Crafter in The Spotlight 41 - Itsy Bitsy

Hello arty-crafty folks,

Thursday is here again! Today I will introduce you to another talented crafter for our weekly ‘Crafter in the Spotlight’. This week the lime light is on Sini Anoop, who is originally from Kerala but has lived in Goa for many years. Along with being a passionate crafter, Sini is a Ph. D. in Marine Science. Currently Sini is pursuing a career and also keeping her creative passion alive.

Sini’s love for crafting dates back to her school days. Even as a kid she liked making creative things from anything she could lay her hands on. Trying out all sorts of craft techniques thrill Sini.

For Sini, any time is a good time for crafting; she utilizes her free time for her craft endeavors. All craft supplies at Itsy Bitsy woo her and she would like to see her favourite craft store Itsy Bitsy all around the world.

How did Sini get into crafting, what inspires her, what are her tips for fellow crafters, her favourite quote, how would she contribute to the crafting world if she had magical powers? Read answers to all these questions, discover more about her interesting journey and catch a glimpse of a step by step project by Sini in this interview. Don’t forget to leave your comments for her.

Rashmi Closepet, MD, Itsy Bitsy: Tell us a bit about yourself & your background?

Sini Anoop: Hello, I am Sini married to Anoop and we have a cute little son who is 5 years of age. I am basically from Kerala, but I have lived my life in Goa and relocated to Kerala only after my son’s birth. I have a Ph. D. in Marine Science and was working as a scientist in NCAOR (National Center for Antarctic and Ocean Research). After the birth of my son, I decided to quit my job to give him time. After a 6 year break, I am back to work as a Post-doctoral fellow in Marine Biology.

RC: How did you get into crafting?

SA: I don’t remember how I got into crafting, because I have been crafting since the time I remember. During school days I would eagerly wait for the craft period and would never want that period to end. I remember catching hold of any crafty thing and trying to make something out of it. During those days crepe paper flowers were my favourite. My father always motivated me, since he knew how much I loved doing it. After my graduation, studies took a front seat as I was busy with my Ph. D and research work. It was only after the birth of my little one that I got back into crafting and have been crafting and learning new techniques for the last 3 years. I am lucky to have an adoring hubby who has always supported me with my passion for crafting

RC: What is your favourite type of craft?

SA:  There are no favorites for me, as I love doing all sorts of craft. Whenever I come across any new technique, I just can’t wait to try my hand at it. However, recently I have been bit by the quilling bug and I enjoy it thoroughly. J

RC: What are your favourite products at Itsy Bitsy?

SA: That’s a tough question because all the products at Itsy Bitsy are awesome; be it chipboards, pattern papers, dies, embossing folders, stamps, stencils, decoupage napkins, ribbons and you just name it.

RC: If you had magical powers, how would you contribute to the Crafting world?

SA: Open an Itsy Bitsy store in every part of the world. What more does the crafting world need? Awesome products at awesome price to pursue their crafting dreams!!

RC: Your prized possession in your craft stash from Itsy Bitsy?

SA: Dies and embossing folders from Itsy Bitsy, the stamps and the cute punches, the sparkling embossing powders, the colorful quilling papers ….woo… literally everything from Itsy Bitsy.

RC: How would you describe your style of crafting?

SA: I love experimenting and trying new techniques. I believe that the more you craft, the more you learn and improve and ultimately you excel.

RC: How do you organize your time for crafting?

SA: For me, there’s no particular time for crafting, I craft whenever I am free and specially during night hours and weekends.

RC: Tips for people who want to craft

SA: Any craft you make, do not hesitate to display it to others and especially fellow crafters. Their comments and advice will help you improve your work and help you learn new techniques too.

RC: Your all -time favourite quote?

SA: “The only place where success comes before work is in the dictionary.”

Here is a gorgeous project by  Sini & step by step description:

3D QUILLED WALL DÉCOR

Materials required:

Cardboard for base, quilling tools, quilling paper and modpodge

Take a cardboard (here I have taken a round one- Cakebase), stick the background paper (Thick Craft paper) onto it. Draw the main outline of the sketch.

Make different quilled shapes, and make flowers and leaves out of it. To give a shine, I have applied a coat of modpodge on the flowers.

Start arranging the flowers and leaves on the sketch, once your satisfied with the layout, you can apply glue and stick them on to the base. Give an outline to the birds, and start pasting the quilled shapes on the birds to complete it.

Give an outline to the heart (visible section) and branches by sticking the quilling paper vertically. Fill the branches with quilled shapes. Finally stick the remaining flowers and leaves and complete the wall decor.

Here are a couple of  Sini's other awesome creations:

Many congrats Sini for being the CRAFTER IN THE SPOTLIGHT – ITSY BITSY

You will receive Rs.500/- Itsy Bitsy gift voucher 😊 😊 & a Crafter in the Spotlight badge, which can be proudly displayed on the side bar of your blog and other platforms. Looking forward to many more creations, Happy Crafting!