Creative Blog Hop

Hello and welcome to my happy little polka dot inspired blog.  I  am tickled pink that my friend, Norma Gomez invited me to participate in this creative blog tour.  It's a chance to check out some wonderful blogs, meet some new crafty friends and learn some different techniques.  Norma is an amazing mixed media artist--her work is bold, colorful and soulful.  I can tell she puts her heart into every piece she creates.  To find out more about her art, please visit her blog Little Honeybee Studios here.
What am I working on now?
There's lots of excitement in my paper-filled world these days.  I am transitioning to a bigger work space (woo hoo) in my home and creating a new product line. 

Here is my new, larger (10 × 10) room that was the kids' hangout. Once it's cleared out, I will start painting in the next couple of weeks.

This is my beach-inspired palette.  The beach is my calming retreat, so what could top bringing the sand, sea and surf indoors to transform this room?  Hope you'll follow my blog for updates on my new space!

This summer, I decided to update my line of greeting cards for Divine Designs by Nancy,  a retail florist, who carries my work. The new collection features fun, whimsical, colored images.  I started coloring with Copic markers last year and once I came across the digi stamps from Whimsiedoodles, I could not stop!   I appreciate the ease of printing, versus stamping the image and how the stamp can be customized each time.  The playful style of her stamps makes for the sweetest birthday, anniversary and sympathy cards.

 2. How does my work differ from others in my genre?
I think I have a unique way of mixing old and new and colors and patterns while adding a touch of whimsy.  I tend to layer, and include texture and dimension, even with my cards.

3. Why do I create what I do?
Creating is both therapeutic and rewarding for me.  Paper is for me, what soil is for a gardener.  Whether I'm designing or laying out a scrapbook page or a greeting card, there is something so soothing about the feel of paper and working it with my hands that nourishes my soul.   I think my family would agree, a crafting mommy is a happy one!  The look on someone's face when they see a handmade card or mini scrapbook album is priceless as well.  It's my way of spreading a little joy to others, one creation at a time.

 4.  How does my creative process work?
Did I mention how much I Iove paper?  My process usually begins with just the right papers. I choose colors and patterns that make me smile, I'm talking a huge grin. I do buy paper collections, but I enjoy pulling from different ones, for a coordinated but eclectic feel.  Sometimes I rely on a sketch for the layout, but most of my designs are organic.  Once I have a feel for the paper layout, I pick accents to add that chunky look and textured feel, all with a vintage flare.  I'm probably most productive when working alone, with a little Adele or Miguel playing in the background, but often I craft near my hubby and kiddos.
I invited two of my papercrafting sisters to play along on this creative tour.  Look for their posts on Monday, September 1st. Melissa Lopez, from My Whimsy Life, has been both long- time friend and mentor to me.  I admired Melissa's style from the beginning.  From shabby-chic to vintage inspired, her wedding place cards, gift tags, cards and altered home decor in her Etsy Shop are simply gorgeous.   She's some exciting things in the works you won't want to miss, so stop by her blog, My Whimsy Life.
I also invited Shalana Glass, a Close to My Heart Consultant, paper craft instructor and card making wonder!  We recently met when I joined the Scraps of Color Creative Team.  Her designs are fun and she is constantly coming up with new ideas, which inspires me to make more!  Check out more of Shalana's creativity on her blog, Scrappin with Shalana.  
Thanks again for spending a little time with me!  For daily updates, new works-in-progress and giveaways, follow me on Facebook here.  To see my full product line, stop by my Etsy shop here.