Friday 30 March 2012

Spotlight Star: Shining Suganthi

Its our last call for winning 50$ Two Peas In a Bucket voucher as we're closing tomorrow!!! If you haven't entered the GIVEAWAY yet then all you have to do is 'Join' this blog and leave a comment here... Easy peasy, isn't it??
Today's star left me speechless!!! Seriously I could not find words that can ever do justice to her phenomenal creations,,, She's truly an extraordinaire, she's Suganthi Mohan...
 Name: Suganthi Mohan
Blog: Daydreams

1. Tell us a little about yourself and your family.
My name is Suganthi Mohan, I am a stay at home mother of two teenage boys, I am married to the most affectionate person who encourages me to follow my passion.

2. How and when did you start Quilling?
When I was looking for a tutorial for kusudama in folding trees website , I happened to see a tutorial for a quilled snowflake , I was at once impressed and tried it , I haven't stopped quilling since then. 

3. From where do you draw your inspiration?
I find inspiration from things around me, From my saree designs, rangolis , mehendi patterns so on and of course I find a lot of inspiration in other people's work and the internet. 

4. How would you describe your quilling style?
I stick every swirl and curl down, I like my work to be neat above all. 

5. What are the 5 top tools in your crafting space?
My paper cutter for cutting strips, My needle tool, My slotted tool,my circle sizer,my crimper. 

6.What’s your favorite technique?
Multi strip scrolls, as they are so elegant. 

7. What are your go-to colors?
Green , blue and pink. 

8.Do you sell your projects? What do you do with them?
I sell my projects, I frame some of them and they make great gifts for friends and family. 

9. What do you do when you aren’t crafting? Job? Other hobbies and interests?
I read books, I crochet , I love to sew , I love spending time with my kids and I also blog about my other passion, stories. 

10. Are you currently designing for any blog?
Right now I am not designing for any blogs.




Wasn't I right, Suganthi's imagination is absolutely out of the creative box!!!  I really adore the perfection put into these projects,,, Thanks Suganthi for fluttering our hearts and thanks to our visitors too...
Remember you still have one more chance to win so just 'Join' us and post some love below :) Fab Friday!!!

Sunday 25 March 2012

Newest spotter :)

It's sad to say good-bye to our very own Fascinating Fridays' team members- Tammy Hobbs and Yuzz Yusof who will not be able to serve with us any more :( We are very grateful to both of you and wish you all the best in your crafting career, blogging life and every opportunity you come through!!!!
On the other hand, we're so pleased to take up a new member who was just featured few days back---it's the creative Hussena Calcuttawala!!! Welcome friend; we're very excited to have you on board and really await your features,,,
As we're welcoming new members this month we're celebrating it with a grand GIVEAWAY (just read posts below for more info)...Lovely day to all ❤ ❤

Friday 23 March 2012

Friday Spotlight: Jennifer Rzasa

We just got two Fridays left to close the GIVEAWAY!!! So what's the deal?? Just 'Join' this blog and leave a comment here to receive a gift voucher worth 50$ from Two Peas In A Bucket,,, Now what are you waiting for??? Hurry up before its too late---
Our feature today is a true inspiration!!! Though CAS cards may seem so simple to make, its quite challenging to give them the 'wow' factor... But Jennifer has proved us wrong as all her creations are the by-products of a brilliant artistry :) :) Let's introduce you to Jennifer Rzasa:
Name: Jennifer Rzasa


Tell me a little bit about yourself. 
I am an elementary music teacher, and I also teach private instrumental lessons. My husband and I spend at least one day each week hanging out in Boston (we live about 25 min away....I wish we were closer!). We're both 28, but we certainly act like we are still in high school...skateboarding, video games, heavy metal/rock concerts, comics, costumes....the list goes on. I love making things- obviously paper crafts are at the top of the list, but I also enjoy painting, designing jewelry, and sewing. 

When and how did you start cardmaking? 
When I was planning my wedding, out of the blue I decided to make my own place cards- even though I had never done paper crafts before. I'm kind of glad that I don't have any pictures of them- they were not impressive! But it was a wonderfully rewarding experience, and from there I "graduated" to card making.

What inspires you to create? 
I am inspired by sunshine. I know it sounds cheesy, but I LOVE when I am in my craft room with the windows open, and the warm sunlight is beaming down on me. I craft at night as well, but when I do I often have those "stare-at-the-blank-cardstock-because-you-have-no-idea-what-to-do-next" moments! I'm also inspired by the gorgeous work of other paper crafters.

What is your favorite technique? Why? 
I love adding texture and dimension to my cards with foam tape. I'm not sure if you can call that a "technique," but I find it adds the most impact to my clean and simple cards. I am also always giddy when I use embossing powder- I love watching it melt into a beautiful, shiny design!

Who are your favorite paper crafters at the time? Why?
This is so tough to narrow down- I can't even count how many papercrafting blogs I subscribe to in my google reader! But some names that come to mind right away are Cristina Kowalczyk, Laura Bassen, and Maile Belles.

Describe your style. 
Clean and Simple! I occasionally venture off into other styles, but they always make me feel uncomfortable so I end up back at CAS. Some people might think that simple cards are easy, but since there are not many elements, any error is blatantly obvious! I have trashed many cards because my sentiment was stamped slightly crooked, or because I got a stray ink mark on a white card base. I can get quite meticulous while crafting!

Are you on any design teams at the time? Have you been published in any magazines?
I started my own challenge site, the Runway Inspired Challenge, and of course I am on the DT for that. Other current DTs are Clear and Simple Stamps, Hambly Screen Prints, My Thoughts Exactly, SP and Company, and Young Crafters Unite. I've been published 5 times (including a cover on the March/April issue of Paper Crafts Magazine!), and I have another publication coming in July.

What is your favorite thing(s) about creating? 
The warm and fuzzy feeling I get when a project is completed! I love photographing a new project and posting it on my blog for others to enjoy and gain inspiration from. And since I make cards, I adore mailing them to friends and family....it truly is a wonderful hobby!!


Get your inspirational dose for today!!!



Incredible, aren't they?? Not only the cards are magnificent but the photography is simply superb!!! Wish you could click my cards' pics too, lol... Thanks Ms. Jennifer for giving us some of your precious time and thanks to our visitors too... Leave a comment here to win... Fantastic Friday!!!!

Friday 16 March 2012

Hussena's Heavenly Hobby

Happy Friday!!!! Its the second post for my current giveaway from Two Peas In A Bucket..... Remember you just have to 'Join' this blog and comment below to win a voucher worth 50$$$$$
Today will be fascinated by a quilling artist who creates such clean pretty pieces... Her imagination has no boundaries which is quiet evidenced by creations that are just heart-stirring!!! Who's that?? Let's see:
Name: Hussena Calcuttawala

1. Tell us a little about yourself and your family.
I am a Stay at home Mom of 2 Kids and  have Been  Married for 14 Years...I have a Son and Daughter and though I was  born and brought up in Chennai ..My present home is Kolkata.. .I have done  BSC in Interior Designing and  at present I am very much into Crafts...

2. How and when did you start Quilling?
Quilling is something which I actively started to do for past 2-3 years..Before that I had been admiring it on Net but did not know how to go about getting the basic supplies to start...But after much searching on the Net,I found out that I could do Quilling using supplies which I could make Myself...And since I have been cutting My own Paper Strips..Though I have to say that I got my Slotted Tool and Needle tool from USA...As at that time Quilling was not that popular in India and Quilling tools were not Readily Available here :(

3. From where do you draw your inspiration?

I draw my Inspiration mostly  from  various Blogs and Flickr Sites...But also sometimes from a particular design or concept which catches My eye in day to day life..Here I would like to mention that the reason I started Quilling quite actively was because of a  Fellow Blogger Suganthi of The "Daydreams" Blog ...She has been such an inspiration to me and She very  Generously not only Shares he Work but also Various Tutorials.,Which Have been a main guiding source for Me..

4. How would you describe your quilling style?
My Quilling Style  I think is  a Combination of  New and Old ..In the sense that I like to combine Quilling with other types of crafts like  Punching and Stamping and have Tried doing it in Many of My works...

5. What are the 5 top tools in your crafting space?

My Top 5 picks have to be firstly the Cutting knife,My Needle tools ,good Quality Glue,My Embossing Mat and My Tweezers..

6.What’s your favorite technique?
Right now My Favourite Technique is 'Beehive' Because I find it not only Easy to Do But also it gives Lovely Results .....I also Love Multiple Loops Method  which I became Aware of from Suganthi   
 7. What are your go-to colors?
My Go-To Colors are a Mix of Bright and Pastels.....In some projects I feel very Comfortable using Pastels and at the same time  Love to Use bright colors for the dramatic look.. 

8.Do you sell your projects? What do you do with them?
Yes, I do sell my projects...I mostly work on Order and I am trying out New Venues to sell My Art work ..But also a lot of My work goes to My Family and Friends..Without whose Support  I would not Be able to do what I  do now :)

9. What do you do when you aren’t crafting? Job? Other hobbies and interests?
Like I said,I am a Stay at Home Mom so any Time I get Besides Crafting is dedicated to My children and Husband.....I am an Avid Reader and If I am not Crafting then  I am most Comfortable with a Book in My Hand

10. Are you currently designing for any blog?
No, I am not Designing for any Blog Right Now...But Hoping  Something Might turn up in the Near Future

Now check out these beautiful projects!!!!






Truly amazing!!!! Love the sophisticated designs and definitely the eye-catching colors.... Thanks Hussena for thrilling us this Friday :) :) And thanks to all who joined us today----- psssst, don't forget to leave some love here if you wanna win.... Great weekend ahead!!!! Take care

Friday 9 March 2012

Featuring Tejal Shah

Hello all and welcome to Fascinating Fridays!!!! Throughout March will be running a giveaway where all comments on Fascinating Fridays' posts will enter the draw at month-end.... One random winner will receive a voucher worth 50$ from Two Peas In A Bucket, woohoo :) :) So all you have to do is 'Join' this blog and leave a comment before you sign out....
Our muse this week is sweet Tejal who has taken crafting as a life-long career... As you browse her blog you'll discover that she enjoys other crafts too... Without further ado, let's introduce you to:
Name: Tejal Shah

1. Tell us a little about yourself and your family. 
I am a physiotherapist turned crafter who has given up her profession for the love of crafting. I’ve been crafting seriously for the last 2 years and it was just a hobby for 4 yrs before that… I’ve always believed that “Doing what you love will always keep you happy” though it may not fill your pockets or pay your bills!! (LOL) I stay in the city of Ahmedabad, Gujarat in India and have been married to my dear dear husband for 3 yrs..He is my biggest fan and supporter.. 

2. How and when did you start crafting? 
I picked my first stamp set way back in 2005 when it was first brought out in India, and not knowing how to use it, I turned to the net for means and ways…and therein started a journey of exploring and learning! And to this day I haven’t looked back..I have been crafting seriously since the last 2 yrs.. 

3. From where do you draw your inspiration? 
I would be lying if I say I am self inspired, more often than not I am inspired by other crafters, I love browsing through galleries at Splitcoaststampers, 2 peas in a bucket and my recent source is Pinterest. The tons of challenge blogs also provide wonderful ways to channel my creativity… I love looking out for designs when I’m traveling…especially in fabrics.. 

4. How would you describe your style? 
An absolute CAS lover (clean and simple). I love stamping…and you will hardly find patterned papers on my cards…It’s usually a white or black CS folded in half! 

5. What are the 5 top tools in your crafting space? 
I love my tools, but 5 that I can’t do without..are my paper trimmer, my x-acto knife, my corner chomper, my click pencil (silly but I’ve had this pencil since 2006) and my uniball signo white gel pen. 

6. What’s your favorite technique? 
Stamping. And using distress inks with embossing. 

7. What are your go-to colors? 
Black white and turquoise….anyday! 

8. Do you sell your projects?
Yes I do.

9. What do you do when you aren’t crafting? Job? Other hobbies and interests? 
When I’m not crafting, I’m usually nose deep into books…I love reading and watching movies! I do make small pieces of jewelry like charms, key chains and earrings…and am trying to master use photoshop but as of now I can only create watermarks for my friends! Phew!!

10. Are you currently designing for any blog? 
Yes. I am on the Design Team for Pie Lane studios based in Pune India, and for Lulupu.com, a fabulous online store run by my friend Karuna.


Fabulous interview, now let's see some of Tejal's awe-inspiring cards:






I absolutely adore the striking effect in these cards. Paired with amazing pops of colours, and simple sentiments to finish off the cards, they are truly creations not to be missed!!! Thank you for sharing this beauty with us, Tejal :) :) 
Thanks to all for swinging by!!! Don't forget to leave some love here to enter the giveaway... Take care

Friday 2 March 2012

Welcoming Tenia Nelson

Hey all... It's time to say good-bye to one of our most dedicated team members- Amna Al Fardh. She worked with us for the whole of 2011---- Thank you Amna for your commitment and feel free to join our team anytime :) :)
As we wish farewell to sweet Amna we also want to introduce you to our newest member, Tenia Nelson, who was already featured HERE at Fascinating Fridays. Her creations are simply breathtaking with beautiful finishing touches on every piece of card... Below are some beauties:



Want to be over-inspired then visit Tenia's BLOG and don't forget to leave her some love ❤❤❤
Thanks for being here and see you next Friday with a new crafty spot!!!