Tuesday, January 15, 2008

Guest Designer: Julie Campbell


Today we're spotlighting the very talented Julie Campbell! Julie has such a colorful, layered style that's just cool, cool, cool. It's always a treat to check in on her blog, Stamped in His Image and see the fabulous creations she's been working on. I was so excited to have her as a guest designer this month working with Swirly Stars, and I'm sure you'll agree that her projects are cute, cute, cute. I especially love the baseball frame for her little All-Star! Okay, on with the virtual interview and the darling projects! Just click the photos below to see Julie's creations close-up with an ingredient list.

How did you get hooked on stamping? My first experience with stamping was 9 years ago when I designed my wedding announcements. Our last name is 'Campbell' and my husband goes by the nickname 'Soup'. I found a 'Campbell's Kids' wedding couple stamp and added it to the front of our invitation with gold embossing. It sounds strange, but it turned out really pretty. Stamping is an easy way to personalize and make things your own!

How often do you stamp? How often do I get to stamp or how often do I want to stamp? LOL! I usually only get to sit down and stamp when my boys are asleep. So, I have a lot of late nights, but I love it! I wish I could stamp every day, several hours a day, but that's just not possible right now.

Do you have your own stamping space or do you share it with the cat, dining room, coat closet, etc . ? I am happy to say that I have my own stamping space! The room I stamp in use to be the nursery. I have two boys who love to be together all the time. In the mornings, I would always find my oldest son curled up on the floor in the nursery room just to be close to his brother. Finally, we thought it was best to just put them in the same room. It worked out great for them, but even greater for me!

Do you stay true to a stamping budget, or are you swayed by all the enabling out in stampland? Ok. Don't let my husband read this! I TRY really hard, but I'm definitely swayed. I love the newest and latest and have a hard time controlling myself. I'm definitely a big fan of coupons and try to tell myself that it's not too bad because "I got a great deal!".

What is the latest stamping toy you've picked up that just made your heart go pitter patter? I've been wanting a stamp to put on the back of my cards that includes my name and website address. I finally found something that works perfectly! I bought a Round Monogram Stamper & Letter Set from JustRite Stampers that you can customize yourself! I easily spelled out all of my information and love how it self-inks every time you stamp!

Name one stamp or stamp set that you don't think you'll ever part with. This is a tough one! I have several favorites! One of my 'go-to' sets is Papertrey Ink's Paper Tray set. I love the fact that their images are clear and you don't have to worry about stamping something crooked or off-centered. This set is full of sentiments and each word is it's own stamp, making it really easy to come up with almost any combination.

What do you love most about papercrafting? I love the feeling of creating something! There is something about creativity that energizes me! It is the best stress reliever that I've found and I consider it my therapy! I love sending cards to people and finding out that it really meant something to them. It's amazing how much you can touch someone's life just by using the gift of creativity.

What do you consider to be your stamping strengths? Ooh! Another tough one! I think I have an eye for what 'fits' and what doesn't. It's sort of like decorating a house. I like to 'rearrange' things until it's pleasing to the eye. I'm also really good at fixing mistakes. If people took apart my cards and could see all of the boo-boos that I cover up, they would probably be surprised! I've found that sometimes mistakes can lead you in a direction you never expected to take... and can create some amazing results!

Who is your stamping hero (someone whose work inspires you challenge yourself creatively)? One of my stamping heroes is Kim Hughes. If you've never checked out her work, don't walk! Run! Not only is Kim an amazing stamper, she is also an illustrator. She has her own stamp line with Cornish Heritage Farms that I love! Her publication resume is as thick as a book. My eyes literally bulged when I started scrolling down the list. Kim's style is so unique and fun --- and just as sweet as she is!

Okay, be sure to leave a comment and let Julie know how fabulous her projects are! I'll be back tomorrow to show you Paula Goff's projects using Heart to Heart!