Hi,
We are thrilled with the response and the entries we are getting for the "Cycling Team". If you aren't in on the scoop, be sure to like us here and get the details. Also, see yesterday's post.
First and Foremost, check out Guest Designer, Lowri McNabb's blog, Paper Vine . Get ready to be lost into a world of inspiration. I'm always happier when I find a blog like Lowri's. I love to grab a cup of coffee and peruse through my favorite blogs as I start my day. I've got Paper Vine bookmarked. Not only are Lowri's projects gorgeous, but they are doable. She really does make it look "oh so easy". And, the best part is so many of her projects are FUNCTIONAL. See. See. See. Lowri has all of these Head of the Class goodies stepped out for you here.
I promised that I would help you to get to know Lowri better. It's only fair that we all are friends....
Sit back and enjoy.
LYB Questions for Guest Designer – Lowri McNabb
What is your ‘go to’ embellishment?
I would have to say plain, die-cut chipboard pieces. You can paint, ink or stamp them, cover them with patterned paper, emboss them or all of the above! I also have a weakness for glazed and fabric brads too..
Do you prefer cardstock or patterned paper?
Patterned paper mainly as I tend to draw inspiration for my projects from the prints themselves. It really depends on the weight of the paper/card as some paper projects are better with thinner paper (those that need a lot of folding) and some are better with heavier weight cardstock. If using cardstock, I usually start with a white, cream or kraft base
What kind of music gets you in the scrappin’ mood?
When I am scrapping I tend to have DVD’s running on my computer - often favorites like British sit-coms I used to watch as a kid or old James Bond movies. When I do listen to music you will hear me mainly listening and singing along to some 80’s rock or Kings of Leon
Do you like to go to crops or prefer to scrap alone?
I have always worked on my own – primarily due to my location meaning there is not anyone else within an hour or so in the evenings! I have been to a couple of crops, but I was so interested in what others were doing and chatting about products and new ideas that I didn’t get a single piece of work done. I am probably most people’s worst nightmare at a crop! If you see me – you might want to take a seat the other side of the room…
What are your favorite types of projects—pages, mini albums, cards, altered projects, etc?
I would call myself a papercrafter. I very rarely do layouts and I prefer to use my photos to make mini albums and frames - I do however draw heaps of inspiration and ideas from the amazing layouts I see online. I make a lot of altered items and beyond the page projects – usually as gifts and I also love to make custom stationary, party decorations and the occasional card-set.
Do you have a favorite scrapbooking snack?
Not really – depending on the time of day you are most likely to find an enormous mug of tea, Diet Coke or glass of wine sitting on my desk though…
Any unique tips or techniques you use?
I am always on the lookout for items to alter or use. I often look to dollar-stores, hardware stores and kitchen supplies for inspiration. I recently packaged some gifts I made for Father’s Day (a mini album and a magnet set) in some gorgeous old tobacco tins
Describe your biggest scrapbooking ‘mishap’?
No major mishaps spring to mind – if I make a mistake I just cover it with another piece of paper! I do get frustrated though when I get time to myself and feel so overwhelmed with the list of things I would like to do that I end up wasting it. With a young and active family, time on my own is a precious resource!
What are your favorite scrapbook magazines?
I really don’t buy many magazines – I find there is so much inspiration on manufacturers and designer blogs that usually I search for tutorials and ideas online.
Do you have a favorite die cutting system?
I have a cuttlebug which I love to use with my slowly growing collection of Spellbinders.
Are you a morning bird or night owl?
I hate mornings but I have to get up each weekday at 5:45 to get to school on time (after I check my email, drink 3 cups of tea, make lunches etc) so I am definitely a night-time crafter.
Computer or handwritten journaling?
I don’t do much journaling but I use my computer as a tool a lot in my papercrafting. I love to print onto patterned paper and tags and it’s invaluable for making stationary and other specialist items.
What is your favorite color (or colors) to use in your pages?
That’s a tough one! I find my work is very product driven, and I usually work with only one collection at a time – supplemented by some basics such as paint, stamps etc. I have mainly worked with very bold collections, but I am trying to incorporate more vintage themes now – whilst maintaining my clean style. I always love green though!
How long does it typically take you to complete a project?
Anything from 2 hours to two weeks. I try to work on a project from start to finish and I usually find the last 10% of the project takes 50% of the time! If I am working on a project that includes photographs – choosing and editing them takes me ages – it’s something I am working on.
Do you use any tools that are not specifically designed for scrapbooking?
I use a few small woodworking tools (mainly files) and various grades of sandpaper to sand and smooth my wooden projects before starting. I also have a leather hole punch with various size tips to create holes in paper, card, fabric etc. I have also made a couple of custom embossing folders with plastic ice cream container lids!
Do you scrap chronologically or out of order?
I tend to create projects according to need as I usually create my items as gifts with a specific recipient in mind
Sit down or stand up scrapbooker?
Sit down – I don’t usually get started until the kids are in bed – and by that time I need a good sit down!
Do you have a favorite quote?
“You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take” – Wayne Gretsky
Are you a neat scrapbooker or is your space a mess?
I can’t even read this question with a straight face. I am horribly messy but luckily I have my own little room and when it’s really bad I just shut the door and nobody has to see it. When I cannot see any floor space, and can’t make any more by piling up some more junk – I figure it is time to clean up!
What is your best time or money saving tip?
Money saving – create custom albums by cutting cereal boxes into shapes using Spellbinders (or other dies) and then cut patterned paper again to cover. I usually use 2 layers per page.
Time saving – not really a time saving tip but if you are sitting there and it’s just not working out – give up and try again tomorrow!
Do you have a favorite adhesive?
A few – depending on the project. Most of my projects are fun items designed to be used or handled as opposed to preserved, so often I am more interested in an adhesive being good for its purpose rather than acid free. I use Spotlight Crafters Glue but I think Helmars Premium Craft would be an equivalent product in the US. I recently discovered Dodz too – they are super sticky, clear, dimensional adhesive blobs of glue – I love them!
Describe your style.
Clean and linear with a hint of retro if I can make it work!
Friday.
Have a great day.
Lori
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