Guest Designer Extraordinaire!

Today we have a lovely guest designer who simply rocks! Not only do we love her style, but she is a sweetheart to boot!

Introducing Holly Hanks from the US!

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1. When did you start scrapbooking and how did you get started?  When I started "collecting" scrapbooking supplies, and when I actually USED them are two totally different things!  I started off in the craft of rubber-stamping back when scrapbooking was still shaped photos, construction paper, and sticker sneezes.  As scrapbooking began to evolve into what it is today, I had a couple of friends insist that I give it a shot.  The products were improving, growing in number by leaps and bounds, but I was still skeptical.  One day I ventured into a local scrapbooking store, and was instantly hooked!  I filled my shopping basket to the brim.  But, when I got it all home... I wasn't quite sure where to begin.  So, I shoved it in a drawer where it sat (and was gradually joined by tons and tons more little packages of goodies) for a year or two.  Then, in late 2005, I picked up an issue of Creating Keepsakes and was inspired to actually pull out all that product and DO something with it.  I've never looked back since.

2. From where do you draw inspiration?  I always have my eyes peeled for the unexpected source of inspiration.  I think I pull a little bit of inspiration from everywhere... magazines, a beautiful fabric pattern, nature, the internet.  Lately, one of my favorite online sources for inspiration is www.lollychops.com.  She has some of the most amazing projects and ideas!  And, an old favorite is http://angrychicken.typepad.com/.  She always has a little bit of everything to spark your creativity!

3. Describe your style for us.  Hmmm... I never know how to answer this question.  I suppose the best way to describe it is LOTS of color, and LOTS of pretty layers.  I am also finding that, the more time I spend honing my craft, the more I'm finding that I like to create projects more so than just a layout.  I love to find new and unusual ways to put my supplies to use!

4. How do you go about designing a page?  I start by selecting my photos first.  Then, I go through my stash of papers and embellies to see what catches my eye that will mesh well with the photos.  I don't usually work from sketches, or and pre-determined plan.  I'm more of a fly-by-the-seat of my pants kinda' girl.  I just fiddle with all of the elements until I get them just the way I like them, and the tack 'em down.

5. In general, how long does it take you to do a page?  Most of the time, it takes me 2-3 hours... I'm kinda' slow.  But, if I want to try some new techniques, do something really detailed, or create a project... it can take up to a couple of days.

6. What is your favorite Prima product?  I have to pick just one?!?  Seriously, I was just blown away by their most recent CHA release!  Prima definitely had some of the most innovative products, in my opinion.  I think the new Fiesta flowers are the MOST gorgeous flowers ever!  And, since I'm a sucker for bling, all of the jeweled flourishes, frames, etc. are right up my alley!

7. What are 3 other products that you can't live without?  Bling, bling and more bling!  I like lots of sparkle to my pages and projects (thank goodness I have a little girl, right?).  I have a HUGE stash of stick-on jewels, glitters, and Stickles.  I have a hard time creating without them.  Oh, and alphas!  A girl can never have too many letters in her stash.

8. What is/was one of your favorite scrapbook trends/fads?  I would have to say stitching on your pages.  I still do it quite often.  It just seems to add that perfect touch, and I think it's a trend that is here to stay.

9. Is there anything else you'd like to share with us? If you're interested in checking out more of my work, please visit my blog at www.hollyscharmedlife.blogspot.com.

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FUN STUFF! Holly used some Glimmer Mist and Prima's felt letters (811853) to add lots of color to this design!

To give your title an interesting twist, try laying part of it out on a clean piece of cardstock.  Spray over the letters with glimmer mist.  Once dry, remove the letters.  Try adding another word to your title with the actual alpha stickers over the top of the sprayed title.

Holly also used lots of Prima's black lace, Say It In Crystals swirls, Belle Fleur silk flowers (520977) and Loft 18 felt flowers!

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We love how Holly colored her Paintable (602383) and used it to back up her Date Night theme! Holly used simple watercolor pencils and then ran over them with a waterbrush. (You can find waterbrushes at your local art store.) They allow you to add a touch of water to the colored areas...blending the color to look like a real watercolor painting! Holly also used a flocked transparency (850203), Morning Song papers, A new Fiesta flower (529598) in bright pink and a touch of crystal swirls!

 

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For all of you who have bottles of flowers lying around: this is the perfect project! You can make any shape you want, too!Holly used lots of Prima's Esprits (518462) to cover the egg shape...sticking pearl pins into each flower really adds a touch of class. Paint the pot to hold the topiary and add a Belle Fleur silk flower in a coordinating color to top it all off.

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HAHA! What a sweet title for this layout. Holly used our new chipboard letters (840716) to create a funky layout complete with lots of owls! Want to see how Holly created the main owl?

 

Take a look at this cutie-pie! It is paper-pierced.  Trace an owl shape onto a piece of patterned paper, then cut it out.  The wings and ears are drawn free-hand onto separate patterned paper, and attached using Pop Dots to give them some dimension.  The chest feathers were hand- cut from one of the new "Signs of Spring" papers.  For the eyes, layer a couple of different flowers with a jewel in the middle to top it off.  Once all of the elements of the owl were assembled, add some Stickles to give it some added sparkle and definition, and some stick-on jewels for the little guy's toes

Other products used: Prima's Felt Devines (813062), Mini-Pebbles (870300), Mommy and Me papers and lots of crystals!!

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Thank you so much, Holly, for guest designing for us today!

Make sure you check back next month as we move across the ocean to bring you some European talent!

Comments

[Theresa]

Love the owl!

[Jess Gordon]

Love it all, especially the owl!!!

[Euphoria]

Holly Hanks rocks!! LOVE her style, LOVE it! Goes great woth Prima ;)

[Beth Perry]

I sooo love Holly and her work! Good pick, Prima, for an amazingly talented and wickedly sweet Guest Designer! :D
B

[LollyChops]

I was super grateful to see my little blog mention by Holly! What a truly amazing designer she is! This just totally made my whole month!