Spotlight on Savannah!

I came across this lovely card by Savannah O'Gwynn (known as "espbfdl" on Splitcoaststampers) this week.  Don't you just love how she stamped Ashley Fairy in purple and left her un-colored!!  I sent her an email to find out about her stamping ideas and inspiration!

Savannah writes:  "I enjoy creating and stamping--and my favorite technique is to paper piece my images. I love mixing papers and colors together for my cards. Actually, the card that is featured helped me step out of my fun/cute/whimsical style and create something shabby/chic! LOVE it:) "

  Savannah, where do you find your inspiration?

 "I find inspiration for my cards/creations in several places: magazines, Pinterest, Etsy, and other blogs. I currently follow 650 blogs, and I enjoy seeing different styles and clever ways to use elements/sketches/etc. I also love looking at sketch challenges--I find that they push me out of my comfort zone {fun/cute/whimsical style} as well. And the last place I find inspiration for my cards.....is from my husband! I usually run my ideas by him, and he will share what he thinks or give me ideas."

What is your favorite stamp line from Paper Makeup Stamps? 

 "I really enjoy the fairy stamps--but I'm super excited about the monsters and aliens. There's something about those whimsical creatures that make them lovable!" 

Oh well, then you must join our October Fan and Designer Monster Mash!! I think it's going to be a SCREAM! haha 

  Okay, Okay...Savannh, I have to ask this:  If you were a fairy, what sort of fairy would you be? 

"I would love to be a music fairy- I would have large wings that glittered, super pretty high heels, and a wand that played soft music (classical, contemporary Chrisitan, rock, etc.) that brought cheer and good music to all those within earshot!"

Thanks for sharing your inky thoughts with us, Savannah.

Be sure to click over to her blog for more ideas!

Remember the Paper Makeup Artists are always looking for new ideas and fun projects. Be sure to post your PMS creations to online galleries using "Paper Makeup Stamps" as the keyword.

Dawn

Makeup Artist Spotlight

Today our spotlight is shining brightly on Senior Makeup Artist, Randee Elsing (Randee's Rendezvous).

During one of Randee's trips to my area, I got to meet her for lunch, she's even sweeter in person!  And the fact that she is clearly a Bears fan weighs HUGELY in her favor ;), lol.  When I asked Randee to choose her favorite PMS creation, this is what she said... "I love this card because it uses one of my favorite fairys, Kirsten, in a unique and different way.  I saw a silhouette image of a dandelion field and this idea just popped into my head - I just love it when your ideas translate to a card just the way you imagine. I think this card just came together beautifully, from the colors to the layout to the sentiment and image - I LOVE it all!"  

Isn't this just stunning?!?  I LOVE everything about that card!!  Here is one of my favorites from Randee

I just love her "out of the box" thinking... isn't this fun?!?!?!!?  This would make an awesome Teen girl party invite.  You know what's next, yup, and Q&A sit down with Randee...

1. When did you get started stamping? It seems like forever, but when I relate it to my pregnancies it dates back to about 12 years ago.  A coworker came into work with a card she made at a SU! party.  I went to her party, had my own, became a demonstrator, discovered SCS, blog world and PMS!!
2. Tell me 5 songs or artists on your iPod right now. I haven't added anything new in quite awhile, actually I've only added the intial play list!  Most of the songs are funky upbeat songs to keep me moving whether it's in the lab, on a walk or on a treadmill.  I've got newer stuff from Usher, Nelly, and JT and older stuff from Salt n Peppa and Rob Base!! 
3. All Stylists have a go to accessory or tool... what's yours?  If I'm not adding actual stitching to a card I always seem to end up grabbing my faux stitching tool (aka tracing wheel)  I love the sublte interest and dimension it adds to cards and layers . 
4. What's your favorite flavor of ice cream? Boring, I know, but my favorite is plain ol' Vanilla.  Love the old-fashioned country churned kind.  Maybe it's because it goes well with soo many other things :0)
5. Where do you find inspiration? I find inspiration everywhere!  Sounds cliche, but it's true.  Blogs, SCS and mags are a big source of inspiration, but catalogs, fabrics, home decor and nature have all inspired me as well.
6. Do you have a favorite technique or style? I love all different styles and techniques and have tried many of them, but I seem to gravitate towards layers and antiquing.  I LOVE pop dots and Ranger distress ink :0)
7. What is your favorite color palette? Bold bright colors!  I love greens and blues and bright orangey reds
8. When your 'mojo' takes a spa day without you, what gets your creative juices flowing again?  I try to find a card I like and CASE it.  Usually I end up tweaking it or trying something new.  Another thing I do is try to come up with something out of very limited supplies or only the supplies right in front of me.  That usually gets me thinking creatively or out of the box.   And finally, I try to think of something unique or different that uses a technique or stamp in a different way.   
9. When you aren't stamping, what do you like to do? I have 3 boys that keep me VERY busy and occupied with their activities.  I love taking morning walks (weather permitting) with my dog - the solitude is lovely.  We have been in a whole house remodel project for 6 years now, but I still like searching for that perfect home accessory or planning and completing the next step in the never-ending project. 
10. Tell us something, not stamping related, about you...   I like to play golf and I am a die-hard Chicago sports fan!!  I've been a Chicago Bears, Blackhawks and Cubs fan for as long as I can remeber (yes even before the Stanley Cup win).  I love dressing up in all the fan wear and going to the games or screaming from the couch! 

Well that's all for now.  You can leave Randee some love here or, better yet head over to her blog, check out her awesomeness and leave her a comment or two there :).

Makeup Artist Spotlight

Today we are shining our spotlight on Makeup Artist Andrea (Crafty Engineering).

When I asked Andrea to pick her favorite PMS creation, this is what she had  to say... "My favorite recent card was one I did as a submission to Paper Crafts Magazine as part of a sketch challenge.  This was the first time I paper-pieced a fairy and I absolutely love it...it took awhile, but it turned out so cool!".

I just LOVE paper piecing!  Here is one of my faves from Andrea's blog...

Such a fun card with fabulous elements!  I just love Andrea's style!!  Well, you know the drill... it's Q&A time, here's what Andrea had to say...

1. When did you get started stamping?  I took a stamping class at a local craft store when I lived in Peoria, IL back in 1997 (I think!).  From that class I started making my Christmas cards, but didn't do much beyond that.  Then we moved back up to Michigan in 2002, I decided to become and Stampin' Up! Demonstrator.  After that, I was completely hooked!  
2. Tell me 5 songs or artists on your iPod right now.  Up until Mother's Day, I wouldn't have been able to answer this question...that is when I finally got an iPod Shuffle.  Anyway, 5 artists on my iPod are (please don't judge!) 1) Kid Rock (kind of my guilty pleasure...but supporting a Detroit area artist), 2) Glee Cast (totally love it...need to get the other volumes), 3) Black Eyed Peas, 4) Fergie, 5) ABBA (hard to get better than Dancing Queen)
3. All Stylists have a go to accessory or tool... what's yours? Wow that is a tough one! Obviously a paper cutter is key to everything, but that is a given right?!  So my go to tool is probably my paper piercer...it is just so useful!  It can be used to obviously pierce holes, but the holes can be decoration in among themselves or to place other embellishments.  Then I also use it to help get paper out of detailed dies, spreading glue in small areas, etc.  Just have to be careful not to poke my finger...it hurts, that thing is sharp!  My go to accessory would probably be ribbon...sometimes it just adds the perfect touch and I have a hard time thinking a card looks complete without some sort of ribbon! 
4. What's your favorite flavor of ice cream?  Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough...when I was in High School, my friends and I would eat a tube a cookie dough in an evening!
5. Where do you find inspiration?  I totally find inspiration from all of the amazing bloggers and crafters out there.  My blog reader is full every morning of tons of inspiration!  
6. Do you have a favorite technique or style?  I don't feel I have a set style (maybe I do, but I need someone else to tell me what it is, cuz' I have no idea what it is!), but a favorite technique would probably be paper piecing.  I am not totally confident in my coloring abilities (definitely not up in Katie's League!), so I love to paper piece my images sometimes!  It is fun to color the images with patterns as well as color!  
7. What is your favorite color palette?  Not sure I have a favorite color palette...just depends on my mood.  There usually is either Chocolate Chip or black in there though...they just help to ground the other colors!
8. When your 'mojo' takes a spa day without you, what gets your creative juices flowing again?  Challenges, challenges, and more challenges!  Maybe some new paper or stamps too!  
9. When you aren't stamping, what do you like to do?  I get the joy (and trials) of being a stay-at-home mom, so I am usually playing or caring for my two kids.  I love to walk (actually training to walk a half-marathon in September) and hike (when I am on vacation...not much hiking to be done around where I live!).  My husband of 11 years and I love to travel...we have been all around Europe, the Caribbean, and last year we added a little of Egypt with a little Central America and of course the US for good measure.  I also sing in the Praise Band at my church to fulfill my musical side.
10. Tell us something, not stamping related, about you...  Most people know just based from my blog, but I am a Mechanical Engineer by trade.  I graduated from the University of Michigan (GO BLUE!) with my BS in Mechanical Engineering.  I worked in the engineering field for 10 years before deciding to stay at home once my second child was born.  I never felt like a was a "true" engineer, though, so I am still trying to figure out what I want to do when I grow up!

Well I hope you've enjoyed getting to Andrea as much as I have (GO BLUE!!!).  Be sure to stop by her blog, you are sure to be inspired by her fabulousness (that absolutely is a word!)... don't forget to leave her some love.

Makeup Artist Spotlight

Today we are shining our spotlight on Makeup Artist Maria (ScrapsbyM).

When I asked Maria to pick her favorite PMS creations, she chose these:

I just LOVE the way Maria adds all of this detail and yet there's no clutter to her pages.  I love the way she mixes her patterned papers (being a dsp junkie myself, lol!).  One thing I didn't know about Maria is that she is obsessed with organizing (OMG!  me too!!!!!!)...I knew there was something fabulous about her ;)  Maria also has a thing for her sewing machine, her stitching is just the perfect touch to her creations!

This is one of my favorites from Maria.  The colors are wonderful, and I just LOVE paper piecing!!  Such a fun card!  I asked Mara our standard questions, and here's what she had to say...

1.  When did you get started stamping?  I’ve been a scrapbooker since 2000 but it wasn’t until 2008 that I picked up my first stamp.  Honestly, I had no idea why someone would want a stamp…I mean who wants the same image over and over.  Once I got inky there was no turning back.  I started out just stamping on cards but now combine stamping and scrapbooking to and love the freedom that stamping allows in your projects.

2.  Tell me 5 songs or artists on your iPod right now.  Kenny Chesney, Lionel Richie, Lady Gaga, New Kids on the Block J, The Script

3.  All Stylists have a go to accessory or tool... what's yours?  My go to tool has become my sewing machine…I rarely skipping stitching on a card and love the texture it adds to any project.

4.  What's your favorite flavor of ice cream?  Chocolate Chip

5.  Where do you find inspiration?  LOTS of places but mostly clothes, magazines, commercials, stores, billboards….hehe…I told you LOTS of places J

6.  Do you have a favorite technique or style?  I’m NOT a technique girl at all.  I rarely try anything messy (like glitter or mists) but I would say my style is mostly FUN and WHIMSY!!!

7.  What is your favorite color palette?  That’s easy…anything with red, blue and black.  Typically one of these colors always shows up on my cards but my favorite is when they are all together.

8.  When your 'mojo' takes a spa day without you, what gets your creative juices flowing again?  NEW product!!  Which is really bad on the checkbook but FABULOUS for my mojo.  When I can’t get to the store and buy something new I find falling back on my favorite layout and color combo usually gets things flowing again.

9.  When you aren't stamping, what do you like to do?  Organize my stamp stuff!!  I have a thing for being organized and LOVE binders and drawers and having a place for everything.  I also like to read, and hang out with my kiddos.

10.  Tell us something, not stamping related, about you...  My family is made up of all M’s.  Mike, Maria, Macy, Mattea and Miller.  Once we got started with M names it was hard to switch since we didn’t want one of the kids feeling “left out”.  My son’s name Miller is actually my mom’s maiden name.

That's all I have for you today, make sure you stop over at Maria's blog and say "hey"!  She is an absolute doll to visit with (if you've been to a PMS release Party with her you I am sure you'll agree!

Makeup Artist Spotlight

This week we are shining our Spotlight on Makeup Artist, Michelle Van Patten (My Beary Best).  Michelle is one of our newer DT Members but has been a long time PMS groupie, always adding to the fun of the Release Parties.

When I asked Michelle to pick her favorite card, this is the one she chose.  This is what she has to say about her card... "This was one of those cards that came together just how I imagined it - I love when that happens!  And I just {heart} how fun and colorful it is.  I used the elephant from Ed Swimming and cut him out to be airborne headed towards that pile of punched leaves.  The word art is a digi stamp that I sized larger and highlighted with chalks."

While surfing Michelle's blog for my favorite card, I cam across this one.  I love all of the texture and the details on this card, but my most favorite part is that she made it for me and my new puppy (it sits above his eatting area on the counter) :)

I have always liked Michelle because she is very friendly and makes a big effort to make people feel welcome and "at home", and while it seems like I've "known" for sometime now it wasn't until she joined the DT that I got to know her a little better.  I am so glad she is a member of our team! And now we get to learn even MORE about Michelle...


1.  When did you get started stamping?  Ten years ago I was invited to a stamping workshop.  I was 9 months pregnant with my second child and desperate for a girl's night out, KWIM?  Even though I had a lot of fun with my girlfriends, I could not believe that people would collect all that stuff just to make cards.  A few months later, a good friend of mine became a demo, so I hosted a workshop for her. I got a bear stamp set, a black ink pad, white cardstock and chalk pastels.  I used that stuff to make my older son's birthday party invitations and thank you cards and I've been stamping ever since!  {and we won't talk about how much stuff I've collected, haha}

2.  Tell me 5 songs or artists on your iPod right now.  Ever Ever After by Carrie Underwood, Yours by Steven Curtis Chapman, God Bless the USA by Lee Greenwood, Wizards in Winter by Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Truly Scrumptious from Chitty, Chitty, Bang, Bang  {I sing that last one ALL the time because our standard poodle is named Truly Scrumptious, hehe}

3.  All Stylists have a go to accessory or tool... what's yours? Hands down, that's gotta be my Cuttlebug!  I love using die-cuts and embossing folders.

4.  What's your favorite flavor of ice cream?  Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough - yum!

5.  Where do you find inspiration?  Everywhere!  It's amazing how I can see someone and think the pattern on her dress would make a great card, or those colors on his shirt are an awesome combo.  And I love nature cards - I think it's because I didn't inherit my mom's green thumb. But I can make flowers look pretty on paper even though I kill the real ones.  {chuckle}

6.  Do you have a favorite technique or style?  I like simple cards the best.  Ones that make you think 'Hey, I could do that!' and inspire someone to get inky. 

7.  What is your favorite color palette?  It varies with the season, but I seem to gravitate towards blues and greens a lot when I'm stamping.

8.  When your 'mojo' takes a spa day without you, what gets your creative juices flowing again?  Challenges!  I'll look on Splitcoast or Challenge Blogs and find some ideas to get me started.

9.  When you aren't stamping, what do you like to do?  Eat, drink, sleep.... {wink}  No really, I enjoy playing games with my family, reading books, taking the dog for long walks, doing volunteer work at my church and the school, baking cookies, talking with a friend, etc.  

10.  Tell us something, not stamping related, about you...  I spent a semester in Costa Rica as an exchange student my Junior year of college.  I still dream in spanish sometimes. 

Well that wraps up this episode of Makeup Artist Spotlight.  Feel free to leave Michelle a comment here, or better yet head over to her blog and peruse and comment there!

Makeup Artist Spotlight

This week we are shining our Spotlight on Makeup Artist, Stephanie Zito (Dream Create Inspire).  She is the one who introduced me to my new favorite paper company :)  Stephanie is one of our newer Design Team members, but she just jumped right in and was such a great fit, it seems like she's part of the woodwork.

I asked Stephanie to choose her favorite card and this is what she picked.  When asked why it was her favorite she said "This card is my favorite PMS creation because it was created using my very first PMS stamps!"

Such a beauty!  Now of course I just had to peruse her blog myself (have I said how much I just LOVE her style?).  This is one of my favorite cards of Stephanie's, and lucky me... she actually sent this card to me when we had a "secret admirer" swap :).  I've ever really thought of Green as my favorite color by any means, but I just LOVE the shades here!  and all of the elements are just PERFECT!  So beautiful!!

Well if you've been following our Spotlight posts, you know that it is now Q&A time.

1.  When did you get started stamping?  2006 – just after the birth of my 2^nd daughter.

2.  Tell me 5 songs or artists on your iPod right now.  Soul Sister - Train, I’ve Got A Feeling – Black Eyed Peas, Brown Eyed Girl – Van Morrison, Waking Up In Vegas – Katy Perry, Please Don’t Leave Me - Pink

3.  All Stylists have a go to accessory or tool... what's yours?  Copic Markers, Zip Dry and Helmar Glue and my Tim Holtz Ink Foam Tool.

4.  What's your favorite flavor of ice cream?  Oreo Cookie

5.  Where do you find inspiration?  I love to browse the internet for inspiration and love playing along in challenges. I’m also always on the lookout to try a new technique!

6.  Do you have a favorite technique or style?  Distressing and sewing on my projects

7.  What is your favorite color palette?  Kraft/blues/pinks/browns

8.  When your 'mojo' takes a spa day without you, what gets your creative juices flowing again?  Usually cleaning and organizing my craft room. I find all kinds of supplies I had forgotten about.

9.  When you aren't stamping, what do you like to do?  I love to art journal, paint, crochet, sew, garden and bake when I have extra time. For the most part my 3 and 4 year old girls and new puppy keep me very busy!

10. Tell us something, not stamping related, about you...  I was a Legal Assistant for 15 years and decided to be a SAHM after the birth of my 2^nd daughter. I absolutely love being a SAHM!!! I get to spend every waking moment with my girls and have extra time to enjoy my hobbies! Since being able to stay at home, I also found out that I’m addicted to on-line shopping and am now on a 1^st name basis with my mailman LOL!

Well that about wraps up this spotlight.  You can leave Stephanie a comment here, or even better pop on over to her very fun blog check out some eye-candy and leave her a comment there!

Makeup Artist Spotlight

This week we are shining our Spotlight on Sr. Makeup Artist, Christi Thorsen (With a Cherry on Top).  Christi has been with PMS since just after it was "an apple in Katie's eye", lol.  If you haven't yet noticed, Christi has a little *ahem* thing for Cherries, ok so more like an OBSESSION! lol  Which was the inspiration behind the Christi Fairy

But here's the real life beauty (who's done an amazing job losing a "few" pounds!)

Christi does wonderful things with ribbon and I just LOVE her color combo's!!  Here is Christi's favorite card, I just love the pinks and the softness of the card!

I have several favorites of Christi's, but I keep coming back to this one.  I just love Arelia, she's the perfect little Dress-up girl and Christi did an awesome job with her!!  Just gorgeous.

I have "known" Christi since before my PMS days, but I really have gotten to know her while on PMS.  She has an amazing way of encouraging people to do things they didn't think they could.  She has an fabulous sense of style, incredible will power and is just the sweetest thing!  Don't take my word for it... read below and get to know her yourself.

1.     When did you get started stamping?  It seems like forever ago and just like yesterday at the same time! LOL  I started scrapbooking in June of 2007 to keep my sanity! At the time I had an 11 month old and a 2 year old and Mommy needed something for her! A friend of mine turned me onto Splitcoast and that’s when I realized I was more of a card maker than a scrapbooker and it was all downhill from there! Hahaha!!

2.     Tell me 5 songs or artists on your iPod right now.  I grew up with parents that had their own rock band so music is in my blood. I love pretty much everything and if I don’t love it I at least appreciate it! LOL  Jamiroquai is one of my all-time favorite bands.  Most people have never heard of them and if you haven’t check them out.  They are amazing!  I am so in love with the lead singer that my second son’s middle name is inspired by him! Yes..I’m that insane.  I have a lot of classic rock like Led Zeppelin and Pink Floyd, heavy metal like Nine Inch Nails and Metallica, and I’ve been on a rap kick lately and am loving Lady Gaga and Fergie.

3.     All Stylists have a go to accessory or tool... what's yours?  OK this is a tough one!  How can you choose just one?!  If I could only have one accessory it would have to be ribbon.  I *must* have ribbon on my cards or it drives me nuts!

4.     What's your favorite flavor of ice cream?  Rocky Road baby!!  Big time chocoholic here!!

5.     Where do you find inspiration?  Definitely from other stampers.  I spend a lot of time looking at blogs and Splitcoast and get a lot of inspiration from other people’s art.

6.     Do you have a favorite technique or style?  Back in the day I was a layer queen!  My cards weighed 5lbs back then because I had so many layers! Hahaha!! Lately I’ve been more on a simple kick and the “less is more” approach.  I think this fits my personality a lot better. J

7.     What is your favorite color palette?  At the moment I am loving my chocolate! LOL  I have also been loving teal and of course red is my favorite color so red, black, and white!

8.     When your 'mojo' takes a spa day without you, what gets your creative juices flowing again?  Well, this happens more than I care to admit! Hahaha!!  The first place I go is to Splitcoast.  There are so many amazingly talented women on that site its not even funny.  I swear I’ve spent hours browsing and oohing and ahhing at some of the creations on there.  If I’m still not inspired I’ll go to some of my favorite blogs and see if I can gain inspiration there.  I also will go back through my own gallery and see if one of my old faves gets those creative juices flowing again!

9.     When you aren't stamping, what do you like to do?  Fitness is a huge part of my life.  I would love to go back to school and become a personal trainer as well as a dietician.  Food just fascinates me!  I am also an avid reader of pretty much anything I can get my hands on and I’m also am a writer though I haven’t written anything in a long time.  I tell everyone that my children gave me writers block! LOL!!  I also enjoy hanging out with my family and my friends.

10.  Tell us something, not stamping related, about you...  Wow is this a broad question!  There is so much I could tell you about myself!  I’m insane for one! I know everyone thinks I’m sweet, which I am, but I am also a big-time goofball.  I love laughing and joking with people and love to make someone smile.  I think that is the biggest reason I’ve stayed making cards for as long as I have.  When you give someone a handmade card and you see their eyes light up when they realize that you made that just for them, well there is no greater feeling in the world to me.  I have a very giving heart and cardmaking is just the thing to nurture that spirit.

Well I hope enjoyed this look at the talented Miss Christi as much as I did.  You can leave her a comment here, or better yet, surf on over to her blog, check it out and leave her some love there! :)

Makeup Artist Spotlight

This week we are spotlighting Makeup Artist Christi Snow (Altered Ambitions).  Did you know Christi and her hubby recently moved in to their dream home?  She has had quite the eventful year!

Christi has such a fun and exciting style, that is all her own!  She comes up with the greatest ideas... I can just lose myself in her blog.  This is Christi's favorite card and while she didn't tell me why, it's not hard to guess why... I love her colors and details!

My favorite thing about Christi's creations are her details.  She certainly has her own style, but then there is not "one thing" that is a "trademark" of sorts.  She just does amazing things with the details!  I can't possibly pick a favorite from Christi's blog, but this card perfectly demonstrates what I mean about the details...

This is one of my favorite parts... getting to know the Artist!  Christi cracks me up, I just love her spunky spirit!

1.  When did you get started stamping?  15 years ago. I saw a demonstration of heat embossing at a little gift shop and have been addicted ever since.
2.  Tell me 5 songs or artists on your iPod right now.  hmmm, there is music on my iPod, but I am not a huge music girl. The main things used on my iPod are my favorite podcast, Paperclipping Roundtable, and there are some Nickelodeon shows on there (Dora and Little Bear) that Kat watches at football games and when we are flying. ;o)
3.  All Stylists have a go to accessory or tool... what's yours?  watercolor pencils....LOVE them and what I can do with them. I am afraid to even try Copics because I know that I will become addicted...LOL!
4.  What's your favorite flavor of ice cream?  Chocolate & Peanut butter from Baskin Robbins...there is NO better flavor out there anywhere!!!
5.  Where do you find inspiration?  Everywhere!!! I adore blogs...probably have about 200 of them on my reader. I esp. love the wedding blogs for inspiration. I also love looking at magazines and stores like Target or Anthropologie!
6.  Do you have a favorite technique or style?  I am a huge lover of the shabby chic look with lots of embellishments. I usually can't pull it off because I tend to have a cleaner style, but when I can...it's LOVE!
7.  What is your favorite color palette?  Red is my favorite color so I love to pair colors with it.... esp. black or robin's egg blue.
8.  When your 'mojo' takes a spa day without you, what gets your creative juices flowing again?  For me, the best way to get my creative muse going again is to start creating something different. The majority of my work is done with cards or scrapbooking so if I change my papercraft to altered arts, atc's, canvases, or even sewing projects, it gives a huge boost to my creative muse.
9.  When you aren't stamping, what do you like to do?  READING!!! I am a huge reader (average probably 3-4 books a week), but it isn't fine literature. I read for entertainment and that comes in the form of romances or chick lit...just fun stuff!
10.  Tell us something, not stamping related, about you...  My guilty shopping pleasure besides craft supplies and books is shoes. I love what a fun new cute pair of shoes can do as an ego boost. Just something fun about a sassy pair of shoes (I very rarely spend more than $30 on a pair) and there is something powerful about heels which I wear with everything (even my tennis shoes are heels...Sketchers from Victoria's Secret...love them!) ooh, and I guess that is another guilty pleasure that I spend money on...Victoria's Secret. Pretty panties and bras do the same thing for my ego as fun, sassy heels. Is that TMI??? ;o)


Soooo... don't you just love her!  Leave her some love here, or even better head on over to her blog, Altered Ambitions and while you are being swept away by her creativity you can leave her some love there!

Makeup Artist Spotlight

This week we are spotlighting Makeup Artist Lisa McKinney (This & That).  Lisa always makes such beautiful cards, but her CAS cards are frequently on the SCS CAS Fav's of the week list!  She rocks!

When I do these "interviews" I ask each person to send me a picture of themselves.  It's is so "Lisa" that she chose this picture to send (one of her and her hubby)... Lisa is so very dedicated to her family.  She just adores them all and it's so evident when you interact with her.  Does her smile not just consume her whole face?  This girl is ALWAYS so bubbly and cheerful and positive!  These are two of my very favorite traits in people and though there are more reasons, these two are the biggest two reasons I just adore Lisa!

This is Lisa's favorite card, which is interesting because there is nothing CAS about this one!  Look at all the detail, right up my alley!  The colors are so stricking.  Here's what Lisa had to say about this card... "This card is probably my favorite because of not only the colors (autumn!), but how it incorporated a bunch of textures and layers. Moody in the Pumpkin Patch is STILL my favorite Moody and though she's not colored wonderfully (pre-copics) I still like the way she graces the front of this card. I was having a LOT of fun with my Cuttlebug when I made this card."

Well I had my favorite card picked out until I saw this one.  I love the colors Lisa chose, it shows her 'signature' embossing folder piece and Thanksgiving is just my favorite time of the year!  As gorgeous as the card is, I really LOVE her story she shared on the post!!

Lisa always cracks me up with her posts within the DT group, her comments just crack me up!  She's so positive and happy, but even when she pouty or something bugs her she so stinkin' silly about it!  It's a good thing she's not venting in front of me because how do show empathy when you are cracking up at the way she puts things?!?  I can't wait to visit Kentucky one of these days and sit with Lisa on her porch sippin' Souther Sweet Tea and looking over her Farm!  As you know, we ask each Artist a few questions... here's Lisa's answers to those questions...

1. When did you get started stamping? Around the fall of 2007. I found a card making group online and was like "wow, I think I can do that!" And though some of my first attempts are shameful, through the course of joining various groups, starting a blog, competing in challenges and trying new techniques I've really grown in what I'm capable of producing.
2. Tell me 5 songs or artists on your iPod right now. Well, I'm behind the times and don't ahve an IPod...but my playlist on my blog currently has a TON of songs from GLEE...but then also Lady Antebellum, Faith Hill, Cold Play and Lionel Richie...yeah, I'm a music eclectic!
   
3. All Stylists have a go to accessory or tool... what's yours? Definitely my Cuttlebug. Now that I have it, I couldn't live without it...I use it on nearly ALL of my cards--whether for embossing or for using my Nestabilities.
   
4. What's your favorite flavor of ice cream? Mmmm, Ice Cream. I love fruity ice cream like peach. But my FAVORITE ice cream is homemade. My parents bought an ice cream maker when I was visiting them this summer and...WOW! Best ice cream I've ever eaten! They had made strawberry ice cream with real freshly picked strawberries and other organic ingredients. It makes all the other ice creams seem blah! Now we are going to try to buy one for our family because we are HUGE ice cream fans. 
5. Where do you find inspiration? Most of my inspiration comes through various challenges. My favorite ones are the sketch challenges because deciding on layouts seems to be the most challenging part for me! So already having a layout takes away those moments of staring at a blank card front wondering what on earth I'm going to do! I also really like embellishment and technique challenges. I'm always looking for new ways to use the supplies I have.  
6. Do you have a favorite technique or style? I love doing folded cards...but also CAS cards. I am notorious for trying to use up every inch of space, so the CAS style has pushed me out of that box. I also love dry embossing--because I can use my Cuttlebug of course! LOL!
   
7. What is your favorite color palette? Earth tones! I totally love using chocolate and olive and rust...probably why my favorite season is Autumn. I just love the richness that those colors have.
   
8. When your 'mojo' takes a spa day without you, what gets your creative juices flowing again? I just go to a gallery of some sort...usually Splitcoast and look through it or cards I tagged as a favorite and I usually can get inspired that way. If that isn't working than I pull out past copies of my crafting magazines and check out pages that I've marked.But then there are days when I just have to walk away for awhile. I go read books, play the piano or just play with my kiddos. My mojo usually comes back shortly thereafter!
   
9. When you aren't stamping, what do you like to do? Spend time with my boys, Cook, Read, Play Piano and just chill out! We love doing things as a family--typically going for rides on a John Deere Gator or our 4wheelers all over our Kentucky farm. Or sometimes we just sit on the porch and watch the butterflies.    
10. Tell us something, not stamping related, about you...Um...I admit that I'm a nail polish addict. I have a TON of colors, but can't seem to resist a new sparkly shade. I love painting my toenails! I also am a pianist. I've played piano for 25 years and have won a few competitions. It's my release when I'm moody or frustrated because I can always find a song to match my mood. And one more thing is that I'm almost JUST as addicted to cooking magazines as my crafting magazines. I adore cooking and have more cookbooks than one person really needs...and I'm an avid FoodNetwork watcher.

Well that wraps up this Artist Spotlight.  You can leave a comment for Lisa on this post, or better yet head on over to her blog and leave her a hug there!

Makeup Artist Spotlight

This week we are Spotlighting one of our newer Makeup Artists, Anita Hovey (Hovey Hut).   Anita has a great style and is total Challenge-a-holic!!

Here is Anita's favorite card, and while she didn't tell me why it was her fav, it is certainly beautiful!

Here is my pic... I jut LOVE these leaves!  And, of course, his tentacle sticking out of the circle.

Anita has been a "friend of PMS" for quite some time, partying with us frequently!  It is very nice to have her on the team now!  Here's a little more info about Anita...

1.  When did you get started stamping?  Well, if you count my first cheapie set of stamps from Michaels that I never figured out how to use, then about 10 years ago! I really got hooked when I met my Stampin Up! Demonstrator and signed up. Then I discovered other companies and got addicted totally to challenges about 2 years ago, and I don’t plan on stopping any time soon!
2.  Tell me 5 songs or artists on your iPod right now.  I haven’t touched my iPod in months, so it’s out of date LOL. If I were to update it today I would add some Ke$ha and Katy Perry to my standbys of Bon Jovi, Michael Buble and Nickleback.
3.  All Stylists have a go to accessory or tool... what's yours?  My Cuttlebug… I use it a lot! Spellbinders, embossing, cutting, I LOVE it.
4.  What's your favorite flavor of ice cream?  Black Raspberry Cheesecake…and I’ve made it through the whole summer without having ANY!
5.  Where do you find inspiration?  I love cardmaking magazines…I keep them all…I have about 7 years’ worth in my craft room! I also love challenges. I find they get me creating without COPYING and that helps me bring out my own style.
6.  Do you have a favorite technique or style?  I really appreciate a good Shabby Chic creation because it’s something I cannot do myself! My personal style is more on the cute &  fun side.
7.  What is your favorite color palette?  I love BRIGHT! I have many favorite colors and it really depends on the day I’m creating, but I love HOT pink & LIME green, orange, red… and any combo of those colors together!
8.  When your 'mojo' takes a spa day without you, what gets your creative juices flowing again?  Looking for a challenge to do. Sometimes it might take me a dud or two to get going, but completing some challenges always helps to work out the sloggy bug.
9.  When you aren't stamping, what do you like to do?  Is there something else to do? Seriously, this is my main hobby…I don’t watch a LOT of TV, but I am a huge fan of General Hospital. I only really read on vacation. So I guess it’s really family/work duties when I’m not stamping.
10.  Tell us something, not stamping related, about you...  I currently work for the YWCA of Halifax, Nova Scotia. While the YWCA advocates for many women’s issues, I have a special passion for promoting self-esteem and healthy body image, and lately for exposing the horrendous photo-editing practices of the fashion world. I have two beautiful daughters and I do not ever want them to feel like they are ugly, need to lose weight, have surgery, or do anything extra to “be normal”.