Getting to Know Me Blog Hop

Hello crafting friends! I was so incredibly honoured a few weeks ago when my dear friend, Karen of Kaleidoscopic Sparkles, asked me to join in a blog hop of a different kind. In this hop, we are sharing about ourselves and our creative processes in order to get to know one another a bit more. Karen shared last week and you can read her post HERE. I am delighted to work with Karen on the My Craft Spot creative design team and even more delighted to consider Karen a true friend. Her positive outlook on life and uplifting words of encouragement continually make my heart dance. Her timing is always perfect and her special notes come at just the right time. Plus, she's shared some deliciously inspiring recipes which have been a hit with my family when I've prepared them for my loved ones.

I first began paper crafting back in 2005 but did not start my blog until 2010. I had been quite involved with ATC (Artist Trading Cards) swaps and started my blog to share some of my work. I quickly learned that there was so much to learn through crafting blogs and jumped in with both feet! It wasn’t long before I became part of the Fantabulous Cricut design team and then the My Craft Spot design team. I am so thankful to Robin and Kimberly for the opportunities they've extended to me and feel so blessed to continue to craft and share with My Craft Spot.

One of my earlier creations, but a favourite!

My first published card!! (Cricut Ideas Magazine)

Now for the hop questions, interspersed with some of my previous projects.

A set of cards when my youngest went off to camp - one for each day!

What am I working on right now? August is birthday month at our house, with all three of my precious children celebrating birthdays. As such, I’m working on a variety of cards! Plus, we moved at the end of June and I’m creating a welcome sign for our front entrance. It’s all designed now and I just need to distress the frame but am still somewhat undecided on exactly what to do. Finally, I’ve got regular My Craft Spot commitments so I’m always thinking ahead and planning for those!

Birthday card collage

How does my work differ from others of its genre? I’m not sure that it really does! I get my inspiration from all over and so my projects contain a variety of elements - depending on the project itself and my mood. 

One of the few cards I've made with no real purpose in mind!

Why do I create? I am an incredibly driven and busy person and much of my life is spent focused on research and education related to my passion and excitement for all that technology can do to make learning accessible to all. I do have a creative side and NEED to take time to exercise that part of my brain too. Taking time to create gives me time for myself but it also helps me think outside the box in other areas of my life - so a bit of a professional bonus too. Plus, it just makes me happy - especially when I'm creating for my favourite people!! 

The card I tucked in my daughter's bag when we dropped her off at university her first year - with a quote from Bon Jovi

How does your creative process work? I tend to be detail-oriented so see the parts of my projects before the big picture. This means I work from the small to the whole. I begin with a single element and work out from there. 

For my dear Mum when her sweet little cat, Trinity, passed away

A Valentine created especially for the man I love most in this world

Thank you so much for visiting and taking the time to learn more about me. It's a joy to be on this blogging journey with you! (I'm the end of this leg of the hop. Please email me if you'd like to play along too and I'd be happy to introduce you here on my blog and send friends your way!)