Getting to Know Your Practical Scrappers--Meet Our Design Team!

Part of my New Year's resoultion this year is to take the time to get to get to know the people involved in all aspects of my life a little better.  I applied that to my online scrappy world and I asked all our designers to take the time and write a little bio about themselves to share with all of you, our readers.  It's a little lengthy because of all the talented ladies we have here, but we want all of you to start out 2012 getting connected with us.
 Meet Your Practical Scrapper Design Team of 2012!

Administrators

I'm Christine the founder of Practical Scrappers.  I love the journey that this site has taken me on in getting to know talented scrappers from all over the world and providing me with constant inspiration!  My hubby and I are blessed with three beautiful children.  My hubby is a Pastor and as he prepared to become one we lived in Texas, Oklahoma, and Missouri before finally settling into rural Illinois. I teach 30 music lessons a week and spend the rest of my time at home with my youngest kids.  I love to papercraft and have always loved using layouts to help me keep track of all the little memories I would quickly forget otherwise!  I enjoy making cards and especially using them to use up stash or items that I have no idea how to incorporate on a layout!  Nearly every night after my kids go to bed you can find me bunkered down in my basement studio crafting away.  A fun fact about me, I almost always stick things down with adhesive and then end up pulling them back up...friends who craft with me are entertained by my inability to commit :)!  I have been blessed to be a designer for Momenta and design specialist for Authentique, companies which I love and feel honored to showcase their products!  I'd love to have you pop in and visit my blog: Scrapping with Christine!

Hello All! I am Kerri, one of the original Practical Scrappers.  I began my journey with Practical Scrappers two years ago as a designer and have found my way into helping Christine (along with Erin) to help administrate this fabulous blog that I refer to as my "scrappy home".  I am a mom of three beautiful children , who are all in school these days, which has in turn sent mom back into the workforce for the first time in 9 years.  Entering back into the workforces has presented many new challenges for me with managing the mom duties, work life, kids activities, and my own personal time.  I am ever so thankful for my scrapbooking time these days and cherish each moment I get to play with my paper.  There is no better stress relief than cutting, tearing, ripping, sanding, crumpling--"DE-STRESSING" paper in my book.  A fun fact about me, if I'm not de-stressing with paper then you will find my de-stressing in the karate dojo where I help instruct an Kindergarten through second grade self defense class or watching my favorite pass time--PSU and Steeler football.  You can find me at Kerri's Kr8tions , my blog, which I also have made a part of my New Year's resolution to post something once a week!

I'm Erin Morehouse, and I live outside of Montreal, Canada with my awesome husband and our 3 lively boys. Although they keep me on my toes most days, I'm usually able to squeeze in some time to putter in my studio once they're all in bed. I've been a fan of Practical Scrappers from the first day I came across the site, back in 2009. I think I made the discovery around the second or third challenge item, and fell in love with the idea of using challenges to get me using some of my growing collection of supplies.  I began designing for PS in October of 2009, and eventually was given the honor of lending a hand to Christine as an administrator.  Although we've seen some great format changes over the years, my favorite features are still the ones that really hold onto the original concept of Practical Scrappers; Frugal Finds, and Challenge Me Tuesday. I love to be challenged, but I also love to inspire, and be inspired by others creativity.  You can get to know more about me, and my work by visiting my blog: Girl. Paper, Scissors.

Designers

Hi! I am Krissy Clark McKee. I live deep in the heart of suburbia right outside of Houston, Texas. My husband and I have a blended Brady Bunch family of six kids (boy, girl, boy, girl, boy, girl). Luckily all but the youngest two are out of the house and self-sufficient, except occasionally during dinner time. Our blended family extends to our family pets, which currently include 4 ankle-biting dogs, 2 cats whose greatest desire is to figure out how to open the pantry door, and a pet rat (yes, you did read that correctly)! I drink entirely too much coffee and think Diet Dr. Pepper is one of man’s greatest inventions! I have been papercrafting about two and a half years, and it is a full-fledged obsession. I especially love creating traditional layouts, re-purposing or altering items, and making mini-albums - although as long as I have paper and glue in my hands, I am happy! I am most inspired by pictures of ordinary, everyday events because when I am old and senile, those are the memories I want to look at and read about!

Hi my name is Amber and I'm so happy to be joining the team at Practical Scrappers.  I've been scrapbooking for years and the past few I've fell in love with card making.  I'm currently on several design teams, including Inspired By Stamping, Stamp School, and The Sampler Kit Club.  I've been published in Cards Magazine, Scrapbook Trends Magazine, and Creating Keepsakes. 
When I'm not scrapping, I'm farming.  I've been happily married to my Hubby for 8 years and we have 2 fur babies, Jake and Gracie.  We live on a farm nestled in the Appalachian Mountains of Kentucky.  I've also been a pediatric nurse for 10 years. 
I'd love for you to visit my blog, The Country Scrapper...where I share all my creations plus stories from the farm.

Hello!!
     My name is Jenny from Ponca City, Oklahoma. I graduated from Oklahoma State University in December 2007, but have luckily been able to stay home with my family! I'm married to my amazing and supportive husband, who is also my high school sweetheart! We have 2 super sweet and adorable boys, Daniel (9) and Jacob (3) and one little yorkie puppy!
     I dabbled in scrapbooking on and off for a few years after my oldest was born, and re-fell in love with it in April/May 2011. I have been full force since then and haven't looked back! My boys are my sole inspiration, though I am branching out and learning to scrap myself and other family (my adorable niece and nephew). I feel that I am now slowly settling into my "style", and making my way through this scrapbook world while preserving all of these amazing memories in the process! 

    I am new to the DT at Practical Scrappers, and am so excited to be here!! 

You can view more about Jenny at her blog: My Little Scrap Corner

Hello scrappers! My name is Corinna. I've been with Practical Scrappers since February 2010 and I never want to leave. I love it here! I'm 40-something, married to Ken, have an 11-year-old daughter named Summer, who is the love of my life (don't tell hubby!) and the subject of probably 90% of my scrapbook pages. I live in Illinois about 3-1/2 hours south of Chicago and an hour and a bit west of Indianapolis, Indiana. I work full time as a medical transcriptionist and I'm sooo lucky to be able to work at home. I have a studio/office that I love and am so thankful for. Scrapbooking is my passion. I've been scrapbooking for 14 years, since I attended a Creative Memories party. I incorporate scrapbooking into my life every day. If I'm not putting a page together, I'm sketching one out or I'm organizing my supplies or I'm looking at my notebook of future projects or blogs that inspire me. I love that my style has evolved over the years and continues to do so. I love the journaling part of scrapbooking, telling a story, and many times I have to trim the journaling down or rearrange a layout 10 different times to get it all to fit! My style is sort of hard to describe. I don't think I fit into a category such as "clean and simple" or "shabby chic" or whatever. Sometimes my pages are clean and simple and sometimes they're 90% journaling and sometimes they're all flowery and blingy, so I don't know what to call myself! I love bling and jewels and glittery stuff on my pages. My favorite product is probably Stickles! Anyway, I scrapbook because I can't NOT scrapbook. It's my thing. It's what I do. I would love it if you'd come visit me at my blog My Scrapbook Life.

My name is Carolina Garrido and I have been at Practical Scrappers since May 2010. I am originally from Argentina and lived there all my life until in 2003 I met my husband, who is Peruvian, and we moved to Libya, where was offered a job. We lived there for 6 years, and our daughter was born there, becoming the first African member for the family for many generations (at some point in the past there must have been another one, how far back, I don't know!!!!) and the first Argentinian to be born in Libya. Last year we moved to Trinidad and Tobago, and we are enjoying every second in this fabulous green island. 

I have always been crafty, but once I discovered scrapbooking, it became an obsession. I am very lucky at the moment to have a comfy (though always messy) scrap room and lots of time to scrap. I am a very slow scrapper, though, so most projects take me ages! You can see more of my work in my blog, Scrapping Nomad. It would be great if you could visit and say hi!

Hello! My name is Sue Althouse and I currently live in southeastern Michigan with my husband of 30 years and two spoiled cats. I grew up in Ohio and all my family still live there, so I am truly a Buckeye at heart. We have a grown son who is married. My day job is teaching piano lessons, something I have been doing for over 25 years. I love working from home!

I started scrapbooking in 1999 after we took a trip to Israel and Egypt and came home with a plethora of pictures and memories. I knew I wanted to do something more than slap pictures in an album. So I attended my first Creative Memories party and as the saying goes, the rest is history! My preferred scrapping style is clean, colorful and classic. I'm a big fan of grids, shapes and white space. I love the variety of projects available here at Practical Scrappers and all the styles represented!

When I'm not teaching piano or scrapping, you might find me reading, knitting, watching NCIS, or rooting for my beloved Ohio State Buckeyes or Detroit Tigers - sometimes doing several of these at once! I'm thrilled to be a part of the team here at Practical Scrappers, and hope you'll also visit me on my blog at: http://suealthouse.blogspot.com/

Hi, Crafters! I'm Jayma. I recently moved to Seattle from SoCal and LOVE my new city. I am a freelance marketing specialist and editor, also searching for a full-time job...but when I'm not on the job hunt I'm crafting! I spread my love of papercrafting as a Close to my Heart Consultant and through my blog, I truly believe CTMH has some of the best scrapping and stamping products on the market! I love Practical Scrappers because, well, I'm practical. I love that the challenges are totally doable and help me use up my stash.
I've been married for 5 years...my hubby and I met while working at Starbucks together in college. Mommy to my 3 fur-babies: the best Husky/German Shepherd you've ever met and 2 kitties. Auntie to 2 little ones who I adore but now live too far from. Hoping for kids of my own soon. Love snowboarding, scrapbooking, cardmaking, cooking, graphic design...pretty much anything where I get to be creative.
Learn more about Jayma on her blog: Playing With Paper.

Hi! I'm Brenda, and I've been scrapping for about 13 years, and have been a Practical Scrapper designer for almost a year and half now. I love being a part of this team of designers, with such varied styles and interests - and I love seeing everyone's take on all the challenges.
My favorite subjects are my family, especially my two-year-old granddaughter, and travel photos from motorcycle trips that DH and I take. I've been the family "shutterbug" ever since I got my first Polaroid camera on my 12th birthday, so scrapbooking is just a perfect hobby for me. It's a great way to have fun, feel creative, and create something that (hopefully) will be meaningful for my family.

I'm Julie Koets, a fresh face designer with Practical Scrappers since October 2011.   I live in Northern Indiana with my husband and two sons and work full time in the social services field.  A lifelong crafter, I started scrapbooking about 12 years ago and love capturing family memories and "telling our story" through the pages of my albums.   Being a frugal scrapbooker, I especially enjoy making the most of my supplies and using non-traditional items on scrapbook layouts.  In addition to scrapbooking, I enjoy baking, camping, and DIY projects.  Check out my blog, Crafty Goodness, to see more of my work.

Hi! My name is Dyane, I'm a Practical Scrapper Fresh Face Designer since November 2011. I'm happily married. And I'm a stay at home mom with my daughter that I heart so much.^_^ 

I enjoyed making cards most of the time, but I do make scrapbooking layouts from time to time, as well as altering projects. 

I'm pretty flexible in making my projects, but my crafting style is pretty clean and simple with a splash or touch of chic on it. 

I'm so glad to be part of Practical Scrapper, every topic and projects shared here are amazing. 

If you like to see more of my projects, you can visit my blog at http://bochscreations.blogspot.com/

Hello! My name is Rachel Kokes, and I am a Practical Scrappers Fresh Face Designer! I joined the team in November of 2011. I live in Colorado with my military husband, and two children-a five year old daughter, and an almost two year old son. I became a stay-at-home mom last year (although I still work every once in a while), and am really enjoying staying home with my kids and having more time to craft!

I am primarily a cardmaker, but enjoy making layouts too. I would describe my style as simple-with a twist. I am addicted to: my Silhouette, anything Echo Park, Pinterest, and love to eat cherry sours while crafting. :) This next year I am looking forward to starting Project Life-should be fun! I love Practical Scrappers because I enjoy seeing so many unique ideas and styles-all in one place. You can find out more about me on my blog at: creativekokes.wordpress.com.

Hello there, I'm Kristy Smith and I'm a Practical Scrappers Fresh Face Designer!  I've been with the Design Team since November of 2011, and I'm so glad to be a part of this amazing group of designers!  I am 28 years old from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania with my husband and little puppy, Lucky!  I'm a math teacher by day, and a card designer by night!  My style is fun, bright, and clean!  I'm always looking for new products and techniques to highlight, as well as ways to use up my stash in creative ways!  This is what originally drew me to Practical Scrappers, and I've been hooked ever since!  =D  You can visit my blog, Kristy's Crafts, to check out my favorite products and designs! 

Hi everyone, my name is Fern Riley and although I have lived in 3 different states I've lived here in Texas the longest, therefore consider myself to be a Texan...  I have been married almost 35 years to my wonderful husband and we have 2 married children and 3 grandchildren, and I just found out on Christmas day that we have another one on the way!!!  I was originally on the Practical Scrappers Design Team back in January, 2010, but a little thing called work got in the way.  I was able to retire the first of 2011 and so excited to come back to the team in April, 2011.  One of the reasons I love it here is because we have something going on practically everyday and the inspiration from the Design Team is so amazing and versatile.  My favorite subjects to scrap are my grandchildren and my style would be considered  Vintage/Grungy/Shabby Chic.  I would love for you to stop by my blog at  Fern's Creations from the heart  (http://texasstampinmamaw.blogspot.com/

Practical scrapper Caz

Hi there i am Caz and i have been part of the Practical Scrappers design team since the start of 2010 though i had a break while i was back at college. I was super excited to be allowed back on the team as everyone is just so nice and its a lovely team to be part of.

I really am a practical scrapper, i pretty much don't have any stash, i buy from a monthly kit club (Studio Calico) and i use what i buy each month for me having to much product really overwhelms me, it makes me feel as if i am behind. Don't get me wrong i do have a lot of tools and things like stamps/inks/mist but they are things we use every day so that's fine with me.

I discovered scrap booking in May of 2009 and have not looked back since then, i really am addicted and i do something every day, even if it is only looking for inspiration. I have recently started project life and really loving it and i also love to make mini albums they are just a great way to document a trip or an occasion i think.

I am married to an awesome man called Gary and we have been together 13 years, we have a beautiful 5 year old daughter Lucy who I'm sure you have all seen in my pages. I work part time in real estate but I'm really more of a SAHM

I would love it if you dropped by my blog and said hi :)

                            

Hi!  I'm Cathy and I just joined the Practical Scrappers Team in December.  My favorite part of being part of this amazing team is that we all have different styles and we all love different manufacturers; which makes this blog the perfect place for the readers and fans.

A little about me,  I recently sold my scrapbook store in Rapid City, SD after 4 years in the business.  My husband found his dream job on the cold prairie of Aberdeen, SD and we reclocated here in September.  I am enjoying my new found freedom by designing and playing in my scrap room most days.  I love it!  We have two kids, Alex and Maxenzi and three hunting dogs, all of which are super spoiled!  You can follow my scrapping adventures here at altered playground

Hello! I´m Pia Åstrand from Sweden. I think I´m considered as one of the "oldies" here at Practical Scrappers. I´ve been on the design team since May 2010 and how fast time flies! It´s good though to know that when you have fun - time flies!

I´m married and have two boys and we live in a typical Swedish house built in 1909. We have a big garden and live near the nature. We love taking long walks in the woods, and yes the camera is with me almost every time.

My scrapbooking style changes from every page I make. I really love everything distressed and worn out and you propably could guess that Tim Holtz is one of my gurus! lol! My favorite technique is to doodle and use my pens and paints in my creations. I mainly make layouts and cards but recently discovered art journaling. I love it!

If you want to see more of my scrapbooking, visit my blog: HERE!

Hi! My name is Ann Jobes and I am thrilled to be part of the Practical Scrappers design team. I believe that my time here will allow me to inspire the Practical Scrappers blog readers, and that I will also learn a few things from my fellow DT members - I am so honoured to be among them! I live in a small town, located in Mennonite country, about 1.5 hours outside of Toronto, Ontario. My family consists of my sweet hubby of 13 years, Brian, and our beautiful inside and out daughter, Sarah, along with 2 fuzz balls of the barking variety. I love the variety of topics that Practical Scrappers shares on the blog, and one of my favourite features is Challenge Me Tuesday because it inspires me to get creative without a long time for deliberation!

I'm from sunny Queensland, Australia where I have my very own scrap studio to play in as I please.  Usually you'll find me up late sparkling, cutting and running my ATG hot, as my husband of 11 years and two children sleep blissfully unaware!  I have loved crafting as long as I can remember.  I'll try my hand at anything and love a good challenge.  I do try to be frugal though and save money where I can.  I try to stretch my supplies as far as I can and recycle - that's why I love to alter!  Stand still long enough at my place and you could end up with an entirely new look!  I've evolved from only creating layouts to now creating cards, altered items, mini albums, stationary and other gift-able items.


You can find my creations here and at my blog Paper Tree

Hello, I am Christa Uttley and I live in a small Canadian town with my two wonderful kids, loving husband of 18 years and our Boston Terrier, Bo-Bo. My scrappy world is not complete without lots of paper in every colour of the rainbow, my butterfly punches and great photographs! I love Practical Scrappers weekly Challenge Me Tuesday feature as it gets my creativity flowing!

Hi all! I'm Michelle Roycroft and I love being with Practical Scrappers. I've lived in Texas all my life and am married with 2 kids - a 4 year old girl, and a 5 month old boy.  I've been scrapping hard and heavy since the birth of my daughter and now with a new baby in the house, I have even more stuff to scrap about! My scrapping style is clean and simple, mainly because I'm a minimalist at heart, but also because I like having the focus of my pages be the pictures and stories that I want to remember. Don't get me wrong, though, I love to drool over those beautifully detailed layouts that I'm always seeing!

I love being able to get on Practical Scrappers and get inspiration for all different types of layouts and projects. The site and team push me to try new techniques that I otherwise wouldn't and help me spice up my albums!

More about my hectic life and scrapbook layouts can be found on my blog, Remember This....

My name is Aymee Gandy. I am 28 years old and am originally from a small town in Alabama. I currently reside in Pennsylvania with my wonderful husband of 9 years, Brandon. I am a homemaker, or domestic diva as I like to say, and my husband works for the railroad. At the present, we do not have any children but are hoping to start a family soon. I began scrapbooking in 2004 and have been addicted ever since. I love to create layouts, cards, altered art, mini albums, tags, and home decor'. Scrapbooking is the one true passion in my life and I cannot ever imagine not creating on a routine basis. I have had the honor of working on several design teams and being published both online and in printed magazines. When I am not scrapbooking, I enjoy cooking, traveling, reading, decorating my home, and enjoying down time with my family.

Monika Wright

Even though she's always loved crafting handmade cards and gifts, it wasn't until a dear friend of 33 years gave her some scrapbooking supplies for a birthday gift that Monika began documenting and recording all the stories and memories that she had been holding close to her heart. Soon after, her husband surprised her with a Canon 40D and that's when things started getting serious! Now that she's seen the light, you will find Monika creating art prints, mini books and layouts. That's when her three children aren't asking questions, using her markers, sneaking pretty paper or stealing her glue sticks. She serves on several creative teams and has been featured on numerous blogs and in print and online magazines and eBooks.  She also runs an etsy store!   ILOVEITALL stocks a cheerful array of subway art prints & motivational typography posters, custom & personalized home decor and note cards, mini books & journals as well as an eclectic selection of cool crafting supplies. Monika shares news of special sales & coupon codes on her blog iloveitallwithmonikawright.com and Facebook page.

Practical Scrapper Audrey. I am currently a SAHM to a 2 1/2 year old little girl named Charlotte and a 6 month old little boy named Kyler. I am a former high school Biology teacher, but I love my job as a SAHM much more! We live just outside Houston, TX, and moved here from central NY about 4 1/2 years ago. I miss my family and friends in NY, but don't miss all the snow! I love hard rock and movies and the color green. I watch Food Network all the time and "pretend" to be able to cook. My days are mostly filled with domestic duties and playing and taking care of the kiddos, but I give myself a couple hours every night to spend some time scrapping!

I started scrapbooking about 7 years ago after I threw a super fun Halloween costume party at my house. I had so many photos, and had such a great time that I wanted to make an album. Well after my first trip to the scrapbooking aisle at the craft store, I was hooked! My style has evolved tremendously over the years. I would call my current style trendy and contemporary: I like to use the latest and greatest products and the newest techniques. Although I like to try new things all the time, there are some elements that you can see on almost all my pages: machine or hand stitching, a strong “rule of threes”, and a thin black pen that I use for outlining photos and handwriting my journaling. I tend to scrap by manufacturer, using coordinating lines.  I currently design for Glitz Designs (manu), Memorable Seasons (online store), Birds of a Feather (kit club), and Sketchy Thursdays (blog). I have designed on several other teams, too, including SEI, Clip It Up, GDT for American Crafts and Little Yellow Bicycle, Scrapbook Circle Kit Club, Magpie Club, and Scrapbook Express.

I frequently update my blog with pages and projects. Please stop by: http://audreysreflection.blogspot.com

We have a few gals who are on vacation or brand new and we haven't created a bio for them yet, but here's there names and blog links!
Liz Chidester
Jodi Wilton
Claude Campeau
Monique Fox
Angie Gutshall

Now how was that for list of designers? Such talented and amazing women here hope you enjoyed getting to know us all all little better. Don't forget to check out the side bar that is updated with all of our current calls. We'd love to see what all you readers are up to!

Pin It **Designer projects are not always linked in our posts, but you can always find their blogs in our sidebar or in the staff tab**