Cath Edvalson
I’m pleased as punch to introduce you to moxie fab Go-to Gal Maren Benedict! Maren made a big splash in our world when she started submitting just a short year ago making five first-timer appearances in our March/April 2009 issue, followed immediately by 13 appearances in our special issue Stamp It! Cards.
She’s living proof that not only can you get published in the pages of our magazine, but you can jump from first-timer to rising star to Go-to Gal in just a few short months.
Maren’s approach to paper crafting is fresh and fun. She uses colors in innovative ways and she has a great eye for balance in design. She has a clean and graphic approach to stamping that is very hip, and though this may sound crazy, she has a way of incorporating ribbon into a design that makes me gasp with delight.
Shall we get to know Maren a little better?
Go-to Gal Maren Benedict!
1. Where did you grow up? Although I was born in Binghamton, NY, I spent the majority of my childhood in Auburn, WA.
2. Do you work outside the home? If so, what do you do? Some quarters I teach night classes at the local community college in the Early Childhood Education department.
3. If a movie were to be made of your life, who would you cast to play the part of you? My part would probably be played by some unknown actress. Perhaps this would be her breakthrough roll!
4. What song would you choose as the theme song for your life? Bobby McFerrin’s “Don’t Worry, Be Happy”
5. What is one thing most people would be surprised to hear about you? My first son (now 13) was born in Japan with the help of a translator!
6. What/who inspired you to start paper crafting? A dear friend invited me to join a monthly stamping club. Although I wasn’t very interested, I said yes, and now look where I am!
7. What is your biggest paper crafting challenge? Time is my biggest crafting challenge. I often plan for hundreds of cards but never seem to have enough time in the day to make them all! It also wouldn’t hurt to have a little cleaning elf that makes sure my crafting area is clean.
8. If you were only allowed two items to create a card beside cardstock and adhesive, what would they be? I would have a hard time making anything without patterned paper and ribbon!
This Rainbow Stripes Card appears on p. 16 of Card Creations, Vol. 7. See what I mean with the ribbon?
9. What is your favorite occasion or holiday to paper craft and why? I love crafting for Halloween. There are such fun images and great colors! Plus, Halloween is an unexpected time to send a card. I love surprising people!
10. How would you describe your style? I am mostly a clean and simple crafter. I like to play around with little details and different designs, but tend to have few layers.
Flourish Halloween Card from Card Creations, Vol. 7, p. 95
11. When is your favorite time to craft? I craft late into the evening/early morning when all my boys are sleeping. This started as a necessity and has since turned into a habit.
12. What sort of music do you listen to while crafting? I love the silence when I craft at night. Silence is rare in my house of boys!
13. How does your family participate in your paper crafting passion? My youngest son (4) has his own craft desk with bins of supplies that I don’t use or are retired. All three of them make their own cards for family and friends.
14. When it comes to calls and deadlines, how do you keep yourself organized? I primarily use my Google calendar to keep track of dates. I love how it e-mails me updates of what I want to get done each day. I need those reminders!
15. Do you remember what Paper Crafts issue your first project appeared in? How has your style changed since then? My first Paper Crafts publication was in March/April 2009. My style continues to subtly evolve. I have become more comfortable with adding embellishments and sewing on my creations.
I had such an emotional reaction to this card when it came through the submissions judging that I called my daughter over to the computer so she could see it, too.
16. What are you looking forward to most about being a Paper Crafts Go-to Gal? I am most excited about working with the editors and staff of Paper Crafts, as well as the other Go-to Gals. Surrounding myself with such inspiring people motivates me to push myself in new directions.
17. Have you contributed to any design teams in the past or present? If so, which ones? I am currently on the Unity Stamp Company and Lizzie Anne Designs design teams. I have also been on the Cosmo Cricket and Jacksonbelle Embellishments design teams.
18. Name three designers whose styles you like and why they appeal to you.
- Anabelle O’Malley has such an elegant style. She can magically find that perfect balance of adding details/embellishments without creating something overdone.
- Amy Rohl is so creative. She plays with colors and makes creations that are pleasing to the eye.
- Lisa Johnson has a clean and classic style. She artfully integrates patterns and color in unique ways. Her work is inspiring!
19. Do you have any advice/tips for someone who’s never been published or who wants to submit for the first time? Just do it! And keep doing it! Remember that we each have our own style so don’t think you have to change what you do for publications. Be true to yourself and your creations and it will happen!
Be sure and stop by Maren’s blog and check out all her fun ideas—but leave her a comment here before you go! I’ll pick one random winner to receive this ”delightful” prize package, courtesy of Unity Stamp Company. All comments must be received by midnight (MST) on Wednesday, July 15. The winner will be announced on Thursday’s blog.
One lucky winner will take home this Unity prize package!
Feeling a little “zany not crazy”,
Cath
P.S. Make sure you check back here on Thursday when we reveal the identity of mystery Go-to Gal #4!
Whoa! Congrats Maren!
I am a die hard Maren fan! Her creations are always wonderful!!
Oh, I love Maren’s style. Absolutely gorgeous cards!
I love your style. Congrats on be one of PC’s Go-to-Gal
Congrats on becoming a go-to-gal! Your stuff is fantastic and I can’t wait to see more =)
Congrats Maren!! Your cards are awesome!
You make beautiful cards, Maren!
Congrats! Your cards are so pretty! I love the little hula girl card, and the colors are amazing!
Yay, Maren. Congrats! This will be so fun to see what the Go to Gals are all about!!!!!
I first discovered Maren’s work during Unity Stamp Co. blog hops each week – what fresh and beautiful work! I’m glad to see she’s receiving much-deserved recognition!
Just lovely creations….
Maren…..wow what an honor….Love all your creations. I am a regular to your blog so I know you deserve it!!! Again congratulations..!
Congrats Maren! Love your work…
HUGE congrats, Maren. So well deserved. your work is just gorgeous
Congrats and what beautiful work!
Congratulations Maren!! Can`t wait to see more of your beautiful work!
WTG and congrats!
Beautiful work Maren.
Maren does rock! I’ve loved checking out her cards in your magazines! Love her work!
Congrats Maren!!! I am so happy for you!!!
Yay Maren! I can’t wait to see what you bring to PC.
Congratulations, Maren! You are an inspiration for all of us!
I look forward to lots of your great ideas in the future!
TB
Hello Maren! Thanks for the inspiration!
WOOOO HOOOOOOOOOO Maren!!! That’s my girl! Congratulations! No one deserves it more…you absolutely ROCK!
Oopsie, I left my comment in the wrong post, LOL.
Congratulations Maren & it was lovely to read more about you.
I remember seeing Maren’s name in the March/April issue several times, and I commented to my husband that she must be new to PC. Having new faces published, like Maren, is a great incentive to keep submitting! Thanks for the encouragement. Congrats, Maren, on becoming a Go-to Gal!
Maren, you rockin’ rockstar–congratulations and big hugs! I’m always amazed at all of your (published) work, wondering how you do it and when you have time to get it all done–now I know, he he!
Thank your for your kind and complimentary words–I’m on cloud nine!
Amy Ü
Hi Maren. Congrats. I love flower card. Nice colors. I too love to create late at night after everyone else goes to bed. Thanks for sharing with us.
I love the cards! Thanks to Maren for the inspiration of the day for me!
I love her blog and have been a subscriber for a while now. I also love Unity stamps. Congrats to Maren.
Wow Maren, you are definately my go to gal!!! I love your blog and have been one of your blog stalkers for a while! I love how you inspire me to create! Congrats!
congrats MMaren!
I love following you on your blog.
Beatrice
I have Maren’s blog bookmarked and have for sometime now…in fact, I often copy some of her great ideas! Way to go Maren!
Good Job Maren great creations and blog!
Congratulations. Very inspiring interview. Let’s us know there is hope for the new artist that is just around the corner. Thanks for sharing.
Janet
I LOVE the ribbon on the rainbow card!! It’s perfect!
Welcome Maren! I love the rainbow card!!
Welcome Maren and congratulations on becoming a Go-To Gal.
Publishing is something i haven’t done yet.
although i have created cards with the idea of participating in a challenge, but never did submit them, mainly because i don’t have a blog.
your words, just do it, motivate me
i will look for more challenges that i can just download my card to their blog
and perhaps someday i will take that huge (for me) plunge of creating my own blog.
Enjoyed reading more about you and look forward to your future contributions.
Good luck and have fun — but it sounds like you already have fun!
I love that rainbow ribbon-so neat and could tie in all colors!!
Congratulations Maren! I have long been an admirer of your work. I love your style. Thanks for all of the inspiration.
Maren said: “I craft late into the evening/early morning when all my boys are sleeping. This started as a necessity and has since turned into a habit.”
Oh, don’t I get that?! I have four children ages 6 and under – I have to do everything at night – and I, too, love the sound of silence when I’m working on something! Congratulations, Maren! I love your style!! It always calls out to me! I look forward to seeing more of your work!
Congratualtions Maren! I’ve been following your blog for quite a while now and love all your creations. Thanks for sharing.
Congratulations, Maren!! I love LOVE your work!! I check your blog several times a day and browse back through your artwork for personal inspiration constantly! I’m thrilled for you!! You deserve it!
Yay Maren! Your work is stunning!
Congratulations, Maren!!!! I just love your card and your layouts! wonderful blog also! Thanks for sharing
Agus
Great interview, Maren. I’ve been enjoying your creations on your blog for quite sometime now, and am always impressed!
Congrats Maren…..I am very happy for you.
I enjoy your blog……thanks for sharing all your wonderful ideas with us.
e
Congrats, Maren! I enjoy reading your blog and seeing your fabulous creations.
OH, I just love your style! I found you at Unity’s blog first and WOW do I love your interpretation of color and of course I am a ribbon gal myself.
Congrats on being a new G0-to-Gal!!!
Corinna aka the Adirondack gurl…..
I like your style. God bless in your new venture.
Congratulations, Maren! Your work is beautiful!! Thanks for giving us a chance to get to know a little bit more about you!!