Crumpled News: Blog Interview 2010-2

On a recent trip to Wells Gray Country in Clearwater, British Columbia, I had the pleasure of visiting an old friend from high school, Marnie Peters, and staying at her Bed and Breakfast which she runs with her husband, Al. And today I am interviewing her...

Thank you Marnie for letting me interview you. I know you just started blogging in May of this year. You're a real newbie blogger! Why did you decide to start blogging? I have always been curious about blogging but didn't know much about it until you came for a visit earlier this year; showed me what its all about and well I guess you could say... I'm hooked, Yup! definitely hooked!

What is the name of your blog? As you know we had so much fun writing down ideas but thanks to your creative sparkle [and some serious brainstorming], "Crumpled News" was born.

What date did you blog for the very first time? My very first post was May 15, 2010. I introduced my hubby Al of 25 years. I wasn't too sure what my blog would look like all I new is that I wanted it to be a place where women can come to be encouraged.

Did you design your blog or did you have it professionally done? I have to thank all those who are so creative and generous with there free sites to help the newbies like me. They make it easy to put together.

What does your "About Me" read on your blog? I am a mother of three 24, 22 and 18. I have been happily married for 25 yrs. to a wonderful man who has been there supporting me as I go through ups and downs of a medical misfortune of being paralyzed. But I had Faith in a Big God and He delivered in a big way! I praise my Lord for what He has done and what He is going to do! I can do everything through Him who gives me strength. Phil 4:13 I am walking though not perfect......I think perfect is highly over rated anyway! This blog is my way of encouraging all those who are struggling with something like I have had to over come through the grace of God. I pray God richly Blesses all who visit my site.

What themes would best describe your blog? Inspirational, comfort, encouraging, believe!

Anything else you would like to say? I want to thank all who have already visited my site and would like to invite those of you who haven't yet stop by for a visit to do so, and if you can't quite decide on where to go on your next vacation, why not Check out Wells Gray Park! Its a must! We would love to have you as our guest at Wyndhaven Cottage Bed and Breakfast.
Visit Crumpled News and tell Marnie you read this interview!

NOTE: I personally highly recommend staying at Wyndhaven Cottage Bed & Breakfast. The rooms are clean and cozy and the Peters Family is accommodating and friendly.

Blog Interview #1 of 2010

Because of an overwhelming response to the blog interviews

featured on my blog in 2009,

I've decided to conduct more blog interviews over the next little while.

Please welcome Laura of 52 Flea.

Thank you for doing this interview, Laura.

Please tell us a little bit about yourself ...

I have been happily married for an incredible number of years to my one and only...and we have a wonderful son who just graduated law school and a beautiful daughter

who is a model as well as a talented artist.

I recently left the corporate world where I was Director of Human Resources for a privately owned mid sized company for many, many years.

Since retiring, I am finding my way, loving having the time to pursue my passion for all things vintage and exploring my creative and artistic side.

I have been a collector and decorated with antiques and collectibles for decades!

Why did you begin blogging?

I decided to blog in February 2009 after being encouraged to do so by my girlfriends. It has become my creative outlet and a means to share all my collections and decorating ideas.

52 Flea is an interesting name for a blog. What's its significance?

There are 52 weekends in a year...that means there are 52 opportunities to go to the flea market! The flea market is my favorite place to be...

Do you prefer to blog with words, pictures or both?

My posts are primarily pictures of my collections or adventures flea marketing or occasional travels...with a few words or short stories to accompany them.

Have you met people through blogging; if so,

please tell us about these friendships?

Many, many wonderful people! We took a trip to Italy in October 2009 and made a side trip toLucca in order to meet up with Valentina from Les Cotrions. We had a wonderful visit over several days and correspond regularly now. I also met up with Zita from Mlle. Magpie when we traveled to Montreal this fall. She is a delightful person and I hope to visit again.

Did you design your blog or did you have it professionally done?

My blog is all me....very simply done.

Have you ever been featured in Artful Blogging?

The editors of Artful Blogging asked me to submit an article which I did and then they decided to publish it in Somerset Life instead...the winter edition 2010.

What does your "About Me" read on your blog?

A new beginning... Having recently left the corporate world and while getting used to an empty nest...I am finding my way...trying to figure out how best to share my collections and passion for all things old, antique or vintage...

What is your favourite blog feature?

I love taking pictures and sharing them on my blog.

Is there anything on your blog you'd like to change?

I am always on the verge of taking the followers button off because I find it intimidating. I leave it there because it makes it easy for people to find me if they want to follow along.

Do you ever blog when you don't "feel like it" ~ and if so, why do you?

I never, ever blog when I don't feel like it. But I love to blog so I do it a lot!

What themes would best describe your blog?

flea market, junk, antiques, collecting, art, decorating, travel, gardening, crafts

Do you have any interesting directions you want to take your blog in,

in the future?

I just want my blog to continue to be fun, a place to express myself artistically and creatively...and a place to make connections with kindred spirits...

Do you sell your artwork through your blog?

No, not at this time.

Is there anything else you would like to tell our readers?

I love meeting new people through blogging and I enjoy the camaraderie of our blogging community. It is so delightful to become friends with people who have similar interests.

Visit Laura's beautiful site ~ 52 Flea.

Blog Interview #20

One of my favourite destinations when blog hopping is a little gem called Nostalgia at the Stone House. Today we talk with it's creator, Niki.

Tell us a little bit about yourself ...
I was born in Hertfordshire in the UK, during the 60’s. I left school at 16, as it wasn’t for me, but I went on to study at college for my D.A.T.E.C. Diploma in Retail Display and Design, where I flourished! I was awarded the Clements Bowl as the best student and afterwards was offered a job with the John Lewis Department Stores. I have been married to the same man for over 24 years – we met when I was 16 (he was 17) and I was married at 19! After only 10 months of marriage, we left Hertfordshire to make a new life in the west country, where we have lived with our three gorgeous daughters, ages 21, 19 and 15, ever since. Whilst bringing up my children, I would sew (rag dolls mostly) to sell at local craft fairs, and I also supplied shops. Over the years my style has developed and I now use only antique/vintage fabrics, lace and embellishments to make my wares, which I sell via my on-line shop.

Why did you decide to blog?
I started my blog nearly three years ago now. At that time I had recently closed my little vintage shop (a physical one, not an on-line one!) which I trialled for one year. I found that it was too much of a tie and couldn’t balance/juggle it with family life. I still needed to earn some money, as selling my vintage and handmade goods was my only form of income; so I decided to carry on with the on-line side of my business only. After closing my shop things became very quiet and I needed to find those like-minded women that I knew where out there in the world! Blogging seemed the ideal way to try to find them. At that time there were far less bloggers on the www and it took a long time to build up links and interest, but it slowly evolved…so basically, my blog was set up as a way of promoting my small business, but what I wasn’t expecting was to gain friends and so much inspiration from all the lovely ladies (and a few men!) out there!

What is the name of your blog, and why did you decide on that name?
I named my blog ‘NOSTALGIA AT THE STONE HOUSE’. This was the name that I had used for my vintage shop (and the on-line one.) The shop was in an annex on the side of our house which just happens to be called The Stone House! The ‘nostalgia’ bit came from the things I love to stock in my shop, and that furnish our home – I love pieces that tell a story of the past and have the scars of years of use and enjoyment. Whilst selling at fairs, my customers would often pick up an item and say ‘Oh, my Gran had one of these’. I loved that - They had an instant bond with the item, as it held nostalgic memories for them.

What date did you blog for the very first time, and what did you talk about in your first post?
My very first post (written by a very nervous newbie!) was on 26^th June 2006 and was entitled ‘Vintage Girl’. I basically wrote a brief post about me and what makes me tick. ie; my love of my family (and our chickens!), vintage everything(!) and French Brocante, my collections, my enjoyment of sewing, our home, and a passion for gardening.

Do you prefer to blog with words or pictures or both?
I definitely prefer to blog with photos rather than words. If truth be told, I struggle with words (as I mentioned, I left school at 16 which didn’t help) – plus I am generally a very shy/private person. (And I have a blog??!!) I am an extremely visual/artistic person though and am always looking for the beauty in everything. Taking photographs for my blog is something I really do enjoy and love to share.

Tell us about friendships you’ve established through blogging.
I have met some lovely ladies through blogging! For some reason, there seems to be a lot of us down here in the SW of England or within travelling distance. Some I’ve met face to face privately, and some I bump into regularly at antique fairs and flea markets. In fact, this weekend sees the second ‘Vintage and Handmade Fair’ at Chipping Sodbury in Gloucestershire. The stall holders are predominately blogging ladies and I’m thrilled to be included in the line up. It’s going to be such fun to spend a day with these like-minded and talented girls, some I shall be meeting for the first time, while others I have known for some time. (A few were friends before Blogger came along!)

Did you design your blog or did you have it professionally done?
I designed my blog mostly by myself, but I am also blessed to have a very clever hubby who has his own IT business. In the past I have asked him if something is possible and he is usually able to help me achieve what I’m looking for. Also, my daughters have helped me in the past creating blog banners. I love adding extra photos and interesting snippets to my side bar – as I said, I am a very visual person and love extra eye-candy!

Have you ever been featured in Artful Blogging?
Nope! L But I have been in some UK publications.

What does your "About Me" read?
At the moment it reads: I live near Bath, Somerset in the UK, with my husband and our 3 daughters-ages 21, 19 and 15. I like to decorate our home with vintage/antique finds from flea markets. I also love to sew; over the years I have used acres of vintage fabrics for my hand crafted goods! My blog is a light-hearted account of the things I get up to in my nostalgic world.

What feature do you like the most about your blog?
I think I like the column of photos on my side bar the best. They serve as a reminder of some of the items I have handmade over the years. I am always humbled when someone chooses to buy something I’ve made – it’s an immensely rewarding side to my business.

Is there anything on your blog you’d like to change? Why?
If I could struggle less with the written word, then that would be something I would love to change! I do try to push myself though and I’m sure I am improving over the years! At the end of the day, my blog features my style of writing and I’m not forcing anyone to read it! ;-)) But thanks for putting up with my typos and general grammar mistakes!

Do you ever blog when you don’t "feel like it" ~ and if so, why do you?
It would be rare that I would blog if I didn’t feel like it…I added the badge ‘Blogging Without Obligation’ some time ago. My regular readers know that I don’t always post every day and they seem to check in now and then, or have me on their ‘Follow’ list. I have said that my blog is ‘light-hearted’ so I don’t want to burden them with my problems if I’m having an off-day – best not to post!

What themes would best describe your blog?
I try to make my blog visually pleasing - Also colourful, pretty, nostalgic whenever possible, simple and concise. I often talk about items I’ve created, thrifted treasures, our home and its décor, flowers blooming in our garden at any particular time, and days out and about in the SW of England. Making a home comfortable, without spending a fortune (often as little as possible, whenever possible!) is really important to me too, which I do like to relay within a post. Nothing particularly personal though.

What is your blogger count at, at this precise moment?
I am actually thinking of deleting my blog counter. I don’t like the undercurrent of competition that seems to occur sometimes in Blogland. Blogging should be fun, not a popularity contest. I added it in the first place to be sure that I was getting some traffic…no one wants to be talking to themselves, but I guess its sat there ever since…yes, it will be going soon!

Do you have any interesting directions you want to take your blog in, in the future?
Apart from removing my blog counter? I had thought about doing a few ‘How to’ posts, showing anyone interested how to make simple crafted items. I would love to write a craft book in the future and this could be a way to gauge interest.

Do you sell your artwork through your blog?
Yes, I do sell my art work through my blog. It has been the best form of advertising and promotion that I could have chosen for my on-line shop. In fact, I believe that most of my customers are non-bloggers and use my blog in conjunction with my website, as an additional feature, a little like a magazine to dip into for articles. I also wrote a self-published book entitled ‘Living with Nostalgia’ last year, and have sold many copies through linking to the publishers on my blog’s side bar.

Is there anything else you would like to say?
I would love to tell my readers that they are all very special to me! I am flattered that my blog receives any interest at all! Working from home means I don’t have the luxury of conversation! It also means that I lead a very ordinary life! Knowing that there is a world of like-minded women out there, just a few clicks of my mouse away, is comforting. I am often in awe as to how often some ladies manage to leave comments and do sometimes feel guilty for not being able to return the compliment, but with my business revolving around my PC so much, I have to be strong and switch it off at the end of the day sometimes! (Or my posterior will soon be the size of a house!) I admit to lurking, when I have a few minutes to spare – there are so many blogs out there now, compared to when I first started, with new ones joining my blog roll weekly…Being a Blogger can be all-consuming, but its not something I would want to change in a hurry!

I hope everyone will check out Niki's blog:
Nostalgia at the Stone House.

Blog Interview #19

Today I am tickled pink to interview a gal whose blog has become an absolute favourite of mine over the past few months. Jane Goble is the creator of Posy.

So Jane, tell us a little bit about yourself.
I am wife to Anthony, and mother to Tom (19), Lucy (16) and Alice (14). We live in a very small, 3 bedroom, end-terraced house in a seaside town in Devon, England along with 2 Persian cats Posy and Alfie.

I love our home passionately or maybe I should say I love being at home, making things and decorating it with things that other people don’t want anymore. Almost every available surface is covered with something flowery. We sleep in flowery sheets, eat from flowery plates, sit on flowery cushions, drink from flowery cups and gaze at flowery wallpaper that hopefully, in the summer months, echoes the view of the garden from our French doors.

My long-suffering family say they just about tolerate it but I know they secretly love it and wouldn’t have it any other way. I like to be a little different and thought I was but in blogging I have discovered that I am not alone and there is an army of like-minded women out there who appreciate the things that make my heart sing.

Why did you decide to start blogging?
I initially thought that it would be a wonderful way to keep in contact with our family – especially my husband’s family in New Zealand; but I also felt that I wanted to share things that I really loved and were important to me. It’s a small space of my own to fill as I chose.

Why did you call your blog Posy? Well, I have always loved the name (it’s also the name of our sweet little cat) and it has a floral theme.

What date did you blog for the first time?
30^th January 2006. A post entitled ‘Hello.’
http://posy.typepad.com/posy/2006/01/hello.html

Do you prefer to blog with words, pictures or both?
Oh definitely both. I would never do a post without a picture unless I had no other option as I’m a very visual person and they say a picture can speak a thousand words. But, I enjoy words and the words of my fellow bloggers have touched me deeply at times.

Have you made friends through blogging? I have connected with many ladies through my blog. I call them my blog ladies and have regular readers who I like to think of as friends even though I have yet to hug them! Anth and I would dearly love to travel from coast to coast in the US [and Canada!] and I dream of meeting up with some on our travels. Well, it’s a dream I like to dream and who knows one day it might become a reality. Until then I love exchanging emails with them.

Did you design your blog or have it professionally done?
I have designed it myself but when I started it took ages to figure out how to do something. I often look at other blogs and would love to be able to do the same but have no idea where to start.

Have you ever featured in Artful Blogging?
Yes, in the very first issue. I still can’t quite believe it and thought it must have been a mistake. I feel very humble as I didn’t have any idea of what a wonderful publication it was going to be. When I received my copy I just couldn’t believe it! Still can’t.

What does your About Me read on your blog?
My current one says the following but I’m in the process of changing it.

Hello & welcome!

My name is Jane and I live in a seaside town in Devon, England. I'm a mother to 3 lovely children and I'm happily married to Anthony. I work part-time as a Teaching Assistant and the rest of the time I can be found sewing, treasure hunting, crocheting, gardening, re-painting the furniture and filling our home with floral goodness. I value and appreciate each comment you leave here but alas, lack of time often prevents me from replying

What's your favourite feature on your blog?
The feature I love best but also gives me the most headaches is my banner picture/s. I have spent years trying to create the banners of my dreams and really it has been just trial and error. I’ve known what I want but find it tricky to achieve it! Two dear blog readers have helped me out in the past and made me some fantastic ones, but I try to change the banner regularly to keep the blog looking fresh. I just wish I had more time just to fiddle.

Do you ever post when you don't feel like it?
The answer is yes I do. If I’m being totally honest some days it can feel like another chore on my ‘to-do’ list. I have always said that when blogging becomes a burden I would stop. But this statement in itself isn’t black or white. I recently made the decision to up my sporadic blogging and post daily if at all possible. This in itself can be a pressure when I am working but it has also made me think of the types of posts I can do and the expectations I place on myself. I sometimes fall into the trap of thinking that every post I write must show things I have made; found; or a wonderful story with plenty of photographs to back it up. This is unrealistic and I know that many people would just be happy to see the view from the road in which we live in or the state of my laundry pile. It’s the little things I appreciate on other ladies blogs, especially those from another part of the world. So, I discipline myself to turn off the ‘perfection’ mode, stop comparing myself to the other fabulous blogs out there and try to make Posy a place people can visit daily for a little piece of happiness and see a variety of things.

What themes would best describe Posy? Well I would hope it would be positive, inspiring, real, homely, crafty, warm, funny, creative, and very British. Words that I would inspire to be like myself.

What's your blogger count at the moment?
I would rather not say as I feel that it is very easy to get hung up on your blog’s stats. I try not to look at mine because it can feel a little like a popularity contest.

Do you have any interesting directions you want to take your blog in, in the future?
Oh, I not sure. I would like it to evolve to remain fresh and interesting.

Do you sell your artwork through your blog?
I have sold some things I have made and keep thinking how I must make a concerted effort to make more – but once again, time gets in the way.

Any final comments?
I would like to thank everyone who reads my blog and takes the time to comment and to return regularly. I love the connections, kindness and all round general loveliness of the blogging world and the fact that there is always space for one more.

Check out Posy!

Blog Interview #18 ~ The Farm Chicks, Serena & Teri

I'm sure many of you have heard of The Farm Chicks (aka, Serena Thompson and Teri Edwards). I am so pleased that Teri has graciously agreed to do an interview with me this morning.

Thank you for being with us today, Teri. Please tell us a little bit about The Farm Chicks.
Serena and I started our business in 2002. In addition to producing an antique show, we're also contributing editors to Country Living magazine and just had our first book released [entitled] "The Farm Chicks in the Kitchen".

Why did you decide to blog?
Although we have a website that shares information about our business, we knew that a blog would allow us to interact with visitors on a more personal and creative level.

What date did you begin The Farm Chicks blog?
It was the end of October 2008 so we're still newbies at this!

What did you talk about on your very first post?
It just so happened that I was on vacation when we went live so Serena did an introduction post. We were so pleased that it was so well received and everyone made us feel so welcome to this new and unknown world of blogging.

Do you prefer to blog with words or pictures or both?
Both. Words are necessary, but pictures really help to tell the story completely.

Have you met people through blogging?
We've met a lot of really nice fellow bloggers!

Can you describe a friendship you've established through your blog?
Christina from Coeur d'Alene, Idaho has become a blogging friend. We found out that she's been to some of our past antique shows and even asked her doctor to postpone inducing labour so she could attend our show last summer!! We recently featured how Christina decorated her daughter's bedroom and we just met her in person to discuss photos (she's an amazing photographer) over a cup of coffee.

Did you design your blog or did you have it professionally done?
Oh gosh, we had it done professionally ~ we're not very techie!

Have you ever been featured in Artful Blogging?
We don't believe so.

What does your "About Me" (or in your case, "About Us") read on your blog?
We talk about our childhoods, how we met and got our business started. "Our childhoods couldn't have been more different. Serena bounced through the first years of her life in a hippie gypsy wagon, wandering the back roads of the U.S., Canada and Mexico. Teri grew up in tiny White Swan, Washington, herding geese, doing farm chores and kneeling in daily prayer. Who would have guessed that 30 years later, an Irish Nun would bring us together, seeing instead our many similarities...."

What feature do you like the most on your blog?
We like that readers can comment. It's a great way to not only interact with guests to the blog, but it really helps us to see what they'd like us to blog about.

Is there anything on your blog you'd like to change?
I can't think of anything, but that's probably because we're still so new to all of this. I do wish that I could post better photos. Many times, there's something I'm excited to blog about, but because the photos don't turn out well, I just skip it.

Do you ever blog when you "don't feel like it"?
We're really fortunate that two of us are responsible for the blog. We've never set a schedule, but decided that if we feel like blogging, we will, and if we're just not in the mood, then we don't. Nothing is ever good if it's forced. We usually always post at least once a day and sometimes twice, but never on the weekends. It works best for us to keep that time just for family.

What words or themes would best describe your blog?
Well ... I like to think it's happy, colourful and fun!

Do you have any interesting directions you want to take your blog in, in the future?
Right now we're just really working on getting to know the blogging world. There are so many amazing and creative women out there sharing what they love to do and inspiring others to search out their creative dreams. We're thrilled to be a part of it!
Well I'm thrilled that you took time out of your busy schedule to talk to us, Teri. Thank you so much!

* * *
Teri and Serena's brand new book, The Farm Chicks in the Kitchen is flying off the presses and can be purchased online at Chapters or Amazon!

The Farm Chicks Annual Antique Show takes place on June 6th and 7th, 2009 at the Spokane County Fair and Expo Center, 404 N. Havana Street, Spokane Valley, Washington. Admission is only $6 per person, and kids are admitted free.