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Name
Marie LeBaron

City / State
American Fork, UT

What was your big dream?
To inspire people to get crafty with their kids. I’m a Mom who likes things simple, so all of the crafts we do are quick and easy. You don’t have to be Martha Stewart to craft. You can simply get out the paper, scissors and glue to make something silly and creative. Your kids will start to get into the creative process, they usually drive the crafting. It all about the process and the time spent crafting, not the outcome. Although, I love what my kids come up with!

How did you accomplish it?
I started a blog, Make and Takes. It’s been a great place to showcase crafts and share some fun and easy ideas. I also have an ebook that I just came out with called, Monster Mania: Crafts for Little Monsters. It’s a collection of monster crafts I’ve come up with for this Halloween holiday, as monsters are so hot right now These activities are perfect for your little monsters at home.

Where did you find inspiration to get started?
There are so many blogs out there, and some major crafty people. Some of my favorites are Kelly McCaleb, Crazy Mom Quilts, Zakka Life, Soule Mama and The Artful Parent just to name a few! They all make it seem so easy! Their creations are brilliant!

What motivated you to keep going?
Having this blog helps me keep up crafting with my kids. We craft a couple of times a week because I need content for my blog! So it helps having something like a blog to keep me motivated. But if you don’t have a blog where you can showcase what you’ve done with your kids, I suggest setting out a certain day of the week. Craft every Monday after school, or craft something to give to grandma or neighbors! Or many people don’t think of cooking or food as crafting, but there’s lots of fun crafts to be had in the kitchen, and kids love to help!

What’s your next Big Dream?
I want to be a Roller Derby Girl. Have you seen Whip It yet?!!! I’ve just started skating and hope to try out in the spring for Salt City Derby Girls!! Yes, really, I love everything about it. And the best part is that if you met me, you’d never think I’d have this side of me, as I don’t have any tattoos, but I’d look good in a pair of hot pink fishnet tights!!!

Who is your hero?
My Mom and sisters. I come from a very creative family. We’re constantly sharing our ideas, getting together for a “make and take”! My Mom sewed all of my dresses growing up, even my wedding dress. My oldest sister, Nan, a fabulous Mom with 8 kids, is always surprising her kids at school dressed up as a holiday fairy with treats. Stephanie is a party planning princess and knows how to pull of a fabulous party on a tight budget. Sue is an amazing artist, she makes me want to get out the paints!

What do you wish you did better?
Yarn crafts. I can’t knit or crochet for the life of me. I’ve tried and tried, but can’t catch the hang of it. My pot holders are always a bit wonky! I guess I need some advice from some experts to show me how fun and easy it can be, because I do love a good knit scarf.

What book is on your night stand?
Ha, speaking of yarn crafts, it’s Friday Night Knitting Club. I thought I’d see what all the fuss is about knitting by seeing what this little club of ladies is up to!

What is your favorite lipstick?
Burt’s Bees lip balm, cocoa! I love it. In fact, just yesterday they were out in two stores, so when I finally found it, I bought 4 of them. I hate running out and having to scrape it out with your finger!

What is your favorite quote?
“Now you wouldn’t believe me if I told you, but I could run like the wind blows. From that day on, if I was ever going somewhere, I was running!” -Forrest Gump- Can’t you just hear his voice when you read that?! I wish I could run like the wind blows. I love running, it’s so therapeutic!

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