I've Been Nominated! - Creative Crew Blog Hop

I'm so excited this evening! 

I've been nominated by my super-talented friend Melissa Davies over at the RubberFUNatics Blog to participate in the Creative Crew Blog Hop. 

Melissa is one of my GoDiva Super Swappers group, a group of wonderful stampers that are hand-picked by me because of their quality work and vastly different styles. 

Thanks for the shout-out Melissa! 

The rules of this Blog Hop are
1) to create a project exclusive to the Creative Crew Blog Hop
2) answer a few questions and then
3) to nominate (2) people who inspire me.

Here is my project for today:

Like many other stampers, I've been working on Valentine's Day projects and cards. This one is more of a masculine design using the new Wood You Be Mine stamp set from the Occasions Catalog.
I love this image of the wood slice with the heart in the middle - so cute!
The folded card layer is dry embossed with the Woodgrain Embossing Folder to give it texture. The Real Red layer is adhered with the new Fast Fuse Adhesive.

My colors are a mixed bag of brown tones - Chocolate Chip, Crumb Cake and Baked Brown Sugar, with a little Real Red added in.
I used the Hardwood background stamp on the tag and two-tone colored the greeting by inking the whole image first, then using my Blender Pen to remove the ink from the hearts. I re-colored them with Real Red, then stamped. It's a lot quicker than coloring it with markers. Just sayin'.

The heart is punched out of Red Glimmer Paper using the Sweetheart punch and I added a ribbon arrow with the Chocolate Chip Chevron ribbon and a staple.
I'm planning to do this card with my clubs this month - I'm pretty sure they will enjoy making it!

Now, to answer the questions:

1)  What are you working on?
Currently, I'm working on projects for my Trinity Design Stampers Team meeting this weekend. All the attendees are receiving a pack of the Stacked With Love Designer Paper and the matching Washi Tape along with the supplies to create 4 projects. I'll be giving them a project sheet for each one so they can take their samples and instructions and hold a class for their clients. I'm excited to be able to help them keep their businesses simple and profitable.

2) How does your work differ from others in your genre?
Honestly, I'm a lazy stamper. :)
Ha! No, not really, but I'm not a super techniquey stamper either.
I really like strong, clean lines and straightforward design most of the time. Something that looks simple, but has a lot more to it when you stop and examine the work.
BUT...then again, I also really like the unexpected, surprise elements and a shabby-chic style. I have a Neo-Vintage style side of me that comes out from time to time and I just love creating whatever comes out of my brain from one piece out of my Serendipity pile on my table. My Serendipity pile is a mixture of odds and ends pieces - some unfinished projects, some stamped elements that didn't work out on another project, some leftover ribbon or embellishment or maybe just a random piece of cardstock. There's freedom in starting with one simple piece and seeing where that spark will take you.

3) Why do you create what you do?
I love this craft, working with paper, ink, glue and glitter because it brings out the delighted child in me again. Like I said before, I love the freedom of being able to sit down and just let my heart lead from a single piece of inspiration. Sometimes I create because I can't NOT create. I get an idea or project in my head and I have to make it to get it out. I create what I do for the love of creating and for the knowledge that it will bring a smile to someone's face and a warm hug to their heartj.

4) How does your creative process work?
I sorta already answered this in #2, but my creating for classes and events differs slightly because I do try and tailor my projects to the crafters who will be attending. I think about their skill level and interests and try and create to appeal to them since this is, after all, my business, my job.
But my creativity is greatest when I can simply sit down and make what's in my heart at the time, even if it only appeals to me.

Here are my nominees:

The fabulous Rhonda Morgan over at INKin' All Night! - she inspires me with her straightforward style and super cute elements that make her projects special - love her stuff!

Because of her unique and eclectic style, I'm also nominating Jamie Hurley over at Unique Ink. She is a fun stamper who isn't afraid to take chances and PLAY!

If they elect to play - their creations will be posted on Monday, January 19th! Be sure to visit their blogs and check them out.

Here are a few of the products I used to create today's project:

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog

To find these items in my Online Store, simply click on any of the thumbnail photos and it will take you right to it!

Happy creating!
~~Robin