Our first blog of 2009  is a really great one. U-Create - http://kari-youcanmakeit.blogspot.com is full of tutorials for kids and all kinds of crafts. Kari, the blog's creator, has only been blogging for 5 months and has already created a popular and well-followed blog. She looks for trendy craft tutorials and patterns from some of the hottest crafters around. Karia was kind enough to ask us a few questions about her blog and crafting in general:

What are your favorite projects to do with your children?
My daughters love to scrapbook with me. It has always been one of my favorite hobbies, but it is so much fun to watch my daughters love it as much as I do.

When did you start crafting?
I have been crafting since I was a little girl. My mother used to take me to paint ceramics (is that a craft anymore? haha), taught me how to cross-stitch, and a little bit of sewing. I really started getting into scrapbooking in 1995 when I graduated high school. I am always looking for fun new crafts ideas to try!

What are your favorite products?
My Mind's Eye and Basic Grey papers, Michael Miller and Amy Butler fabrics, Glue dots, Cropadile (basically a strong hole punch), Colorbox chalks

What is your favorite type of crafting?
Right now I am really into making cards. I have also enjoyed quilting lately. My favorite craft is always changing.

How long have you been blogging?
I started UCreate for personal use and I didn't think it would snowball into a high profile craft site. I still can't believe it. I have so much fun meeting so many crafters and seeing all of their fantastic ideas!

When do you have time to craft?
Ever since I had four kids I do not craft as much as I used to. My mom, sister and I try to have a girl's night out and bring a craft project to work on at least once a month. I also try to create something at least once a week.

What is your biggest crafty Inspiration?
My mother. She has always been a crafter and she's never afraid to try new things and take classes. I want to be just like her.