Bio

I’ve been scrapbooking for nine years, and paper crafting for 16.

I started out making cards as a form of occupational therapy during a prolonged illness and hospital stay. When our beloved dog Hayley unexpectedly died in 2005, just three months after my MS diagnosis, I decided to make a scrapbook album of our memories of her.

At that time I had already started venturing into scrapbooking stores in search of new and different patterned papers and embellishments for my cards, so I had a fair idea of what was involved. However, apart from making Hayley’s album, I had no desire whatsoever to take up scrapbooking as a hobby. Nine or so years later I’m still scrapping, I rarely make cards, and Hayley’s album still isn’t finished!

During the time I’ve been scrapping my style has naturally evolved as new products are released, trends come and go, and more and more arts and crafts creep onto our pages.

These days I’m mostly a 12x12 mixed media, textural scrapbooker. I sometimes sway between using lots of patterned papers in my ‘cleaner’ style to relying more on art mediums and embellishments to add layers, depth and interest to my pages. One thing that is a constant on all my layouts is attention to detail.

Whilst initially my scrapbooking was all about preserving memories, it has now developed into a form of creative self-expression and art therapy.

Inspiration comes to me in many forms. Whether that be in a box full of delicious new products or from the amazingly talented friends I design and scrap with (both in real life and virtually), my favourite scrapbooking magazines, the plethora of inspirational scrapping and challenge blogs online, or the photos of friends and family.

I have been blessed to work on many fabulous design teams however am currently taking a break from designing to refocus on improving my mobility. In the past, being involved with design teams has given me a wonderful sense of purpose, particularly as I am no longer able to work outside the home. The social side of scrapbooking is also of special importance to me. I have met some of my closest friends through scrapbooking and look forward to meeting and making more. I am forever thankful for the Internet for helping me to maintain contact with the ‘outside world’ and more importantly, the ‘scrapping world’!

Scrapbooking Memories Master 2014

Current Design Teams

none  :O

Past Design Teams

Scrap FX
D-lish Scraps (Design Team Co-ordinator)
D-lish Scraps
Scrap The Girls
White with 1
123

Kraft It Up

Scrap ‘N’ Chat with T (an online/local scrapbooking store, now closed)

Ribbon Palace (an online specialist ribbon store, now closed)

A Scrappe Angels Heaven (a local scrapbooking store, now closed)

Guest Design Work

Kaisercraft

Anna’s Craft Cupboard

Future Design Teams

My dreams are big! I hope the world is my apple (or should that be oyster LOL?)!

When not scrapping you can usually find me walking and training Bear, relaxing with Geoff, unpacking (still, after having moved three [four?] years ago), socialising, and pretending (very badly I might add) to be a domestic goddess. Eventually though all roads lead back to one very important thing .. scrapbooking!