Cool Tools Week: Danielle Flanders in the Designer Spotlight!

Courtney Smith

Good morning, crafters! Welcome to our Cool Tools for Paper Crafters week! Here, and on Moxie Fab World, we will be celebrating this first-of-a-kind issue! Whether you’re just starting your tool collection, or you’re looking for new and innovative ways to use your tool stash — you need this issue in your archives.

Flipping through the pages of this issue, you’ll see some pretty awesome designers! Today, we’re talking with one of the stars of the issue, Danielle Flanders! The pages are filled with her amazing creativity, and this morning, we have the chance to learn a little bit more about Danielle, so keep reading!

Where do you find your paper crafting inspiration?

Inspiration really strikes me anywhere, anytime! Whether it’s a color combination I want to try, a new technique, a saying I’d like to use on a card, or even a fashion trend, I tend to look at everything and think…how can I use that in my paper crafting? New products always tend to inspire me as well, and I like to try and think of new uses for them.

What is your favorite tool to craft with? Why?

Lately, I have really been enjoying using my Cuttlebug machine to die cut and emboss. It is so user friendly and quick to set up. I have an abundance of dies and embossing folders and love how they add subtle dimension to my projects.

Out of your cards published in Cool Tools, what were your three favorites and why?

You Are My Sunshine card, pg. 27: I loved trying this new embossing technique with chipboard. I embossed cardstock with three little chipboard pieces and has a neat effect!

Wishing You a Happy Birthday card, pg. 30: On this card, I inked up the embossing folder with stamping ink before placing the paper inside. When taken out, it gives the card a pretty letterpress look.

Celebrate Card, pg. 115: I used a mask on this card, placed it down on the cardstock, then sprayed over the mask with a spray adhesive. I used fine glitter to cover the adhesive, creating a really pretty background. Love how it looks!

What is one thing readers would be surprised to know about you?

I have a degree in Speech Therapy and Audiology and also a Teaching Certificate in grades K-8.

What designers do you admire and why?

I really admire Betsy Veldman’s work; it’s always so creative and makes me gasp with delight when I see a new project from her! I also love to see Melissa Phillips’s projects; they exude her sweet personality, and her mix of patterns inspires me!

How would you classify your personal crafting style?

I think I might call my style “fresh vintage”. I love the look of older things like vintage book paper and girly, elegant things like swirls and doilies. But I also love brighter colors to update the vintage look. Modern meets vintage, I guess you could say!

What was your favorite part about Cool Tools for Paper Crafters?

Techniques are my thing, so I was really excited about this issue. Flipping though it and discovering new things I haven’t tried yet made me giddy!

What was the most difficult aspect of Cool Tools for Paper Crafters?

I would say the adhesive section was a little bit problem-some for me. Here’s a tip when working with spray adhesive: be sure to clean off the mask you are spraying right away and don’t let the adhesive dry on it!

What advice do you have for someone who’s never been published or who wants to try submitting for the first time?

Try, try and try again! Persistence is the key to success! It also helps to take good clear photos of your projects and be sure to list any fun techniques or tips you can share with the readers. Be creative, try think outside the box with a product, and you’ll be sure to get noticed!

What is your favorite paper crafting supply?

I love it all, but I’ve really been enjoying getting out my punches and dies and putting them to good use!

Thanks for chatting with us this morning, Danielle! Are you all inspired to get out your tools and get crafty? We won’t stop you! But first, leave a comment telling us a tool you are excited about using, and we’ll pick three lucky winners to win a copy of this issue! Comments must be received by Tuesday, January 10, at 5 PM MST. Can’t wait  until we announce the winners? Get your copy HERE.

P.S. Be sure to tune in tomorrow — we have a special blog series going on that you will certainly be interested in!