E: I first learned to crochet as a child, around age 8, so I’ve always been interested in it. (My aunt first taught me.) But I really just started to pick it up again in the last few years.

E: I like to create anything and everything. Does that narrow it down? I’ve made slippers, skirts, shrugs, hats, scarves, sweaters, toys, cell phone cases, purses, pillows…my projects are extremely varied! I like to experiment to see what I can come up with.

H: Do you sell your items?

E: I first heard about Etsy on a baby forum. Some other mothers started selling some of their crafts, so I thought I’d try too. Am I finding success? It’s hard to say…I’ve sold three things in my first month, so it’s not too bad. We’ll have to see how things go from here – but, I am having a lot of fun!

H: Were you creative before you had children?

E: Yes, I’ve always enjoyed doing crafts. As a child I used to make friendship bracelets a lot. I’ve also tried weaving and cross-stitching. I’m very tactile, so I always need my hands to be busy!

H: How do you find time to stay creative?

E: I crochet at different times during the day. If my family is all hanging out in the living room, I’ll work on a project. Or, if I need some downtime during the day, I’ll pull out a project. I find this craft easy to do with kids around because there is no mess involved and it takes up little space. All it requires is a ball of yarn and crochet hook.

H: Do your kids show any creative spirit?

E: YES! My oldest (age 3 – she’ll be 4 in July) loves to make things with playdough, and model magic. She loves to draw and paint. She makes up stories and silly dances. Sometimes, she’ll sit beside me while I work on a project and hold the yarn, calling herself the “yarn girl.” She’s great. My youngest is only 10 months old – but I’m sure there is a creative soul in there! She likes to clap her hands and “sing.”

H: What have you learned after having your kids (in relation to your art).

I think my kids have inspired me to learn more about different crochet techniques and try out new patterns. For instance, the only reason why I even attempted to make a toy was for them. I think I’ve branched out in terms of what I make because of them.

Emily’s work can be found at http://www.kianikadesigns.etsy.com/

and she welcomes custom orders so drop her a line kianikadesigns@yahoo.ca

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