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I am starting a new monthly series called Design Therapy, where I interview creative moms who love to spark creativity in their homes. 

This month, I’m hanging out with my friend Amanda Thomsen from Kiss My Aster and The Bad Seeds Club. Amanda is a Chicago based Master Gardener and landscape designer who loves all things vintage and kitsch. 

Today we are going to make a Fall Inspired Wreath, (this would look awesome as a Thanksgiving centerpiece). Though first, we are going to talk creativity. 

 

Creative Moms: Interview With Amanda Thomsen

F.B.S. How would you describe your design style?

A.T.  Quirky, Midcentury Modern with a healthy dash of thrift store, tiki and granny chic.             Nostalgic Maximalism, Pee-Wee’s Playhouse meets Amy Sedaris.

F.B.S. Who was the first person to notice your creativity?

A.T.  My parents thought I was creative, but my third-grade teacher, Mrs. Robertson was the first person to make a fuss over it. Therefore, she gave me all sorts of extra things to do and books to read that were up my alley.

F.B.S. I think it’s so great that special teachers could have such an influence on our creativity. I still remember my second-grade teacher taking us to The Art Institute of Chicago. That experience had such a profound impact on me.

 

F.B.S. I know you love the idea of “the hunt,” or discovering creative items to work with. Can you tell me a little more about that?

A.T. Hunting for materials to make projects is like taking my brain to a yoga class. I think about the possibilities of any piece, and what it will take to create a brand new masterpiece. I also have a mental Rolodex of weird items for friends so I’m like a personal junk shopper.

Further, sustainability is vitally important to me. I love the idea of consuming less new items. I would love to keep junk out of the landfills, and use old things as often as possible. 

More about this creative mom….

F.B.S. What would you tell someone who doesn’t feel creative, but would like to tap into their creativity?

A.T. There’s something that everyone gets flow from. It could be cooking, doing long math, or playing Tetris. I’d persuade them that they could have that feeling from other endeavors, like gardening or an upcycle project from the thrift store. It’s not about the end product, it’s about how you feel doing it. 

F.B.S. How do you spark creativity with your family?

A.T. I always have pom-poms, pipe cleaners, yarn and googly eyes around. I have a heavy 1970’s and 1980’s influence so I always want to recreate crafts I made in Brownies. We do a ton of Christmas crafting over here, too. We pick a theme each year and that inspires the crafts. This year, my daughter, husband and I picked a rainbow pom-pom food Christmas decorating theme. It was a family decision.

 

Make A Fall Inspired Wreath

Here’s a cool fall inspired wreath idea using simple dried hydrangeas and gourds. 

Materials

24″ grapevine wreath

gourds (these were real gourds from Amanda’s garden)

lime green spray paint

 

Step 1

Spray paint dried hydrangeas with lime green spray paint.

Step 2

Use floral wire to wrap hydrangeas around a grapevine wreath and gradually wrap gourds on top.

You can hang this wreath in your home or use it as a centerpiece on your dining table. 

I hope you enjoyed this interview with Amanda. She’s a super creative mom who has a great sense of style. If you are curious what kind of style you have, check out my new design quiz, What Does Your Design Style Say About You? Join my creative community on Facebook, Design Family to learn tips and tricks to get creative in your home.