Etsy Greetings Team Member ScrapbookCompleted

Janelle’s love of paper shows in all of her creations. Throughout her life she has had the support of family and friends to pursue her talent. She likes to say that she picked up her “creative” gene from her parents. If you are the touchy-feely kind of person check out her Springtime Blooms and Window boxes card. The majority of her artwork is very dimensional. Do you have photos just sitting around and you don’t know what to do with them all? Check out her albums that are just waiting for your pictures.

Now let’s learn a little bit more about ScrapbookCompleted.

Enjoy and comments are always welcomed!

How did you get your start in the world of art?
I'm fortunate in that I come from a creative family. My mom is a very crafty and creative person and it evidently rubbed off on me. Actually, I like to think that I got the "creative" gene from my parents! My friends have also played a role in expanding my creative horizons -- one friend introduced me to rubber stamping, another introduced me to quilting.

Do you have a ritual you perform before you start creating?

I wouldn't say I have a ritual but I like to look at different paper designs and get inspiration from them.

What do you like best, the creative process or the final creation?
The final creation is the best! Just the feeling of completing a project that I'm proud of really makes my day!

What are your favorite art media, tools, and supplies?
I love paper! There are so many wonderful decorative papers available in scrapbook stores! I find it hard to control myself sometimes! As far as tools go, I love my paper trimmer, Basic Grey Notch & Die cutting tool, rub-ons, and rubber stamps.

When a creative block happens, what process do you go through to get the creative juices flowing again?
I step away from my craft room for awhile -- sometimes for days. I will look at creative magazines, stamping websites, and nature, to get inspired to create again. I find that other artists on Etsy.com bring me inspiration too.

What do you hope your art says about you?
I hope my art is simply a reflection of me. I am an individual who loves to be creative and hope to inspire others to be creative too. I hope it reflects that I'm a non-materialistic, simple person that likes to share her craft with others.

What is your greatest dream and greatest fear as an artist?
My greatest dream as an artist... to be able to make a living off of my crafts. I would love to be able to work from home doing what I love, making cards and scrapbooks! My greatest fear... going full-time as a crafter only to fail and have to go back to an 8-5 job!

What are your goals in art, and in life?
My goals in art are to branch out and, in addition to my cards/scrapbooks, bring in some creative objects that I haven't had the time to pursue and develop. I have so many crafts that I enjoy, but I don't always have the time to create and sell them. I've made a goal to devote more time to my blog too (scrapbookcompleted.blogspot.com). I didn't think I would enjoy writing a blog so much, but it's a nice way toexpress my creativity. My goals in life? I want to have my own business again but be more successful (I owned a personal training [fitness] business years ago). I want to get back to having my own schedule, not that of the corporate world. I want to be able to travel more, win the lottery, and give more to charities.

Tell us a little bit about yourself-where you grew up, your life now, other creative pursuits, other interests and hobbies. I grew up in Montana and never left. I've lived in various cities but always within the state. I love it here and it's nice to have the rest of my family in the state too, including my husband's family. As a child, I was always active, creative, and shy. I loved dance and eventually became an aerobics instructor and personal trainer. Istill love fitness but need to participate more =). Currently I work for a women's weight loss center and I'm enjoying it. Creatively, I've always been crafty but I'm always looking for new things to try! I have made a few quilts, started a couple more, and hope to finish them someday. I like to sew and hope to make more and more of my own clothes in the future. Finally, my pets (2 big dogs & a cat) are a big part of my life as I don't have kids. I couldn't live without them!

Do you have more than one Etsy shop and/or other online shops?
I only have one Etsy shop, http://scrapbookcompleted.etsy.com, where I sell my paper goods. I also have a blog that I enjoy http://scrapbookcompleted.blogspot.com. I'm hoping to commit more time to it this summer. I like to feature my latest creations and other things that I find on Etsy.

If you want to know more please read her blog.

Spotlight on Etsy Greetings Team Member IsabellaFlora

IsabellaFlora is a musical and imaginative name. And once you see what this duo can accomplish with a camera, Photoshop, and watercolors, you will always remember the colors and images of IsabellaFlora. This father and daughter team find inspiration from nature, every day life, and each other. The father has been a very creative photographer beginning in 1928. The daughter, Eve, is in the spotlight. Eve’s use of color and her blending style leaves me with a feeling of calm and serenity. But, I can’t wait to see what’s next.

The picture in this article is of a morning glory. To see a sample of what the morning glory would look like mounted with an embossed border, please visit the amaryllis card in IsabellaFlora’s shop. After you have read the interview be sure and visit their Etsy shop, IsabellaFlora.

Enjoy!

How did you get your start in the world of art?
I started watercolor painting just about 2 years ago when my best friend Kylie, who is a colorful vibrant artist, told me I should paint...and...I believed her!!!!!! I also think I inherited some artful genes. Both of my parents are artists in their own way.

Do you have a ritual you perform before you start creating?
I definitely have a routine. I go to my studio and set all the paints and paper in their proper place. I evoke assistance from the universe with a small ritual asking for guidance and words of encouragement. Then I play my very favorite music and let loose. Afterwards I have a closing short ritual with words of thanks. I sincerely believe that all of this helps.

What do you like best, the creative process or the final creation?
The creative process is by far the most important. When the juices are flowing and the music is wonderful it is such a joy to paint. It's best not to get caught up in the outcome. I just finished a watercolor for my friend who will be a bride in October and it was so great to paint her wedding invitation. And happily, she recently saw the original and gave her overwhelming approval for it. This is the process I enjoy so much.

What are your favorite art media, tools, and supplies?
Watercolor, watercolor and a little bit of glitter. I also love luminescent paints. That just gives everything a sparkle!

When a creative block happens, what process do you go through to get the creative juices flowing again?
Creative blocks are actually quite interesting. Often I think it’s a transition to a new creative place and can take some time. The best thing I do is keep trying, cut up the painting and keep the parts you like. Discard the rest...and try again and again.

What do you hope your art says about you?
My art makes me feel connected with nature. Therefore it makes me happy.

What is your greatest dream and greatest fear as an artist?
My greatest dream at this moment is to have a successful little business selling my art on greeting cards, scarves, and tote bags. It has started in a small way with my Etsy store and hopefully it will grow. There are no fears. If it doesn't work, there is no harm in trying. I have learned many things along the way.

What are your goals in art, and in life?
My goals are simply to explore my inner being through my watercolors. It is important to paint for yourself and be true to yourself. This is parallel to a life philosophy and continually exploring and restructuring myself throughout my life. I have in the past been a landscape architect, mountain climber, rock climber, basket weaver, pianist, botanist, bryologist, and now an artist. So much to do and not enough time!!!

Tell us a little bit about yourself-where you grew up, your life now, other creative pursuits, other interests and hobbies.

Grew up in northern New Jersey. Parents are both from the little country of Estonia, on the Baltic Sea and south of Finland. I can still understand the language somewhat and look forward to another visit to the homeland. Moved to California in the late 1970's and now I am a dedicated West Coast gal. I have traveled extensively all over California and the West and climbed well over 600 mountains in my lifetime. I am just as happy sleeping in the wilderness as my comfy bed at home. Just give me the mountains or give me the desert and I am quite content. I love the great out of doors!

Do you have more than one Etsy shop and/or other online shops?
I have one shop on Etsy: http://isabellaflora.etsy.com.

For more talented artisans please visit http://etsygreetings.blogspot.com/.