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!
lovely! (sidenote:her website link isn't working)
Posted by: Tina | 08/06/2011 at 01:59 PM
Rahel!!!! I am so excited for you!! You know I am probably your biggest fan! :D Love LOVE your layouts here! *Hugs!*
Posted by: Amy Parker | 08/07/2011 at 04:09 AM
wow--such beautiful pages! love your work :)
Posted by: alisyn | 08/07/2011 at 11:21 AM
I love Rahel's style and have been watching her videos - she's amazing!
Posted by: Michelle Early | 08/07/2011 at 12:04 PM
I tried to find her studio calico gallery but nothing came up under her user name? Maybe the name is wrong? I would love to see more of her work!
Posted by: Jessica R | 08/07/2011 at 02:31 PM
um, what is f.ex? Also where do you buy all of your white tissue paper? Love your stuff!
Posted by: Laci M. | 08/07/2011 at 06:17 PM
Lexi: I think it is for example shortened. :D
Jessica R: Her username is RahelMenig. Link:http://www.studiocalico.com/forums/user/show/24241
Posted by: Amy Parker | 08/07/2011 at 09:43 PM
I watched a video of how you constructed a layout...and I can't remember how I got there right now...but I was so AMAZED that you used a glue gun on scrapbook pages. It works! Fun to learn a little more about you...thanks for sharing!
Posted by: Karen Imes | 08/08/2011 at 04:11 PM
I found Rachel on youtube while looking for scrapbook page inspiration. You have totally inspired me and now I look forward to your blog and more creative videos. Some videos I watch over and over. I especially love when you use stamps because I am addicted to stamping!
Posted by: Mary Ann P | 08/11/2011 at 11:40 AM
i love your style rahel (: so inspiring!
Posted by: daphnie | 08/14/2011 at 01:51 PM