Friday 4 July 2008

Designer interview - Hobbykroken Guro Strandskog

Today is time for another designer interview from Guro Strandskog of Hobbykroken. We've seen quite a few mentions of her work on this, our anniversary/baby week, and deservedly so. When I read Guro's interview answers I was just wowed by her modesty and charm about her craft. So many really talented people take too little credit for what they bring to their skill. The reason why Guro's blog is such a pleasure to read and look at (and I'm not a Norweigan speaker!!!) is for the beautiful images, the carefully thought-out topics and the fact that she is happy to share all this for FREE!!! Let's hope that when people read this, they might feel inspired enough to follow a similar course. You never know, you might find yourself on chaincreative!
This picture I've chosen sets the scene of a chilly Nordic winter but with a warm heart!
Chain Creative Interview
Questions of creativity and inspiration

Your name
Guro Strandskog
Where you’re from?
Norway
Website
Blog address http://hobbykroken.blogdrive.com/
Flikr address http://www.flickr.com/people/coffeecupcake/
Describe your various creative skills.
Crochet, designing crochet patterns, knitting, some jewellery making, always wanting to try new crafts
When did you start to crochet and who taught you?
A very good friend of mine taught me to crochet about 6 years ago (I am eternally grateful to her, thank you Hilde!), so I’m a fairly new crocheter!
What, in your opinion, is the best thing about crochet?
It’s a lot quicker than knitting (at least for me it is… I’m a very slow knitter!). It’s very easy to understand once you get the hang of it, and that makes it easy to come up with new designs. Easy-easy-easy :O)
The name of the blog is interesting. What was the inspiration behind it?
I have to say it’s not the least bit interesting…. It means the corner where I do my crafting (or the corner of my home where I keep all my crafting stash), and the name is more a consequence of wanting to start a blog right away, than a well thought-through name. If I was to start a blog now, I would have tried to come up with a more creative name!
What was the motivation to start the blog?
The inspiration I got from all the talented bloggers, hoping that I could be an inspiration for someone as well. I have learned so much in the process (I started the blog in 2004 I think), and you could say that the blog has matured during the years. I always try to take good photos of my projects, and giving the blog a bright (Nordic?) feel.

What influences your style and output? What are your inspirations?
Sooo many things!
Colours: Lately I have been influenced by the colours of my childhood (late 70s colour combinations), other than that I often choose light colours, and sometimes bright colours (especially when I have a KoolAid-dying-session).
Texture: Sometimes the texture of a particular yarn can inspire me to make somethinglike the “Babushka ballerina slippers”, they all started with the yarn. I just thought it would be perfect for felted slippers.
Style: Again, I’m influenced by retro clothing, like the “retro baby flying helmet”.
Magazines, knitted clothes and of course all the wonderful crafting blogs out there, Flickr and Etsy are all great sources of inspiration.

What are the most important aspects of your work to you?
Crocheting is relaxing, almost meditative! Creating something just makes me feel good, and if I can be an inspiration to others, then that is an extra bonus.

Which project or piece of work are you most proud of?
I have to say the “Babushka ballerina slippers”. They are comfortable, easy to make and cute (in my opinion..!). I’m so happy that I could share the pattern, and grateful that so many have made them. That really makes me proud. I have even taught a friend to crochet with this pattern! And since they are so easy to make and has a simple design, the decoration is what makes them special.

When are you most happy when you’re working?
When I make someone happy! It can be by sharing a pattern, giving a handmade gift or just knowing that I have inspired someone. Also, what makes me happy is when I have just finished a project from one of my ideas, and I can see that it actually turns out great.

Thank you for chatting!

Love Bee

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

It enables us to express our feelings and opinions.