When and why did you start digital scrapbooking?

Well, I would have to say it is a character flaw that first introduced me to digital scrapbooking: lack of patience.  I was an avid quilter and rubber stamper and wanted to be able to finish my projects more quickly!  I was also the absolute messiest artist!  Beads, buttons, ribbons, papers, fabrics, threads, you name it, were strewn around my studio for each project!  I loved the process of cleaning up, but it was still an absolute disaster while in the midst of each creation.  I could barely step anywhere. :)

 

Then, digital photography entered the scene for our family in 1999. We had recently moved to Seattle, and were sending thousands of photos via e-mail to our family back in Minnesota of all of our weekend excursions.  In my desire to find a more artistic presentation of all the landscape photography, I started making digital collages and quickly fell in love with making my own backgrounds and elements. No mess; no mistakes. What an incredible and perfect artistic outlet for me.  I still go up into my studio, play around, and make messes; it is a very important part of my life as an artist to touch and feel. And, I love being able to look out at the sunset while I'm up there....there's just something about me and sunsets....what a beautiful painted canvas.

Is there anything in your background that helped you?  

I suppose my degree in information systems and work experience in web development made me very comfortable with technology and the Internet.  I have always loved art and shared that love by making gifts for family and friends, and also had art boutiques in my home when the kids were little.  I used to design floral arrangements for clients and have always loved home decorating, so I guess I am fascinated with color and design.  In quilting, my favorite part of the process was selecting the fabrics for a particular piece and I dreamed of someday designing fabrics. I was especially inspired by a Minnesota quilt fabric designer/author, Lynette Jensen of Thimbleberries, and visited her studio/store about 8 years ago.  I was so proud of her for being so passionate about her work and following her dreams.  I am very blessed to have had my dreams come true, as well.

Do you use tutorials or do you just go by instinct?

I love Scott Kelby's books for Photoshop, but usually do not like to follow directions. I haven't even read the book I wrote!  Normally, I love to just play around, which I like to think of as a very healthy addiction. Seriously, though, there are incredible resources for digital scrapbooking and photography on the Internet, and here at CottageArts.net, we enjoy writing step-by-step tutorials to help those learning this exciting craft. We hope my book or our training CD by Scrapper's Guide offer Paint Shop Pro and Photoshop Elements/Photoshop users everything they wish to learn about digital scrapbooking!

What's the most meaningful layout you've ever created?

My dear cousin died of cancer last January and I helped care for her.  I designed a layout entitled, "Looking Through the Window of Time."  She visited her newly built church two weeks before she died and family took a picture of her in her wheelchair looking through an incredible stained glass window. The look on her face was as if she were seeing what lie ahead of her on the other side of life.  Cancer is a very horrible disease, but the dying process of the terminally ill is very spiritual.  What draws me to scrapbooking is the ability to put the emotions of words and photos and blend them with beautiful art to complete my story.  One of the most meaningful quotes I've ever heard is "create your own story."  In my life, in my art, in my business, in my community, I hope to create my own story.

What do you most hope to share with others through your scrapbooking?

My faith and my love for others and nature.  I want people to come to know me through my art, and really feel my love for them, as well.

Where do you get inspiration?

Kris (my husband) and I love to walk and often do at midnight when the streets are quiet, but in the dead of winter we head to the mall for a brisk jaunt.  Target is especially trendy and I love their store design.  However, nature is my purest inspiration and I miss living in the Pacific Northwest, but hope to take more time to explore all the beauty Minnesota has to offer.  Sometimes you take for granted what has been right in front of your nose your entire life.

What is your favorite aspect of scrapbooking?

As I mentioned above, I was a serious quilter before scrapping took over.  When we Iived in Seattle, two friends tried to get me to scrapbook, and I just didn't want to add another craft to my life.  But, there is something about the whole process of scrapbooking that touches us in a different way than most other hobbies, because of the photography and journaling.  It connects us to our families, current and past, and also helps us pass on a piece of ourselves to our loved ones.  So, my favorite part of scrapbooking is blending the photos and words in an artistic presentation that tells the whole story.

Do you prefer to do single layouts or groups (albums)?

Single layouts, but I have made three very special themed albums...my favorite was for Kris because of what it meant to him.

First the picture or the layout?

Photo.

Do you take film or digital photos or both? 

Digital: my two cameras are a Sony Cybershot DSC F707 and a Canon EOS Digital Rebel.

What is your favorite photography tip? 

Use natural light whenever possible.

What do you most want to improve about your photography?

How to use the Canon Rebel indoors with more proficiency.

Do you print your layouts? What size? What printer (if applicable)?

I print my favorites at 8x8 on my HP PSC 2410 or at 12x12 on my Epson Stylus Photo 1280. I love HP's Premium Matte Paper and Epson's PremierArt Scrapbook Paper.

 Do your kids scrap too?

My middle daughter, Rachel, 12, has designed many layouts in my gallery on our site and has a knack for design and color.  Philip who is 8 wants to learn; I hope to be able to teach him this summer.  Alyssa is 14 and too involved with school activities, but she is a great dance subject for my photography!  Kris is quite proficient at it, too, and shares my love of photography, which is why we have two good cameras.

How long does it take you to make a layout?

If using elements/papers already made, sometimes I can create a layout in 10 minutes.  On the other hand, I often spend a great deal of time tweaking photos, which can take up to an hour for just one image.  It all depends on my mood.  That's the beauty of digital: you can do a quick graphic layout or an involved collage piece.  One of my goals is to take the time for more introspective journaling.

How does your family feel about your digital scrapbooking?

They must be pretty supportive if they've allowed me to follow my dreams in this business and in my art for so long!  They are my loves and I am very blessed to have them in my life.  I just want to continue to be there for them when they need me or want me.  Life is too short to not always let your loved ones know how much they mean to you.

A sampling of Michelle's Gallery.
See her complete gallery here.

Layouts: