AJ's Designs: "One-of-a-Kind" creations by Jenna

If you want “one-of-a-kind” greeting cards, you need to visit Jenna’s shop. Her flair and creativity for color and layout really stands out in her art. My decision on the photos was hard to make. I usually pick out a few of my favorite, but all of Jenna’s work was my favorite. Visit her shops on ArtFire and Etsy and form your own opinions. Her blog is also worth the visit and the follow.

Enjoy!

How did you get your start in the world of art?
A few years back, I had a birthday party to go to and went shopping for the gift and card. I didn't see anything I liked! It was at that point I figured I should just make my own. I use to scrapbook on a regular basis so I had all the supplies! With the craziness of life and not having much space to spread out my work, it was hard to complete a scrapbook without spending gobs of time on it. For me making greeting cards is gratifying in the sense that I can complete a card in a small amount of time.
My cards started out very simple in design. After many experimental projects I found that hand stamped and embellished type cards are my favorite to make. Now I always hand make my greeting cards. Not only was I giving someone a unique greeting card but it was also personalized. It always makes someone feel good to give them something handmade and from the heart.

Do you have a ritual you perform before you start creating?
No ritual to speak of. I tend to design cards based on my mood.

What do you like best, the creative process or the final creation?
I love the creative process. The final creation always gives me a sense of accomplishment but it's the process that truly is the fun part.

What are your favorite art media, tools, and supplies?
This is a tough question for me to answer! I really love everything that I work with. However, if I had to pick my favorite material would be paper. Paper is what makes a card and is the foundation for each of my creations. I absolutely love handmade and glittery type papers. My favorite tool is my Fiskars rotary paper cutter. It is the best paper cutter I have come across and I bought it at Michaels with a 50% off coupon, you can't beat that! Swapping the blades in and out is super easy and you can even get blades that cut patterns, like waves and scallops.

When a creative block happens, what process do you go through to get the creative juices flowing again?
If I experience a creative block I have to stop and walk away from the crafting table. Crafting isn't enjoyable if you are frustrated. The last thing I want to do is be frustrated with myself over a hobby I love.

What do you hope your art says about you?
I believe my cards say that I am not only creative, but also warm and caring. I enjoy making cards for the people in my life.

What is your greatest dream and greatest fear as an artist?
My greatest dream would be that I get contacted by Hallmark about buying a card idea of mine. I don't really have any fears except for maybe burning my hand with the glue gun or getting a paper cut.

What are your goals in art, and in life?
My goals in art are to have fun and come up with new creative card ideas.

Tell us a little bit about yourself—where you grew up, your life now, other creative pursuits, other interests and hobbies.
My name is Jenna and I live in Issaquah, WA just outside the big city of Seattle. I am a Washington native, born and raised. Currently I work in real estate and love helping people buy and sell their homes. My hobbies include cooking, reading, scrapbooking, gardening, spending time with family/friends, and card making! I live with my boyfriend and we have two adorable kitties. I love papery things and have a huge collection which I use to create my masterpieces (at least I think each card is a masterpiece!). It is a wonderful past time and hobby for me. I've been a member of Etsy since February 2007 and have been selling since May 2007. I joined the ArtFire community last year in November and hope to make this my number one online store.