It's a new Friday; a new artist to feature here at the home of Fascinating Fridays!!! Today's artist creates such striking cards from a simple style. She does not only post her creations but shares excellent tutorials on her blog too. Gals, let's get to know a new friend- Mary Dawn...
Name: Mary Dawn
When and how did you start Cardmaking?
A few years ago I reconnected with an old friend from high school. We had been roommates off and on in college as well, and we always pursued crafty things together. She started talking about “Stamping” and “Scrapbooking” and it really piqued my interest. So she sent me a flat rate box full of stash she was going to put in the Goodwill box. I had to buy my own ink, but I didn’t stop there! It was a wonderful beginning for me.
When would you say you are most creative?
I’m the most productive right after the school bus leaves! But my mind is reeling with ideas all the time (I just need to learn how to write them down somewhere…the ol’ memory ain’t what it used to be).
What is your favorite technique?
One of my all time favorite techniques is Embossed Resist. It’s simple, but so amazing. It gets me every time.
Do trends inspire your creative process?
They do, to an extent, but I’m not a slave to them.
Is there something about paper crafting you find challenging?
Finding enough time to execute all of the ideas in my head--that’s my biggest challenge. Doing and learning and of course shopping for supplies, those are the fun parts.
Is there a designer in the paper crafting industry that inspires you? If so, what about their style or technique inspires you?
I’m a huge fan of Jennifer McGuire. She’s creative, generous and an excellent teacher. She’s really relatable and down to earth, it’s easy to believe that I can do what she does. Her style is detailed without much frou frou, but it’s clean too.
How would you describe your style?
My style is pretty eclectic--I’m comfortable with Clean & Simple, I love Elegant, Shabby/Vintage makes me happy. Good design is what I strive for.
How long would you say it takes you to complete a card or project?
If I have a clear idea in my head, say for a challenge, it might take me less than an hour to complete a card. But sometimes I just sit and play with my stuff and a card evolves—that can be days or hours.
When you are finished with your beautiful creations what do you do with them?
My cards very rarely get mailed, I’m a terrible card sender! They are currently (thanks to my niece and mother-in-law) sorted in clear bins, by occasion, waiting for my BFF to come choose her quarterly stash.
Are you on any Design Teams or have served on any in the past?
I am currently on the Clearsnap, Inc. Design Team and I’ve Guest Designed for All That Scraps and Making Memories in the past.
Feast your eyes on these art pieces:
Aren't they soooo gorgeous?! The backgrounds are just stunning and the amount of stamping is so tempting... Thank you Mary for this full of top-shelf inspiration and thank you friends for visiting,,,mwah
