Studio Calico

Member Spotlight

Please welcome this month's Member Spotlight, Jennifer Kinkade! 

When did you start scrapbooking and what got you started? 

I started scrapbooking back in 1998 when I was pregnant with my 2nd daughter as a result of someone having a Creative Memories party in their home! That was back when you played with strips of paper and triangles and a corner rounder--which I still have and use to this day (the corner rounder, that is..)

What are your top 5 favorite products and why?

My main "go to" items when I scrap are:

   1) my sewing machine! I can't hardly do a page without it! I use it to secure chipboard letters, washi, pictures or just give the page a little bit of interest.
   2) Mister Hueys mists or black spray paint. I love the look of splattered paint on pages--I like the edgy look that it gives to any page.
   3) my manual typewriter. It's a great way to add quick journaling to a tag, label or page.
   4) Washi tape!! For me it is that perfect little piece of embellishment to add to a page. The versatility of the stuff is AMAZING! I am signed up for and super stoked to be taking the Washi Workshop at SC next month, too!
       I just did a "photoshoot" of my washi that I hope to have up on my blog soon!
   5) FONTS!! I confess that I am a font freak and I can create just about anything with a cool font and my Silhouette Cameo!

What is your favorite Studio Calico product and why? 

I have 2 favorites!! Mister Huey's mists--I use  Calico Shine, Taxi, and just started using the Silver! Wood Veneers are my 2nd favorite. I can't resist all those little shapes. I love using them plain or coloring them with mists, paints, or stamping inks! I am going to try nail polish on them soon!!

What is your favorite go-to or signature technique? 

Sewing. Hands down.

Where do you find your inspiration? 

I know this is cliche, but I really do find inspo everywhere...magazines, photos, the SC forum and gallery, design, colors, a moment that I've captured...and I am a total Instagram junkie! :)

What is your favorite color and/or color combo?

I start out with a neutral background then use pops of yellow or aqua/teal or grey mostly.

Tell us a bit about your design process. 

The secret is...I really don't have one. I think my scrapbooking is non-traditional and imperfect. I will usually start with a photo that I love or want to use and move on from there. I do a lot of layering with patterned papers or Hambly transparencies, then I will add a few embellishments. Sewing things down is normally my last step. I am a fast scrapper...layouts are done in 30 mins or less, unless I am waiting for paint to dry! I try to keep my photos the main focus of any layout that I do.

Tell us a bit about what else you do since we know you are creative in more ways than just scrapbooking. 

I do a fair amount of digital scrapbooking as well. I find that if I am in a creative funk or I have taken a break that making a digital page normally gets my creative juices flowing again. I also LOVE photography. It's a big time passion. Photography has allowed me to see everything in a new light, from life to scrapbooking to design.

You can see more of Jennifer's work in her SC gallery and her blog. 

Thank you for sharing with Jennifer! 

Member Spotlight

This month's member spotlight is shining bright on Keshet Shenkar, user name Keshet. Let's get to know her a little better. 

When did you start scrapbooking and what got you started? 

I started scrapbooking when I was 16, in 2001.  The way I discovered scrapbooking is actually a funny coincidence—my father is a business consultant and he once worked with Creative Memories. They gave him a bag with a starter kit, which he promptly put in the basement.  I was poking around the basement looking for a photo album one day when I came upon the kit and started playing. As they say, the rest is history!  I’ve been in love with photos and office supplies (too many mechanical pencils to count, anyone?) since I was a little girl, so I think I was bound to find this hobby sooner or later!

What are your top 5 favorite products and why?

1. Label stickers. Seriously, I cannot get enough! They add the perfect touch to anything from Project Life to a layout to home décor, and they make wonderful “homes” not only for journaling, but also other design elements. I keep them separately in my stash and go through them constantly.
2. Journaling spots. This is a teensy bit similar to #1, but I love to add journaling to my projects in pretty ways, and these die-cuts and tags are the perfect way to do it! I also love to layer them with embellishments. Elle’s Studio makes some lovely ones, and there are wonderful sellers on Etsy producing beautiful designs as well.
3. Border Punches. I have a few too many of these, but the basic scallop and doily designs are the real workhorses for me. I use them on nearly everything I create.
4. Flowers. I’m a girly-girl kind of scrapper, so it was very convenient that my new baby is a little lady! I love adding flowers, either pre-purchased or handmade, to my layouts. I also love creating flowers by layering journaling spots, stickers, and other items in my stash.
5. Letter stickers. Especially Thickers—and especially the Lullaby font! Nothing makes me happier than a big stack of letter stickers, and I use them on every page I create.  I still remember my “happy place” at last year’s CHA—the wall of Thickers in the American Crafts booth!

What is your favorite Studio Calico product and why?

This is a tough one, but I’ll have to go with Fab-rips! I love using them as layers or pleating them into flowers.  I’ve torn through so many of my packages!

 
What is your favorite go-to or signature technique?

I don’t know if this counts as a technique, but I would say handwritten, heartfelt journaling. Part of it is that I’m too lazy to get out the typewriter, part of it is that I love the personal touch, but almost every project I create incorporates my own handwriting.  I also like to journal with as much depth as I can—I really use scrapbooking as therapy in that way!  If I want to keep something private, I usually create a hidden pocket on the layout to tuck in my journaling.

Where do you find your inspiration? 

I find inspiration from life—my topic usually stems from whatever is new and challenging in my life at the moment.  When it comes to design, I get so much inspiration from other scrappers, especially SC-ers—you’re the best! I also love reading scrapbooking, home décor, and DIY blogs, and get lots of ideas that way. Finally, my “color” board on Pinterest is where I store inspiring color combos.

What is your favorite color and/or color combo?

A combo of yellow, pink and aqua.  I just love them together! I’m also loving all off the gray out there lately!

Tell us a bit about your design process.

I usually start with an idea of what I want the page to be about, whether it’s a sentiment or just something light about a recent vacation. I generally have a sense of what I want the layout to “feel” like—layered and haphazard, or graphic and striking, for example.  Along with that comes a basic sense of where the elements will be. After that, I pull supplies, move things around, and cut and paste until I like the result! I don’t always start a project with a good vision of what I want to create, but I definitely enjoy the process much more when I do.

 
Tell us a bit about what else you do since we know you are creative in more ways than just scrapbooking. 

My job doesn’t seem that creative (I work at a nonprofit doing divorce law!) but it actually does involve a lot of “thinking out of the box” and coming up with clever solutions to problems. In my non-work life, I love to use my creativity to decorate and organize my home, cook and bake Sabbath meals (I’m especially experimental with my baking!) and put together cute outfits for my munchkin.  I’m also experimenting quite a bit with photography and would love to learn more!

 

member spotlight

This month's member spotlight is shining bright on Shanna Nalywaiko, user name Shannanoel. Not only is she a super talented scrapbooker but an equally talented photograper. Let's get to know Shanna a little better. 

Name: Shanna Nalywaiko

Studio Calico username: Shanna Noel

City/State/Country: Rohnert Park Ca 

Blog: http://www.shannanoel.com/

When did you start scrapbooking and what got you started? 

I started digital scrapbooking in late 2006, I instantly fell in love with the design process, playing with color and incorporating my photography. I was soon asked to be on the Lilypad creative team (you can see my gallery here) and loved it even more  Even though I was having a lot of fun with it, I decided in the summer of 2010 that I was spending too much time on the computer and left the hobby all together. Through scrapbooking I developed my photography skills and followed blogs that had beautiful photography including Elizabeth Kartchner's blog. This past summer she made an adorable little mini album using Crate Paper's Neighborhood Collection. I feel in love. At first I just had to hunt down that paper.... but the more and more I dug... the further I feel! What I really love about it is that my girls (9 and 5) can join in on the fun, they love making little books with my bind it all. My oldest even put an instax on her Christmas list!

What are your top 5 favorite products and why?

1. Is white cardstock the most boring answer in all of history, or what?  I am sorry its the perfect backdrop!! Even when I was a digital scrapbooker, I simply scrapped on top of a white canvas, I think colors POP off them and no matter how messy you get, ... its still a clean look. 

2. Paint! Splatter it. Sprinkle it. Smear it. Cover it. There is so much you can do with this versitile product! If it comes in a spray bottle or a can you can do wonders with it. I also love that you can mix it and match anything you are working with!

3. Patterned paper, of course! I really love cutting it up into little tiny accent pieces all over my white canvas! I really love the 6x6 pads since the scale is smaller and lends itself well to this! 

4. Washi Tape - I am so excited everyone is discovering this little gem, because now they are coming out with all these NEW patterns! LOVE it!!! ! I found it in 2006 and was using it on home decor projects, so it was natural to bring it onto my pages. 

5. Does the Cameo count? I find new ways to use that thing on a daily basis! 

What is your favorite Studio Calico product and why?

Hands down Mister Huey's!!! Oh gosh! I am just in love with that Mister! I use its on every.single.page! Since I do usually use a white cardstock background the Mister Huey products add the perfect touch!

What is your favorite go-to or signature technique?

Like I said, I definitely like my blank canvas, and I am also a "white" space scrapper. Add in some misting, sewing and a picture and I am good to go! I am also really loving using my digital background with my Cameo and making some fun hybrid layouts!

Where do you find your inspiration? 

EVERYWHERE! First off, of course my children and husband bring me the most inspiration. The funny quotes, the adorable pictures, how could you not be inspired? The scrapbooking community as a whole is an endless source of inspiration from the community to the galleries.. I am AMAZED on a daily basis the talent that is out there!

What is your favorite color and/or color combo?

I love anything with turquoise and grey! 

Tell us a bit about your design process.

As I said before, my background is really in digital scrapbooking, and I am finding I am dipping my toe back into that world a bit with my Cameo. So my layouts all start in the silhouette software. If I am inspired by a shape, or using a template.. thats where I start.If I am using a paper product, I LOVE 6x6 pads, because a lot of times the companies will shrink the scale down a bit. Since I scrap on a smaller scale (8x* with a lot of white space) that really helps me!  From there I print off my journaling ...... then its gets messy! Sewing, painting, misrting, cutting, ... its just FUN! I just keep going until my layout feels done. I always know the "bones' of my layout before I start,... buts its all the little bits and pieces that you add that really make a page standout. 

Tell us a bit about what else you do since we know you are creative in more ways than just scrapbooking.  

I am lucky enough to be surrounded by creative people in my life. So we are always creating something. Twice a year I get together with 8-12 girlfriends/family and we all pick a project/craft to teach other. Its so much fun to learn new techniques and ideas. We craft all day & night... chat,.. eat.. you get the idea! Its loads of fun! :) Because of things like that I enjoy loads of things from photography, felting, painting, beading, sewing etc. I am one lucky lady to be surrounded by these amazing people!!

Thanks so much for sharing a little bit about yourself Shanna! 


 

Member Spotlight: Stephanie Baxter

Stephanie Baxter has been a long-time member at Studio Calico and we love the contribution she brings to the message board and gallery.  She's just all-around inspiring and fabulous with her creative layouts and her positive attitude.  I'm excited to get to put Stephanie in the spotlight this month!

Name: Stephanie Baxter
Studio Calico Username: *paperandglue*
City, State, Country: London, UK
Blog: http://stephaniebaxter.blogspot.com

When did you start scrapbooking and what got you started? I first became aware of scrapbooking about 7 years ago when I got a Saturday job in a little scrapbooking store near where I lived. Through that, I found my way to the online world of scrapbooking and kept up with things that way, although I didn’t do much scrapbooking then! It’s only been in the last 2-3 years or so that I’ve really gotten into it properly and made it my hobby.

What are your top 5 favorite products and why? There are SO many to choose from!! I guess I’d have to say patterned paper (I love American Crafts, October Afternoon, Crate Paper, Pebbles and SC, of course!), Thickers, punches, white or vanilla cardstock and dimensional adhesive. I use these products on pretty much EVERY layout I make!

What is your favorite Studio Calico product and why? I am LOVING all the wood veneer stuff right now...I think the asterisks are my favourite! I also can’t wait for the new camera ones. Mister Huey’s is also a definite favourite.

What is your favorite go-to or signature technique? I’m not really a technique-y kind of scrapper, but I do love to use dimensional adhesive on all my pages, either to use on the photos or on a journaling spot or something...I just like the dimension it gives and the way it makes stuff pop off the page. I also love to mix and match different patterned papers...I can’t get enough of paper!

Where do you find your inspiration? Pinterest is a huge source of inspiration for me right now. I find all sorts of random images on there that I try to use as a starting point for a page. I also love looking through the SC gallery at both the DT work and the member’s layouts...so many inspiring people there, it’s unbelievable!

What is your favorite color and/or color combo? This is something that changes for me all the time! If you asked me next week, I’d probably say something completely different! Right now, I absolutely adore grey with soft and pretty pinks, greens and yellows, a la the new Dear Lizzy Neopolitan line.

Tell us a bit about your design process. I try and start with something that inspires me...this might be an image from Pinterest, a quote or just a new product that I can’t wait to use. From there I pick a bunch of products that I think I might want to use, lay down my photos, pieces of paper and embellishments without gluing them down...I spend quite a bit of time moving bits around before committing to adhering them down! I agonise and deliberate for ages about where things should go, although you’d never know that from looking at my pages since they are often quite simple! I always do my journaling last. Always. I like to look at the whole page with the photos on it to give me some sort of emotional response which then helps me phrase what I want to say.

Tell us a bit about what else you do since we know you are creative in more ways than just scrapbooking. I have to be quite creative in my job sometimes since I teach 6 and 7 year olds...we’re always doing some sort of arty project! I actually made a display with the kids that took a bit of inspiration from Kelly Purkey’s amazing map layouts!! Our topic is Africa and the display is a massive collage map of Africa showing the different environments (rainforest, desert, savannah, etc.)...before sticking the collage on the wall, I made a larger map and used it as a mask before going to town on the board with some Mr Huey’s!! Many thanks to Kelly for the amazing idea! I also love photography, although since starting teaching I don’t really have much time for it. Working with children has really given me a passion for children’s photography though... I’d love to do that some day!

Thanks for sharing a peek into your process and world, Stephanie!  We love having you as a memeber at SC.

Member Spotlight: Ann-Marie Morris

The gallery has been filled with amazing inspiration and I'm so happy that one of my favorite scrapbookers has been sharing her work there recently.  I love her bright colors, happy outlook, and take on scrapbooking the everyday.  Meet Ann-Marie Morris...
Name: Ann-Marie Morris
Studio Calico Username: Ann-Marie Morris
City, State, Country: Currently Orem, Utah but I'm originally from Southern California.
Blog: annmarielovespaper.wordpress.com

When did you start scrapbooking and what got you started? While I have always been really into crafting, I didn't get into scrapbooking until I was a junior in college. That Christmas, I decided to make my parents a scrapbook of family memories. Before I knew it, I was knee-deep in design blogs and amazed at all the endless ways that people can combine paper + photos! SInce then, I've worked for a local scrapbook store, a Paper Source, and now American Crafts, all in the name of my love for this hobby. I can't wait to see where it takes me next!

What are your top 5 favorite products and why? Oh man, it's so hard to narrow the list down to five, but I almost always grab patterned paper, Thickers, stamps, mists, and vellum! All five of these products are so versatile and easily add so much interest to any type of project.


What is your favorite Studio Calico product and why? Mister Huey's, especially Calico White! I can't get over how beautifully opaque the mists are - there's nothing else like it!

What is your favorite go-to or signature technique? I don't know if there's one particular technique I use every time, but I am a big fan of imperfections. I love "winging it" as I go, without worrying about whether everything is perfect or not.

Where do you find your inspiration? These days, I can't seem to pull my eyes away from Instagram and all the amazing iPhone photographers out there! I also love blogs and Pinterest for a quick burst of inspiration!


What is your favorite color and/or color combo? All of my projects feature at least a little bit of teal + yellow, but I love using as many colors as possible. Oh, and you can never go wrong with kraft!

Tell us a bit about your design process: When it comes to layouts, I usually have a general idea of how I want them to look, but nothing too exact. I find that the more I allow myself to play and experiment, the more I love the end result. But when it comes to minibooks and Project Life, I like to have a little bit more structure and maybe a couple of "rules" here and there. With all my projects, my most favorite part of the design process is the embellishing. I LIVE for embellishments! Once I feel like my page has been sufficiently decorated, I add a little journaling (either handwritten or typewritten) and call it good!


Tell us a bit about what else you do since we know you are creative in more ways than just scrapbooking: When I'm not working as an In-House Designer at American Crafts, I love to thrift, decorate my apartment, explore new places, and of course, spend lots of time shopping at Target :)

Speaking of being an In-House Designer at AC, I saw this little sneak peek on Ann-Marie's blog last week:

New letter stickers made from her handwriting - how cool is that!  Thanks for being a great inspiration - we can't wait to see what you share next, Ann-Marie.

Member Spotlight: TamiG

My new scrapcrush is on the fabulous Tami Gookstetter... her layouts in the gallery caught my eye the other day and I spent way too much time drooling over her pages.  She's a huge inspiration and a great part of the SC Community!  Let's get to know her a little bit better:

Name: Tami Gookstetter
Studio Calico Username: TamiG
City, State, Country Edgewood, WA USA
Blog: www.ButterflyKissPhotography.com/Blog

When did you start scrapbooking and what got you started? I have been scrapbooking since the late 90s really (lots of shaped pictures and decorative scissor use!) but took a hiatus in my college years.  I recently started again in 2010 when I happened across Studio Calico on the web.  I fell in love immediately with my first kit, On the Easel, and have been hooked ever since. I love scrapbooking as both a creative outlet and a way to preserve memories, since pictures often just reside on hard drives nowadays.  I love that my family will be able to look back at these albums and get a peek into our life through the years.

What are your top 5 favorite products and why? The top of the list would have to be Thickers, I can use those on every single page without fail.  I also love using mist, die cuts (like OA miscellany), buttons, and chipboard.

What is your favorite Studio Calico product and why? I love Mister Huey's so so much.  I like the versatility; I can add splatters or spray on a page, color chipboard pieces and use them with masking.  I love the color range and the opacity too.

What is your favorite go-to or signature technique? Hmmm, this is a tough question...but I do like to add mist splatters or a touch of hand sewing to most layouts.

Where do you find your inspiration? I love looking at Pinterest for interesting color combos, quotes, and designs.  It also is really helpful for me to start with a sketch so I am always checking out the Sunday Sketches for inspiration.  And I can't forget the Studio Calico gallery, all the members post such inspiring work!

What is your favorite color and/or color combo? I love the color green, especially chartreuse.

Tell us a bit about your design process.  I usually start with either a sketch/design in mind, or a technique I want to try out.  I started printing my photos from home this year, on my little HP photo printer, which has been really great for me since I like to use different sizes on my layouts and helps me to be able to scrap whenever I have time without waiting to get prints.  After printing the photos I will pull out a coordinating kit and choose a few key elements, colors, and patterns that compliment the photo and theme of my layout.  I never glue until the very end, so I will just cut, layer and move bits around it it feels right.  I kind of work backwards because them I will take everything off and do any sewing/misting before putting everything back and gluing down.  I always journal last; this part is tough for me and I tend to keep it simple and factual, I am not a big writer.

Tell us a bit about what else you do since we know you are creative in more ways than just scrapbooking. When I am not scrapbooking, I am busy being a mom and running my photography business. I love that I can combine all my passions with my photography; shopping, vintage goodies, crafting, and meeting wonderful new people.  Actually I was just noticing how similar my scrapbooking and photography style are. I would love it if anyone wants to check out my work and leave a comment, either on my blog: www.ButterflyKissPhotography.com/Blog or facebook: www.facebook.com/ButterflyKissPhotography

Thanks for sharing, Tami!  We can't wait to see what you come up with next.

Member Spotlight

I was so excited when my creative friend Paige Evans joined Studio Calico and started sharing her amazing work in the gallery... there's so much inspiration in all her pages!  I'm excited to share a little bit more about her as our November spotlighted member.

Studio Calico Username - PaigeEvans
City, State, Country – South Pasadena, CA, USA
Blog – www.paigeandchris.com

When did you start scrapbooking and what got you started? I started scrapbooking when I was 16 and got my very first job at a scrapbooking store (it wasn’t even my first choice for a job but boy am I glad it worked out the way it did!). My life has revolved around scrapbooking ever since! I worked there (Yesterday’s Scrapbooking & Stuff) until I left for college and got a job at Pebbles In My Pocket, then I started working for Northridge Publishing (they publish Scrapbook Trends, CARDS, the Create: series, Simply Handmade, Bead Trends, and the new Cricut Mags) where I still work for from home going on 6 years now; I was an In House Scrapbooker/Product Designer for American Crafts for 20 months and now I’m their Blog Hostess and Design Team Manager. I also had a brief stint at Archiver’s. My how 10 years of scrapbooking has flown by!
What are your top 5 favorite products and why?

#1 – patterned paper because there are unlimited choices and I love all the things that can be created with it.

#2 – fabric brads because they can be incorporated onto pretty much any project and I love the bit of texture and pop of color they add.

#3 – Bits decorative tags by American Crafts because they’re the perfect blend of design and cuteness.

#4 – punches because they can be used in so many different ways over and over again.

#5 – my sewing machine because it gives all my projects that perfect finishing touch and I love the “homemade/homespun” look.

What is your favorite Studio Calico product and why? I know I’m going to sound like a broken record here, but the patterned paper is my favorite! Every piece is usable!
What is your favorite go-to or signature technique? Because I love using lots of different patterned papers on my layouts and projects any kind of paper technique where I can show off as much patterned paper as possible is okay in my book!
Where do you find your inspiration? Recently – Pinterest! Also magazines like Scrapbook Trends, CARDS, Simply Handmade, Cricut… wink wink

What is your favorite color and/or color combo? Does rainbow count as a color? I’m all about bright, happy, and fun color combos!

Tell us a bit about your design process. I start with a super simple sketch of what I have in mind. Usually it involves a lot of patterned paper so I’ll choose my papers based on the colors of the photo/s and then cut into them to make the embellishments or background. I don’t adhere anything until I’ve figured out the placement. Lots of times I step away from my projects and come back several hours later when new inspiration comes to mind.

Tell us a bit about what else you do since we know you are creative in more ways than
just scrapbooking. I’ve been a mommy for just over a year now so that takes up most of my time! I also love to bookbind, dabble in fine arts like painting and drawing, and home décor projects are always fun. Someday I’d like to get back into the design aspect of scrapbooking. There’s nothing like seeing products you’ve designed in stores or on layouts of friends in this awesome community!

We're so glad to have you as a member, Paige!

Member Spotlight

Say hello to Allie - this month's spotlighted member!  Allie's layouts popped right out at me in the gallery with her stylish simplicity.  Let's get to know this fun girl a little bit better...
Name: Allie Hamblin
Studio Calico Username: AllieH
City, State, Country: Exeter, Great Britain

When did you start scrapbooking and what got you started?I started after I got married in 2005 as a way to preserve some of the photographs that we had but since having my daughter in 2008 and joining Studio Calico I have been completely hooked.

What are your top 5 favorite products and why?
    •    Punches - particularly circle and butterfly ones.
    •    Needle and thread and Kinsey's templates as I love to add a little bit of handstitching to my pages.
    •    Little alphabet stamps for my journaling as I really don't like my handwriting and have to share the computer with my husband.
    •    Patterned paper - Love it in all colours, patterns and manufacturers.
    •    Thickers - who doesn't have a slight addiction to them? 


What is your favorite Studio Calico product and why? I love the veneer shapes. They're so great at adding a little touch to a page and I love the fact that you can alter them to suit whatever layout you are making.

What is your favorite go-to or signature technique? I'm a pretty simple scrapper, but I guess most of my pages tend to have lots of white space, some handstitching and a little bit of patterned paper.

Where do you find your inspiration? I love looking at the gallery here at Studio Calico. I see so much great work from both the designers and members that is really inspirational. Apart from that I have to admit to a love of Pinterest for interesting design and colour ideas.

What is your favorite color and/or color combo? White and anything else. I have to force myself to use other colour backgrounds.

Tell us a bit about your design process. Most of my pages are about our daughter, so I tend to start with the picture or story I want to tell. I tend to work with the most current SC kit, I'm a bit of a kit killer and tend not to buy much elsewhere, and pick out the paper and embellishments that I think will complement the photo. I then just move things around until I am happy with it and stick it down before I change my mind.

Tell us a bit about what else you do since we know you are creative in more ways than just scrapbooking. I have been trying to develop my photography as I love taking photos, unfortunately a three year old does not always make a willing subject! I also enjoy sewing, knitting and crocheting small projects and baking with my daughter.

Thanks for sharing all your beautiful layouts with us, Allie!

Member Spotlight: Sarah

Hi SC friends!  It's Kelly here to share the love I have for one of our amazing message board member, Sarah Andreotti.  Her work has really caught my eye lately and I just realized that her two year SC Anniversary is coming up on September 11.  She's also from my home state of Michigan and lives in a city not too far from where I grew up.  So cool!  Here's a little bit more about Sarah...

Name: Sarah Andreotti
Studio Calico Username: Sarah Andreotti
Town, State: Frankenmuth, Michigan USA
Blog: http://sarah-scrapsoflife.blogspot.com/

When did you start scrapbooking and what got you started? I started scrapbooking in 2007 when my sister just moved to the Virgin Islands and was going to miss my then 6 month old daughter growing up. I made my sister a scrapbook of everything that was going on back home to send her for her birthday and I was hooked! My stash grew from a small Iris container of products to a whole card catalog plus some! 


What are your top 5 favorite products and why?
Mists: So many options- masking, using on veneer or chipboard, splatters or full on coverage!
Buttons: There are so many different shapes, colors, etc. that I can justify using them on just about any page. And they always have to be stitched on for me!
Bakers Twine: I love all the colors available now and the fact that it works for not just scrapbooking, but cute packaging and more!
Wood Veneer: So many possibilities!
Tim Holz Mini Attacher: Genius invention, really. I've recently found they're the perfect addition to the little boy pages I get to do now that I have a baby boy! 


What is your favorite Studio Calico product and why? Mister Huey's in White. LOVE. 

What is your favorite go-to or signature technique? Machine stitching adds that little something if I feel my page isn't quite complete.

Where do you find your inspiration? Blogs, magazines and Pinterest. Oh, the time I've spent on Pinterest!

What is your favorite color and/or color combo? I love pink and pretty much anything that goes with it!

Tell us a bit about your design process. I start with the photos, then come up with the design. I usually have what papers I want to use in mind, then add embellies as I go. I always incorporate the journaling space in my design planning, but I never know what I want to say until I'm writing it down.

Tell us a bit about what else you do since we know you are creative in more ways than just scrapbooking. I love photography! I love taking photos of my family just doing our day to day stuff, or trying to set up some cute little shoot that my 4 year old then has no interest in. J
I also like to pretend I know how to sew and sew up little things- headbands and totebags have been my recent projects. My sewing machine definitely sees more paper than fabric, though!

Thanks for being a fabulous SC member, Sarah!

Member Spotlight

Hello there, Celine here to share our newest member spotlight... I LOVE what this girl makes!
Name:  Rahel Menig
Studio Calico Username:  RahelMenig
City, State, Country:  Gilroy, CA USA
Blog:  http://www.swissgirldesigns.com

When did you start scrapbooking and what got you started? Now, the problem with this question is, I can't really remember the exact year when I started with scrapbooking... But it had to be in 2004 or 2005, cause my favorite Aunty came back from a trip to Canada and was totally excited about her new found hobby. She didn't really had a lot of time to explain the whole thing to me, but said "you always have to use three of every element on a double layout". I went home that day and started my very first mini album from scratch, using some baby pictures of me that I found in my moms drawer. At that time there were absolutely NO scrapbooking stores in Switzerland (yes, I'm a real Swiss miss ;) ) so I had to improvise. I used lots of that normal crafting cardstock, would make my own paper with coffee and berry stains and would print out word documents feauturing ABC's.

What are your top 5 favorite products and why?
1. I love love love my pink hot glue gun! I pretty much use it to glue anything and everything on my pages. It even works GREAT to add some cool dimensions :D

2. Patterned paper, patterned paper, I can't live without patterned paper! I like to make lots of banners (and glue it with my pink hot glue gun...), make triangles as part-matting behind pictures or cut funny boarders to add around the layout.

3. Thickers! I seriously can't get enough Thickers ;) I tried lots of different brands for sticker alphas, but I always returned to American Crafts somehow.. Especially love the glitter ones ;) heeee

4. It's new and super addicting: Washi Tape! Yes, this really needs to go on the top 5 list.. They add so much fun and color and are super versatile too, f.ex. I like to stick plain pictures on the wall with this tape and it looks like a million bucks :D

5. Now here it gets hard, cause my list of top favorite products is long.. But I guess I would pick plain old white tissue paper or old street maps for the last point. I love to add lots of texture with these two things, making the pages more interesting to look at.

Some other favorites would be: glassine bags, typewriter, sewing machine, pearls and baker's twine :D Oh, and not to forget: fabric!

What is your favorite Studio Calico product and why? I really like the patterned paper, especially Mud Pie, Betsy and Grove from the Countryside Collection. I seriously can't get enough of the Mud Pie Alphas!! Even made a little wall art with one of the letters.... dumdeedum.. Oh, and I can't tell you in a higher voice, how AWESOME these paper work in my minis! love love love!
What is your favorite go-to or signature technique? Hmmm... (thinking about my latest layouts and what could be called special about them...)  I guess the layering and the banners would be my signature style. I love to write title-parts or journaling with my vintage typewriter and then cut them into banners and adhere them in a way they add dimension to my page. By layering I mean mainly the 'behind the picture' stuff that is usually going on in my layouts. I love to use white tissue paper and doilies to make it all interesting.  Also I love to use non-scrapbooking related stuff like road maps for example or meaningful ephemera scraps. One more thing is that I often scrap about everyday situations like f.ex. getting a new computer. I made like 4 pages only about that topic ;)

Where do you find your inspiration? Pretty much everywhere. Since I can't make up my layouts in my head in advance, I just go with gut feelings while I work. If there are paint brushes on my desk I might be inspired to do some background painting, if I have flowers in reach I might use them on the page. I also have my favorite blogs that I like to check out daily, but I never try to do the exact same and copy other people's work. Thinking about the question a bit longer I think I get inspired most by products that I love and have in reach. For example I have a stack of doilies in my drawer and use them on pretty much every single page I do...

What is your favorite color and/or color combo? I would say I usually scrap with light colors and soft patterned paper. Basically I love naturals and then rock it with some color pops. I absolutely adore the power of a soft and feminine yellow in combination with a nice teal or 'Mud Pie Alpha Blue'. Also I love to throw in a bit pink or rose - oh, and I looooove white or creme Bazzil Bling cardstock!

Tell us a bit about your design process. I have a cardboard shipping box with my favorite items like patterned paper and alphas in it. I usullay put that box on the bed (since I scrap in our bedroom...), go back to my computer and look for a picture that I would like to make a layout or tell the story about. Once I found it I print it out and go back to the box and look for cool items and start combining the products. I put on some relaxing music (usually Mendy Gledhill or Movie Soundtracks) and just let myself go I guess.. ;) It's very important for me, that my desk is very clean (probably because it's a very limited space...) if it's messy I sure can't make a good page! Also sometimes I just can't connect with the picture/story I chose in the first place and get all frustrated. If that happens, well, then I usually have to find another picture or two ;)

Tell us a bit about what else you do since we know you are creative in more ways than just scrapbooking. My heart beats for photography. I actually made an apprenticeship in the field of photography back in Switzerland. I love to go out and just have fun with unusual angles, light situations or what so ever, as long as it's different! Also I just started with watercolor after a veeeery long break. I used to go to classes with my mom, like a million years ago. I'm totally hooked again and hope to incorporate that with my layouts somehow :)

Thanks for sharing your beautiful work, girl!