If you’re not already a swoony fan of Rachel Burke’s craft blog, i make. you wear it, then take it from us you soon will be. The crimson-haired crafty goddess is all about bright and colourful DIY that puts our old Grade 3 friendship bracelet-making swiftly to shame. What first begun as a Saturday night sewing challenge with friends has since lead to a hugely popular blog, an Instagram account with a schmick name (@imakestagram – sooo good) and a gig as a Frankie magazine contributor. Not bad, huh?

We caught up with Rachel to find out what makes her crafty heart sing. Have a read, then a scroll of her blog and decide what project you’d like to tackle during your next crafternoon.

Who or what first influenced your passion for craft and sewing?

My mum and grandma were both pretty crafty ladies, so they taught me the basics from a young age. I have always had an interest in making things, and have always loved tactile, colourful designs the most. I love designers like Romance Was Born, Meadham Kirchoff, and colourful crafters like Hello Sandwich and Beci Orpin.

What first sparked the idea to fuse your passion for craft with blogging?

I had the idea to start a bit of a dressmaking challenge with my friends. Every Saturday night I thought it would be fun to try and make a dress in 3 hours and then wear it out on the town! I thought people might like to see the things I was making, and this started the idea for my blog. Five years later, I now write about all sorts of things like art, photography and styling.

What’s been your proudest crafty achievement to date so far?

Splendour in The Grass was a pretty great experience this year. I was Craft Captain at the Craft Tent and got to watch Patience Hodgson from the Grates rocking out on stage in the outfit I made her. Pretty radical stuff!

Where do you get your crafty inspiration from?

I get SO much inspiration from $2 shops. This is honestly my favorite place to go and look at bright, gaudy items for inspiration and ideas. Second to that would have to be magazines, followed closely by Pinterest.

As well as being a self-confessed sewing addict, you’re also a stylist, photographer and a contributor to Frankie magazine. How do you balance everything?

It can be really challenging trying to find the time to squeeze everything in, but I find the easiest way is to just do it! I love being busy, and find it impossible to say no to special projects I want to be involved in, so there is no other option than to get the work done, otherwise I would be in a real pickle!

What things do you like to do when you’re off-duty and not making crafty magic?

My favourite thing to do is to hang out with my partner and our two sausage dogs Daphne and Daisy. This usually involves eating salty snacks and watching horror movies.

What’s your favourite pieces from Bonds?

I would be lying if I said that I didn’t LOVE all the colourful undies that Bonds creates. There are so many bright and colourful undies to choose from, and all SO comfortable.

Do you have any tips for people who want to get into craft but don’t know where to begin?

Don’t be afraid to experiment with lots of different crafty mediums. You might not love sewing but you might adore ceramics. Keep trying until you find something you love.