Creative Blog Hop ~ Guy Greetings

I've been asked to participate in a fun blog hop by Catherine Harwood, a fellow Stampin' Up! Demonstrator. This is a great way for Demonstrators to share ideas, and learn a little about each other along the way.

I decided to share a masculine card. Give me flowers and butterflies, and I can create all day long. But when it comes time for those "Guy" cards, I don't know about you, but I tend to struggle just a bit.

I used the new Guy Greetings set found in the Occasions Catalog. It's a fabulous set with 22 stamps! Also, one of the sets that you have the choice of wood mount, clear mount or photopolymer! I love having the choice of which style of stamps I want to purchase to add to my collection.

I also love texture, so I've used the Argyle Textured Impressions Embossing Folder with my Big Shot to create a fun background. The patterned paper is from the Neutrals Designer Series Paper Stack. Just for fun, and to add the finishing touch, I've added a couple of Candy Dots.

Here are a couple of questions I was asked to answer for the Blog Hop ~

1. What are you working on?

I just returned from Leadership, so I was working on making my swaps. I participated in 3 orgainized swaps; cards, which I used my Guy Greeting card, 3x3 note cards, which I shared earlier, and mini treat bags, which I will share later. I also have my Quick & Cute Card Class today. This class runs the first Monday of every month. You can check my calendar for all of my classes and events.

2. How does your work differ from others in your genre?

Everyone has their own style. I feel that I have an eclectic style, there is not only one way I like to design. I love vintage; lacey, soft & buttons, and bold with texture and great lines. With 7 grand kids, I have to throw in a whimsical once in a while too!

3. Why do you create what you do?

Instant gratification! My mother is a quilter. Oh, how I wanted to be a quilter. I love the fabric, the colors, the patterns, and coordinating the colors and prints. I even worked in a fabric store for 10 years! I tried ~ a quilter I am not. But! I can take paper, cut it apart and put it back together to create beautiful projects within a couple of hours, rather than months, or years in my case. Yes, instant gratification!

4. How does your creativity process work?

Sometimes, I can look at a stamp set, and know exactly what I want to do. Other times, I look at it, and 20 minutes later, I'm still looking at it. No ink has touched it! So, I start browsing all of the amazing online resources that we have. In no time, I'm inspired! I keep a notebook of sketches, and scribble down ideas, and if I can decipher my notes, those ideas will be transformed into a project.

Thanks for stopping by. Next Monday, my friend and fellow Demonstrator, Bethann Buehler will share a project idea, and an inside look at her creative process.