By Amy Crelly & Tamie Snow

I asked Sacramento Craft Mafia member, author, artist and mom, Tamie Snow, to share her thoughts on shopping, getting inspired and the eternal struggle to balance work with family.

1. Where do you like to go for craft supplies?

I’m like most folks… I frequent Michael’s and JoAnn. I also shop a lot on etsy, ebay and other websites for yarn and doll accessories.

2. Do you think crafting makes you a better mom?

That’s a tricky one… Some days yes, some days no.

On the days when I have a deadline to make or when I am finishing up some computer work, I feel the guilt. Those are the days when I feel like Sesame Street is babysitting for me. But, I know that when I give him a toy and say, “Mama made this just for you,” that has an impact.

I also hope that someday he will take some pride in the fact that his Mom worked from home to be with him and that she built a little business from the ground up. If that inspires him to be a creative adult who takes risks and makes his own path… I’ll feel good about that too.

3. Do you think being a mom makes you a better crafter/artist?

Definitely. I think my son inspires me to a new level of creativity. I had never crocheted a doll before I was pregnant. Now that’s all I do! I made purses and scarves, but being a mom gives you permission to be a kid again, and no one is freer in their creativity than a child.

If you're a crafty mama (or a wannabe, like me), check out Tamie's tutorial (our other Online Extra this month) on How To Make Your Own Gabu Creature. They're so, so, SO super-cute!

You can also see the whole, big assortment of adorable creatures that Tamie makes, get more tutorials or connect to Tamie's blog through her website: Roxycraft.com