The Creative Blog Hop

Hello there,
it's not often you've seen an extra post from me this year as I have just been too busy doing the family work juggle. But a special crafting friend Nikki Spencer asked me to join in the Creative Blog Hop. 

So what it the Creative Blog Hop? It's a continuous blog hop every Monday where crafters answer questions about their crafting and creative processes. I'll answer the four questions and then at the end tag other crafters to continue on the blog hop the following Monday.

Nikki and I met as we are both on the Just Add Ink design team. Her creative talent always delights me and she is a truly warm and generous person. Despite living in different states we are lucky enough to catch up each year at the SU! South Pacific convention. So much fun!!! You can see Nikki's creative blog hop post here.

1. What am I working on now?
I'm usually juggling a whole bunch of different project for the JAI DT and my card classes. My last class was a special class on flowers and I have a christmas card class coming up next.

2. How does my work differ from others in my genre?
I'm not sure that it does! What it comes down to is that I love ink and paper. I think I can say for certain I don't have a distinctive style as such. I do like to chop and change and experiment. Even after nearly 8 years of crafting there are still so many new things to try. One thing I can say is that I do have a preference for layers and find CAS a really hard style to master!

3. Why do I create what I do?
Firstly I love the creative process. That spark of inspiration, of having that light bulb moment! Then seeing if you can take that idea and bring it to fruition! Secondly, I also love that I can share that passion and enjoyment of crafting with others. Show them you don't have to be anyone special - you just need to have a go and take it step by step! Last but not least I love being able to tailor gifts for family and friends, create those one of kind cards and projects that tell them that they are someone special!

4.How does my creative process work?
For my DT projects the starting point is defined by the challenge. Sometimes I have specific task in mind - I need to get that fathers day card made ASAP as a rather recent example - lol!! I also find it's really important to see what other crafters are doing. To get a feel for the trends, colours and textures that are inspiring others. I kind of visualise it as lots of snippets of ideas, colours and techniques going into my head and whirling around and when I'm mulling over a new project little bits will fly off and I'll think yes that exactly what I need to try!

Now I get to nominate other crafters to continue on the Creative Blog Hop next Monday, September 29th. I get to introduce you to two very talented and generous crafters who I both met through SU! and our shared delight in stamping. 

I asked Linda Higgins and was delighted when she accepted!  She is an inspirational SU! demo who reaches out to share that love of stamping through her blog. I always enjoy the chance to chat to Linda at convention - it's one of those great little moments that make convention special :) 

Linda Higgins

I'm Linda and I live on the NSW Central Coast (Australia) as a single mum with my two children who are 11 and 8. I have been a  Stampin'Up Demonstrator for a little over 8 years. I first was introduced to Papercrafts as a recovery strategy from Post Natal Depression after my daughter was born.  Creativity is an amazing form of therapy!  As a result I found new focus and friends and learned that artistic expression is so powerful to help you find yourself. I first became involved in Scrapbooking, which I adored, and then was invited to my first Stampin'Up workshop in 2006… I was instantly impressed with their product line, and saw the opportunity to earn some extra money for our family, doing something that I loved.  8 years later, I count myself as blessed to feed my little family with my paper crafting habit.  I run classes and workshops, both at home and in other's homes, and I have found so many wonderful friends and connections along the way.  I am indeed living my dream life, and am excited about our future. I hope you enjoy my creations too… which I share with the world via my blog, Youtube channel, Pinterest and Facebook page.  I love being part of the Papercraft community :-) and helping people discover their own creative journey. 

I also asked Di Barnes who has become a real special stamping friend. She is such a friendly, genuine, generous person! Di posts some fabulous projects on her blog with awesome instructions! I first met Di at my first SU! convention and have really enjoyed getting to know her over these past years.  

Di Barnes
Colour Me Happy

Hi there. I’m Di or colourmehappyDi if you see me online. My home is Sydney Australia, where I live with my darling husband, daughter, & two furry dogs.

I started scrapping in 2001 when my daughter was born, but my love-obsession with stamping & cardmaking really began in 2006 when Stampin’ Up! came to Australia & is still going strong. I’m fortunate to have my own room to create in, where there’s an ongoing battle with organisation & creative mess. Papercrafting has brought me so many blessings - the greatest being the wonderful friendships I’ve made through my Stampin’ Up! adventure.

Thanks to my lovely & talented friend Kim for tagging me in the Creative Blog Hop.

Thanks for visiting and don't forget to stop by Linda and Di's blogs next Monday!
Kim