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

Blog: My Paper Tales

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!!