Featuring Tejal Shah

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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

Blog: Creative Expressions

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