Today we're celebrating the amazing-ness of Jodi Collins {aka Kharmagirl} from Stamping a Latte. I first started tuning into Jodi's work last fall when I saw this card she made from a stamped image she'd received. Wow! Where had I been? This girl has MOJO oozing out of her, and such a fabulous personality to match. She's just a dream to work with and her fabulous layered style, mad coloring skills, and eye for finishing things off with the perfect details, make her a paper crafter extraordinaire!
First off, I'll show you one of my favorite cards Jodi made for this release. This one uses Everlasting LIfe, and isn't it just gorgeous? ! I love the fabulous way she paper pieced the cross and how the pattern in the papers she chose really lend to the swirliness of the image. The color combo is classic and fabulous and I love all the little piercing details.I asked Jodi a few Verve-i-view questions, and here's what she had to say:
1. When/how did you get hooked on stamping?
I started stamping in high school (which was quite some time ago!) after being entranced by the stamp aisle in my local craft store. The only thing I knew how to do was stamp and emboss, so every single thing I made was an image embossed in silver and colored in! Thank Goodness I got away from that! It wasn't until about four years ago that I got back into stamping. I attended a home stamping party and within a week spent more than I care to admit, signed up to become a demo, and have been happily stamping (and hoarding supplies!) since!
2. How often do you stamp?
I stamp at least once a day, and I usually try to participate in the challenges on Splitcoaststampers. At night, once my daughter goes to bed, and my husband is entranced by the television, I head downstairs to my "stamp chalet" and start stamping!
3. Tell me about your funniest or most embarrassing stamping related injury?
This isn't an injury, more just really funny!! Last summer, it was super hot in my basement, and I was in the middle of a project that involved Dazzling Diamonds...alot of Dazzling Diamonds. I didn't even think about what I had open on my stamping space, and I turned on the fan. You can only imagine the glittery stamp space I had for months! Now that I am thinking about it, it is quite shocking that I do not have a stamping related injury story...I am not the most coordinated girl around!
We interrrupt this Verve-i-view to bring you another fabulous favorite from Jodi. I just love the clever way she used the hat from the snowman in Snow Wonderful to dress up this little bunny bride and groom from Bunny Duet. The cosmpopolitan color combo is both elegant and contemporary, and really sets off the card. She finished off with a sentiment from Practically Perfect and some classy pearls to give it that extra something something.And now back to your regularly scheduled Verve-i-view, already in progress:
4. How long does it take you to create a project that you're happy with?
Wow...this is a tough question!! I would say, on average, it takes me about an hour to put a card together that I am happy with. It may take a bit longer if I am trying to follow a sketch or specific layout, but most of the time it's about an hour.
5. I am usually a little messy in my creating. Tell me about your creative space.
My stamping space, affectionately known as the "stamp chalet" is in the unfinished portion of our basement. A few years ago, my parents renovated their kitchen and gave me all of their cabinets and countertops, which make up the majority of my chalet. While I am stamping it looks like a tornado has blown through...and I always lose something while I am in the middle of a card or project! I do have one rule though...I do not go to bed for the evening until my chalet is clean...all my ink and papers (including scraps!) are put in their proper place, and I always sweep (I have a very bad habit of flinging off the paper from the dimensionals onto the floor as I stamp!)
6. If you were stranded on a deserted island, which craft tool could you not live without? Why?
Ok...this is SO easy for me! My paper piercing tool! NO question! First of all, I have come to the realization that I simply cannot live without it, and I bet it would come in handy on a deserted island too! Perhaps I could spear a fish or something with it? Hmmm...then I would need my embossing gun to cook the fish...ok, this could get crazy! Just one???
The last card I have to share of Jodi's is just breathtaking. I love how she made these butterflies from Beautiful Kindness fly! The colors and patterns are so trendy at it just makes me want to go pick up my stamps and play!So let's wrap up this Verve-i-view:
7. What is your biggest source of inspiration?
Splitcoaststampers...without a doubt. I am constantly amazed and inspired by the talent of the SCS members. I have learned so much since I joined and I feel like all the inspiration on SCS has made me a better (and more adventurous) stamper.
8. Who in the stamping world do you want to be when you grow up and why?
There are SO many stamping rock stars out there...but if I have to choose one person, I would say Beate Johns! She amazes me with each and every one of her creations! I can look at her cards for hours and always see something fabulous I didn't see before! She is amazing!
9. What is your favorite set from this release?
Oh! This is the toughest question of all! I think I would have to say Practically Perfect! I LOVE baby sets and the bunnies in this set are just the cutest! I also love all the different sentiments included in this set! When I first saw this set, I knew it was going to be my favorite! I always tell my daughter that she is "Perfectly Perfect In Every Way". Coming in a CLOSE second would be Beautiful Kindness. I love the elegant butterflies and the sentiments in this one as well!
See, what did I tell you? Jodi's amazing, right? If you want to see more of her gorgeous Verve-i-ness, check out her Guest Diva Gallery HERE. Tomorrow I'll be spotlighting the work of our 2nd Guest, Kelly Lunceford, so stay tuned!
