Hello, hello! Today I am thrilled to be bringing you an interview with the ever so talented Christopher Dale. As I’ve said before one of the many things I am enjoying about this series is getting to meet new people. I have had many people contact me to suggest different crafty guys: one of whom was Christopher.
A gifted card maker, his work is absolutely wonderful.
I’ll have his links posted down at the end of this post. Make sure you go and check him out!
What is your name and in which country do you currently reside?
Christopher Dale and I’m from the USA
How did you first become involved in card making?
I’d been making silly little cards for my husband for a long time but in the past few years it morphed into making them for family, friends, and to help raise money for a animal rescue that I’m involved with.
What do you enjoy most about card making?
The thing I enjoy most is spending time in my craft room and coming up with a card that will hopefully make someone smile.
Stereotypically card making is considered by some to be a hobby in which only females participate. Have you experienced any judgement or discrimination based on this stereotype?
I’m lucky to have not experienced much judgment or discrimination in my life however I feel that some women in crafting stores feel men are out of place there. Those women will either keep a close eye on us or feel they need to repeatedly ask us if we need help. I’m comfortable in my own skin, however, and I’ve never been one to care what other people think.
Do you feel that, as a male card maker, you bring any experiences or attributes to the craft that you might not otherwise if you were female?
I do not think so as creativity comes from your soul. It doesn’t matter what your gender is.
What is the most challenging part about being a card maker?
The most challenging part is finding time to create and keeping my craft room clean.
What changes, if any, would you like to see happen in the card making industry as far as male card makers are concerned?
I think it’s getting better but some crafting sites and bloggers need to change their mindsets and not refer to their followers as if they were all female.
What drew you to card making?
The thing that drew me to card making is that there is such a wide range of mediums available and with that many possibilities. You can create anything from very simple cards to ones that are mini pieces of art.
Do you do any other crafts?
Years ago I did a lot fiber art working with fabrics and textiles.
Have you always been creative?
Yes, at least in my own mind.
Where do you draw your inspiration from?
I get a lot of inspiration from the thousands of crafty people on sites like Instagram and Pinterest.
Is there anything you struggle with in terms of card making?
I struggle with so much but I’m learning everyday. I also need to learn to make one card at a time; I’ve got too many ideas floating around in my head!
What has been your proudest card making moment or achievement?
I’m not there yet but I do enjoy seeing someone smile when they open one of my cards.
What, if anything, would you change about the card making industry?
It’s on a good path. I feel the industry is upping their game and coming up with really great products.
How would you describe your card making style?
I’d say it’s evolving. I’m still trying to find my brand.
Lastly do you have any advice, tips, suggestions, or words of encouragement for other card makers?
I’m not sure card making will ever gain many male card makers. I just encourage everyone to follow their passions and don’t worry about any stereotypes. Try to just have fun with it. Cards brighten peoples’ day and lets them know you are thinking of them.
Christopher, thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts and pearls of wisdom with us. I too need to learn to work on one card at a time. I feel like the ideas sometimes enter my mind at a rapid fire pace and it can be difficult to reign that in and focus.
I love what you said about creativity coming from the soul and not being dependent on what gender a person might identify as. How very true.
If you’d like to see more of Christopher’s work you can find him
on Instagram
Until next time,
Snips and snails and cards in the mail,
Samantha
Driving the Crazy Train 