So Canadian, eh? : The Crafty Bee


My fabulously talented Canadian this week is relatively new to blogging but who I consider to be a DIY diva, she puts me to shame!

Welcome

Beatrice from The Crafty Bee!

She is...


Beatrice is such a genuinely sweet person, who I have gotten to know over these past few months while  exchanging emails. She contacted me a while back, I have tried to encourage to keep at her blog and has become a wonderful blogging friend.

If you haven't visited her blog, you don't know what you are missing. She is always creating something and is creating a beautiful home for her young family.

Here are some of her fabulous projects!

What is not to love about this space?


Her Colette bed knock off.


Canvas art inspired by spring.


Her fabulous Rast hack!


 A mirror made with stock mirror from the local hardware store.
LOVE!



Tell us a bit about your background? Your education? Has design always been in your blood?

My passion for design and interior decor, started when I was in my tweens. My mother had many subscriptions to house decorating magazines and I was addicted. As soon as the magazines would arrive, I would check out paint colors and start telling my mother about how I would redecorate my room. If she would have left it up to me, I probably would have repainted my room every other week. My parents gave me the freedom to decorate my room and that is where I stenciled my walls for the first time. On the other hand, I have a BA and a B. Ed., where my other passions lie, with children and teaching.

How would you describe your design style?

I don't have a particular style.  Probably just a mix of many styles that I pull together to suit me.  Modern, simple lines, subtle color with colorful accents.

How long have you had your blog? What made you decide to start writing a blog and what have you enjoyed the most about blogging?

I started the blog almost 6 months ago and time has really flown by. I have many passions and two of them are making things and writing. Over time, I worked on many projects, just ideas that I had that I finally had the freedom to try out.  Eventually, I decided to start a blog to share some of my ideas with people. The thing I enjoyed the most about blogging is meeting interesting, wonderful and very creative people out there. I feel that blogging connects people and brings people from different corners of the world in one place, through the passion for interior design.  I am amazed and proud when I see that someone from a far-away country has checked out my little blog.

What are your hopes and dreams for your blog? Your future? Is something design related in that future?

At first I wasn't sure where I wanted my blog to go.  I just felt it would be a fun past time for the meanwhile.  Now that I have some confidence in writing and doing bigger projects, I feel that I have something to share. My hopes and dreams for my blog are to create a place where people would like to spend some time, while sipping on their morning coffee. I don't know what the future has in store, but I am open to whatever comes my way.

I consider you such a DIY diva, where do you find your inspiration for all the creative projects you do!

 First of all, thank you so much for that compliment. I don't consider myself a DIY diva, but I really do love to create different things. There is a real sense of accomplishment that I feel when I finish something that is elegant yet practical. I find inspiration in different places, like the hardware store, store displays, libraries, bookstores and of course, blogs and magazines.

If you could meet anyone or do anything who or what would it be?

Hmmm, good question. I think I would like to travel and see more of Italy. It is my favorite place in the world and I love the architecture and design. Just imagine how much inspiration I could get there! I think one has lots to see and learn in Europe and that would be my dream.

What do you like to do in your free time?

I love reading and there is a pile that I haven't quite got to. Besides that, I have been spending some time with a new friend, the paintbrush.

How do you manage to balance your family time and blogging, or is that something you have yet to master?

Definitely, still trying to master that. It is a juggling act, but my little munchkin comes first and everything else after. I just have to remind myself to make smarter decisions and use my time wisely. So, I try to use any free minute I have to write a post, take a picture, check a blog.

What are your views on the role of Canadian design? Do you feel that Canadians have a unique sense of style, the way we design and decorate our homes? If so, what do you think sets us apart?

I think Canada is headed towards the top places in design in the world. More and more Canadian designers are being highlighted on the international design scene and that is really great to see. Canadians want their homes to be inviting, livable, comfortable and yet stylish at the same time. Sarah Richardson is doing exactly that with her Sarah 101 series and that is exactly what design should be all about.

A huge thank you to Barbara for having me on the Canadian, eh series.

Thanks Beatrice for participating. I am so thrilled you contacted me those many months ago.
You have a lot of talent, drive and creativity that shines on your blog!
I see success in your future!
Hugs.

XO Barbara


7 comments

  1. Fantastic interview Barbara! I've just gotten to know Beatrice too and follow her blog - she's got beautiful style and fabulous projects, doesn't she?

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  2. Hi Barbara,
    Thank you so much for having me on your So, Canadian series. I am very honored and thrilled. Have a great weekend! Hugs

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  3. Great interview! I love Beatrice's blog - and I agree, she is so sweet & kind. So glad to see her blog getting some attention!

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  4. Great interview...Thanks for introducing us!

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  5. So great to include Beatrice in this series. She's so sweet and thoughtful and very talented. Great interview Barbara.

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  6. Thanks so much for introducing me to Beatrice. Her projects are fantastic!
    Kelly

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  7. She is a sweet lady and an amazing diy'er (kind of like you) and you know that in my books that's a brilliant combination:)

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