Creative Blog Hop Nomination

Hello, all! As I'm sure so many of you already know, there has been a Creative Blog Hop going around. The idea is to meet, greet and connect with all the awesome bloggers out there! A little note to some of you: I was invited by several friends to play along back when I was ill with bronchitis and I do apologize once again that I couldn't accept at that time.

However, now that I am feeling like myself again, I've accepted the nomination from my good scrapbook friend Laura Gilhuly. I hope you will visit her blog and take a look at her incredible work! She has a flair for dramatic color schemes and sometimes I gasp a little (okay, a lot) at her creations! She is one talented gal! And of course, her family photos are amazing! In addition to all that talent, she is one of the nicest people you could ever meet, loyal to the core and as honest as the day is long!

I am supposed to start with my 4 questions and answers and then pass along my nomination. Of course, at this point in the game, we are rapidly running out of people to play … and more to the point, I am running out of time to find people because I'm still trying to play catch up! LOL

1. What am I working on? 

Right now I'm working on my August projects for Creative Embellishments and my next DT assignment for The Color Room.  I'm expecting my September Kit to be here from My Creative Scrapbook today, so I need to get these other projects completed! Here is a peek at something that reveals tomorrow:

2. How does my work differ from others of its genre? 

Frankly, I'm not sure it does differ too much although I "know" my look as well as the "look" of others. Many times I see a project and recognize right away who created it .. or have a pretty good guess. I like earth tones, more subdued shades versus brights. Even though I like the more subdued shades, I always like a pop of color! I use color pretty consistently. Monochromatic is hard for me because of that; I like the  unexpected little twist.  I love mixed media, mist, inks, paints and flowers! And texture! I have to have multiple forms of texture on any project … a little chipboard, cheesecloth, metal, burlap, stamping.   And pretty .. I like pretty. Oh, and I'm not a fan of using pink, I'd rather use red! That DOES make me different!

3. Why do I create what I do? 

I have always done some form of crafting but when I found scrapbooking, I fell hard! It started as a way to document family events but after awhile, it totally became all about the artistic journey! I recently did a canvas and used the quote from Pablo Picasso about "art washing away from the soul the dust of everyday life." That is it in a nutshell for me! It's therapeutic, it's fun and I love creating a beautiful story with photos of my loved ones. Here is that canvas:

4. How does your creative process work?

These days I mostly do Design Team work, so those assignments steer the direction I take.  If I'm working on a Kit, then I choose the elements I like and pair those, then try to find a photo that will work. Being a fan of black and white photos, I can always turn color  photos to b/w and I'm good to go. If I'm doing a chipboard assignment, then I usually look for papers and chipboard that I'm itching to use, then look for just the right photo. However, when I'm "stuck" or have "scrappers block," the only thing that can get me through it is a photo that I dearly love! Overall, my best work flows from a photo that I adore. Or … doing a canvas. I love doing canvases because that is a true artistic journey! It can go anywhere and they are so liberating! The only downside is where to put them all! LOL

Now for my nominations:

Karan Gerber - I am sure that most of you know Karan! If nothing else, you know her through her amazing sketches as owner/sketch designer for Sketchabilities and Cardabilities. These are both Challenge Blogs that have garnered a huge following. Her sketches are everywhere! She has been on a number of Design Teams herself and I've been privileged to design alongside her on a couple as well as for her at Sketchabilities. She is tremendously talented on multiple levels, one day doing a fascinating mixed media project and then an ultra feminine, flowery card the next! Besides being so multi-talented, she is one of the most grounded people I know in this industry. Her faith and family are foremost! Please be sure to visit her Blog.

Nicolle Kramer - Although she's one of those "busy ones," I'm nominating her anyway.  Nicolle used to be one my Design Team members when I was one of the co-creators/leaders at Stuck on U Sketches. I was always impressed with her layouts and uniquely detailed style. Along with her work ethic, I knew that she would go far in this industry and she has! She and her husband are now co-owners of Creative Embellishments where I'm proud to say that I am a DT member! They create fabulous laser cut chipboard, wood veneer, rubber stamps and flairs. She works and works and works some more. But she are does LOVE her family! They are everything to her! I see a younger version of myself in Nic and just adore her!

Tracey Sabella - Tracey and I kind of nominated each other on the same day! It was hilarious actually.  So, I'm including her just because .. She's such a wonderful person, kind-hearted and does such beautiful work. She spends hours on her projects and is well-known for her amazing handmade flowers and fabulous alterations on her chipboard pieces. Tracey is one of those people that takes the time to submit her work for publication and I truly admire that! She freely shares her ideas and techniques, so be sure to follow her blog! Tracey is out-spoken about her faith and always leaves blessings with all her comments!

I had a few other potential nominees that didn't respond or they were busy but they know who they are! If they have time, I'm sure they will join the Hop!

But I can't close without mentioning one more person!

Tracey Gregory!! She got nominated by Laura Gilhuly already but like I said: it wouldn't be right to not include her in my post! She's a precious friend and I appreciate that I can run to her with just about any problem, care or concern! She'd be there for me! I do .. and she is! LOL If she didn't create a thing, that would be fine by me, I'd love her anyway. But the bonus is that she does! Her work is vintage shabby chic and simply wows! She is one of those true "artists" whereas I'm more of a "wannabe." I'm always scratching my head wondering where she got all those bright ideas! Please follow her blog if you don't already! You'll love her work, learn lots and be blessed by her sweet spirit. Oh, you'll love her family photos too!

Okay, thanks for coming by! Have fun hopping!