I grew up in a large family where there was always an art project in the works. Learning to think creatively has been a huge benefit throughout my life: from thirteen military moves and raising four children to developing product lines for craft manufacturers.
I started my creative journey by designing a line of military artwork which I produced and sold on post, at craft shows, on-line and in shops. Eventually I realized that instead of making hundreds of one item and keeping inventory on hand, I could create just one of something and sell the design! So I started submitting projects for books and magazines. In 2008, I wrote two books: ( that was one crazy year!) Matboard Magic and Foamboard Magic, featuring three dimensional projects.
Matboard was always one of my favorite materials to work with. As I started focusing on exploring all of its magical qualities, I discovered that with some strategic scoring, folding and cutting, I could create boxes, books and folders that were really sturdy and quite addicting. The only problem was if I made one tiny miscalculation, the project was ruined and it was back to square one. I started thinking a die cut manufacturer should make a die that could cut and score thick materials like matboard. I approached Sizzix at CHA and they agreed that this did sound pretty interesting to them and next thing you know, my signature line of ScoreBoards™ dies were launched in 2009! My twelfth Sizzix collection will be released in April, 2015!
I also have a line of ink developed for Clearsnap. The product is called ColorBox Blends and was inspired by a trip to the dollar store. I am so excited- these projects take so long to test, package and bring to market, by the time they arrive it is like having a baby. Such a happy day whenI see them in stores…
I am a Designer member of the Craft and Hobby Association and have served on the Designer Council.
My husband and I live right outside of DC in our empty nest 🙂 The newest member of the family is a vintage camper named Scotty, which I fixed up and took cross-country on some wild adventures- read about them here. Please follow along on my travels to see the latest adventures.