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When
and why did you start digital scrapbooking?
I started traditionally scrapbooking
about ten years ago, before there were even many magazines or
papers! I did not even know what digital
scrapbooking was when
I entered the CottageArts.net "Hope in the Memories" contest
last winter. I sent in a traditional layout and, much to
my
surprise, it was chosen as one of the winning entries. Michelle
asked me to be a Design Team Member, I dove into digital with absolutely no
clue or help
and now I can't imagine my life without it!
Believe it or not, I did not even have a computer or an e-mail
address when I entered the contest.
I printed the papers off
the CD from my husband's work computer with a lot of help from
him!
Is
there anything in your background that helped you?
Yes, there is a great deal of experience
in my background that helps with traditional scrapbooking, but
absolutely none for computer. I was a Stampin' Up!
demonstrator for about 10 years so I have oodles of rubber
stamps, inks, etc. I only stopped being a demonstrator to
focus on the digital side of
scrapping and devote time to CottageArts.net after being asked to be a DTM.
I have had many cards published
in various Stamping magazines and was the featured artist in
the Rubber Stamper magazine in November 2003.
Cards are
definitely my forte.
Do
you use tutorials or do you just go by instinct?
Although I know
Michelle and others have written several wonderful tutorials, I must admit I
have never used one. I find it easier to work by instinct and
sometimes
that means doing things the hard way! I found
tutorials confusing when I first started digital because I
honestly did not know what I was trying to
accomplish or what
anything was called. I just began to play on my own and figured
out what was what. I am still learning each day as I press new
buttons and something happens on the screen that I "wow" over.
What's
the most meaningful layout you've ever created?
The most meaningful layout I ever
created is actually an entire album for my parents entitled
"Returning your Gifts". The album is devoted to thanking
them
for doing such a wonderful job raising a handicapped child. I
was born with only one arm and I'm sure it was difficult to
see me go through all of
the trials and tribulations associated
with being handicapped. My mother is in the beginning stages of
Alzheimer's Disease and the album is an assurance
of me now
being there for her and my father during their trials and
tribulations.
What
do you most hope to share with others through your scrapbooking?
I hope to share
the gift of creativity with others and inspire their creative
side; although, scrapbooking is about so much more than that.
For me, scrapping
and card making are much more than a hobby;
they are the main ingredient in my life and rank right next to
my family. Through scrapping I have been able
to gain control
over depression and addiction. I am truly blessed to have
found such a wonderful outlet!
Where
do you get inspiration?
I get inspiration from everywhere.
A television commercial's color scheme can inspire me to get up
and go to my craft room to create a layout. Of course,
spirituality and nature are always great inspiration and play a
large part in all my layouts.
What
is your favorite aspect of scrapbooking?
Color and playing with papers is
definitely my favorite part of scrapping. I'm addicted
to paper! Journaling is a little more difficult for me and
I prefer to
use pre-made titles and quotes, if at all possible.
Do
you prefer to do single layouts or groups (albums)?
I can't choose between albums and
single layouts. I have done many of both and I think it just
depends on the mood I'm in as to which one I choose
to work on.
First
the picture or the layout?
First the layout! I almost always
see a layout in my mind and then search for the right photo to
fit the theme.
Do
you take film or digital photos or both?
I always do digital photography now
that I have become more comfortable with the digital camera. It's
taken me some time to get the hang of it and a great deal of
trail and error has occurred.
What
is your favorite photography tip?
The only photography tip I feel
qualified to give is to take as many photos as possible, both in
general and of the same thing. I usually only get one
or two,
out of maybe 20-30 photos per shoot, that are actually usable.
Always have your camera on hand; you never know when a photo
opportunity
will arise.
What
do you most want to improve about your photography?
I would like to improve just about
everything regarding my photography. I plan to take some
photography classes in the near future. Photography is
definitely my weakest link in the scrapbook chain!
Do
you print your layouts?
What size? What printer (if applicable)?
Printing my layouts is very
interesting because most of them are a combination of traditional
and digital. It can be tricky, but the more layouts you
do, it
becomes easier to know which parts to print first and which parts
you should do digitally first. This takes a lot of practice and a
lot of wasted
paper, but I never throw these scraps away!
I prefer 12x12 layouts, but 8x8 is
quickly becoming popular. I have a Canon i9900 and an
Epson 1250, and really love the Canon. My favorite photo
paper is Hewlett Packard's premium glossy. Don't even bother
purchasing the generic photo paper; it's
a waste of money!
Do
your kids scrap too?
Yes, I do have 15 year old son who
loves to make cards and scrap with me. He's very good at it,
and unfortunately, his creativity is being squelched
by the
teasing he endures. We do it together secretly and have so much
fun!
How
long does it take you to make a layout?
Layout times are so different for
each layout. If I'm in a hurry, choosing a sketch is the
best way to go. But if I feel like playing and being
creative, sometimes
a layout can take days.
How
does your family feel about your digital scrapbooking?
My family has mixed emotions
regarding scrapping. I know deep down they love the fact that
they are "stars" in my albums. But, having a mother
follow you
around with a camera as a teenager is hard on them. Most the
time, they are cooperative, but it can take some bribing to get
some of the
shots I want! My husband is glad I have found a
much healthier alternative addiction and is very supportive of
my scrapping lifestyle.
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