My Last Post

With the year-end everyone gets busy with family, celebrations and even at work!!! Some are planning new resolutions for the upcoming year, others are going for makeovers just as me with my blog design, loool
Last creation to share at the end of this extraordinary year is a 'Thank You' card meant for all my amazing followers, superb team members, wonderful friends and colleagues and definitely my beloved family... In this year, I've learnt to be stronger, became an aunt, and finally got my dream job--- all praise be to God!!

Thanks again to all of you for your continuous visits to my blog!! Wishing you terrific days ahead,,, 

JUST a note

Oh my!!! Can't leave my baby nephew go, he's just stinkin' cute... He comes on and off for few hours so we never get to play enough with him :( Wish his mom, my sis, keeps him with us some countable days *sigh*
Got a simple card to share with you all... Btw, Fascinating Fridays is on break now till next year, that's January 2013 :) This card was quite challenging coz I don't really master creating CAS cards but tried to manage this one... 

Thank you for coming by and soon will be visiting your beautiful blogs!!!
 

{Zoo} Babies ^_^

Peace to all... With this cold and cloudy weather, you never feel like sitting indoors but I still got to make lots of new cards for my next collection :(
The best thing, however, is I enjoy creating them, it simply delights my heart and with a cup of hot chicory coffee alongside, there's nothing better than crafting =)

Little new-born cards using same sketch, patterned papers and die cuts... Very fair for a twin, lol

Thanks for dropping by!!! See you soon...

Winners Revealed

Hey everyone! Thanks so much for a great Anniversary Blog Hop turn out!! We're so glad you could join us and hope you'll keep enjoying Fascinating Fridays along with us =)

We have our grand prize winner- $40 gift certificate from Two Peas- drum roll pleeeeease:

YASMIN

And the winner of 20$ Flourishes gift voucher from Sabrina's blog (the most active post)

SATHYA

Yay, congrats Yasmin and Sathya!!! Please send an email to artisan@paperiedesigns.com so you can receive the prizes...

Thanks to all for hopping by and keep checking as we have non-stop giveaways here ^_^

FF's Anniversary Hop

Welcome, you've landed to the hosting blog of Fascinating Fridays (FF)!!! 

Here is the place we throw spotlight on local and international artists specialized in various kinds of handmade crafts... 

We've been busy doing so for two years now and that's why you are here with us celebrating our 2nd anniversary ^_^

We would love you to hop with us so you get the chance to receive wonderful prizes, a humble way of saying 'Thank You' for joining us the occasion,,,

Now you just got to leave the most comments (maximum of 3) in ALL blogs to be entitled for the grand prize of a gift certificate worth 40$ from Two Peas In A Bucket 

Hey, one more prize will be given to the most active post!!! Let us grab that prize of $20 gift voucher from Flourishes llc, woohooooo

If you've come from Janine's blog then you're in the right order... Here it goes:

Amna Al Fardh

Mannayah

Janine Smith

Kraft KreationZ

Noor Nahdi (Meeeeee)

Paperie Designs' Studio

Rochelle Washington

Two Tears In My Bucket

Sabrina Sulaiman

Sabrina Scrapbook

Tenia Nelson
Jazzy Paper Designs

Winners will be announced on the 10th of December, hurry up and leave some comments!!!

Day 82- Yasmin, local artist

This week we introduce to you an amazing multi talented crafter by the name of Yasmin Hagalwadi. Yasmin's skills are so extensive and versatile AND she teaches as well as inspires all who love to create beautiful handmade items. Self taught and growing in ideas and creativity, we can all learn from such a skilled artist. Her blog is spilling over with eye candy that one can not only admire but that one can also be inspired by!!

Name: Yasmin Hagalwadi

Blog: Hooks And Laces

1. Please tell our readers a bit about yourself
I'm from India and have been living in UAE all my life. I am married to my "best friend" and live with my husband and 10 years old son in beautiful and serene Al Ain. I love working on different crafts and I'm a self taught crafter. I love working on my projects and giving craft classes and workshops.
      

2. When did you start on your creative journey? Was there something specific that kick started you?
I always admired beautiful things and handmade in particular. I have always been inspired by creative people and their beautiful creations. I have always tried my hand at different crafts since I was a little kid.

3. What kind of crafting do you do? Do you or did you have to attend classes/workshop to learn this skill?

I do different types of crafts like Crochet, Paper quilling, jewelry making, knitting, tatting , beaded flowers, cake decoration, polymer clay art, flower making, origami, cards, broken glass art, felt work etc...But I'm passionate about crochet and Paper Quilling the most. I had to learn most of it by trial and error :) I did not attend classes but have spent years of hard work and dedication to learn on my own. My best source has been the internet of course and the beautiful works of artists all over the world. It is  such a pleasure and a learning experience to see the different techniques and ideas used by fellow crafters. I give Crochet and Paper Quilling classes and workshops in different parts of UAE. I really enjoy teaching crafts and it is so wonderful to see the students learning and creating beautiful things.

4. What type of projects do you enjoy creating the most?  

I love doing 3 dimensional work and wall art. I love making quilled dolls, flowers, paper jewelry and other decorative items in 3D. I'm so particular about details that I spend a lot of time on my projects to get them to my satisfaction. I also like to work on elaborate framed work with intricate details.

5. What or who inspires you to create? Where do you get your inspiration from?

For the paper quilling, I'm eternally grateful to Amna Al Fardh for introducing me to this art. Amna's beautiful dolls and flower framed work was the first time I came across paper quilling. Just looking at her gorgeous work , I was so inspired and motivated that I fell in love with it. I worked endlessly for 6 months learning and practicing different techniques and methods. I'm inspired by everything beautiful ....and the works of great crafters. Whenever I see something pretty my mind starts racing about, wondering how I can use it in my art. The colors or the designs or just the look. And my friends and family's support and appreciation is a very motivating factor.

6. Are you or were you on any design team?  Were you published before?
I'm not a part of any design team. I have designed few things for some craft sites as a guest featuring their craft kits.

7. Do you sell your items or do you create for fun?  Do you participate in challenges, contests etc?

I create for fun most of the time but recently I've been making art for custom orders. I also design for my clients once they give me an idea of the color palette and the look they want. Most of it is wall art, birth announcements and certificates decorated with quilling. I have participated in just a few challenges and contests. It is always fun to see what everybody creates and their take on the given theme. I love the challenges for altered art- you get to see such lovely creativity and ideas.

8. Where do you sit and create? 

I have a work studio where I can work in peace and have my privacy. I usually work at my own pace and whenever the inspiration strikes.Usually I work late into the night and early mornings. But if I'm commissioned for a project then I work a fixed time : 7:00 am - 12 :00 pm and sometimes extend the hours depending on the timeline given.

9. Who out there in the creative world inspires you the most and why?
There are many great artists of Paper Quilling whose work inspires me. It motivates me to keep improving the quality of work and techniques. I love learning new things and my crafter friends online are my greatest inspiration, motivation and support.

10. Where to from here Yasmin? What are your future plans surrounding your amazing talent?
I believe that creativity is a never ending journey. There is so much to learn and do. I would love to keep learning and improving my art. I'll keep crafting for the fun and joy of it, for the wonderful feeling of turning an idea into a physically tangible object. I would love to teach more and more people and spread the art and creativity. I hope to make some wonderful works of art and have an exhibition of all my work.

I am drooling over her photographs!!  Love her attention to detail and am totally smitten by the last one!  Can you believe that its crocheted??  Wow Yasmin, talent like yours will surely not go unnoticed and I am sure we will be hearing much more about you in the future!  Go visit her blog and give her some love - she has earned our praise!!

Remember we promised you a surprise from the Fascinating Fridays Team (Hint: it will be next Friday, so keep visiting!!)

Snehal's Specialty

Hi Friends,

Our Fascinating Friday feature for this week  is the very innovative and talented crafter Snehal Watwe Welde whose work is  simply a delight to the eyes. She is someone who loves to create for friends and family and her passion for crafting can be seen in each and every project that she has shared on her blog... She offers such a variety in terms of new techniques and crafting style that one is always inspired from her work and that makes a visit to her blog a must :) So without further ado here's a look at what she has to say about herself:

Name: Snehal Watwe

Blog: Snehal's Creations

1. Tell us a little about yourself.

I am a hotel management graduate married to a chopper pilot for 13 years and now a full time crafter. Married to a Defence Officer I trot across India and world. I dabbled in all kinds of art work but took up card making and lately scrapbooking more seriously. I am a mother of two little girls aged 11 and 5. 

2. When and how did you start crafting?

I have been crafting for as long as I remember and in different mediums but for past four years have been seriously involved with paper craft. 

3. What inspires you to create?

Anything and everything. I like to do unconventional things as in break the norms. I take inspiration from every single thing I see but only look at it differently. 

4. What is your favorite technique? Why?

I think 'Paper Piecing' and 'Emboss Resist' are my favorite techniques. I think I like paper piecing because it took me a lot of time to learn it but got a lot of appreciation on that and started perfecting it gradually. I love the way emboss resists changes the final look of the project. It adds class to any project.

5. Who are your favorite paper crafters at this time? Why?

Ujjwal, Hussena, Erum, Indira, Kalindi, Doc Sonia, Tejal, Shruti Menon, Karuna,Yvonne to name a few. I hope I am not forgetting anybody. I love them because in their own unique way they have taught me and inspired me to challenge myself and create beautiful stuffs.

6. Describe your style.

I think Clean and Simple is my style. I hate clutter in real life and guess that shows in my work too.

7. Are you on any design team at this time? Have you been published in any magazine or online journal?

Yes I am on Lulupu and Pie Lane's design team. No I haven't been featured on any magazine or online journal yet.

8.What is your favorite thing about creating?

I love the time I create just because it transports me to  a different world and when I finish my project it gives me immense satisfaction and pride. And the joy is manifold and unparallel when the recipient loves it. 

Captivating, cheerful & cute, these projects are nothing short of greatness! I love the pop of colours and textures, the distressing and pleasing composition. Thanks so much for sharing with us, Snehal! FANTASTIC FRIDAY TO ALL,,,

Thank You

Hello dearies... Its been such a long tym since I posted any handmade creations!!! Now that my sis and new-born nephew have gone to their nest, I got some free time but home is very dead and boring *sad face* So i've planned to busy myself with blogging and, hopefully, reading my recently-bought medical books...(not a fan of reading, huh)
Here comes one of my cards inspired from the super talented Andrea Ewen... The focal point below is this floral stamped image that has been divided, spaced and layered on a dp... How can such a card be complete without pearls and embellies =)

This card is entering for:

Card Makin Mamas

Scrappy Frogs

Lollipop Crafts
Wags 'n Whiskers
Lexi's Creations
Pause, Dream, Enjoy
Guylous Inimitability
Broken Box Stock
My Sheri Crafts
Use It Tuesday
Party Time Tuesdays

Hope you liked them as much as my FB followers :) One thing before you sign off, our Fascinating Fridays' team is preparing for a big surprise, so stay tuned!!!

Dynamic Donna

A warm welcome to this week's amazing artist...featuring the uber talented Donna Espiritu. Donna is a multi-talented artist who currently designs for some 10 different digital designers and she is a DT member for local online business Pretty Paper Studio. Her cards and layouts are amazing and her style is fresh and bold!! So without further ado lets find out more about her.

Name: Donna Espiritu

Blog: My Scrapbox

1. Please tell our readers a bit about yourself

I am from Manila, Philippines currently living in Saudi Arabia with my hubby. I am 35 years old, I love reading and playing games either on my phone or online (FB games to be exact hehe). I am interested in photography and would love to learn in-depth.

2. When did you start on your creative journey? Was there something specific that kick started you?

Some years ago when my first niece was born. I wanted to document HER and was already doing albums for her when I stumbled upon the term scrapbooking in the net.

3. What kind of crafting do you do? Do you or did you have to attend classes/workshop to learn this skill?

Mainly scrapbooking, but I also love to create mini-albums and cards from time to time. I did attend a few workshops but mainly because I wanted the kit :D 

I WOULD love to attend technique workshops especially mixed media ones, though. This one I haven't tried that much yet.

4. What type of projects to you enjoy creating the most?  (for example do you like cards, wall art, layouts, altering items, etc.)

Layouts, cards, mini-albums.

5. What or who inspires you to create? Where do you get your inspiration from?

Me, my family and friends. My life, as simple as it is. I get inspiration from everything, everywhere.

6. Are you or were you on any design team?  Were you published before? 

I am currently designing for Pretty Paper Studio and some 10 digital designers :)

Been published, yes. A few of my works before. But I didn't keep track (which I should!!)

7. Do you sell your items or do you create for fun?  Do you participate in challenges, contests etc?

It WOULD be great if someone buys my creations :) When I think my stuff will sell (I am shy! :D), I will try that. But now, I create mostly for the fun of it. Contest, challenges.. I create this list EVERY MONTH but I never get to it. The time will slip by and the deadline ends :D 

8. Where do you sit and create?  (for example do you have a craft studio or is there a routine or specific time you craft?)

I did have one room dedicated for my craft stuff in the Philippines. But now, I only create in this little corner of our bedroom. It depends, sometimes I create the whole day but most of the time, I start to get inspired in the evening.

9. Who out there in the creative world inspires you the most and why?

Several, different in creating styles. I love the works of IRIS UY (she's so talented and a very kind fellow Pinay scrapper), CD MUCKOSKY, (love her artistic style), Heidi Swapp (first, she was my scrapbooking idol and now she is one talented designer/scrapbooker in one!)

10. Where to from here Donna?  What are your future plans surrounding your amazing talent?

Hmmm nothing much really, I will just continue creating for fun but who knows, maybe in the near future I will find the courage to do what I've been dreaming to do (that's a secret for now :D)

 

 

 

 

Aren't you just blown away by the awesome work she does!!!  See her originality and the unique way she uses patterned papers to its full advantage.  No dies or stamps, just total utilization of what she has on hand - awesome!!! I am sure we will be hearing much more about Donna in the future.  Donna is on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest.  Pop on over to her sites and show her some love.  Do not forget to leave a comment - you know how we all love comments :-)

 

Juhi's Paradise

Hi everyone.. Welcome to this time's Fascinating Fridays feature and our featured guest this time is Juhi Khanna.. Juhi is a new mom and a very talented as well as a versatile cardmaker who loves using lot of bright colors & handmade papers in her projects!!! Her design sensibilities is always so on the mark that her work really shines, no matter if she's making cards or baby albums or any other projects...While viewing her work one is always impressed with the amount of details & the variety she is able to offer.... So without further ado, lets get to know more about her and her work:

Name: Juhi Khanna

Blog: Juhi's Handmade Cards

1. Tell us a little about yourself.

Hi.. I'm Juhi from Bangalore, India. I stay with my husband and 10 month old daughter (and mom-in-law). I love to travel, shop and craft...not necessarily in the same order. 

2. When and how did you start cardmaking? 

Though I've made cards for my friends and family for as long as I can remember, I started "serious" cardmaking with all the fancy tools in 2008-2009. It started out as a way to de-stress after a long day's work. 

3. What inspires you to create? 

Colors, Pinterest, Challenge Blogs, Home decor sites.....just about anything that catches the eye.

4.What is your favorite technique? Why?

I don't have any favorite technique, I love to work with handmade paper cause they have amazing texture which you don't usually get in regular patterned paper. I also love to use die-cuts on my projects. 

 

5.Who are your favorite paper crafters at this time? Why? 

My all time favorite paper crafters would be Jennifer Mcguire and Yvonne Yam. I love Jennifer's bright and happy CAS cards, they always bring a smile to my face. I am a huge admirer of  Yvonne's eclectic style, I especially adore her mixed media canvases.

  
6. Describe your style.

My style would best be described as "bright and happy" though I do try out other styles like vintage and shabby chic (I'm not really good at them and somehow those are not really "me")

7. Are you on any design team at this time? Have you been published on any magazine or online journal? 

I am currently on the Lulupu and For the Love of Crafting Design Teams. One of my tutorials has been published in Artella's e-Zine, The Art Journal Journey 

8. What is your favorite thing about creating? 

Crafting is huge stress buster, it helps me keep my mind off any kind of negativity.

Isn't Juhi's work just so gorgeous!!! Don't you just love her beautiful work, color combinations & the way she has used her dies & the lovely stamping!!! Thank you so much Juhi for being our guest this week, and if you too like Juhi's work as much as I do please do leave her some love & appreciation.. Your comments really mean a lot :) Happy Eid celebration to our dearest fans and readers ❤ ❤ ❤

Day 78- Abby Henderson

Abby is a crafty lady that dabbles in altered items, card making, mini albums and so much more!  Her versatility and creativity make her creations stand out in the crowd.  Her cheerful personality and "can-do" spirit make her blog easy to read and enjoyable... Want to know more about her?? Let's read:

Name: Abby Henderson

Blog: ScrappinAbby

 1. Tell us a little bit about yourself.

I live in the beautiful green state of Oregon and I’m happily married to someone I can truly call my best friend, my husband Steve. I’m the proud mother of my two teenage children, Tre’ who’s 17 & Kaley who just turned 13. I’m also “mom” to a very spoiled mini Dachshund, Bella. Purple is my all-time favorite color, some might say I’m obsessed. I have a degree in the medical field but I now work as an Administrative Assistant for our school district and I love it.

 

2. When and how did you start paper crafting? 

I started paper crafting right after I had my son, which was 17 years ago this past September. At first I was doing the traditional scrapbook page layouts then later on I started to make my own cards when I couldn’t find any in the stores that suited my needs and I was tired of over paying for something I knew I could make myself. In the past 5 years I would say that my love of page layouts and cards turned into my love of mini albums, tags and altering items which are among my favorite things to create.

 

3. What inspires you to create?

I am constantly inspired by everything around me. My husband and kids are a huge inspiration to me, family is everything. I find inspiration all around me, even when I’m driving down the road or sitting at my desk at work and my mind wanders for a few moments, the creative urge will hit and I find myself wishing I was at home in my craft room playing.

 

4. What is your favorite technique? Why?

I would have to say my favorite technique is distressing and not just in one form. I don’t think you will find a project in my room or in my photo gallery that doesn’t have some form of distress on it, whether it be inking of all sorts, tearing, sanding etc. The reason I love distress so much is that it gives my projects the look of being aged, vintage or old which is right up my alley. 

 5. Who are your favorite papercrafters at the time? Why?

I have two, I’m sure lots of crafters say Tim Holtz but I am truly inspired by him constantly, his style is right up my alley, I love all the distressing he does and his many versions of distress and the endless techniques he comes up with. My 2^nd favorite is Laura Denison with Following The Paper Trail. She is absolutely phenomenal. The dimensional projects she comes up with that are made from chipboard and paper are just amazing and I am a true follower/fan of hers. Even though she designs for some big names in the industry she still chats with us on her show and encourages everyone in their crafting, she is real and keeps it real. Love that about her. 

 6. Describe your style.

I love to use a mix of new craft items along with vintage & up cycled items. I really love being able to mix in "non-traditional" crafting items into my projects, I think it's a creative way to incorporate different textures and layers which is something I love to do in my crafting.  

 7. Are you on any design teams at the time? Have you been published in any magazines? 

Currently I am proud to be on the Design Teams for Scor-Pal, 3 Girl Jam and Pink Persimmon. I haven’t been published in a magazine yet but I am being published in a crafting book that’s coming out early next year. Something else I’m pretty proud of is that I was just named Master Crafter Fall 2012.

 8. What is your favorite thing(s) about creating?

There are so many things about creating that I love but I have to say that what I love most is being able to turn something that was an idea in my head into something physical that you can touch and look at. Paper crafting is a true obsession for me and I love it!

I adore this eclectic and chic mix of elements with an artsy flair! Great designs, fantastic use of die cuts and colours. What's not to love?? Thank you so much Abby for being here and inspiring us today :) 

Have a creative weekend!!! Take care

Hitesh's Creative Journey

Hi everyone!! Its Janine here with a new Fascinating Friday's feature... Today's local artist caught our attention with her stunning wall pieces featured on her Facebook page; simple breathtaking.  Allow us to introduce Hitesh...quiller extraordinaire!!

Name: Hitesh Kanwar

FB page: Paper Curves

1. Please tell our readers a bit about yourself

I was born and brought up in Rajasthan. I completed my masters in Journalism and Mass Communication. I worked with a literary consultancy for three years before getting married in February 2011. Currently, I am settled in Sharjah, UAE. 

2. When did you start on your creative journey? Was there something specific that kick started you?

As a child I was inclined towards drawing and painting. As I grew up I started writing poems, short stories and plays. I wrote and directed plays in college. All sorts of creative things used to attract me from childhood. After shifting to Sharjah one and a half years back, I dedicated myself completely to my passion. 

3. What kind of crafting do you do? Do you or did you have to attend classes/workshop to learn this skill?

I am totally fascinated with paper. I do quilling, punch craft, parchment craft and a little bit of decoupage. I was lucky to find my mentor in my family. My sister-in-law, Neha Somani taught me paper quilling and punch craft.  I also do different types of paintings.  

4. What type of projects to you enjoy creating the most?  (for example do you like cards, wall art, altering items, etc.) 

Personally, I love making wall pieces because  there is a lot of scope for experiments. They are long lasting and its easy to preserve them by framing. I also like to make photo frames as they make wonderful gift items. Sometimes, I do paper work on candle holders and lanterns.  

5. What or who inspires you to create? Where do you get your inspiration from?

My family, friends, nature and everyday things. My family is extremely supportive and encouraging. I generally discuss ideas with my mom-in-law and sister-in-law. My husband is my best critic. So, overall the whole environment around nurtures creativity in me. 

6. Are you or were you on any design team?  Have you been published before? 

No, I am not on any design team. I teach paper quilling, punch craft and parchment craft at Sharjah Ladies Club. I have conducted a workshop for Sharjah Art Foundation also. 

7. Do you sell your items or do you create for fun?  Do you participate in challenges, contests etc?

Yes, I do sell my items at ARTE. I am little lazy with participating in contests :)

8. Where do you sit and create?  (for example do you have a craft studio or is there a routine or specific time you craft?)

There is no fix time and place for me to work. Most of the times, I watch television or listen to music while creating my works.  When in the process of making a new creation, I get a little obsessive and keep working while I am talking to someone on skype, or even in the car (of course when I am not driving :-)

9. Who out there in the creative world inspires you the most and why?

For paper quilling I love Amna Al Fardh's work which is neat and sophisticated. I like Manuela Koosch's creations for the simplicity and elegance. For punch craft I really admire Rajni Chawla and Shalini Mittal's works. Sonal Mehta has magic in her fingers and her parchment work is breathtaking. 

10. Where to from here Hitesh?  What are your future plans surrounding your amazing talent?

I want these crafts to become more popular among people. I look forward to conducting workshops with children. Right now I am just busy experimenting with paper; let see how things shape up. 

Hitesh your work is stunning!!  Wow just look at the detail of those flowers; they look totally realistic!  The tree looks almost life like; amazing work Hitesh.  I am totally smitten; with talent like yours you could reach new heights with your creativity!  Good luck for the future... 
Friends, please pop over to her Facebook page, like it and browse the images that will just blow you away! Have a fun and great weekend :)