Tenia's Terrific Treasures

Incredible, today we're featuring the 30th artisan at Fascinating Fridays!!!! A big thank you shout out to the team members Tammy Hobbs, Amna Al Fardh and Alia Mohammed for their commitment...
Now onto today's spotlight: Tenia Nelson...Her fabulous CAS cards are just breathtaking and a pure delight...Also Tenia is currently working with various design teams...Without further ado, let's welcome today's star....

Name: Tenia Nelson

Blog: Jazzy Paper Designs

When and how did you start Cardmaking?

I have always been making cards but I really became serious about creating in 2002 when I wanted to create Christmas cards for the teachers and staff at the school that I was working at.

When would you say you are most creative?

I am most creative when I see awesome inspiration…..like an outfit on a person or a magazine.

 

What is your favorite technique?

I love many techniques but I love paper piecing and dry embossing the best!!

 

Do trends inspire your creative process?

Everything inspires me to create these days whether or not its trends or inspirations….I am cool with anything that sparks my creativity!!!

 

Is there something about paper crafting you find challenging?

Trying not to spend too much money on product….lol!!! I think that’s hard for all of the paper crafters out there!!!

 

Is there a designer in the paper crafting industry that inspires you?  If so, what about their style or technique inspires you?

Gosh……I have so many peeps that I love!! I love Tiffany Johnson’s fun, bright and simple style, Maile Belles Clean and Graphic style, I LOVE how Karen Baker uses space on her card….there are many folks I love but those are my faves!!

 

How would you describe your style?

My style is CAS with spunk…..lol!!! I love the CAS style the best but I do not discriminate at all…..lol!! I love all of the styles!!!

 

How long would you say it takes you to complete a card or project?

If I already have a design in mind it could take me anywhere from ten to twenty minutes but if I do not think about what I am doing ahead of time…….an hour or so.

 

When you are finished with your beautiful creations what do you  do with them?

I keep my cards to give as gifts or submit them to Take Ten Magazine or Just Cards Magazine.

 

Are you on any Design Teams or have served on any in the past?

Right now I design for Wilson Designs Stamps, Off the Wall Craftiness challenges, and Paper Maniac teams. I love working for these companies because the owners and the other DT members are awesome and the product rocks!!!!!

 

What amazing designs, such cheerful and perfect ones!!! Thanks Tenia for sharing your creations with us...And thank you all for swinging by...Want to see more cards, then pop over Tenia's blog for dozens of inspirations :)

It's a boy

Didn't want to upset the boys so I'm sharing with you this card (after the baby girl card), lol... Seriously loved the colors and that sooo cute onesie from Pebbles is fluttering my heart...
I started with trimming papers from Basic Grey- Oliver and Marjolaine Collections then distressing the edges with shabby shutters ink. Next, adhered the base and added a stripe from Tory Oliver pp at the centre. Later, I laid the square pp, stamped the banner and sentiment from Lawn Fawn. Finally embellished the card by adding two buttons with red twines, and baby dress with the same button for coordination...

This card is entering for:

Stamp Something

There's Magic In The Air

These twines from We R Memory Keepers are so versatile...

Thank you so much for visiting!!! Have a wonderful time :)

Supplies:

Papers: Tory Oliver Collection Paper, Molten Cake Marjolaine Collection Paper (Basic Grey)

Stamps: Bannerific, Sophie's Sentiments (Lawn Fawn)

Embellishments: Modern Homemaker Buttons (October Afternoon), Sew Easy Baker's Twine- Primary (We R Memory Keepers), Baby Boy Pebbles Layered Embellishments (Pebbles)

oh baby

Welcome peeps!!! I'm sharing with you today a card that has already gone for sale at Edible Arrangements- Dubai. It's a new addition to the the wide baby-arrival category there :)
I liked to coordinate the dress with background so I adhered the Soiree- Collage (Pink Paislee) pp as the base. Next, trimmed and layered the patterned paper from Imaginisce- Little Cutie Collection and popped it in the center. Then, I added the dress, the sentiment 'oh baby' as well as the pink ribbon with pram print. Lastly, finished with cute little blings...

This card is entering for:

My Time To Craft

Papertake Weekly

AiFactory

Charisma Cardz

Shelly's Images

Fun at Fairy Knoll

Stamp Something

Tried a different method of ribbon tying, isn't it cute?!

Thanks so much for stopping by. See you soon with another creation....

Roxy's Rare Riches

Amna Al Fardh (Team Member) came to know about today's artist after her participation in the North American Quilling Guilds-Annual Competition 2011. When Amna saw her winning artwork, she wondered if that was quilling?! And yes, the entire piece turned out to be quilled :) Oh well you will have to read and find out, won't you? It's Roxann Dragula ;) Let's get to know her better...

1) When did you start paper quilling ? and how did you know about it ?

I have been an artist just about all my life; I can't remember when I was not doing art even as a small child. I would do quilling in small amounts here and there to add with my art over the past years but had no idea it was quilling. For many years I had gotten away from my art due to many reasons and none of the reasons were good ones. During late 2008 to 2010 and early 2011 I was unemployed, so during that time I started getting back into my art. I was doing some research on the web and started running across art that was being called quilling. As I said before I had no idea what it was or how to do it but it looked like what I had been adding to my art. In late 2009 I ran across the NAQG (North American Quilling Guild) and joined the guild in 2010, also found the UK quilling guild and became a member at that time. I am quilling full time now when I'm not working and the rest is history, I will never stop doing my art ever again- something that has been the love of my life.

2) Do you read books about quilling and other crafts? or what sources do you use mostly?

I have many quilling books but to say that I have sat down and read them all, no I guess you can say I collect more quilling books than I have read. I have my quilling books as reference books that I use to stimulate my imagination. Being more of an abstract artist, life its self is my best source as it provides me with a much larger source of inspiration.

3) Describe yourself as an Artist , what other hobbies do you like and practice? what other forms of art do you like? how long have you been crafting in general ?

I am more of an abstract artist, I don't refer to myself as being a crafter. I truly believe there is a fine line between the craft of Quilling and the art of Quilling I prefer to be classified as a Quilling artist. I can do other art styles but I am better known for my abstract art. In the past I have done watercolor art and charcoal art and have thought about adding the two along with my quilling.

4) Do you work or study? and does practicing hobbies affect any aspect of your life?

When I started quilling full time I had been unemployed for quite some time, but now that I am employed full time I have found that the responsibilities around our home have shifted. My husband loves my quilling so much he has jumped in and takes over responsibilities when I am working on my projects.

5) Do you attend workshops or give workshops?

I do not attend workshops but will teach when asked. I have been asked to collaborate with Lucia Sinning's art class in Spain 2012. Lucia Sinning was the 2011 People's Choice Award winner at the 2011 NAQGCON. I am much honored to have been given this opportunity. I would love to find work teaching quilling this would be a dream come true.

6) You are one of the recent winners at one of the categories at NAQG Con 2011, please tell us something about the piece you created and how you came about it :)

When I decided to enter the 2011 NAQGCON Quilling and Beyond competition I had no idea what I would make but I knew I would come up with something. I was sitting at the dinner table with my husband one evening talking over what I should do. My husband had given me several good ideas but I told him it had to be something that had that WOW factor to it. It had to be something that was electrifying. Just as I said it I looked at my husband and said that's it I'm going to add electricity to my Quilling. My husband replied you can't do that you will burn the house down. I told him relax I would not burn the house down and everything would be just fine. I had no Idea how to even start making this lamp but I knew that once I got it started, it would all start coming to together. I started with the bottom- it was insane making that large coil took me several days just to coil the base. Trust me a large rubber band became my best friend. I would coil paper until I was tired and use the rubber band to hold it together until I returned to it. The large open rectangle ring coils were a little trickier to do. With a little help from some blocks of wood and a few failed attempts the body of the lamp took shape. To make the shade was more time consuming than trouble.

7) How long have you been taking part at the NAQG?

I have been a member of the USA NAQG and the UK Quilling Guild since early 2010.

8) Have you gained any benefit from your art? what kind of benefit ?

The benefits I have gained from my quilling are priceless and could never be duplicated or replaced. The benefits are the friends that I have gained literally all over the world some of whom I have met and some I will meet for the first time when I attend the UK 2012 conference.

9) Do you have a website or a blog that you would like to share with us? or how can our members get in contact with you?

I have a website that I'm working on to sell quilling supplies I will let you know when it is open...

You can view more creations in this video :) http://youtube/NYab9zEkeJw

Some of Roxann's master work:

Quilled Faux Wrought Iron Lamp No Shade 

 Quilled Faux Wrought Iron Lamp With Shade

Art Card Of Howard Solomons Green Ball Montage 

WOW, such creative ideas!!! Thanks Roxann for sharing your artistic passion with us and showing some of your wonderful work. Thanks, also, to all who popped by to read Roxy's interview.... Great weekend!!!!

MOM

Just a very quick post before I continue with creating my new baby-boy card...I started with stamping the flower thrice to color differently on each layer (with distress inks), then I stamped the script background on every one... Next, stitched the borders of Kraft paper with Sew Easy tool from We R Memory Keepers...Lastly, assembled papers, ribbon, pearls and alphabet stickers to give this result:

This card is entering for:

the ribbon reel challenge

Fresh Brewed (three glittered flowers)

Craft your passion

Do You Stack Up?

Stampin B's

Added tiny pop-up flowers from K&Company Abrianna Collection...

Thanks for visiting ;) See you soon... 

Supplies:

Papers: Gardener's Seeds- Spring Market Collection (Webster's Pages), Kraft Resist Paper (Tim Holtz)

Stamps: Artistic Borders (Hero Arts), Letter Background Wood Mounted Stamp (Penny Black)

Embellishments: Guava Rose 1 Yd Dear Lizzy Ribbon (American Crafts), Sew Easy Baker's Twine- Primary (We R Memory Keepers), Milk & Oreo 12X12 Quattrofina Alphabet Stickers (Bella Blvd)

Walking on Sunshine...with Melissa

Mojoless today?! Then here's the right place to be inspired as we are featuring an artist whose layouts are too good to miss...Alia (Team member) and me are so glad to introduce you to Melissa,,, Pls help us welcome her :)

Name: Melissa 

Blog: Walking on Sunshine

1. How did you get involved in the world of scrapbooking? 

I got involved with this wonderful hobby/obsession approximately 10 years ago when I was pregnant with my son, Nicholas. Only really became "serious" about it, though, around 5 years ago.

2. How do you go about creating a layout? Describe your typical process.  

First I choose the pic/pics that I am going to scrap. Then, I pick out the paper and the embellies that I am going to use. Then, it's off to my scrap table and I get into my "zone".

3. What are your favorite products and tools to use on your layouts? If you could have unlimited access to any product or tool what would it be?

My favorite product is definitely paper. I love paper! I could do without everything else as long as I had plenty of paper to layer, layer, layer!!!

 

4. What types of unconventional, unique, or unexpected materials or techniques have you used on your layouts?

I can't say that I really have an answer for this :(

 

5. When someone opens your scrapbooks years from now, what do you hope they will think or say? 

I hope that they will look at them and think about the hard work that I must have put into them to preserve memories of their lives. I hope that they will be passed on from generation to generation.

6. Where can we view more of your work?

I am an active member at scrapbook.com. You can see my page/gallery here: http://www.scrapbook.com/myplace/index.php?mod=galleries&u=130187

I'm also an active member and Design Team member over at tallyscrapper.com. You can see my page/gallery here:http://www.tallyscrapper.com/myTally.php .

Have a look at these superb creations:

Indeed Melissa, you can't work without paper :) Not only that but also you're absolutely mastering their use!!! Thanks sweetie for thrilling us this Friday and thank you all for visiting...Wonderful Weekend!!!

accordion flower

So excited to share with you a card that was featured at CARDS magazine: CREATE blog!!! The challenge there was just to use an accordion flower....
This card was so simple to make...I started with adhering the base pp then tied a twine at one corner centered with a button. Later popped up the flowered pp and added tags from American Crafts. Then I placed two flower brads in the punched holes adding some fun :) Finally popped up the paper flower and inserted two cute pins at the side....

This card is entering for:

Cardabilities

The card contains colors just like those in the flower...

Thanks peeps for visiting!!! Have a great day ahead....

Supplies:
Papers: Beyond Precious Little Cutie Collection Paper (Imaginisce), Heartfelt 12X12 Sweetly Smitten Collection Paper (Sassafras)
Embellishments: Modern Homemaker Buttons (October Afternoon), Love Eternal Delights Paper Flower, Love Printed Variety Decorative Tags (American Crafts), Sew Easy Baker's Twine Primary (We R Memory Keepers)

ramadan GREETINGS

I was so inspired by the colors and simplicity of THIS card that I decided to create one for my customers too :) So I started with three white papers trimmed to equal sizes then stamped the flower in versamark. Later, embossed it in white powder and distressed the papers in broken china, mustard seed and fired brick. Next, I popped up the papers on Joy Woodgrain Stella Rose Paper (My Mind's Eye). Finally added the alphabets from Milk and Oreo Stickers (Bella Blvd) on transparent sheet, tied a small knot and finished with blings,,,,

 This card is entering for:

Case Study

Frosted Designs

Shelly's Images

Inky Impressions

Get closer:

Before I sign off just want to share with you an award I received from my friend Lekha Justin...Thanks dear :)

That's for today...Thank you all for swinging by...catch you later!!!

Extra inspiration from Lil Bee's Kits

Welcome crafty peeps!!! Today I'm sharing with you another card from Lil Bee's latest kit that includes mainly patterned papers from Webster's Pages...
I started this creation with adhering Handsome Vintage paper on Accessorize paper for the base. Then trimmed a 2"x2" square and two strips of paper for the banner and sentiment. Next, popped up the square after adhering that leafy cardstock sticker as well as the banner. Later added a piece of Prima swirl and popped up the sentiment. Lastly, I placed the flower form Pebbles and few rhinestones from KaiserCraft...

This card is entering for:

Mojo Monday

Inspire Me Fridays
Aud Sentiments
Bearly Mine

Heart this combination of colors:

That's for today, dear friends!!! Thanks for visiting and see you very soon :)

Supplies

Papers: Handsome Vintage, Accessorize, and Leaders Trendsetter Collection Papers (Webster's Pages)

Embellishments:  Mr & Mrs Felt Flowers Embellishments (Pebbles), Garden Party 6X12 Cardstock Stickers (My Little Shoebox), Silver SIIC (Prima), Pink rhinestones (KaiserCraft)

Lisa's Lively Lovelies

To color with Copics perfectly has always been my dream and proudly today's featured artist is a Copic Certified Designer. Her creations are fun-filled that will undoubtedly flutter your heart. Let Tammy and me introduce you to Lisa Petrella...

Name: Lisa Petrella

Blog: Bellalistona

When and how did you start Cardmaking?
I’ve always been into creative expression in various forms (dance, arts/crafts, poetry/writing). I’d say I’ve dabbled in card making for the past ten years. I made my wedding invitations, and I’ve created lots of invitations and cards for family and friends. However, my interest in card making and stamping really took off a little over two years ago when I started reading several card magazines at my local bookstore and began exploring the wonderful world of crafting blogs. Through these avenues I discovered a creative community that provided the perfect outlet for my creative energy. I’ve been hooked ever since!

When would you say you are most creative?
I am most creative after spending time outdoors (hiking, camping, skiing, snowshoeing) and after traveling to visit a new town or city within the U.S. or in a different country. Nature and culture are so inspiring to me. When I’m off on one of these adventures, all five of my senses are actively engaged and this in turn really gets my creative mojo flowing.

What is your favorite technique?
Without a doubt, my favorite technique these days is paper piecing. I absolutely love the way it allows me to add fun and funky patterns and dimension to stamped images. Plus, it’s a great way to make use of my many patterned paper scraps.

Do trends inspire your creative process?
I am definitely inspired by trends that show up in newly released stamp sets, paper crafting products, magazines, blogs, shops, etc. Sometimes it can be a bit overwhelming, so I try to just follow my natural creative instincts and go with what feels right and is the most fun and appealing to me.

Is there something about paper crafting you find challenging?
There are a couple of things that I find challenging about paper crafting: (1) Finding the time to actually execute all of the ideas I have floating around in my head and on random scraps of paper. (2) Resisting the urge to buy every new stamp set and/or product that is released by all of the fabulous companies out there.

Is there a designer in the paper crafting industry that inspires you? If so, what about their style or technique inspires you?
There are so many designers in the industry who inspire me through their blogs and their published works. The crafting community is full of incredibly talented artists and super sweet people. It’s difficult to choose just one designer who inspires me. Jen del Muro’s work caught my eye a little over two years ago in Take Ten magazine. I love her layouts, and her Copic coloring skills are excellent. Dawn McVey has an amazing eye for color combinations and design. Her work is clean, fresh and so inspiring. Karen Baker is also incredibly inspiring. I love how every element she incorporates into her CAS cards has some specific purpose and/or symbolic meaning. And her blog posts are an absolute delight to read----so thoughtful and well-written. I could go on…but I was technically supposed to only choose one designer and I’ve already broken that rule and mentioned three.

How would you describe your style?
The style that comes most naturally to me is “cute and fun.” However, I love participating in challenges because they help me to step out of my comfort zone and try lots of different styles.

How long would you say it takes you to complete a card or project?
Honestly, it depends. If I’ve been tossing the idea/concept around in my mind or on scratch paper for awhile, I can complete a card in less than an hour. Otherwise, it could take 2-3 hours, depending on the level of detail.

When you are finished with your beautiful creations what do you do with them?
The cards and projects I create as a member of the Design Team for DeNami Design are mailed directly to DeNami to be used as samples at stamp shows. Some of my creations are submitted for publication in various stamping and card making magazines. The rest are either given to family and friends or stored in a basket until I have an occasion to use them. I’m hoping to set up an Etsy shop in August of this year to start selling my cards and paper crafts too!

Have a look at Lisa's cute pieces:

Aren't they so adorable?? Thank you Lisa for inspiring us this Friday with your clean and cheerful cards,,,and a mahoosive thanks to all who popped by to read Lisa's interview :) Happy Friday!!!

it's a boy

Been so busy this week with hospital training that I only posted on Sunday :( Hopefully will catch up with publishing my newest releases as soon as I get some free time...
In this time of the month, Paperie Designs is so busy creating cards for Edible Arrangements and among the most-selling ones are baby arrival cards!!! So I created this cutie card from Imaginisce Little Cutie Collection and some Pebbles adorable accents... I started with adhering the base pp then trimmed a rectangular piece of another pp. Next, tied a ribbon and popped up the latter piece. Later, I tilted the die-cut at an angle and added two star embellishments for a baby boy...

This card is entering for:

AiFactory

allsorts

Crafter's Companion
Papertake Weekly
Do You Stack Up

Isn't this ribbon so adorable?!

Thanks for visiting and see you tomorrow with a new featured artist here at Fascinating Fridays!!!

Supplies

Papers:  Little Man, Snips & Snails Little Cutie Collection Papers (Imaginisce)

Embellishments: Baby Boy Pebbles Layered Embellishments, New Addition Chips- Boy (Pebbles), Boy Pram Ribbon (Prints)

a little birdie told me....

...lyrics full of pearls :) Yeah, that's what the bird is singing here (lol)...The card below is another creation for Lil Bee's latest kits and if you happen to be interested in making elegant cards or LO's then these kits are too good to miss!!!
I started with layering a black cardstock on the base one (red). Then I stamped birds and flowers on Country Estate diecut (Webster's Pages) leaving space for the script stamping. After stamping the words,  I trimmed the floral part of the same paper and laid it at an angle. Next, pressed the rub-on cage on Restful Retreat paper and adhered the stamped paper in a tilted position too. Later, popped that birdie, glued a flower and added a swirl projecting from the bird's beak :)

This card is entering for:

City Crafter Challenge

I removed the pearls from a flower bling and lined them here one by one...

Aren't those papers gorgeous?? Show us what you create with these kits...just send an image to Lil Bee's Boutique so your piece will be published :) Thanks for visiting and see ya soon...

Bela's Quilling and more...

Today we're spotlighting not just another great artist but a multitalented one!!! She enjoys practicing various hobbies and masters them too... Without further ado, let's introduce you to Bela Shah :)

Name: Bela Shah

Blog: Bela's Quilled Creations

1) When did you start paper quilling ? and how did you know about it?

I started Paper Quilling around 2 years ago and I came to know thru a friend who taught me just a fringed flower and a leaf & then I took it from there.

2) Do you read books about quilling and other crafts? or what sources do you use mostly?

I have never read a book on quilling or any other craft.

But I get inspiration from all the friends I have on facebook ..  also the internet at times.....

3) Describe yourself as an Artist , what hobbies do you like and practice? what other forms of art do you like? how long have you been crafting in general?

What do I think about myself as an artist ...... well I would love if you all answer that question for me :-)

Well as a hobby I was always into paintings. I do pencil sketching, charcoal painting, oil , acrylics , warli , madhubani, kalamkari, miniature, glass painting etc.....So as far as art is concerned I love each and everything .. I would love to learn it in any form .....

As far as crafting is concerned I love paper quilling & I also do iris folding & I have been paper crafting since 2 years.....

4) Do you work or study? and does practicing hobbies affect any aspect of your life?

I am working with a canadian firm at nite from home .. I teach art during the day time. Practicing hobby always gives me a satisfaction and Quilling is meditative to me coz of the repitative process.

Whenever I'm doing any kind of artwork, the outside world just doesn't exist.

5) Do you attend workshops or give workshops?

I teach art & conduct workshops.

6) Have you gained any benefit from your art? what kind of benefit ?

The pleasure of creating something new & unique is just amazing. And as a teacher imparting the same knowledge to my kids, the smile on their face after creating something gives me a fulfillment.

I would say my hobby is my profession so when I work it doesn't feel like I'm working....Isn't that simply amazing!!!!!

7) Do you have a website or a blog that you would like to share with us?

The link of my page on FB ishttp://www.facebook.com/pages/Mulund-India/Colors-N-Creations-Mulund-Mumbai/180046158695384 
My blog for quilled creations is http://colors-n-creations.blogspot.com/
My blog for my Paintings n Art work is http://bela-shah.blogspot.com/ 
My website address is http://www.freewebs.com/colors-n-creations/

8) Anything else you would like to share with the members or would like to add?

I would like to say that people who have any kind of art in them whether its dancing, singing, crafting, or artwork are blessed so just keep going on & on as it gives you a stress free time from your hectic lifestyle.

A mix of highly calibered skills:

Isn't Bela so fascinating?? Thank you so much dear for inspiring us this Friday with your extraordinary creations...Ladies, now enjoy viewing more of Bela's work here on this video :) http://youtu.be/ec_gpNlZ8bg

Smooches,