Janette Ewen

I am, and have been since I can remember, a certified crafting junkie. I love, love, LOVE crafting. In fact, I’m writing this post on a break from making DIY Christmas crackers and tea cup candles (I’m waiting for the wax to set).

As a craft junkie, I’m naturally a huge fan of the Queen of Crafty, Wendy Russell. I’m obsessed with Wendy’s show She’s Crafty and jumped at the chance to meet her about two years ago. We quickly bonded over all things DIY, stylish and fabulous. While I look to Wendy as my crafting guru (I now affectionately call her “Crafty”), she’s also an actress (she was in Juno!), expert organizer and fashion stylist. I recently had the chance to sit down with “Crafty” to chat all things craft and style.

Janette Ewen: What is your current favourite décor trend?

Wendy Russell: Studs! I’m loving that it's so hot in fashion and is starting to pop up in home décor. It totally satiates my burgeoning inner rock star.

JE: You live in gorgeous Vancouver, known for its amazing décor and design shops. What are your top three favourite home stores?

WR: When shopping for high end items I love Koolhaus (1 Water Street, Vancouver, 604-684-9033), they have ultra-cool décor pieces and their store in Gastown is reminiscent of a New York loft....my dream home, really. I also really like Nood, the name is an acronym for "new objects of desire" and they're right. And when I’m looking for a bargain I head to Ikea, where you can always find great style for next to nothing.

JE: What is the most inspirational interior you have every seen?

WR: Jonathan Adler's work at the The Parker Palm Springs. I didn't want to leave...I was hoping they'd say it was OK for me to move in, really. It's cosy, cool and peaceful. Entering the lobby makes you feel like you've just walked into a friend's house. Love, love, love.

JE: You have a passion for fashion, how do you apply your fashion background to your home décor? To your closet organization?

WR: Interior styling is just like dressing yourself. Your pad needs texture, layering, colour and accessories – just like a fabulous outfit! In terms of closet organization, unlike most stylists, I organize by outfit, not by colour. Between you and me, it really does make it easier to get dressed in the morning. I call it "no sweat style." Our little secret, OK?

JE: Do you have a favourite organizational product? 

WR: The Freedom Filer. I despise filing and this baby is the easiest filing system in the world. You can see it on my website: www.wendyrussell.com. 

JE: We are heading into the holiday season, what is the best way to get your home organized, quickly? 

WR: Oh, do you mean besides calling me in to get you organized? Step 1: grab a shovel. Step 2: begin shoveling contents of home into front hall closet. Step 3: padlock front hall closet. Step 4: relax on couch with martini.

OK, in all seriousness, how about making a game of it? Every day leading up to the holidays, set your kitchen timer for 15 minutes and have the entire family get involved. Get as much de-cluttering done in the allotted time each day as you can. Also, have each and every family member take responsibility for his/her own stuff.

JE: As the Queen of Crafty, can you give us a suggestion for a DIY season gift or décor element?

WR: One of my favourite holiday gifts is Homemade Baileys delivered in a DIY T-shirt Gift Bag. The instructions are on my blog, check it out: www.wendyrussell.com. 

JE: Any style predictions for 2010?  

WR: Top three:

1. Black is the new black.

2. Two-toned chairs

3. Graphic digital prints – hot in fashion and home decor! Best featured in decorative pillows or wall art for your interior. 

For more on Wendy Russell visit: www.wendyrussell.com or follow her on Twitter (StyleCatInc). You can follow me, too! I’m posting style and décor tips as StyleAgent_J.