Thursday, December 11, 2008

Alicia Paulson Interview and Book Giveaway!

Do you ever read a blog and just think I wish their life was mine? Even if you like your life, there is just something about those photos and all the pretty that they surround themselves in...Well this is how I feel about Alicia Paulson. She has the gift to make every thing look beautiful, peaceful and calm. Just how life should be! I am sure she has her ups and downs just like everyone but looking at her blog makes me want to run home and sew and make my house pretty. I had the pleasure of finally meeting Alicia this past weekend at UCU where she did a book signing. She is just as pleasant in person! It was so nice to finally meet her and have her signing her amazing book, Stitched in Time: Memory-Keeping Projects to Sew and Share from the Creator of Posie Gets Cozy. Speaking of which, leave a comment here with contact info for your chance to win your very own copy!



S- For anyone who might not know about you...can you just give us a little bio on yourself?


AP- I am a craft designer – sewing, embroidery, and crochet – living in Portland Oregon. Since 2000, I have designed a small line of one-of-a-kind gifts and accessories called Posie: Rosy Little Things (rosylittlethings.com). Lately, I have been working on books, and publishing my own craft patterns and kits, so that keeps me out of trouble. And I try to write daily at my blog, Posie Gets Cozy (rosylittlethings.typepad.com). AliciaPaulson.com is sort of the traffic circle that keeps the things that I do organized.



S- Your book, Stitched in Time, recently came out (which again...is amazing!). Can you tell us more about the book and how it came about?

AP- Thank you! The idea first came my way back in January of 2007, when I was approached by a literary agent who knew that Potter Craft, the publisher, was wanting a book of "memory crafts." I had a bunch of other stuff going on, so doing a book wasn't really anywhere in my mind at that time, but as we started discussing the potential concept I just knew that that was my book. I started working on the proposal, and a couple of days later the agent called and said that the publisher had called her and asked her if she knew me – so it was sort of like other people saw this theme in my work before I did. But as soon as I started developing the idea it just grew and grew, and it all felt exactly right for me, and allowed me to express all the things I really care about when it comes to design.



S- I believe that craft books are often a resource of inspiration more than anything else. Your book is so pretty. Just looking at it makes me want to drink a hot cup of tea and sew. Were most of the photos taken in your home or elsewhere? Did you have a lot of control with the photos?


AP- Thank you again! Yes, almost all of the photos were taken here at our house. A few of them were taken at my friend Sarah's house and garden – the ones that feature her children. But everything else was done here, and I had total control of those images, both technically (for better or worse) and aesthetically – I styled and shot all of the photos myself, including the process shots. It was a huge but exhilarating job – from sourcing the locations and finding the models, to figuring out what everyone was going to wear and what the props would be. It was a bit overwhelming at times, with no one but an occasional husband assisting. But of course, once I'd done it, and had that experience of being able to totally control my vision (for better or worse!) I was hooked, so I'll do that again on my next book. Hopefully this time with a little more help and some different locations, but I am really excited about project photography. At some point, when you're making the items for the book, you realize that no one but you is going to be able to actually hold those items – the photo is really all they have.


And the design of the book – which I had absolutely nothing to do with – was just perfect. I couldn't have been happier with that!



S- What are your biggest sources for inspiration?

AP- Well, it's funny – I get asked this question frequently, and I realize that my inspiration changes but also stays very much the same. I am always inspired by fabric – tiny calicos, reproduction prints, historical motifs. Right now I'm researching folk art, so everything in my mind is red and blue, hearts and flowers, birds and trees. There is so much out there – old things that have been forgotten, but look, to me anyway, as fresh as anything contemporary I know of. I am so excited about reinventing some of these classic motifs. The possibilities inherent in them are really energizing me right now.



S- What are some of your favorite things to make?

AP- Right now, I am making several dolls for Christmas from the pattern on the cover of Stitched in Time. I've made six of them in the last couple of weeks, and every time I make one I am anxious to finish her so that I can see who she is. I like making things like dolls and animals because they have personalities that reveal themselves to you as you stitch.



S- Since the holidays are right around the corner and your house looks all nicely decorated...what is your favorite time of year and why?

AP- I like Christmastime a lot – although the day itself is not my favorite, ironically. I like this season with its sparkles and red details and quiet moments. But I miss snow terribly, so I'm always a bit fraught with longing, which, you know, that's the downside of December. I miss the light reflected off of snow in the front yard – in Oregon is just mud, all brown and gray.


I would have to say my favorite time of year is late spring – before everything begins, when it's all ahead of you. Spring in the Pacific Northwest is like a fairyland. I wait all year to open those bedroom windows and wake up to the sound of birds singing.



S- You were in Seattle this weekend to sign your book at Urban Craft Uprising. It was great to see such a big line of fans for you! What are some of the best parts for you in meeting your fans? Any crazy fans?


AP- Oh my gosh, I love to meet everyone. Sewing and working on books is, for me, a pretty solitary endeavor – I spend a lot of time by myself, in my own little stitching trance, and can go for days without having a conversation with anyone other than Andy, or the puppers, or the blog. So coming out and getting to put faces with names and see peoples' smiles – it's really wonderful. I love it. Everyone is so incredibly nice, and I am just so flattered that anyone is interested in what I do. It never gets old. I've gotta get out more.



S- For those that get distracted in their crafting, what do you think are some of the most important things to do to keep motivated and active?

AP- Well, let's see. I can relate to this a little bit – when I'm working on books, sometimes I sort of lose my spark, and feel like my efforts are uninspired, but I have to keep going (I think) because I'm on a deadline! I don't have the option of taking time off. But honestly, I think that just pushing through when you aren't feeling it is actually the wrong tack – I always try to do something completely different if those feelings start creeping in. Go to the library and get a big stack of books and just look through them. Cook. Take the dog somewhere good. Just take a break for a while, until that motivation starts bubbling up again, and you get an idea, and you can't wait to get home, and . . . You know what I mean. Sometimes you just have to not worry, and wait for it. It always comes back. But sometimes I think you just have to let yourself forget about it all for a while, so inspiration can sneak up on you again. It's a coy mistress.



S- Do you have any news you would like to share with our readers?

AP- Actually, yes! I haven't officially announced it yet, but I am working on my next book, which will be a collection of embroidery patterns – including "regular" embroidery, cross-stitch, and crewelwork. The book is basically a scrapbook of my favorite designs, applied to everyday objects in new, fresh ways. It has a very folksy, historical vibe. It will again be published by Potter Craft, and is due out in Summer 2010. I'm beside myself with excitement about it. My deadline is April 15, so I am working on it like mad.



S- What is your favorite craft supply?

AP- Ooooo, good question. Favorite craft supply. . . . I'd have to say that I'd be absolutely lost without my rotary cutter, ruler, and self-healing cutting mat. And my embroidery hoops. Not original, perhaps, but I use these guys every day, so it's nice to be able to give them props – thanks!

109 comments:

Clemencia said...

thanks so much for the giveaway, awesome book
ceda3swapp@gmail.com

ikisti said...

lovely interview and pictures.
thanks for offering up the book.
meATmeganboesenDotcom

Jeni and Jenilee said...

Your crafts are absolutely beautiful and inspiring! I'm glad to know that others can be successful jumping around from a variety of different crafts. I was starting to think I had crafters A.D.D! Thanks for the giveaway opportunity, just in time for the holidays!

jkr0304@aol.com

MoniCue said...

I also would like to move into Alicia's life...or have her live next door...and introduce her to *more* kindred spirits! My fingers are crossed (around knitting needles) for the book drawing!

monicawalkAThotmailDOTcom

Anonymous said...

The book looks beautiful - I'd love to get a copy.

Ellamama said...

pretty, pretty
sally.provo@gmail.com

Ellamama said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Ebbiemae said...

Such a great interview with beautiful pictures!

caitshizzle@gmail.com
lovelylola.wordpress.com

much love xx
cait

marcyn. said...

Perfect inspiration for Christmas giving! Thanks for the chance to win your book.

Gabriela said...

Delightful interview! Ingenius questions too. I would treasure this book to my dying day, and then I would will it to my daughter, the one for whom I occasionally sew.

skona said...

such a nice interview. i second the rotary cutter and self healing mat!

Susan said...

A super interview of a super person. I've been lucky enough to purchase a kit and a fabric bundle from Alicia, and was amazed and thrilled to find that she'd even enclosed a personal greeting. She and Andy and their fur kids are the best! This book is on my 'must have' list as soon as I get through with Christmas. Or..maybe I need to buy myself a Christmas present! Unless of course, I get lucky here! :-)

Unknown said...

I love Alicia Paulson's blog. All of her photos of her home make me want to take a vacation at her house! Lisa

lisasjournal@yahoo.com

Susan said...

great interview and I would love a copy of Alicia's book. Susan
29blackstreetATgmailDOTcom

coffeechris said...

What a great interview, thank you. I would love to win a copy of the book I have been swooning over!

Lindsey said...

I love the Posie Gets Cozy blog and would love to win this book, the pictures are just beautiful.
lindswadATgmailDOTcom

Robyn said...

Ohhhh, since I haven't got my hands on one yet, I'd love a chance to win a copy. Alicia's is one of my very favorite blogs.

robynATguerrasioDOTcom

Harbor Hon said...

Alicia is so cool, I feel like she's a best friend. She's very funny, always nice and she shares a lot with her readers. Just love going to her blog to see what's she's been up to, and the way she writes keeps you wanting to hear more. I wouldn't mind travelling with her along. Thanks for hostessing the book giveaway. Hope I can win this one. xxoo

Erin said...

OH this book would make a great Christmas gift! I love all the pictures--they look so peaceful! Another great interview! (I've missed them!)

emevans38@gmail.com

Jessica said...

What a delightful interview--thank you for posting it. The question (and answer, of course!) about inspiration was particularly timely for me.
Jessica
jcalbonATgmailDOTcom

chris a said...

I'm a big fan of Alicia's blog and would love her book. Thanks for the great interview

Colleen said...

Hooray! An embroidery book! My cup of tea. I can't wait. :) I too thoroughly enjoy Alicia's blog. It is in my only daily blog read and I'm drawn to it because of the emphasis on simplicity and beauty in the every day. Thank you, Alicia and thank you Kristin for hosting this giveaway!

bugwrit@yahoo.ca

Ashley said...

Yes yes yes! I'd love a copy! Please Please Please :)

Lolly Gaggle said...

I love Alicia Paulson! Everything she makes is so pretty and wonderful. I've been lusting over her book for a while now.
laschappeATyahooDOTcom

Anonymous said...

Thanks for a great interview with Alicia! I really enjoyed your questions and her answers. The book is on my wish list, but it would be great to win it :o) lkwillis at earthlink dot net

Ellen said...

what a beautiful book. would love to share it with my sister!

said...

Big fan of AP here! I LOVE her blog and her creations!

Anonymous said...

I'm dying for that book!

Fred said...

Wow, I'm in need of that book! Awesome giveaway!

crazykim79@hotmail.com

Fred said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Beth said...

I'd love to win a copy of Alicia's book... I poured over it in the bookstore but can't quite buy it yet. Very exciting to hear about the new one too... Wonderful!

kitchentablecreative@hotmail.com

jessica said...

Thanks for the interview! I always love hearing about crafter's inspiration and Alicia is a favorite of mine.

Molly said...

Great interview. I love alicia and would live her book! Thanks for the giveaway fun.

Kristen said...

I'm also a huge fan of Alicia's blog, and wanted to thank you for posting such a wonderful interview!

I'd love to win a copy of her book!
kikipics@yahoo.com

Unknown said...

I am not a crafter, per say, but found Alicia quite by accident while surfing the web one summer day for something or another to enhance my home or garden. I have since been a dedicated eavesdropper and have mentioned to AP how much I love her life, home, crafts, pets...just everything about her wonderful self!! I am a huge fan and love the fact that this world has been blessed with Alicia.

Unknown said...

I am not a crafter, per say, but found Alicia quite by accident while surfing the web one summer day for something or another to enhance my home or garden. I have since been a dedicated eavesdropper and have mentioned to AP how much I love her life, home, crafts, pets...just everything about her wonderful self!! I am a huge fan and love the fact that this world has been blessed with Alicia.

Megan said...

Thanks for the giveaway. I love Alicia's blog and have been dying to get my hands on her book. I've checked my bookstore twice and its still not in.
Thanks for the lovely interview.

Anonymous said...

This is a great interview and I'm excited about the giveaway!

Jaime Temairik said...

Thanks for sharing such a lovely interview.

I was taking care of a sick pooch and couldn't make it to UCU until Sunday. Clover would understand.

And although I missed her, I'm happy to label myself a crazy fan for all that Alicia does!

cocoastomp@gmail.com

Celeste said...

Oh, goodness--I would love a copy! Thanks so much for the interview--a pleasure to read.

Jenne said...

Would love to win this. Thanks for a great interview!!

Mama Marks said...

lovely interview, and thanks for the chance to win such a sweet book - what a fab Christmas present for me it would be!

cristy said...

oh I would just love to win Alicia's book! Thanks for the interview and giveaway.

ClaireAshworth said...

ohh, i don't even sew, but i plant and i paint and i construct!! and i'd love alicia's book if only for the photos!

caashworth@gmail.com

Corry O said...

Wonderful interview. Would love to win the book!

Susan said...

I find Alicia's blog so inspiring and would LOVE to win a copy of her book. Great interview!

Christy said...

Thanks for the fantastic interview! I love Alicia's house and the peek into her world! :)

liko said...

i am really wanting that book right now!!!

Sharyn said...

I've got my fingers crossed! Thanks for the great interview.

sharyn@prettyessential.com

Naomi said...

Thanks for sharing this interview - I always love hearing about 'behind the scenes'. And I'd love love love to win a copy of this wonderful book!

townandahalf@gmail.com

Michelle said...

So nice to read a different interview on Alicia!
quiltingmick@gmail.com

Jacqueline said...

Wonderful interview with some original questions. I read Alicia's blog everyday but I found out some new things. Good luck with the book you deserve it to be a runaway success.
I would love the book as I spent my budget on the Ice skating Afternoon kit, to have both would be wonderful. Jacqueline

jacqui.a.taylor@ntlworld.com

Kristy said...

Alicia sounds lovely as ever!

bex said...

Oh my Gosh! i follow her blog religously! i've droppped several very obvious hints to my boyfriend "ohh this book looks awesome i'd love to cosy up and read this on christmas day..." i'd love the chance to win one! Oh, my mum just brought me Plush You book...all my christmas presents are solved!!!
Thankyou!!
bexsbuttons@hotmail.com

kirstin said...

I love visiting Alicia's blog for a moment of peace and fun in a busy workday. Thanks for posting this lovely interview!

CY said...

Her blog is so inspiring, I would love a copy of the book!

Hi! I'm Wendi! said...

Thanks so much for the great interview! I totally agree with you about wanting to move into her life for a while. . .

I'd love to be entered for the free book! My email is blockhead@wendigratz.com.

Nicole said...

This is perfect because I was just about to ask my husband for this book for X-Mas. Maybe I will get it from you instead!

Anna said...

Wonderful interview! Put me in the drawing!

pleasantviewschoolhouse@gmail.com

Deb said...

aaaaawwwww.... I love this book, please enter me in this wonderful giveaway -- thank you, and thank you for the great interview!!

Mrs.H said...

That is an inspring interview. I look forward to Alicia's posts every day, including the days she doesn't post!
--Belle

belleisforbeautiful (at symbol) hotmail.com

Unknown said...

I love everything about Alicia and her great blog. This was a great interview!

Cocoa Cream said...

I so want to be Alicia Paulson when I grow up! Hee, hee! Great work, and I would love to have a copy of her amazing new book!

Anonymous said...

Thank you! What an inspiring book. Would LOVE to have a copy!

Jer said...

Enjoyed reading the interview! Alicia Paulson is inspiring, indeed!

Anonymous said...

I love reading your beautiful blog and would love to have a copy of your book. As my daughter gets older, I am hoping to have more time to do some of the craft projects that I've been reading about. I just took back a small room in my house and made it a craft room.

mjb said...

great interview - thanks!

Anonymous said...

Thank you for the interview! Is it too late to enter the giveaway? I keep this book in my amazon shopping cart, but have to keep reminding myself that this is the season to give, not receive! But if you think about it, I would be giving, to Alicia....maybe I should go ahead and hit the checkout button.....

nicole said...

i heart alicia - she has an incredible sense of style and perspective. would love a copy!

Kitty said...

Thank you for posting the interview with Alicia--most delightful. I am ready to sign up for her next book!!

Martha said...

I love Alicia's blog, thanks for the interview!

Sam said...

Thanks so much for this interview--I love Alicia's blog, her book, her crafts, her home, and HER PUPPY!!

Knutwurst said...

What a lovely interview...I'm looking forward to reading the book sometime soon!

strawberrycream39 said...

Thanks for the interview, it was wonderful. Alicia is one of my favorite writers. Thanks for the opportunity to win her book as well.

--Jen in NY (jlevy3@twcny.rr.com)

Overanalyzer: said...

Alicia's blog is my favorite - the posts are so thoughtful and the stuff she makes is gorgeous. Would love to win the book!

Ariane said...

I love your crafts! The plush horse is my favorite!!

ariane84652@yahoo.com

Janice said...

nice interview. I'd love to win that book....and make those dolls.

Nikki said...

Wonderful interview and pictures! I just love Alicia's blog and cannot wait to get a copy of her book. Thank you for doing this giveaway!

patsy said...

How delightful to read this interview! I am a fan & would love love love to win the book, although it is at the top of my Christmas list...

Sassy-fras said...

Thanks so much for the great interview and the wonderful give-away. Please throw my name in the hat! :) slward2002@yahoo.com

Jamie said...

It's great to learn more about Alicia. Thanks for the great interview and for the giveaway! Jamie V in MT
http://rem-nants.blogspot.com
amzanioli@yahoo.com

Gypsy said...

Great interview... I am a regular Posy Blog reader- I love what you do- it is very inspiring!

Unknown said...

I've always loved Alicia's photos and the book looks amazing!!
info@gingillos.com

Amy said...

Fantastic...i love Alicia's blog and I'm super psyched about this book!

amymottola@gmail.com

It's a Hoot! said...

I love catching up on what's going on in Alicia's life through her blog. It always inspires me!

If it's meant to be, I'll also be inspired by her new book (if you're so inclined to send me a copy). :)

Jillian.Shivers@gmail.com

The Meadow Hittys said...

An embroidery book!!! Yippee! Can't wait for that! Thanks for offering Alicia's book here! The winner will be one lucky duck!!! :o)

amy said...

Can't wait for the new book!

terry said...

Alicia is always such an inspiration! Great interview and I would love to win the book!!

kiki_monkeys said...

Wonderful interview! And thanks for offering the giveaway!

Ashley said...

Great Interview! I love reading Alicia's blog but haven't seen the book in person yet.

Unknown said...

Good interview! Looking forward to her upcoming book as well!

twistedpinkproductions@gmail.com

Catalyst Of Calamity said...

Another big thank you for inspiring me to live a creative life!

littleacornstudio@gmail.com

Christie said...

Nice interview--wish I could have made it to UCU!
christieakATgmailDOTcom

annette said...

I would LOVE to win Alicia's book. I'm a regular visitor to her blog and find it inspiring to see what she's working on... and honestly that puppy dog of her's is just too cute!! Thanks for the terrific interview.

Kristin R said...

I love Alicia's blog. I discovered it about a year ago and during a particularly difficult time in my life I went back to the first post I could find and just read through it like a novel. It was so lovely and magical and healing to my soul. I would be thrilled to win this book - I've recently become a single mom and money for "me" is not in the works right now! What a beautiful Christmas gift it would be - to me! :)

Kristin R said...

Oh and my contact info is rkristin@localnet.com

Tree Dellinger said...

I truly enjoy reading Alicia's blog and I visit it regularly. I'd love a copy of her book!

Sharon said...

Alicia's ideas are so inspiring! I'm going to get a copy of this book, one way or another. Thanks for the give away!
sharondgstewart@hotmail.com

Sharon said...

Alicia's ideas are so inspiring! I'm going to get a copy of this book, one way or another. Thanks for the give away!
sharondgstewart@hotmail.com

Katie said...

Looks like a gorgeous book. And what a fun interview!

katieleigh83{at}gmail{dot}com

Unknown said...

Central on my blogroll of inspiration! I know what I'm getting myself for Christmas. :-)

Tina said...

Gotta love that Alicia! I really enjoy visiting her blog every day. Merry Christmas to All!

Unknown said...

refreshing and fun interview, thanks so much!

I've been looking forward to my first real peek inside her book, fingers crossed!

thanks!

LynAnne Smucker said...

I'd love to win a copy of this book. The interview was lovely and it was nice to see a photo of the author signing her work, after seeing so many lovely photos of her artwork and home.

Linda said...

Simply lovely.

Thank you for sharing.

Heather said...

i love this blog. it's constant motivation for me to slow down and enjoy my own home more.

Shellyfish said...

I'm with you - her blog helps me feel all calm and poised or something! I would love to win this book- fo sho!
fishbowlmusings (at) gmail (dot) com

Anonymous said...

I love Alicia's blog so much because she appreciates the small, simple things, and posts about them in such a way that it makes me realize the small simple things that are wonderful in my life. I honestly believe that I am a happier person today because of Alicia's work. Happiness is all in the simple joys. Also I can't wait to get my hands on her book!

Jenifer said...

LOVE LOVE LOVE HER!

Jen@trulyoutrageous.com