Friday Feature No. 15 -- Featuring Across The Pond

Happy Friday! It's been kind of a long week, as we have been adjusting to having an 18 month old around. We are still going to bed at our normal time, but I think that's going to change soon! I've just been wiped out during the day! My hubby is the best hubby in the world though, because he has been taking care of things like doing dishes when they start to pile up on our little tiny counter. I'm so blessed, because he already does SO much for me! He took the little guy with him, when he took our 14 year old to his jujitsu class on Tuesday. He knew I needed a break. Isn't he wonderful??? We've been buying a lot of meals "out" lately too. Like fried chicken and potato wedges from the grocery store deli. Or Papa Murphy's pizza. I'm trying to get better about getting a "real" meal on the table, and I actually did it today! I made teryiaki chicken thighs, steamed rice, and cumin roasted broccoli. And we actually sat down to the table together as a family (sans the little guy of course) and ate together. Amazing, I know!

Ok, so we have a winner for our giveaway from Threaded Nest: blueviolet. Congratulations! Andrea, thank you so much for being a featured guest, and for doing such a great giveaway!

Today's feature is going to look a little familiar. Hubby said he likes the big individual pictures, instead of the EtsyMini, so I'm going to try going back to that. It's a little more time-consuming, but we're going to see how it works. Let me know what YOU think, will ya?

We are featuring Casey from Across The Pond. Casey isn't literally from "across the pond", but her husband is, and she has a passion for London. Here is my interview with her:

TDB: How and when did you get started crafting?
Casey: My mom has always made things, and I picked the crafting bug up from her at a young age. I've tried my hand at just about every craft there is over the course of my life so far! I've been really into photography since high school, scrapbooking since my daughter's birth 8 years ago, and jewelry for about a year.

TDB: I see from your profile that you are a teacher. What do you teach?
Casey: I am an elementary school teacher and I taught 4th grade for seven years. My son was born last August and I am staying home with him right now, but I am teaching writing classes for kids and tutoring privately on the side.

TDB: What started your passion for London?
Casey: I spent half my sophomore year of college in London for a study abroad program. I met a lovely English gentleman in a train station shortly after my arrival. We were inseparable from the very beginning. Right before I left London to come back to the States, he asked me to marry him. Eight months later, he moved here and we tied the knot. We've been married ten years now and we have two beautiful children, and we go to London to visit his family often. It's like a home away from home for me, and so many wonderful things got started there, so I wanted acknowledge that with my newest endeavor at Etsy!

TDB: Do you sell anywhere other than Etsy?
Casey: Not at the moment, but I'd love to start doing craft shows in the near future.

TDB: If you could learn something new, what would it be?
Casey: Although my husband is from London, he also comes from Turkish heritage. It is a beautiful culture, and I would love to learn to speak the language. I attempted in the past and let it fall to the wayside. Maybe I'll try again soon!

TDB: Who or what is your inspiration in crafting or in life?
Casey: I get a lot of my inspiration from other artists! Seeing the wonderful things people create awakens my own creativity. I'm also inspired by the materials I'm working with. I just love gorgeous paper, fabric, ribbon, beads...it's almost like an addiction. I love planning my creations through and seeing it all come together.

TDB: What is your all-time favorite movie?
Casey: Hmmm...I'm not much of a movie buff. I'll have to go with Forrest Gump. :-)
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Casey is giving away this fun Aralie Gardens Carved Rose Ring (Retail value=$13), in the winner's choice of color.
To enter: Simply visit Casey's shop, and come back here and comment about your favorite item in her shop. One entry per person please. This giveaway is open worldwide. Please make sure we have a valid email address or other way to get ahold of you. Deadline for entry is Thursday, June 5th at Midnight PST.

PS...If you are interested in being featured in a Friday Features or Tots on Tuesdays segment, or you know someone who SHOULD be featured, please email me and let me know!