Today’s featured mom has been on my list for quite some time. We’ve been lackadaisically corresponding:

Me: Hey Christy, come be the featured Creative Mom.
Christy: Ok! I’ll get back to you.
Christy: Hey, feature me sometime won’t you?!
Me: Ok, I’ll get back to you…

And on and on we went.  Complete proof that creative moms are some of the busiest of the bunch! I’ve really enjoyed getting to know Christy on Twitter where she’s known as @sra_nelson.  In fact, we’ve had an informal meeting of sorts set for Sunday nights where I ask ‘what’s inspiring you this week?‘ as I prepare for writing my Monday’s Muse Posts.  Christy always has something interesting to say in reply to this question.  If you are on twitter, you must follow this creative and dynamic mom and get her inspirations first hand.

Ok, enough of my babble – onto the interview!

H: How long have you been doing what you do?

C: I’ve been blogging since 2004 but I didn’t launch christynelson.net until December 2008. I decided I needed a place that I could devote entirely to crafting and not make my non-crafty family members bored at my other blog (craftyconservative.blogspot.com).

H: What do you like to create?

C: I just like to create. I love making things. Anything. I tend to get really obsessed about a craft for a while. Knitting was my latest obsession. I’m still knitting but now it seems my obsession is trying out as many cool things as I can and blogging about them. Knitting just isn’t quick enough for me to be knitting something daily. I also love paper crafts and sewing.

H: How did you get started? Are you finding success?

C: I’ve always been a crafter. I’ve also always been a bit of an entrepreneur at heart. When I was in grade school, making those beaded safety pins was all the rage. I remember making some and selling them. Then I decided to sell the beads and teach everyone else how to make their own. Now I’m finding success with my craft challenge. I sell a different packet of craft supplies each month and the participants each create something unique from the same materials. Right now we’re in the midst of voting for a winner. Each month I have a different prize sponsor to sweeten the pot a little bit. I thought my website would be more about tutorials—it still is—but the craft challenge has really taken off. It is a great way to motivate yourself to at least make something once a month. It’s cheaper than therapy.

H: Were you creative before you had children?

C: Definitely.

H: Have your methods changed?

C: I have to find quicker crafts, that’s for sure!

H: How do you find time to stay creative?

C: I make the time because I love it and I’ve made it my job.

H: Do your kids show any creative spirit?

C: My son is an amazing pianist. I consider that very creative. My daughter is at my side a lot when I craft. She loves to paint, color, and cut any thing you can into tiny bits.

You can visit Christy at http://christynelson.net and http://christynelson.etsy.com

FYI if anyone would like to participate in the May craft challenge, the deadline to purchase your packet is April 27th. You can find out more about the challenge at this FAQ page.

Thanks so much for finally coming by, I’ve really enjoyed having you Christy!

Related posts:

1. Monday’s Muse – Ten Creative moms to follow on Twitter
2. From the Intarwebs