Hello all! I’m moving my blog space to my new home { www.juliemogford.com } I hope you will join me there! :)
Julie
Monday, January 23, 2017
Monday, November 10, 2014
Creative Blog Hop and Celebrating Fabulous Artists
Happy Monday, everyone! Today I'm playing along in a Creative Blog Hop! After all of these years, I can't believe I'm participating in my first hop of this kind. I always enjoy reading these on other crafter's blogs, but this time, I will be sharing a bit about me, and then celebrating a few ladies I've come to know in the online crafting world. I'm so excited!
First, I want to let you know that I was invited to this hop by a dear sweet friend of mine named Melinda Miller (but I call her Mindy) and she wrote a very nice intro about me and two other artists, plus answered a few design questions too. You can check out her blog post here. I have known Mindy for years and we first met shortly after I moved to San Antonio . She worked at Stamp Antonio, a local craft store carrying stamps, inks, papers, and so much more. I always enjoyed walking in to the store, and being greeted by Mindy's cheerful voice and spending time looking at all of the new products, especially Hero Arts and Amuse stamps (back when they were in stores). We would also attend workshops held in the store and get time together to enjoy crafting, plus we were also in an ATC group, headed by my winnie & walter co-owner, Shay.
Mindy also introduced another artist in her post that I met at the same time - Carrie Avery. Carrie, her sisters and mother were the heart and soul of Stamp Antonio back when I first started shopping there (conveniently located near where I work *wink*). Many a Wednesday night and Saturday have I spent there learning from Carrie and her sisters about inks, crafting techniques, and making some of the cutest projects on the planet. Carrie is so talented and I have learned so much from her. She started her own company, Paper Wings Productions. This store carries both clear and red rubber cling stamps, clip art sheets and mixed media products, and sells monthly kits too! Shay and I have both designed stamps for Carrie's product line, so this company has a special place in my heart. I wish Carrie continued success with her company and with her art workshops.
Creative Hop Questions:
1. What am I working on right now? Currently we just released 9 new stamp sets, 4 new dies sets called Cutaways and 19 new stencils called Creative Screenings. Plus, I'm working on new designs for upcoming releases. I still create projects for our winnie & walter releases but haven't been posting them here. I have a few things brewing at the moment and hope to start revealing them here on my blog soon.
2. How does my work differ from others in my genre? This is a tough question! I will admit that I have a few original moments in my creations, but I really am inspired by what I see others create. I try to include dies as a featured element on my cards lately, and not necessarily the stamps, but I think that is just me pushing myself to take a step away from what I usually do. I like to challenge myself like that.
3. Why do I create what I do? I've always loved crafts, from projects at school, in Girl Scouts, with my Mom or my Grandmother. I find that I look at art and at first look I'm seeing the beauty, but then my mind starts to look at it and think, "how did they do that?", which then leads to "I want to make that too". This feeds my soul. (I see myself doing it in my technology teacher world too.) In my adult crafting years, I started with scrapbooking with Creative Memories products, but as much as I love scrapbooking, I wanted immediate gratification. Then I started stamping and became a Stampin' Up! demonstrator for a short time, but when I moved, I couldn't find a client base. I kept stamping and creating because I loved making cards and little projects for people. I can remember looking at stamps and thinking how cute they were and also wishing the sets included something extra that wasn't there. I don't think I ever thought that I would start a stamp business, but it is amazing to be part of this world in this way. So, I create what I do to make myself happy (feed my soul) and to give others something that makes them happy too! It's about love!
4. How does my creative process work? Oh my! Usually, too much time on Pinterest! LOL I see so many things on there that give me inspiration, and then, I spend so much time, I don't get any crafting done. :) For designs - usually starts with some brainstorming with Shay, and then lots of drawing. For cards, scrapbooking and art journaling, it could start with a product I have been hoarding, some art or project on Pinterest or a blog, or a sketch or color combo. I'm messy - so messy! I tend to let things pile up on the desk, and then some projects evolve based on what is now on my desk. While I'm crafting, I can usually be found singing along with my favorite Pandora radio stations or watching/listening to ony of my many favorite romantic comedies.
2. How does my work differ from others in my genre? This is a tough question! I will admit that I have a few original moments in my creations, but I really am inspired by what I see others create. I try to include dies as a featured element on my cards lately, and not necessarily the stamps, but I think that is just me pushing myself to take a step away from what I usually do. I like to challenge myself like that.
3. Why do I create what I do? I've always loved crafts, from projects at school, in Girl Scouts, with my Mom or my Grandmother. I find that I look at art and at first look I'm seeing the beauty, but then my mind starts to look at it and think, "how did they do that?", which then leads to "I want to make that too". This feeds my soul. (I see myself doing it in my technology teacher world too.) In my adult crafting years, I started with scrapbooking with Creative Memories products, but as much as I love scrapbooking, I wanted immediate gratification. Then I started stamping and became a Stampin' Up! demonstrator for a short time, but when I moved, I couldn't find a client base. I kept stamping and creating because I loved making cards and little projects for people. I can remember looking at stamps and thinking how cute they were and also wishing the sets included something extra that wasn't there. I don't think I ever thought that I would start a stamp business, but it is amazing to be part of this world in this way. So, I create what I do to make myself happy (feed my soul) and to give others something that makes them happy too! It's about love!
4. How does my creative process work? Oh my! Usually, too much time on Pinterest! LOL I see so many things on there that give me inspiration, and then, I spend so much time, I don't get any crafting done. :) For designs - usually starts with some brainstorming with Shay, and then lots of drawing. For cards, scrapbooking and art journaling, it could start with a product I have been hoarding, some art or project on Pinterest or a blog, or a sketch or color combo. I'm messy - so messy! I tend to let things pile up on the desk, and then some projects evolve based on what is now on my desk. While I'm crafting, I can usually be found singing along with my favorite Pandora radio stations or watching/listening to ony of my many favorite romantic comedies.
Enough about me! Now, I would like to introduce you to some of my new creative friends that I have met online this year. They are lovely ladies, and super talented! Here is a brief intro about each of them. But, there is a catch - all of these lovely ladies have already participated in this Creative Blog Hop prior to my invitation. I'm must be a little late to the game!. LOL So, I have links to their recent responses to share with you today. This will most likely close the loop on my end, but the bonus is that you can learn about their favorite artists too since they have already responded. You are in for a shower of creativity and inspiration. Let's get started!
First I have Shirley Bampton. What a lovely lady! I first saw Shirley's talents when she submitted creations using winnie & walter products and WOW, let me just say that she is such a clever artist. I love the ideas she comes up with! She has been a guest designer for w&w in June and in October, and is on several design teams and has won numerous awards for online challenges. I'm a huge fan of her projects that have a watercolor look to them, and boy can she do fabulous things with stencils! Be sure to check out her post here!
Another of my favorites is Lea Lawson. Lea is a wedding and engagement photographer and an amazing paper crafter. When I see a project from Lea, I am struck by the way she brings her elements together, and sit in awe. Then, I'm also in love with how her projects are photographed. Lea, I could use some tips in both of these areas! Currently, she is on the w&w design team, as well as My Mind's Eye and Lil' Inker Designs, but has been on many other fabulous teams in the past. Some of my favorite styles from her are when she does white on white, or projects with an ethereal look. She is so sweet and talented. Check out her post here!
When Mindy asked me to join in on the blog hop, I have to admit that Suzanne Dahlberg was the very first person I thought of to add to this talented list of artist / crafters. Suzanne is a cancer researcher by day, and super cute paper crafter in her spare time. She was a design team member for w&w in the very beginning, and now she is on the Waffle Flower design team and is a "free agent" for us, meaning she could drop in from time to time to share her talents using w&w products! We became fast friends, and I enjoy keeping up with her by email. I love her use of color and her sweet and fun card style. Check out her post here!
Five fabulous artists you must check out (and their picks too)! I hope you enjoyed hearing a little more about me and a little about them too. If you haven't joined this blog hop, I hope you will jump in and tell me a little more about you and share a post about your favorite artist/crafters too.
until next time....
Julie
edited to add:
So sorry the photo links were broken.....now you can see these lovely ladies! - Enjoy!
edited to add:
So sorry the photo links were broken.....now you can see these lovely ladies! - Enjoy!
Sunday, November 2, 2014
Changes on the Horizon
Hello all!
I have sorely been neglecting my blog, but all for good reason - my focus has been directed toward Winnie & Walter! So much has been happening since I was last on my blog, so here is a quick update:
I have sorely been neglecting my blog, but all for good reason - my focus has been directed toward Winnie & Walter! So much has been happening since I was last on my blog, so here is a quick update:
- Finished off the school year and worked nearly all of the summer implementing new protocols to help make Technology Coordinating a little easier, and definitely more up to date. It was lots of work, but all for the best
- Foundation issues on the house - stressful!!!
- Attended an Educational Technology workshop hosted by Tammy Worcester Tang in Houston, so I was able to spend the weekend with my family. It was great to see everyone and Kamilla is growing so fast. She had such a good time playing with Walter too!
- I've been working nearly non-stop with Shay on designs and products for Winnie & Walter. We have had several releases, including our most recent Holiday release, which went live on October 31st. It is full of fun holiday images, plus we have introduced our line of stencils called Creative Screenings and our dies called Cutaways. Things are really hopping over at the w&w blog.
- We recently hit a huge milestone - 1000 likes on Facebook!
Somethings that are on the horizon....
- changes to this blog - keep stopping by for more to come in that area - design and content updates - yea!!!
- new ideas and products for people who like creative ideas - great for teachers, crafters, and just about anyone.
- look for updates to my facebook page too.
Hope to see you again very soon.
Julie
Saturday, March 8, 2014
March Madness...
Hi y'all !
It's March Madness around here, and I'm not talking basketball (even though I like basketball :) ). I missed a good Spurs game this Thursday night, but it was all for the greater good. The "madness" is a combo of my day job duties and my new business duties. Lot's to do and not always enough time to do them. That is why I am super happy to have this week - SPRING BREAK - to get some things done, take a little time for me, and I am getting a visit from the family! It is a real treat to have them come here since we usually travel to see them in Houston. It will be so much fun to see them, have some much needed family time, and see Walter and Kamilla play. I'm hoping the bluebonnets will be blooming a little, because I would love to get photos of Walter and Kamilla with the flowers.
It has been super busy over at Winnie & Walter! Our first release has been a huge success and we have had such wonderful feedback plus some amazing and exciting things happening lately, and soon to come. Here are a few highlights!
Lots of new fans on facebook! So exciting to see how many people are finding us and liking our product!
Our stamps will be featured in the upcoming Online Card Classes - Clean & Simple One Layer Cards 3 - this came as a HUGE surprise. I found this preview image of the class on Jennifer McGuire's blog late on a Saturday night, and was so excited - but everyone I wanted to tell was asleep, so I didn't get to share the news till the next day. I am going to be taking this class (I have also taken the previous 2 versions of it - always good projects, excellent samples, and clever tips! Not only are Jennifer, Kristina and Julie hosting / teaching the class, but several other ladies near and dear to us will also be helping out with the teaching. Suzanne Dahlberg is on our design team and we couldn't be more excited for them! Laurie Willison and Nichol Magouirk also joined us as a guest designers during our first release and I'm sure we will see some awesome projects from them as well. I also noticed some other teachers who are friends with w&w like Donna Mikasa and Amy Kolling. Ladies - it is going to be a very fun 2 weeks ahead!
Jennifer McGuire featured our stamps in a recent video tutorial on her blog. We are huge fans of hers, and we were ecstatic that she gave us this big shout out! Let's just say that Scenery: Big Bang Confetti and The Big, the Bold and the Happy have never been more popular than they are now. Love her card and we so appreciate her support!
Our 2nd release is only days away. Monday we will begin sharing previews of the new stamp sets on our blog, plus we will have projects created by our talented design team. I've already started seeing their projects and they are going to knock your socks off. I'll give you a little hint.....we are featuring a theme that is near and dear to all of our hearts. I have a feeling that my MOM and DAD will just love it!
The next few months are going to have so many more exciting things to come - new designs, new projects, new products - it is a lot of work, but Shay and I are loving every minute of it. :)
I hope you will check back again soon - I plan to post all of the projects I make for Online Card Classes, as well as sneak in some time to catch up with my One Little Word class, project life (thinking I'm going digital this year, with occasional hybrid) and a Kamilla book that's just for me.
Thanks for stopping by and visiting the blog. Hope to see you again real soon!
Julie
It's March Madness around here, and I'm not talking basketball (even though I like basketball :) ). I missed a good Spurs game this Thursday night, but it was all for the greater good. The "madness" is a combo of my day job duties and my new business duties. Lot's to do and not always enough time to do them. That is why I am super happy to have this week - SPRING BREAK - to get some things done, take a little time for me, and I am getting a visit from the family! It is a real treat to have them come here since we usually travel to see them in Houston. It will be so much fun to see them, have some much needed family time, and see Walter and Kamilla play. I'm hoping the bluebonnets will be blooming a little, because I would love to get photos of Walter and Kamilla with the flowers.
It has been super busy over at Winnie & Walter! Our first release has been a huge success and we have had such wonderful feedback plus some amazing and exciting things happening lately, and soon to come. Here are a few highlights!
Lots of new fans on facebook! So exciting to see how many people are finding us and liking our product!
Our stamps will be featured in the upcoming Online Card Classes - Clean & Simple One Layer Cards 3 - this came as a HUGE surprise. I found this preview image of the class on Jennifer McGuire's blog late on a Saturday night, and was so excited - but everyone I wanted to tell was asleep, so I didn't get to share the news till the next day. I am going to be taking this class (I have also taken the previous 2 versions of it - always good projects, excellent samples, and clever tips! Not only are Jennifer, Kristina and Julie hosting / teaching the class, but several other ladies near and dear to us will also be helping out with the teaching. Suzanne Dahlberg is on our design team and we couldn't be more excited for them! Laurie Willison and Nichol Magouirk also joined us as a guest designers during our first release and I'm sure we will see some awesome projects from them as well. I also noticed some other teachers who are friends with w&w like Donna Mikasa and Amy Kolling. Ladies - it is going to be a very fun 2 weeks ahead!
Jennifer McGuire featured our stamps in a recent video tutorial on her blog. We are huge fans of hers, and we were ecstatic that she gave us this big shout out! Let's just say that Scenery: Big Bang Confetti and The Big, the Bold and the Happy have never been more popular than they are now. Love her card and we so appreciate her support!
Glitter Stamping Card and Video post - by Jennifer McGuire
Our 2nd release is only days away. Monday we will begin sharing previews of the new stamp sets on our blog, plus we will have projects created by our talented design team. I've already started seeing their projects and they are going to knock your socks off. I'll give you a little hint.....we are featuring a theme that is near and dear to all of our hearts. I have a feeling that my MOM and DAD will just love it!
The next few months are going to have so many more exciting things to come - new designs, new projects, new products - it is a lot of work, but Shay and I are loving every minute of it. :)
I hope you will check back again soon - I plan to post all of the projects I make for Online Card Classes, as well as sneak in some time to catch up with my One Little Word class, project life (thinking I'm going digital this year, with occasional hybrid) and a Kamilla book that's just for me.
Thanks for stopping by and visiting the blog. Hope to see you again real soon!
Julie
Monday, January 20, 2014
One Little Word 2014 - January
Today I'm sharing my One Little Word layout for January. Ali Edwards is hosting her One Little Word workshop again this year and I'm joining her for the ride!
This year my word is SHINE! Last year I worked with the word BRIGHT but I got off track and could never get back into the project - too many life distractions. One way that SHINE will be important to me this year is for me to shine a light of importance on things I want to do, and to not let things distract me from that path. I already feel like I'm shining with the amazing stamp release Shay and I had with winnie & walter back on January 15th! There are still many more things I want to shine at this year - I hope you will come back and see my process!
Last year, the plan was to put my OLW pages in my project life book. This year, I wasn't so sure I wanted to do that. I bought the Heidi Swapp Portfolio Album last year and never got around to making anything with it, and I have just picked up some Basic Grey divided page protectors that also fit this album. I decided that I would use a variety of digital and paper elements for my layouts, and make them fit the pocket pages for this album. I haven't decorated the front cover yet, but I need to do a little brainstorming first.
Here are my pages!
This year my word is SHINE! Last year I worked with the word BRIGHT but I got off track and could never get back into the project - too many life distractions. One way that SHINE will be important to me this year is for me to shine a light of importance on things I want to do, and to not let things distract me from that path. I already feel like I'm shining with the amazing stamp release Shay and I had with winnie & walter back on January 15th! There are still many more things I want to shine at this year - I hope you will come back and see my process!
Last year, the plan was to put my OLW pages in my project life book. This year, I wasn't so sure I wanted to do that. I bought the Heidi Swapp Portfolio Album last year and never got around to making anything with it, and I have just picked up some Basic Grey divided page protectors that also fit this album. I decided that I would use a variety of digital and paper elements for my layouts, and make them fit the pocket pages for this album. I haven't decorated the front cover yet, but I need to do a little brainstorming first.
Here are my pages!
I have been hoarding my digital supplies - don't know why since they never run out! I started going through them and found myself drawn to the purples and anything glittery. I had many other items out, but decided to keep it rather simple. Many of these products, if not all, were downloaded from The Lilypad - love their digital store!!!
I'm looking forward to seeing what is next with One Little Word! Are you participating? What is your word???
Digital Goodness!!!
APennington_Wonder_Patts&Backs (4)
onelittlebird-soiree-paper13 (lavender)
onelittlebird-soiree-vellum-stripeglitter
onelittlebird-soiree-paper02 (stripe)
onelittlebird-riseandshine-frame1
onelittlebird-soiree-journal-orchid
mmartin_pictureperfect_sequin
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