Creative Girlfriends - Have a question for the 'queen of crafts' CAROL DUVALL?

In 2000/2001, I heard women on my favorite craft show (CAROL DUVALL, HGTV) talk about being craft designers. Being creative and loving crafts, and knowing that I didn't want another corporate job, I decided to join them - even without really knowing what that was! So, I joined an organization and packed up to go to my first craft/hobby industry trade show.

I wandered the aisles and aisles of craft manufacturers shy about presenting the little booklet I had of craft projects I'd made - my 'portfolio.' About an hour into the show, I noticed a little swarm of people nearby. In the center of them was the fabulous Carol Duvall! I was star-struck and tried not to stare. I discretely watched for a little bit then eventually moved on. I wandered a couple aisles and ran into the entourage again. More observing my creative idol (Hey! That should have been a show!) and I continued on my way.

I remember the exact location (the Fiskars booth) where later that morning I again encountered the Carol Duvall entourage. Still being shy, I remembered the fable about God sending along a tree limb, helicopter and boat to save a drowning man. (Who died and asked God in Heaven why He didn't save him. And God answered, "Who do you think sent you the limb, helicopter and boat?!") After three brief encounters, I mustered up the courage to approach one of Carol's producers.

By making myself attend a tradeshow alone and then taking initiative to talk with Carol's team, I changed the course of my career. I later appeared on Carol's show on HGTV and DIY a dozen times and later taped with Carol on the "Shop At Home" network.

Having the experience of taping with Carol lead to over 250 on-camera demonstrations and sales (including QVC and A.C. Moore videos) and to giving me credibility in the craft/hobby industry. Plus, I had the wonderful opportunity to work with a professional, charming, sincerely nice and fun woman. I admire her for her creativity and her contribution to the craft/hobby industry by inspiring so many of us and teaching us new skills, etc.

Girlfriendology is definitely about inspiring each other and Carol has been a creative girlfriend to us all! So, next week I am going to tape a podcast interview with Carol and hear from her how she was able to achieve so much and the wonderful women who helped her do it all! (And, to these women - Cherryl, Kelly, Allison, Donna, Karen, Linda - and so many more - I know she worked with the best!)

Here's where YOU come in! Would you like to leave a question for Carol? Call 206-202-9005 and tape a question for Carol and we'll have her answer them on the podcast next week. Leave a message like, "This is (name) from (city) and I wanted to ask Carol ... (question)" then at the end of the call, make sure and leave me your email address (and please spell it out slowly!) so I can enter you in the drawing below.

Carol generously shared with Girlfriendology three copies of her book "Paper Crafting with Carol Duvall" to give away to creative girlfriends out there. Leave a comment on this blog with your email address or leave your email address on your phone message for Carol to be in the drawing.

Lesson: You have what it takes inside, you just have to step out of your comfort zone and go for your dreams. Go for it Creative Girlfriends!

p.s. Sign up now for Girlfriendology podcasts to hear Carol and other inspiring women! And don't forget to call 206-202-9005. Thanks!

Creative girlfriend gift lessons - from you girlfriends! (and new contest prizes!)

Carole loves to make napkin rings from rope and wine corks. (And she'll show us how in a future blog.) Jane loves the afghan her friend crocheted for her. Dana loves to knit scarfs and other wonderful accessories for her girlfriends. (And I know, because I've been the lucky recipient!) And last month's grand prize winner was Veronica who told us about her girlfriend Gloria and the creative way that she helped her friend through tough times.

For the March Girlfriendology Contest we asked YOU for YOUR favorite creative, even 'crafty,' girlfriend gifts to give or receive. You shared some wonderful stories which we featured in our new podcast. Listen in for girlfriend inspiration!

One talented designer wrote in to tell us about how her girlfriends have inspired her to create jewelry. Personalities, favorite colors, personal style - Kristy Lee uses all these and her own creativity to come up with necklaces like the one you see here. Check out her web site to see her Girlfriend necklaces. And, thanks Kristy Lee for sharing!

The April Girlfriendology contest 'goes green.' Earth Day is coming up and we're asking you to do a little 'recycling!' This month's contest asks YOU for YOUR stories of girlfriends who have made an impact on you in the past - perhaps school friends or girls you knew growing up, maybe it is women you've worked with or neighbors you've known for a long time. Just share your story and you could win a prize.
Actually, you have a very good chance of winning a prize! Not only will we give out the five Starbucks gift cards and the Girlfriendology Journal, but we'll also give away five NEW books from a future podcast guest. Send in your contest entry and be in the drawing for NOVEL DESTINATIONS: Literary Landmarks From Jane Austen's Bath to Ernest Hemingway's Key West by Shannon Mckenna Schmidt and Joni Rendon. Who we'll talk to on an upcoming podcast! So send in your 'recycled' girlfriend stories TODAY!