Where were you born, and where do you currently live? I was born in Houston, TX and now live in Austin. I graduated from the University of Texas (Hook 'em Horns!) so I love the fun, relaxed atmosphere of Austin!
Tell us about your family: I have been married to my love David for 13 years. We have a 9 1/2 year old son, Noah and a 1-year old golden retriever named Max.
Pet Peeves: Being late, misspelled words in print or on signs, selfishness, and bad coffee. :D
Favorite Magazines: BHG Scrapbooks, Etc., Country Living, and the Somerset magazines
Favorite Smells: Anything citrus!
Favorite Movies or Books: I adore Cary Grant, so any of his movies make me smile. I also love Moonstruck and That Thing You Do.
What time do you wake up in the morning? Anywhere between 6-7:30
Favorite TV shows: We never miss LOST! Nothing makes me laugh more than The Office, but we also love watching Parks and Recreation and 30 Rock. I'm also an American Idol fan! (Constantine and David Cook are still my faves) I have a good collection of old shows, too, that I love to watch while I scrapbook - The Golden Girls, Bewitched, Good Times, The Jeffersons....love those old shows!
Favorite Season: Fall is beautiful and I love the start of football season, Halloween, the sweaters, and the anticipation in the air for the upcoming holidays!
Do you collect anything? Yes! I love vintage Christmas ornaments (Shiny Brites) so I'm always looking for those in antique, junk, and thrift stores. I get so excited every year to get them out for the season!
When and how did you get into scrapbooking? One of my younger sisters went with me to a Creative Memories party. I took a few photos with me of a trip to San Francisco and did a page at the party. I was hooked! That was in 1998, so I've been scrapbooking for a little over 11 years.
What music (if any) do you listen to while you scrap? I love 80's music, so you'll often find that playing while I work. But, my favorite music is the 40's standards - Tony Bennett, Frank Sinatra....I think I was born in the wrong era! (I'd much rather go to a Harry Connick, Jr. or Michael Buble concert than Lady Gaga!)
How would you describe your scrapbooking style? It's funny, most of the time my work is vintage-inspired, colorful, and detailed. But for most layouts with lots of photos (like my 2-page project this month) I keep it simpler and let the photos be the focus. I love adding details and fun touches, so I'm a slow worker!
Where do you find inspiration? Definitely antique and junk stores and my favorite magazines. I also have a few favorite blogs that I never miss!
Do you like to crop with others or scrap alone? I love to be with others when I scrapbook, but I don't get much done. I also don't like packing it all up. I attend a weekend retreat twice a year, but pack realistically. (I go mostly for the girl time!)
How has scrapbooking changed your life? Oh, I take much better photos now! I've learned to focus in on the details around me and to write down the little things, the daily memories and stories that are soon forgotten.
What is one scrapbooking tool, you can't live without? Hmmm.....that's a hard one! I think that would be my microtip scissors and patterned paper. (is paper a tool? ha)
What format do you scrap? 12x12
Do you have any organization or time saving tips you could share? Your space should be inspiring, not overwhelming! Buy what you absolutely love, not what you think you might use some day. (No hoarding, ladies!) It's worth the time to figure out what your style is so you aren't filling your space with clutter. Are there colors you prefer? Specific scrapbookers you are drawn to in magazines? Make a list of specific techniques, use a Sharpie to circle design elements or products in magazine layouts, and soon you'll start seeing a pattern in what you like. That's your style! I also believe your creative space should be beautiful and inspiring. I love to use vintage shelves and wire baskets, quilted boxes, and old jars in my space for storage. They also reflect my style, which inspires me while I work. Take the time to make your space fit YOU rather than be a generic work space. You'll be glad you did!
I'd like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the entire Melissa Frances team. It was such a thrill to be asked to guest design for January and I enjoyed every minute of my creating time. Thank you for this incredible opportunity!
- Jennifer Stewart
Don't forget to stop by Jennifer's blog and watch for her beautiful projects featuring Melissa Frances products throughout the next week!
I would love to see your scrabook space!
Posted by: Glyniss | January 07, 2010 at 01:23 PM
Glyniss,
I have a few photos of my scrap space on my blog today. Thank you! :)
Jennifer
Posted by: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1349083958 | January 07, 2010 at 01:27 PM
Nice to meet you Jennifer - looking forward to seeing your creations!
Posted by: Erika M | January 07, 2010 at 07:12 PM
Exciting to meet you!! You must be thrilled to work with such awesome talent and product!! Lucky girl!! Can't wait to see your art! i have a feeling it will be wonderful!!!
(hope i didn't make any spelling errors!! LOL)
Posted by: Danielle Hayes | January 08, 2010 at 09:43 PM
From one Longhorn to another \,,/ and we'll get them next year!! =)
Can't wait to see what you have created!
Posted by: calonghorn | January 09, 2010 at 12:56 AM