Question and answer time Creative blog hop

I have been asked by my lovely and hugely talented friend Jaine to join in with the Creative blog hop. After getting over the shock I said yes! It's a fun, continuous hop full of inspirational people and their blogs. I can assure that you won't be disappointed.

So it's Monday and it's my turn to post, to start of I have answered a few questions about myself and my work.

1. What am I working on?

I think the question should really be what am I not working on as I always have several things going on at any given time. One is projects for the Sarah Hurley 365 blog, whether it be for our challenge or an inspirational post. I also help out with the day to day running of it too which is so much fun. 

Secondly I have my own stamp range aka dream job! When I'm not working on new designs for current releases I'll be planning or taking notes for future releases. I'm still getting my head round working so in advance especially when the suns splitting the skies and I'm working on Christmas or Halloween EEEEK! I am so honoured to be a part of the Special Editions range in Sarah Hurley's shop.

These are my robot stamps, I have also designed a fairy range

Thirdly I have taken up Project Life and for those that know me well would be in shock! I always considered myself as a card maker and scrap booking in any form just seemed so scary so it was never something I would ever see me doing, look at me now!

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

That's a difficult one to answer if I'm honest. I can tell you I like clean and simple, I don't do fuss or frills or vintage but I do love it on other peoples work. I also like using bright or bold patterns but then there are times when I like soft and muted tones and understated patterns. What it really comes down to is what mood I'm in ha ha. 

3. Why do I write/create what I do?

I didn't seek out to become a crafter rather it found me when I got offered the chance of some craft supplies that my sister in law was giving away. I'm not one who easily throws things away so I jumped at the chance...now it's a way of life.Same fate happened with my stamp range. I was given an opportunity and I took it and luckily for me it worked out.

4. How does your writing/creative process work?

Generally I have a sketch at hand to work with or I'll look through my sketch book. However after seeing Jaine's inspirational journal I could be tempted to start one too ha ha. Whenever I start something new I must work in a clean space so any mess from previous projects must be cleared away and I can tell you I sometimes make a lot of mess.

Recently I moved into the larger of the two spare rooms so now I have two separate areas to work. One where I create projects and the other for design work, life is so much easier and less distracting that way.

Design area

project area

So now that you know a little about me it's now time to meet my 3 creative bloggers. Just click on their names which will direct you to their blogs and check back next Monday for their very own blog posts.

My first creative blogger is Hazel (Didos)

Hazel like me lives in Scotland and is a very proud mum to two boys. She has been crafting all her life but only starting blogging 6 years ago and loves every minute of it. Hazel also runs a fantastic challenge blog called MAWTT and this is where I got my first GDT post eeek!

My next creative blogger  is Dawn Sirdefield aka crafty-kitten.

I have known Dawn for about 6 years and she has become a really good friend of mine over the years. We laugh a lot mainly over secret agent stuff, there's a story behind that but now is not the time ha ha. 

Here are Dawn's own words..

I have been crafting in some shape or form for most of my life.  My nan taught me how to knit and crochet and a male friend of mine taught me how to Cross Stitch.

I loved these crafts but then I tried making cards!!  Goodness me how I enjoyed this new hobby.  My knitting, crocheting and cross stitch soon fell by the wayside and I have so many unfinished projects that I really ought to finish.  So when I was expecting my daughter (25 yeaers ago now!) I got into making cards for my family and friends, well you do don't you when money is tight.  Can anyone spot the irony in that statement?? hahaha.  My style has changed over the years and that is thanks in part to my blogging buddies.  I am sure we all do it - see something on a friend's blog and think "ooh I must have a go at that!".  I look back on older cards now and cringe but hey we all start somewhere right?

These days I am a member of the Crafty Ribbons Design Team - the only DT place I decided to hold on to.  With the arrival of my now one year old grandson my priorities changed and blogging and DT work didn't seem as important any more.  Don't get me wrong I would love to be on numerous DT's but time is precious and some things have to give.  My DT break came when the lovely Wendy from Digital Delights asked me to be a Tutorial Artist!! ME? I was shocked and delighted and scared all at the same time.  It was fun doing the tutorials and putting the pictures with them but it made my card

 making long winded and so I applied for other DT's where I could just make cards I liked.  I have been very lucky to be Guest Designer and Full time DT on a number of challenge blogs in the last five years and am so grateful to everyone who gave me the opportunity to be a part of their bit of blogland.

I have recently rekindled my love of everything Clarity with the lovely Barbara Gray - such an amazing talented lady.  I go to a workshop once a month with the uber talented Maria Simms and I love every minute of it.  Now if only I could win the lottery then I could retire and spend more time doing the things I love.........hey ho a girl can dream!!

My third creative blogger is Claire Newcombe

I first meet Claire when she joined Sarah Hurley design team and like me she has two little boys so we have a lot to talk about! Claire has been crafting a long time but only recently ventured into the world of blogging. When she is not card making she is making the most amazing embellishments and recently I convinced her to try Project Life oooopsie.

A massive thank you to all 3 ladies who have agreed to continue the hop and to you for reading my epic post. I hope you have had as much fun as I have.

Clare x