I've been following Kajsa Wikman (aka syko) as her book tour has travelled around the blogisphere, and now I'm thrilled that it's finally my turn! Kajsa is a delightful artist who lives in Helsinki, Finland, and radiates one of the brightest creative spirits I've ever come across. Her new book, Scandinavian Stitches, is published by Stash Books, and presents twenty-one of Kajsa's whimsical projects for such things as quilts, softies, pillows and ornaments. And I have a copy to give away! The winner will also win this set of Kajsa's adorable cards:
I was able to do a mini-interview with Kajsa, and began by asking if she minded my using photos of some of the items that I've seen in her etsy shop. That's where I first became entranced by her marvelous creations.
Kajsa ~ Hi Jenny! Yes! You are more than welcome to use any of my photos! I wish I'd had the time to update my shop before this tour too, but I only have two hands!
Me ~ Thanks! You mention in your book that you are inspired by the seasons. What is it like in Finland right now? Have you been inspired by anything recently?
Kajsa ~ It's winter! We have gotten quite a lot of snow during the last week and I'm so happy! November and December can be very dark and rainy so early snow is more than welcome, it is inspiring just to look outside the window when the tree branches are covered in snow!
Me ~ I've always been fascinated by creative minds. In the book you say that your ideas just "pop up" - I love that! Do you ever wake up in the middle of the night with creative brainstorms? Or do you get your ideas while doodling, or walking, or driving?
Kajsa ~ Sometimes I have a hard time falling asleep because of a "creative brainstorm", but I do get the best ideas in the shower! The water running on my head helps to chrystallize my ideas, it sounds strange, but it's happened so many times now that I sometimes jump in the shower when I'm feeling a bit off spirit. While I was still studying boring lectures were also very good for my creativity, my papers were always full of doodles with ideas for knitting and embroidery...
Me ~ Are you organized about capturing your ideas on paper? Do you have a file system, or keep a sketchbook?
Kajsa ~ I wish I was organised! I try my best! I have many sketch books and a box full of papers with sketches. Like I say in the book ideas tend to "pop up" and sometimes I'm not so well prepared and then I just scratch them down on any piece of paper in my reach.
Me ~ As probably have noticed, I'm already well into the Holiday spirit. Can you tell a bit about your favorite Christmas traditions?
Kajsa ~ I love decorating and all the preparations during the month of December! I make Christmas ornaments and bake with the kids. I also love the scents of mulled wine, gingerbread, candles and the smell of the Christmas tree, we always have a real tree! And the flowers! If I hadn't become a crafter I would probably be a gardener now, hyasinths, poinsettias and amaryllis are all an important part of my Christmas! On the 13th we go to see the Lucia celebration, which is a very beautiful local tradition. The children also have Lucia at school and Kindergarten.
Me ~ I could probably ask a lot more, but that should be plenty. Thanks again for asking me to be a host blog, I am so thrilled!
Kajsa ~ And I am very excited that you agreed to participate! I love your colourful world and distinctive style so much!
Isn't she a sweetie? And the book has so many cute projects, as well as very clear instructions on her techniques for applique and free-motion stitching. I am itching to give it a try!
So... to enter the giveaway for the book and set of cards, just leave a comment here sharing a holiday tradition that is unique to where you live, or simply unique for your family. I'll draw a winner around noon on Tuesday afternoon.
Comments are now closed, thanks for entering!
Cheers,
Jenny
