Hi Creative friends,
Welcome back to our Craft Room Crafter of the Month!
This series is our monthly rendezvous with the creative minds that make our crafting community feel like home.
It’s the chance to draw inspiration from their creativity, take a peek behind the curtain of their craft room, and connect with the incredible members who bring life to our virtual crafting haven.
Crafter of the Month
Every month, I sit down with a standout member from the Craft Room to chat about all things crafty, from what they like to make to what inspires them.
This month, I am thrilled to introduce you to Wanda Contreras Pagan.
Wanda is a Craft Room ‘Top Contributor’ who brings a warmth and kindness to the membership with her encouraging words and support of fellow members… not to mention her beautiful inspiring projects.
I recently had the pleasure of sitting down with Wanda to chat about her journey in the world of crafting, her sources of inspiration, and her tips for fellow crafters.
Here’s a glimpse into our conversation:
Where do you live?
I live in Daphne, Alabama but I’m originally from Puerto Rico.
What initially inspired you to start crafting, and how did you discover your passion for it?
I have been crafting since I was a little girl. My mother is an amazing seamstress and I use to sit by her and watched her create gorgeous dresses for us. I used to tell her “mom you are an artist”. I used to be the one who wrapped the Christmas gift at home. In 2008 I created a craft room in my garage because I didn’t have space inside my house and from there I have been crafting non stop!
How would you describe your craft style?
My craft style is shabby chic. My favorite color combination is pink, turquoise, cream colors. I love laces, flowers, bows and anything feminine.
Can you share a memorable crafting project that holds a special place in your heart and why it’s meaningful to you?
I used to make wreaths and I made this gorgeous ballerina style wreath that is hanging in my craft room. It has my favorite things, handmade fabric flowers, ballerinas and handmade paper ballet slippers!
In a world full of crafting possibilities, what specific craft or technique do you find most enjoyable and why?
My favorite thing to do is making handmade fabric flowers and paper flowers. I love to see the final results out of a piece of fabric or paper. And I love how serene I feel when I’m making them.
How has being a member of the Craft Room community at Shabby Art Boutique influenced your creative journey?
That is an easy answer, your papers are an amazing inspiration! Sometimes I feel you read my mind when you design papers. I love all the creations and there is so much inspiration and so little time!
Are there any particular artists or crafters who have significantly influenced your style and approach to crafting?
I love all your design team members and they inspire me a lot. There is a YouTuber name Amity bloom that I love to watch that inspire me as well. I have plenty of crafters that I follow but I take a little bit of each one and create my own style.
Can you share a behind-the-scenes glimpse into your creative process? What does a typical crafting session look like for you?
I sit down and I sketch my project. Then I look for the papers that I’m going to use. I look for my laces, trims, etc. I’m very organize when I’m creating! My mind doesn’t function in caos. I have to have a clean craft room and when I finished for the day or craft session, I put everything away. One thing that I love to do when I’m crafting is watch TV. Also I take my time, I don’t like to rush.
What are your ‘can’t live without’ craft essentials?
Beautiful papers, good glue, laces, fabrics and I have a Sizzix die of a dress I can’t live without!
What are you currently working on?
Right now I have an idea developing in my mind to create a journal with your February design papers!
Please join me in celebrating Wanda Contreras Pagan as our February Crafter of the Month!
Her passion, creativity, and unwavering dedication to the craft are truly inspiring, and I am incredibly grateful to have her as part of our Craft Room crafting community.
If you’d like to nominate a Craft Room member to be featured in our ‘Crafter of the Month’, please let me know.
Happy crafting!
Hugs
♥
Kerryanne
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Wow, beautiful projects and fabulous interview. Wanda lives within 50 miles from me. Small world.
Nice interview. She is from, “La isla del
Encanto”. I live in Puerto Rico. Love her scrapbooking room. Lots of lace.