P. Kelly Smith
Welcome to Magazine Monday! I don’t know about you, but here at Paper Crafts we’re in full Christmas countdown mode. Today we’re decorating our hot pink, lime green and ruby red tree for the Festival of the Trees, a fundraiser that benefits Primary Children’s Medical Center. Make sure you stop by the Paper Crafts Facebook fan page to see pictures of our tree in all its yuletide glory.
If some of you are still needing a little push to get you in the holiday spirit, I thought I would bring in an expert on all things Christmas. She had so many gorgeous cards in Holidays Cards & More, Volume 4, I just knew she would be the perfect designer spotlight for this most festive time of year.
Grinches beware…let’s get to know the talented Becky Oehlers!
Becky Oehlers
1. Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Bryn Athyn, PA , which is right outside of Philadelphia.
2. Do you work outside the home? If so, what do you do?
I am a professional opera singer and sing in many ensembles both in Philadelphia and New York City. I am also on the voice faculty at Drexel University.
3. If a movie were to be made of your life, who would you cast to play the part of you?
Judy Garland, if she were still alive.
4. What song would you choose as the theme song for your life?
This is a hard one for me…I love all types of music from Bach to Alison Krauss to newly composed music, but I would have to say that Beethoven’s 7th Symphony would be a pretty great theme song.
5. What is one thing most people would be surprised to hear about you?
That I was a double major in college for both voice and french horn performance.
6. What/who inspired you to start paper crafting?
Nichole Heady. It was her blog that started it all.
7. What is your biggest paper crafting challenge?
I think my challenge and my strength at the same time is trying to be innovative and really mold myself to the design of each stamp set that I work with. I try to let the style of the set dictate the art that comes from it.
Jingle All the Way Card by Becky Oehlers
8. If you were only allowed two items to create a card beside cardstock and adhesive, what would they be?
A well-designed stamp set and Copics. You are only as good as your tools.
9. What is your favorite occasion or holiday to paper craft and why?
That’s easy! Christmas. Definitely. I love getting the house all cozy and dramatic, and I think that comes across in the work I create. I think I always do my best work around Christmastime.
Warm Winter Wishes Card by Becky Oehlers
10. How would you describe your style?
Whimsical elegance
11. When is your favorite time to craft?
Very late at night. I have been guilty of staying up until 3 a.m. several times in my crafting life.
12. What sort of music do you listen to while crafting?
None. It actually distracts me.
13. How does your family participate in your paper crafting passion?
My girls Emma (11) and Sophia (9) have often had card making sessions with me on the side. They have a little table in my studio. They even have their own small set of Copics!
My husband is too busy collecting his own stamps. He is a philatelist.
14. When it comes to calls and deadlines, how do you keep yourself organized?
This is a weakness of mine. I am learning to print out all assignments and keep them in a book. I have gotten much better, but organization is a learned task for me.
15. Do you remember what Paper Crafts issue your first project appeared in? How has your style changed since then?
Yes! It was Paper Crafting with Kids, 2008. I have become more consistent in my style since then.
Season's Greetings Card by Becky Oehlers
16. Have you contributed to any design teams in the past or present? If so, which ones?
I am currently on the senior design team at Papertrey Ink. I have also worked for Kitchen Sink Stamps, Starving Artistamps and Inque Boutique.
17. Name three designers whose styles you like and why they appeal to you.
- Debbie Olson – She is a true artist. My husband even says he wants to be like her when he grows up!
- Julie Ebersole – I really like her simple and playful approach to card making. That really appeals to me.
- Jeffrey Rudell – He doesn’t stamp, doesn’t have a blog, but what this man can do with paper completely inspires me and blows my mind! Google him!
18. Do you have any advice/tips for someone who’s never been published or who wants to submit for the first time?
I think in any situation like this fear is the only thing that will hold you back. Don’t be scared. Submit and submit. If you never try, you will never succeed. The worst thing that they could say is ”no”. Oh, well! Try again!
19. Do you have a blog or online gallery? If so, please provide the URL.
I do have a blog (www.hemidemisemiquaverdesignblog.com). Please hop on over!
Thanks, Becky! I’m definitely in the Christmas spirit now! Leave a comment for Becky here and one lucky winner will take home all of Becky’s Holiday Cards and More cards (pictured above), plus two other surprise gems! All comments must be received by midnight (MDT) on Tuesday, Dec. 1.
Happy Monday!
Kelly
P.S. Since we know all of you like a good deal, make sure you take advantage of our huge Warehouse Blowout Sale at ShopScrapandPaperCorner.com! From now until midnight tonight, save 60% off select product, PLUS get free shipping and handling (on U.S. orders only) if $25 or more is spent. (Hint: The delicious–and I do mean delicious!–Paper Crafts Gourmet cookbook is only $17! Buy one for you and one for a friend!)
P.P.S. It’s time to announce the two winners from my Black Freebie Friday post!
1. Chris S. (Nov. 27, 9:54 a.m.)
2. rap (Nov. 27, 7:40 p.m.)
Congrats, winners! You’ve each won a copy of Holiday Cards and More, Volume 4 and Making Memories Flowers stamp set. I’ll be contacting you shortly to get your mailing addresses. Thanks to all who left comments!
How nice to get to know Becky! I am a huge fan of PTI, and therefore, everyone on the team. I love Becky’s simple, classic style. Thanks for spotlighting her!
Great cards and creations…going to check out your awesome blog some more!
Fantastic spotlight!! So interesting to read about you – wow, opera singer!!! Love your work!
very cute! Love your work!
Sandra
I’m already a fan of Becky’s and subscribe to her blog. I’m not quite sure how she manages to keep all her balls in the air!!! I love PTI and what Becky does with their beautiful stamps.
I’m a big fan of Becky’s, and since she is from my area, I’m all about supporting our local papercrafters. I’ve never met her, but I sure do love reading her blog on a consistant basis. These cards are so cute!
Becky, Great work. I love your cards.
I love Becky’s work! Her cards are amazing and I can tell there’s always a lot of thought put into each one.
Wow, terrific cards, Becky! Loved reading about you too!
Not only is she ultra talented but she’s funny and sweet and just plain FUN!! LOVE Becky and her work – great interview!!
You could not have chosen any one better than Becky. I have followed her since the beginning and he work always inspires and amazes me. Thank you for introducing the world to this great talent. (plus a fun person too!!!)
Cheryl Sims
Becky I adore your work!
I have always been a fan of Becky’s work – since before she was a member of PTI’s DT and was so thrilled when she joined PTI. So pleased to see you feature her this morning!
It’s great to meet you Becky! I really love your work!
it was great to get to know Becky a little better. i love PTI and the PTI team. Becky’s work is terrific! And how interesting that she grew up only an hour away from where I live.
Great interview, Becky. Thanks for all you shared.
Wow, an opera singer. That is so cool! Love your designs and will check out your blog. Thanks.
Becky has so many middle names — friend, sweet, talented, spunky – just to name a few! You have chosen a very worthy subject to highlight here – she never disappoints. She is everybody’s go-to girl! Great interview!
ooo, I’d love to win Becky’s creations. I think it’s so cool that you are an opera singer. My best friend’s daughter is an aspiring soprano, so I bet she knows who you are.
I’ve long been a fan of Becky! So glad to see you have featured her here! I’d LOVE to have ANY of those cards! Thanks so much for spotlighting her work!
Loved getting to “know” you better! Your such a talented lady!
I’ve been an avid follower of Becky’s blog for some time. Always look forward to her next projects and enjoyed your interview of her. I think her description of whimiscal elegance very definitely defines her creative style.
Gorgeous cards Becky! The lime green and black combo is amazing!
Wonderful designs! Thanks for showcasing this talented lady!
Alison
I really enjoy your “Meet this Designer” columns like this.
Becky is another wonderful artist that I was introduced to through the
wonderful world of Papertrey Ink. Loved getting to know her a little better through this feature. Her work is wonderful. What a talented lady.
What a great picture of Becky!! Her stuff is soooo inspiring – she’s definitely the bomb!!
Thank you Becky! I’ve always wanted to submit some of my stuff and now I think I will take your advice and just do it!
Wonderful to find out more about Becky and see her wonderful talent.
Those cards are just gorgeous. It was great to meet the person who designed and made them.
I adore the way you use embellishments!
It was great to meet you! I am amazed at how much you are able to successfully juggle, especially since you say that you are not naturally organized! You go girl!
Great choice interviewing Becky! She is sooo hugely talented – I check her blog regularly and find her ideas very inspiring. Way to go, Becky!!
Hi Becky!
So nice to read about you this morning!
Teri
Your cards are all gorgeous! I’m off to check out your blog, Becky!
Becky always has the sweetest and most adorable cards. Her blog is so much fun to follow.
Elaine Allen
So fun learning more about favorite papercrafters. Love your style Becky!
Becky, love your blog and PTI.
Yea, I love Becky’s sytle!! Already stalk her blog
I like the picture of Becky without a hat (as on her blog). So nice to learn more about people whose work you admire.
Eveline.
So wonderful getting to know you, Becky! Thanks for sharing;)
Congrats Becky! I love your style and your blog, keep ‘em coming!
Great interview! I love that Becky crafts with her daughters. I do, too, and in fact it’s one of the best things about crafts in my opinion.
I have been a Becky fan for quite a while now and always enjoy reading her blog. She is one talented lady and seems super nice.
I love Becky’s work, and her work with the PTI design team is always AWESOME!
My goodness Becky! You are woman of many talents.
Beautiful work.
~Shari R.
Great card, Becky. I’ve been reading your blog for some time now and enjoy hearing about your life and, of course, seeing your card talent. Thanks for sharing.
Shhh, don’t tell anyone but I’m copying Becky’s photo card idea for our Christmas card this year. It makes me feel so bad to copy, but have you seen it?, it’s sooo good!
I love Becky’s style, always fresh, clean and inspiring. And that quote “you are only as good as your tools”. I’ll be using that to convince my hubby that I NEED copics.
Keep up the awesome work, Becky. I love your creations!
Wow, how great it is to hear about Becky and to see all her beautiful cards. Her blog will be on my list of blogs to visit now!
Blessings,
Christine
What a talent she is, both in music and paper crafting!