TLC’s new series CRAFT WARS, which premieres Tuesday, June 26, pits 3 crafters against each other in the ultimate crafting showdown.
Have you been bitten by the crafting bug? You’re not alone. Crafting is a $30 billion industry. Mom crafters are more creative than ever before—just check out websites like Pinterest. This Tuesday TLC launches its new series, CRAFT WARS to celebrate the crafting lifestyle.
On the series premiere of CRAFT WARS, three talented crafters, including Traci Remley, of Littleton, Colorado, face off in a series of challenges that will take them back to school; they must create a duffle bag to haul after-school sports necessities and a play house out of school supplies. At stake is a $10,000 grand prize. The competition is hosted by author and avid crafter, Tori Spelling.
TLC’s CRAFT WARS is hosted by author and avid crafter, Tori Spelling.
Tune in for the Series premiere of TLC’s CRAFT WARS on Tuesday, June 26th at 10/9c.
We spent a few minutes chatting with Traci about her recent experience as a CRAFT WARS contestant.
Traci Remley, a Littleton, Colorado mom, competes with other contestants on the series premiere of TLC’s CRAFT WARS.
How did you become a contestant on CRAFT WARS?
Traci: I’m a fairly new crafter. I’ve been crafting for only two years, but I’m passionate about it and going on Craft Wars seemed like a great opportunity to see what I could do. A friend of mine initially encouraged me to try out for the show. I sent some photos from my blog, but didn’t hear back for a while so I
assumed they weren’t interested. Then they contacted me and asked for a casting video and it went from there!
What was your favorite part of being on the show?
Traci: My dad was my assistant so getting to do something fun with him was an opportunity most fathers/daughters don’t get to do. Traveling and collaborating with dad was great! I loved getting to know the other contestants and learning from them, as well. Their husbands were both a lot of fun and we all had a great time hanging out together.
Traci and her crafting assistant, her dad Dave Schafersman, work on the Pop Craft during CRAFT WARS.
What was the most challenging aspect of your experience?
Traci: The nerves, honestly. I’m a Colorado girl. I’ve been to L.A. one time so the set seemed a little overwhelming. I’m used to crafting in my living room in my pajamas. Being watched while crafting was a little scary. The time challenge was also hard. We had one hour to do something that you’d normally do in five hours.
What types of crafts do you like to do with your kids?
Traci: My daughter is very young now so she loves anything with textures—sand, rice—any fun tactile experience that lets her explore and make messes. I refurbish furniture and I made her a chalkboard table so she can write right on the table!
Do you have a favorite mom-child craft?
Traci: We make our own bubbles, anything with water, water colors. To make your own bubble solution, get a bucket and fill it with water. Add 1 cup liquid soap (laundry soap or dish soap) for every 4 cups water. Blow bubbles through cut PVC pipes or even embroidery hoops.
How do you organize your crafts at home?
Traci: Having someone else organize all the craft supplies on the show was great, but in real life I’m a bit messy and things are all over the place! I tend to craft on my living room floor with a trunk full of stuff spread out. I have a bunch of stuff in my shop and in my basement. I have a one year old, so in reality, nothing is organized.
What are the benefits you see of crafting for moms? For kids?
Traci: Crafting gives kids and moms something in common. Most kids love to get a little messy, so it’s fun to share that experience with kids. My background is in early childhood education so I really focus on developing all the skills, including fine motor skills. I think it’s important to let your kids know that it’s okay to be completely different. If you feel like coloring a purple tree, color a purple tree. There are no wrong answers!
Julie Christensen is a writer and mother of four in Parker.
Talk Back! Are you a crafting parent? What kind of crafts do you love to do with the kids? Leave a comment.
cpeditor08
