My Story • by Amy Anderson

I really appreciate being given the chance to tell “my story.” It’s interesting that everyone has one, and sometimes even good friends don’t know each other’s stories. So what’s mine? Well, it’s kind of long, so I’m more inspired to tell you what has really made a difference in my life and has gotten me to where I’m at now, including creatively. Maybe you can relate to some of these.

Being the oldest of five children. I think it goes without saying that when you have five children in a family and only two parents, you spend a lot of time entertaining yourself. I had a big imagination as a child because I played a lot on my own.

Having four brothers. I definitely feel that my crafts and my certain breed of creativity is a bit more masculine — this isn’t necessarily reflected in my projects, but in how I go about the process. I definitely have a short fuse for fussy projects and taking a long time on details. As a result, I like to go as simple as possible with anything I make.

Coming from a dysfunctional family. Everyone does to a certain extent, right? I grew up with an alcoholic father, and I felt like most of my childhood was spent trying to be an adult, even though I didn’t know how to. I recently realized that a lot of what I gravitate towards (in what I make and what inspires me) is more youthful and fun. I realized that, as an adult, I’m constantly trying to re-create a childhood in whatever ways I can.

Craft classes. Lots and lots of craft classes. I always took art classes as a child (thanks, Mom), and at the age of 10 my mom enrolled me in sewing camp. At the time I hated it, but now I’m so glad. I think my mom enrolled me in so many classes that if I didn’t want to make anything, I finally just gave in and played along. They definitely helped guide me in the crafty direction. As a result, I can sew and knit in addition to my main blog topic (decoupage).

Moving back to Seattle. It’s my home, and something about being there in my early twenties inspired me to get creative. It just felt like creating and art were everywhere, and I jumped on the bandwagon. I was constantly making something. I even held craft nights at my apartment. We’d watch bad TV and have a blast!

Starting a craft blog. I know it sounds like a given, but having the expectation to create can be a very good thing. I’ve never wanted to let the daily grind (laundry, cleaning, taking care of other people) completely overwhelm what I do. I forget sometimes, but I try my best to take time to do what I love — and that is being artistic in whatever way possible.

I hope telling you my story makes you think about yours. Sometimes looking back can move us forward. And that’s what I really hope to do with my craft — move it forward. I hope you will continue to join me in my adventures!

To learn more about Amy Anderson, visit modpodgerocksblog.com.