CREATOR SPOTLIGHT :: DANI DORTON

 

DANI DORTON

Dani and I have been friends for well over a decade. We went to acting school together in the Big Apple and, through the courses that our lives have taken us, have both ended up in PA. If you want a crazy story or two about me and my wild college years, this is the gal to talk to. If you're looking for some rainy day up-cycled crafts, she's also a fountain of knowledge. See what she has to say! 

Dani Dorton

What is your current craft of choice?

Up-Cycled Rainy Day Arts & Crafts

Is your craft a business? If so, what is your business name?

No, but if it was, I would call it "Dani's Doodle's"

What title do you give yourself? Why?

The MomMom Crafter (after my German Grandmother)

Where are you based?

Dallas, PA

What other crafts have you done?

Rustic Wooden Signs

What other crafts/creations do you want to pursue?

Paper products and photo Modge Podge candle crafting. 

How has your craft had an effect on your "normal" life?

On rainy days, when it's too cold to step outside, and especially before Halloween and Christmas, I craft. It offers me peace, amusement, quite clarity, positivity and relaxation. I am an extrovert, but crafting teaches me to settle down and enjoy alone time every now and then. 

What is your favorite creation/thing to create? 

Anything nautical or Halloween-y.

Are you a "multi-tasker" with your creations? What are your common combos of multi-tasking? 

I watch mindless television while I craft, so that the room is not completely quiet. Such as, HGTV or the Food Network. I don't do well when I am alone in a big quiet home! 

What advice do you have for someone who is just getting started in your area of crafting? 

Find old random items lying around your home, or someone else's home, that are not being used, and see what you can make out of that item(s) to make the item(s) more useful, pretty, interesting and fun. It's called "Up-Cycling", so certain items don't end up in the trash and landfills. For example, I save wine corks and bottle caps and make all sorts of magnets out of them, and pass them out to friends. They are a big hit! Otherwise, those items end up laying outside in our environment, and are not biodegradable. If you are not feeling particularly creative, make a free Pinterest account and check out all the possibilities. Pretty soon you will become addicted and have a craft corner set up in your home with lots of supplies and endless ideas but so little time! 

Do you sell your crafted items? If so, where can we find them? 

I used to sell my Rustic Wooden Signs, but not anymore, because when the art becomes an exhausting job instead of a beloved hobby, it turns into more of a chore than something you enjoy doing whenever you feel like doing it. 

How can we, as the crafting/creator community support you? Social Media? Craft Shows? Pinterest boards? 

I am definitely on Pinterest. The board is called "Dani's Doodles". That is where you will find all of my work from over the years. 

What is your favorite crafting snack? 

Anything I have in the house that is edible!

And that's Dani! Thank you so much for stopping by and getting to know Dani. Make sure you check out her Pinterest for more fun "rainy day up-cycled" crafts!

Do you want to be featured in Creator Spotlight?

I'd love to share your insights and story! Head over to the contact page and fill out the form, make sure you add "Creator Spotlight" in the subject line and I will be in touch! Or just click here.