December Designer in the Spotlight- Inna Moreva

Hello everyone!  I hope everyone enjoyed the December Pep rally and had a chance to check out our January 2016 kits!  If you missed the blog share yesterday CLICK HERE to check it out and have a chance to win a December kit!  Today I am excited to introduce our December Designer in the Spotlight Inna Moreva.

 

Inna is an amazing graphic designer who Gia discovered while shopping on Etsy!  Gia instantly fell in love with Inna’s designs and invited Inna to be part of the Clique Kits Leadership team!  We are thrilled to have Inna join us and we can not wait for you to see her designs in our Limited Edition Valentine kit called XOXO!  You are going to love it!

Everyone please say hello to our December Designer in the Spotlight and the newest member to the Clique Kits team Inna Moreva!

1. Tell us a little bit about your creative process.

My creative process starts with a search for an inspiration.  Usually, I browse Pinterest. Then I open my sketchbook and the brainstorm begins. I just write down or sketch the ideas that pop into my  head. Next step is the choice of color scheme.  Then I continue the work in Adobe Illustrator.  It is very helpful to take a break from time to time. When I get distracted, I get interesting ideas and get  back to work with even more enthusiasm.

2. Where and when are you most creative?

Sometimes it seems the further I am from my desk, the more creative I am.  For instance, while traveling, I get a crazy desire to capture all the beauty around me in patterns.

3.  What are some of your must have supplies?

Sketchbook, pencil, my Mac and Wacom tablet.

4.  Who are some of your influences?

I find people who enjoy what they do incredibly inspiring.  Especially if they managed to turn their hobby into a small (or maybe not so small) profitable business.

5.  3 things people probably do not know about you.

• I think, people basically don’t know what I do.  After all, according to my Instagram, I only travel and knit.  HaHa!  But the truth is, I work everyday and late into the night.
• I got my very first job as a graphic designer in Greece.  I had to draw an illustration for Acropolis Museum dinner coasters collection.  Last summer I saw those dinner coasters in a Souvenir store in Crete, they are still being sold, 6 years later!
• A couple months ago it appeared to me: “would be cool to make designs for scrapbooking”  Then I opened a store at Etsy, where I started selling digital scrapbooking supplies.  After a couple of days I was already a part of the Clique Kits team!  Just like that!  I am still astounded with how quickly my thoughts materialized.

6.  Favorite:

• Book-I don’t have a favorite book, but the last one I’ve read was quite interesting-“Reality Transurfing” Vadim Zeland
• Movie-So many! From the latest ones – “Interstellar”
• Candy-Marshmallow
• Music-Coldplay, Florence and the Machine, Moby
• Color-Pastel colors, teal
• TV Show-House M.D.

7.  Can you share what helps you break out of a creative slump?

I just take a break.  Go for a walk, cook, knit, take a bath – anything to get distracted and clear my mind.  Traveling and changing the setting, of coarse, helps the best, but don’t have that possibility all the time.

8.  How long have you been designing and what inspired you to get started?

I have been working as a graphic designer for more than 6 years.  Ever since my childhood I liked to draw.  When I got my first computer, I chose MS Paint over games, later on I discovered Photoshop and web design classes.  To start studying graphic design was just a logical move, I didn’t see myself as any other profession.

9.  How would you describe your style?

Laconic.  I don’t like to pile up the design with an overwhelming amount of details.  I believe that less is more.

10.  Can you share with everyone the places where they can connect with you?

http://www.instagram.com/inna.moreva/

http://www.facebook.com/inna.adamenya

11.  What are your predictions for the new trends to hit in 2016?

Aspiration for minimalism, use of simple geometric shapes.  Rich and bold colors from 80’s and 90’s.  My beloved typography and handwritten fonts will also stay in trend.

12.  If you could go anywhere in the world and take one person with you, where would you go and who would you bring along?

I would take my husband and go on a trip around the world!

 

We thank Inna for sharing a little bit about herself with us today and we hope you enjoyed today’s post!  Our Limited Edition Valentine kit will be available for pre-order soon!  You are not going to want to miss this kit so please sign up for our newsletter to stay up to date on all upcoming sales, events and pre-orders!  Thanks so much for stopping today and have a beautiful day!

 

 

Designer in the Spotlight – Michelle Coleman

Happy Thursday everyone!  Today I am super excited to be sharing this months Designer in the Spotlight!  This month we came out with two Holiday Kits each featuring a different collection.  Our very popular card kit featured the Dear Santa collection from the new and fabulous company Photo Play Paper!

The designer behind this collection is this months Designer in the Spotlight!  I fell in love with this collection when it was released by Photo Play Paper and I just new we had to feature it in our Holiday Card kit!  It is so classic and beautiful and the patterns are to die for!  Everyone please say hello to this months Designer in the Spotlight Michelle Coleman!

1. Tell us a little bit about your creative process.

I usually start with a theme or a basic idea/direction in my head then I pull colors for the line. I find inspiration for my work practically everywhere; Clothing, fabrics, print media, Pinterest, my favorite places to shop, etc. My brain is constantly filling away new ideas and color combinations to work with. Then I sit down and just dive in, I draw, create patterns, doodle, paint and just play until I get the feeling I want to have for the line.

2. Where and when are you most creative?

I work play from home in my studio and I have my 4 year old son with me most of the time. I’ve learned how to be creative at the drop of a hat. As soon as I get to sit down in my chair for more than ten minutes, I am pretty much able to turn it on and GO. If I do find myself stuck on a project, I have quite a few techniques to get the ideas flowing. Creating is my passion and I am so very blessed to have the opportunity to be creative every single day.

3. What are some of your must have supplies?

• My Mac, it’s almost like a member of the family; it’s trusty and holds all my secrets 😉

• Adobe Illustrator; if my mac is a family member, illustrator is like my best friend.

• My Spotify playlists; the perfect way for me to get out of my head and into my art.

• My Wacom tablet; 95% of all my artwork is drawn on my tablet straight to my computer.

• My camera, crucial tool in taking photos for textures or an adorable pattern on a dress I want to try out on my next line.

4. Who are some of your influences?

I’m very influenced by my favorite places to shop; Target, H&M, Anthropologie, Urban Outfiters. I also LOVE finding inspiration in home decor, fashion and print magazines

5. 3 things people probably do not know about you.

1) I am completely self taught in design and illustration, the only art class I have ever taken was 7th grade art. AND, my teacher told me I would never be an artist because I didn’t know how to shade properly. Ha Ha, take that Mrs. Jenkins.

2) As much as I LOVE designing, writing is my other passion. I am working on a children’s book that I am writing and illustrating. And someday, when my children are all grown and I can find more quiet time during the day I plan to start writing my first novel.

3) I am a light worker, energy healer; a reiki master. I am very connected to spirit and the flow of energy. This assists me enormously in my work and creative play

6. Favorite:

• Book –  “The Count of Monte Cristo” By Alexandre Dumas
• Movie –  “Edward Scissor Hands”
• Candy –  Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups
• Drink – Salted Caramel Mochas
• Music –  This is ever changing, currently two of my favorite songs are: The Walker by Fitz and The Tantrums Safe & Sound by Alfred Hall.
• Color –  Every shade of blue
• TV Show –  “The Good Wife”

7. Can you share what helps you break out of a creative slump?

I have many techniques and exercises I do to assist my creativity to easily flow. Some of my favorites are

• Yoga
• Connecting/meditation
• Drawing
• Writing
• Playing with my kids
• Getting outside, taking a walk, connecting to nature

The quickest way to easily get out of any slump. Jump in the car, crank up the tunes, roll down the windows and just take a drive. Notice everything; the way the sun hits the leaves on the trees, the sounds of birds, or wind, or voices. The sun peaking in and out of clouds, or the raindrops, or snowfall, or whatever you experience. Notice it, feel gratitude for the beauty that surrounds you every day. Breathe it in and actually SEE it. Don’t forget to car dance to your favorite song! Looking silly and laughing at yourself is the perfect invitation for creativity

8. The Dear Santa collection is just so beautiful. Can you tell us what inspired you when creating this collection?

I was very fortunate on this collection to work with an amazing creative director, Jody Hunt. His vision was pivotal in the creation of this line. It was inspired by Christmas Classics. Easy to use fabrics and patterns pulling from vintage and modern designs. It all started with the perfect Santa. He’s one of my favorite pieces in this line!

9. Have you always had a love for design?

Yes! In high school I focused my intentions on interior design and fashion/window displays. It wasn’t until after my children were born that I ‘fell’ into scrapbooking and started creating my own designs and patterns to use in my layouts. My love for creating had a snowball effect, 12+ years later and I am still going strong. I’ve had the privilege of designing for many companies in the industry; American Crafts, Crate Paper, Craft Smith, DCWV, Echo Park, Fancy Pants Designs, Michaels, Paper House, Photoplay Paper, Prima, Simple Stories, We R, & Walmart.

10. Can you share where else we can find your work?

Besides the previously mentioned companies, I run a digital website where I sell my designs and post my layouts. Little Dreamer Designs You can also find me on Facebook|Pinterest|Instagram

11. How would you describe your style?

I love playing and creating in many different styles. I would say that my designs tend to fall into playful, whimsical, and slightly vintage designs. I adore texture, and layering and painting in my collections, but I also love creating modern collections with cleaner lines. I love throwing out the rule books and adding in unexpected elements that add personality and life.

Michelle thank you so much for taking the time to be our Designer in the Spotlight!  Be on the look out for Michelle’s new designs in the Photo Play Paper collection Like A Girl!  We are so crushing on this collection and we can not wait to get it in the shop!

I hope you all have a wonderful day and please take a minute to check out Michelle on all her social media and also stop by the Photo Play Paper page and give them a like!

Click.Create.Connect

October Designer in the Spotlight – Roberta & Jack Pasciuti

Hello everyone!  Erica here with you today to bring the October Designer in the Spotlight!  This month we are excited to have Roberta & Jack Pasciuti from Wildflower + Co.  If you purchased our recent card kit you will recognize the name Wildflower + Co. from the awesome stamp set included in the kit!  They have a fabulous Etsy shop that you will want to check out after reading this post and check out all their products and just a heads up they have stamps for 50% off right now!  They stamps are so unique and on trend you will love what they have to offer!  We love to support small business and when we come across a company like Wildflower + Co that is run by some amazing people with customer service that is top notch…We just have to share with our fans!  We hope you enjoy this months Q & A and please remember to leave some down below!  Now grab your drink of choice, relax and say Hello to Roberta and Jack!

 

1. Can you tell us a little bit about your creative process.
Since we are a team, our creative process is super collaborative! We are constantly seeking inspiration & since we are based in Brooklyn, there’s no shortage! We work off a seasonal calendar to fine tune our ideas & develop them into products. We discuss ideas, decide on what (& how) to develop, & then go into a “creative zone” to develop these concepts with as minimal disruption (& as much coffee) as possible. Since we have a lot of ideas covering multiple product categories we also work with a small team of freelancers to help bring these ideas to life.

2. Where and when are you most creative?
There’s no set schedule or place. Creative sparks happen anywhere & at any time. The challenge is to hold onto those ideas & carve out the time to fully explore them. We both take tons of pics & keep notebooks / sketchbooks handy at all times. We designed our studio to encourage creativity & the ability to explore ideas on a whim – it’s the ultimate craft room! The best part is the giant, communal table covered with kraft paper that encourages play – nothing better than drawing on the table!

3. What are some of your must have supplies?
In terms of stamping, we love a little bling & the look of gold foil so we are obsessed with embossing powders (& the heat gun). Our favorite powders are from Ranger. We also love vibrant inks, such as Hero Arts Neon & Tsukineko’s Brilliance. Clear embossing powder also adds a touch of magic over colors! Extra fine misters are great for when we want to achieve a watercolor effect.

4. Who are some of your influences?
Truly everyone. The moment you realize that everyone has something to offer each other is the moment everyone’s lives become a bit richer. Both of our mothers are crafters too & growing up in households that supported crafts & the arts played a major role in our development. We are also lucky that we have so many great museums, galleries, concert venues, & shops right around us that provide an endless variety of inspirationfrom established & emerging artists.

5. 3 things people probably do not know about you.
1. We met while working in fashion ages ago! Roberta as a Merchandiser & Jack as a Designer.
2. We both went to art school – Roberta went to Parsons School of Design & Jack went to RISD.
3. We are obsessed with Thai food!

6. Favorite:
● Book – Creativity, Inc. from the President of Pixar, Ed Catmull – this is more of a business book, but it is just so inspiring & thought provoking for anyone in a creative field. Highly recommended!
● Movie – This is a tough one! As children of the 80s/90s, we have a soft spot for those movies – Ghostbusters, Back to the Future, The Breakfast Club, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, Pretty in Pink, Dirty Dancing, Clueless, +++! Somewhat more recently, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind & Inception are two faves that really stretch the imagination.
● Candy – Dark chocolate covered anything
● Drink – Coffee!! & Mimosas!
● Music – Another tough one! Tons of rock as well as pop that you can dance too. Marina & the Diamonds is currently on heavy rotation in the studio. And we love Miley J
● Color – Gold! Blush pink, hot pink, minty greens.
● TV Show – Mad Men (we still can’t believe it’s over!) & Broad City

7. Can you share how Wildflower + Co. came about and where did you find inspiration for the name of your company?
Would love to! We had both been working in fashion & the sparkle of the industry & even the shopping experience started to fade. Our creative spark was approaching burnout. So we embarked on a soul searching, mental vacay – this pic was actually taken at one of our early “meetings” (i.e. a music festival), when we decided to go for it! We got back to doing what we loved – designing for ourselves, creating, making anything & everything. We still craved awesome “stuff” but wanted it to be meaningful, fun & about the experience of making it! That time was incredibly recharging, but we soon discovered that the stuff we needed – high quality, fashion-driven supplies, was not available. We thought others might feel the same way so we got to work – Wildflower + Co. was born!

Wildflowers are our inspiration, hence our name – they are beautiful, wild & color our world. We believe the same is true for makers, designers, DIYers. Creative sparks fly and spread beauty anywhere & everywhere, in places and ways we might never have expected.

8. If you could go anywhere in the world and take one person with you, where would you go and who would you bring along?
Almost any island in Thailand and we would both be there for a little R&R!

9. What inspired you to design your first stamp set?
Before Wildflower + Co. ever existed, we attended a local papercraft class & it was so much fun!! We Wished that the stamps fit our style so that we would actually use what we made. So, when the time was right, stamps were a must!

Roberta & Jack thank you so much for taking time our of your day to answer our Q&A and being our October Designer in the Spotlight!  We are so in love with your company and look forward to seeing some new stamps in the future!  To check out Wildflower + Co please visit their Etsy shop HERE and also you can find them on Facebook!  Thanks so much for stopping today and we hope you get some time to do something creative today!

 

 

September Designer in the Spotlight-Zoe Pearn

Erica here and I am so excited to be bringing you our September Designer in the Spotlight today!  This month our kit featured the beautiful Hello Lovely collection from Cocoa Vanilla Studio.

Cocoa Vanilla Studio is a newer company from Australia and the face behind the company is the fabulous Zoe Pearn!  Not only is Zoe so very talented she is super sweet!  In this industry I have been so lucky to meet and speak with some amazing people and Zoe is one of them!  If you have not yet liked Cocoa Vanilla Studio on Facebook I would love for you to head on over and give them some love!  She has recently released a holiday collection that you are going to love!  We are very thankful that Zoe took some time out of her day to answer our Q&A and be our September Designer in the Spotlight!

Please say HELLO To Zoe!

 

1. Tell us a little bit about your creative process and what inspires you?

When starting any new project, some kind of plan is a must for me. If it’s a design project, it usually starts with a mood board with beautiful inspiring images, words and fonts, and my collections will generally grow from there. If it’s a scrapbook page, it usually starts with Pinterest! I am inspired by lots of things, but pattern will always be my first love – a good floral makes me happy!

2. Where and when are you most creative?

I am a bit of a night owl, so I find that my best ideas usually come to me when I’m trying to go to sleep LOL! I love to work on projects in my home studio, and it’s a great place to create as it has lots of windows and amazing natural light.

3. What are some of your must have supplies?

Patterned paper is my number one supply that I can’t live without. To me it is one of the most important supplies in scrapbooking – you can do anything you want with it! Backgrounds, titles, borders, flowers… All the other bits and pieces are the icing on the cake, of course, but they wouldn’t go very far without paper! Also, my whole life I have been drawn to pretty patterns in paper, stationery and fabric, so to me it is a natural favourite.

4. Have you always had a love for design?

Definitely! I remember studying patterns in fabric, paper, and even floor tiles as a small child to see where the “repeat” was. Not that I knew what it was at the time, but I could never stop studying a pretty pattern until I could work out how it all went together to repeat the pattern. I’ve always had a love of colour as well, and I love the endless possibilities a palette can offer when combined in different ways. I’m very lucky that my creative outlets have also become my career because it makes work so much easier when you love it!

5. 3 things people probably do not know about you.

I am arachnophobic and can’t even look at a spider on the television without having a panic attack. I have even jumped out of a moving car to escape a spider LOL! I have a very weird phobia of cotton wool balls. I can’t touch them, and even thinking about the feel and texture of them makes my hands start sweating and heart racing. I don’t know if there’s a name for that one LOL! I am completely self-taught and have no formal training in design… I’ve been very lucky to have had the opportunities that I have because of that.

6. Favorite:

● Book “Anybody Out There?” by Marian Keyes.

● Movie Horrible Bosses

● Candy Snickers Bars

● Drink Pepsi Max

● Music Hip Hop (Australian & American)

● Color Aqua blue

● TV Show Arrested Development

7. Out of all the collections you have created so far which is your favorite?

So far it would have to be “Hello Lovely”. It was only Cocoa Vanilla’s second release, but I felt that it was really “me” and I was happy that everyone seemed to love it too!

8. Can you share how Cocoa Vanilla Studio came about and where the name came from?

I had worked as a designer in the industry for some time, and starting my own brand was something that I wanted to do for a long time before I actually did it! I believe that scrapbooking about everything is important, not just the good times, and the name Cocoa Vanilla reflects that. Life is bitter and it’s sweet, things aren’t always black and white, etc. Plus I just liked the way it sounded! I actually bought the business names and registered my trademarks about 5 years ago, but kept chickening out at the last minute because I didn’t know if what I had to offer would be something that people wanted. I took a couple of years break from designing for other companies while I had some time off to focus on being a Mum. Then in 2011 we lost our home in the Brisbane Floods, and it really made me re-evaluate my life and how things can change in an instant, whether you want them or not. I decided to pursue my dream and make it a reality because I didn’t want to live with any regrets or wonder “what if” – I’d prefer to die trying than not knowing!

9. Who are some of your influences?

I think I can safely say that Heidi Swapp has always been an inspiration, not only as an artist/crafter, but as a person as well. I have always loved her fun, no stress style, and her bubbly personality. I guess the way that has influenced my design is that I always try and think how my products will be used by the customer, and try and make it as easy and fun as possible to create a project.

10. Can you share what you did before Cocoa Vanilla Studio was created?

Well, before all of this I was a medical receptionist, working for different hospitals and specialists. I started designing as a bit of a hobby after my wedding in 2005, and started selling digital scrapbooking products around that time. I worked at that for a couple of years, and then when I had my oldest son I decided to try and make a proper living out of designing, just to get us through my time off. I never thought I’d ever see the day that I wouldn’t be going back to my real “job”, but I was very lucky that it took off for me. I was contracted by My Mind’s Eye to design some collections for them, and I ended up designing with them for a number of years. As a result of my work with MME I had the opportunity to go into fabric design, and have worked with Riley Blake Designs since their inception, and still design fabric for them today. I have also done freelance work for the Australian company, Kaisercraft, and in between all that I sold my digital products at Sweet Shoppe Designs.

Zoe thank you so much for being our September Designer in the Spotlight and we look forward to you next release!  You can find more information about Cocoa Vanilla Studio from the links below!  Make sure to check out their website and sign up for their newsletter!

FACEBOOK

BLOG

WEBSITE

August Designer in the Spotlight – Rebecca Cross

Hello everyone!  Erica here today with this months’s Designer in the Spotlight!  We are so excited and honored to have Rebecca Cross with us today!  Rebecca is the Founder & Creative Director over at Pink Paislee.  This month’s Clique Kit featured the Pink Paislee collection Citrus Bliss and it was filled with fun fruit, beautiful colors and fun patterns!  So sit back, relax, grab your drink of choice and say hello to Rebecca!

Q.   Tell us a little bit about your creative process and what inspires you?

A.  People ask about our creative process all the time; and the truth is we are always in a state of “design!”  Everyday we work on new patterns, color palettes, trend review, product development and finally planning and execution. All of our collections start with a storyboard; a.k.a. mood board that includes curated images, color swatches, and font selections. Since I am the Creative Director and Brand Manager for the Pink Paislee brand I usually initiate the overall theme and provide inspiration images to our designers; then they take what is in my brain and further develop the mood boards and the product designs.

Q.Where and when are you most creative?

A.  Personally I am the most creative at work!  I actually thrive on being busy. I love brainstorming and developing new product concepts. I am a self confessed workaholic and I spend most of my time at the office. I am lucky to be surrounded by creativity and creative people everyday! When I go home it tends to get shut off.

Q.  What are some of your must have supplies?

A.  When I actually find time to create my favorite supplies include pretty papers, lots of alphabets, paint and sometimes texture paste! It isn’t uncommon to see something sparkly on all of my page layouts!

Q.  Have you always had a love for design?

A.  I am not sure that I have ALWAYS had a love for design but I have always worked around DESIGN. It wasn’t until 2004 that I decided to explore the scrapbook industry a little bit deeper and get personally involved. Ever since then I have been soaking up design trends, hot patterns and icons on a daily basis!

Q.  3 things people probably do not know about you.

A.   The three things people probably don’t know about me are:

• I listen to ‘old school’ Rap Music or Hip Hop. Everyone makes fun of me for it!
• I am sort of an introvert. I don’t mind staying home and I don’t feel the need to be super social. 
• When I was a kid I wanted to grow up and be just like Angela Bower from the TV show Who’s The Boss! Advertising and Marketing has always been in my blood.

Favorite:

• Book: Just finished reading The Atlantis Gene! I like a little bit of sci-fi drama – strange I know..
• Movie: I love all movies! This is my outlet – it’s about the only time I don’t think about work.
• Candy: Hot Tamales or anything Chocolate!
• Drink: Mr. Pibb
• Music: Hip Hop or Rap
• Color: Gold
• TV Show: Right now we are watching….’The Last Ship’

Q.  Out of all the collections you have created so far which is your favorite?

A.  We have worked with so many talented artists over the years..I have a lot of favorites.  But the ones I hold dear are Nantucket and even Solstice. I guess I really love beachy nautical themes!

Q.  Can you share how Pink Paislee came about and where the name came from?

A.   Pink Paislee was launched in 2008 and came from a desire to get back to my roots of brand marketing and brand building. At the time I felt like the industry could sustain a new brand with a fun, cute, shabby chic look with lots of color.  Over the years we have evolved and changed but that’s ok. I don’t really love being locked into a niche style and we have the freedome to do just about any design or look we want!

Q.  Who are some of your influences?

A.  I am typically influenced by other industries and other small business owners. I love following home decor, office, and stationery companies too! I love taking those trends and incorporating that vibe into our paper crafting collections…right now I have a serious crush on Sugar Paper in L.A. and also Oh Hello Friend.

Q.  Any hints on what is to come from Pink Paislee?

A.  Pink Paislee is going through another round of change. In 2016 we will debut an entirely new look complete with new branding and a new product focus. We also have an exciting new “celebrity” line launching in 2016 so we are anxious to share that news! One thing is for sure…you never know what we are going to do next!

Rebecca thank you so much for being our August Designer in the Spotlight!  For more information about Pink Paislee and to stay up to date on new release please visit their website and Facebook page!  We hope you’re as excited as we are about the Pink Paislee new releases.  You may see them in some upcoming kits so keep an eye out.  We hope you have enjoyed today’s post and we thank you for spending some time with us today!

Pink Paislee Website

Pink Paislee Facebook

Pink Paislee Instagram

Pink Paislee Twitter

Pink Paislee YouTube

Pink Paislee Pinterest

Click. Connect.Create.

Designer in the Spotlight – Lindsey McLaughlin

Happy Thursday everyone!  Erica back with a special Designer in the Spotlight post!  This month we are excited to share two Designer in the Spotlight posts with you!  We are so excited about our Clique into Color kit we just had to invite both Stephanie Smokovich and Lindsey McLaughlin to be in the spotlight!  The #Selfie collection designed by Lindsey is colorful, fun and perfect for everyday documenting!

Looking at this collection instantly makes you smile and I think it goes so well with the Bella Blvd Just Add Color collection!  Lindsey took some time to answer some questions for us all today!  Please say hello to Lindsey!

Q. Tell us a little bit about your creative process.                                                                                                                                    I’m always looking at everything around me for inspiration. Nature, pinterest, instagram, etc. Then I take it a step further and look for colors and then i start either sketching in my notebook or on the computer depending on the style I want to go with. I have a main file where I let out everything whether it’s good or bad and then tweak the designs from there. 

Q.  Where and when are you most creative?

I’m most creative in my office when my desk is clean of course. Then my mind isn’t wandering around thinking I should clean up the mess. I love to be creative in other ways than just designing on my computer. I love to make things with fabric and paper of course. I’m always up for trying new materials and crafts.

Q. What are some of your must have supplies?

My must have supplies would have to be my Wacom tablet, Silhouette CAMEO, and nice pen and sketchbook.

Q. Who are some of your influences?

I have so many influences and it changes by the day. I have always loved Anna Bond’s work and style. Elise Cripe is amazingly creative and always thinks outside of the box. I love seeing the different projects she has going on.

Q. 3 things people probably do not know about you.

This one is a hard one! I don’t really keep things from people.

     1. I have 2 older sisters that I am super close with. When we get together we love to make things together. It’s getting a little harder                now that we have kids.

     2. My close friend, Ashley, set me up with her brother and now we are sister-in-laws.

     3. I have two toes that are webbed. One on each foot. Still get teased about them to this day! 🙂

Q. Favorite:

    Book: Gosh, I haven’t read a book in forever. But I can sure get through a Nicholas Sparks’ book. Cheesy, but definitely better than the       movies.

    Movie: Love Sandra Bullock’s movies. The Proposal is one of my all time favorites. ( How can you not love Ryan Reynolds!)

    Candy: Carmello yummmm

    Drink: Diet Coke but have been off soda since the first of July!

    Music: Indie -Helps inspire me and get me in the groove

    Color: If you know me, I can never pick just one. Right now it would be Mint.

    TV Show: Gilmore Girls running in the background at least twice a year. Can never get sick of it.

Q. Can you share what helps you break out of a creative slump?

Sometimes I just have to walk away from the computer for a few days and not touch it. I also like to take walks and get inspired that way. I also like to ask my husband’s opinion sometimes. He has some good answers!

Q. We are loving the #Selfie mini collection from Echo Park!  Can you tell us what inspired you when creating this collection?

As I mentioned already, I can never just pick a few colors. I love to go all out! Especially bright colors. That called for this collection immediately! I got inspired from a few photos on instagram. I’ve always wanted to do a watercolor and painted phrases and this was just the collection to do it in.

Q. Have you always had a love for design?

Growing up I always loved art in elementary! I was always coloring, painting, or drawing. As I got older I thought I wanted to study business management in school. My mom said “you should go into graphic design.” And of course I thought why didn’t I think of that first. Design has always been a huge deal to me. I may critique things a little too much.

Q.  What are some hot new trends you are loving?

I am digging all the DIY party decorating everyone is doing! I love seeing the different ways to use scrapbook paper instead of just for a scrapbook. I’m all about multi-purposing materials. It’s super clever and satisfying.

Lindsey thank you so much for joining us today and being one of our July Designers in the Spotlight!  We look forward to more amazing collections from you and we hope you enjoy seeing projects from our Clique into Color kit!

July Designer in the Spotlight – Stephanie Smokovich

 

Hello everyone!  Erica here with you today and I am so excited to bring you one of our July Designer in the Spotlights Stephanie Smokovich.  Stephanie is the designer and owner of the fabulous Bella Blvd.  Her love for drawing and creating started at a young age and today she is the sole designer of the bold and beautiful Bella Blvd brand.  Her recent collection Just Add Color is the feature collection in our Clique into Color kit!  This kit has sold out but find out how you can win a mini color kit on Stephanie’s Instagram!

Stephanie took some time to answer some questions about her creative process, some of her favorites and the inspiration behind the Just Add Color collection!  Please say hello to Stephanie Smokovich!

1. Tell us a little bit about your creative process.

My creative process is truly different each time, and completely depends on what inspires me. At the moment of inspiration I take notes and begin sketching right away. Then I prefer to “let it simmer” a bit and a week or so later I’m ready to begin drawing and integrating designs digitally!

2. Where and when are you most creative?

That’s definitely hard to answer, but I would say when my mind is most clear ideas come to me. During family vacations, business trips, or running on the open road.

3. What are some of your must have supplies?

The Bella Blvd Enamels are really on every single project I create lately! And I’m a major sucker for patterned paper. I love prints and patterns, it’s part of my DNA. I think I will hoard it for the rest of my life!

4. Who are some of your influences?

My innermost circle of friends really inspire me. Not only for designing at Bella Blvd, but also in life. I feel like when I’m the most happy I am the most productive. My parents constantly inspire me to love and be generous.

5. 3 things people probably do not know about you.

I’m waaaay too hold to be sleeping with a teddy bear every night, but yes I do.

As a new mamma I’m much more of a morning person than I ever was before.

I can wiggle my ears without touching them 🙂 (I’m weird like that!)

6. Favorite:

● Book—eeeek….I’m not a huge reader. Right now I’m tackling The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up 

● Movie— Under the Tuscan Sun (I would live in Italy if I could)

● Candy– Resees peanut butter cups

● Drink — water. I know, boring.

● Music

● Color PINK

● TV Show—Amazing Race

7. Can you share how the name of your company Bella Blvd came about?  

Sure! My mother’s side of the family as an incredible Italian heritage. With a mother, an aunt, and grandparents all born in Italia, we have been raised on principles like loyalty, blood is thicker than water, family, family, family, love, forgiveness and God’s grace. Bella is Italian for beautiful, a word I heard constantly growing up from my Nana and Nano. And, Blvd was a natural feed as I really imagined a street name for the company name.

8. We love the Just Add Color collection! Can you tell us what inspired you when creating this collection?  

This collection has bit a hit! It was inspired by the mixed media trend and the need and want for people to customize and make things their own. By starting with Black and White you can add whatever splashes of color you wish to make it exactly what you want. Something black and white can become super girly and frilly, or shabby and rough. With Black and White the options are limitless!

9. Have you always had a love for design?

 Yes. Absolutely. Always.

10. What is one thing you love about the scrapbooking industry?

I love the way this industry brings together thousands of people through a common interest of preserving what is most cherished to us. I love that this community is full of faithful documenters and family historians and that we are genuinely HAPPY and excited about color and products and making memories last a lifetime.

11. How would you describe your style?

My style is colorful, clean and graphic with a bit of randomness thrown in for fun.

Stephanie thank you so much for being a July Designer in the Spotlight!  You can find Stephanie and more information at Bella Blvd or by clicking the links below!  Don’t forget to follow them on social media too!  This week they are reveal their newest collections and you do not want to miss it!

Facebook 

Twitter

Pinterest

Instagram

Bella Blvd Blog

Designer in the Spotlight – Lacey Gasper

Good morning everyone!  Erica here with you today to bring you our June Designer in the spotlight!  I am so excited about this months designer and when I asked her I think she was a little surprised!  Some of you may already know this beautiful lady but for those of you who do not please say hello to Lacey Gasper!

Hi, I’m Lacey Gasper. I’m honored to be the Spotlight Designer this month for Clique Kits. Some of you may know, I am the Director of Graphic Design for Clique Kits. I help coordinate and design the digital files, as well as our exclusive journal cards, flair and other Clique Kits brand elements in our kit. 

Beyond Clique Kits, I am a freelance designer and graphic design student entering my final year at Academy of Art University. I am pursuing my 2nd BFA with a focus in identity and print design.

By day I’m an office manager for a commercial roofing company. I also volunteer at my husband’s dance studio and for his ballet company. We live in Fargo, ND with our sweet and adorable puppy, Spock; who is often the subject of my layouts.

 

When Erica asked me to be Designer in the Spotlight I was quite shocked (and honored). Being with Clique Kits since we opened and launched has been such an AWESOME experience and I’m on the journey with two (plus two more) amazing woman. I love how we complement each other, support each other not only in business but as friends, and have a crazy wicked time (from afar).

Q. Tell us a little bit about your creative process.

A. The first step of my creative process is one of my favorite parts of the process, which  is researching. I love scouring Pinterest, design magazines, home & garden and fashion magazines for inspiration on patterns, designs, colors, etc. During this process (and after) I like to sketch out ideas. I do have a bunch of sketch journals I doodle in often though, so sometimes I pull ideas from past sketches. Then, I take those ideas to the computer.

Q. Where and when are you most creative?

A. When is an easy one to answer. I’m most create between 10am – 2pm. Specific, I know. Currently when I’m designing for graphic design elements, I sit in my living room at a TV tray (not the most comfortable, but my dog will bug me non-stop if I’m not there with him). For scrapbooking, I have a stand up desk in a SUPER messy scrapbook room and I love that everything is in reach. I really love creating in that space (though I WISH it were more clean.)

Q. What are some of your must have supplies?

A. Everything! Totally kidding. Lately the items I’ve been grabbing are color related items, such as Peerless watercolors, ink pads, and Gelatos. This makes me really excited for the color kit Clique Kits has developed releasing in July.

Q. Who are some of your influences?

A. My Mom. She has always been the creative one and I wouldn’t be where I am today without her influence and encouragement. Even though I may not be great at sewing (one of her many strengths), I found a craft and art that I love. She always had me trying different craft projects she dreamed up or found in books (no Pinterest in the 80s and the 90s, my mom was Pinterest). I loved our trips to the craft store to find a new project!

Q. 3 things people probably do not know about you.

A. (1) Out of college I decided to move to Los Angeles and pursue a career in fashion. I worked at a designers bridal shop where we offered wedding, bridesmaid and award show gowns in various styles. The client could customize the gowns choosing various fabric types, colors and accessories.
(2) My husband and I dated 9 years and 10 months before we tied the knot. He proposed to me on his birthday on our front door step where we shared our first kiss.
(3) At one point in my late 20s I could shoulder shrug 220 lbs. That was almost double my weight at the time. I had other limits I accomplished at the time, but none that I can quote off the top of my head.

Q. Favorite:

• Book: I like different styles/genres. I’m into fantasy styled books in the YA department and romance novels. I am also a sucker for graphic design books and magazines. They line my shelves in my “creative room.”
• Movie: As a teenager, Dirty Dancing. As an adult, I have several favorites including Pitch Perfect, She’s Out of my League, Avengers, Iron Man, and Shrek.
• Candy: Gummy candies. I love sour patch kids and sour worms. I’m not a chocolate fan.
• Drink: Specialty coffee drinks (I spend way too much money at Caribou Coffee and Starbucks), Mojito’s, tea, fruit infused water.
• Music: Depends on my mood. Currently my favorite Spotify playlist is Mello Morning. I played at a craft weekend not too long ago and it was a fan favorite.
• Color: This changes too with the season, my mood and trends. Currently Navy, Pink and Gold.
• TV Show: Guilty pleasure, The Bachelor / The Bachelorette. True Blood (when it was on), Phineas and Ferb (I still love Disney cartoons), true story crime shows, and shows on HGTV.

Q. Can you share what helps you break out of a creative slump?

A. Actually creating. I was in a slump earlier this year and decided to carve out 10 – 30 minutes an evening to create for ME. Whether that was a graphic on the computer or a scrapbook page or card, I spent time creating for myself and not worried what it may look like or what others may think. It actually really helped get me out of my slump and create things I was truly happy with.

Q. What is a typical weekend like in the Gasper household?

A. Most of the year my husband works 7 days a week at his dance studio, so I typically don’t spend time with him, rather I spend time creating, on homework and playing with my pup. Though this summer he took Friday – Sunday off to spend with his family (me and our pup). In the summer, it is a weekend at the lake, visiting my family in the Twin Cities, hanging out with friends in town and making trips to the hardware store.

Q. Have you always had a love for design?

A. Yes! I’ve always been creative (I wasn’t the math and science kid). My mom started me on crafts at a young age and I loved crafting as a child. I also was into fashion design and architectural design. I would often practice designing either clothing or house floor plans as a kid. My first BA is in Theatre (and fashion) and I was really drawn to the design aspect of it towards the end. I always loved being on stage, but something about creating posters, programs, set designs, costume designs really grabbed me. I currently am finishing up my 2nd degree in Graphic Design. So design has definitely always been a part of my life.

Q. Besides graphic design and scrapbooking can you share some of your other passions with us!

A. I really enjoy dancing. It is how I met my husband and it’s a BIG part of my life. Fitness is also something I am passionate about, but have not made time for it in the last year. I have to remind myself it is as important as carving out 10 – 30 minutes of creative time.

Q. How would you describe your style?

A. Artsy. I like to explore with different mediums, techniques, tools, ideas, etc. I approach it as an art project and experiment. Yes, I like to document my photos and the story. But most the time there isn’t any lengthy story and it’s just an adorable picture I took of my puppy or my puppy and my husband or a selfie of myself. So I’m documenting the picture I love surrounded by my artsy elements

 

Lacey thank you so much for being our June Designer in the Spotlight and sharing a little bit about yourself with our readers!  Make sure you check out the Clique Kits shop for exclusive flair and cut files designed by the one and only Lacey Gasper!  Thanks so much for stopping today and we hope you enjoy the rest of your day!

Click. Connect.Create.

 

Designer in the Spotlight-Lhey Ralston

I am so excited to be bringing you this month Designer in the Spotlight Lhey Ralston from Mommy Lhey Designs.  If you have not yet heard of Mommy Lhey Designs you are in for a treat!  Lhey is one of the sweetest ladies and I am so in love with her work.  Her kawaii style stamps are like no other and I am always anxious to see her next release!  You will be able to pick up some new Mommy Lhey stamps in the Clique Kits shop soon and Mommly Lhey is our May challenge sponsor so link up for your chance to win a stamp prize pack!

Mommy Lhey Designs is a brand new company that offers kawaii clear stamps at its finest. When cuteness and class are combined the result is Mommy Lhey. Our designs are so sweet and so kawaii it definitely brings joy to your planning experience. Most of stamps are hand drawn by owner and creative director Lhey Ralston. Cuteness and high quality products is the foundation of our company, alongside an exceptional customer service.

Lhey took some time out of her day to answer a few questions about her creative process, some of her favorite supplies and what inspired her first stamp set.  Please say hello to Lhey Ralston!

1. Can you tell us a little bit about your creative process. 

– Creative Process… Requires coffee and music. A lot of it. Haha! My ideas are all over the place like my attention span so if I do not write it down, I lose it as quickly as it came. But when I have big projects I often use my dreams to begin the creative thinking. I know it may sound odd, but my mind keeps me so busy even in my dreams that is why I have my handy dandy iPhone at all times so that when I have something clever in my head I wake up and type it down. Then in the morning I start my doodles and graphics. I sometimes wish that I have a more consistent creative process when designing.

2. Where and when are you most creative?

Hmmm…I think my answer will be, at night time and before I fall asleep. I am such a night owl, that I am more awake and creative when the moon and the stars are out.

3. What are some of your must have supplies? 

Paper, Pencil, Eraser, and a Sharpie.

4. Who are some of your influences?

Kate Spade

Heidi Swapp

Erin Condren

5. 3 things people probably do not know about you.  

1.  I am a professional singer. Used to perform all over Las Vegas Strip in different Hotels and Casino. And now currently on tour with Hawaii’s Premium Showband Society of Seven. (It might sound more glamorous than what it really is, LOL!)

2.  I am a Filipino. I was born and raised in the Philippines.

3.  I am a proud mama of 3 beautiful children, and happily married to my soulmate.

6. Favorite:

Book – Currently #GIRLBOSS and The Alchemist

Movie – “The Notebook”

Candy – Kit-Kat

Drink – Water and Naked Juice

Music – Old School R&B

Color – Pink

TV Show – The Vampire Diaries And Once Upon A Time

7. Who are some of your favorite designers in the industry?

I love:

Heidi Swapp

Saturated Canary

Dear Lizzy

8. What inspired you to design your first stamp set?

I bought my first planner last year. I played around mixing and matching materials and patterns to decorate it. I tried other products, but i’ve always wanted a more Kawaii stamp with cute fonts to decorate my planners with but never found one so I ended up designing my own. And I also wanted to bring in something new in the table. Something that I know a lot of people like but is not yet available to them, I am grateful to my friend for her encouragement, because if not for her, My Daily Kawaii stamps will never be. It’s definitely a leap of faith. I stepped out of my comfort zone, and trusted my ideas. I was afraid that nobody else would like it, but the whole process is still very surreal. It feels amazing. And I am grateful.

9. Planners have become very popular.  What are a few things you use in your planner to help you stay organized? 

I need stamps and I love using Pigment Inks with it. I use a lot of Washi Tapes and Cute Stickers. I think it just makes planning more fun and tackling my To-Do list feels easier when my week spread is all cute and pretty.

 

Lhey thank you so much for being our May Designer in the Spotlight!  You can find MommyLhey Designs at the links listed below!  Make sure you follow their blog and like them on Facebook to stay up do date with new releases, sales and events!

MOMMYLHEY FACEBOOK

MOMMYLHEY WEBSITE

Click. Connect.Create.

April Wrap Up

Happy Thursday everyone!  Erica here with you and I can not believe it is time to wrap up April!  Our birthday month has gone by so quickly and we had a great time celebrating with everyone!  To start out our month we had our monthly challenge sponsored by Fancy Pants Designs.  There is still some time to get some last minute projects linked up for your chance to win!

We would like to thank our April Designer in the spotlight Tasnim Ahmed for taking time to answer our Q&A and create with our Spring Card Kit!  If you missed the post please CLICK HERE to check it out!

Our April kit was jam packed with the debut collection from Pinkfresh Studio!  We have loved Pinkfresh Studio every since they released their first products and have included them in many of our kits in our first year!  The unique, fresh, and trendy products from Pinkfresh Studio have been a huge hit and we can not wait to see what is to come!  We hope you have all enjoyed the inspiration this month from our Varsity Team and April Guest designer Kathleen using Happy Everything.

Here is a quick look back at some of the projects from the Varsity Team!

We are so excited for May and all the fun things coming up!  We are working our way down our waitlist so be watching your email if you are on the list!  Our May kit is sold out at this point but come June we have increased kit numbers and we can not wait for you all to join the Clique!

We hope you will join us on May 3rd for our National Scrapbooking Day event on Facebook!  We will be creating, chatting and having a good time with friends all day!  We also have a ton of fun stuff to giveaway so check it out HERE!

Thanks so much for stopping today friends and I hope you all have a wonderful day!