Crafter in the Spotlight Mranalini Barasker

Hello arty crafty friends! This week in “Crafter in the Spotlight”, I bring you the story of a young, talented and aspiring crafter, Mranalini Barasker from Chhindwara, Madhya Pradesh. Living in a small city and not getting access to huge range of craft supplies has not daunted Mranalini’s creative spirit. She loves crafting with what’s available at hand and bringing her thoughts alive!

Mranalini’s crafting journey started as a teenager and she is extremely passionate about journaling. She draws inspiration from online bloggers, artists and crafters. The internet and e-commerce has helped her grow and pick up new techniques. Currently, Mranalini is on her quest to explore the world of mixed media.

Read further to find out how did Mranalini get into crafting, what inspires her, how she wishes to encourage fellow crafters to follow their passion for crafting, her favourite quote, and how would she contribute to the crafting world if she had magical powers? Read further, to know about her favorites at Itsy Bitsy and get inspired by her step by step project. Don’t forget to shower some love on her in the comments section.

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

Mranalini Barasker: I am Mranalini Baraskar from Chhindwara, Madhya Pradesh. I am a sister of two awesome brothers and a sweet daughter to my parents. I believe that, through crafting one can express ones inner feelings which are difficult to convey otherwise.

RC: How did you get into crafting?

MB: I have been into crafting since the time I understood the meaning of word “crafting”. It all started in my early school days when I made hand drawn cards for family and friends on birthdays and other occasions. The best were the summer holidays! Those were the days when my interest in crafting would spur and bring out the creative side in me. However, as a teenager I started writing my diary and slowly through creative journaling, craft carved its way back into my life. Since then, I haven’t looked back. The internet and e-commerce platforms really helped me hoard plenty of amazing craft supplies from Itsy Bitsy helping me to create wonderful projects.

RC: What is your favourite type of craft?

MB: Living in a small city with limited craft supplies, I use whatever I can get my hands on and that has made me love craft even more. I love making journals using multi patterned papers and mixed media supplies. I am really excited about creating an amazing mixed media project and I am on my route to do so!

RC: What are your favourite products at Itsy Bitsy?

MB: I just love Little Birdie’s flowers; they are gorgeous! I also like various Embellishments, Paper packs, Chipboard shapes, Dream Cut Machine, Tinted Metallic paints and Chalk paints.

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

MB: Well, this is something I think every crafter dreams of. With magical powers, I would have every craft enthusiast in this world create whatever he/she thinks of, in his/her mind.

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

MB: My prized possessions in my craft stash from Itsy Bitsy are Shabby Chic Natural Burlap stack and Chipboard shapes.

RC: How would you describe your style of crafting?

MB: I don’t want to restrict myself to a particular crafting style. But, I do enjoy Journaling and Mixed Media and want to learn each and everything within its scope.

RC: How do you organise your time for crafting?

MB: Well I spent most of my time crafting and it is easy for me to organize my time. I have the freedom to bypass my study time a bit and craft longer, if required.

RC: Tips for people who want to craft

MB: Every crafter needs to realize the fact that other’s choice and liking should not matter as much as one’s own happiness and satisfaction. You should enjoy crafting and nothing else matters!!

RC: Your all -time favourite quote?

MB: “If you have never tried, how will you know if there’s any chance?”

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

Supplies used from Itsy Bitsy’s store:

  1. Patterned Paper Stacks – Amy Tangerine and Maggie Holmes
  2. Double sided tacky tape or Craft Glue
  3. Camlin Artist’s Gesso (white)
  4. Book Binder Sewing Needles
  5. Embellishments, Stickers and Distress Ink
  6. Others: Cardboard, Scissors and Scale

Step 1: To start with, use thick card boards for the cover of your journal. I have used old notebook covers with these measurements – 6.5 x 4.5 Inches in cover and 6.5 x 1.5 Inches in spine.

Step 2: Cover the card boards with Patterned Paper of your choice. Use double sided tacky tape or craft glue to stick the patterned paper.

Step 3: Let’s make the pages for the journal. Mix and match different patterned paper for the inside pages too – I have used Amy Tangerine and Maggie Holmes Paper Stack (12 x 12 Inch). Use assorted sheets and designs as per the purpose of your journal.

Step 4: Use the Book Binders Sewing Needles to make holes into the spine of the book cover (refer image). Stitch the selected patterned papers in groups as shown in image using the needle and cotton cord/ thread.

Step 5: Now to decorate the front cover of your journal, use embellishments, stickers, sentiments, clear stamps with distress ink, etc. to liven it up! A beautiful journal with a simple touch of mixed media is ready!

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

Many congrats Mranalini  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!

7 comments

  1. This is so wonderful that you were highlighted here. I loved reading your answers and seeing the beautiful journal you created. Congratulations!

  2. Wow!!! Many congratulations, my friend!!! You are an amazing and talented artist!! I am so glad to have you as my friend and it’s an pleasure for me. Love reading about you and your creative thoughts. Project made by you are so amazing my friend!!!
    Keep rocking and creating more awesome inspirations.

    Hugs

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