Etsy Paper Street Team Member Debra and End of the Day Crafting

Debra and her End of the Day Crafting really says it all. From what I glean from her blog (and you need to read it) she is a very strong person who enjoys life to the fullest with her family and her art.

Just a few of her favorite things that help make her the person she is today are portable record players, diet coke, bifocals, flip flops, finding the perfect sea shell, the taste of birthday cake, cassette players, homemade ice cream, God, church, Jack, bib overalls, kissing, old-time piano, wearing fluffy slippers, going barefoot, palm trees, flipper, Shamu, and the Ruben Sandwich. This list is just a very few of the favorites in her life.

Enjoy! After reading leave a comment for her here or on her blog. I think she would truly enjoy hearing from everyone.

How did you get your start in the world of art?
My mother was an artist and she encouraged me at a young age to be creative. I always wanted coloring books and Crayola crayons. I would use the Sears and JC Penny catalog to make paper dolls.

Do you have a ritual you perform before you start creating?
Actually no I don't have a ritual before starting. I never stop thinking about what I want to do next which often leads me to do multiple projects at the same time.

What do you like best, the creative process or the final creation?
I get most of my pleasure from the process.

What are your favorite art media, tools, and supplies?
My favorite art media, tools and supplies is very simple: scrapbooking and painting, paintbrush and paint, scissors and paper, seashells and sand, and my Cricket!!

When a creative block happens, what process do you go through to get the creative juices flowing again?
My husband would say that I never have a creative block because I'm always thinking of something to make or do. When the creative block does happen and it does from time to time I enjoy reading craft books at the library and Barnes & Noble and of course different web-sites. My favorite web-site is BHG Scrapbooks.

What do you hope your art says about you?
I hope my art shows that I am versatile and creative.

What is your greatest dream and greatest fear as an artist?
I hope that people enjoy and appreciate my art. My dream would be to be able to take my canvas and art supplies and spend everyday at the beach!

What are your goals in art, and in life?
My goal in art is to always keep an open mind, not be so hard on myself, continue to learn new techniques and “finish my personal scrapbooks!” My goal in life would be the same as the previous question ~ take my paintbrush and canvas to the “Beach!”

Tell us a little bit about yourself—where you grew up, your life now, other creative pursuits, other interests, and hobbies.
My name is Debra and I live in North Carolina on the Albemarle Sound. We've been in our home for four years. Previously we lived in Virginia Beach, Virginia for 21 years. I grew up in Hope Mills, NC and moved to VA Beach from Charlotte, NC. I'm married to my best friend Jack for 31 years and have one son Dustin and a one year old grandson Shawn. We have a Boxer named Shelliey.

I am a National Sales Specialist with a Senior Living company and travel to our assisted living and memory care communities on the west and east coast. Even though the travel is hard the job has so many rewards. Often my husband will meet me while in California or Florida. I also enjoy visiting art and scrapbook stores and art museums while traveling.

I have a true passion for coastal lifestyle and have many blessings in my life.

Do you have more than one Etsy shop and/or other online shops, or a blog?
End of the Day Crafting at http://www.endofthedaycrafting.etsy.com/.
Please visit my blog and read some wonderful stories about my mom and things that I love at http://www.endoftheday.typepad.com/.