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 :)

for a classic mom...

Happy Day!!! And why not when tomorrow is the very-much-awaited weekend :)
I love the vintage look of these patterned papers!!! There are not much techniques here except that these butterfly chipboards have been colored black with Copics to complete the card.. As usual my cards can never be pearl or flower- free, lol,,,

This card is entering for:

Pile It On

Card Makin Mamas

Card Crafter's Circle

Stempelsonne

Case Study

 Thank you ladies for swinging by!!! See you tomorrow at Fascinating Fridays... Enjoy!!

Featuring a Newbie

It's that time again to add onto the Fascinating Fridays Team!! Our newest member is the local artist, Janine Smith, from Kraft KreationZ... Pls give her a nice warm welcome here as will be featuring her talents today... Sadly, we also say good-bye to Tenia Nelson who spotted such wonderful artisans for us!!! Thank you Tenia for being here and all the best in your creative journey :) Now onto today's spotlight:

Name: Janine Smith

Blog: Kraft KreationZ

1.Tell us a little about yourself 

I am a South African living in Dubai.  I have two daughters who are here with me and am married to the most wonderful man in the world.  My family are all my best friends and my biggest inspiration and supporters.  I am a life coach and a relationship/marriage adviser/coach.

2.When and how did you start cardmaking/scrapbooking?

My mother has always owned a pre-school learning facility and having showed a creative streak when I was young I helped a lot with posters, projects, concerts, backdrops, etc.  I really became active with my passion or should I say obsession for scrapbooking about 5 years ago.

3.What inspires you to create?

My family, beautiful images and photographs, Prima resin pieces, flowers and my abundant  imagination.

4.What is your favorite technique? Why?

I enjoy embossing and inking; you can add so much dimension to any project or embellishment.  I love altered art, creating mini album and layouts - those techniques are the foundation of my designs. 

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

Iralamija - she creates the most beautiful papers and I love her feminine romantic style

Juliana Montoya - she is the ultimate shabby chic queen I get so much inspiration from her

Marion Smith - her designs and techniques are amazing; I have learnt much from her

6.Describe your style
I have two favourites - vintage look and shabby chic; I love lace, pearls, ribbon, buttons and flowers. 

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 design team for Paper Lane.  I am constantly busy with custom album orders and I also design and make products for two shops in Dubai and 1 in Qatar.  I recently started a scrapbooking swap group for UAE enthusiasts and am in the process of setting up my own Etsy shop. My goal is to be published so watch this space!!

8.What is your favorite thing about creating?

It relaxes me and brings out the creative genie within me.  Nothing better than to sit down at your crafting table surrounded by beautiful papers and embellishments...the ideas come out of nowhere!

I gasped when I saw these perfect creations!!! Can't honestly say which one is more brilliant but the third one is just calling... These altered crafts have been transformed into such elegant and inspiring pieces,,, We love them so much, Janine... And WOW to the max!!
Thanks ladies for joining us and be sure to get back soon for more inspirations!!! Who knows you may be featured here next week *wink*

new wheels

hello there 

i am excited to share with you one of my cutest cards for the new-arrivals :)

isn't the sentiment soooo cute?! it says:
"congratulations on your new set of wheels!"

this card is entering for:

Pile It On

thanks for coming by!!! enjoy your day...