The creative blog hop

This week I was invited to be part of The Creative Blog Hop by the talented Linda Higgins.   This is a fun way for bloggers to "pass the baton" and help showcase the blogs of other's whose work we admire.  Lots of different people both here in Australia and also overseas have taken part in the blog hop.

Part of the task involves answering several questions that let you know a little more about my work.  So here we go...

1. What am I working on now?
Stamping and crafting with paper and ink is one of my favourite ways to relax and zone out from all the realities of life. So I am often working on several projects at once. My dining table is usually covered in unfinished objects, piles of cardstock and half finished cards.

Right now I am working on several Project Life pages featuring photos from the recent school holidays. I love how easy and instant PL recording can be. Just print a bundle of photos, slide them in with a  journaling card, maybe add a sticker or two and you've finished your page. I am planning and designing my projects for upcoming classes and of course making Christmas cards and birthday cards to give, donate and sell.

2.    How does my work differ from others in my genre?

From my perspective, My style changes gradually from season to season, year to year depending upon the trending styles, stamps and products available. I like to dip into different genres. Some crafters have a very distinctive style that you can pick at a glance. Please let me know if you find mine. 

My cards are mostly very simple with very few layers. Sometimes it's a matter of knowing when to stop and my mantra is "less is more" but I don't always abide by it!

3.      Why do I create what I do?

I often ask myself this question. It's an obsession. I have to create, i need to share my creations and it is my time to myself. 

I create because I enjoy the process and the result. I make cards to donate to charities, markets, shops, family and friends. I love giving my cards. Especially the pleasure you know that a handmade card or gift can bring to the person who opens it. I appreciate all things handmade. It has a sense of time well spent, a small gift of oneself which is something to keep and enjoy. 

4.      How does my creative process work?

I do enjoy flicking through paper craft magazines, catalogues and Pinterest on line. I am often inspired by a colour combination in a shopwindow, fabric or home ware. I get home and I just have to create something with that style or colours in mind. My inspiration often starts with a product, tool or colour that I want to feature in a class, but just as often it is a birthday celebration approaching that I need to make a card or present for. When I am presented with a blank canvas I usually go to my Stampin up catalogues and get inspired by a clever layout and combination of products used, then I tweak it up with my own colours textures and stamps. 

Ok.. so now I get to introduce you to another blogger that I admire. Felicity Hawkins. Felicity's blog is called "Felicity's Craft corner" and you can see it here: Felicity.

Felicity  and I met when we both signed up as Stampin' Up! Demonstrators back in 2008 and attended a training event at Darling Harbour. We exchanged email addresses and swapped handmade cards. We've been to several Stampin' up! conventions together and I always look forward to team training events so we can catch up and stamp together. Felicity's stamping style is so pretty, elegant and inspirational and her work has been published regularly in print magazines. I love her work and you will too.

Here is a bit more about Felicity in her own words...

I’m Felicity and I live on the Central Coast of NSW (Australia). I am a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator.
I started making cards 14 years ago with my daughter. I then discovered scrapbooking and have enjoyed all types of papercraft since. My first introduction to Stampin Up was a party I attended with Linda Higgins as the demonstrator.  When I arrived home and spent hours looking through the catalogue I knew I wanted to join, as I wanted everything in the catalogue. I have made so many wonderful, lifelong friends through my journey with Stampin Up. It is so nice to have something I can call mine. Something I enjoy and I create with my own two hands and to share with loved ones.

Thank you for visiting my blog today as part of the Creative Blog Hop. I am always interested to know what kinds of cards and projects you'd like to see more of so feel free to comment below.

 Don't forget to visit Felicity's blog next Monday too!