Hey there, can you introduce yourself?

Hi! My name is Sarah (pronounced Sah-rah) Goldschadt. I'm a Danish American freelance graphic designer, crafter,and author of Craft-a-Day. I was born in Copenhagen, Denmark, grew up in Minnesota, attended college in Iowa, and have called New York City home the last 7 years. I keep a blog at sah-rah.com.

Tell us a bit about the book?

Craft-a-Day (Quirk Books, October 2012) is broken down into weekly themes with simple, traceable patterns. January has Snowflake Week, February has Groundhog Week, March has Hexagon Week—there's a project for all ages and craft levels. The projects featured in the book range from cards, garlands, cupcake toppers, felt ornaments, and more. There's a photo of every craft and each project doesn't require a big investment of time or money for supplies.

What was the inspiration behind it?

The title of my book came from Margaret McGuire, my editor at Quirk Books, and together we brainstormed ideas: What if it was based on weekly themes, what if we had traceable patterns at the beginning of each week, etc. From there the crafts took over my life but in a good way! I think the main goal for the book was using basic supplies and keeping the projects simple so that they could be made in one sitting and would be fun for all ages. I think my craft/design aesthetic is heavily influenced by my Scandinavian side (I spent all my childhood summers visiting my dad and family in Denmark). I've always been drawing to simple, minimal design.

Which is your favourite project?

I've been obsessed with mini owls for years, so I think Owl Week is my favorite. For the holidays I may even have to make a multi-colored owl ornament tree.

What is your craft space like?

I live in a 5th floor walkup studio in Hells Kitchen in Manhattan. I'm lucky to have a separate kitchen and small office, but I mainly work from my couch or even my bed. The bedroom is the living room but it's the biggest room and has the most daylight.

Have you always been creative?

My family is pretty creative: my mom sews (she also taught me how to knit), my dad draws and paints, and growing up we lived next door to my Grandpa who was always making things in his wood shop or upcycling old things in new ways. My sister and I were in the same Girl Scout troop (we earned the Gold Award together) and my mom was our leader. We seemed to always be making things: friendship bracelets, painting, drawing, etc. My sister also picked up sewing and knitting over the years so we still enjoy making projects together.

When did you first start crafting?

There are photos of me painting as a toddler, but the first real craft project was probably making ornaments in Girl Scouts.

Who are your crafty heroes?

I'm really inspired by Donna Wilson http://donnawilson.com/
Elisabeth Dunker at http://www.finelittleday.com/
and all the items at Ferm Living http://www.ferm-living.com/ or Hay http://hay.dk/

Where do you find inspiration?

I get the most inspiration when I travel. Within the last 5 years I've managed to travel to Kenya, China, India, Laos, Thailand, and Bangladesh. I cannot get enough of the handmade shops and markets. The colors and patterns are always so amazing.

What's next for you?

I'm currently working on another book proposal for next year and I'd also love to work on a craft app or digital craft magazine.

Make something new every day of the year! Craft-a-Day offers daily inspiration along with weekly themes to kick-start your creativity. Make magnets, cupcake toppers, garlands, cards, wall art, finger puppets, and more! With 52 different themes, from rainbows and snowmen to ladybugs and groundhogs, you’ll find fun and cuteness on every page. Author Sarah Goldschadt provides whimsical projects for easy crafts that require no advanced skills or crazy tools. Complete with handy patterns and how-to photos, Craft-a-Day challenges you to make something special, every day of the year.