Friday 18 April 2014

Lisa's Lusciousness

Hi friends!! This is Deepti and I bet you will fall in love with elegant creativity of  the amazing artist I have for you today :) I don't remember exactly where I saw her cards first but I most definitely remember that I was mesmerized by her unique, gorgeous colorful creations. It was that day and today I so look forward to see what she has created next. So let's welcome one of a kind master crafter, Lisa Elton... 


Name: Lisa Elton

1. Tell us a little about yourself and your blog.
I live and grew up in northern Ohio. My husband and I were high school sweethearts. We're blessed with one amazing son, a beautiful daughter-in-law and a ridiculously adorable mini schnauzer named ~ Max. I'm a former floral designer/instructor and am now happily a stay at home wife. My Paper Tales began in April of 2011 after discovering blogs on stamp company websites. I currently design for three stamp companies, embellishment store and a color challenge blog.Thank you for having me here today Deepti, I'm truly grateful and honored!

2. How and when did you start crafting? 
I adored coloring and pretty paper as a little girl, must be why I enjoy card making so much! I bought my first rubber stamp (a teddy bear) because I thought it was cute. But I had no idea what to do with it. I tried acrylic paint, what a mess! Then I took a class in 2001 and have been stamping ever since. 

3. From where do you draw your inspiration? How do you continue to be ever creative?
I turn to Pinterest and of course fellow bloggers. I can also get an idea from nature or a piece of fabric. I am usually not a trendy person, but it does spark my creativity to stroll through Hobby Lobby, Michaels or Archivers (miss them!) to see what's new in the paper crafting world.

4. How would you describe your style?
I don't really know that I have a specific style, I'm told I do! I suppose I liken my style to floral design. I enjoy creating a clean and simple card (bud vase) to a card with clusters of prettiness (a tussle mussie) easily. It depends on my mood. I don't like overly fussy, but I do like little clusters of what nots on my cards. I've often been told my style is unique.

5. What are the must have tools in your crafting space?
I recently got an ATG gun and love it, it's funny  since I typically like small tools! I also use a lot of foam tape, must have a ruler on hand and don't think I could live without my dies.

6. What’s your favorite technique? What is your favorite medium to work with?
I've become a big fan of generation stamping, love the look. I'm addicted to 6x6 paper pads and prefer dye inks.

7. What is the one crafty skill that you wish to excel in?
Coloring with Copic markers.

8. What makes you smile?
My family, my son's laughter, my silly little pup. I'm truly blessed.

9. What is/are your favorite thing/s to do other than crafting?
Long walks with my little Max and photography adventures with my husband. That's his hobby. We spend many weekends at the parks near us or often take vacations based on the surroundings. Lighthouse trips are a favorite of mine and Max is a great traveler! My husband bought me a new sewing machine for Christmas and I would like to get back into quilting.

10. Are there any artists/ crafters/ designers that you look up to? What is that one quality in them that inspires you?
Hmmm...I'm a fan of several bloggers. But I have always admired Melissa Phillips. Her work inspired me to start my blog. She is a gentle spirit and creates the prettiest little flowers from felt! I am also a huge fan of Arielle Gordon. She's the queen of cute cards and works wonders with a mix of colors!

11. If you were not a crafter what would you be?
I would probably go back to floral design. It's still working with color and being creative!

12. What will be your one suggestion to all the new crafters out there?
Be yourself and design that way. I tried to "fit in" to challenges when I started. I look back at those cards and don't know what I was thinking! Now I do what makes me happy and I try stay true to myself. God made each of us different and it's okay to be that way.






What a wonderful word of advice to"be yourself" :) I guess that's the key in creating beauty every time :) Thank you Lisa for sharing ur life and creativity with us.  My dear friends aren't these  cards a beautiful bundle of joy :) Please head over to her blog and take a peek into the world of her awesomeness... 
Peace!!

Friday 11 April 2014

Back with Kristie

Hey beautiful ladies!! Long time since the last Fascinating Fridays' post... Internet connection was down for weeks and finally has recovered :) Today we're featuring an amazing lady whose smile just captures the heart!! It's the uber-talented Kristie Goulet,,, Pls welcome her:


Name: Kristie Goulet

1. Tell us a little bit about yourself and your blog.
I live and grew up in New England. I would really love to live where it is warm year round though. I am married to my high school sweetheart and we have 4 wonderful children (2 boys and 2 girls). I started my blog in Jan. of 2013 and have loved every minute of it. I am a member of StampNation and the "sistah's" there started calling me "Kreative Kristie" so I thought it fitting for my blog name.

2. How and why did you start crafting?
I started crafting 16 years ago when my youngest son was born. I was and still am, a stay at home mom. I wanted to make my own Christmas cards because funds were limited back then. I purchased my first stamp set from an online book club and paper and ink from Michael's and have been creating ever since, with few breaks while my children were little (my girls are 14 months apart).

3. How often do you craft? How would you describe your style?
I try to craft every day but sometimes that just isn't possible between homeschooling and life. I love CAS but like to try different styles as well.

4. What are your can’t-live-without craft-room essentials?
My Big shot with dies/framelits/embossing folders, my paper trimmer and of course, some ink pads and stamps.

5.  Where do you get inspiration? How do you stay creative?
I get most of my inspiration from Pinterest, other blogs and sometimes card making magazines. I try to stay creative by keeping up with the latest trends.

6.  What is your favorite medium to work with?
I love working with Gelatos and embossing paste.

7.  What’s the one craft skill you would love to master?
Coloring with Copics.

8.  What is your guilty pleasure?
Sitting in the sun! I love summer!!!

9.  What makes you smile?
My family-love them!

10. What is your favorite thing to do (other than crafting of course)?
I love to go camping with my family and sitting on the beach whenever we are near the ocean.

11. What do you do to keep yourself, your space and your time organized?
I try to keep my craft room clean after creating and selling old stamps that I don't use.

12. Are there any crafters/artists/designers that you particularly look up to?
There are many crafters that I look up to, Catherine Pooler, Maureen Merritt, Laura Bassen, & Jennifer McGuire, to name just a few :)





Thank you sweet Kristie for being here today!!! Your pretty cards have absolutely fluttered our hearts,,, Thanks to all for visiting and keep smiling...