Creative Mom Interview: Rachel Denbow

Are you all enjoying this series of interviews? I know I am! Next is Rachel Denbow, an artist mama I’ve admired for quite some time now. Just one look at her beautiful blog and you’ll see what an achiever she is! I love learning from people who have their priorities right, and manage to create beautiful surroundings at the same time. Enjoy!

1. First, tell us a little bit about yourself.
My little family lives in the middle of the country in a crooked old house in a quiet little city.  I work from home teaching online art journal and craft classes with my best friend and try to make fun messes with my two kids, Sebastian and Ruby.  When I’m not entertaining the children I can be found perusing various flea markets in town or trying to drop some baby weight at the downtown YMCA!  I love road trips, fabric, chap stick, soy  milk, and pretty flats.

Shot Through The Heart Baby Rattle // Crocheted Earrings

2. What keeps you inspired and motivated to create while still being a mom?
My sanity!  I’m sure most creative moms can attest to the need to make something often enough to feel themselves.  I’m often making something out of necessity but get inspiration on how to do it well or make it even more beautiful because of the work I’ve seen other moms share online.  The online crafting community has played a major role in my creative development and I’m so thankful it’s a part of my life!

Swinging // Sebastian and Ruby

3. You are married with 2 lovely children, a beautiful home, a fantastic blog, AND a thriving business. How in the world do you do it all?
You’re sweet!  My husband is extremely supportive of my work online and due to his flexible schedule some days I’m able to organize my time so that he can take the kids and I can give all of my attention to a project.  Most of the time, however, I’m working late into the night or during nap times.  Most of my time is devoted to either my family or my work so if I’m keeping up with any TV shows it’s while I’m sewing or painting.  I don’t get the balance right half of the time so I try to overcompensate when I need to and always make sure my family knows they are most important.

Thrifted // In The Studio

4. How are you incorporating creativity into everyday life with your kids?
Our dining room is also my studio so there are always projects in progress.  Sebastian and I like to paint together but usually he ends up stacking paint tubes or bobbins while I work until he decides his trains are more fun.  I try to set up new projects for him on occasion and once I start working on it he’ll join me.  I have to work really hard not to micro manage his creativity or get too worked up over messes because he gets easily frustrated.  We’re learning how to enjoy it together!

Studio Time // Thumbprint Art

5. Any advice for young moms that feel like they are struggling to fit in creativity into their new busy lives?
I’ve heard people say you have to schedule in free time and I agree.  Sometimes, though, it’s hard to feel that time for ourselves to work on crafts or home projects isn’t valuable because it means our laundry might pile up or dishes have to wait.  The best thing is to remind yourself to give time to those things that refresh you because your family needs their best mama.

Onesie to Dress Tutorial // Lollipop Barrette Tutorial

6. What are your mother’s day wishes?
I’ve already notified my husband that I’d like flowers and a pedicure.  I’m trying something traditional this year!

Doily Pillow Tutorial // Apron Collection

CREATIVE MOM INTERVIEWS FROM THIS SERIES:

Arian Armstrong
Ashley Ann
Mandy Steward