Happy Friday! Oh I love me a good Friday. It’s the close of the work week… a chance to wrap up unfinished projects, cross off items from the ever daunting list, reprioritize tasks that didn’t meet their Friday deadline. I also take an early lunch on Fridays for a story time at our local library with Liv. It’s the best.
Weekends usually mean a new kind of project – one that involves a hammer or paint brush or some mod podge. Weekends also mean par 3 golf courses, BBQs with friends and morning Church on Sunday. Sunday rituals are sacred in our house, it’s a morning to look forward to all week. After Mass we swing by the most delicious bakery for an almond danish and vanilla latte (always the same order. always), that’s followed by our favorite Farmer’s Market where we stock up on goods from farmers we’re beginning to get to know. Oh man those homemade almond danishes… I’m thinking about it already.
But! It’s still Friday, and with that I introduce to you a blog that I think you’ll very much enjoy checking out. The Busy Budgeting Mama was introduced to me by a friend and I was immediately smitten with Natalie’s creativity.
Be it a cardboard castle of all castles for her kiddos, the most wonderful crocheted animal patterns, her awesome dessert tables (because her graphic design skills are through the roof) or a dollhouse complete with wallpaper and DIY designer furniture, this girl is crafty and quite good at it. How cute is this idea? And here’s that awesome castle that cost a whopping $4 to create:
If you enjoy following along with families (and super savvy creative ones, at that) then I think you’ll really enjoy Natalie’s blog. More pictures of her adorable family and crafty style (plus answers to the usual four interview questions) after the jump.
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{PDB Interview with Natalie of The Busy Budgeting Mama}
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What inspires your design style?
I’m inspired by everything around me! But one burst of design inspiration has come from the blog world. Since becoming a mom and starting to read blogs while nursing and consequently starting my own…I entered into this creative world that was bursting with ideas! I’m constantly blown away by the creativity of people and grateful for them sharing it! I feel like I’m drawn towards simple and modern designs right now. Probably because being a mom I’m inspired by my children..and with them simple is best.
What do you love most about what you do?
I love that with my freelance graphic design work I can contribute financially for my family but be able to stay at home with my girls. I have the best gig. I can snuggle my baby girl in my lap, while working up designs for clients. I get to create designs for not only large businesses but also, through my printables shop on etsy-Pretty Paperie, I get to create special details used in people’s celebrations! Who doesn’t want to be a part of a party?!
I also love the fact that I get to have a creative outlet through my blog. It has opened up doors for me and keeps new projects coming and keeps things fresh. I love sharing my ideas whether they be DIY projects, Party ideas, new favorite recipes or just life experiences as a mom…and forming this community with other women where we encourage and lift each other up! very rewarding.
What are your favorite design trends?
I think you should surround yourself with things you want to look at! And an easy way to do that is with a grouping of frames on the wall! I love to fill them with not only photos, but things that are special to me..love notes from my husband..sketches from when I was a child.. drawings by my girls. In their nursery I framed each of their ultrasound photos, just born photos and newborn photos.. I love remembering how tiny they were! And when they didn’t move/crawl/climb the toilet.. Now they are wild and don’t stop moving. ;)
What are three design suggestions that you would like to offer our readers?
These aren’t new suggestions by any means..but design ideas I live by…
{1.} Re-purpose…… For parties or home decorating you can create amazing details with using things in a different way!
{2.} Shop your house….I wish I had the budget to go out and redo a room but I don’t. and most people don’t. Sometimes I go into another room or our basement full of storage and see how I could use items in the room I’m working on! Keeps things interesting and relevant in your home.
{3.} Finally I guess I would say Simplify. I’ve never been one for nick nacks around the house..but once we had babies that want to climb on or eat everything they come across..(I’m making my children sound wild. They aren’t always wild. Ok. Yes they are.) all the décor on the tables are gone..with more details have gone on the walls..and alot of the design aspects have more purpose now.
Thank you, Natalie!
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If you loved this interview, check out more great spotlights {and tips & tricks!} from fantastic bloggers.
