I can’t think of a better way to get ready to watch Craft Wars tonight than to meet one of the contestants! The FaveCrafts team would like you to meet Nikki McGonigal, from Nikki, In Stitches! We interviewed her about her crafting style and what it was like to craft with cameras all around. There are two episodes this week, 8pm EST and 11pm EST, so be sure to watch the second one to see Nikki.

Who is your partner on the show?
My partner in Craft Wars crime is Jen from Passion-For-Parties.com. The minute I found out I would need to bring someone with me, I instantly thought of Jen. She is the perfect compliment to my crafting style and techniques. Together, I knew we could tackle anything they threw at us.

How would you describe your crafting style?
My crafting style is classic, with a modern twist. My favorite projects are simple, basic ideas that have been around forever, but with my fresh ideas thrown in. I think that’s what makes them favorites with my readers, too. They can see their foundation and it reminds them of a project they may have seen their mother or grandmother do, but they also appreciate and enjoy how it’s been reworked to fit today’s styles and trends.

What was running through your mind when you started the competition?
Oh my goodness…you don’t want to know what was going through my mind when we got started! Everything from “where do we even start” to “ugh, I should have worn a cuter outfit!” But in all seriousness, I just kept thinking that I wanted to have a finished project. I knew I would be so disappointed in myself, and the judges would have a field day on me, if I didn’t put a complete piece in front of them.

Was it hard to handle the pressure?
I’d like to say no, but let’s be honest. Crafting with a camera crew in your face and a gigantic red clock counting down to zero on the wall would be hard to handle for anyone. I think Jen and I handled it the best we could. And really, you’d be surprised at how you just kind of kick into an extra gear when the going gets tough.

Photo courtesy of TLC

What crafting tool was your lifesaver?
I lost track of how many hot glue gun glue sticks we went through! And we definitely showed off our skills with the power tools! Like I said, we really tried to show a variety of techniques, so we didn’t rely solely on any one tool. But, the Michael’s craft closet was amazing, and I wish I could have stayed in there for days playing with all that was in there!

What was your favorite part of the show?
The end! But not because it was over! My favorite part of the show was the end because I couldn’t have been prouder of the work that Jen and I put out there. I think viewers will be inspired by what we made and want to recreate our work at home. And for me, considering that’s exactly what I do on NikkiInStitches.com, that was my goal. I wanted to craft pieces that viewers would not only love, but watch and say “I can make that. I’m going to make that!” And I think we did just that.

Photo courtesy of TLC

What did you learn from being on Craft Wars?
I learned that everyone crafts so differently. Everyone works at different paces. Everyone sees supplies differently and naturally gravitates towards very different styles. I also learned that everyone judges crafts differently. Even though the judges didn’t love everything I put out there, I appreciate all of their criticism. It’s helped me see my work differently now, and I feel like my projects and tutorials have improved since being on the show.

Do you have any advice for crafters out there?
My advice for crafters is to stay true to your style and what you love to create, and don’t be afraid to try something new. I did both on Craft Wars. I stayed true to what I love and my style. And I tried something very new by putting myself out there on the show. I couldn’t be happier with the entire experience. The crew, the judges, and the other contestants were some of the nicest people I’ve ever met. Jen was the best partner I ever could have asked for. And just the experience of being on reality TV has been so much fun!

Want to learn more about Nikki? Be sure to go to www.nikkiinstitches.com.

Can’t get enough of Craft Wars? You can read all our interviews with past contestants and listen to this month’s FaveCrafts Radio Show below for behind the scenes secrets you can’t get anywhere else!

Are you watching Craft Wars? What has been your favorite challenge so far?