Feature Designer

February Featured Designer – JB Studio

February 11, 2015 by Stephanie MH

Welcome to February. Hard to believe we are already through January. I wonder if it means this year will go by quickly? This month I had the chance to “chat” with the fabulous Dani of JB Studios. Here is her thoughts on my questions. Make sure to read all the way to the end for some awesome layouts with her kits.

What is your design process?

I usually have ideas for kits from music – lyrics or rhythm… I am all about feelings and I let the feelings guide me. First thing I do is choose the name of the kit because it will lead my design process and as I am not the best at that, I always rely on my creative team to help me brainstorm. Then I build the color palette that will help me express the feelings I had, I always start from patterned papers, then elements, extras and alphas. Sometimes the process is inverted. I see a color palette that catches my eye and I let it guide the feelings. I like to take notes of moments and things I see when I’m not home because some things just may inspire kit ideas.

What do you use to create your designs (program, addition tools, etc.)?

I use Photoshop CS3 (it’s old, I know. I will be soon switching to a newer version) and illustrator. Tools? Hmmm, I like using some actions and styles because they are time savers.

Describe your design workplace.

I am building my workspace through babysteps, but as we don’t have much space in the house, it is in our living room for now. I have a pretty spacious work table and some drawers, but to be honest I didn’t declutter or organized yet.

What is your favorite thing about designing?

I’m blessed for being able to be creative and call it work. And also blessed for working at home so I can stay with my daughter and take care of the family and myself.

What is your favorite or “go-to” color palette?

I like bright colors and I always add a bold one to contrast. Being honest, I love vintage colors, however I just can’t design anything vintage, I guess it’s because I’m an Aquarius. LOL

What is your favorite treat to have close while designing?

I feel guilty by answering this… a very cold glass of coke.

Do you have job outside of designing? If so, what do you do (if you don’t mind sharing)?

I’ve just quit the position of coordinator at a language school. I am now only teaching English on Saturdays, so I can have plenty of time to devote to my creative business.

Please share a photo of yourself, can be silly or serious but a photo that shows us who YOU are.

I really like this photo. It’s not perfect, I have no make up, I’m wearing glasses, I have eye circles, but I think it expresses who I am – the colors and the smile. I see myself like this – soft, feminine and happy.

What is your *favorite* kit you’ve designed (that is currently in store) and why is it your favorite?

I have to mention 2 of them. One is On Cloud Nine because it was a turning point in my design style and the other is Gone Away because it was the way I could express my feelings in a sad moment when we lost a close friend in a very terrible way. I am pretty introvert sometimes and that was the way that I could put the bad feelings out of my chest.

What is your favorite thing about GingerScraps.net?

Oh, everything! I wish i could be online in the community more often because I always have so much fun. And I love how sweet and supportive everybody is. I love being a GingerBread Lady.

What is the current ringtone on your phone?

Radioactive by Imagine Dragons (I just love the guys!)

If you were deserted on an island (with all water/food provided), what three things would you want to have with you?

I feel pretty uncomfortable answering this kind of questions because I hate to have to choose between things, I just can’t. I want everything. My decision making in this situation is stressful. I would start with my family, internet, my laptop, my books, my notebooks and all my scrapbooking supplies, my daughters’ dolls, playing cards, and I could go on forever… LOL

If you could spend the day with anyone (living or dead) who would it be and why?

Mandela. I would try to learn everything I could from the guy. He was so spiritual.

What songs are included on the soundtrack to your life?

Unconditionally by Katy Perry

What would you sing at Karaoke night?

I love Karaoke and I sing lots of songs, but my favorite are Rolling in the Deep by Adele and I’m No Good by Amy Winehouse.

Any special message to our members?

I’d like to quote Mahatma Gandhi: “Happiness is when what you think, what you say and what you do are in harmony.” Living with intention is having a fulfilled life. Everything is just perfect when you are in harmony.

What awesome answers to my questions. Thanks again to Dani for taking the time. Make sure to check out her GS store, her Facebook page, and her blog. Her birthday is this month and she’s giving away goodies all month.

I asked on our Facebook fan page and our group page for you to share your favorite kit and layouts with me and I received some great posts. It was so hard to choose, so… I’m just going to show them all.

The biggest response was using the Honeymoon Collection.

shellbyj

Robinsismai

weaselwatchr

lorigaud shared this layout made with Rock This Way:

Sarah shared this layout using Everyday Photos:

And finally this one from missdamsel using Digital Besties:

Thanks for hanging on and reading this long!! Can’t wait to catch back up with you soon. Keep your eye out for some fun stuff coming to the blog. We have some exciting things in the works.

January Featured Designer – Little Rad Trio

January 31, 2015 by Stephanie MH

Here I am sliding just in at the end of the month with featured designer Little Rad Trio. I don’t know about the rest of you, but I’m glad to see the end of January. Let’s catch up with Jennifer.

What is your design process?

I generally start with a theme in mind and search for the perfect color palette. From there, I generally start with elements move to papers and end with alpha. My process is not consistent as I’ll sometimes start with papers. It all varies on my mood.

What do you use to create your designs (program, addition tools, etc.)?

I use photoshop CS6 exclusively. I do have illustrator but I haven’t taken the time to learn it yet. One of these days that will happen!

Describe your design workplace.

I’m not like the traditional designer. I don’t have a set work place. Most of my designing occurs on my laptop with some happening after hours on my IRL computer. Most of the time, I’m at my kitchen counter on the laptop though.

What is your favorite thing about designing?

My favorite thing is the unlimited ability to be creative. I can just let my mind wander.

What is your favorite or “go-to” color palette?

I love bright bold colors!

What is your favorite treat to have close while designing?

A nice glass of pinot grigio.

Do you have job outside of designing? If so, what do you do (if you don’t mind sharing)?

Yes. I actually own a small business of 50+ employees in 3 locations (MN, ND & WI). I’m in the insurance industry and operate as a managing general agent which is a specialized niche in the industry. We work solely with independent agents and have binding authority on behalf of a number of insurance carriers. We deal strictly in commercial higher risk business with our niche being long haul truckers. With being the owner, it involves quite a bit of travel so that’s what’s so nice about having a laptop. Have laptop will travel!!

What is your *favorite* kit you’ve designed (that is currently in store) and why is it your favorite?

His Blocks! It was a spur of the moment kit but I just love how it turned out and love the bright bold colors!

What is your favorite thing about GingerScraps.net?

All the friendly people and I just love Ginger and Missi!! They are such a sweethearts!!

What is the current ringtone on your phone?

Cruise by Florida Georgia Line. It’s one of my favorite songs!

If you were deserted on an island (with all water/food provided), what three things would you want to have with you?

My family, internet and my laptop!!

If you could spend the day with anyone (living or dead) who would it be and why?

My maternal grandmother. She passed away when I was in 3rd grade. Now that I’m an adult, I would love to know her as an adult.

What songs are included on the soundtrack to your life?

Wow, I would have to think on that one. I has so many favorites that mean so much to me.

What would you sing at Karaoke night?

Sing at Karaoke night? Not gonna happen! EVER!!

Any special message to our members?

Love all that you do and cherish all your loved ones for life is just too short to do anything else.

Thanks to Jennifer for answering my questions. Make sure to check out her store, blog, and Facebook page.

Filed Under: GingerBread Ladies, Product/Designer Spotlight Tagged With: Feature Designer, GingerBread Ladies

December Featured Designer Part 2 – Ponytails Designs

December 24, 2014 by Stephanie MH

Here is part two of our December Featured Designer Post. Today we are talking to Natasha of Ponytails Designs.

What is your design process?

I usually start with an idea or a colour palette and go from there. I make some notes and browse Pinterest for photos that look like what I’m seeing in my head. Then I generally start with papers and make patterns from them that I can use in my elements.

What do you use to create your designs (program, addition tools, etc.)?

I use PSCC for the most part. I’m attempting to learn AI, but that’s not going very well as of yet.

Describe your design workplace.

I have a four year old, so my workspace is anywhere she is… but I do have a small desk space in the kitchen/great room, which is where I usually sit. I can work a bit while she plays or watches TV. The bulk of my work is done after her bedtime though.

What is your favorite thing about designing?

I love the creative outlet I get with designing. I’ve always done some sort of craft… painting, cross-stitch, crochet, even quilting. But I just love the memory keeping aspect of scrapbooking, and the ease of doing it digitally.

What is your favorite or “go-to” color palette?

I gravitate toward earthier palettes… I love colour though, but I generally go with more muted shades of the colours. Some themes just work better with brights so I’ll use them when I feel the need. In my personal scrapping I usually pick kits that will suit girl pages nicely, so there tends to be a lot of pinks and aquas in the kits I choose to buy.

What is your favorite treat to have close while designing?

If I’m designing in the evening then I’ll have a glass of white wine beside me. Sometimes I’ll have cheese and crackers too. My favorite is marble cheddar on Triscuits.

Do you have job outside of designing? If so, what do you do (if you don’t mind sharing)?

I work as a 911 fire dispatcher in a large emergency communications centre. Since having Sarah I only work part time, and only the night shift. It’s an interesting job with a lot of down time, so I usually do any kind of online scrapping-related stuff while I’m at work. It’s the perfect time to set up new products or leave gallery comments, etc. In fact, I’m at work right now while I’m answering these questions!

Please share a photo of yourself, can be silly or serious but a photo that shows us who YOU are.

This picture was taken this past July. I threw my husband a big surprise 50th birthday party with an “Anchorman” theme. This sums us up so nicely… a big party in our backyard, surrounded by good friends. We are very social and entertain a lot, especially in summertime, since we have a pool and a big private backyard.

What is your *favorite* kit you’ve designed (that is currently in store) and why is it your favorite?

I think my favourite right now is Everyday Moments, which I designed for the November buffet. I love the colours and the cork elements. I just think it’s such a versatile kit that can be used to scrap all sorts of pages.

What is your favorite thing about GingerScraps.net?

It’s such a friendly, fun place to hang out! I felt at home here right from the beginning. I really love that there’s so much participation in the various challenges and special events too.

What is the current ringtone on your phone?

It’s on vibrate about 99% of the time because I hate ringing phones. Probably because I’m on the phone or radio at work so much. When it is on ring, then it’s just set to the old-style phone ring. Either way, my friends would tell you that I’m impossible to reach, because I often forget to take the do-not-disturb off when I get up in the morning… also related to work, because we get a lot of call-outs to cover sick personnel and they all seem to come in the middle of the night!

If you were deserted on an island (with all water/food provided), what three things would you want to have with you?

My sunglasses, a good book, and a nice cold drink! I’d enjoy the peace and quiet for a change.

If you could spend the day with anyone (living or dead) who would it be and why?

This is a tough one.. there’s so many! But if I only had a day I’d want it to be a fun one, so maybe I’d like to hang out with Oprah. I think she’d be so fun and interesting to talk to.

What songs are included on the soundtrack to your life?

Anything by George Strait! Really… anything. The man could sing the phone book to me and I’d be in Heaven.

I agree – I love George Strait!!

What would you sing at Karaoke night?

I’d sing a duet with my hubby… “Jackson” by Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash is such a fun song.

Any special message to our members?

Just a big, heartfelt thanks for all the love and support they’ve given me since I joined GS!

Thanks Natasha!! Make sure to stop by and visit her GS store, her Facebook page, and her blog.

Craftytam shared with us that her favorite Ponytails Designs kit is Sandy Toes and Salty Kisses.

And she made this lovely layout using the kit. Make sure to stop by the gallery and leave her some love.

I hope that you all have a wonderful Christmas and a very Happy New Year!!

Filed Under: Digital Scrapbooking, GingerBread Ladies, Product/Designer Spotlight Tagged With: Feature Designer, GingerBread Ladies

December Featured Designer Part 1 – Cornelia Designs

December 22, 2014 by Stephanie MH

Merry Christmas!! Only a few days left. Are you ready? I finally started shopping on Saturday. Good news is, I also finished on Saturday. Nothing like a list and a plan.

This month we have two fabulous featured designers at GingerScraps and I have SO much to share that I’m going to have to split this into TWO posts. Isn’t that exciting. Thanks to Cornelia Designs and Ponytails Designs for being so sweet and answering my questions. Today’s post is with Cornelia Designs. We’ll follow up with Ponytails Designs in a couple of days.

Let’s see what Cornelia has to share.

What is your design process?

I totally love to make big collections. First I start with a theme or the colors, depends. Then always my papers are finished first and then I start with all the other parts. I finish them over time and dont work just on one till it’s finished. The last are always my elements that get done.

What do you use to create your designs (program, addition tools, etc.)?

Adobe Photoshop CC 2014, Bamboo Tablet, Computer

Describe your design workplace.

completely messy, with a ton of lists laying around, about designing and other stuff

What is your favorite thing about designing?

it totally calms me to sit in front of photoshop and see my designs pictured inside my head come to life.

What is your favorite or “go-to” color palette?

bright and cheerful colors

What is your favorite treat to have close while designing?

I think I have no favorite treat, there is just me and my glass of water, sometimes a chai tea, but not occasionally

Do you have job outside of designing? If so, what do you do (if you don’t mind sharing)?

Im a stay at home mom right now, coz my little one turned just 1 years old. So for the next 1.5 years Im home with her till she can go to kindergarten.

Please share a photo of yourself, can be silly or serious but a photo that shows us who YOU are.

What is your *favorite* kit you’ve designed (that is currently in store) and why is it your favorite?

Me, My Selfie & I – I love taking pictures the whole time, okay its not so that I do a lot of selfies, but it doesnt matter for this kit. The colors itself just make happy, bright and cheerful.

What is your favorite thing about GingerScraps.net?

I completely love it there. My first thought we will see how it goes there, but everyone is so friendly, and helpful. And damn all is so well organized at Gingerscraps, that helps a lot with designing my stuff.

What is the current ringtone on your phone?

Over the Horizon – and I have no idea, it was a standard in my phone so I used it, coz it sounded best from all the others

If you were deserted on an island (with all water/food provided), what three things would you want to have with you?

a book (or 3 haha), writing stuff, and my computer

If you could spend the day with anyone (living or dead) who would it be and why?

Thats a hard question, gladly I havent lost anyone yet. But my dad went away when I was age 7 and I havent seen him since this, no contact either. So a day with him would be cool maybe. Not sure, I mean it could end horrible too.

What songs are included on the soundtrack to your life?

loud and cheerful songs, nothing slow

What would you sing at Karaoke night?

I would never sing at Karaoke night. Its horrible when I sing, everyone would run away *g*

Any special message to our members?

Yes of course. I want to thank you all for enjoying my stuff so much. Coz without you all I wouldnt be here. Also I love the friendships I found coz of this community.

Thanks Cornelia!! Make sure you visit Cornelia’s Store, Facebook page and blog.

I asked in the GS Facebook group for you to share your favorite kit and a layout using that kit and lorigaud posted that her favorite kit is Mustache You.

She shared this fabulous layout. Make sure to stop by and leave her some comments.

Make sure to look for Part 2 coming soon.

Filed Under: Digital Scrapbooking, GingerBread Ladies, Product/Designer Spotlight Tagged With: Feature Designer, GingerBread Ladies

November Feature Designers – Kathryn Estry Designs and Blue Heart Scraps

November 27, 2014 by Stephanie MH

Happy Thanksgiving everyone (for those in the US anyway) and Happy Thursday to everyone else. I hope you have all had a blessed day.

November’s Feature Designers are Kathryn Estry Designs and Blue Heart Scraps. I had a chance to catch up with Kathryn and ask her a few questions. She gave me some fabulous answers and some great photos that I can’t wait to share with you.

What is your design process?

I design in collections ~ kits with lots of matching packs. This way a scrapper can easily make a whole book from the collection that all coordinates if they choose to. I start with a color palette and a theme and then decide on the style I think would work the best for that collection. I create elements and papers that will fit in nicely and give scrappers a lot of pieces that work well together.

What do you use to create your designs (program, addition tools, etc.)?

I use PSE 5.0 for the most part only going into PS now and then. I have a lot of actions and filters, and I like to draw freehand on paper first and then copy my designs using my mouse and the tools in PSE.

Describe your design workplace.

I’ll show it to you. I designed this room when we moved from Houston to Fort Worth two years ago. I’ve always wanted a special place that was just mine and that I could decorate however I wanted. This room is me all over! One of my favorite kits, Studio Kathryn, was inspired by my home office.

What is your favorite thing about designing?

I love creating, and that’s exactly what designing is. Watching a kit come together and finishing the previews is so fun! Then seeing your layouts with my designs is the icing on the cake!

What is your favorite or “go-to” color palette?

Happy colors. I’ve used the colors in my Studio Kathryn kit often because I like them so much ~ pinks, reds, oranges, yellows, and greens.

What is your favorite treat to have close while designing?

Lime water and gum. I have other favorites, but I’m trying to be good. 🙂

Do you have a job outside of designing? If so, what do you do (if you don’t mind sharing)?

My main job these days is being a Nana to my 5 sweet grandkids! I retired from teaching a couple of years ago, and I’m just loving the grandma scene!

Please share a photo of yourself, can be silly or serious but a photo that shows us who YOU are.

I chose this Christmas picture from last year because it includes my sweet husband, Robert, and my daughter, Brandi, and her family and it’s taken at our church. Baby Lucy wasn’t born yet, and I don’t have my son, Tommy, and his family in the photo, so I’m sneaking in a photo of his family, and one of Lucy, too. These photos together show you who I am. My family is everything to me!

What is your *favorite* kit you’ve designed (that is currently in the store), and why is it your favorite?

I have so many favorites, but I especially love Autumn Dance. You’ll notice some of the same colors as in my home studio except they’re much bolder here. I love the big flowers, too. It’s definitely a happy kit!

What is your favorite thing about GingerScraps.net?

The people! The community is so much fun, and the staff is always so friendly and helpful. I also love that the site is organized so well and that there’s so much going on.

What is the current ringtone on your phone?

Funny question. We actually bought new cell phones yesterday, and I was playing with the ringtones last night for calls, texts, and my alarm clock. I ended up with Meadow Sunrise for my ringtone. It sort of sounds like a Scottish dance, loud enough, but it doesn’t make me jump out of my chair.

If you were deserted on an island (with all water/food provided), what three things would you want to have with you?

Things, not people… Hmmmm… My Bible, my computer, and a great big game book filled with all sorts of different games and puzzles. I hope my deserted island is close enough to a cell tower so I can Skype!

If you could spend the day with anyone (living or dead) who would it be and why?

It would be my parents. They died almost 20 years ago now, and I miss them so. We were very close, and I’d love to have them meet Robert and see my kids all grown up with babies of their own. They adored both Tommy and Brandi, and the kids enjoyed visiting with them so much. Both of my parents and both of my kids left me in the dirt with their high level intellectual conversations. I was happy just to listen. If they were to come back for a day though, I’d talk non-stop, and my cheeks would hurt from smiling so much. This photo is on my studio wall above my computer. Recognize the frame? I’ve used it in several of my kits in different colors.

What songs are included on the soundtrack to your life?

It would have to be Christian hymns and beautiful octavos I’ve learned in choir mixed with songs from my favorite musicals.

What would you sing at Karaoke night?

Man. This is showing my age! Again, Christian music ~ or something from Les Mis.

Any special message to our members?

Yes. Thank you! Thank you for your support of my design habit! Thank you for enjoying my designs ~ what a rush for me! Thank you for your online friendship!

Thanks so much to Kathryn for answering all my questions and providing us insight on her life. Make sure to check out her GS Store, her FB page and her blog.

Our other Feature Designer is JoyLynn from Blue Heart Scraps. Although I didn’t get a chance to check up with her, make sure to check out her store, FB Page and blog as well.

Love to you all!!!

Filed Under: GingerBread Ladies, Product/Designer Spotlight Tagged With: Feature Designer, GingerBread Ladies

October Featured Designers

October 27, 2014 by Stephanie MH

Happy end of October. It’s hard to believe it’s almost November which leads to the beginning of the Holidays. And the beginning of November brings DSD. GingerScraps will be celebrating DSD from Friday, October 31 through Thursday November 6 (because you know our celebration is always too big for one day). More information will be coming soon. Watch the blog, forum and Facebook page for information.

Now, onto our Featured Designers for October. Jennifer of Luv Ewe Designs and Lily from Pixelily Designs. Both designers have their stores at 30% off for the month.

I had a chance to catch up with Lily and ask her some questions.

What is your design process?

I am a sketchy person. I always ‘sketch’ my next products before I create them. That’s why I never leave my old, folded notebook wherever I go.
When I start to create a product, I will make the easiest one. In my case I will start from all the paper packs and the element pack is always the latest.

What do you use to create your designs (program, additional tools, etc.)?

I used Adobe PS6 before I crashed it and now I am back to my old PS3 *sob*.
I have a wacom bamboo, but rarely use it and wish I could dump it for Intuos or something better.

Describe your design workplace.

It’s inside the kids’ playroom. I put a table with an HP Pavilion desktop at the corner.
The music is always on, a bottle of water is always there ( I am trying to be healthy and forget a cup of coffee but a cheating day might happen once or twice ).
The thing I hate is when I trip on the Lego blocks scattered around the room. It is painful !

What is your favorite thing about designing?

I love all the process, as long as I am not on a tight schedule. Yes, I am not a good organized person.

What is your favorite or “go-to” color palette?

I love soft colors with a touch of blue or green in it. I am a sucker for green.
My dinner plates are green, my bedsheet is green, my stuffs are mostly green and I don’t feel sorry about it

What is your favorite treat to have close while designing?

I must nibble something to keep my brain work. I used to have sweet things like chocolate or brownies but I am trying to be healthy these days so I change into cut fruits or nuts. Man, it’s hard to start something healthy.

Do you have job outside of designing? If so, what do you do (if you don’t mind sharing)?

Nope, I am a full SAHM for my 2 boys.

Please share a photo of yourself, can be silly or serious but a photo that shows us who YOU are.

I am not a photo person. I like taking photos but I don’t like being on the photo

What is your *favorite* kit you’ve designed (that is currently in store) and why is it your favorite?

It’s the Happy Collection. I imagine it will be used to make layouts about happy feelings or happy moments.
I am happy to know it can have a happy effect !

What is your favorite thing about GingerScraps.net?

The very helpful staffs, the familiar environments, the great and kind people, oh the list can go on and on !

What is the current ringtone on your phone?

It’s a default ringtone, a typical old and boring phone sound. Maybe I will change it into one of Ariana Grande’s songs to look cool.

If you were deserted on an island (with all water/food provided), what three things would you want to have with you?

Books, a gadget with full internet connection and my softest pillow.

If you could spend the day with anyone (living or dead) who would it be and why?

Adam Levine of Maroon 5 and I hope he’s not dead yet since I want to learn yoga from him.

What songs are included on the soundtrack to your life?

Any of 80’s songs when you don’t have to include any vulgar words to make the songs ear-catchy.

What would you sing at Karaoke night?

John Legend’s All Of Me. I hear it like 10 times a day at my house these days.

Any special message to our members?

Be creative, it’s a fun way to spend your day.

Remember to check out Pixelily’s store, blog, and Facebook page.

Also, check out Luv Ewe Design’s store and Facebook page.

As a special feature, we asked our members to give us their favorite kit and a layout they have made from that kit. This month we have a layout from lynnw with her favorite kit from Pixelily – Shop Till You Drop.

Hope you all have a great Halloween and get ready for a busy DSD weekend.

Filed Under: GingerBread Ladies, Product/Designer Spotlight Tagged With: Feature Designer, GingerBread Ladies

September Spotlight Designer

September 28, 2014 by Stephanie MH

Happy Fall everyone. It’s been a busy month here at GingerScraps with our 6th Birthday Celebration. Hopefully you got all the goodies from the Facebook Hop and took advantage of the great sales. The weather is finally cooling off in my corner of the states (North Carolina) and I’m looking forward to some gorgeous leaf colors soon.

This month, our feature designers are Clever Monkey Graphics and Wimpychompers. I got a chance to ask Tracey of Clever Monkey Graphics some of our get-to-know-you questions.

What is your design process?

Choose theme, choose colors which often involves lots of play, looks for inspiration, start designing.

What do you use to create your designs (program, addition tools, etc.)?

Most of my work is done in Photoshop 4.0. Occasionally I open my Illustrator. I also have a Wacom Cintiq monitor that I can play on for direct to monitor doodling.

Describe your design workplace.

Usually it’s my big comfy brown leather chair with my feet up and a laptop where it belongs – on my lap. TV is often on with a cheesey movie playing that doesn’t matter if I look at it or not.

What motivates and inspires you as a designer?

Color, pattern

What is the last book you read?

Dinosaur Lake Book 2

Tea or coffee?

Both but I switched to decaf a year ago.

Do you craft outside of the digital world?

I’ve pretty much given that all up as I hate making the messes and my tastes have changed about what I want decorating my wall or house. Also having my daughter a little older now we’re not doing kid krafts.

How do you feed your sweet tooth (photo if you got it)?

I really shouldn’t feed it! But I do love Canadian chocolate and also crystallized ginger. Dark chocolate covered almonds give me a great sneaky caffeine boost since I stopped drinking caffeine.

What is your *favorite* kit you’ve designed (that is currently in store) and why is it your favorite?

I really don’t know – I always go back to thinking I love the Under the Boardwalk pair of kits. I really enjoyed using my Tropical Aloha and At the Zoo kits recently too. Can’t really say why I love some more than others. I just click with some more than others.

What is your favorite thing about GingerScraps.net?

I find it to be a great and friendly community of people.

What is the most used App on your phone?

I’m old school – I still don’t have a smart phone.

Do you have a guilty pleasure?

Bad sci fi!

How long have you been designing?

Eight years.

Salty or sweet?

One followed by the other!

If you could travel to any TIME in the past, present or future where would you go and why?

I’d like to go back a few years to have some great sit down conversations with my Nana who has since passed on.

Thanks Tracey!! Make sure you check out her Facebook page, her Blog, and her store at GingerScraps.

Keep an eye out for some new questions and check the Gingerscraps Facebook page for ways that you can be involved.

But for now, tell us in the comments, what is your favorite Clever Monkey Graphics or Wimpychomper kit?

Filed Under: Digital Scrapbooking, GingerBread Ladies, Product/Designer Spotlight Tagged With: Clever Monkey Graphics, Feature Designer, GingerBread Ladies

March Feature Designers: CathyK Designs and Created by Jill Scraps

March 31, 2014 by GingerScraps

It’s the end of the month, literally, only a few hours left, maybe even less depending on your time zone! Stephanie has put together these two interviews of our March Feature Designers. It’s been a fantastic month and double the fun with TWO designers!

Hi everyone, dropping in to showcase our TWO (yes, two) featured designers for March. CathyK Designs and Created by Jill Scraps have teamed up this month to the designers in the GingerScraps spotlight. These ladies have designed a couple of my favorite (and most used) kits.

Let’s talk to Cathy first:

What is your design process?

My design process varies a little, depending on how I get started. Sometimes, the color palette comes first, then I pick a theme that goes with it. Sometimes, I have a theme in mind, then work up a color palette to go with the theme. Once I have a color and theme, I always do papers first, then elements, then alphas and any other addons.

What do you use to create your designs?

I use Photoshop CS4 for the majority of my design work and Inkscape for any illustrations I need to do.

Describe your design workplace.

My workspace is a big computer hutch in our Family Room. I have an aging desktop computer (hope to replace it soon) and a brand new 22″ flat screen monitor. My sons are often in there watching TV, playing video games, or just hanging out. Right now, my son is watching a crazy movie about a homicidal car tire that blows up people with its mind. Obviously, I get my best work done while they are at school or after they go to bed!

What motivates and inspires you as a designer?

Let’s see, color, everyday life, my sons’ activities and interests, magazines, Pinterest, textures, a song, a good quote. Really, anything can be the inspiration for a product!

Tea or coffee?

Coffee with flavored creamer or lattes, please. I’m trying to drink more tea, but I just don’t like it much. I have found a vanilla Rooibos tea that I like, that has the benefits of green tea without the green tea flavor.

I love flavored creamers too. Plain creamer is just boring.

Do you craft outside of the digital world?

I used to craft all the time, until I found digital scrapbooking. Now, most of my crafting is digital.

Hobbies in addition to crafting?

I like hiking and camping, bike riding, reading, and just hanging out with my family.

How do you feed your sweet tooth?

My favorite dessert of all time is pecan pie, which I only have around the holidays. I also love coconut cream pie ice cream from a local ice cream shop here.

I *need* to find some of this coconut cream pie ice cream.

What is your *favorite* kit you’ve designed and why is it your favorite?

Oh, WHY do you want me to choose between my babies? I guess I would have to choose my Inspired Collection. I designed this for the December Buffet, and I LOVE the bright, happy colors and all the fun elements.

What is your favorite thing about GingerScraps.net?

My favorite thing about GingerScraps is the friendly, helpful people that make up this wonderful community!

What is the most used App on your phone?

I think Google Chrome is my most-used app. I don’t like the Facebook app, so I use Chrome to access Facebook and one of my webmail accounts.

Do you have a guilty pleasure?

Starbucks decaf skinny hazelnut latte.

How long have you been designing?

I’ve been designing over 7 years now.

Keep up with Cathy on Facebook and her blog. You can also check out all of her fabulous kits in her store.

And now, a little insight from Jill:

What is your design process?

That’s a good one! I mainly go with the flow…sometimes I’ll start with papers…then have an idea for an element…switch to that…then maybe a journal card saying comes to mind…I’m all over the place!

What do you use to create your designs?

I use PS CS5 with an occasional splash of Snap Art or Art Rage!

Describe your design workplace.

Total chaos!

What motivates and inspires you as a designer?

It could be a palette, a mood, something one of my teenagers say….it could be anything!

What is the last book you read?

Has to be one of the Argeneau Series books by Lynsay Sands….addicted to her stuff…modern day vampires (immortals as they refer to themselves) with a neat twist.

Tea or coffee?

Coffee!!

Do you craft outside of the digital world?

Hobbies in addition to crafting? I wish…I’m not crafty at all!

Please share a photo of yourself, one that shows us YOU.

One of my “happy places” is when I’m teaching Zumba. In this picture I had just arrived at my very first Zumba Convention in Orlando in 2012 (still on the bus from the airport). Via Facebook I had gathered together 400 “newbies” and a bunch of us were going to meet poolside at the Hilton. They called me the Pack Leader so I had to get the hat made! Can you tell I was excited??

How do you feed your sweet tooth?

I am a Lifesaver Pep-o-mint addict! (I’d show you a picture but they’re all gone)

What is your *favorite* kit you’ve designed and why is it your favorite?

Oooooh…that’s a hard one….I think my current favorite is from the March Buffet…Hello There! Love the colors….it’s so spring-y!

What is your favorite thing about GingerScraps.net?

It’s a warm and welcoming pace to be! Everyone is just fantastic!

What is the most used App on your phone?

It’s a tie between Facebook and Candy Mania.

I think Facebook is mine too. Makes it so easy to stay connected everywhere.

Do you have a guilty pleasure?

These amazing Italian caramels you can only get via mail (unless you live in the eastern shore in Maryland) I can go through a box in days (and that’s with some control!) I grew up with them and still order a pound every now and then. Matter of fact my father sent me a pound for my birthday!

These sound heavenly.

How long have you been designing?

I’d say about 5-6 years….but I really have no clue…it’s something I stumbled into…when? I can’t really say….I feel like I’ve always been doing this!

Salty or sweet?

Sweet….THEN salty! Must have the 2!

If you could travel to any TIME in the past, present or future where would you go and why?

Let me get back to you on that……*grin*

Make sure to follow Jill on Facebook, her blog, and see all her designs in her store.

I have to agree with both of these lovely ladies that GingerScraps.net is warm, welcoming, and a helpful place to hang out. I’ve gotten some great help, guidance and inspiration since I joined.

Filed Under: Product/Designer Spotlight Tagged With: Feature Designer

November Feature Designer: Blue Heart Scraps!

November 23, 2013 by GingerScraps

feature designer

Happy Saturday everyone! It’s been a while since we met and I’m happy to bring to you November’s Feature Designer, JoyLynn of Blue Heart Scraps.

I may be a bit bias because I’ve been a part of JoyLynn’s team in the past, but she is totally rad. One thing I love about Blue Heart Scraps is the ‘paper’ style to her designing. It one of my favorite ways to scrap, but enough about me and what I like, let’s talk about JoyLynn!

What is your design process?

It varies from kit to kit. Most times, I start with a general idea of what theme I want to go with and then try to find colors and create elements that fit my idea of that theme. Other times, I run across colors or pictures (either online or in real life) that I just can’t stop loving on, and try to build something from them.

What do you use to create your designs?

Photoshop CS 5, Adobe Illustrator (though no where near as much as I wish I could!), my Wacom Tablet, and every once in a while, I’ll remember that I have a copy of ArtRage I can open up. 😉

Describe your work space

Messy, it’s horribly disorganized! So, lately I’ve been taking over the living room recliner and side table (to hold my mouse and tablet), until my husband gets his portion of the computer desk figured out.

What motivates you as a designer?

Seeing the beautiful pages created with my products and knowing that I had a hand in helping someone create a lasting memory.

While it’s always fun to hear about designers designing, it’s more fun to hear about the fun tidbits totally unrelated to designing! With that said,

What is the last book you read?

Last book completed was Emma’s Secret by Steena Holmes. Currently reading Fallen by Lauren Kate.

Tea or Coffee?

Tea, please…especially if you’re making a Starbucks run. Then I’ll have a venti, soy, no water chai with an extra pump of chai, please. Yum!

Can’t say I agree with JL on the chai bit (though I know MANY who LOVE chai!) but I totally love tea, just give me a strong black with a splash of milk and I am one happy scrapper.

Do you craft outside of the digital world?

I can cut and paste some crafts with my kids…does that count? 😉

Totally counts.

Any hobbies in addition to designing?

Reading, catching up on older seasons of TV shows (I’m currently flying through Glee. It’s really not that bad if you fast forward through most of the singing, LOL) and video games…because sometimes, I just need to lose myself in something mind-numbing.

I definitely know reading is a hobby, especially since you are one of the fearless leaders of the GingerScraps book club. I love to read too, but haven’t given myself the time to do so in too long, sadly.

Show us YOU in one shot!

My youngest child is a snuggler…so most nights you’ll find me just like this;

How do you feed your sweet tooth?

Lately, it’s been this yummy goodness!
(and because I was forced to take that picture, I totally had to eat one now, LOL)

Seems like as good of an excuse as any!

What is the most used app on your phone?

Besides Facebook? Probably Plants Vs. Zombies 2…but I blame it all on my boys (which is a lie, I barely let them play it on my phone, and when they do it has to be on their own name…not letting them get ahead of me on MY game, LOL)

What is your *favorite* kit that you’ve designed?

Let’s Get Reel! My family and I are HUGE movie fans. Because our boys are young, we don’t always get to the theatre as often as we like…but family movie/tv nights happen quite often around here!

What is your favorite thing about GingerScraps.net?

The atmosphere. Everyone is so sweet and friendly and supportive. It’s one of the nicest places I’ve been a part of online.

Truth! It really is a very friendly, supportive place! We’ve got a great group of people and new scrappers (AND designers) regularly join us here, growing our community.

Last but not least, with Thanksgiving coming this week everyone is focusing on what they are thankful for, so it is only right that I ask you, what are YOU most thankful for?

What am I most thankful for? The chance to be ME. I have an incredible family who love me regardless (even though I disappoint them often), two of the most precious boys the world has ever been blessed with (who have taught me more about compassion and acceptance and unconditional love than I have EVER thought possible), lifelong friends who make me laugh so hard I cry and then cry until I laugh (and have offered such a selfless dose of support and understanding this past year). Life isn’t always easy and happy and filled with sunshine and rainbows and unicorns who poop lollipops – but I am so ridiculously blessed!

I love your honesty and colourful descriptions, and I have to agree with you; life isn’t always sunshine and lollipops but the people that support and love us truly are a blessing and help us through!

Thank you JoyLynn, for letting us get to know you (as a designer AND as a wife, mother and just your regular rad chick). Make sure you follow her on Facebook for up to date news, fun and freebies! Also, check out Blue Heart Scraps blog if you don’t have Facebook, or even if you do because you never know what kind of goodness she’ll have to share with you!

Because JoyLynn is our rockin’ Feature Designer for the month of November, she’s supplied us with some rockin’ coupons.

Check out all her awesome designers, RIGHT HERE! Coupons expire on November 30th (good through the day) so definitely take advantage! One time use per customer per coupon, use one or use them all but don’t let them waste away. 🙂

In the spirit of Thanksgiving, I’d like to know what YOU’RE thankful for!

So please, leave a comment below letting me know what it is that fills you with gratitude and be entered into a random drawing for YOUR CHOICE* of a Blue Heart Scraps kit (*no bundles or collabs.) ! Comments will close on November 30th and a winner will be contacted 5PM CST November 30th(so make sure to include your email!)!

Me? I’m thankful for a community of scrappers that has given me best friends, inspirations and opened my eyes to a whole new way to get creative!

Filed Under: Product/Designer Spotlight Tagged With: Blue Heart Scraps, Feature Designer, interview

Feature Designer: September

September 3, 2013 by GingerScraps

Good day GingerScrappers! I’m a day late this month, but am thankful to be able to be here anyway, after giving my laptop a bath. Don’t ask, just know it hasn’t suffered any irreparable damage which is always a good thing when water + technology collide.

Enough about me, let’s talk about Monica! Who is Monica, you ask? You know her as ViolaMoni here at GingerScraps and this lovely lady is our September Feature Designer!

September is a special month for Monica, not only is she the feature designer here at GingerScraps, but it’s also her birthday month!

She has provided a few awesome coupon codes for us to use in her GingerScraps store:

Now that we’ve been officially coupon’d let’s get to know more about Monica as Violamoni!

What is your design process?

I usually find my inspirations from “real life” and from beautiful photos around the web. I choose a theme to work with and then I choose a color palette that can fit well with that theme. Then I can start, usually I start from solid papers.

What program (or other) do you use to create your designs?

I use Adobe Photoshop CS5 extended and Art Rage.

Describe your design workplace

I have a black PC with a RAM of 6GB (no laptop), a bamboo tablet and an HD full of scrap stuff 🙂

What motivates and inspires you as a designer?

Seeing positive feedback from my customers!

What is your *favorite* kit you’ve designed and why is it your favorite?

Being Me is my favorite kit, because….that’s ME! My colors, my style, …I LOVE it!

I definitely love the colors myself! There is more than just the kit itself, check out the whole bundle! (all of which are in our GingerScraps store!)

One of my favorite things about ViolaMoni’s designs is the Art Journaling aspect. I’ve always wanted to give it a go, as it’s a bit out of my scrappy zone but now I’ve got an excuse to try with the Designer Spotlight Challenge. Just create a layout using 90% of ViolaMoni products and, BOOM! challenge completed!

What is something that is out of your scrapper comfort zone? Is there anything you are willing to try that you have only admired from afar?

Filed Under: Product/Designer Spotlight Tagged With: Feature Designer, ViolaMoni