Featured Crafter: Carol Kay Hobbs

This week we would like to introduce Carol Kay (CK) Hobbs from Charlevoix, Michigan and her yorkies, Molly and Peek-a-tu. Like many crafters out there, CK is passionate about her craft and versatile in her crafting. Not only does she build birdhouses and bird feeders, she pours and decorates soy candles and is in the process of building a log cabin.

Here's a peek into Carol Kay's world:

       

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CK, how did you get into crafting? 

I don't remember ever not crafting. I took art classes in school and taught myself from reading books. My mother crocheted and knitted so I guess the seeds were planted early in life.

What type of crafts do you enjoy?

Right now my favorites are making soy candles and building birdhouses and feeders. Our wildlife needs all the help it can get! I love to micro-macrame jewelry as well. However in years past I have attempted almost every craft I came upon.



Do you have a favorite craft?

Soy candles, definitely, are my favorite right now. And my birdfeeders are right behind.

What inspires you?

Birds and decals!

How many hours per week do you get to enjoy crafting?

It varies with the seasons. I can spend more time in the winter than in the summer because we get buried in snow up here in the northwoods and it is cold...I like to stay close to the fireplace and kitchen in the winter! My candle making and bird feeders consume most of my living space in the winter.

What project was your favorite from beginning to end?

A birdcage. I built a birdcage because I had to overwinter a cedar waxwing named Beetleguese. I did the best I could for her because I felt so bad that she could not migrate with the others. I put little trees and macramed beautiful swings. It had a real nest for her to sleep in and little platforms and boxes in every corner all the way up her cage for her favorite fruits and treats. I really loved that little bird!

Biggest Project?

My log cabin keeps me in suspense. That is my biggest project.

Have you ever hurt yourself crafting?

Sure, but not often. Much of the wood I use for my birdfeeders is the product of shipping crates from the cement plant where I work. I can't stand to see that beautiful wood go to waste.. Some of it takes quite a bit of sanding. Once I caught a sanding disk between the eyes. I had safety glasses on, but I was still lucky I didn't have more than two black eyes.

What drives you?

I think the biggest reason I craft is the look of sheer delight that people have on their face when you give them something you have made. This, my two yorkies (Molly and Peek-a-tu), and decals in my mailbox definitely keep me going!

Future Plans?

I am going to get my wildlife rehabilitation permit and build enclosures for this wildlife; and when I retire I plan to make soy candles, and build bird feeders and homes for our wild birds for the rest of my life!!
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Thank you, CK! You know how much I love your bird feeders...here's a picture of the one you built for me and shipped to my Dad in Minnesota for Father's Day a couple of months ago.

Dad loves it.  He put it on a post outside his breakfast nook and watches the birds every morning.  What a nice way to start the day.
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Dear Reader/Follower:  We would love to know your thoughts about our crafter interviews.  Our goal is to inform, entertain, and inspire.  Please let us know if we are on the right track by posting a comment.  Happy Crafting from Cathy and De'Anna, Mother and Daughter, Partners in Crafting.
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