Friday 27 April 2012

Meet Arnoldo

He's such an inspiration and we're sure all of you will be stunned. Before we move on to the artwork from our star, let's get to know him more. Here we go!!!
Name: Arnoldo L. Romero

1.     Tell us a little bit about yourself.  I worked in various areas of advertising art after I got out of college, but have now been in the education field for over 20 years.  I was even in school administration for 9 years, but never had time to work on my artwork.  Therefore, I am now a Gifted and Talented Specialist at a local elementary school.  I love it, because I can nurture my students natural creative abilities in various areas of their academic lives.  Although my position can be very stressful at times, I have the weekends and summers to work on my other passion - art!  I can work on pieces for art shows and private commissions, make cards, and teach private art lessons.  Most importantly, read, explore and create, so that I can continue to grow as an artist.  Last summer, I launched www.arnoldolromero.blogspot.com, which has truly helped me, network in art fields around the world.  That's so exciting and rewarding to me.  God willing, this summer I'll be able to open an Etsy shop.
2.     When and how did you start cardmaking?  I started making cards since I was a child - my mother still has a couple of them.  However, I stopped when I was a teenager.  Then, in the late1980's when I was working on my masters, I started making them again.  I didn't have much money, so it was an inexpensive way to say, "I love you" to friends and family.    They loved them, because they were miniature works of art.  There weren't any stamps, specialty papers, or punches back then, so it was purely my artwork.  After I got married in the 1990s, it became a family tradition for me to make all our family members' cards.  They all treasure them.  I was very touched when my wife found a stack of them at her grandmother's home after her passing a couple of years ago.
3.     What inspires you to create?  I am very family oriented, so my wife and daughters often inspire me.  In addition, I love nature, children, fine art, antiques, vintage items, travel, and dogs.  However, in the center of it all, is my Lord, Creator, and Savior.  Therefore, His presence is usually very much evident in my work.
4.     What is your favorite technique? Why?   I guess if I was going to narrow it to a technique, I love mixed media collages.  They allow me to use multiple media in them and there are various techniques to work with each of them.  I love watercolors, pastels, colored pencils, markers, and inks.  Since I like to draw, I use stamps primarily for backgrounds, stamp collages, and to tie-in a composition.  I have carved some of my own stamps, and would love to design them to sell someday.  In addition, mixed media collages allow me to incorporate my calligraphic and lettering skills.
5.     Who are your favorite papercrafters at the time? Why?  Hmmm!  I believe that sometimes there's a fine line between paper crafters and fine artists.  Therefore, my list includes both, because they all have worked with paper sometimes, so have influenced my work to various degrees.  Here it goes; my favorite crafters and artists that use paper are Paul Jackson, K Werner, Michael Jacobs, Tim Holtz, Jane Davis, Nita Leland, Carlos N. Molina, Maryjo Koch, Kathy Cano Murillo, Terry Taylor, Maryjo McGraw, Eric M. Scott, David R. Modler, Eric Carle, Tracy Bautista, and above all, Henri Matisse and Pablo Picasso.
6.     Describe your style.  As I mentioned in a recent post, my art decisions come from a combination between intellect and gut feelings.  Therefore, my style is often a combination between realism and abstract art.  It's definitely very artsy, and seldom do I use cutesy figures.  However, I do like to use whimsy and illustrations that appeal to children.
7.     Are you on any design teams at the time? Have you been published in any magazines?  No, I'm not currently in any design teams, but am certainly open to the idea.  My current goal is to eventually support myself through my art endeavors.  I've also never been published in a magazine.  However, I have had my fashion illustrations and a couple of logos I designed published in newspaper ads.  I have also been featured in local newspaper articles when Ive had art shows in town.  As to my cards, I've had 3 fellow bloggers post pictures of my cards on their blogs, and have been awarded several challenge badges.
8.       What is your favorite thing(s) about creating?  The excitement of having my ideas materialize!



I'm sure your hearts skipped a beat when viewing these pieces!!! The style, color combination and the imagination are just superb... Thanks Arnoldo for sparking our creativity this Friday!!! Thanks to our visitors too for peeking :)  Fun-tastic Friday...

Wednesday 25 April 2012

mom

Hello bloggers!!! My friends always complain they never see me on FB but I've an excuse for that, am busy busy blogging :) :)  Today I'm displaying a card to the love of our lives- moms!!! However we try to express our gratitude to them, will never be good enough.... This is just a tiny gift to these greatest women

This card is entering for:
Pile It On
Just Some Lines
Stampin for the Weekend
Whimsy Stamps
Daring Cardmakers

As you see, sides are distressed with mustard yellow ink as well as corners punched.... I've also colored the glittered chipboards with Copics


That's for now, friends... Hugs to all m♥ms :)

Friday 20 April 2012

Priya's Pretty Projects

Welcome again to Fascinating Fridays!!! It's the 58th feature since we've started this blog activity.... Big thanks to all our team members including Hussena and Tenia!!! We can't function without you, ladies :) :)
Our spotlight this week is Priya Sondhi... She doesn't only create cards but enjoys making beautiful 3D projects too... Will be featuring some here but trust me you will be much more inspired after you visit her crafty blog!!! Let's now introduce you to our newest friend :)
Name: Priya Sondhi

1. Tell us a little about yourself ?
My Ans: I am full time Software Developer...  I am basically from Punjab but currently working in Bangalore... My family is far away from me as I am here for work... My greatest strength is my family and friends.. I consider myself luckiest of all as my parents treat me as a friend and my friends like a family... I always had one hobby or the other... In childhood my hobby was to collect postal stamps and coins.. when I started studying computer, it got shifted to web designing and development... I earned few dollars doing freelance web designing too... ;) and now its paper crafts and I don't think it will ever change as I am totally in love with it... ! 

2. When and how did you start cardmaking?
It must have been just about a year when I started making cards... During the starting of the previous year, I discovered the world of paper crafting through Martha Stewart Crafts, I was fascinated by the b'ful world of papers, colors, fancy cuts and folds... Slowly I discovered few blogs of Indian crafters like Juhi, Kavitha, Tejal and Spardha. I slowly started my process of learning paper crafts. One fine day I decided to visit Itsy Bitsy craft store.. and that was the begining of my crafting journey :)

3. What inspires you to create?
Initially, main thing that inspired me to create was my loneliness as I was away from my family. With my papers and scissors around I never felt lonely. When I am feeling low and disturbed I create. Crafting does have a healing touch... I still consider myself as a learner and my desire to learn as much paper crafts as I can inspires me to create and learn. Now, my job and my hobby is keeping me so busy that I don't have time to sit and sulk...

4.What is your favorite technique? Why?
Fancy folds and shaped cards are my current favorites... I am so much fascinated by fancy folds that I keep on trying new folds.. be it in cards or other 3D items like Mini albums, tri-shutter albums.. Credit card holders, money holders, paper bags, boxes, etc... The surprise element with each open fold is truly spellbinding.. 

5.Who are your favorite paper crafter's at this time? Why?
Nowadays I am seriously following Lowri from Papervinenz. She is a designer for Echo park... I love echo park papers... She gives so much beauty and depth to the pattern papers which amazes me the most.. I have learnt making mini albums through her tutorials.. Her each and every project is so much fun to watch... 

6.Describe your style?
Layered fancy fold cards and projects is my style... using pattern papers and lots of embellishments is what I love on my projects... Adding extra dimensions is a great challenge for me... sometimes it takes me hours to figure out how to fill an empty space on the project... But I love challenges.. :)

7.Are you on any design team at this time?
Yes. I am designing for Indian Craft Room and for the love of crafting challenge blog. Its so much fun to be a part of any design team. This has made me more responsible and serious towards my crafting journey.

8.What is your favorite things about creating?
Creating is a bliss... The sheer joy of looking at the final outcome of my thoughts and design is unimaginable. I love photographing my projects too... and last but not the least, the word of appreciation from family and friends makes me feel proud of myself.... I am worth something... :)




Such lively and fancy creations!!! They look so special and truly made with love and care :) We can see you mastering this hobby very soon, Priya.. Thanks sweetheart for the inspirational dose and for being with us today ♥ ♥ ♥
Take care friends... Have a happy crafty weekend!!! 

Wednesday 18 April 2012

cupcake birthday

Hello ladies... Below is one of my cards in the latest collection at Edible Arrangements.... It's quite simple with layers of papers and die cuts... And that cute tiny brad from Doodlebugs is just so inviting :)

This card is entering for:
Pile It On
Creative Belli
Stempelsonne
Delicious Doodles
Totally Gorjuss

With some blings and pop-ups!!!


Thanks for peeking!!! Two days left to close the current call below....

Friday 13 April 2012

Attn: Team Member Call

This time we're not featuring an artist but calling you to join our team of superb interviewers... If you're interested to become a member of Fascinating Fridays and would like to spot creative stars then don't hesitate to reach us... Just mail me thru artisan@paperiedesigns.com  if you're ready to explore the crafting world... Here are some requirements-
* A Two-Month Team Term running through June 15th, 2012 * Link to my blog, team members and post the pink Fascinating Fridays blinkie on your blog sidebar
* Select artists based on the schedule as per rotation

What am I searching for:

* Ability to meet deadlines
* Interesting interviews
* Fun and creative artists who love to create, share with and inspire others

What this team offers:

* Best Team Member award for those fulfilling all requirements
* Appreciation gifts to all members
* Links to your blog from our Blog and your fellow blogs
* Blog community socialization, friendship, inspiration ... FUN
 
*Call closes on 20th April, 2012 

Tuesday 10 April 2012

babe!

Hello ladies... Here's a simple card to share with y'all... I started with gluing the base pp then adding two attached punched strips (looks like one!!!) Finished the card embellishing with stickers and a pop-up pink onesie,,,

This card is entering for:

That's for tonight... Sweet dreams :)

Friday 6 April 2012

Rochelle's Rich Rarity

Its time to announce the winner of our month-long giveaway!!! First would like to thank all for joining us and being a part of Fascinating Fridays..... Now who's the winner?? She is.....(drumroll).....Kavya N....Congrats dearie!!! Yay, you've won a 50$ shopping voucher from Two Peas In A Bucket.... Just reach me thru artisan@paperiedesigns.com to claim your prize,,, Thanks again to everyone and keep watching for more blog candies!!!
Will be featuring today a busy busy teams' designer who creates for several blogs and has been published in various magazines too... Her creativity has frequently been recognized by cardmaking pros as she continues to inspire the crafting world with her chic and classy style,,, Can't wait to introduce her, let's welcome sweet Rochelle :) :)
Name: Rochelle Washington
 
1. Tell me a little bit about yourself.
I am a happy wife of six years and a proud mommy of a two year little boy.  I work full time as an Administrative Assistant for an Architecture firm here in Atlanta, GA.  I am finishing up my degree in Education although I don’t plan to use it to teach! LOL! In addition to paper crafting, I LOVE to sing and write.  My most desired daily schedule would be to spend one third of my day being a home maker, a third singing and writing and a third crafting.  I’m going to get there and if not…a girl can dream can’t she?

2.       When and how did you start cardmaking?
It wasn’t until I discovered the online community of paper crafters and product manufacturers that I started taking paper crafting more seriously.  That was about 2010.

3.       What inspires you to create?
EVERYTHING!  I’m inspired by music, people, fashion, food, architecture and nature.

4.       What is your favorite technique? Why?
Yikes!  This is a toughie!  My favorite technique would have to be stamping.  There is nothing you can’t create with a good stamp.  You can do masking, you can paper piece, you can resist…the possibilities are truly endless. 

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

Let me preface this by saying that I’m NOT biased because Tenia Nelson  gave me this wonderful opportunity!  BUT…she truly is one of my most favorite paper crafters.  Her style is bold, raw and sophisticated all wrapped in one.  Her style is her own and that is something that’s rare in this hobby.  I know this is going to shock you but, there are some facsimile crafters out there!  Another one of my favorites is Savannah O’Gwynn.  I don’t know how she thinks of her designs but, they are fun, fresh and innovative.  She could paper piece the Mona Lisa and make it look LOV-ER-LY!  She knows how to make patterned paper POP!  My last pick would have to be Karen Baker.  Karen’s designs are fine art.  She’s an outside the lines paper crafter with a signature style and an eye for what is aesthetically pleasing.  If I could EVER be included in the same caliber as these ladies…I would feel as though I’ve “MADE IT”! 

6.       Describe your style.
What style?  I have no style you guys!  I just do what I do.  I guess you could say that I err more on the side of graphic, clean and simple designs.  I try to make cards that are neat, fresh and funky.  I hope that translates on to my projects. 

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

Currently, I serve on the For Your Inspiration Challenge Blog DT, the Momenta DT, the Stamp School DT, the Trinity Paper Arts DT and the Wilson Designs Stamps DT.  My first published card is on shelves in the UK in the British magazine Papercraft Inspirations.  My next card to be published will be included in the Paper Crafts magazine Stamp It! Cards: Volume 9.  My work has also been featured on the Home Shopping Network for Picture That Sound.  Having my work be recognized by my peers in the industry never gets old and I hope it happens more often in the future :)

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

My favorite things about creating are the freedom to express myself, meeting new people  and the opportunity to generate income doing something I absolutely love.




Simply Stunning!!! I really admire the unique card layouts and perfect stamping.... Btw, stamping clean is one of my biggest challenges but you really master it, Rochelle!!! Great job, lady *smile face*
Thanks for fascinating us today and thanks to our sweetest followers too :) Fun Friday!!!
 

Tuesday 3 April 2012

happy anniversary

Hey peeps!!! We've closed entries for the current giveaway and will be announcing our lucky winner in the next Fascinating Friday's post.... Keep checking and good luck to all!!!!
My newest collection has already been released at Edible Arrangements providing a range of themes, styles and colors...Among them is this anniversary wishes card where I included three different dp, buttons, accents and a copic-colored image from Flourishes...

This card is entering for:
Paper Pretties
Diva's By Design

Here's a closer look:

That's for today... Thanks for visiting, happy stamping :)