A Unique Blog Hop

Happy Monday!

Today, I have a unique post...it is a blog hop.  I was invited to join by Andrea Whisman.  I thought this would be an opportunity to share what I'm working on and also introduce my blog readers to some of my friends blogs too. 

Those of my friends who agreed to hop will post next Monday.  I have more details at the end of this post. 

Andrea Whisman posted her blog hop post August 4th.  I discovered her blog on Paper Playful. She has a challenge blog, Savvy Handmade Cards, with new challenges on Friday.  I entered her zoo animal challenge in May. My 2 Cute Ink 'Panda Love' card was chosen as the winner. :D  Thanks again Andrea!

1.  What am I working on? 

I'm working on quite a few things for August.  There are lots of birthdays this month, starting with my Dad's 91st birthday August 4th.  Here is his card.

Love this image.  It is a very detailed stamp and it stamped beautifully on the first try.  That is always SO exciting! The image is from Stamping Sensations 'Large Pasture Scene'. It was really fun to color. 

Here are some sneak peeks for my upcoming August Sketch Saturday posts...

We have some great sponsors this month!

My Style? What inspires me?

I love to make things so cardmaking has been my creative outlet over the years.  My style has certainly changed over the years from simply stamped, to watercolors, to colored pencil blended with mineral spirits and now Copic Markers.  I do love to color.

I'm attracted to images I can color - love cute images but also realistic and vintage images.  For the most part my style is clean and simple with not a lot of embellishments. Over the years, I've added many more layers to my cards and stitching and even distressed/vintage look.  I love trying new things and different styles.  
      

3.  Where did it all start?

I started stamping in 1997 when a friend gave me a SU! set from my birthday. That's where it all began.  In 2004, I joined The Angel Company after seeing the catalog at a craft expo.  I joined for the discount and large selection of craft supplies, but found the angel gatherings were even better.  How great to gather with hundreds of women from around the country who love the same hobby!

In 2007, I was asked to create some cards with the Stamp of the Month.  That was followed by a request to make samples for the catalog - what a dream. It was an awesome opportunity that continued through the last TAC catalog in 2011.  I loved every minute. 

Believe it of not, I was introduced to digital images by TAC in 2010.  I didn't know it then but it helped me transition after TAC closed.  Since then I've had the privilege to be a member of several design teams with super cute digital images - Whimsy and Stars Studios, Little Miss Muffet and 2 Cute Ink.

About 4 years ago, I starting sending monthly cards of encouragement to the homebound at our church.  I have so many images, oodles of supplies and this really helped to keep creating.  It gave me a monthly purpose.

Here is the May card I created for the homebound, using Nina B Vintage papers and Spring printables.

4.  How does your creative process work?

This past year, I have been trying to create with purpose more and more and give the majority of cards I make away.  Unlike the past 10 years or so, where I was much less intentional and accumulated very large collection of cards. I should really figure out what to do with them.

My creative process starts with an event - birthday, anniversary, get well etc... I choose an image.  I pair up the image with the patterned paper I plan to use. I pick out coordinating cardstock and pull markers or inks.  I measure the main image and sketch out what I was thinking for a layout.

I love using sketches and creating my own too.  That is why Sketch Saturday has been such a perfect fit for me.  Even the majority of challenge posts are now created for someone and eventually sent.  

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I've asked 2 friends to post next week (Aug 18)
to continue this Unique Blog Hop...

Chris Franco from Stamped Blessings

Chris and I met through TAC and have become friends over the years through e-mail and Facebook.  Since the close of TAC, Chris joined A|Muse Studio and started her own challenge blog - Amusing Challenge.  New challenge themes are posted Sundays with winners are announced on Mondays.

Mischelle Smith

Mischelle - the founder of TAC.  What can I say?  She took a bit of a break from crafting after TAC closed, but she is back. She is with Close To My Heart now and rocking it!  You can also see some of her stamp designs at Stamping Sensations - like the image below!

Using Beautiful Friendship

Hope you enjoyed this little hop.  Visit Andrea's post HERE.

August 18th, we will see what Chris and Mischelle are working on and what inspires them.  I'm so looking forward to it.

Blessings to you,

Deb