BSCKids was given a great opportunity to talk to some of the contestants on the upcoming show “Making It” on NBC and we couldn’t be more thrilled. This new show will combine some of our favorite items, crafting on competition! For our first interview we get the chance to ask Amber Kemp-Gerstel some questions!
Eight Makers will vie for the title of “Master Maker” and a $100,000 grand prize on NBC’s “Making It,” which premieres Tuesday, July 31 at 10 p.m. ET/PT.
BSCKids: How did you get on to the show and how did you start crafting?
Amber Kemp-Gerstel: For weeks, my Damask Love blog readers and social media followers sent me messages and emails saying “Hey! Did you hear about this new show?! You should apply!” To be honest, I didn’t want to apply for “Making It” at first. I thought there was no way I would ever end up on the show, so I figured “Why apply?!” Well, I eventually started the application process and worked on it over the course of two or three days…but before I could complete and submit the application, I received a call from a casting producer who’d gotten my name through the grapevine! I guess the universe had bigger plans for me! I guess I was meant to be on Making It and I’m so grateful that I am.
I’ve been crafty for my entire life – starting with my love of stationery and stickers at the age of 7 or 8. As a kid, each Christmas I would ask for some kind of crafty toy or tool. Later in life, I returned to crafting as a recreational hobby which grew into my blog, Damask Love.
BSCKids: Who was your favorite judge and why?
Amber Kemp-Gerstel: My favorite judge is the one who says nice things about my project! HA!!! Truthfully, Simon and Dayna are incredibly knowledgeable and inspiring people and we were really fortunate to have their input as we worked through each challenge. Of course, it’s great to receive praise, but even their critiques were valuable and helped me grow and learn as a maker.
The six-episode crafting series, hosted and executive produced by Amy Poehler and Nick Offerman, will feature judges Dayna Isom Johnson, Etsy’s trend expert, and Simon Doonan, Creative Ambassador for Barneys New York. Every episode of “Making It” will revolve around a central theme that draws inspiration from hugely popular nationwide trends in crafting and DIY, which the whole family can enjoy.
BSCKids: Not on the show, but tell us about a crafting project that just didn’t turn out the way you thought.
Amber Kemp-Gerstel: To create projects for Damask Love, I am constantly trying new ideas and techniques. This means I regularly have failures in the creative process. I’ve failed at spray painting a bookshelf, I’ve failed at trying to craft with leather and I most recently failed when I tried to sew a tote bag. Failure is part of the creative process and helps us all grow and improve. You’ll see plenty of mess-ups on Making It, which will give all the viewers a real-life look at the ups and downs of crafting.
BSCKids: Where there any fun behind the scenes things that happened that you can share with us?
Amber Kemp-Gerstel: Behind the scenes of Making It was a combination of hilarious fun times and utter exhaustion. One of the funnier moments happened when we all went out to dinner and I ate the most random combination of food. Imagine a plate of buffalo wings, a chicken parm sandwich, sushi and a side of blue cheese fries. I became known as the person who would eat weird combinations of appetizers. In my defense, the show was a lot of work – and sometimes a girl just needs a delicious plate of southwestern egg rolls to end the day!
AMBER KEMP-GERSTEL (Age 37, Miami, FL) — A clinical psychologist by training, Kemp-Gerstel grew up in a single-parent home that focused on the importance of higher education and a traditional career path. After taking a huge risk and leaving her career as a psychologist, Kemp-Gerstel dove into crafting with the support of her husband and son. She is now a full-time blogger and shares fun creative content with her followers.
Instagram: @damasklove
Stay tuned as we have some more “Making It” interviews coming up in the next few days.
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