I first spotted Maria Villanueva‘s blog, Bubble Gum and Duct Tape, when I was browsing around and spotted this cool book pendant with instructions on how to make it. I think a lot of writers might like that pendant as a gift. So when I spotted that, I had to look around the rest of her blog,which I found delightful. I know you’re going to enjoy this interview.

I think the name of your blog, Bubble Gum and Duct Tape, is very clever for all us who like to craft! Some bloggers have a hard time coming up with a name for their site. Did you struggle at all, or did you come up with your site name right away?

Finding a name for my blog was not that difficult. I wanted the name to be something that was easy to remember and that it communicated that it was a crafty blog. I knew beforehand that I wanted to use the word bubblegum but had a hard time connecting the word to arts and crafts. It took me a good hour before I realized I could use Bubblegum and Duct Tape. I liked the humor in the implication that I use bubblegum and duct tape as adhesives in my crafts.

How frequently do you blog? Is it something you do for fun, profit, community, or a combination?

I try to blog two to three times a week. I started blogging as a way to document my crafty adventures and share them with family and friends. I soon realized that there was an enormous support system of craft enthusiasts in blogland who welcomed me into their creative worlds. I was amazed at the amount of support and encouragement they offered me. I’m now motivated to blog because of them and I try to encourage others to join. I have not yet decided whether I will turn it into an income generating blog but with so many requests for my creations, I may do that in the future.

Do you have a favorite post you’d like to link to? Why is it special?

Sometimes I share hysterical moments of things that happen but sometimes I share very personal and serious stories. I had many life altering moments as a child, one in particular you can read here (http://bubblegumandducttape.blogspot.com/2010/09/truth-whole-truth-nothing-but-truth.html ) toward the bottom of the post. It describes a little girl who found the courage to stand up for herself. I feel that sharing tidbits of my life would be a way to connect with others in a way that will make them feel comfortable reading my posts and share their own stories.

What kind of promotion do you do for your blog?

I like to have giveaways. I especially like giving hand made things. It’s a great feeling placing something special in the mail for someone in another part of the world and feel a sense of connection with that person.

Let’s shift to books now (a favorite subject here at Working Writers), what the most interesting book you’ve ever read?

I have read many wonderful books but the one that comes to mind, that made quite an impression on me, is Isabel of Spain: The Catholic Queen by Warren H. Carroll. Very few people her age are able to exude the confidence, courage, wisdom and leadership she revealed in her character. She was fearless in defending her throne and her kingdom of Castille during her reign beginning in 1474.

Anything else you’d like to add?

You might be wondering why I chose the word bubblegum. Of all the words in the dictionary, bubblegum tops my list of favorite words. The word sounds silly and fun no matter who says it. A pink bubble comes to mind and I think it’s a great image as an introduction to my blog.

More on crafting, blogging and a combination of both:

• Craft, Inc.: Turn Your Creative Hobby into a Business
• Block Party–The Modern Quilting Bee: The Journey of 12 Women, 1 Blog, & 12 Improvisational Projects
• The Handmade Marketplace: How to Sell Your Crafts Locally, Globally, and On-Line