To be honest, I almost declined the nomination! Even though I have been a Stampin' Up demonstrator for over 9 years I still do not consider myself creative. WHAT?! It is true! I am a self admitted CASE-er (Case And Share Everything) so what would I be able to post that was a true Jamie creation. Secondly, I am brand new to this social media/blog movement. Actually, without the amazing computer teaching skills and patience of Joyce this blog wouldn't exist!
True to form my project is slightly CASEd but I thought that you may enjoy seeing how I sometimes adapt CASEing into my own project.
Banners are a fantastic way to add a custom creative touch to any occasion. They can be simple consisting of just paper or complex with many layers of card stock and accessories. I was recently asked to complete a Teddy Bear picnic banner for my daughter's preschool. I found this image online and used it as a starting point.
This Super Hero banner was also made using the same process.
Step one: find the image online or create your own template.
Step two: use as many punches and dies in order to create clean edges and less work of course!
Step three: Add texture by inking the edges, layering and popping up pieces where possible.
Blog Hop Questions:
1) What are you working on?
I am working on juggling the Christmas crafting crunch!! I am busy creating two custom made to order Birthday banners, prepping for two upcoming custom Christmas classes, 100 ordered Christmas cards, my own personal Christmas cards and stock piling cards for my flower shops!
YES, you can find my cards at the Funky Petals St. Albert and Fort Saskatchewan locations.
2) How does your work differ from other in your genre?
I am not sure that my work differs from others in my genre but I do think that there is a spectrum from amazingly talented artisans to amazingly talented CASEers . I just falll closer to the CASEer's side!
3) Why do you create what you do?
I mostly create what I do based on customer demand or what I need for my own personal use. In my early years of being a SU demonstrator I was very active with classes and clubs but in the past 5 years my family expanded by 3 shifting my time priorities. Crafting is and has always been a healthy stress relieving escape for me. I love the feeling you get as you gaze upon your completed project. I also love the flexibility of Stampin' Up! and am excited that my schedule is finally clearing, allowing for a class here and there!
4) How does your creative process work?
Well, I think that we have established that I am a CASEer! Creating on my own is definitely a challenge that takes my completely outside my comfort zone (although it does happen on occasion). If I look back and reflect on why most of my projects are CASED I believe that it is because I joined SU on the very day I made my first ever card at my girlfriends SU home party. I was BRAND new and knew very little about any paper crafting products so I took advantage of attending my amazing upline, Lynsay Mahon, classes and clubs with the intention of simply CASEing the classes for my own friends and family.
Generally my creative process consists of browsing Pinterest, checking out other talented crafters blogs and utilizing the resources on the Stampin'Up! demonstrator website. I simple find a project I love and work to recreate it or something similar to it.
One thing that I learnt very early in my crafting days is that crafters stick together! Even though I was super excited to participate in this creative blog hop I was very nervous about who I would then nominate as several demonstrators in my circle had already been nominated. So.... I turned to social media, cause that is just what you do these days, and true to the crafters code two lovely ladies stepped up interested in being nominated.
Carolyn from Belleville, Ontario didn't hesitate to respond to my crafters request! Be sure to check out her blog Stamping.Cards & Scrapbooking Too!
Debbie Gable was also excited to be able to share her creations and blog! Check out her blog The Frugal Scrapper.
Thank you to these lovely ladies and be sure check out their Creative Blog Hop post on December 1st!
Several of my Stampin' friends have also participated in this blog hop. Check out their posts too!
Sarah Sagert
Lynsay Mahon
Joyce Fowler
Krista Frattin
Jen Stagg
Alicia Hobbs
Christina Litschel
Happy Stampin'