Audrey's Country Crafts

It was suggested by someone that I do a feature on myself to get this going. HMMM. I had thought about it, but I'm not terribly interesting, and don't really like to talk about myself (just ask my friends). But I'll do it.

My name is Audrey Friesen and I live in rural southern Manitoba, Canada. I have been married for 20 years to the same wonderful man, Brad, and we have 2 amazing teenage sons (Luke and Logan). Some other passions of mine are reading, gardening, cooking (not the clean-up though) and going for coffee/lunch with friends. We discovered "Quading" (4-wheeling) as a family a few years ago, now all have our own and love to go out as much as possible. Crafting is what I do in my spare time. It would be nice to have more spare time, but life and blogging are taking up more time then I had planned on.

#1. How did you decide on your shop name?

Well - I don't have much of an imagination, but wanted something with my name and that would describe what I did. So "Audrey's Country Crafts" was born. After being on Etsy - my shop name is kinda boring, there are so many out there with much cooler names.

#2. When did you start crafting?

My mom sewed a lot of our clothes when we were younger. And so I started sewing and playing with the sewing machine then, and sewed alot of my boys clothes when they were young, but boys clothes are pretty easy. No zippers in sweats, sweatshirts or t-shirts. (don't like zippers) When the youngest was about 2 I saw an article in the local paper - someone was giving beginner folkart painting classes. It look interesting and Brad (hubby) was all for it. I was a stay-at-home mom and he thought it would be a good way for my to get out of the house one evening a week. He would take care of the boys. Well, I think he's sorry now. He didn't realize it would get "out of hand", and take up a whole room in the house. To late now!!


#3. What or who inspires you?

Other crafters/artists inspire me. I'm always amazed at what other people can do, and want to know HOW, WHY, WHAT. That's why I decided to do the features. Plus everyone needs exposure.

#4. Do you have a day job?

I have a part-time job driving a school bus. Started when the youngest was 4, and have no intention of quitting anytime soon. It's a wonderful job for a mom. I have holidays when the boys do, and summers off!!

#5. What is the item in your shop you enjoyed making the most and why?

I enjoy making the jean blankets because they encompass sewing and painting, my two favorite things to do. Sold the flip flop blanket, but do want to make some more soon. Actually got the idea of the flip flops from a piece of scrapbooking paper and thought they would look great on a beach blanket! There are definitely items I will never do again - I loved the way they turned out - but they were just too much work, and you can only charge so much.

Okay - now you know how it works. If anyone would like a feature - please feel free to leave a comment (and I will get back to you) or email me. It's fairly painless. (LOL)