My Paper Creations

Questions Part Four

I'm finally back with the last set of questions and answers (more stamping related stuff).   We have had a busy and fun weekend, but I haven't stamped a thing in a week.  I'm hoping to get the chance to stamp and scrapbook this week, but I know business paperwork is on the agenda for tomorrow. Ugh. *wink*  I'll be back in the morning to post another card from the Papertrey Ink release.

Stamping Questions Part Two

How do you usually start a project, stamp inspires you or paper?  Do you start with choosing papers, colors or stamp image first?
When I am working with an image that I will color, I pick the image first and then choose the patterned papers and cardstocks I want to use.  I choose the copic markers colors that coordinate well with the patterned papers (using my copic color chart).

Do you color first or select DP first?
I pick my patterned papers first so the colors in my images coordinate with the papers.

Do you draw good inspiration from looking at magazines?
Sometimes.  I keep an inspiration notebook that I turn to when I'm really stuck.  I'm honestly bad about not grabbing it more often.  I should use it more.  I also have a sketch book and I do use it a lot.

Would like to know what your "go-to" source of inspiration is, if there's a certain website or magazine that just always gets your oh so creative juices flowing?
I don't really think there is a particular site that I go to for inspiration.  I love reading blogs and follow quite a few.  My favorite magazine is Paper Crafts (really love their Stamp It issues).

Where do you get most of your inspiration for your wonderful cards? What inspires you the most in card making?
Hmm.  This is a hard one.  My inspiration comes from many different things.  Sometimes, it might be a sketch (one of my own, someone else's, or a sketch from a card or layout in a magazine - I even use scrapbook sketches once in a while).  Other times, it might be a color combo that I want to try, a photo from a magazine or catalog, or just the idea for a card that popped into my head.  When we get the images for upcoming stamp sets, I often sit and sketch out some ideas for each stamp set.  Sometimes, they become cards and other times, they're just ideas sitting in my sketchbook waiting to be made into a card.  Sometimes, the card doesn't even end up looking like the sketched idea, but the sketch still serves as a great starting place.  Here's a page out of my sketchbook to show you what I mean about sketching for certain stamp sets (this was this year's anniversary set):

 
(You can click on the photo to enlarge it.)

I'd like to know if you visualize your finished project before you start, or if you create by the seat of your pants?   Is it the inspiration from the stamp set or something else?
Both.  Sometimes, I sketch before I start creating with a set.  Sometimes, the idea just pops into my head. (I've been known to get up and sketch an idea for a card more than once after the idea came to me after going to bed.)  Sometimes, the idea for a card might come from somewhere else and I choose the stamps to create it.

Who do you look up to? What is your favorite stamping blog other than your own? Who are the TWO crafting people who are the most influential to you?
I have to say that I get to work with some of the people who inspire me the most and it's wonderful.  I love getting to know what amazing ladies they are besides just being amazing paper crafters.  My favorite stamping blog besides my own?  Oh, that's a tough one!  I guess it would be Nichole Heady and Debbie Olsen as they are the most influential in my card making.  They are absolutely amazing and so innovative!  I love both of their styles, too.  But the entire Papertrey Ink design team really inspires me with every release!

One of my hardest things in card making is to come up with the layout. What helps you decide how to design the card?
Probably my sketch book.  When I'm stuck, I flip through it to try to find a sketch that inspires me in some way.

My question is how do you think up all of your creations and designs?
I don't really have an answer.  Things just sometimes pop into my head and I experiment with the idea.  Don't be afraid to experiment.  You might not like the results, but chances are you will learn something or find some little thing that you do like. 

Do you tend to use a particular sketch site when trying out new combinations?
I don't really use any particular sketch sites for my cards.  Julee has some great sketches through her Mojo Monday blog and there are some great sketches on SCS sketch challenge, too.  Page Maps has great sketches for scrapbooking.

Do you do a lot of experimenting on paper before you come up with a design, or do you think most of it out in your head before putting it to paper?
I do experiment with designs sometimes.  There are times when I create something based upon a sketch I made and I don't like the results or it needs something extra.  An example would be the hot air balloon card I made for the Everyday Button Bits group post.  Originally, the sketch did not include the circle.  It needed something extra and I wanted a good place to put the sentiment.  It popped into my head to add the ledger paper circle and I like the results.  The card ended up the result of a sketch and some experimenting.

What has been your favorite project you have done and why?
Hmm.  My favorite Papertrey Ink project is probably this card.  I just love the colors, sponged ink edges, patterns, sketch, etc.  I am in a phase where I love using circles on my cards.  My favorite High Hopes card would be this one.  Again, I like all the circles, patterned papers, colors, distressed edges, etc.

Do you ever go into a slump and can't come up with clever ideas? What do you do when you get designers block?
Yes.  If I lose my mojo, I often just walk away.  Forcing it is the hardest thing.  Sometimes walking away and coming back later will help.  Other times, I might just play around with my supplies with nothing in particular in mind.  Sometimes you can come up with great ideas by just playing.

How do go from basic cards to "more" when you're just beginning?
This is kind of a hard one.  I don't really have an answer except lots of practice.  I did not become the designer I am today after just making a few cards. (And I'm not trying to brag about my abilities, I just mean that my cards are completely different from when I started to the cards I create now.)  I've created probably hundreds of cards.  With each card, I find something I like or don't like or a technique that I want to do again.  And the more cards you create, the closer you will be to finding your own style.  My style is eclectic.  I like to do all sort of styles and just create whatever the mood is when it strikes.

I am a stamping novice (although I seem to own a lot), so any advice you can give for a stamping newbie would be appreciated!
Just play and have fun.  This is such a fun hobby.  The more you do it, the closer you will be to finding your style.

Have a great night!

Niki

Questions Part Three

Thanks to everyone for their feedback on the FAQ posts.  I was really just curious if they were of interest.  Most of the interest will probably be the stamping related questions so I'm back again this evening with the first of two posts related to all the stamping questions you all had.  (You all had a LOT of stamping related questions! lol)

Stamping Questions Part One

How long have you been stamping?
I started stamping a little bit in my scrapbooks in the spring of 2007, but it didn't become a hobby all on it's own until probably the fall of 2007.

You make so many great patterned papers for your cards and actually *use* them on future cards. How do you organize those papers so that they actually get to see the light of day again?
No real organization.  I just keep them with my cardstock.

What is your 'favorite' time to create?
I don't really have a favorite time.  I usually end up creating in the afternoons.  It's usually afternoon by the time I get other things done and have a chance to create something.  My crafting space is along one side of our bedroom so I can't create at night.  (My husband gets up around 2 or 3 am so no late nights for me.)

Do you have a favorite color or color scheme with which you like to work? What's your favorite color combo? I would like to know how you come up with your color combos.
I kind of answered this before.  I don't really have a favorite color combo, just whatever strikes me at the moment.  Color combos sometimes come from just trying colors together and other times they might be from a photo in a catalog or magazine. 

How long have you been creating cards?
I've been creating cards since fall 2007.  (Anyone else think it's weird that those dates are stuck in my head?!  I started my first blog around that time so maybe that's why I remember the time of year.)

How did you get started in card making?
Blogs are what got me into card making.  I have been a scrapbooker for about nine years.  One day, I came across blogs and fell in love with stamping and card making.

I was wondering if you prefer making cards like this one, or the ones where there is a lot of coloring involved?
I don't really have a preference.  Sometimes, I like to just stamp and other times, I love to create cards with lots of coloring.  I really enjoy doing both.  I think that's one reason I really love working with the companies I get to work with.  I get to do both styles. *smile*

Do you make one single card, or do you make multiples if you really like the design?
Almost all of my cards are single cards.  I rarely mass produce.  I don't know why.  I just can't get into mass production. 

How long does it take you to make a card?  Do you just focus on one, or do you have several going on at once?  
It really varies from card to card.  Some might take a half hour and others might be longer than an hour.    I only create one card at a time.  If I leave a card and move on to something else, the first card will probably never be finished.

What is your favorite paper crafting technique?
Hmm.  Sponging ink around the edges and sewing on my cards are probably my favorites and my stand bys.

How do you get your inking looking so even and perfect?
Practice.  I use those large yellow sponges and cut them into quarters.  I ink the sponge up and dab some off onto scrap paper.  This helps so you don't get too much ink.  You can always add more, but you can't take it away.  Then, I turn the sponge as I ink the edges.  I ink the very edge with the center of the sponge where there is more ink and turn as I'm adding more ink further in so that I am using the part of the sponge where there is less ink.  (I don't know if that makes sense.)

Can you do a tutorial or talk more about your stitching on your cards?
I can try to answer questions, but I don't know about doing a tutorial.  I don't have a camcorder so I don't know how easy it would be to show you how I stitch.  Email me some questions and I will try to post something.

How do you know which stamps coordinate with which other stamps (other than the obvious ones from the same set)? Do you spend a lot of time with placing stamps together to see if they work or do you pretty much know that they will or will not work?
I just experiment to find combinations I like.  Sometimes it works; sometimes it doesn't. *wink*

Do you ever just feel a card is "so-so" but everyone else loves it?
Absolutely.  Some of my favorite cards won't get very many comments and others that I don't really care for will get lots of comments.  (I think I might have bad taste! lol *wink*)

It's encouraging to me that even you designers sometimes make cards you don't care for but are still willing to post them for all to see. I am way too critical of what I make... but others don't seem to be. I need to remember that.
Obviously, this isn't a question, but I wanted to comment about it anyway.  I can assure you that I make things that I don't like.  Sometimes they never see the blog (*wink*), but most of the time I will post them anyway.  I figure there will probably be some part of the card that might inspire someone in some way even if I don't like how the entire card turned out.  I agree that most designers don't tend to say when they don't care for a card, but I'm willing to bet we all create cards we don't really care for.  I just don't mind saying it for everyone to read. lol

Have you been published in magazines and if yes, how many times and what magazines?
Yes, I've been published a few times.  I'm terrible about submitting.  I will be good and submit one month and then, months usually go by before I submit again.  Just too many things to do and this hasn't become a priority. You can see my publication list here.

What would be your ideal stamp set that hasn't been made yet?
I honestly don't know. 

I love all the cards you made with Guidelines 2. I have the set but haven't used it yet!
Where do I start?!?!?
Just play around with it.  That's my best advice.  You never know what you'll come up with.

When you have a straight border (or somewhat straight) what is the best way to meet them up if it isn't big enough to go across your card?
Some stamps can be hard to line up.  If you mess up the border a little bit or the edge is a hard edge where the border won't be smooth, just cover it up (a button, a ribbon, a strip of patterned paper).  Lots of things will work well to cover the border and enhance the design at the same time.

I'm curious about what themes/images do you predict becoming the next fad in the stamping world?
I don't really know.  Some people are predicting hot air balloons and peacocks.  I don't know about the whole peacock thing.  Not sure if I could get into that fad.  I don't think I really worry about what is the next best thing.  I use what I love.  Cupcakes are a big trend, but it took me a long time to find a cupcake set I love (PTI's Cupcake Collection).

How long have you been a CTMH consultant and what type of set up so you have to photograph your cards?
I've been a consultant since the beginning of the year, but am now a junior consultant because I am not active.  I don't sell to anyone and mainly just purchase a few scrapbook things here and there.  I use a light tent to photograph my cards.  I purchased mine here, but they don't have the same one anymore.  This one is similar.

Happy Stamping!

Niki

Questions Part Two

Back again with another round of answers to your questions. Today's questions are about storage, tools, and the personal stuff.  I have a couple more posts that answer stamping related questions. 

Storage Questions

What would you recommend for storing punches yet having them readily available?

I use an old Sterilite drawer thing that I've had forever.  It's under the table my kids use for art stuff.  It's not really organized.  Most of the smaller punches are in the top and larger in the bottom, but my kids use the punches all the time and put them back into any drawer.   (Holy cow, do they ever love to punch patterned paper!!) It's not a very organized way of storing them, but it works for me and the kids can get to them easily.

I have my border punches on a small shelf. (Sorry for the blurry photo.)

Have you ever posted pictures of your stamping area?
I posted some a long time ago on my old blog, but my space has changed a lot since then.

When are you going to show us where you create? Do you have a separate crafting room or do you carve your area out of shared space.. 
Sorry, I haven't done this yet.  If you could find my desk under the disaster left from this Papertrey Ink release, it would be easier!! lol  Seriously, I need to clean up some stuff and organize some things and then I will try to take some photos.  My space is along one wall of our bedroom so I don't have my own room.  Wouldn't that be heavenly?!

Tool Questions

What's your favorite embossing machine?
By embossing, I am guessing you mean die cut tool.  If not, sorry!  I use a cuttlebug with my nestability dies.

And what is your favorite product/tool? The one you just can't (or don't want to) do without?
Hmm.  I guess that would be my sewing machine and copic markers.  I use both of them a lot!

Does sewing on your cards ever cause problems with your machine or do you have a separate machine for cards? What kind of sewing machine do you use to sew on your cards?
I have a separate machine for my paper crafting.  I have a Janome Sew Mini.  They are often on sale at Hancock Fabrics online store for $39.99.  I love mine and have been using it for about a year and half.

When using stitching on a card do you make an attempt to hide the back (for example- stitching through layers one and two and then adhering this to layer three/the card front)?
Sometimes.  I usually try to stitch on a layer that you won't see the back, but I don't let it stop me if I want to sew right on the card base.  You could always add a piece of cardstock or copy paper to the inside as a liner.

I would LOVE to know your method of ensuring your layers are perfectly straight?
I use the Perfect Layers tool.  I bought mine from QVC years ago for scrapbooking.  SU used to sell it, but they don't anymore.  QVC is the only place I know of where you can buy them now.

How many copics do you have/need to color some fabulous images like you have?

How many do I have? Too many! ha ha ha  Seriously, I have a lot.  This is a photo of my copic markers.  I store them in the cubbies in my desk that my husband built for me.  How many you need just depends upon you.  I really like my images to coordinate well and to do that you need many shades of each color.

I would love to know what paper trimmer you use and if you always are buying another blade!?
I use a Tonic Guillotine cutter.  You can see a photo of it here.  No blades to buy as it's supposed to be self-sharpening.  I've had it since this spring and so far I love it. I got mine through Joann.com with a coupon.

So my question is, what can I do to add that stitched look to my card without using a sewing machine?
You can use faux stitching.  Pierce the holes with your paper piercer and use a pen to add the stitch marks between the holes.  Real stitching always looks better (in my opinion), but this is a good option if you don't sew.

What is your favorite dry adhesive?
I use an atg gun.  I love it!  I purchased it through Framing Supplies.  I held off a long time before I purchased one because they just seem like they would be awkward to use, but it really isn't. I recently bought some different tape to use in it because it was cheaper and so far it works great (purchased here).  I use acid free adhesive so I can use it in my scrapbooks as well.  I use a ton of foam adhesive.  I recently purchased some from Jody Morrow and it works great!

What is it that you like better about acrylic stamps than rubber stamps?
I use both rubber and acrylic stamps, but I really love the acrylic stamps when I am trying to stamp something in a certain place.  It's just easier when you can see through the stamp.

Personal Questions

Do you know the muffin man?
ha ha ha Can't say that I do! lol

How many licks does it take to get to the center of a Tootsie Roll Tootsie pop?
Three, right? *wink*

Are you gonna be at CHA?
Sadly, no, I won't be going to CHA.  I really wanted to, but the funds just aren't there.  As most of you know, my husband was laid off for quite a few months and just got back to work last month.  I will be living vicariously through all of you lucky enough to attend!  (But you will be able to see some of my cards in person at the Papertrey Ink booth. *wink*)

What is your favorite movie?
I don't know if I really have one.  I don't really watch that many movies.  I am a Goofy fanatic and love Disney cartoons!  Hey, since I have kids, I can say I'm buying the movies for them, right?!  I have always love Titanic, too.  We're looking forward to the second Night at the Museum movie as we like the first one.

And is your degree in art? Do you have a background in art, or did you just happen to become a designer on your own? What did you do professionally before you got into this?
Nope, no background in art for me.  I have a degree in Early Childhood Education and was a substitute teacher before I had kids.  I loved being a substitute and working with all different age groups.

Do you listen to favorite music when you create?
I love to listen to music while I create.  My favorite bands/singers are Lifehouse and Rob Thomas/Matchbox Twenty. Rob Thomas just released a new cd and I'm hoping Lifehouse will release one later this year.  They've been in the studio recording and I hear it's getting close to being done (according to their twittering)!! Yay!  I recently picked up All American Rejects most recent cd and really like it, too.  (But Lifehouse and Rob Thomas have been my favorites for quite a while.)

Where do you live? How many kids do you have?
I live in Oregon and have two children (a son and a daughter).

How do you manage your life with two little ones? When do you find time to create when you have such a busy life with family, kids and life stuff?
My kids love to stamp and make cards, too.  They have a table by mine and their own supplies.  I have a stamp guide for each company I design for and they go through and pick images and I stamp them for them so they can color them and make cards.  I also stamp extras when I'm making something and put them in their supplies.  They do their own stamping sometimes, too.   There are times when it can be hard to fit it all in with everything that needs to be done, but I try not to stress about it.  I always get my assigned stuff done and everything else is extra.  I fit it in if I have time.  It has been more difficult this summer with the nice weather and going camping, but I don't stress about it.  This is a hobby and it's supposed to be fun!

What did you do professionally before you got into this?
I have been a stay at home mom since my son was born.  I also do the book keeping, billing, and paying bills for our business and personally.

What is your favorite thing to do besides paper crafting? What do you do to treat yourself?
I love camping and photography!  I am taking a photography class with Maggie Holmes next month and I can't wait.  I always love going camping with my family and just getting away from everything.  Treating myself usually involves paper craft supplies! lol  Big surprise, right?!

Why don't you like this card? What do you not like about it? What would you do differently to it?
Hmm. I don't know.  It seems a little out of balance for one thing. If the label where the sentiment sits was larger, it might help.  I also don't really care for the aqua mist stamped cardstock.  I thought I would, but I don't (but I'm glad some of you liked it!).  I guess this goes back to the question someone asked about not liking something, but other people do.  I'm glad others could find some inspiration in the card even if I don't care for how it turned out.

I'll be back in the morning with another card from the PTI release.  Thanks so much for stopping by and for all your sweet comments today about my In Bloom card!

Niki

Questions Part One

I never imagined you all would have that many questions for me!  Thanks so much for everyone's enthusiasm.  Okay, here we go with the first round of answers to your questions. These are answers to design team questions, Papertrey Ink stuff, and product questions (tools, personal, and stamping related questions will be in separate posts).  If some questions were essentially the same question as one previously asked, I just posted the answer once or grouped the questions.

 

Design Team Questions

How did you get started in this industry?
I started out the same as everyone else as just someone who loved to stamp.  I first really became interested in stamping in the spring of 2007.  I saw a CTMH catalog and fell in love with clear stamps.

How did you become a PTI DT member? Was there a call or was Nichole following your work? Can you share with us how Nichole "found" you? Did you have to send in samples?  Is it a paid position?
I first discovered PTI sometime during the summer of 2007.  I was looking for a stamp set that would allow me to stamp ribbons on my layouts and came across Faux Ribbon.  The countdown for the Borders and Corners sets happened soon after.  I fell in love with PTI's style and stamps!  I purchased many PTI stamps over the next few months.  I finally got the courage up to enter the Papertrey Ink Guest Star Stamper contest in Dec 2007.  I was ecstatic to get an honorable mention!  I entered the contest every month with multiple projects.  I loved being able to share my love of PTI products.  When Papertrey started their own forum in February 2008, I was (and still am) a very active member.  I love being able to really connect with all the PTI lovers out there.  Anyway, I tried to be helpful when people had questions.  Between my entries in the Guest Star Stamper contest and my active participation in the forum, Nichole "found" me.  There was no design team call.  I did not formally send in any samples, but the Guest Star Stamper contest served the purpose of getting my work out there for Nichole to see.  Nichole hand picks her designers.  You can read more about her process on her blog.  None of my design team work is a paid position.  My payment is free products (which I would be spending money on any way so it's kind of like I get paid *wink*).

How did you become a member of the High Hopes Design team?
My story is similar with the High Hopes design team.  I discovered High Hopes stamps in the summer of 2008.  I loved their stamps as soon as I saw them.  Crissy is such an amazing illustrator!  I became a happy customer.  Then in the fall, the design team started the challenge blog.  I participated in all the challenges and visited the design team blogs frequently.  I think my love of the stamps just came across.  In October 2008, Crissy invited me to join the team. 

How do you divide your time between all of your design teams?
I usually work on Papertrey Ink release things the beginning of a month for a week or so.  The rest of the month, I just do whatever strikes me when I sit down at my craft table whether it is a challenge for High Hopes or Flower Soft or just wanting to work with a certain set or stamp.

How do you organize your projects and your time to make certain you get things done on schedule?
I have a date planner that I use.  I write down each of the challenges for all the companies, any assignments that I need to work on, and release/sneak peek dates.  I generally work on things the week before they are due.

I am just curious as to how much time you invest into your DT work for all of the companies you work for?
Honestly, it can be a lot of time.  I get to work with companies that I really love so it doesn't always make it work and I usually really enjoy myself so it's just fun.  On top of creating, though, there is also the time for photographing projects, editing photos, uploading projects, and posting on my blog and in galleries.  There is much more that goes into being a design team member than just the fun (but it's worth it, of course, because I love these companies!).  I don't really know how many hours I invest in each team. 

Papertrey Ink Questions

Which is your favorite PTI stamp set?
Oh, that's a hard one!  I have so many favorites.  I'm going to cheat and not pick just one favorite. (Sorry!)  I love creating my own stamped patterned papers so I'm going to say the background stamps and the Guide Lines stamps are my favorites. (probably . . .)

What's your favorite PaperTrey product?
Not counting stamps, my favorite PTI products are the buttons and ribbon, but then I have to have the cardstock, too . . . All the Perfect Match products are my favorite. *wink*  I told you some of these questions are hard!!

What is your favorite cardstock color and do you use this color a lot in your cards?
I think my favorite cardstock colors are dark chocolate and pure poppy and yes, I use them a lot.

What is your favorite PTI color combo?
Oh, another hard one.  I don't know that I really have a favorite color combo.  I like to use lots of different color combos and it just depends upon how I'm inspired by the stamps when I sit down.  One of my favorite combos from this past release was the one I used for my Mod Squad cards (enchanted evening, pure poppy, summer sunrise, rustic white, and dark chocolate).

How long before release do you receive the stamps?
We receive the products for the release sometime in the beginning of the month and that's when I usually start working on release projects.

How long does it take you to come up with your release party cards? Do you spend weeks on them or do they just come to you and you crank them out really quickly?
I usually work on release cards for about a week leading up to the release (uploads are due in the gallery on the 13th).  I usually work for at least a few hours each day during that week and try to create more than one sample with each stamp set and then, I space them out over the course of a month when posting them.  Most of the other design team members post them all at once, but I don't.  I space them out because otherwise I would not have anything to post many days.  I don't have time to create every day so this gives me something to post.

Product Questions

What is one other (besides PTI) fav stamp set?
Hmm.  I love High Hopes stamps (obviously), Riley moose stamps, those cute penguin stamps from The Cat's Pajamas, and I recently got some cute sets from Our Craft Lounge.  Sorry, no specific favorites.

What is your favorite embellishment?
Oh, I can't just pick one; buttons and ribbon are my favorites.

What is your favorite manufacturer of 12 x 12 patterned paper?
My favorite paper manufacturer is My Mind's Eye. I also love Basic Grey, Cosmo Cricket, and October Afternoon.

I'll be back in a bit with a card I created for the Papertrey Ink release and post the next section of questions/answers tomorrow.

Have a great night!

Niki