MEET OUR DESIGN TEAM
Meet our Design Team!These talented ladies are just the beginning of
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_____________________Annie Van Leeuwen |
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I became addicted to stamping over 7 years ago, following an invitation by a friend to a party-plan demonstration. From that day I was hooked and stamping soon became an essential part of my life. I began scrapbooking about a year later. The idea of being able to combine my love of stamping with the presentation of all those boxes of family photos, that had been stored forever, really appealed. My husband and children, who feature prominently in all the pages I create, particularly enjoy this part of my hobby. One of the things I most enjoy about the stamping world is the people. I have met so many generous, friendly, creative people through classes, clubs, stamp camps and the internet, and I have made some wonderful friends. Everyone is willing to share ideas, knowledge and information, which have helped my style to evolve over the years. I love classes, too. Whether attending them and learning new techniques, or presenting them, and passing on some of the knowledge imparted to me. Having learned how to use a product, or make something in a class, we can then develop our own style. Whether you enjoy stamping, scrapbooking, or like me, a combination of both, there is no 'right' way - just our own interpretation. And, with a little bit of inspiration, the results can be amazing! Over the years, I have added to the list of my essential 'tools of the trade'. These still include my original trusty paper trimmer, craft knife and metal ruler, black Archival ink and Adirondack's, but have grown to include a range of Distress Pads (which seem to find their way onto every piece of work) and a sponging block for every colour. I love my Glossy Accents, too. New products and techniques are always fun to play with. I loved 'playing' with the new Artiology range of stamps, and the 'puzzle pieces' and am looking forward to the challenge of working with Stamp-it's new stamps and products in the future. |
_____________________Carla Holmes |
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Along with the greatest things about scrapbooking is being able to join in classes - sometimes I even get to be the teacher! I am in awe of the amazing pages other people create during my classes and there must be something about people who choose to scrapbook that makes them extra friendly & willing to share ideas. I'm always on the hunt for cool inspiration; from glossy magazines, well designed advertisements make for great layouts, clothing colour combinations, other scrapbookers, new products and of course a fresh batch of family photographs. I love to play graphic design 'artiste' with lots of gorgeous paper and cool embellishments. I've started a yearly ritual to attend scrapbooking conferences and conventions around Australia , minus 'the boys'. So far I've attended classes given by the "Fab Five" on my list of most inspirational scrappers; Cathy Zielske, Ali Edwards, Heidi Swapp, Tim Holtz and Donna Downey. Being exposed to amazing talent can be a bit overwhelming but has sure helped me to know even more about my scrapping style - eclectic (because there are too many tempting goodies to try out) but with a tendency for the simple, graphic look. Here are some rather embarrassing bits I'll occasionally admit to; - I once had a minor meltdown because my family wouldn't wear certain coloured shirts to match a certain patterned paper I wanted to use in a layout. And yes, I received treatment. - I love all that is KI Memories as my all time favourite paper and embellishment source. - I have an obsession for 'java' Bazzill card - My sons call our dining room, lounge room & bedroom "Mummy's scrapbooking rooms" which drives my husband nuts. - I scrapbook because it is cheaper than hiring a therapist to remind me to slow down and notice just how lucky I am. |
_____________________Elaine Berkhout |
My name is Elaine Berkhout, I am married to a wonderful man that doesn't question my stamping purchases (how lucky am I!), and have 5 beautiful daughters who also love craft/stamping.
I have always done some sort of craft/hobby throughout my life but after discovering stamping I knew that this would be something that would remain with me always.
I was first introduced to card making about 8 years ago through party plan as a way to make 'cheap cards' - isn't that why we all got into this! Stamping was discovered about a year later after seeing some beautiful cards that my sister had produced at a Stamp-It class with Veronica. I will always remember the very first time I walked into the Stamp-It shop and thinking - this is heaven. It was soon to become my second home, just ask my children, a regular cry from the back seat was - 'Not Stamp-It again'!
I love doing classes and over the years have attended many. I believe that there is always something new to learn no matter how long you have been stamping and the tips you can pick up from others, no matter how small can often make all the difference to your artwork.
A great way to meet others with a 'stamping addiction' is through stamping clubs and internet groups. I have made many wonderful friends from whom I have also received much inspiration and admire immensely. Stamp camps also offer a great opportunity to, not only get away with friends but also make new ones, create amazing projects and do it all without interruption - you can stamp till you drop and sleeping is always the that last thing on my list when attending a camp!
Items that I wouldn't be without are my Fiskars paper trimmer, craft knife, ruler, archival pads in sepia and black. My style of stamping has changed over the years, starting off with cute but very quickly moving to vintage. My preference right now is for a more arty/eclectic look.
Ranger and Daisy D's products are my favourites at the moment, I love the versatility they offer and that they work in so well together. I had a great time playing with the Adirondack color washes and paint dabbers on the canvas' and it's such a great way to create something that can be incorporated as artworks in your home. The alcohol inks are another favourite for the wonderful backgrounds that can be produce and love the aged effects achieved with the distress pads and accents.
Being invited to join the Stamp-It Design Team is a great honour and I am extremely excited about the many challenges that lay ahead which, I'm sure will keep me on my toes and at the same time broaden my horizons to a wide variety of different products and techniques.
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I am married to a wonderful man and have one daughter and one son.
My name is Elaine Berkhout, I am married to a wonderful man that doesn't question my stamping purchases (how lucky am I!), and have 5 beautiful daughters who also love craft/stamping.