Welcome to the fourth in my Three Questions series, where I ask makers about their creative practices. I first saw Siobhan’s quilt designs many years ago and have enjoyed following those and her other creative pursuits since then.
For the last ten years Siobhan has created content for print, predominantly sewing and patchwork but also food and other crafts.
She finds the best way to manage her busy mind is to make. This means anything with her hands – craft, DIY, gardening and cooking – and always has something on the go, often multiple projects.
How did you get started on your creative path?
“Completely accidentally! I’ve always had a project on the go even as a teen. My family is incredibly creative. Furniture re-upholstery, mosaics, sewing, quilting, you name it I probably tried it. My first real foray into professional making was when I started submitting my patterns and quilts to craft magazines back in 2009.
“Since then I have had craft and food stories in many magazines and newspapers around the world. In 2015 I released my own book with a US publisher.”
What satisfies you about the creative work you do?
“Predominately the end result but also making things in general can create calm and generate happiness. I strongly believe making is good for you. Doing things from scratch even though at times it might be hard, can give huge rewards. Problem solving and planning, collaborating and talking with friends – it’s all part of the process.
“Making is a form of mindfulness for me and I am lucky that over the years I have been able to share my processes either in print or on social media.”
How do you stay inspired to create?
“I have a long list of things I’d like to make that helps but also just reading, looking around at my surroundings and watching what others do. They all inspire me to try new concepts out.
“I usually have a few projects on the go, if I am feeling a little stuck I usually move onto something else and come back to it later.
“The creative process can be a tricky one at times and I find it is best to not force it, if something isn’t working put it to the side. I don’t agonise over things. If I have a tight deadline I might get a little twitchy or annoying to be around… but it all works out in the end!”
Follow Siobhan online
Thank you Siobhan, for sharing insights of your creative life.
She’s amazing! Thanks for putting this together Erica.
Thanks Mel. I am thrilled to feature Siobhan in my series.