scrappy blog tour

My scrappy friend Donna Januzzi (whom I’ve had the chance to meet and hang out with at CHA) invited me to participate in a scrappy blog tour last week. Donna is one of the sweetest, most sincere, and talented scrappers I know so of course I said yes…plus, I thought it would be a lot of fun! The blog tour consists of a few questions about your creative process and current favorites, so here goes!

1. What am I working on right now? 

Since I’m blog hostess for We R Memory Keepers I’m always working on something. Usually I’m creating content for a class as well, but right now I’m not so blog projects are my focus. As I’m writing this I’m working on a folded leaf garland idea that I found on Pinterest. It’s super fun, and kind of reminds me of fan folding back in elementary school.

2. How long does it take me to create a project? 

The answer to this question depends on the project. I create scrapbook layouts, cards, altered projects, home decor, etc so it varies. I’ll go with scrapbook layouts since this is a “scrappy” blog tour. =) It’s a little hard for me to nail down a time frame since I create in stints, and not a continuous block of time. (I have a four year old at home, so I take breaks while working). I would say layouts take me anywhere from 30 min to 2 hours. I try to include a fun technique on each page so depending on what that is, sometimes it takes me a while.

Layout with a masked stamping title technique

3. What are my favorite things to create with at the moment? 

My favorite products currently are punches and dies (because they seem to “stretch” my paper stash), wood veneer shapes, enamel dots and shapes, and washi tape. I also like to use my Cricut to die cut page titles.

4. How does my writing/creating process work? 

My process depends on what I’m creating. Most of what I create is for assignments/work (I do get to keep most of it, so it’s for me as well) so I’ll often start with a specific paper collection, embellishment, or tool as my inspiration. Starting with a product is fun for me because, as I said before, I like to try and include a fun technique or tip on my projects. So I enjoy coming up with clever and unique ways to use the product I’m working with. Once I have a direction for how I’m going to use my product, then I choose photos and come up with a good page design. I never adhere anything down until I’m confident with my placement of everything, and I shift things around like pieces on a gameboard until I get a look I’m happy with. Once I adhere everything down I photograph my project and edit my photos so I can share them on my blog, Facebook page, or Instagram feed. Usually I’m happy with it, but every now and then I see something in the photograph on my laptop screen that can be improved, so I tweek it a bit and re-photograph it. There’s something different about getting a bird’s eye smaller view of a project that can sometimes help you see a design flaw.

First layout attempt before seeing the photograph–too cluttered, so the photos get lost

Final layout attempt after seeing the photograph–less cluttered so now the photos get the focus they deserve

5. How do I become inspired and stay inspired? 

I love Pinterest! Let me say that again…I LOVE PINTEREST!!! (Hee hee.) That’s where I get most of my inspiration, but I also enjoy visiting other manufacturer’s blogs and Facebook pages. I’m also inspired by good product. Sometimes all I need is to see a piece of patterned paper, or a roll of washi tape and the ideas start flowing. I create a project almost everyday, and sometimes more than one per day, so staying inspired can be a trick sometimes. But, just like any other job, I’ve learned to find joy in and appreciate the opportunities I’ve been blessed with. I consciously remind myself each day the many positive things about my job. I’ve also learned to take breaks and do fun things during my day, like read books with my daughter, take a break and play outside, or go to lunch with grandparents or friends. I also try to create things I enjoy, allow my style to evolve in a natural way, challenge myself, and be spontaneous and playful with my creating. That helps me stay inspired.

6. What is my signature style?

That is a tough question for me. It’s much easier for me to identify other crafter’s signature styles, but a little harder to pinpoint mine. And I can easily tell you what I’m not–I’m not into a lot of distressing, inking, or a shabby chic look (sorry, no Tim Holtz for me); I’m not into product overload, or cluttered designs; I’m not into super feminine floral lacy pages (no Prima design team here); and I’m not super vintage either (though I do enjoy several vintage inspired products, ie October Afternoon, Jenni Bowlin, Cosmo Cricket).

I definitely come from simple roots, and am usually a pretty clean scrapper. I love to create with a graphic feel, and I enjoy a certain amount of layering and clustering. I lean towards a more classic look, though I do enjoy incorporating new trends into my work. I’m a sucker for a good “hook” (or special technique) on my pages, and I love to use smaller size multiple photos. Paper strips, fussy-cutting, punches, and die cuts are my closest friends–I love to work with paper!

So, there you go. It was fun to think and write about these questions! Now I get to “tag” three other scrappers that I love. That’s going to be hard because there are so many out there, but here they are: Shemaine Smith, Jennifer Gallacher, and Ashley Horton. Love these girls’ work, and I’m sure you will too! Enjoy!