Meet The Maker: From Evija With Love

I almost couldn't keep this interview a secret until today. Evija Roberts documents her amazing creations via From Evija With Love and it is a blog jam packed with inspiration. She is also a regular #MakingHome linker upper! I was so excited that Evija was happy to feature this particular project. I highly recommend you check out the original post for this compass table.

Hi Evija! Great to have you on the blog. How would you normally catch up with a friend?
I love meeting my friends over dinner. We usually meet up and have some food, we either meet at someone’s house who is hosting a dinner party, sometimes we order a takeaway or go out for a meal. Definitely have some food and wine involved! We catch up, have some lovely food and drinks.

Food and friends. The perfect combo! Tell us a little bit more about yourself:
I’m living in Isle of Man, but I am originally from Latvia. I moved to the Isle of Man around 12 years ago, when I came over on a student exchange programme for the summer. I met my husband and moved over to the Isle of Man a few months after the summer was over!

I have always loved crafting and being creative. When I was younger, I used to go to art classes after school and would always make things out of nothing. I work at a solicitors office during the day and spend evenings and weekends crafting, creating, painting furniture and making something! I started my blog a year ago as I wanted to share my passion with people. I have become a little addicted to it now I must admit!

And tell us about your amazing compass table. 
This was the most difficult and challenging project I have ever done, but at the same time the most wonderful one.. I made this compass table for a furniture contest with a theme – geometric design. I instantly knew I wanted to create something a little different. I thought everyone can stain or paint a compass on a table top, but not everyone will attempt cutting the pieces out and then put them back together. I thought it was a unique way, especially as I ended up using some wooden floor panels to create the table top. It was very difficult, but I absolutely love how it turned out and I am extremely proud of it!

I am not surprised. It it great work! How did you learn the skills needed to make this wonderful table? :
I have never studied or done woodworking or any type of furniture refurbishments. I simply see something and really want to give it a go. All my creations are simply me attempting to do something I have never done before. It never goes to plan so most of the time I improvise, but I think that is the most fun way of learning. I do my best when I am thrown in the deep end and with this project I definitely struggled at times. With the compass table I first decided on the design and after that it was simply, lets go and do this!! What’s the worst that could happen, I would simply have to do it again!

What inspires and/or motivates you?
I am inspired by everything around me, I simply see things differently. A little broken chair in my eyes is beautiful as I can imagine what I could do with it. Colours in nature, flowers, my husband, my family..

I have always loved to paint but now I simply use a different canvas- furniture!

Where do you like to craft?
My husband built me a beautiful shed where I store all my tools and paints. I should be staying there to craft and create, BUT I end up doing it everywhere.. and I mean everywhere.. If the weather is good I love to work outside, then I end up dragging things in the spare bedroom, dining room and I have done a few projects in bed as I am watching TV.. my puggie girl Coco is very nosey so it ended up a disaster as she just wanted to know what I was doing, so I try and not to bring any projects to the bedroom or where she can reach me!

What is your favourite craft?
I must say painting furniture, as I love the transformation and bringing new life into a forgotten piece. I often find furniture which is put in the burn pile and take it home to restore as I cannot bear to see beautiful furniture being thrown out.

Do you have any crafting tips?
I always find inspiration on Pinterest if I am struggling, I also have joined many groups on facebook where I have not only learnt new things but also met some wonderful people.

For stencils I love to use The Stencil Warehouse I also love General Finishes products and Frenchic Paints

My tips for painting furniture:
When painting furniture ALWAYS prep the piece first, no matter what paint you use. I always make sure furniture is clean and prepped properly before I do any painting. This means your piece will last longer too. Don’t cut corners. It is not easy, but it if as everyone would do it.

Where can we all find you online?
Blog: http://fromevijawithlove.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/EvijawithLove
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fromevijawithlove
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fromevijawithlove/
Hometalk: http://www.hometalk.com/fromevijawithlove
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/evijaroberts/

What big plans do you have for the next 12 months?
I would love to work with some amazing brands, but at the moment I am concentrating on sharing more projects with people, come up with some great ideas and simply keep doing what I have been doing. It’s not easy but I love it!!

I am glad you do! Your blog is fab. So lets do a quick fire round:

Any other favourite projects?
A baby quilt I made with the help of my family. Everyone got involved and we surprised my sister with it.

Your favourite crafty tool?
My mouse sander and glue gun.

Your crafting hero?
I love Charis Williams and Max McMurdo. They both are amazing upcyclers.

You're working on a project, what is on in the background?
Everything that I am using and that I am not. I also will have my camera lying around but most of the time I get so carried away I tend to forget to take photos of the process.

Favourite dessert?
Eton Mess

Crafting refreshments?
Coffee, but I never finish a cup.

Your favourite handmade item (owned by you made by youself or someone else)?
I must say the frame I made for our nephew for his Christening. Its so special as it was made for a very special little boy.

Your favourite place?
Definitely Latvia, place I come from. Isle of Man is my home now but Latvia will always have a special place in my heart.

Three things that make you happy?
My family, my husband and my baby pug Coco

Your biggest achievement?
I must say this table, I didn’t win the ‘geometric design’ contest but it was the most challenging project I have ever done and I got so much fantastic feedback from so many people and it was also featured on many blogs I admire worldwide and even featured in the Reloved magazine in January 2016. I did end up coming third in the contest’s Favourites of 2015 which was pretty amazing!!

Evija it has been a pleasure hosting you on the Mrs Crafty B blog. Thanks so much for taking the time to answer these questions and allowing us a bit more of a nosy into your world! 

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