Creative Blog Hop; a peek into my creative process
I'm here to share in a different kind of hop today. Those who take part in the Creative Blog Hop are nominated by others to share their work and answer questions about their creativity. I am so honored to be nominated by Amy Bollman. We shared an incredible year working together on the first Stampin' Up! Artisan Design Team in 2012. Amy is a fabulously talented crafter, and a sweet and gracious friend. I love the way she stays true to her style, carries a lovely sense of calm and contentment wherever she goes, and is devoted to her family. Thanks for nominating me, Amy!
If you are new to my work, I'll intersperse some of my favorite cards from 2014 in with my answers to the questions. Clicking on the links will take you to that blog post.
1. What are you working on?
Sometimes with a design team or the blog hops I'm in, I am focusing on highlighting specific products.
Usually lately you'll find me checking out online challenges to join in. Taking part in challenges with other stampers has always stretched me and helped me grow. Working on a variety of cards keeps me interested, and gives me something to share on my blog. It's my favorite way to create, choosing whatever inspires me.
Right now I'm also working on my water-coloring skills because it's something I love to do.
Today I need to make invitations for a very special family celebration. The "thinking" part has gone on way too long and now they need to go out in the mail today. Deciding what images/colors to use has seemed a monumental task. Call it perfectionism. Or procrastination. Not a good mix!
2. How does your work differ from others in your genre?
The words I hear most often are, colorful and detailed.
Sometimes my stlye is clean and crisp:
I do love layers, buttons and bows, and Shabby Chic.
Lately, I've been trending a bit more towards Clean and Simple. Let's sum up the list with the word versatile! I do enjoy dabbling with different styles.
3. Why do you create what you do?
One reason. Because I love to create. Add to that the notion that I am often creating in a way to stretch myself because I love this craft. For the fun of it, the mental challenge and the delight in the finished card! I hope I can say this modestly, but I just LOVE looking at what I made with stamps, paper and ink!
4. How does your creative process work?
Most often I begin with a sketch. I have black and white copies of online sketch challenges and usually begin with one of those. I love the fact that there is only the sketch to inspire me and I get to fill in the images, colors and details. Often once I have the elements to work with, I change the sketch radically or end up not using it at all.
Sorry I've rambled so. It's easy for me to share on this topic.
I'd love to point you to my nominee, Linda Callahan. I have admired Linda's gorgeous work on her blog for a long time. Her clean and simple style dazzles and inspires me! What a joy it was to get to meet her at convention a couple of years ago. (wow, Linda, was it 3 years ago??) We got to sit next to each other at a craft class and we had much more fun talking than we did creating that night. I felt as if I'd been her friend forever. She has such a way of making those she meets feel special, and what a sense of humor! Here's to you, Linda!
ETA: Linda's Creative Hop post goes live next Monday December 15.
Thanks for joining me today. You have a way of making me feel special too. Hugs.
You do so many things well (colors, shabby chic, white space, etc), and these are the things I struggle with. Thanks for sharing your creative process and consistently posting so many beautiful samples that spark my imagination.
Posted by: Kit Marie | December 09, 2014 at 09:12 AM
Thanks for the shout out! I do love looking at what you create too!
Posted by: linda callahan | December 09, 2014 at 07:24 PM
Cindy, what a lovely tribute and I am not surprised at all. I've been following your blog for quite some time, and I love everything you've created and shared with us. Your style is so versatile and I have learned many tips, tricks and ideas from your posts. Congratulations on this milestone; very well deserved! Merry Christmas!
Posted by: Bobbi Miller | December 09, 2014 at 09:53 PM
Cindy, I love all of this! It's so nice to get a glimpse into your crafting world. Thanks for sharing :) Also, thank you for your kind words, you really are the sweetest!!
Posted by: Amy Bollman | December 10, 2014 at 10:58 AM