Tell us about your family and pets.
I currently live in Fairview, TN about 30 miles west of Nashville. I have been married for 12 years now to a great guy - Scott. If you ever meet him you probably won't forget him - 6'4" - big shoulders and muscles and auburn hair. I have 2 boys - Hunter (10) and Jake (7) that keep me pretty busy running to soccer, piano, chess club, Student Council, etc. I'm very involved with their school and am currently the President of the PTO. It's the hardest non-paying job next to Motherhood. We have 2 dogs - Magnum (Rottweiler/Lab mix) who is 12 yrs. old and Remington (Doberman) who is about 2 yrs. old. We also have a couple of fish - one is a rapidly growing goldfish named "Nemo" who was brought home from school at the end of last year and has outlived several fish - probably because he hogs all the food.

 

Tell us about your childhood, where you grew up, and when your creativity began.
I grew up all over the eastern US. Born in Champagne/Urbana, IL then to Rio Grande, OH (home of Bob Evans Farms) then to Columbia, SC then back to Rio Grande, OH then to Wilson, NC which is where I went to college at what was then known as Atlantic Christian College but is now Barton College. I have a B.S. in Business. Then after college I moved to Raleigh, NC then Greensboro, NC then Plant City, FL then Huntsville, NC then finally Fairview, TN. Dang, and you wonder why I don't want to move any more!! I have been pretty creative most of my life. I'm one of those "jack of all trades but master of none" type folks. I have dabbled in just about everything but am not really good at any ONE thing. I can knit, cross stitch, crochet, sew, macrame, braid, weave, paint - but nothing spectacular. My Mom is a pretty crafty lady and there are some serious artists on my Dad's side - so I guess some of it is genetic.

To what do you attribute your talents and what inspires you?
I don't know about talents but going to my craft room and creating is my release. It helps me keep my sanity in a busy world. It's something that's for me - that's mine - unlike so much of what I do in my daily life. I'm inspired by nature mostly. I'm an earth child. I love rich, vibrant colors and soft, smooth colors. I create a ton of beautiful things in my mind - but I have a hard time transferring that to a 3 dimensional image.

How did you find PWA?
Well about 3 years ago I was looking for some new inspiration, new techniques to broaden my horizon and I found PWA. I just remember that everyone in the group was so nice, welcoming, non-critical - it was amazing. I've been a member of several stamp/technique groups and it still amazes me how cordial and welcoming PWA is as a group. You don't see petty bickering or rudeness. It's just so awesome and I credit Suzanne for creating that atmosphere. 3 years ago this summer the group was joking around and I made a crack that I laughed so hard I fell out of my chair. Well when Suzanne didn't hear from me for a couple days she got worried and called. I had actually gone to the emergency room to have my appendix removed. (ahm - not because I fell out of the chair or anything) She was so sweet and supportive. And then of course there's Flat Kat...

When did you begin stamping?
I began stamping about 8 years ago when I lived in FL. I was a member of a Play Group with my oldest - who was 2 at the time. I got invited to a Stampin' Up party and the rest, as they say, is history. I finally became a Stampin' Up Demo about 4 years ago - but just as a hobby. This is the one hobby I finally stuck with. My hubby was so sure this would end up in a box in the attic when I tired of it. Ha! The laugh is on him - I now have enough stamping stuff to fill an attic. Yikes!

What is your favorite stamping technique?
I think it has to be Smackin' Acetate. It just sounds wicked, doesn't it? It's so easy and never creates the same background twice. (Click [here] for Smackin' Acetate Class Archive) I like a lot of techniques and learn a lot from Technique Junkies (www.patstamps.com).

Do you have any other hobbies or interests, besides Stamping?
I love to read. I read mysteries, suspense, drama - but my all time favorite author is Stephen King. He's disturbed but brilliant. I also like to Jazzercise and cycle. I'm working my way up to a bike race this fall that is 50 miles one day and 50 miles back the next. I love to cook (and therefore eat). I think I've finally mastered Creme Brulee. I also love to hike, horseback ride, ATV's, snorkel and just about anything else you can do outside. See!! Jack of all trades - master of none! That's me!

Will you show us some pictures of your stamp/craft room?
You are strictly forbidden from laughing at my huge mess. I have so much BIBHUIY it's not even funny! I have plans to redecorate in the fall. I need better storage options and I'm more of a blue and green person than a yellow.