Meet Maya Ariffin

Hi. Salam. I am Maya or known as Scrapper Maya. I am from Brunei Darussalam which also known as Abode Of Peace. I started scrapbooking at late 2007. Then slowly I got interested in altering items and making cards too. Along the way I am also interested in digital scrapbooking but got hooked into it since last year and now I'm one of the Creative Team of Holly Spring Designs (I became her hybrid scrapper). Although it's seems a long time but I still need to learn more about this crafting world. I don't have any particular style but since my daughter is born (2009) my style seems to be sweet and girly. So if you have any time to spare hop on to my humble blog Princess Scrapper's Life? :) Thank you and see you there!

I want to thank Noor for giving me the chance to be featured at this blog.

 

 

Oh my!! They're quite elegant and the spirit of Eid is just radiating from them... Thank you Maya for making us happy and thank you all for swinging by.... See you tomorrow with a new muse!!!!

Cheerful holidays, 

Featuring Farah Al Fardh

Step into the world of artistic wonders that are made of colourful paper and inspired by the beautiful creations of Mother Nature, which will make you ponder the inventive use of paper through an age old lovely art of Quilling. Some call it paper-rolling, paper-scrolling, filigree, paper mosaic, it has many names but the impressive end result will have only one effect left on all: “Wow”.

Umm Al Quwain based Emirati lady, Farah Al-Fardh is gifted with this wow factor exotic art of Quilling. Her early age passion for paper based arts and crafts grew while she schooled. After graduating in 2002 from Zayed
University’s College of Communication & Media Sciences, in 2004 she actively took up Paper Quilling and soon with her creative endeavours she has attracted the interests of art lovers, first on a National level and now on an international level.

Her artistic pieces will take you on a ride of fantasy where you enter into a magical world, where art is the air you breathe and fantasy is the language you speak. You’re walking down colourful alleys, beautiful gardens & stunning nature watching all sorts of mystical creatures living their lives. Everyone greets you with a smile and offers you to join them in an exciting adventure. A world where boredom never existed and ordinary life has never been heard of.

Her passion for paper was also showcased through various media sources including television channels, newspapers and magazines in the UAE. She introduced this creative art to the masses through the means of media and held workshops in Abu Dhabi, Ras Al Khaimah, Umm Al Quwain, Dubai, Al Ain and Amman. She has appeared in varied TV channels such as Al Arabiya TV, Sama Dubai TV, Rotana Khalijeya TV, Noor Dubai TV, to name a few.

She returned from a successful trip to Japan (July 2010) where she took part in the Japanese quilling guild exhibitions. As a Regional Representative of The Quilling Guild in UK; she was invited to showcase
her work, in Sheffield in September 2010. Also showcased her work in the North American Quilling Guild Conference, in California in April 2011.

She has won Tamaiaz Award in the category of Entrepreneurship and also launched the first Arabic website in the world on Paper Quilling. Passionate about her skills, she has brought paper art into the limelight and given creativity a ride high onto an exotic a trip to imaginative paradise.

Eidiyah (eid money) train holder

Kids dressed up for Eid

Girl holding Eidiyah

Eid Sheep

Am speechless!!!! Its so incredible that from strips of papers a whole new world can be created.... Thanks Farah for these inspirational doses and thanks to all for popping by!!! Want to see more, then visit her webpage: Farooha. Don't forget to enter the giveaway and treat yourself with any crafty goodies from Two Peas In a Bucket!!!!

It's Eid here in Dubai so am wishing you all all all a happy and blessed Eid :) Mwah

Kicking off with Amelia Khalik

Hello everyone, 
My name is Amelia Khalik and I’m from Malaysia. I’ve started scrapbooking about 3 years ago and never looked back ever since. I was a bored mom without a hobby and one day while browsing decided that I should try my hands at card making. I took my first lesson at a local scrap book store and started buying my basic tools.

My first few layouts were actually done during a crop party at lss. It was so basic with no layering or technique whatsoever. Every time I look back at those pieces it reminds me of how far I’ve come and how much I’ve learn along the way.
 
Scrapping to me is a no hard rules, no perfection and no right or wrong. It’s more of a hunch and instinct of what looks good on my page at that moment. Most of the time I don’t plan my page in advance, I am a very impromptu person, even on a last minute I could still add or remove items in my page! Nothing fix and certain. lol

I am honored and happy to be given the opportunity to be today's  featured artist. Thank you so much to everyone who believes in me.

I've decided to do 'Eid ul Fitri' card and an altered cookie jar with a gift tag

Such attractive and heart-fluttering pieces, Amelia!!!! Adore the colors you used (actually my favorite) *happy face* Thanks dear for the sweet eye candy and for giving us some of your precious time.... Friends, don't forget to check out her blog, Baby Blu, here.
Catch you ladies tomorrow, the day of Eid, with a new star!!! Happy Eid,

Revealing '7 Days of Eid Celebration'

As the holy month of fasting (Ramadan) comes to an end, Muslims around the world celebrate Eid. Since last year we have also been celebrating Eid at Paperie Designs' Studio and for a complete whole week!!!! So we're throwing the party again but with new uber-talented artists and a GIVEAWAY!!!!!

Every day will feature a crafty girl with some of her beautiful Eid creations; starting from tomorrow.. Oops then what's up there for today??!! Guess what...it's an international giveaway, woot woot!!! I'll be giving away a Gift Certificate worth 50$ from Two Peas In a Bucket:

How to enter the giveaway: 
Be a follower to leave ONE comment here but if you would like to leave TWO comments instead, then post about this giveaway at your blog dropping a link to the post :) 

MAXIMUM OF TWO ENTRIES, INTERNATIONAL FRIENDS ARE WELCOME, 
WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED ON 3RD 30TH SEPTEMBER!!!!

So hurry before its too late!!! That's for now, see you tomorrow with _________. Let's keep it for then :)

Meet Musing Marie

Fridays are so awaited as I very much enjoy featuring sweet crafters from every part of the world!!! With regard to this, I sincerely thank my team members Alia Mohammed, Amna Al Fardh and Tammy Hobbs for helping me continue this event till today (big mwah to all).....
Today's star creates very dainty and charming cards that I'm certain you'll love them from the first sight :) Not only her cards are sweet but she's much more sweeter too!!!! Let's introduce you to a new buddy- Marie Forberg :)

Name: Marie Forberg

Blog: My Creative Creations

When and how did you start Cardmaking?

I was first introduced to scrapbooking in a hobby magazine, many years ago. The magazine was from a local craft store, which was just starting to carry some basic scrapbooking supplies. I read the article, but did not at all like the style of the layouts shown. So I said to myself: I will never scrapbook! And then, 5 years ago, my nephew was born, and I slowly started to scrapbook to show all of the pictures I took of him. At that time, I had never tried my hand at stamping or cardmaking. I thought stamping looked messy, and I didn’t like the small format of cards. So I said: I will never make cards or start stamping! But then, somehow, I started stamping after all. It must have been about 3 years ago, probably. I grew into loving the smaller format of cards, and all of the fabulous ways of using stamps on cards! And now I am addicted to this wonderful creative hobby =)

When would you say you are most creative?

Well, there is really no specific time of the day, week or month that I feel most creative. It’s really random at what time inspiration strikes me. However, I will say that I love participating in challenges online. When I read about a challenge, that really gets the creative juices flowing, and card ideas start forming in my head. I also get ideas when seeing all of the fabulous projects crafters share in online galleries or on blogs. But, sometimes, an idea will come to me at any time, no matter what I’m doing. I have sometimes had to sketch or write down ideas that has hit me at times where I can’t sit down and bring the idea to life right away. I keep a binder with all of those random sketches and ideas in my craft area, which I can pull out when I have time to do so later =)

What is your favorite technique?

Stamping, for sure! I’m not sure if I would call it a technique, though. For me, stamping is so much more. It’s a way to get a perfect image every time. It’s a way to use a product over and over again, without using it up. It’s a way of making different creations, using the same image. It’s a staple in my cardmaking. It’s basically what I do, and who I am, at least when it comes to my cardmaking. I am a stamper, and proud of it =)

Do trends inspire your creative process?

Yes, sometimes they do. I find that some trends influence me a lot in my creative process, but only the ones that really speak to me. Lately, I’ve been obsessed with the banner-shaped sentiment strips with v-shaped notches in the ends. I love that look so much, and I will not hesitate to continue using it even after it’s not trendy anymore. Hey, for all I know, it may be “out” already =) Anyways, I would say that the biggest way in which trends affect my creative process, is with new products coming out. Papers, stamps, dies, they are all often influenced by the new trends. If I like these new products and use them, I may be following the trends without realizing it myself =)

Is there something about paper crafting you find challenging?

Oh yes, there is indeed. One of the main things I find challenging, is getting it all “just perfect”. I am such a perfectionist when it comes to clean cut edges, absolutely straight cardlayers and perfectly stamped images. I often sit for quite some time, trying to place down a layer on a card just perfectly straight. Usually, it’s not so far from straight that people would notice it, but I certainly do. And having layers glued down that’s not straight REALLY bugs me!

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

Well, if I can name one stamp designer whose style I’m loving right now, that must be Kim Hughes, owner and designer of Paper Smooches. I LOVE her fun, cute and whimsical characters and her characteristic fonts for sentiments. Paper Smooches stamps always makes me smile when I see them =) I am also a fan of Nichol Magouirk and Kelly Marie Alvarez (from Lawn Fawn), two very talented ladies!

How would you describe your style?

Clean & Simple, fun and cute is definitely my style. I love cards that make people smile! I’m a sucker for the cute, fun and whimsical stamps, and those are the ones I use the most. I’m not really into shabby chic or grungy, although I do come across cards and projects in those styles that I really like when browsing through online galleries and blogs. I must say, it has taken me quite some time to find my own style, but now that I have, I feel happier when creating than ever before =)

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

Well, that completely depends on the project. If there is a lot of stamping to do, paper piecing or coloring, that takes a good amount of time. But I also spend time figuring out the layout of the card, what colors I want to use and what papers to use. I would say that a card can take anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours. But I love doing it, so I consider those hours well wasted, well used =)

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

Sadly, most of them end up in boxes in my craft area. You see, I make waay more cards then I’ve ever been able to give away! Some of the cards I love the most at the moment, I display on a dresser in my craft area. But when new favorites have been created, the older ones usually end up in the boxes. But the good side of storing all of my card in these boxes, is that I often have a card suitable and ready when I do need one to give away =)

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

Just a couple of days ago, Britta Swiderski and I launched our first challenge on the Young Crafters Unite! blog. I am so lucky to get to run this challenge blog with Britta, and to have such a fabulous design team for our challenges! You can check out our challenge blog here =) It would be a dream to be invited to join Paper Smooches’ or Lawn Fawn’s Design Team, as I love those two companies so much. It’s probably not in the cards right now, but maybe I’ll be so lucky as to get invited to join either of their Design Teams sometime in the future. Fingers (and toes!) crossed!

Here they are (you'll definitely smile),,,,

Aren't they so adorable?? Though they are not sophisticated yet they deliver bundles of happiness with them :) Thanks darling Marie for sharing your cards with us and thank you all for visiting... Remember will have a week-long celebration very soon here at Paperie Designs' Studio,,,,,, Hugzzzzzz

TINY CUTIE and,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

a teaser!!! First let's start with the card. I loved this style that have seen in a challenge blog, so decided to make one for my customers too :) It's as simple as 1,2,3...
Trimmed equal sizes of different cardstocks then adhered them leaving a space at the centre. Then tied coordinating twines from We R Memory Keepers. Lastly, added the alphabets and my favorite embellies ever- pearls...

Before signing off, just want to to let you know that soon will start a fun celebration here at this blog (hint hint). More details coming soon!!!

Stunning LO's by Sharon

Welcome all to Fascinating Fridays!!!! Today's featured artist is a skilled scrapbooker who enjoys a high sense of imagination,,, Her pages deliver a pure dose of art and creativity... Lemme and Alia introduce you to sweet Sharon :)

Name: Sharon Fritchman

Blog: that girl fritchey

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

I think I have always been a scrapper.  Ever since I was a kid, I had an interest in art and journaling.  I won poster contests in grade school, and got A's in art in high school, even when it wasn't cool to be interested in art.  (Ha-Ha! ) My real interest in scrapbooking started when my husband and I adopted our second daughter from China.  As I learned about adoption and "Lifebooks," my interest in scrapbooking took off.  And I have not stopped since . . . .

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

I really don't have a typical process.  Each layout is different for me.  I usually start a page after being inspired by something I see in a magazine, on TV, online, or in nature.  Sometimes, I start with a title that I like or lyrics from a song.  Then I print out my own pictures and spread them across my scrap-room floor.  Next, I pick out the papers and embellishments that I want to use.  I sometimes get inspiration from a challenge or a sketch that I see online or in a book or magazine.  

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?

I love my distressing tool and water bottle.  I also use my sewing machine a lot!  

My ATG gun is my absolute favorite adhesive ever.  You would have to wrestle it out of my hands to get it away from me!  (Ha-ha again!)  I would love to have unlimited access to the ATG refills. 

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

I love to try new things on layout pages.  I have used fabric, twigs, burlap, chopsticks, pins, and machine stitching, just to name a few.  I recently started masking and misting on my layouts, and like using different items such as mirrors.  I remember when I first started scrapbooking, everything had to be "scrapbook specific, acid free and photo safe."  I love that things are not as stringent now. 

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

I would really love it if my daughters and future generations look back on my pages and feel happy about knowing more about their heritage and events that happened in their lives or their ancestors' lives to make then who they are.

6. Where can we view more of your work?

I have a gallery on www.scrapbook.com under my username: Fritchey. 

You can also see my work on "Scrapping the Music" at www.scrappingthemusic.blogspot.com, as I am a member of their design team.

In addition, I have a new brand new "baby blog" at www.thatgirlfritchey.blogspot.com

Enjoy these fantastic layouts:

 

Oh my,,, love them so much!!! And really adore the wide variety of techniques and materials used :) Thank you Sharon for being with us today and thanks to all who popped by!!!! Happy Friday :)

happy eid

It's my first day working and yes I'm so excited (woohoo)!!!! So pleased to offer diet counseling for overweight/obese clients undergoing slimming programme,,, However, sort of worried if I'll have enough time to craft :(
Now back to my card. Here I used only Abrianna Collection from K&Company and that's why they coordinated so well :) Started with dry embossing the purple cardstock with Leaf Branch Embossing Folder (Cuttlebug Provocraft) then trimmed the pp accordingly. Next, adhered them and stamped the sentiment on the die-cut as well as placed the pearls. Finally, embellished with butterflies and flowers from the same collection....

This card is entering for:

deconstructing jen

Fussy and Fancy (pearls)

Crafty Catz

Crafty Sentiments

Just Some Lines

Papertake Weekly (free, pearls, blooms)

Love this new die from Spellinders (Fancy Tags Two)

Thanks so much for peeking!!! See ya all soon :)

Divya's Art Room

Our featured artist today is not only a crafter but a dentist as well .. It's great to explore the worlds of both science and art just as Divya Deepak,,, We're also so glad to spotlight a lady who does not only quill but practices other arts too... Let's get to know her better :)

Name: Divya Deepak

Blog: Divya's Art Room

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

I started paper quilling very seriously about 1 year back I am loving it :-)

I had heard a little about it in art stores, had also seen some cut ready-made strips. Luckily I got to learn all the basics from a lady in India. The learning process in still continuing & I know it will forever. The internet & books helped me a lot too.

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

Yeah, I do read books & use the web to learn something new. There is always so much to explore. Otherwise it's my own imagination......

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 ?

Describe myself as an artist???.....Well I would love it if others can answer that one :-)

Anyway, if I may, I would call myself a learner........there are sooo many things that I still want to learn & create!!! .... & I know that I love what I am doing.

I do various kinds of art like warli painting(which is a tribal art from India), stain glass painting, origata which is also a paper craft, lippan art, lamasa & minakari painting.....I also make paper bags & gift boxes. Well, of course paper quilling & warli take priority :-)

I have been crafting since childhood but I took a looooong break because of studies.

Apart from this, I loveeee to cook & bake. So I would call that another hobby of mine :)

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

I am actually a Dentist & I was working. But then, after I got married art got me very interested. With encouragement from my husband & family, I am currently giving art & craft classes at home in New Jersey. When I teach, I learn more!!!

I take orders too & I am presently working on an order of warli paintings to decorate the rooms of an apartment complex. I also have an online store on ETSY where I sell my creations.

5) Do you attend workshops or give workshops ?

I have not attended any workshops but I do teach at home.

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

What can I say.......This is my PASSION. I love doing what i am doing & I am very grateful to God for that:-) I am constantly thinking about what my next creation should be or how I can improvise on my work. It really keeps stress away.... I think most people would agree with me on  this.

It is of course a feel good factor that I am able to create something nice & also that my creations can bring a smile on someone's face :-).......I consider myself very blessed to be able to make life more beautiful for myself & for others :-)

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

I do have a blog

http://divya-art-room.blogspot.com/.

And this is my online store....

http://www.etsy.com/shop/divyarao

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

I just want to thank each & every artist that I have met till today including you Amna, for every single person is an inspiration to me :-)

Take your inspiration doses for today :)

Divya, you're really multi-talented!!! Such clean and perfect creations!!! Thank you very much dear for being with us.. And thanks to all for swinging by,,, Will let you now enjoy Divya's work thru this video :) 

http://www.youtube.com/embed/uHuKpekkSkU

Smooches,,,

so loved baby girl

Just can't get enough of baby embellies!!!! I'm badly addicted to them, lol,,,,Here's a quick baby-girl card created for Edible Arrangements...
First, punched the corners and stitched the borders with twine using my favorite Sew Easy tool from We R Memory Keepers. Next, added two stripes of patterned papers centered with a cute ribbon from Prints. The last step was embellishing, woohoo!!! I popped up that adorable baby buggy (Pebbles) at a tilted position and finished with pink blings on the centre of flowers,,,

This card is entering for:

Fun with shapes and more

Delightful Challenges

The Stamp Man

 Love the cute hearts,,,

Thank you for the visit!!! Have a great day ahead...

Mary's Majestic Makings

It's a new Friday; a new artist to feature here at the home of Fascinating Fridays!!! Today's artist creates such striking cards from a simple style. She does not only post her creations but shares excellent tutorials on her blog too. Gals, let's get to know a new friend- Mary Dawn...

Name: Mary Dawn

Blog: My Pink Mexico

When and how did you start Cardmaking?

A few years ago I reconnected with an old friend from high school. We had been roommates off and on in college as well, and we always pursued crafty things together. She started talking about “Stamping” and “Scrapbooking” and it really piqued my interest. So she sent me a flat rate box full of stash she was going to put in the Goodwill box. I had to buy my own ink, but I didn’t stop there! It was a wonderful beginning for me.

When would you say you are most creative?

I’m the most productive right after the school bus leaves! But my mind is reeling with ideas all the time (I just need to learn how to write them down somewhere…the ol’ memory ain’t what it used to be).

What is your favorite technique?

One of my all time favorite techniques is Embossed Resist. It’s simple, but so amazing. It gets me every time.

Do trends inspire your creative process?

They do, to an extent, but I’m not a slave to them.

Is there something about paper crafting you find challenging?

Finding enough time to execute all of the ideas in my head--that’s my biggest challenge. Doing and learning and of course shopping for supplies, those are the fun parts.

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

I’m a huge fan of Jennifer McGuire. She’s creative, generous and an excellent teacher. She’s really relatable and down to earth, it’s easy to believe that I can do what she does. Her style is detailed without much frou frou, but it’s clean too.

How would you describe your style?

My style is pretty eclectic--I’m comfortable with Clean & Simple, I love Elegant, Shabby/Vintage makes me happy. Good design is what I strive for.

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

If I have a clear idea in my head, say for a challenge, it might take me less than an hour to complete a card. But sometimes I just sit and play with my stuff and a card evolves—that can be days or hours.

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

My cards very rarely get mailed, I’m a terrible card sender! They are currently (thanks to my niece and mother-in-law) sorted in clear bins, by occasion, waiting for my BFF to come choose her quarterly stash.

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

I am currently on the Clearsnap, Inc. Design Team and I’ve Guest Designed for All That Scraps and Making Memories in the past.

Feast your eyes on these art pieces:

Aren't they soooo gorgeous?! The backgrounds are just stunning and the amount of stamping is so tempting... Thank you Mary for this full of top-shelf inspiration and thank you friends for visiting,,,mwah

beyond precious

Hey peeps!!! Another creation to share with ya all; it's a baby-arrival card (quite addicted to them nowadays) lol,,,,
I never hesitated to add these papers from Imaginisce to my shopping cart at Two Peas, as I was very certain they will make cute cards!!! I started with Sweet Baby paper as the base after punching two corners on the cardstock and pp. Next, trimmed a piece from Beyond Precious paper and stitched the edges with Sew Easy tool. For the final step, I tied a bow and added that cute flower from Ki Memories...

This card is entering for:

Hooked On Craft

Ribbon Carousel

Case Study
AiFactory (hand stitching)
The Paper Variety (stitching, card, pink)

Luv those tiny baby buggy print on the ribbon...

Thank you so very much for visiting, smooches :)

Supplies:

Papers: Sweet Baby, Beyond Precious Little Cutie Collection Paper (Imaginisce)  

Embellishments: Sew Easy Baker's Twine- Primary (We R Memory Keepers), Pastel Flowers Puffies Embellishments (Ki Memories), Baby girl ribbon (Prints)