BRIGITTE GRANT

 

PROJECT CONTRIBUTOR

Describe yourself in five words or less:
Organised, tolerant and passionate about my craft ... or obsessed!

Describe your worst attempt at craft: 
I once experimented with shrinky dinks – I cut small pieces and used a very strong heat gun which blew the pieces away. When I tried to catch them, they’d blow away again! Later on I found out that I could shrink little pieces better in oven by sticking them on a baking tray with heat-resistant double-sided tape!

If you could master one new skill, what would it be?
Knitting. My friend Rhonda is trying to teach me to make a scarf, which I thought would be easy. But she had to fix my mistakes and ended up finishing the scarf!

What's your favourite project that's been featured in Handmade?
My stamped canvases!

Describe your greatest creative achievement.
When I had a card published in an American magazine, I was excited and so proud of myself.

How is your home decorated?
Simple with bright colours and tropical items around me to remind me of home – Tahiti.

What is your favourite colour and why?
Pink. It’s so pretty and feminine. Also green, the colour of peace, is a refreshing colour.

Tell us about your earliest childhood craft memories.
Coming from the Pacific Islands, I remember at school I was intrigued to see my teacher using a piece of wood with a handle to stamp on paper. I think that's when my love for stamps started. I also made clothes for my dolls.

What's the best handmade present you've ever received?
My friend Susan made me a special book with the letters of my name for my birthday. It was all perfectly stamped and put together, and I was speechless. It’s beautiful and I will cherish it forever.

Tell us an unusual or surprising fact about yourself.
Although I’m quite comfortable within myself and with my family, I'm surprised that I can still worry about what people think of me – it’s annoying at times.

What is your motto in life?
Enjoy life, experiment with craft and scrap all day long!

Describe any ‘what was I thinking?’ purchases.
I’ve been pretty good in my choices so far.
 
What music do you listen to while you work?
I like ’80s music, but towards the end of the day I enjoy quiet.