Creative Juice With Cathie Filian {interview}
Monday, January 19th, 2009
Don’t you just love the DIY Network? I do and one of my favorite shows within their crafty line up which includes Knitty Gritty, Craft Lab, and Uncommon Threads is a spunky show called Creative Juice! Hosted by Cathie Filian and Steve Piacenza, Creative Juice offers up some of the cutest, kitschy, affordable, easy, and delicious projects to do in your own home. I really do enjoy watching their show so I was elated when Cathie agreed to share a bit of her time to offer up some creative inspiration! As a youngster, Cathie spent most of her time designing elaborate homes for Barbie dolls, sewing her own clothes and baking cookies; and for eight years, Cathie worked in the film business creating costumes for movies like Vanilla Sky, Rushmore, Heartbreakers, Twister and Bottle Rocket.
So, with that said..here’s Cathie…Enjoy & don’t forget to “Make It, Bake It, and Cocktail Shake It”! (ok, you have to watch the show to get it)
JuBella: Why is creativity important to you?
Cathie: Creative is who I am. Long before Creative Juice, I had an old saying… I wake up in the morning creative, I create all day long and I dream what I’ll make next. I doesn’t matter if I am making a dessert, balancing my check book or sewing a new dress – I am always thinking and acting creatively. I look at my day as one big creative journey.
JuBella: How would you describe your most creative spot/atmosphere?
Cathie: It’s a buzz…. I am in a unique situation because I craft at home and at work. At work I am juggling many different hats, Producer, Writer, Crafter and Host. We have a crew of about 35 amazing people on the show and a typical day at work is really a buzz, it is a very creative environment. At home I really get my creative juices going. I can get lost in my projects and the quiet/calm of home.
Jubella: Favorite Craft magazine?
Cathie:Vintage, I love vintage craft magazine and books. I draw inspiration from the color pallets and pattern choices. I also love the old ad’s – they have wonderful fonts in them.
JuBella: How would you describe the character/decor of your studio/design space?Cathie:
Cathie: I call my work space organized chaos. I know where everything is – it really is about being able to reach all my supplies. I am short so a step ladder is my friend. My space has tons of character – I like color and vintage collectables.
JuBella: What have been some of the biggest challenges with being an artist, starting your own business, and promoting your work all at the same time…what advice would you give to others in the same boat?
Cathie: Stay with your ideas and dreams and realize that some people won’t “get you”. The biggest challenge was convincing people that young people were interested in being creative – crafting, sewing, cooking, etc.
JuBella: What is your favorite craft product thus far and what have you enjoyed making with it the most?
Cathie: Hands down – decoupage medium. I use this glue for so many projects…. My favorite project I make with decoupage is the candle luminaries.
JuBella: What crafting tools could you not live without?
Cathie: My scissors, I have a collection of about 100 different pairs. Some of my scissors I’ve had for over 20 years. Round nosed pliers and glue run a close second to scissors.
JuBella: Most unique gift that you have given to someone?
Cathie: I made a quilt for my husband made from all of his old sports tee shorts. He just about flipped out!
