Hey card maker, you’re going to love these Christmas Barn Cards made by my friend and fellow crafter Marilyn! In this latest episode of Behind the Paper, An Interview with a Paper Crafter, we find out a bit more about Marilyn and see her beautiful festive designs!

I was so pleased when Marilyn said she would love to create with the Christmas Barn bundle for today’s post. Since I haven’t picked it up for myself yet, I thought it was a perfect opportunity for you to see what a super bundle it is!

Marilyn’s designs are lovely and I’m sure you’ll agree when you see her first bridge fold card!

What a spectacular first card for me to pull out of Marilyn’s envelope of goodies!

I could hardly wait to see the rest of them!

Let’s get to know Marilyn’s crafting style a bit!

An Interview with a Paper Crafter

How long have you been crafting?

8 years (Jo’s commentary “looks like a LOT longer to me!”)

Why did you start paper crafting?

My sister invited me out for an evening of making Christmas cards.  I then joined a monthly card group, and a couple months later joined as a demonstrator (just to reap the benefits of signing up.  But I’ve never dropped!  LOL)

What are your favourite tools to craft with?

I have a LOT of them, but I like the basics – my paper trimmer, bone folder, take your pick tool, and Stampin Cut and Emboss machine (true confessions…..I still use the Big Shot, but look forward to a new Cut and Emboss machine one of these days)

Are there certain techniques you use more often in your handmade items?

I’m a huge fan of embossing – heat embossing is like magic, and dry embossing adds so much dimension and interest to a plain piece of paper.

What “hooked” you about making your own handcrafted cards and items?

So many things!  I thought it would be the cost savings of buying cards, but as my partner says, each handmade card likely costs me about $92 to make with all the tools and supplies I’ve invested in!  LOL!

I love that it’s an escape from my day job and the general rat race of life.  But mostly I like that I can create something in a short amount of time, that gives others a little boost to their day. 

Also, if I make a goof, it’s likely either easily fixed or covered up, or I’ve not invested a lot of time if I need to start over.  

Where do you get inspiration for new ideas?

I spend hours on Pinterest, and a variety of FaceBook groups and videos looking for ideas and layouts.  I love to C.A.S.E. a layout, and use different stamps to put my own spin on it.   

I think you can agree Marilyn has lots of fun crafting? She makes such a variety of different things with just the one bundle and a bit of pretty paper!

Here’s a closer peek at the Christmas Barn Bundle. You can find it on page 28 of the July to December Mini Catalogue and see even more ideas made by Stampin’ Up! artists (but Marilyn gives them a run for their money)!

How about we finish up with a fabulous fun fold idea from Marilyn? This one shows the versatility in this bundle. It’s not a Christmas, OR a winter one even!

Do You Have a Favourite?

We always have one design or another that really calls our name! Which one of Marilyn’s designs does IT for you? (And I’ll let her know!)

Click here to leave a comment.

Here’s one last view of her fantastic double easel card!

And a final question for Marilyn.

What advice would you give to someone just starting to paper craft?

If you’re like me, thinking you’ll just dabble with paper crafting, once you reach a dozen or so stamp sets, start some sort of cataloguing system.  Stamps, dies, embossing folders, and punches accumulate quicker than you will ever imagine, and it’s easy to lose track of what you have. 

Itemizing sayings, and pictures has allowed me to quickly find a certain stamp or phrase, when I didn’t remember I even had it.  

What wonderful advice! When you can quickly and easily find a stamp or die or punch you get to just have fun creating!!

Want to see more ideas from crafters just like you? Just click on the title to take you to the post from another fantastic paper crafter.

• Say Hello to Fall with Beautiful Handmade Cards
• Give it a Whirl Ideas for Halloween
• Card Making with Gilded Leafing
• Use Poinsettias in Christmas Cards

I love Marilyn’s Christmas Barn Cards, and I hope you did to – you can see another fun crafter in next month’s showcase so be sure to check back to see who and what she makes for you!