Creative Blog Hop

I was honored to be nominated by my blog friend, Susie Moore, to be part of the Creative Blog Hop that's been going on in blogland. It's a fun way to get to know other bloggers around the world by answering four simple questions.

1. What are you working on now?
   Currently I serve on two design teams. In fact, one of them, Paper Sweeties, is having a new release right now. I've been working on projects to showcase the new stamps and dies, which coincidentally, are available today. You can see my project here.
   
   I also serve on the Eyelet Outlet design team with Susie. A couple times a month, I create projects with their adorable brads, bling, enamel dots, ribbon and washi tape.
   
   Here is a project I made recently that uses both products.
   
   
2. How does my work differ from others in my genre? This is a hard question for me. I guess before I can answer how my work is different, I have to figure out what my genre is! I make cards and occasionally other paper projects. I like bold colors. I like trends. I like bling. I like stamps. I like ink and I like patterned paper. I like clean and simple designs, but I'm not afraid to explore other styles. If I had to pick something that made me a little different, I guess that would be it. I don't commit to one style. Although I lean toward CAS, if I'm inspired to create a project with layers and embellishments, then I will. I think what's most important is to create original, clever designs and execute them as best as you can regardless of the style.
   
3. Why do I create what I do? Twenty years ago, if someone said "You're going to be creating cards, taking pictures of them and posting them on your own blog," I would probably laugh in their face. Although I've always had an appreciation for art and creativity, I can't draw my way out of a paper bag! That's why I love stamps!!
   
   I first became interested in card making when my fiance (now husband) and I hit the craft stores looking for supplies for our wedding. I loved looking at all the fun pretty things! Then we got a handmade wedding card made with some of those pretty things. But I didn't really start making cards until after I became a full-time, stay-at-home mom. I needed something that gave me pleasure and a sense of accomplishment. (Not that motherhood doesn't do that, but I wanted something that could give me immediate satisfaction!) Cardmaking is something that I do just for me. I give everything else to my family, whom I love dearly, but I make cards for me and I think it makes me a better mom in the long run.
   
4. How does my creative process work? I don't have a specific process. Sometimes I look at a stamp set and try to think of different ways to use it. Sometimes, I see something and think "Hey, that would be great on a card." Sometimes I participate in challenges in which the sketch, inspiration or color palette are predetermined.

I now have the privilege of introducing you to next week's featured blogger. Her name is Kathy Gillon, but she also goes by the Crafting Chemist. We "met" a few years ago when we were on a design team together. She has since become one of my best blog buddies. Here's her bio:

I'm a mom to 3 wonderful kids. I'm a chemist by profession, but a crafter at heart. Both my mom and grandma were  crafty and have passed in their love to me.  I love to create and share my passions, and hope to inspire others to be crafty as well.  Here's my blog: http://kathyand3kids.blogspot.com