Crafter in the Spotlight

Hello Artsy Craftsy friends!

It’s time to unveil another ‘Crafter in the Spotlight’ and today I have the story of a crafter from Pune, Pradnya Kakde, to share with you.

Crafting is a stress buster for Pradnya and she has been into creative ventures since her childhood. Experimenting with new things brings satisfaction to Pradnya and that’s why she loves trying out different things. Itsy Bitsy is a second home for this ardent crafter and some of her favourites are Chalk Paints, decoupage napkins &  the unique handmade flowers from the store.

How did Pradnya 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 Pradnya in this interview. Don’t forget to leave your comments for her.

Let’s see how Pradnya feels about being featured in ‘Crafter in the Spotlight’ this week!

It’s a great honour to be recognized by one of the leading craft stores in India..

Thanks to Itsy Bitsy Team and Rashmi Mam’ for this opportunity..!!

Rashmi Closepet M.D Itsy Bitsy :Tell us a bit about yourself & your background? 

Pradnya Kakde: Hello Everyone, I am Pradnya Kakde. I am basically from Mumbai. I got married and I am now settled in Pune. I am an HR by profession. I love listening to music and love travelling. Crafting is my passion and a great stress buster for me. I love experimenting with new styles when it comes to crafting. I am always excited to make new things which give me inner satisfaction and a different level of happiness.

RC: How did you get into crafting?

PK: I have always had a flair for crafting since my childhood. Crafting at that time was limited to scrapbooks, card making and of course the charts we made in school for our bulletin board competitions. I always got inspiration from my Dad.  He always inspired me to try new things. Crafting had been a passion right from the beginning…

 RC: What is your favourite type of craft?

PK: That’s a difficult question. I like many things when it comes to art and craft. I love up-cycling.  I love to create new things from anything which comes in handy and just love the effect of it. I love Decoupage the most. I can’t get enough of it and keep falling in love with the art everyday..!!

 RC: What are your favourite products at Itsy Bitsy?

PK: Itsy Bitsy is like a second home for me. None of my projects are complete without itsy Bitsy. I visit the store and I get whatever I want!! Pattern papers and Decoupage napkins top my list..!! Other things I adore are Paints, Embellishments, Sequins, Chipboard and the lovely flowers. With Itsy Bitsy I can go on and on…

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

PK: I am crazy when it comes to crafting..!! I would hoard a lot of craft supplies and craft all the time and would gift them to friends and family. I would also give every crafter a magic wand that organizes all craft supplies at the right place after finishing the project. That’s one time consuming work which I hate doing… but have to. That’s necessary so that I don’t hunt for supplies the next time..!!

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

PK: My prized possessions from Itsy Bitsy are Chalk Paints, decoupage napkins & of course the beautiful flowers!!

RC: How would you describe your style of crafting?

PK: My style of crafting is elegant, experimental & vibrant. I love up-cycling and altering things. I experiment a lot – try to mix and match. Be it different mediums or products or techniques, I try to keep my projects simple and unique!!

RC: How do you organize your time for crafting?

PK:  Oh… That’s a very good and relevant question though, considering the fact that I have a full time job. It’s really difficult to find time and this is the most frequently asked question to me when I come up with some new creation of mine. To answer that I would say,  the passion for craft keeps me going. I find solace and peace when I craft. I craft at night after doing the household chores and sleep late. My husband supports me a lot in this and I am very lucky to have him in my life!! J

RC: Tips for people who want to craft?

PK: Try out whatever your heart desires!! Manage your time and priorities, relax and enjoy crafting!! Craft whatever you like, find and follow your style and let the world get inspired.

RC: Your all- time favourite quote?

PK: Follow your Dreams. Believe In Yourself & Don’t Give-Up..!!

Here is a gorgeous project by  Pradnya  & the step by step procedure:

Hello Crafty Peeps, Today I have a tutorial on how to decoupage a tray.. Though you all know the techniques..! J

As told earlier… Can’t get enough of Decoupage..!!

All the products are from Itsy Bitsy except the tray..!!

 

Step 1:

Sand the tray with sandpaper.

 Step 2:

Apply a Primer on the tray. This makes the article non-sticky.

Step 3:

Paint the inside edges of the tray with Chalk Paint.. (I used Tattered Lace)

Step 4:

After this, paint the inside of the tray with Chalk paint.. (I used Pink Ballet)

Step 5:

Then., dab the edges of the tray (outside part) with a sponge or dauber. (I used Wild Moss Chalk paint)

Step 6:

Let it dry completely.

Step 7:

With the ‘help of water and brush, tear the unwanted sides of the Decoupage napkin.

Step 8:

With the help of modpodge, apply the napkin on the surface. ( I applied on the top and bottom corners of the tray)

Step 9:

Let it dry completely..

Step 10:

For the borders.. I used a shade of pink to pop up-up the border and that added an extra effect..!!

 

Step 11:

At the end…applied varnish..  & Tada!! It’s done..!!

Hope you love my other creations as well..!!

Here are a couple of  Pradnya’s other awesome creations:

Many congrats  Pradnya   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!

 

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