy! Jadon has entirely captured my heart, and after waiting for years to be a parent, that is my most loved job. I also love backpacking with my husband, cooking, and having tea with family and friends.

Each week, we feature a CraftFoxes member who is doing great work! Want to be featured right here? Upload your favorite craft projects today. If we choose you as next week’s featured member, we’ll send you a CraftFoxes T-shirt, and we'll link to your blog or handmade shop!