Too much time on my hands Interview

Today I am joined by Kim from Too Much Time on my Hands. I just loved talking to her by email. She is super friendly and sweet. One thing I learned about her was that she also lived in Texas once upon a time. I hope you also learn something new today from Kim, here is what she had to say.

1. The one question that you all might get asked the most is, What got you in to blogging?

A friend of mine started a family blog and gave me the idea to begin a family blog too. Then I started discovering other blogs out there and found a few favorites. I have been home with my kids for almost 5 years and when I finished my masters studies, I really needed something worthwhile and creative to do just for me. Blogging turned out to be perfect for me. I started Too Much Time on My Hands in February 2011 and it has been a wonderful experience.

2. What made you decide to blog about crafting?

I have always enjoyed creating, crafting, building, and trying to upcycle on a budget. I started stealing all of the ideas I was finding on Tatertots & Jello and Funky Junk Interiors. Which led to more following and more stealing...and finally I figured, “why the heck not do this for myself too!”


3. What other talents do you have that your bloggers might not know about?

I am an elementary teacher by trade and have taught first and third grades and been an instructional coach for teachers in reading and literacy. AND, I make the best sugar cookies...EVER...no really...they are the best and I spent about 2 years and 86 pounds of powdered sugar perfecting the recipe.

4. Do you have any advice to new bloggers?

Have fun. If you enjoy what you are doing and have a passion for it nothing else really matters. Your authenticity will shine through and people will notice, but it may take a while. You also need to promote yourself if you really want people to notice you! Link up to EVERY linky party, visit lots of other blogs and leave comments when you do.

5. Do you feel competition from other bloggers?
Not at all. Everyone I have been in contact with has been so positive and helpful. When you are yourself, you will make “friends” and they will support you and give advice when you need it. I am sure to always give lots of links back and props to people when I recreate their projects or “steal” their ideas. All of the bloggers I have encountered are always flattered.

6. What's your favorite craft project?

This is a tough one! Probably anything where I get to work with old wooden pallets. I love recycling and I have had so many of these lying around I have gotten really creative with how to use them. Building dressers, making shelves, and creating personalized signs has been tons of fun. Since they are free, I am totally ok with trying new techniques (in case I ruin something:)

7. What blogger do you admire the most or what blog do you visit the most?

Another tough one. I definitely visit Tatertots & Jello, because Jen always has amazing ideas, features tons of projects, and is in the know around the blogging world. I also adore Donna from Funky Junk. She is the queen of upcycling and can build anything. I love her style and get tons of inspiration from her.

8. Where do you see your blogging career taking you?

In the beginning I had no idea. I just needed a creative outlet. Little did I know, how much I would learn, how I would grow, and that it would become such a huge part of my life. I recently began selling my creations in a cute little shop in Loveland, Colorado with Alli at Trina Rose Boutique. I would love to continue on that path. I get to build and refinish furniture as well as revive old “junk.” The diversity is fun and energizing for me.

9. Where do you see your blog in five years?

I would love to still be blogging-not back to teaching! I would have 26,000 followers and wear the blogging crown-haha. But really, It would be my dream to own my own successful shop, here in Denver! Which is funny because a year ago, I didn't have a clue that was a dream brewing inside of me. A shop paired with my blog sounds like the perfect career for me.

10. How many hours a week do you spend blogging?

I think I am afraid to count. I have been accused of being “addicted.” Ha Ha, however, as I am beginning to make a few bucks (and by a few I mean... a few) I am feeling more justified in the time I put in. I probably spend 2 hours a day/15-20 hours per week-give or take. Some days I spend all my free time creating and doing hands on work, other days I just take and edit photos, and when I am feeling especially riled up and wacky I try to write a bunch of posts:)

11. If you are a new blogger do you seek help from others?

I was more afraid to reach out for support when I was new, but now that I have been around for almost a year, I feel more confident to ask everyone everything! I am also flattered and completely willing to help others and always do my best to answer questions and foster positive relationships with fellow bloggers.

12. How many post do you typically put up on a week?

I try to post about 6 times per week. Sometimes it is 7, sometimes 5. When I started I was doing Monday, Wednesday, Friday, but I have slowly built it up.

Anything else to add?

Blogging has been such an amazing adventure for me. I have broadened my vocabulary to include, affiliate network, html, and linky party. I have become more versed in computer language, bought and taught myself to use more power tools, and took more risks that I ever thought I was capable of! I definitely have some negative forces in my life who think it is all a waste of time and I shouldn't be ignoring the piles of (clean) clothes or dust bunnies lurking under my couch. However, I am fulfilled, challenged, happy, and energized which has made me a better mom, wife, and human being for the world!

Kim @ Too Much Time

www.kim-toomuchtimeonmyhands.

blogspot.com

Thank you so much Kim!! Tune in tomorrow for more blogger interviews.

Till Later.