Today I have the pleasure of showing you some fabulous projects from Jen Tapler. Jen's clean and innovative approach to stamping has been known to knock my socks off! I think you'll agree when you see the projects I have to show you today.The first card I have to show you is one that Jen created using the Snow Wonderful set. I love how Jen used the white paint instead of ink on the stamps...it pops so much more on the Kraft paper! And the touch of red...just phenomenal! Love it!
1. When/how did you get hooked on stamping?
I've been scrapbooking for several years and about a year ago I wanted a sewing machine to add stitching to my pages (which was just becoming popular at that time). Instead, my MIL bought me a set of stitches stamps. I honestly didn't touch them for like 6 months, then one day in January (of this year) I saw them in the back of my crafty closet and just went for it - that was the beginning of the end for me! I bought my first set of rubber stamps about a week later and haven't looked back!
2. How often do you stamp?
I do something creative every day - in addition to stamping I'm heavy into digital scrapbooking and hybrid papercrafts, so on the days I don't stamp I'll design a digital layout in photoshop or print out some yummy digital paper to use on a card later. But on average I probably stamp at least 5 days a week (yeah, I'm kind of addicted).
3. Tell me about your funniest or most embarrassing stamping related injury.
Well, fortunately I wasn't actually INJURED - but before I got my new crafty space remodel, I had a corner of the guest room with my supplies stacked on bookshelves in the closet. I'm really short (like under 5'1") and I couldn't reach my Big Shot, which was on the top shelf. I tried standing on the bottom shelf and reaching - no go. So I ventured to the 2nd shelf. Just as I reached the Big Shot with my fingertips, I felt the bookshelf start to tip. Luckily I pushed myself off fast enough to avoid the shelf falling on top of me, but I did land on my butt on the floor and every SINGLE thing on that stupid shelf fell down, practically drowning me in crafting supplies. My DH ran in to find me covered in boxes and boxes of stamp sets, ink pads, loose paper, ribbon spools, you name it. He was amused (I was not). It took me weeks to reorganize everything!!
The next project I have to show you is an adorable onesie created with Hello Pumpkin. This was a huge hit at the release party...and in fact, we are looking for adult sized ones at the request of Susan and Mark (Julee's DH). Can you just imagine? LOL
Sorry, back to the project. Jen used fabric piecing to create this cutie, and decorated a little clear box to put it in. What an adorable idea for a baby gift!
4. How long does it take you to create a project that you're happy with?
I'd say on average about an hour, sometimes less. I'm pretty impatient to see the end result and if it's going to take much longer than an hour I get frustrated and am ready to move on to the next project already. This is probably why I avoid lots of technique-heavy projects and just stick to good ole paper, stamps and ribbon most of the time.
5. I am usually a little messy in my creating. Tell me about your creative space.
Oh my goodness, I LOVE my space!! I have a new crafty space and so far I've done a pretty good job of keeping it organized. My DH and his step-father built me a beautiful large work area with custom built-in cabinets, 10-foot long counter-height work surface (so I can sit or stand to create), space for my computer/printer/peripherals, everything has it's place. The MoJo flows much more freely now that I don't spend half of my time searching for a certain tool or piece of ribbon. I usually make a huge mess during a project, but I have to put everything back where it belongs before moving on to the next project.
6. If you were stranded on a deserted island, what craft tool would you take with you? Why?
This is such a hard question...hmmm...deserted island....all I can think of when I think of a deserted island is the TV show Lost....which leads to thoughts of Sawyer...shirtless....{sigh}...and I can tell you there wouldn't be much stamping happening with shirtless Sawyer around!!! I mean, really! It should just be illegal for a man to look that good. {another sigh}. Oh wait, did you ask me a question?
The last project I have to showcase today is actually the first one Jen sent me. Man, when I looked at it, you had to pick me up off the floor! Using the stamps from Ornamental Christmas, Jen created this little mini-book. How adorable is this???
7. What is your biggest source of inspiration?
I would have to say browsing through the many, MANY stamping blogs out there. If I'm feeling stuck or in need of ideas, I just start blurfing and before I know it I usually have more project ideas than I have time to do them!
8. Who in the stamping world do you want to be when you grow up and why?
I think I might have to say Kristina Werner - working as a Graphic Designer for a huge stamping company by day and then filling her free time with all kinds of papercrafts...and she has quite the following and is almost so cute you want to hate her but can't because she seems so darn nice. (I really have no idea what a Graphic Designer actually DOES with her day...but it sounds cool!!). Ya know, right now I'm pretty excited about where I am - I never thought I'd be a Verve Guest Diva only 10 short months after inking up my first stamp!!! Life is good.
Thank you, Jen, for joining us this month and for all of the inspiring projects you created! You can see them all HERE in her Verve Gallery. Just wipe up the drool when you're done! To see more of Jen's awesome creations, visit her blog Jen Tapler Designs.
Don't forget to check back in tomorrow for the wrap-up of the Guest Diva Spotlights for November. Awesome stuff coming!
