Words from a Winner: Amy Wilks
Why did you start crafting?
I have always enjoyed crafting, but my love of papercrafting began over 14 years ago whilst on maternity leave with my first daughter. I wanted a hobby that I could do at home, and at any time, and having always been a crafty person papercrafting seemed the perfect choice. I visited a local stationery shop that sold a few craft supplies and bought a few craft magazines and began making cards. Over the years, my love of crafting and my craft stash has grown and grown!
What do you love about crafting?
I love everything about crafting; the buying of craft supplies, the inspiration from magazines and social media, the crafting community, and the whole creating process. I love receiving craft products and thinking of all the different ways they can be used in my papercrafting.
Amy's Winning Entry
How has crafting helped you during the various lockdowns and uncertainty surrounding the pandemic?
During these uncertain times, I feel that I have had more opportunity to craft, and this is one of the reasons why I entered the Cardmaker of the Year competition. Crafting is a very relaxing hobby and hours can pass by without me realising. I have also enjoyed all the inspiration from craft companies and other crafters that has been shared during this time.
How did it feel to have won Cardmaker of the Year?
I was absolutely over the moon to be chosen as one of the winners of Cardmaker of the Year! I have entered twice before and been fortunate to be awarded runner-up prizes, but I never thought that I would win the competition. It was definitely one of the best phone calls ever and most certainly my highlight of the year!
Wedding Belle
Make this beautiful card designed by Amy for Creative Stamping magazine!
What’s your favourite papercrafting technique?
I enjoy trying all papercrafting techniques, and the magazine commissions I have received since winning the competition have enabled me to explore more of these using a range of craft supplies. I love die-cutting and stamping but I am always up for the challenge of trying new techniques! I have also enjoyed the off-the-page and home décor pieces that I have created recently for the magazines.
What’s your favourite papercraft brand?
This question is too difficult to answer! I like to use products from a wide range of brands. The craft companies were so generous with their prizes for the competition that it would be unfair to name just one!
What have you created using your prize package?
I loved receiving all my prizes and I would get home from work each day to more and more packages. I reorganised all my craft stash once my prizes had arrived so that I could find everything easily. I am really lucky to have been kept busy with Design Team and magazine commission work over the past few months and have used several of my prizes in my crafting. I am looking forward to using more of my craft stash this year. Thank you to all the craft companies for their generosity!
Ready, Steady, Craft!
Amy joined us live for an hour of crafting fun last month! Watch the show now for her top tips and inspiration.
Do you have any words of wisdom for this year’s entrants?
Go for it! As a previous runner-up, I was unsure if I should enter the competition again. I wrote down lots of ideas when the competition first launched but didn’t make my cards and send off my entries until the final week. Try to ensure that your entries are for different occasions and showcase all the crafting techniques that you enjoy. Have confidence in your own ability, you have to be in it to win it!
What are your crafting aspirations?
I have loved all the magazine commissions that I have received since winning the competition. One of my crafting aspirations was to have my cards published in magazines and this has become a reality thanks to the competition. I still get excited when the magazines come out and I see them in the shops! This year, I want to establish a YouTube channel to offer inspiration to other crafters and to share my ideas and craft hauls.
Anything else you would like to share with our readers?
I would just like to thank everyone for their support, and I hope that we all continue to enjoy the best hobby in the world. Keep crafting!