I have discovered a way to use Spellbinders Die Templates to make personalized projects.  JustRite Stamps allow  personalization of projects with a variety of choices of borders, fonts and images.  The size is a perfect fit to Spellbinder’s Classic Circles and Classic Ovals.  JustRite also has horizontal and vertical blocks to allow you to make your own phrases. Let me show you how!

Here is a quick party favor, you could whip these up for bridal or baby showers, graduations or any occasion, really.  I found these tiny paper bags for candy or a small gift.  I chose the border and letter from the DIY Monogram Stamper Kit.  I inked it with Clearsnap Colorbox Charcoal Fluid Chalk ink pad.

I centered the S4-114 Standard Circles Large, #3, and taped it onto the Prism cardstock.  I cut/embossed in my Wizard. I cut/embossed the S4-194 Classic Inverted Scalloped Circles Large #3, and the S4-124 Classic Scalloped Circles Large, #3.

When stacked, they look like this.  I used Scrapbook Adhesives 3D Foam Squares for dimension.

I thought the bag needed something more so I decided to cut and emboss the S5-016 Polka Dot Frame. I stenciled with Clearsnap Colorbox Lemon Grass pigment ink with the stylus tool and foam tip.  I trimmed the frame so that it fit across the bag as a topper.  I used a blade to cut slits in the bag and pulled a piece of Creative Impressions ribbon through, and tied a knot.

I love to see what our super talented Design Team Members have done with JustRite Stamps.  Holly Simoni’s layout of her daughter is divine.  She used several JustRite products, along with S4-124 Classic Scallop Circle Large, S5-006 Mega Curved Rectangles, S4-127 Classic Scalloped Squares Large.  The paper is from Chatterbox Artsylicious, the journaling is done with a Copic Multiliner pen, and the ink is Clearsnap Colorbox Surf Fluid Chalk.

This is Debbie Seyer’s Father’s Day card. Debbie was able to make her own sentiment that fit perfectly on the die cut.  She selected the fonts and lined them up on the JustRite Harmony Rectangle Stamper.

Spellbinders Die Templates on this card include S4-145 Long Scalloped Rectangles Small # 4, S4-144 Long  Rectangles Small #4, S4-189 Labels Three #3, S4-133 Classic Scalloped Rectangles Large #2, S4-132 Classic Rectangles Large #2, S4-014 Timeless Heritage. Other supplies include paper from Lil’ Man by Cosmo Cricket, Copper Brads by The Paper Studio, and Just Rite Stampers.

I hope your day is just rite!

Beth

Our next stop is The Great American Scrapbook Convention in Arlington, Texas,  on June 3-6!  Join Mary and Kim for demos in the Scrap-Mart Booth and in the Workshops too!

Sugar and Spice Layout Class

This adorable double page layout is perfect for your sweet girl.  Create customized embellishments for lumpy bumpy effects.  Get a hold of the labels and newest 12″ Grand Borderability dies! 1-3pm on June 4, and 9:30-11:30 am on June 5.

Card Free For All

Complete 4 amazing cards using Spellbinders’ Nestabilities and Impressabilities.  You will create windows, frames, mats and more in this jam packed card class.  3:30-5:30pm on June 4, and 2-4pm on June 6.

Totally Techniques

Be amazed at the versatile and flexible ways to use Spellbinders’ die templates!  Complete a  technique book with instructions and examples.  This has been a hugely popular class, don’t miss your chance to take your Spellbinders’ dies to the next level! 12-2pm on June 5, and 9:30-11:30am on June 6.

Remember that Spellbinders’ Dies work in multiple machines!

Hey, that’s me!  Here’s a little interview I did with myself.

How did it all begin?
Gosh, it was 1995, I had a 6month old and 19 month old, and I was a consultant for a home business kitchen party company. My new consultant and I were participating in a home based business expo. I took a walk around and saw a scrapbook party consultant’s exhibit, with pictures cut up and stickers and flat die cuts. My first thought was “You’ve got to be kidding me! You people are out of your minds!” Shortly thereafter I was invited to a party to make a cute recruiting album. Then I found a local scrapbook store (LSS) nearby. I was hooked!

A little over 3 years ago I decided to start entering design team contests. My first entry was to Spellbinders! I was selected and have been with the company ever since. I transitioned from Lead Designer to Teacher, Blog Writer and Jack of Several Trades.

I don’t have formal art training, but took all the high school art classes I could, and still like to paint just about anything, but never caught on to sewing, much to my grandma’s dismay.

I was born and raised in the Chicago suburbs. I’ve been married to my college sweetheart for 19.5 years, with my 2 boys, now aged 15 and 14, along with our fur-baby Cindy.

My favorite die template has always been S3-004 Symbology, it was my first die template purchase when I got my Wizard 4 years ago. I love using inks, and you’ll find some kind of ink on everything I make. My latest favorite technique is airbrushing with Copic Markers.

I don’t work outside of the home. I tried that and my family didn’t like it when I wasn’t home to provide them with the full service they were used to. Now I work from home, getting most of my art done during the day. I get too tired and cranky at night! I usually craft alone. I like to socialize and I’m easily distracted at crops away from home.

I am learning digital, and I have a fine collection of digital kits. I will always keep my hands on paper and ink though. I think the process is just as important as the finished piece.

I like to shop. I shop locally, I am lucky to have several excellent LSS’s withing a decent driving distance, along with big box stores. I shop online when I need to find something unique or not yet available locally. I’m all about the immediate gratification of retail therapy!

I have taught locally and have traveled for Spellbinders and Copic, teaching consumers and retailers. Its been fun to see the light bulb moment for people with the Wizard!

You want know about my home workspace? Oh no, you don’t. Really? Ok, its a room in the basement that we set up with a sink, cabinets and countertop, and an awesome closet. I know where everything is. But if YOU went in there, you wouldn’t think so…I make a mess when I create. Don’t even ask about the dining room table right now.
I get inspiration from all over, I love architecture and magazine ads, and even digital scrapbook elements. The strangest thing I have used on a layout is underwear. It was new and clean! The letters are cut from it. Shhhhh, don’t tell my son I’m posting this!

Now I can dress him up, but I still can’t them out!  This layout uses S4-189 Labels 3, S4-114 Standard Circle Large, S4-116 Standard Circle Small, S4-130 Classic Rectangle Small, S4-169 Labels Small, S4-168 Labels Large , and S4-195 Small Classic Inverted Scalloped Circle.

I’m not a big stamper, but I have a fine collection of stamps.  This stamp reminds me of pictures of me as little girl. This card uses S4-189 Labels 3 and S4-192 Blossom.

I really enjoy making “altered” art and mini books. Star albums are fun, as well as theme books, its nice to have a beginning, middle and end to a project. I think the most fun I’ve had is in creating this cake to go along with a wedding theme. I like to think I took an item and used it for something other than the obvious. Here are the instructions for the cake.

You can read my bio , and read more about me on my personal blog, Cookies for Breakfast.

Thanks,

Beth

Today’s Spellbinders™ Spotlight is on the one, the only Eli Harlan!  Eli started with Spellbinders™ three years ago as a Design Team Member, and has worn a few hats since then.  Moving from Designer to Writer, she spends more time at the computer than at the craft table. Eli is my blogging partner in crime here at Spellbinders™, lets give her a warm welcome!

So, Eli, How did you start crafting?
I was always creating something when I was little but I do remember vividly when I was five or so, adding my birthday cards to one of those old, yucky gray paper scrapbooks. Every so often I would rip them out and put in new ones. It’s laughable now. I never really stopped but did get much more involved when I got married 12 years ago.

What inspires you?
One: I think it is in my blood. Several years ago, I was given a scrapbook that my grandmother created when she was young. It included amazing little snippets such as bridge tallies, articles in the paper about some party that Mrs So-n-So was having, etc. She even cropped her photos. Then, more recently, when my mom moved out of her house of 25 years, I took a bunch of boxes of family “ephemera” and found scads of pictures that my dad had taken throughout his life. I love photography…I come by it honestly.

Two: my family. My husband and daughter are amazing people and I want to capture, through photography, scrapbooking, writing, etc, moments that matter.

Three: Designers around me…Spellbinders™ team, my favorite blogs…whenever I lose my mojo, I look to them and the inspiration usually comes back.

What do you like to make?
I started out as a scrapbooker, became a writer, fell in love with photography and journeyed into card making and altered arts. Occasionally, I sew, knit and cook.  My greatest creation is my daughter.

Tell us about your family.
I love my life with my husband, James, and my baby, she is now 9 (“and a half, mom”).  We also have a Himalayan cat named Triscuit. If you know anything about Himalayan cats, they are fiercely loyal and she’s on my lap right now as I type…she usually is.

Describe your style.
I’m not sure about scrapbooking style but I call my writing “Fluffy, Technical Writing”. So in writing, I’m trying to balance the information that crafters need to get artwork done with the fun and light-hearted inspiration that they want. I write like I talk and give instructions along the way.

What are two craft tools that you could not live without?
Tweezers, Crop-a-Dile and Tonic trimmer (oops, that was three…)

What has been the hardest thing to learn?
Accounting! Oh, paper craft-wise…um, image transfer…which is an awesome technique to do in the Wizard but I have NEVER been able to really make it work.

Do you teach classes?
Not as often as I’d like. I’m a teacher at heart and have taught dancing, singing, paper crafts, youth ministry, etc, so it’s something I dearly love. Hopefully, more opportunities will continue in this field.

What kind of craft space do you have?
Messy is an understatement. It’s a strange space…it has a loft bed with my desk/computer under it. Then on the side of the room is a section of shelves with storage baskets and a counter that I craft on. The shelves above hold paper and other supplies. Most things are within reach…that is, if I can step over all the stuff on the floor…lol.

What else do you like to do?
I love our church. I sing in the choir. I love to get Starbucks coffee. I knit. Hang with the family and friends. We enjoy entertaining and right now, we are preparing for an incredible Europeon adventure this summer.  I’m developing an online shop to sell specialized journals and other paper crafts,  but while we are planning to leave for most of the summer, I will really get it going in the fall.

Below are a few of Eli’s favorite projects.

Thanks for sharing, Eli!

I’d like to introduce Cathy Chlebana, a Design Team Member for Spellbinders’ for 3 years, and most recently as a Lead Designer. Cathy has stepped into the Design Team Coordinator position for the 2009 Team, while also doing special projects for CHA, QVC, and Scrapbook Memories television show appearances.

What inspires you?
Inspiration is all around. It could come from music I’m listening to, a walk outside, a magazine or catalog display that catches my eye, a piece of artwork or just random thoughts spinning around in my head.

Do you have a favorite die?
S3-004 Symbology has always been one of my favorite dies. It has such versatility and will often finish a project when it needs just a little something extra. Of the newer dies, I would have to say that the S7-014 Grand 12” Classic Lace Border is a favorite. I really love the fact that it can be used on any type of project you are working on. Although it was designed for scrapbook pages, it can just as easily work on cards and altered items. It’s also a very versatile die.

What do you like to create, cards or scrapbook pages or altered projects?
I would say altered pieces are my favorite, followed by cards and then scrapbook pages.

Tell us about your family.
I am married to my biggest fan, Ron. We have one grown daughter Stacey, also a fan. We are living in Chicago where we have been most of our lives except for about 8 years in Orlando Florida.

Do you work outside the home?
I don’t work outside the home any longer. For a long time I worked as a travel agent, but stopped working when our agency closed a few years ago.It was great fun because of the perks, but I really don’t miss the daily grind.

How much time do you spend crafting?
Time really varies according to what I am working on. It could be as few as 10-12 hours a week or as much as 40-50. If I’ve got a deadline, it could be anything!

What time of day do you usually craft?
I craft whenever the mood strikes me. I really don’t have any constraints on my time, so I can craft at any time, day or night. I do find that if I can’t sleep I will find my way downstairs and work on something. In the beginning I thought that would relax me and I would be able to go back to sleep – not so! It usually keeps me up all night finishing whatever I have started.

Do you work alone or with a group?
I craft alone for the most part. Once in a while my daughter and I will work on projects when she visits.

Do you shop for supplies locally or online?
I do both, but would have to say I probably shop more online. Since my favorite store closed there is just not anyplace that carries a lot of the things I like to use. I really miss going into that store because it was not only a great place to shop, but also a terrific source of inspiration. There is nothing more boring to me than going into a store that has rows and rows of stamps and ink pads and not much else. I want to go in and be wowed and inspired by all the latest and greatest things in the marketplace with samples to show me the possibilities. Unfortunately, there are not many stores like that any longer.

How would you describe your style?
I guess I would call it eclectic. I can do very clean and elegant, but also love to do grungy and distressed when the mood strikes me.Besides paper, what other materials do you use? I am very fond of using metal in my work. Die cutting metal, mostly pewter, and then doing metal repousse is a favorite. I also love to texturize pieces of craft foil or color them with alcohol inks to use on my projects.

Can you describe your craft space?
My husband and I have pretty much “halved” our basement. He’s an architect that runs his business from home, so half is his office and the other half is my studio. He did a great job of using slat wall in my area, so I have great storage area. I only wish I could get it to a more workable state. It seemed like a good layout when I started using it, but now I see that it’s not as efficient as it could be. That will be the next project if and when I ever have some free time.

She’s not a blogger, but you can find her bio here.  Cathy selected these projects to showcase on her Designer Spotlight.

Cathy’s Sunflower card is made from the S5-004 Sunflower Garden Edgeability die template.

This gorgeous altered box uses a daisy from S4-043 Daisy Patch Edgeabilities and the S5-005 Decorative Frames die template with pewter crafting metal.

This card is loaded with die templates, and its so elegant! Cathy used S4-143 Long Scalloped Rectangles Large, S4-132 Classic Scalloped Rectangles Small, S4-132 Classic Rectangles Large, S5-004 Sunflower Garden Edgeability, and the accent from S5-005 Decorative Frames.

Beautiful work, Cathy!  Thank you!

Today’s Designer Spotlight is on Jennifer Ellefson an admitted paper addict living in Northern Virginia!

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Did you go to school for art or design?
In fact, it’s just the opposite! I went to school for International Economics – but my mom is an artist, and my dad an engineer, so I like to think that I have some strange DNA.

Tell us about your favorite die template, technique and Preferred Product
My favorite die template – boy, that’s like asking about my favorite child! I can’t create anything without my Nestabilities, if that helps narrow it down. I love making foam stamps with my Spellbinders die templates. You can make the coolest stamps that way! My favorite Preferred Product would be Lockhart Stamps. There is always the perfect image for any card I want to make. Plus, they’re so much fun to color!

What type of projects do you prefer to make?
I love it all, but find cards are easiest for me.

Tell us about your family.
I’ve been Married for 15 years now! My husband, two sons and I recently moved to Northern Virginia, just outside of Washington, D.C.

About how much time do you spend crafting?
I think pleading the 5^th Amendment might be wise here…

When do you find the time to craft?
My sons are school-age, so I love creating while they’re in school. I pop in my iPod and spend the day creating!

What do you use most - paper, hybrid or digital?
Paper – love the tactile portion.

Where do you shop for supplies?
A little bit of both - local and online stores; I am really fortunate to have found a great stamp shop about 3 miles from my house, so they’re my first choice. If there is something that they don’t stock, though, I usually will order online.

How would you describe your style?
I’m very linear in my thinking, and I think my creations reflect that.

Other than paper, what other materials have you used?
I have a lot of fun experimenting with clay, and of course, the fun foam that I mentioned already.

Where do you look for inspiration?
It varies, sometimes magazines, sometimes stationery shops, sometimes online galleries.

What kind of workspace do you have?
I’m very fortunate to have an office on my first floor. I have white furniture and storage pieces, so it has a clean, cohesive look that I love. Since I’m in a house full of boys, there are frilly touches here and there – a girl has to have her space!

Jennifer chose these projects to highlight, I hope you find them as inspiring as I do!

Jennifer used S4-192 Blossom, S4-200 Flower Bouquet Miniabilities, S4-189 Labels 3, and S7-013 Grand 12″ Heirloom Scroll Border on her Cute Boy Layout.

This beautiful card uses S4-138 Petite Ovals, Large, S3-150 Ribbon Tags Trio, S3-004 Symbology and she used S4-142 Long Rectangles, Large to emboss.

This fun wreath is made from S4-192 Stars 5 and the (retired) Indulgence Font.

Thank you so much Jennifer!  Find out more about Jennifer on her bio, and visit her personal blog, Created From Paper.

Grab your winter weather gear and head up to Minnesota to visit with Heidi Blankenship today. Heidi has been a member of the 2008-2009 Design Team, and will be continuing on with our creative journey as a member of the 2009-2010 Spellbinders’ Design Team. Congratulations Heidi! I can’t wait to see what else you create.

How did you start crafting?
I have been doing some type of crafting ever since I was a little girl. My grandma was very crafty and I can remember she was always trying out new crafts and she would let me try them along with her. I received my first rubber stamps as a Christmas gift when I was seventeen and I have been stamping ever since.

What inspires you?
I can be inspired by everything around me, from my family to my supplies. But I would say most of my inspiration comes when I am listening to my favorite music.

What do you like to make?
I really enjoy making cards, but over the last year I have also found a love for altered projects. I love the challenge of being able to take something and completely change it up.

Tell us about your family.
I am married and my husband, Eric is wonderful and very supportive of my crafting. We have two boys, Dusty who is 15 and Evan who is 6. We live in Albert Lea, a small town in south central Minnesota.

How much time do you spend crafting?
That would depend on what kind of projects I am working on and any deadlines I have to meet and if I am teaching any classes. On the average I would say a minimum of 30 hours a week and sometimes more.

When do you usually craft?
I craft whenever I can! Once the kids are off to school and I have had a couple of cups of coffee I start in on my work for the day. I will work on my projects throughout the day in between all of the other not so fun stuff (cleaning, cooking and laundry—LOL!) until the kids come home. I also work on my crafting projects after the kids are in bed for the night.

Do you shop for supplies locally or online?
Both, I do try to shop locally whenever I can to support the local stamping/scraping shop but I also purchase several supplies online.

Please describe your style?
I think I have a very broad range of style, I can do the simple quick 5 minute cards to very detailed. I appreciate many different styles but I would have to say the style I am most drawn to would be vintage or artsy.

What has been the hardest thing to learn?
I think the most difficult thing is trying to keep everything organized. With paper crafting there are so many supplies from the very tiny to the larger items and all of the tools. I think this is something that most paper crafters are always looking for, new and different ways to store and organize our supplies. Please tell me I’m not alone in this! *wink* Being on several design teams, including JustRite Stampers has been a wonderful and challenging opportunity to stretch my creativity.

Do you teach classes?
Yes, I have been teaching classes for several years. I teach classes in my home twice a month and I have also taught classes at several stores and for community education. Currently I am also teaching classes at our local stamping/scrapbooking store, Scrapping on the Go.

What kind of craft space do you have?
I have a craft room down in our basement. Well, if truth be told I have taken over most of the basement except for the laundry area. The only problem with being in the basement in MN is that it gets really cold in the winter so I tend to move upstairs into the kitchen which is OK, but not ideal. So I am currently in the process of creating an additional space on the main level of our home that will be out of the way and not in the kitchen.

What else do you like to do?
I enjoy spending time with family and friends. I have enjoyed trying several different crafts over the years and painting is another favorite of mine. My mom and I took some painting classes together when I was younger I have been painting ever since. I also enjoy doing floral design, jewelry making, photography, listening to music and being outside gardening in the summer time. Since I like doing several types of crafts I also like to combine them with each other whenever I can.

Heidi wants to highlight these projects:

Heaven’s Flowers

I made three dimensional flowers using a paintbrush to curl the petals and foam tape. I also added some glitter and a little bit of bling to the Fancy Pants large flourish, as well as rub-ons from Fancy Pants.  I used S4-109 Flower Creations Three,  S4-121Doodle Parts,  S4-110 Classic Ovals Large,  S4-111 Classic Scalloped Ovals Large, and the Mystic font on this layout.

Rose Blossom Bird Feeder

I altered the bird feeder using a crafting foil and filled in the back to keep the rose shape from the die and then painted a base coat and colored with Copic markers. I  used S4-044 Rose Blossoms Edgeabilities,  S4-121Doodle Parts and S4-123 Flying Beauties die templates on this bird feeder.

Sweet Cupcake
Using the polka-dot die template from the S4-174 Deckle Scalloped Edge Petite Borderabilities I made a polka-dot background for the card. For the S3-156 Cupcake I used a mirror cardstock on the foil part and a combination of liquid applique’, brown ink refill and clear dimensional glaze for the frosting and added some beads for sprinkles. The mat for the cupcake is the S4-161 Labels One die template.

Thank you Heidi, we look forward to seeing more of your designs! To keep up with Heidi, you can see her bio and read her personal blog, Embellished Dreams.

The great state of Utah is home to today’s spotlight Design Team Member and bundle of energy, Wendy Weixler!

When did you start crafting?
I’ve been crafting, in one form or another, since I was a little girl (mudpies and Mod Podge come to mind!) A friend of mine introduced me to scrapbooking over 10 years ago, and I made the transition to add cardmaking and other papercrafting about 6 years ago.  I learn from a variety of sources, but mostly from the cool people around me (friends, family and online communities).  I’m always open to something new!

Did you go to school for art or design?
Never did go to school for art… just the school of life!

What inspires you?
I can be inspired by a number of things… a beautiful sunset, some lovely music or something I see in an online gallery.  I like to try new things, so if I see something interesting that I haven’t done before, I jump right in!

What are your favorites?
I have a fondness for ALL of the Spellbinders’ Nestablities, but a special place in my favorites list for the butterfly from S4-008 Bugs. It looks especially gorgeous when you use the reverse stenciling technique, which happens to be my favorite. I LOVE how the details just fly right out at you when using it!  I am also a Glue Dot junkie . . . the pop-up ones find their way into about every project I ever make!

Do you prefer to make cards or scrapbooks or altered?
It depends on what kind of mood I am in.  I primarily make cards, but there is NOTHING in my house that is safe from alteration!

Tell us about your family.
I have been married to my best friend, Ron, for nearly 24 years (this is the part where you look at my picture and say, “How can she be THAT old???”).  We have three great kids… Devan age 20, Garrett age 17, and Amelia age 14.  We live in Salt Lake City, where I have lived since 1980 when my parents moved here from the San Francisco area.  We are also the happy owners of the sweetest little toy poodle named Daisy!

Do you work outside the home?
I have kind of been a “Jane of All Trades” for many years.  I keep the books for our family owned business (my father-in-law, husband and two brothers-in-law custom build furniture).  In addition, I have done many different part-time jobs for the past several years which include teaching beading and fitness (spinning) classes.  I also spend a TON of time volunteering in the schools that my kids attend.

How much time do you spend crafting?
Depending on the week, I can spend anywhere from 2-10 hours a week!

What time of day do you like to craft?
I usually try to craft early in the morning or late at night when my family is busy doing something else (like, perhaps, sleeping!!).

Do you work alone or with a group?
BOTH!  I teach classes to friends and craft just for the fun of it by myself.  I enjoy making things with my daughter the most, though.

What do you use most - paper, hybrid or digital?
I am very tactile, so I am a paper girl all the way!!

Do you shop for supplies locally or online?
BOTH to this question, too!  Wherever I can get the best deal (since I live in the Craft Mecca of the Universe, aka Salt Lake City, it’s easy to find good deals at local stores here)!

Can you describe your style?
I would have to say clean and classic.

What have you been working on this week?
Just a few cards.  I have a few I need to get in the mail this week!  Oh!  And some cards for a group of teenage girls I have coming over tonight!

Besides paper, what other materials have you used?
What HAVEN’T I used would be an easier questions.  Chipboard, flashing, soda pop cans, cereal boxes… if I can get it through my Wizard, I like to try it!!

Where do you find inspiration?
I usually look on blogs and websites/forums of many people whose work I admire.

What has been the most difficult aspect to learn?
To expect “perfect” every time.  Sometimes the best ideas come from “failed” projects!

What do you enjoy most about crafting?
I love the creative outlet it gives me.  It is such a stress reliever.  And to be able to create something I am happy with in an hour or two gives me a lot of satisfaction and a sense of accomplishment.  I love to give away the things I make and see the reactions that they elicit from the recipients!

Do you ever teach classes?
Yes, at least once a month, but sometimes more often!

What else do you like to do aside from scrapbooking? I love to spend time with my family and do ANY activity that allows me to be outdoors (camping, biking, hiking, swimming, fishing, canoeing… you get the idea!).  I am also a fitness nut and LOVE Disneyland!!

What kind of workspace do you have?
The BEST!! After 20 years of crafting on my dining room table, I was finally able to put together a craft space in my basement that it fabulous!!  I am even jealous of my own self sometimes!!  I went to Home Depot and designed the space based on the dimensions of the room (with a bit of help from one of the guys that worked there).  I am proud to admit that I assembled every single piece of cabinetry in my craft room myself (although, I do have to admit that my husband hung and mounted everything!).

What are two craft tools that you could not live without (aside from Spellbinders’ products)? I am really partial to rubber stamps (of all kinds) and embossing folders.  But now that Spellbinders has Impressabilities, they may be moving their way to the top!  Oh!  And RIBBON!!

Wendy has chosen the projects as her favorites to share with us:

Whew, I’m tired already! Flutter on over to Wendy’s bio, and then to Wendy’s blog, Wickedly Wonderful Creations, I dare you to just try to keep up with her!

Thank you Wendy!

Donya, welcome to the Designer Spotlight! How’s the weather out there in Iowa? Let’s get some hot chocolate and spend a little time together.

Tell us about your crafting life.
I’ve been pretty much crafting since birth. I’m not sure if it would qualify as nature or nurture, but everyone in my family is amazingly crafty, for example: my uncle built his own unicycle when he was a kid and my mom restored furniture. They are great role models and teachers.

Did you go to school for art or design?
No, but did always sneak out of pep rallies in high school so I could spend a little extra time in the unattended art room!

What inspires you?
I’m an extremely visual person (surprise) so going to museums is a great way for me to get inspired. The last time I went, I wound up coming home and everything I made that week had gilt frames on it! When I can’t get to an art museum, historical museums are great. I went to Amelia Earhart’s childhood home in Atchison, KS, and got totally inspired by the great, funny family photos in a scrapbook they had laying on a dresser. That and the wallpaper, I took a bunch of pictures of their great floral wallpapers!

What is your favorite die template?
My favorite die template….well I am completely in love with all of the Label dies, but if I had to pick one single favorite it would have to be the 12″ Classic Lace Border. It is so perfect for all my frippery needs.

Favorite Technique?
Reverse Stenciling! Oh, it just makes the nicest borders on the Spellbinders Nestabilities, and is such a neat effect with the shaped dies. Plus, I tend to get a bit inky when I’m doing that technique. You can always tell I’m having a good time if my fingers are inky.

Preferred Product?
Websters Pages is my favoritest of all my favorite preferred product. I am a sucker for their paper. Swoon. But aside from my paper addiction I go through TONS of Kokuyo’s Tape ‘n Roller plus refills, it is the best tape runner (and I’ve tried dozens)!

Do you prefer to make cards, scrapbooks, or altered?
I like to make cards because I can do them in a day and share them. My scrapbook pages are really disjointed chronologically and topically, since I end to just scrapbook whatever photo appeals to me that day, but I love the idea of passing on not only the photo, and the basic information of the event, but also the feeling you had about it (through color and style choices). I’m still really intimidated by altering objects, but I think I love it the best since it makes me stretch my abilities the furthest.

Martial status, offspring, city?
I’m a single chicita living in extremely rural eastern Iowa. My black cat, Jack, and I just love it up here. I live and work at my family’s bed and breakfast while I restore the “house in town”, and old Victorian with a huge yard full of peonies and other wonderful old fashioned flowers left by the original owners of the house.

Do you shop for supplies locally?
I shop for supplies VERY locally I own a scrapbook shop with my Aunt Michelle. It’s very convenient to just be able to to cross the room and pick out whatever I need from stock, but nothing beats the thrill of the hunt I get from trying to hunt down uncommon supplies for customers who can’t find what their looking for anywhere else.

What have you been working on this week?
A diet journal. Sigh. I decided to bite the bullet and start counting calories, but the prospect is a lot more cheering when I get to keep all my information in an art journal.

Besides paper, what other materials have you used?
I love paint and soft gel medium. Oh, that stuff is fun! I’m pretty sure if you could eat it with a spoon without having to call poison control, I’d try. You have to try using it with a palette knife through the Spellbinder die templates. Way cool dimension.

Where do you look for inspiration for starting something new?
I have a huge folder on my desk full of ideas I pulled from galleries online (like the Spellbinders Inspiration Alley). Anytime a technique or new style catches my eye, I print it out for future reference, then when I need a quick jump start on my creative process, I thumb through the file and say- Oh, yeah, I wanted to try that!

What has been the most difficult aspect for you to learn?
I have trouble keeping projects simple.  I always work myself into a lather trying to do one more thing with a project, when really, my best stuff are things I got frustrated with, went for a walk, came back and decided that that one thing more would have been one thing too much.

What do find most pleasing about crafting?
Sharing it!

What else do you like to do aside from scrapbooking?
I am a baker. Cupcakes, layer cakes, biscuits, bread. Hmmm, and I wonder why I need a diet journal, lol.

What are two craft tools that you could not live without?
Paper piercer. Useful for poking holes in paper for brads, and making beautiful designs.  I’d probably hyperventilate if anything serious ever happened to my tape runner. Glue sticks just don’t cut it for 99% of projects.

Thoughts regarding a favorite piece?
The longest and hardest part of any project is getting inspired. Layouts themselves go very quickly once I have an idea. I pick a photo, then pick my paper to show it off. Embellishments set the theme. Usually the last thing to go on is the title for me, which is funny since it’s such a huge design element, but by the time I get the layout done, usually the title comes to me in a flash (and usually a fit of giggles). I’d say on average, I’m a slow scrapper. It will take me a whole day or longer to do a layout, but I don’t just sit there and stare at it either. If my ideas aren’t moving, then I get up and move myself. Go do something else, it’s the best way I know to get unstuck.

I love putting one big picture on a page so you can really get the detail. If I’d had this photo any smaller, you would be able to notice the horse (Dude) is watching the rainbow. I also love the fresh colors on this layout with all the fun, funky fresh green four leaf clovers made from Heart Nestabilities.

This is one of my favorite projects because I kept it simple and it came out fabulous! Plus shaped cards are so fun.

Spellbinders Die Templates do heritage and elegant better than any other dies on the market, I think. Look how great the cameo frame and rose border look on this may basket. The elements make it very pretty, without being overly “cute”. As a bonus I was able to make one of these for each of my neighbors without having to sacrifice my favorite metal bee charm, I was able to replicate with some foil with the Wizard.

To follow Donya’s artistic journey, see her bio and visit her blog, Puckish.

This week we have the pleasure of spending a little time with Holly Craft (and yes, that is her real last name!).  Holly is a two time Design Team Member, she was on the very first team in 2005 and came back in 2008.

What led you to crafting?
I have always enjoyed drawing and sewing and photography and making cards. As a five year old, I would draw the comics and I would sew clothes for my Barbie doll. My father was a painter and photographer, my mother a seamstress and wonderful cook and my grandmother did needlework. I learned from all of them. I began scrapbooking in the early 90’s for the PTA at my children’s elementary school before there were any decorative papers even available. I would make cards as a child with pieces of plastic flowers….hmm; maybe someone should put flowers in a bottle and sell them?

Do you have a background in art or design?
Yes, my Associates Degree is in art and I also did studies in Graphic Design as an adult.

Tell us about your family.
My two children are both married. My daughter lives in Memphis, TN and is a high school history teacher. My son lives in Tuscaloosa, AL while his wife finishes law school and he works at a bank. My husband and I live in the metro area of Atlanta, GA where we have lived since we moved “north” from Florida in 1986.

Do you ever teach classes?
I always wanted to be a teacher as a child, so I really enjoy teaching classes. It takes a lot of time and work to prepare a class. I have taught throughout the southeastern US, but have not had the time lately, unfortunately.

Do you prefer to make cards or scrapbooks or altered art?
I enjoy all three equally….just depends what the die tells me when it “talks to me”.

Do you work outside of the home?
Crafting is full time for me. I do work for several companies and would like to get back to teaching classes when I have the time. The last full time job I had was doing artwork, displays and floral in a major supermarket. I enjoyed doing that, but once I discovered stamping, it took over my life….and house!

What kind of workspace do you have?
My workspace is cluttered with an appearance of being unorganized. I have an organized mind however, so I know where most everything is located. Perhaps I will make it a goal this year to become more organized, but I will never have one of those neat freak white studios like you see online. It just isn’t me. I am, however, always on time with deadlines.

Besides paper, what other materials do you use in your art?
I have been called the Queen of Road Trash as I am always finding things to put through the Wizard or to use as found objects. I love using metal, leather, coffee filters, etc. I have a collection of different gutter guards that I use to emboss a quilting pattern on my cards.

How would you describe your style?
I think my style would be called classic and eclectic. I don’t usually do real funky stuff or cutesy, but I feel that I can do whatever style is called for with given materials. I do like the vintage look.

Besides paper crafting, watercolor, calligraphy and photography are some of my favorite things. Luckily I can use them all together in my crafts. The examples below show my love for watercolor and nature (on the card with flower and butterfly), my love for calligraphy and photography and fonts and travel (on the layout) and my love to experiment with many materials like handmade paper and metals (the Mr. Fix It pencil box). I have been designing with the Wizard since 2004 and the ranges of things I can do with it (such as flower pounding, something I figured out in 2004) still amaze me.

To see more of  Holly’s handiwork, you can visit her Blog Frenzy Introduction, her Savvy Saturday on Impressabilities, and her personal blog, Today’s Creations.

Thank you Holly!

Beth