Whew, we’re back to normal around here, if there is such a thing.  Lets resume the indepth interviews we started in December, so you can get to know the current Design Team!

Today’s featured Design Team Member is Jeni Calkins.  You got a quick glimpse of her on Day 9 of the Frenzy, and now we get to sit her down and pick her creative brain.

Tell us how you got started crafting.
For me, the need to create stuff is a compulsion that started when I was a little girl. As a child, I would take discarded things and make something new out of them. At that time I didn’t know that it was called altered arts.

Do you have an art or design background?
I studied studio art in High School and College, although I received my degrees in other area.

What inspires you?
Trash. I love making trash into more trash (I mean treasures), just to save it from the land fill.

What is your favorite die template?
My favorite dies are the flowers, I love the Sunflowers, the detail is amazing, and I also love the Flower Creations and the Flying Beauties, the uses are unlimited.

What is your favorite Preferred Product?
Prism cardstock –first thing I reach for each project.

Do you have a favorite technique?
I love to layer up die cuts to create flowers. That’s what’s so great about Spellbinders’ Die Templates is you get so many size choices with each set.

Do you make cards or scrapbooks or altered?
Altered because it goes back to my obsession with recycling and re-using things, but I have three of the cutest kids and I also love to make scrapbook pages for them.

Tell us about your family.
I’m married to a wonderful man who is very supportive and a great father to our three kids. I live in Arizona. I find the Sonoran desert to be a huge inspiration in my art work. I feel blessed to live in such a beautiful area.

When do you get time to craft?
I like to get up early and do my art before the kids get up, but I’ll fit it in anytime I can.

Do you craft alone or with a group?
I love to work in groups, but mostly just when playing around or learning/teaching. To get serious work done I get into a zone where I’m anti-social.

Where do you shop?
My fine art supplies I get on line. I shop at my local scrapbooking store for scrapbooking/stamping and garage sales and thrift stores for the unusual stuff.

How would you describe your style?
Textured.

What have you been working on this week?
I have some new Spellbinders’ Die Templates, your going to love these!

Besides paper, what other materials have you used?
Acrylic Paint, watercolors, polymer clay, metals, fused glass, fabric, silver clay, assemblage.

Where do you look for inspiration when you are about to start something new?
I’m a task oriented person so I like to have an assignment or project that needs to get done by a deadline.

What has been the most difficult thing for you to learn?
How to keep it all organized. I am typing this with my keyboard in my lap because I have run out of desk space. (Psst Jeni, I think we were separated at birth! LOL Beth)

What do you find most  enjoyable about crafting?
The act of making it. It turns the buzzing in my head down to a nice calm hum.

Do you ever teach classes?
I love to teach, I get so excited about all this and it is so much fun to pass that joy on to others.

What else do you like to do aside from artwork?
Play with my kids. We love to go boating, hiking, to the beach, the Water Park, or museums.

What kind of workspace do you have?
10 x10 room with shelves from floor to ceiling filled with drawers of stuff.

Regarding a favorite piece: Can you outline the typical process behind making something like this? How long do you think it took to finish that?

This card was very quick, about ½ hour. I was ask to make something using “green supplies” I make altered books and have lots of pages that I have removed from the books. I stacked up a bunch of pages then laid out all the flower creation dies on the magnets. I was able to cut all the pages need for the flowers in one pass. I stacked them, mist them with water and crumpled them up. The Copic airbrush system made quick work out of add the color.

Here are 2 more samples of Jeni’s art:

One more thing to add to Jeni’s resume, at last month’s Craft and Hobby Association Trade Show, she won an award for her jewelry design at the Amaco booth, with donations and jewelry creations going to woman’s charities in Southern California.  I ran over and took this picture of Jeni’s pieces.  Congratulations Jeni!

To see more of Jeni’s work, please visit her blog, Studio Jeni.

Thirteen is sometimes seen as a superstitious or bad luck number but one lucky crafter is going to go against that trend and receive a bucket load of die templates. The rest of you are lucky to have Spellbinders constantly thinking up new and amazing products…Day 13’s die template, S7-013 Heirloom Scroll Border Grand, was showcased by Sally Lynn MacDonald. Thanks for the great projects. Let’s see that border die template AND the rest of the templates our LUCKY winner will get today.

Speaking of Lucky, we got our numbers over to Random.org and this is what we got:

Random Integer Generator

Here are your random numbers:

1749

Timestamp: 2009-01-19 22:14:51 UTC

So we contacted:

Judi of Grangeville, Idaho

When we got ahold of her, she said:

Thanks Judi, I’d say your slowly growing collection is on turbo boost now. We’re excited for you too.

Even though we’re nearing the end of our contest, you still have lots of fun ahead of you. Remember, we’ll be releasing all the die templates on our website on Sunday, January 25th. So take a gander at SpellbindersPaperArts.com on Sunday and don’t forget to come back here for Spellbinders™ announcement of another new product innovation.

Eli

Day 5 takes us to Embellished Dreams, hosted by Heidi Blankenship.

Heidi hails from Minnesota and has been crafting for as long as she can remember beginning with making doll dresses with her grandmother. In 1988, Heidi discovered stamping when her parents gave her some supplies. “That is when my love and passion for paper crafting began and I have been hooked ever since,” she says. She is always looking for more products and new techniques that can inspire and challenge her. That is one of the reasons she loves working with Spellbinders dies, they offer so many possibilities.

She has been teaching stamping classes locally for several years and feels that one of the best ways to get people involved is to inspire them. “Although stamping is my art of choice, I also enjoy painting, floral design, jewelry making and photography,” she says. Heidi’s husband Eric is very supportive of her passion. Currently, she stays at home with two wonderful boys Dusty and Evan. When she is not in her craft room, she can be found with family and friends or on the net.

You can visit with Heidi on her blog, Embellished Dreams, and see the new release there today! Don’t forget to enter to win all 5 of the newly revealed die templates!

Today we welcome Michelle Wooderson, a Spellbinder’s Blogger, stamper, scrapbooker, wife, mother and teacher, AND our hostess of Day 2 of Spellbinder’s 5th Anniversary Party. Be sure to visit Michelle’s Blog Mish Mash to see today’s reveal of the latest die template from Spellbinders Paper Arts, AND to enter to win yesterday’s and today’s die templates, AND qualify for the grand prize, see details and rules here.

Michelle, where do you get your inspiration?

I get inspiration from looking through magazines of all kinds, browsing through store aisles like Target, looking through catalogs, visiting junk stores and antique stores, and browsing my favorite web sites and blogs. I love vintage and antique items and often look for new ways to use old, found objects.

Where do you get ideas for a new project?

When I’m starting a new project, I am often inspired by a simple piece of new cardstock, a snippet of ribbon, a stamp set or some item I’ve found at the junk store or a garage sale. That one little tidbit of inspiration inspires me to create my Inspiration Stations. I gather up other crafty items that will coordinate and work with my item. By gathering all the goodies together in one spot, I can easily pick and choose what I want to work with.

Besides paper, what other materials have you used?

I have recently taken up quilting and other sewing projects. I can’t wait to incorporate fabrics, wools and other materials into my upcoming projects. I think the combination of paper crafting and sewing works hand in hand.

What do you enjoy most about crafting?

The thing I love most about crafting is that usually I am creating something for someone. I use my crafting in my every day life so that I can make gifts for teachers, friends and family. I also love to decorate my home with my hand made items. I really love the one of a kind feel that you get when creating something hand made.

Introducing Debbie Olson!  Visit Debbie’s blog Thinking Inking,  today to see the first die template revealed for Spellbinder’s 5th Anniversary Party.

I had a chance to catch up with Debbie, and here is what she shared with me.

Did attend school for art or design?
I have a B.A in Commercial Art/Graphic Design, and an M.S. in Secondary Education. I learned much in my art classes that I still apply today–basics of design and color theory, as well as drawing and coloring skills.

When do you usually craft?
I craft any time I can slip away undetected during the day, as well as half of the night! I am a home-schooling mom by day, however, so most of my craft time is after 10pm.

What kind of craft space do you have?
Right now I’m working in a makeshift [disaster] area, but my wonderful husband is working on finishing a studio for me!  The stud walls, insulation, and wiring are now in. It’s almost time for drywall. . .  I can hardly wait to have a place for everything!

Can you describe your style?
In a word, eclectic. I appreciate many different styles, from clean and fresh, to detailed and vintage. I probably lean toward the slightly shabby, however. A sanding block is rarely far from my hand.

Where do you shop for supplies?
Because I live in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, about two hours from any crafting superstore, the majority of my goodies come by UPS or USPS. Sometimes it’s hard to choose papers that way, not being able to see them in person and touch them. But getting to see them at CHA, or simply knowing what companies’ products I gravitate toward is a help.

Debbie is sharing a few of her recent cards.  Click on title of the cards to read more about them.

Beauty for Ashes

For My Son

No Winter Lasts Forever
Beautiful work, Debbie!  Thank you for sharing with us!
Don’t forget to visit see Debbie’s Sneak Peek today and enter to win that die template!

Remember, you need to follow the instructions for sending the email to enter the contest.  We love your comments, but we cannont enter you from the comments sections.  The contest is sponsored by Spellbinders Paper Arts, not the individual artists.

Linda does an amazing job of making paper die cuts look real with her signature technique of shading.  She put together this tutorial to show us how she does it.  I can’t wait to try this myself, take it away, Linda!

I wanted to share the technique I use when shading projects. I’m going to start at the very beginning, step by step and shade this lovely sunflower die.

Shown in Photo 1, supplies are Ranger Dye stamp pads, Glimmer Mist from Tattered Angels, flower and Leaf Die Template and cotton balls. I have so many people ask me about the cotton balls, so when asked to do this tutorial I was thrilled.

Hold the cotton ball like you would hold a sponge.

Photo 3: Rub cotton ball on inkpad, I used Latte.

Photo 4: The cotton ball holds a lot of ink, so I use my craft paper pad to take some of the ink off. Practice on scrap paper until you become familiar with the amount of ink cotton balls hold.

Photo 5: Always start in the center of the flower because it will not been seen when finished, this help me know how much ink is still on the cotton ball and I won’t have a glob of ink where someone can see it when finished. NOTE: If I were working on a project that is very small, I would start on the paper pad underneath and drag over the edge.

Photo 6: Work out from the center of the flower to the tips of the petals. (Lightly).

Photo 7: The flower on the left is completely shaded, while the flower on the right only has ink in the center.

Photo 8: Working with darker ink (Sunset Orange) can be a little scary because you will see every little mark. Just remember to work most of the ink off the cotton ball before you start working on your project. You can always go over it again.

Photo 9: You can see how the color of the flower starts to build.

Photo 10: Using Sunset Orange for a second coat.

Photo 11: Using Red Pepper.

Photo 12: Using Rust.

Photo 13: Using Cranberry.

Photo 14: Shows what the flower is starting to look like.

Photo 15

Photo 15: Using Espresso (only in the center).

Photo 16: Shows Glimmer Mist applied with the cotton ball.

Photo 17: Assemble as shown and you are done.

Photo 18: The finished product.

Because of all the ink, the flower needs to dry completely before adding dimensionals in the center. If you want to use a sponge you can, but I find they can streak your project. Cotton leaves a soft look.

I hope you have fun making your flowers; I have so much fun making mine.

Linda Duke

Thank you so much Linda!  When you try this technique, show us your results with a link in the comments, and don’t forget to click on the stars to rate Linda’s tutorial.

Happy Shading!

Beth

Many thanks to Linda for agreeing to tell us more about herself and her art!

Tell us how you got started crafting.
As long as I can remember, I have always been interest in art.  My dad was a very talented artist, and I would spend hours watching him draw.  I always had paper and pencil in hand and tried to draw the things he did.

Do you have an art or design background?
While in high school, I took every art class I could, and continued in college as an Art Major.  Although I never received a degree, I enjoyed a few years of learning to work with all mediums.

What is your favorite die? Favorite technique? Favorite Preferred Product?
As for my favorite die, that’s difficult because I really enjoy them all, but my favorite would be the Nestabilities.  They are perfect for card making and stamping.  My favorite technique would have to be coloring with either PrismaColor Pencils or Copic Markers.  Both are great for achieving a realistic look and perfect for shading.  My favorite Preferred Product would be WorldWin card stock.  It comes in so many different colors, and excellent quality.

Do you prefer to make cards, scrapbooks, or altered items?
I love to make altered items.  It is so much fun to give something plain, texture, and depth.

How many hours a week do you craft?
Unfortunately I do not have much time during the week because of my day job.  However, on the weekend I spend every minute I can in my little room.

What time of day do you usually craft?
Most of the time I am up until three or four in the morning on Friday and Saturday nights playing.

Do you craft by yourself or with others?
I usually craft alone.

Do you shop locally or online?
I do shop at Michael’s, but mostly online.

What kind of craft studio do you have?
Since it is just my DH and I at home now, I was able to turn one of our spare bedrooms into my craft room. I could just live in there LOL!

What are some tools that you could not live without (aside from Spellbinder’s products)?
Scissors: Love the 3D look that requires a lot of cutting.
Magazines: I collect all of them. Since I live in a small town, they help me stay up to date with what’s going on in the industry.

Linda is sharing some of her favorite art pieces.  Don’t you just love the way she shades the die cuts?  They look so real!  Coming up on Savvy Saturday Linda will show us just how she shades and inks the die cuts so  you (and I)  can embellish like this!

Flower Basket

Sunflower Box

Field of Sun Scrapbook Layout

To learn more about Linda, see her bio and her personal blog!  Thank you Linda!  I can’t wait for Saturday!

Beth

Today’s Designer Spotlight is on Sharon Harnist, a member of the 2008 Spellbinder’s Design Team. Welcome Sharon and thanks for sharing your work and thoughts with us!

Tell us how you got started crafting.
I’ve been crafting since I was a little girl, mostly by doing it with my Mom, latchhook rugs, cross-stitch, embroidery, sewing clothes, ceramics, you name it!  I discovered scrapbooking shortly after I married 14 years ago and the whole new world of paper crafting opened up to me!

Do you have an art or design background?
No, but I loved the art classes I took all through school.

What is your favorite die? Favorite technique? Favorite Preferred Product?
My favorite dies are the Nestabilities, they fit in so well with all the other paper crafting I do.
My current favorite technique is using the dies to stencil with the Copic Airbrush System.  The airbrushing gives such a soft, pretty color (or more vibrant, if you choose) and covers a large area very quickly.  I really like the contrast of the uncolored areas of paper to the airbrushed colored embossing.
My favorite Preferred Product is Lockhart Stamp Company’s stamp images, they are sweetly whimsical while still being elegant and there’s a wide variety for every occasion.

Do you prefer to make cards or scrapbooks or altered items?
Really, everything!  Cards are easier and quicker for me to design.  I love scrapbooking my daughters but pages usually take me a very long time to complete, I guess because I think too much about the longevity of the project!  I’m growing to love altered art a lot more and love to make things for my children.

How many hours a week do you craft?
Too many, according to my husband!  Probably 20-24 hours a week.

What time of day do you usually craft?
During the day, when my children are in school, and late at night.

Do you craft by yourself or in a group?
I work better alone.

Paper, Hybrid or Digital?
I love paper and all the tactiles that go along with it, but am gradually venturing into the digital world.

Do you shop locally or online?
Mostly online. Believe it or not, even living in a large metropolitan area, I don’t have that many local craft stores.

Describe your style?
Eclectic, maybe? I vary between clean and simple to shabby/chic/distressed.

Where do you find inspiration for something new?

I usually start by browsing through patterned paper - that’s usually my jumping off point on any project.

What do you find most pleasing about crafting?
Taking a pile of paper, ribbon, stamps, dies, scissors and glue and turning it into a card to cheer someone’s day, a keepsake for our home, or an altered project that my girls can either play with or keep to treasure for years to come.

What kind of craft studio do you have?
Since we just moved last year, I’m lucky to have a whole room to myself. I think my husband just wanted to be able to close the door to my messy studio!

What are some tools that you could not live without (aside from Spellbinder’s products)?
1. Copic markers are my go-to coloring medium. They can be used to color rubber stamped images, ribbon, metal, wood - you name it!

2. Paper trimmer - I couldn’t cut a straight line, to save my life!

Share with us some of your favorite art!

I loved this patterned floral paper and how the color really draws attention on my daughter’s eyes. This scrapbook page was created pretty quickly, just by cutting around the pattern in the paper and letting the beautiful paper speak for itself.

I love the new Nested Bird die and how the Pierceabilities framed the roof line.

These are some of my favorite colors, rich and deep, and I liked the softness of the dimensional vellum butterfly.

Thank you, Sharon!

To learn more about Sharon Harnist, check out her bio and her personal blog, PaperFections.