Hey crafter, it’s time for another instalment of my monthly feature, this one called Versatile Sweet Strawberry Card Making – Behind the Paper: An Interview with a Paper Crafter! You’ve been learning all about different crafters I know who love to play with paper!
You’re finding out where her inspiration comes from. What techniques she likes the most and how long she’s been crafting!
Today I’d love for you to welcome my friend, fellow crafter and Stampin’ Up! demonstrator Karen. And wait until you see what she’s done with her stamp bundle, Sweet Strawberry.
Pssst…make sure you read right to the end for the cutest card imaginable!
This is the traditional bright red berries, offset with some of our Snail Mail DSP. Perfect if you are gifting a jar of jam you’ve just made at the peak of summer!
It’s fresh. Pretty. And colourful!
And just a tiny intro to how Karen creates! Let’s get to know her a little bit more.
An Interview with a Paper Crafter
How long have you been crafting?
I’ve been stamping since about 2002 but paper crafting in other forms most of my life.
How many cards do you send out in a week/month/year?
On average, about 25-30 per month (including swaps with other demonstrators and personal cards for occasions or ‘just because’).
I’ve done a few packages in the last couple of years ranging from 50-150 for special occasions that have been sent to our Canadian Armed Forces, a few Long Term Care residences, and other organizations that can have them on hand to recognize achievements, special occasions or just ‘thinking of you’ to their clients that might need a lift. A very good feeling.
Are there certain techniques you use more often in your handmade items?
I love so many techniques but I think my ‘go to’ is probably textured embossing folders. I very often don’t feel that a card is finished if it doesn’t have texture on it somewhere.
You can see Karen’s textured background on the Berry duo card above – that has a little surprise for the recipient. Here it is!
What was your most recent favourite design you made? Why did you like it?
A card I made for my ‘other’ Mom (my BFF’s Mom that has been in my life for many, many years) for her 90th birthday. It used retired SU floral paper that I coloured with blends, fussy cut several layers of and stacked together. She loved it!
How much time do you spend crafting? When is your BEST time to craft?
Probably too much, if that’s possible, but creating is my passion. I think morning is my best time to ‘start’ crafting but there are days that it could, and often does, go a bit longer into the day/evening
What – if anything – don’t you like about paper crafting?
My ‘assistant’. She hinders my productivity every day – stealing the lid from my Tombow glue (her favourite toy), wanting every piece of paper I cut, unravelling my glue dots (another fave) and just being a typical kitten!
Other than that, there is nothing I don’t like about paper crafting!
Aren’t Karen’s design beautiful? She’s pulled some much variety from a set of strawberry stamps!! (and there’s more coming!)
Here’s a closer peek at that bundle. It has been out of stock for quite awhile but it is available again!
What Will You Make First?
Which of these fabulous cards would you make first? One with traditional berries or one that uses the set in a different way?
Here are a few of the items Karen used the most for her cards. And if you’d like to know any more details, feel free to leave me a comment and I’ll get back to you ASAP.
Click here to leave a comment.
And if you’d like another idea for punches, this time for the daisy, check out this cool design I made with a tri-fold.
Click on any of these items to add them to your own supplies for gorgeous designs.
Supplies Karen Used
Would You Love to See Your Work Here?
I’ll continue to bring you both newer and “longer in the tooth” 🤪 craft pals. Some I’ve known for years. Some I’ve only recently met. And some I’ve yet to meet!
If you’d like to see your designs here, contact me at jo@designwithjo.ca. I’d love to feature a bundle or a suite of products that inspire you!
Let’s finish up with a couple more ideas from Karen and this versatile bundle?
Look how awesome it is with bold black and white and a mix of rectangles and circles!
I’d love to know which of these designs you love the most! Leave me a comment! (And I’ll be sure to pass your thoughts on to Karen!)
Karen also has some great advice for new paper crafters.
What advice would you give to someone just starting to paper craft?
Just be yourself, enjoy, have fun and don’t worry about ‘mistakes’, they are the best learning experiences. There are no rules to being creative. Everyone has their own style – find yours, express yourself and have fun!
Ok, here’s Karen’s final card. I think it’s just adorable! Her gnome triplets made with the Strawberry and Ice Cream Builder punches are inspired by Debbie Ives and Chiaki Haverstick.
Karen has really showcased this Sweet Strawberry bundle.
I hope you enjoyed your peek at Karen’s Versatile Sweet Strawberry Card Making – drop back again next month for my next featured artist!
I think Karen is very innovative. Her cards are wonderful.
A lot of thought goes into her work. Love it,.
Peggy, yes she puts lots of care and thought into her designs. So glad you enjoyed them!
Oh, Jo-Anne, Karen’s cards are amazing (as always). Thank you so much doing this.
They absolutely are Lillian! So much variety!
Such cute cards, very inventive ways to use that strawberry set. I like the pears.
Yes Karen did a fabulous job and those pears are super!