Hello Arty Crafty friends, the last month of the year is already here. Wonder how quickly time flies!! It’s wonderful to see how enthused you all are about craft and how much you enjoy reading the stories about members of our crafting fraternity. That’s what keeps me inspired to bring you a new face every week in ‘Crafter in the Spotlight’.
Today it’s all about Saloni Bhutra who was born in Rajasthan but has made Bangalore her home for last seven years. Saloni, was once a financial analyst but now has turned into a full-time crafter and runs her own handcrafted décor venture.
As a kid Saloni loved playing around with colours and did a lot of DIY and up-cycling with her mother which later turned into what she calls a ‘lifelong passion’. She loves anything that exudes an essence of vintage and is colourful. She admires everything that Itsy Bitsy stores offer but her favourites are Chalk Paints and handmade flowers.
How did Saloni 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 Saloni Bhutra in this interview. Don’t forget to leave your comments for her.
Rashmi Closepet M.D Itsy Bitsy: Tell us a bit about yourself & your background?
Saloni Bhutra: Hello all! I am Saloni Bhutra, born and raised in Rajasthan, moved to Bangalore in 2010 for college and been here since. I used to work as a financial analyst for a US based banking company, but am a full-time crafter now and run a small venture of handcrafted decor.
RC: How did you get into crafting?
SB: I always loved playing with colours. I used to sketch and paint as a kid, and loved making handmade cards for family and friends on all occasions. I used to do a lot of DIY and upcycling (was not an actual art form then), with my mother. That is how it started and that has become a lifelong passion.
RC: What is your favourite type of craft?
SB: My current favourites are decoupage and mixed media. I like to learn different art forms all the time, whatever catches my fancy.
RC: What are your favourite products at Itsy Bitsy?
SB: I love everything that Itsy Bitsy has in store. If I had to pick favourites, I would definitely go for Chalk Paints and handmade flowers.
RC: If you had magical powers, how would you contribute to the Crafting world?
SB: Somehow, I never have enough space to keep my craft stuff. So, I would make spells to keep adding space to store all my craft stuff, and to clean up all the craft mess with a flick of my wand.
RC: Your prized possession in your craft stash from Itsy Bitsy?
SB: Chalk Paints and decoupage glue.
RC: How would you describe your style of crafting?
SB: I love vintage and everything colourful. I try to experiment and learn new things.
RC: How do you organize your time for crafting?
SB: I craft most of the time and manage other responsibilities around it.
RC: Tips for people who want to craft.
SB: Keep experimenting. Do not be hesitant to try anything new. Take time out for your craft and keep practising.
RC: Your all -time favourite quote?
SB: Happiness can be found in the darkest of times if only one remembers to turn on the light. – Albus Dumbledore
Here is a gorgeous project by Saloni & the step by step procedure:
Step 1: I took a cardstock sheet and cut out tags using the sizzix tag die.
Step 2: I distressed the edges of the tags with distress inks, and blended it nicely. I stencilled one of the tags using acrylic paint and patterned stencil.
Step 3: I stamped both the tags using different stamp sets from itsy bitsy. I splattered some white acrylic paint on both the tags and left them to dry.
Step 4: I stamped the balloon, birds and sentiments on a piece of cardstock and fussy-cut it.
Step 5: I stuck the cut outs on the tags with foam tape. Then I embellished the tags using some sequins and pearls, and added a ribbon through the hole at the top.
The tags are ready to use.
Here are a couple of Saloni’s other awesome creations:
Many congrats Saloni Bhutra 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!