Magical Scraps Galore

Yes, you read that correctly. Marina, aka Magical Scraps Galore, is once again in our Spotlight! But don’t worry, there’s still lots to learn about her. Let’s dig in!

J: Marina, it’s clear that you’re happy here at GingerScraps, since you’re taking on the responsibility of Designer Spotlight again so soon. What is it about the GingerScraps community you enjoy most?

M: GingerScraps is such a wonderful, welcoming and supportive community that feels like family to me. And it’s a wonderful place for us designers because we don’t just sell products, we build relationships with scrappers. And Ginger is the best!

J: That’s exactly how I feel too. I’ve always felt like GS is home, ever since I first jumped in back in April of 2013. And of course, Ginger is brilliant and generous to a fault. We have a special cadre of Designers too, who make digi-scrapping a real pleasure. What inspires your creativity when you’re beginning a new kit?

M: I’m mostly inspired by the photo gallery on my phone. I always design collections that I can personally use.

J: I’m almost afraid to look at the gallery on my phone… I take way too many sunset photos, and I save at least ten times the project ideas I could ever use. I’ll never suffer a lack of inspiration, right? Do you have a favourite theme or occasion to design for?

M: My favorite theme is traveling, it gives me an excuse to visit new places to do some research and find inspiration.

J: So, how many times have you been to a Disney park, again? 😛 Ignore me… What about seasons or holidays? Do you have one that lights you up more than others?

M: I love designing winter and fall collections; I guess it’s because I’m drawn to winter and autumn color palettes.

J: I thought I saw a new winter collection in your store! I’m drawn to those palettes too, and part of me is sad that we really haven’t had winter this year. Another part of me is kinda happy, because my hubby has had lifting restrictions for several weeks, and I would have been on shovel duty. 😉 Do you have a kit or collection that you’re especially proud of?

M: Can I pick two?

J: Of course!

M: My most special collections are “Historic Route 66” and “National Parks”. I did a lot of research for both and I included lots of unique elements that I specially created for them. And they bring back amazing memories of my road trips.

J: Oh, I see why you love them! What are your three go-to tools for designing?

M: Photoshop, Illustrator and Procreate.

J: I feel like the learning curve for those three is pretty steep. I’ve watched a bunch of Photoshop YouTube videos to see if I can transduce them down to Photoshop Elements, and usually I just end up with a headache! So I default to either cooking shows or card-making videos. Those I can follow. 😛 What’s your favourite way to unwind?

M: I take a long shower, jump into bed and watch my favorite series.

J: Sounds so lovely! I can’t shower in the evening – it makes it hard to get to sleep. But maybe I should try it again. Maybe age has reset things? I also can’t eat in the evening any more, which is good for my waistline but not so good for my mental health. I enjoy a good dill pickle chip from time to time. 😀 If you were only allowed to eat one thing for the rest of eternity, what would you choose?

M: Spaghetti and meatballs with tons of parmesan!

J: Mmmm! Pasta! I watched my husband devour a huge plate of spaghetti and meatballs at the Old Spaghetti Factory recently… while I ate a salad. 🙁 Then he needed a nap. 😀

M: I’d love to swap places with one of my cats; I’m jealous that they get to sleep all day and get tons of love from me, LOL.

J: Looks like we missed National Spaghetti Day – it was January 4th – but we could still make National Meatball Day… it’s March 9th! Do you have a favourite random “holiday”, like one of those?

M: National Cat Day, since I get to give my kitties an extra dose of cuddles.

J: Unless you make EVERY day National Cat Day, you’ll have to wait awhile – October 29th. I’m not a cat person, so thank you for leaving them home. <snicker> Before we go, I’ll give our readers all the rest of the scoop. Marina has created a very sweet Daily Download for us, so make sure you check in here at least every couple of days to collect the pieces. Here’s a sneak peek:

She’s also hosting one of the two Designer Spotlight Challenges this month in addition to her monthly Surprise Challenge. Oh, and she’s giving everybody 30% off!!!

If that doesn’t get you into her store, I don’t know what will!

This month we have two Designer Spotlights; the other is North Meets South (Connie Prince and Trixie Scraps), who have chosen not to participate in the Blog Spotlight, as is their prerogative. You can find their Challenge in the Forum.

On a personal note, I received some… interesting news yesterday. I’ve been having some issues with my vision and had it checked out. I have a new posterior subcapsular cataract (not actually new, it was there a year ago, I just wasn’t told about it) in my right eye that is advancing fairly quickly.  So, surgery might be needed in the next year or so. I also have an epiretinal membrane in that eye, which won’t need treatment unless it changes. I love that for me. 🙁 But I’m getting new glasses that will make a HUGE difference and can’t wait! Stay tuned.