Paulina's Pretty Pink Posh

Welcome again to Fascinating Fridays!!!! Today's featured artist is a skilled cardmaker who enjoys a high sense of imagination,,, Her elegant cards deliver a pure dose of art and creativity... Lemme and Tammy introduce you to sweet Paulina :)

Name: Paulina Nakamura

Blog: Pretty Pink Posh

When and how did you start card making? 
I started cardmaking when I was a little girl. My mom owns a rubber stamp company, so I've always grown up with stamps all around me. I casually played with them as a child, but didn't really start to make it a hobby/ passion until a few years ago. 

 

When would you say you are most creative?
Oh, that's a hard one....my creativity comes in spurts. I would have to say, after I browse blogs, I'm usually feeling pretty creative.

 

What is your favorite technique?
 Honestly, I can't say I have a favorite. I'm kind of all over the place when it comes to crafting, so I'm constantly using different techniques.

 

Do trends inspire your creative process? 
Yes, they can at times. While I wouldn't say I'm super "trendy", I do like to know what is popular. On occasion, I'll add elements of trends into my projects.

Is there something about paper crafting you find challenging?
 For me, it's probably just trying to decide which stamps/colors I want to use on a project. Once I get those decided, it's usually pretty smooth sailing after that :)

 

If you were stuck on a deserted Island, what THREE paper crafting supplies would you HAVE to have with you? 
Oh, this is a torture for me, I love so many things. If I had to choose, it's my Big shot, Spellbinder dies and markers.

 

Is there a designer in the paper crafting industry that inspires you?  If so, what about their style or technique calls your attention? 
I can't honestly say there is one specific person. I'm constantly being inspired by fellow bloggers and crafters.

How would you describe your own style? 
I'm having a hard time describing my style....I suppose it usually is fairly clean, and generally girly.

 

How long would you say it takes you to complete a card or project?
 Normally, a typical card takes 40-60 minutes. My cards are definitely labors of love :)

Do you have a favorite occasion to create for?
 I would have to go with birthdays. It's fun to try to create a card that fits the recipients style.

When you are finished with your creations what do you do with them? 
A good amount of my cards go to various stamp shows across the country (to be displayed in the DeNami Design booth). However, I do also send my cards to relatives and friends, and occasionally will sell some.

 

Are you on any Design Teams or have served on any in the past?  Please include guest design positions? 
I'm currently a DT member for the Young Crafters Unite blog. I'm also a Contributing Designer/ Blog Coordinator for the DeNami Design blog. In the past, I was a DT member with Practicing Creativity Designs, and have served as a Guest Designer for the Play Date Cafe Challenge, WPlus9 Design Studio and Simply Scrapping Crafts. 

Now have a look at these pretty creations:

Such striking cards, Paulina!!! Your work is absolutely perfect and clean... Thanks dear for inspiring us today and thanks to all for joining.... Fantastic Friday!!!

My newest stash,,,,

Hello friends... Glad to share with you some of the newest additions to my crafting supplies. I get them from Two Peas in a Bucket that takes only a week to arrive!!! Here are few:

Baby Girl Puffies Embellishments

By KI Memories 

 

Baby Boy Puffies Embellishments

By KI Memories

 

Birds & Flowers Textured Impressions Set

By Sizzix 

 

North Country Say It In Crystals Swirl

By Prima Marketing 

Birthday Girl Puffies Embellishments

By KI Memories 

 

and much much more.... Have to admit that my heart is fluttering right now :) Wonderful day ahead!!!

Happy Anniversary...

A new card to share with ya all, trying to be punctual nowadays :) As always this is based on a sketch challenge just coz they are quite handy... Almost 80% of the card uses products from Webster's Pages- Trendsetter Collection...

This card is entering for:

Inkspirations

Thanks for swinging by!!!! Have a wonderful day :)

Featuring talented Kavya,,,

Our featured artist today is our future artist in fact, a young lady, actually very very young. She's only 12 but she's got the talent. She communicated with Amna (Team Member) thru her website and was eager to find more about quilling, and one thing led to another; now she's one of our youngest talents in UAE!!! Let's meet our young future artist- Kavya :) 

Name: Kavya N

Blog: Fantasies of Paper

1) Introduce yourself to our followers please

I am Kavya Nagalakunta currently studying in The Indian High School, Dubai. I am a 12 year old girl interested in learning various arts and crafts.  

2) When did you start paper quilling? And how did you know about it?

Whenever I go to India I always watch various art programs on the TV. Two years back, I came across a segment where an artist introduced paper quilling. He showed how to make a basic flower and some 3D quilling and I did try it out. Later I tried it thrice in my assignments and created the quilled tulips. But this year I came across Yasmin aunt in Arte exhibition on June and I was amazed with her creations. She even told me some tips on making miniatures. I later bought a mini mould from her and tried out quilling and I am now experimenting with it. 

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

After meeting Yasmin aunt, I came to know about others quillers and their works. I also refer books and checkout other blogs too.  

4) What hobbies do you like and practice? What other forms of art do you like? How long have you been crafting in general?

I try out various crafts during my free time and I also joined Art Clubs in school where I learnt the basics of Origami, Relief work, drawing and painting, mirror carving, etc. I also play the keyboard sometimes. I have been crafting in general since I was 10 mixing art with my school assignments. 

5) What inspires you to work and where do you get your inspiration from?

Various artists and crafters inspire me with their works. I am surrounded with some amazing parents, teachers, friends and others who always inspire me to bring the best out of me. 

6) Does practicing hobbies affect any aspect of your life?

I am currently studying in Grade 8. Hobbies allow me to express myself better. 

7) Where do you get your quilling supplies from, and what alternatives do you have if these are not available?

I used to cut my own strips before but later found some craft stores in the UAE and India that cater my needs.  

8) Have you attended any workshops?

I have not attended any workshops for quilling but I attended classes for other crafts such as Mirror Carving and Relief work. 

9) Have you gained any benefit from your art? What kind of benefit?

Pursuing art has given me an immense pleasure. These skills do come in handy at times. 

10) Anything else you would like to share with us or would like to add? (This can be anything we didn't ask you or you think would add to your interview)

First of all, I would love to thank Amna aunt for giving me this chance & also Yasmin aunt for introducing me to quilling. And Thanks to all for encouraging quilling in the UAE. Many of the works have inspired me to create more….Thank you once again♥♥

Have a look at these cute pieces:

Kavya, you're very creative and skilled!!!! I'm very certain you'll master this art one day :) Keep learning and inspiring...Thanks sweetie for being a part of Fascinating Fridays and thanks to all for visiting us today.... Fabulous Friday!!!!

BABY GIRL

It's time to celebrate the birth of a baby girl :) Pleased that embellies have coordinated perfectly with the delightful colors in this so-adorable patterned paper!!! The below card is an ultimate joy to the family on its new addition :)

This card is entering for:

Stamptacular Sunday 

Inspire Me Friday

Fresh Brewed

2 Sisters Challenge

See that tiny button on the red romper...

That's for now!!! Am still visiting your blogs so if I haven't left you a comment then just keep in mind that a guest is coming to your blog soooon :)

birthday wishes

Hello ladies!!! Long time since I posted a new card (hate my busy working schedule) *sad face*
Today's distressed card uses some pretty papers from The Girl's Paperie, a glittered flower and lace from Prima, and some cute embellies. I made this card based on a sketch challenge but sadly didn't catch up :(

This card is entering for:

deconstructing jen

Bunny Zoe's Crafts
Mark's Finest Papers 
Tuesday Throwdown
Clear It Out Challenge 
Totally Papercrafts
Truly Scrumptious (Gems, Flowers, Punches)

Isn't the font so cute?!

Thanks for swinging by!!! Soon will pop over to your lovely blogs :)

Jocelyn's Journey,,,,

Of all the gorgeous creations that we have featured, these certainly stand out!!! ANYone would be delighted to receive cards from today's artist, Jocelyn Olson :) Lets get to know her better:

 Name: Jocelyn Olson

Blog: red balloon cards

Tell us a little something about yourself?

I’m a mom and a wife--I’ve been married over 11 years and have two kids (my daughter turns 6 in December and my son is 1.5 years old). I’m originally from the Phoenix area, but since high school, I’ve had 8 major moves for school and work. I have a doctoral degree (Psychology/Behavioral Neuroscience), and until the last year and a half, I worked as a professor and evaluator. After my son was born we moved to South Dakota to be closer to his parents, and I started doing research and evaluation consulting work. My work is contractual, so my work hours fluctuate greatly, which usually allows for more crafty time. I started lurking on blogs about a year ago, and I started blogging last February to be able to join in challenges. 

When and how did you start card making?

About 6 years ago I made all of my daughter’s birth announcements, although I was done making 100 announcements when I was 9 months pregnant, I was sick of it. Almost 3 years later, I was making hair clips and bows for my daughter and I wanted to die-cut some flowers. I searched online and ran across die cutters and the papercrafting world. Around the same time, a fabulous local stamping store in Corning, NY opened, and I became hooked on card making! 

When would you say you are most creative?

My best ideas come when it’s quiet and I have time to think…in the shower, holding my son before he goes to bed, driving on a highway. For me, I have to have an idea and sketch in mind before I start crafting. 

What is your favorite technique?

I don’t know if it’s really a technique, but I use at least one digital element on most cards…digital stamps, papers, or my own sentiments. I love to paper piece (digi or regular) stamped images.  

Do trends inspire your creative process?

I definitely watch trends and I try to make at least one project using a new trend. Ultimately, though, I make what I like to make. 

Is there something about paper crafting you find challenging?

While I think I’m a pretty creative person in general and I’ve always loved to make crafty projects, I am not a naturally crafty person. Therefore, getting my projects to look polished is often a struggle. 

If you were stuck on a deserted Island, what THREE paper crafting supplies would you HAVE to have with you?

My husband is a little like the Professor on Gilligan’s Island, so hopefully he would be along to make glue, scissors, ink, and palm tree paper. Otherwise, I would have to have stamps, twine, and dies. 

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

There are so many designers that inspire me! I find I am drawn to designers who think outside the box and that are always trying new things. I love designers who take risks. Some of the blogs I follow are totally different then my own style, but their ideas are so inspiring. 

How would you describe your own style?

Primarily, I like my cards to be fun, and I lean heavily towards graphic and clean and simple styles. I often use bold colors, oversized elements, and my own sentiments on my cards.  I also love to incorporate something unexpected on a card. 

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

I am a very slow papercrafter. Some projects come together quickly (about 30 minutes) after I have an idea in mind. Other projects take me days because I’m using a new technique, I deliberate over the elements, or I make and remake a card. I am way too analytical to be able to whip up a card in 10 minutes. 

Do you have a favorite occasion to create for?

General cards—thinking of you. 

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

About 1/4 of my cards go into the garbage can (although I do have an “ugly card” pile that I pull out for an occasional laugh). For the rest, I usually set them on my piano to enjoy them throughout the day. After that, they are either given to someone or they go into a box in my craft room. A few cards get pulled apart and remade after I’ve looked at them for a while. 

Are you on any Design Teams or have served on any in the past? Please include guest design positions?

I’m the Creative Team Coordinator for Print Candee, a digital company, and the Bows and Berries Design Team.

Get some inspirational doses from Jocelyn :)

Wow, aren't they stunning!! I don't think we've seen so many creative ways of digital cardmaking at once :) I learnt so much and I'm eager to try some of the tips/techniques that you kindly shared with us all! Thanks Jocelyn for joining us and thanks to all who visited :) Happy Friday!!!!

~Meet Liza and creations~

Hi everyone,
I am happy and thrilled to be featured and I can see a lot of gorgeous creative works here. Thank you Noor for giving me this opportunity....

Name: Liza Norman

Blog: Miss Craftee

About Me

I come from sunny Malaysia. I have a background in Architecture and currently a SAHM. Creating is a daily urge for me..you will find me at my craft table most of the time or at the LSS busy checking out new products. I look at things differently...I mean, somehow I'm thinking of how best to alter that box,clothes, Fitness First hand towel, hanger, notebook or even the Tote Ally Bag! Mind you I found a friend who has the same "altered" thinking..you know who you are!
Happiness to me is when I'm being myself and being amongst those that accept me for who I am. I'm taking time to smell the roses and cherish all the friends I made along this scrapping path. I must say my crafty friends are crazy, supportive and great to be around. We rock the house/shop everytime we meet. I also love to swap ATCs locally and around the globe ,and please lets swap....email me if you are interested :) 

1. When did you start this hobby?

I started to scrap in 2006. I still remember my first layout which is beach themed. Looking back, I've comed a long way. However I've stopped actively scrapping from 2007-2010 due to the passing of my baby... I just couldn't find the joy to scrap..time somehow stood still. It took 3 years for me to grief and be okay about everything, so I'm happy to say I'm back ! Thanks to my family and  friends who have given me the drive to start crafting again. 

2. Who inspire you the most?

Firstly, most definitely my family inspires me the most..they are so supportive and just adorable. Secondly I must say its the works of friends and crafters around the globe that inspire me as well. Thanks to the technology that allows me to visit friends across the seas while simmering the curry in the kitchen. I'm soo proud of the crafty mommas out there, a salute to all. 

3. Define your style

I appreciate all styles and would challenge myself to create something different and out of the box. Some say that anything I made would turned out to be "Laura Ashley" ish. I dont' know..but I've made things "Lady Gaga"ish. Hmm..I love Tim Holtz too. 

4. What are your favourite tools?

I must say my favourite tool is my Big Shot Pro, my ELNA sewing machine and my Crop-A-Dile. I cant live without them..they are my assistants. 

5. What are your favourite techniques?

Of late, I love to use mixed media. My favourite is misting, texture paste and stamping. Sometimes I go overboard and add sewing as well as metal embossing . They somehow live in harmony on the layout. 

6. Do you follow the latest trends when scrapbooking?

I love to learn something new, therefore will always lookout for latest trends ( I try too) 

7.Where do you normally scrap?

 I'm always dreaming to have my own studio some day...(dont we all). Currently I am happy with a craft corner that is slowwwly invading the living room. I dont think it will grow any bigger because my husband has noticed the invasion! But its a happy place where I frequently scrap and where my kids would come home from school everyday and check what mom made today. With their oohs and ahhs they start ordering journals and notebooks for their friends and of course, they must have one too. So I'm a busy mom. 

8. Would you mind to share with us some photos of your craft area?

Welcome to my craft corner , this photo shows my craft area at its neatest eva ! BUT it does get really messy..most of the time.
 

9. What are your favourite colours?

My favourite colours are pastels. 

10. Are you designing for any products,brands or scrapbook store?

I'm currently in the Design Team for Papier, one of the LSS here. 

11.How much do you spend per month buying your scrapbook supplies?

What a sinful question ! I can tell you there's nothing scrap on the money in this craft. But I believe scrapping gives me endless happiness, so I dont mind spending. I would say around RM 250 per month. But, the budget gets busted occasionally - that is when I get too excited over a product and thought no one knew the sin. Ha..ha.

Now have a look at these classic pieces:

These creations are just a big WOW. Love the shabby-chic style of yours ;) The colors, textures and dimensions are absolutely divine! Thank you Liza for sharing this amazing work of art with us!!! Thanks to all who popped by and HAPPY EID in advance :)