Feature 123: Kreative Kymona

Hi friends!! this is Deepti and I am here with another uber talented artist :) If I have to describe her style in one word, I would say "subtle beauty" , I  love how clean and simple her designs are and yet the way she incorporates color, makes her cards look so remarkable. I am sure you will love her creativity. So let's welcome Kymona... 

Name: Kymona Tracey

Blog: Kreative Kymona

1. Tell us a little about yourself and your blog

Hello, I’m Kymona Tracey. Who am I, you ask? I am a women who never slows down and loves it. Yes… I am the energizer bunny’s sister! I just keep going and going (which is something that I am working on, if you follow my weekly wishes on my blog). I am a single mother of two wonderful children who are 8 years apart. My 16 year old son is a true self-made jock who plays every sport you can think of ! My 7 year old daughter is a real life princess who loves anything crafty and girly and absolutely hates anything related to sports. Talk about yin and yang! …but I love it!! Besides running from one activity to another with them, I work full time at a hospital (public health background), facilitate a reading group at work, teach high school students on the weekends and have a huge love of learning new things. I’ve taken classes in photography, web design, knitting, scrapbooking and card-making. I love them all, however, my true passion is card-making. I was introduced to card making back in 2004 and haven’t turned back since. I started out as a hobbyist just making cards for family and friends. People were always ecstatic when they received a card from me. What they did not know was that it made me feel just as special to make a card for them. This passion pushed me into teaching card-making classes at work with a couple of coworkers who wanted to learn how to make projects for their families. In September 2013, I made a big leap and created my blog, Kreative Kymona. Besides being a mom, I think that this has been one of my most rewarding accomplishments. Just being able to share with my world community makes life so rewarding!

2. How and when did you start crafting?

I was introduced to card making back in 2004.  One of my coworkers saw something that I made for my son’s teacher and she showed me a Stampin’ Up! catalog.  I was totally blown away by what I saw.  She told me that her sister was a demonstrator and she did workshops.  I couldn't attend any workshops because I lived 2 hours away from work.  Shortly after that I changed jobs, and my new boss introduced me to her friend who held Stampin’ Up! workshops.  I was hooked. Since then, its been all up hill for me in the crafting world and I love it!

3. From where do you draw your inspiration? How do you continue to be creative?

I draw my inspiration from everywhere.  I pay close attention to my surroundings.  I look for colors, abstract items or anything that seems appealing.  I also look at old magazines.  Yes, I have magazines dating from the year 2000.  Pinterest is another big hit for me! What were we doing before Pinterest???  I continue to be creative by taking classes.  I love to learning so if there is a class out there, I’m taking it.  I learn what’s new and trendy so that I can share what I learn with the world.

4. How would you describe your style?

My style, I would have to say that its clean and simple except when its not, LOL!  I try my best not to over do it on my cards.  

5. What are the must have tools in your crafting space?

I love all of my “crafting stuff”.  What I grab for the most in my craft corner are my Stampin’ Trimmer, Tombow Stamp Tape Runner, Neenah Solar White Cardstock, Koi Watercolors, my Big Shot, Distress Inks and the Blending Tool.   

6. What’s your favorite technique? What is your favorite medium to work with?

My favorite technique is WATERCOLORING!! I absolutely love watercoloring.  Its so much fun and carefree.  I never worry about being perfect.  Watercoloring allows me to be imperfect.  My favorite medium to work with is my Koi Watercolors and Distress Inks.

7. What is the one crafty skill that you wish to excel in?

I would love to excel in Copic coloring!!  The pieces I see are totally amazing.  I’ve taken all of the certification and workshops.  I just need to practice some more.  One of these days, I will master my Copic skills, LOL!

8. What makes you smile?

Helping others!!  Hands down, I love helping others with whatever I can help with.

9. What is/are your favorite thing/s to do other then crafting?

Wow, my favorite things to do other then crafting.  This list might be a long one but I’ll make it short.  I love spending time with my children.  They make me laugh and keep me on my toes.  I love traveling.  Seeing new places and getting away from home is such a great feeling.  I love spending time with my brothers and sisters.  Its 6 of us in total and all of us have different personalities that just fit together. We have a good time together.  I love sitting out in the sun with a good book.  Reading takes me to a new place and I love that. I can go on and on and on but these are on the top of my list.

10. Are there any artists/ crafters/ designers that you look up to? What is that one quality in them that inspires you?

There are a couple of crafters that I’m drawn to.  I will try and keep my list short….Laura Bassen of Doublestick Heaven: Laura is so funny.  I love how she makes crafting look so easy.  Her CAS style is very appealing to me.  Kristina Werner of Kwernerdesign: Kristina to me is a master Copic colorer!  Her coloring looks so effortless and the results are amazing.  I will be as good as she is one day.  Debby Hughes of Lime Doodle Design: Debby inspires me to take better pictures.  Her pictures are always picture perfect.  I also love her placement of embellishments.  They are always placed perfectly.  Ardyth Percy-Robb of MASKerade: Ardyth has an awesome CAS style that you can’t help but fall in love with.  She reminds me that less is definitely more!  There are many more people who I love to watch but these are my top 4 that I’ve followed for years.

11. If you were not a crafter what would you be?

This question is funny.  My brothers and sisters would have a lot to say.  They get on me about all of the things I want to be.  If I wasn’t a crafter I would be a carpenter or an ice sculptor.  Don’t laugh, but its true.  How many women carpenter or ice sculptors do you know.  Not many, so I wanted to be a part of that elite group!  LOL!

12. What will be your one suggestion to all the new crafters out there?

For new crafters, I would say take as many classes as possible.  They would learn so much to get them started and finding their own niche.  Also reach out to crafters that you like and admire.  My doors are always open!!

What a wonderful interview :) Thank you Kymona for sharing ur life and creativity with us.  My dear friends aren't these  cards the most creative and artistic. Please head over to her blog and take a peek into the world of her awesomeness...

By the way, this is our last feature till September... Until next time, stay safe and happy crafting ^_^