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I recently had the chance to catch up with this month's "awesometastic" featured author scoochmaroo (a.k.a. Sarah James). Sarah's wide range of talents and unique creative vision combine to make her an unstoppable Crafting force. Follows are some of the highlights from our interview:
Your Instructables cover a wide range of disciplines, where did you learn to do so many things?
In graduate school, I learned a lot about sewing and crafts. In undergrad, I learned a lot about using tools. And my own personal experimentation has led to my joy for cooking and baking. My parents were very encouraging of me to be artistic from the time I was a child. I guess they decided early on I wasn't cut out for Wall Street.
Is there anyone in particular who has been inspirational to your creative work?
I've always been surrounded by very talented people. Their innovation and creativity have always been a source of inspiration and motivation. My friend, Paul, in particular is famous for coming up with crazy, impossible ideas that I just can't resist bringing to life. He never thinks I'm seriously going to. . .
Having made over a hundred Instructables, if you were to pick the one that best reflects who you are, which would that be?
The el wire costume definitely represents where I came from. I got my MFA in Costume Design and Technology, and I used every bit of it in that piece. Since my time at Instructables, I've definitely experimented more with food and with integrating humor into my craft. Also I've started looking at ways to make my projects more accessible, easier, faster. For this, I think I'm most proud of my No-Sew Duct Tape Hello Kitty Zipper Pouch.
Where do you find the inspiration to come up with so many unique ideas?
Everywhere. I wish I could stop coming up with ideas for a bit. I've got a huge backlog. I like making things tiny and putting things on sticks. So that inspires most of my food projects. Web-surfing can do a lot for boosting inspiration too. There are so many people out there doing so many amazing things!
Is there a new skill that you would like to learn?
Master Chef knife skills.
Recently you have announced on the site that you are engaged. Is there any project that you have posted that you foresee will be most helpful in married life?
Not yet. I have a lot of ideas about future projects that will be applicable. Member steveastrouk suggested we consider making our own wedding rings. My fiance was totally into it! So I have a feeling I'll be getting a lot of good inspiration from the community as well as the projects they're posting.
If you could give one piece of advice to another member who is about to start their first Instructable, what would it be?
Allow yourself plenty of time to make it. Take LOTS of pictures during the process, and use good light. I take on average about 150 pictures per project! That gives me a lot of options when it comes time to choosing the right ones to use. Also, don't be afraid to use your computer's photo editing software to correct the balance or brightness. Just don't go overboard.
How would you describe yourself in one word?
Awesometastic.
Your Instructables cover a wide range of disciplines, where did you learn to do so many things?
In graduate school, I learned a lot about sewing and crafts. In undergrad, I learned a lot about using tools. And my own personal experimentation has led to my joy for cooking and baking. My parents were very encouraging of me to be artistic from the time I was a child. I guess they decided early on I wasn't cut out for Wall Street.
Is there anyone in particular who has been inspirational to your creative work?
I've always been surrounded by very talented people. Their innovation and creativity have always been a source of inspiration and motivation. My friend, Paul, in particular is famous for coming up with crazy, impossible ideas that I just can't resist bringing to life. He never thinks I'm seriously going to. . .
Having made over a hundred Instructables, if you were to pick the one that best reflects who you are, which would that be?
The el wire costume definitely represents where I came from. I got my MFA in Costume Design and Technology, and I used every bit of it in that piece. Since my time at Instructables, I've definitely experimented more with food and with integrating humor into my craft. Also I've started looking at ways to make my projects more accessible, easier, faster. For this, I think I'm most proud of my No-Sew Duct Tape Hello Kitty Zipper Pouch.
Where do you find the inspiration to come up with so many unique ideas?
Everywhere. I wish I could stop coming up with ideas for a bit. I've got a huge backlog. I like making things tiny and putting things on sticks. So that inspires most of my food projects. Web-surfing can do a lot for boosting inspiration too. There are so many people out there doing so many amazing things!
Is there a new skill that you would like to learn?
Master Chef knife skills.
Recently you have announced on the site that you are engaged. Is there any project that you have posted that you foresee will be most helpful in married life?
Not yet. I have a lot of ideas about future projects that will be applicable. Member steveastrouk suggested we consider making our own wedding rings. My fiance was totally into it! So I have a feeling I'll be getting a lot of good inspiration from the community as well as the projects they're posting.
If you could give one piece of advice to another member who is about to start their first Instructable, what would it be?
Allow yourself plenty of time to make it. Take LOTS of pictures during the process, and use good light. I take on average about 150 pictures per project! That gives me a lot of options when it comes time to choosing the right ones to use. Also, don't be afraid to use your computer's photo editing software to correct the balance or brightness. Just don't go overboard.
How would you describe yourself in one word?
Awesometastic.
Sooch should write a book filled with her epic ideas. Now, she is one of the people that should be on Shark Tank. (If you do not know what that is, it's a show that is about people asking the millionares on the show for money to start their buisness. If you have a good enough idea, one or more of the "sharks" will negotiate a deal with you.) Stay awesome Soochie!!!!
One missing question, though; where did your username come from?
Tell Randy, I say hi!
L
Great stuff, keep up the good work!