P. Kelly Smith
Welcome to our third and final day of Card Creations: Start to Finish Week! I want to give a big shout out to those who left such sweet comments for our cover girls Tanis Giesbrecht and Charlene Austin. I know they really appreciate the love. Keep them coming!
We may be wrapping things up here, but Cath is just getting the party started on Moxie Fab World. And guess what? You’re all invited to three more days of inspirational cards from our latest special issue Card Creations: Start to Finish, Vol. 2. And if you know anything about Cath, she loves to give away moxie fab prizes!
Today we’re spotlighting our third cover girl, Becky Olsen, who just happens to live right here in the great state of Utah! Every now and then, she’ll pop into the office to drop off a project, and she’s usually just come from her daily workout on the tennis court. (In the summertime, she gets really tan and is the envy of every girl in this office!) Did I mention she’s also an accomplished skier? Click on her blog to see her cute Ski Ya Later Card.
I also get to see this sassy lady every month at our fun card group, which exists mainly of office staffers. We like to think we’re all amazing paper crafters, but there’s nothing like having an actual published designer in your midst to remind you otherwise. Let’s just say that we’ve all stepped up our A-game since Becky’s joined us! And that is most definitely a good thing!
Let’s get to know Miss Becky!
Becky Olsen
1. Where did you grow up?
Ashland, Oregon
2. Do you work outside the home? If so, what do you do?
I used to be a ski instructor at Deer Valley, but my knees complained a lot, so I had to give it up.
3. If a movie were to be made of your life, who would you cast to play the part of you?
Jennifer Garner (Editor’s Note: Could Becky and Charlene be a part of a secret organization of paper crafting spies that mirror Jennifer Garner’s kick-butting character in ALIAS? Hmm…)
4. What song would you choose as the theme song for your life?
We Close Our Eyes by Oingo Boingo
5. What is one thing most people would be surprised to hear about you?
I love to play tennis and have the goal of becoming rated as a 4.5 in the next couple of years. I am very competitive and hate to lose.
6. What/who inspired you to start paper crafting?
It started with a magnetic photo album in my teens. I could keep memorabilia in it with my pictures. I was always looking for opportunities to improve the process of memory keeping. As a young newlywed, I saw the magic of embossing (over a light bulb, LOL!). Products and projects have improved significantly since then!
7. What is your biggest paper crafting challenge?
Enough time to get my ideas created.
8. If you were only allowed two items to create a card beside cardstock and adhesive, what would they be?
Patterned paper and a sewing needle with some embroidery floss.
9. What is your favorite occasion or holiday to paper craft and why?
This is a tough one! Probably Christmas…the products are always so fun and diverse!
10. How would you describe your style?
Simple and whimsical are the two words that come to my mind. If anyone has a better description, I would love to hear it!
Becky's Sweetest Moments Card carries accents and the sentiment to the inside.
11. When is your favorite time to craft?
Total night owl. Staying up until 1 a.m. is pretty common for me.
12. What sort of music do you listen to while crafting?
Usually silence. We have a busy house, so my mind appreciates the quiet when it occurs.
13. How does your family participate in your paper crafting passion?
It is mandatory that everyone participate as a sounding board for projects in our house. All of the different perspectives on design appeal, trends and color keep things fresh!
14. When it comes to calls and deadlines, how do you keep yourself organized?
I have a paper calendar on my desk that is in a weekly format. It has lists for the week and all submission deadlines that are approaching, along with due dates for projects and paperwork.
15. Do you remember what Paper Crafts issue your first project appeared in? How has your style changed since then?
Oh I so remember…such a huge thrill! I was asked to contribute a hybrid project to the June/July 2008 issue. I also had some holiday projects picked up at about the same time for the Holiday Cards and More, Volume 3. Not sure how or if my style has changed…I think I am pretty eclectic to begin with.
In Becky's You Make My Heart Melt Card, the inside sentiment supports the shaped ice cream design.
16. Have you contributed to any design teams in the past or present? If so, which ones?
I have been fortunate to work with some really nice teams in the past and present. Currently I work with Zva Creative and Ellen Hutson.
17. Name three designers whose styles you like and why they appeal to you.
This is so tough to narrow down! I so appreciate many different designers and their styles.
18. Do you have any advice/tips for someone who’s never been published or who wants to submit for the first time?
Don’t be afraid to try new things, play and have fun with the creative process. You’ll have projects that you love and want to share when you are done. Also, don’t get discouraged – submit, submit, submit!
19. What was your inspiration for your Proud of You card that appears on the cover of Card Creations: Start to Finish, Vol. 2?
Eeek! Now my brain hurts from thinking too much! I honestly don’t know what inspired me to try making a little pinwheel. The idea that we could make any interactive component for this call just made me so happy! I loved pinwheels as a kid, and I thought it would be a wonderful piece that could come off of the card and actually be played with by a child or adult who had just given some big effort and maybe not succeeded, but needed some encouragement for giving it a go. The sentiment came from the pinwheel “whirling” with a breath of air from the recipient. It takes a little effort to get it to whirl, but it’s worth it!
In Becky's Proud of You Card, the inside sentiment supports the interactive pinwheel design on the front of the card.
20. Do you have a blog or online gallery? If so, please provide the URL.
I do have a blog (http://lifeasathreeleggeddog.blogspot.com/). For those of you who would like to purchase Card Creations: Start to Finish, Vol. 2, please visit my blog to hear about the special deal you can get!
Thanks, Becky! Our friends at Cosmo Cricket were nice enough to donate three sets of their Early Bird collection – the same collection Becky used to create her cover card above. Please leave a comment and I’ll pick three random winners to receive this collection, plus a copy of Card Creations: Start to Finish, Vol. 2. All comments must be received by midnight (MST) on Thursday, Jan. 14.
Three lucky winners will take home this fun collection from Cosmo Cricket!
Happy Wednesday!
Kelly
P.S. It’s time to announce the three winners from my Meet Tanis Giesbrecht post!
1. Barbara M (Jan. 11, 9:35 p.m.)
2. Jimmi Mayo (Jan. 11, 7:30 a.m.)
3. calonghorn (Jan. 11, 10:01 a.m.)
Congrats, winners! You’ve each won the Tiny Giggle Grove stamp set from Unity Stamp Company and a copy of Card Creations: Start to Finish, Vol. 2. I’ll be contacting you shortly to get your mailing addresses. Thanks to all who left comments!
Becky and Tanis are amazing artists and I am beyond thrilled to be part of the cover with them. So funny that Becky chose Jennifer Garner also. I bet her favorite song is Careless Whispers too {{but I doubt she’d ever admit it in public. HAHA}}
Thanks so much for all of the wonderful comments!
As for mailing this card, it could be sent in a little cardboard mailing box. If it is for someone local, I don’t think the recipient would mind you handing it to them without the envelope ;o)
I hope everyone has a happy and crafty day!
B-
Great interview with Becky, and more terrific cards to inspire us! Thanks for sharing with us!
DeniseB
Beautiful cover – can’t wait to buy this issue!!!
I love the dimension you add to your cards!
It was fun to read about Becky’s design style and to see so many of her whimsical and playful cards.
I liked the pinwheel card. I might try to figure out how to make one myself. It would get bent in the mail, though…….
Becky, it’s nice to learn more about you. Your cards are gorgeous!!! Thanks for the inspiration.
It’s sooo nice to be able to learn a bit more about all the inspirational designers in Paper Crafts and what makes them tick craft wise. Amazing cards Becky! I can’t wait to grab a copy of this mag!
That ice cream card looks so good that I just want to take a lick.
It was so awesome to read about one designer I truly love to see over and over again. Becky is amazing!
Hi Becky, It was really fun reading your interview. Your cards are beautiful. I love tennis too!
She’s amazing! I absolutely love the ice cream cone card!
The brightness and verve of your cards is very exciting. Love the themes as well. I was in tennis leagues for years working on my rating but I finally got over it!
Love the pinwheel card! So cute! And the ice cream cone! Kudos to another great designer!
Great Interview! Becky has a wonderful style.
I’d love to make that pinwheel card for my daughter who participated in a college variety show, when she had absolutely no dance experience. I am so proud of her for trying something so out of her routine.
I enjoyed reading your interview with Becky Olson. the choice of paper on the pinwheel card is so bright and cheery. Great work
I am always at a lost as to what to do with the inside of a card-this is just fantastic. Now I know I have to get Vol.2!
Beautiful projects and I can’t wait to see what I can do with the insides of my cards now
LOVE that pinwheel card. SO cute!
love the pinwheel idea and the matching finishing inside the card. lovely.
I don’t do many shape cards, but the ice cream card is very cool! Great learning more about you!
I love stopping by Becky’s blog. She’s one talented lady!
Just love all the creativity that is shared with us by designers like Debbie. Loved the ice cream card! And the pinwheel one is super!
Those are just so beautiful cards there. Thanks for the share.
great interview. lots of ideas. thanks for sharing with us today.
I absolutely luv Cosmo Cricket Paper
I love the style of Becky’s bee card. One thing I’ve always liked about Becky’s cards is that she usually uses a rubber stamp in her designs.
I LOVE your pinwheel card Becky – your creations are awesome!
Love the projects and great ideas. You guys always discover the best artists!
Wow, Becky, I love your stuff! What a creative whiz you are. The ice cream cone card is adorable. And I love the whimsy you have going on with your “Give it a whirl” card. Thanks for sharing your talent with us.
I first ‘met’ Becky in her 12 feminine tags of Christmas and I was enthralled with her work. She continues to surprise.
Becky’s cards are wonderful . . . that pinwheel one is soo cool . . . I’d love to win that Cosmo paper .. .it’s so happy and cheerful!
I LOVE Becky’s style! Everything she comes up with is fresh and creative. I’m really looking forward to seeing more in the magazine!!
~Rachel in Sacramento
The early bird collection looks so cheerful and energetic…no wonder they’ve called it that. And I am so not an early bird… Becky is very inspirational and has a real eye for wonderful color combinations!
I Love that paper kit. Such a pretty teal and such sweet cherries. Congrats on making the cover Becky!
The pinwheel card is such a lovely idea for a child! Thanks for the interview and a chance to win a lovely prize.
What a sweet cupcake card – love it! All of your cards are beautiful. Thanks for sharing your creations.
I just really love Becky’s style. My favorite card is the sweet sentiment. I love nature and that cards really speaks nature in such a beautiful and delicate way.
Love her “eclectic” style and that pinwheel is completely adorable!
What great work, really inspirational!
Great interview! And lovely cards, Becky!
Thanks for the advice and great inspiration from Becky.
Love that pinwheel card — and Becky’s style is always fresh and fun! Thanks for letting us get to “know” these gals a bit better!
your style is amazing!
great cards–love the ice cream and pinwheel!
Woot!! Congrats on the spotlight Bek!! Soooo well deserved, my very talented friend
xoxoxo
I looove that pinwheel card. The paper is so happy and springy it fits the pinwheel (and the sentiment) perfectly!
Thanks for letting us get to know you better, Becky. I love your creativity!
Oh the cards are awesome! I love the pinwheel card and the card with the bees is just delightful! tfs