Savvy Spotlight: Big Ass Book of Crafts 2 Author Mark Montano

1. What's the savviest thing you've learned building your "Big Ass Book of Craft" empire? The biggest thing I've learned is that things take time. Nothing happens overnight and I've always been super impatient.  Like the rest of the world, I want it now and it just can't happen that way. I have had to learn to enjoy the process and the daily task of creating my Big Ass life. Time is our biggest gift and we need to appreciate it while it's happening.  Live in the moment, work like crazy, love what you do and be focused.
2. What are the three savviest things a person can do to bring style to their home on a budget? Good bedding should be your biggest expense if you're on a budget because you spend 1/2 of your time in bed.  Next, mirrors make any home look amazing and they are relatively inexpensive and change the light in wonderful ways.  Finally, BOOKS! Books you love, hardcover books from the thrift store that you will read.  They look terrific stacked and they expand your mind and people will know you're savvy when they see what fabulous things you're learning about.
3. What about personal style? It's all about personal style isn't it? It's the ONLY thing that really separates us from one another.  If it weren't we would all look like we lived in an Ikea catalog and shopped at the GAP. Though I love Ikea, who wants to live like everyone else? Knowing your likes and dislikes is a good start.  Me, I don't like mid century....gasp! I like Craftsman and Victorian. I love hybrids of things, I love the yellows and fleur des lis. My favorite color is green but I primarily wear blues.  Make your list of things you love and go out there to and create your own style.
4. What are the savviest craft-making tools you have and couldn't possibly live without? Krylon Fusion Spray Paints, E-6000 Glue, Elmer's Glue, Fiskars Razor Scissors, Cardboard, Cutting knives from the 99c store and instant coffee made like an espresso.
5. Where can savvistas "shop" for savvy crafting ideas? Everywhere!  From the web to street. If you see something you love, try to make it. Chances are it won't turn out exactly like you planned, but EVEN BETTER!
6. What's your savviest tip? I have so many. Spend money on your shoes, they say a lot! The best style I've seen across the board did not take a lot of money but imagination and creativity which is free.  Be KIND to people and genuinely interested in what they have to say and you will go far. Kindness is something people will note about you.
7. If you came into an unexpected sum of money, what would your savviest splurge be? I would pay for arts curriculums to be put back in our school systems so that kids can learn the value of creativity and the joy it brings.  After that, I'd have to say a private jet.

We love you, Mark!!!

VISIT: Mark Montano's Super Savvy Blog
FOLLOW: Mark Montano's Sweet TWEETS
BUY: Big Ass Book of Crafts 2 on Amazon (they make RAD gifts!)