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!!!!