Featured Friday - Shari Trumbull!!!

Welcome to another episode of Featured Friday! 

Before we move on to introduce the talented designer, the winner of last week's blog candy giveaway is KT Fit Kitty! Please email me at bexcruger (at) gmail (dot) com to claim your prize!!

Now - on to the good stuff. This week's featured artist is....

Shari Trumbull!!!

Shari owns the blog Ain't That Artsy Fartsy. The things this lady can do with texture and layers constantly have me questioning why I even bother to pick up a pair of scissors. Since comparison is the thief of joy I've decided instead not to compare, but rather to copy! Woot! This week I'm taking on some of Shari's favorite crafting techniques. 

A resident of Idaho, Shari has mastered her way around texture-creating design elements like texture paste and she introduced me to Distress Crackle Paste (thank you!!!).  I can't wait to show you her designs!

But first, here's seven things you should know about Shari, in her very own words:

1. How did you enter the crafting/stamping world?

I was a late bloomer to the world of crafting and didn’t do anything ‘really’ creative until I was in my late 20’s when I was invited to a Stampin’ Up party-around 1997-and that’s all she wrote. I did end up taking a 4 year hiatus from crafting, but when I came back to card making in 2010, so much had changed--it was like a brand new industry!! 

2. If you could be one craft supply, what would it be and why?

A black ink pad. The single most useful supply you can own and start out with, simply because you can use every stamp with it (I know I do!). This is the also color of ink pad that I reach for when testing out new stamp images so I can see details, and this is the color of ink pad that I stamp almost every sentiment or quote with. 

3. What types of design aesthetics are your personal favorites?

I like so many!! I started out as a more clean & simple kind of card maker, but since re-emerging into the creative world in 2010, my fav design aesthetic has become the vintage-grungey style (a la Tim Holtz) with lots of color and layers and fun things to look at and touch! But, I’ll still whip out a CAS card once in a while.

4. Is there anything you wish you could do that you've seen other crafters achieve?

Effortless creating!! I’m in awe of the designers who can make several projects at once, day after day, week after week and keep going year after year!! Talk about inspiring!! I Want That!! 

5. What are your favorite card challenge blogs?

Oh, I have a few--Tim Holtz 12 Tags of 2014, Our Creative Corner, Compendium of Curiosities 3, A Vintage Journey, Eclectic Ellapu, Frilly & Funkie and then there are the challenge blogs sponsored by stamp manufacturers like Artistic Outpost, Stampotique, Lost Coast Designs, Darkroom Door. I may not participate in every single one, but the inspiration the challenges offer, is priceless! 

6. When you get stuck or lose your mojo, how do you get it back?

This is a good question, because I happen to be in a creative slump at the moment (especially with trying to get into the Christmas creative mode!). I’m ‘working’ myself out of this loss of mojo by taking a step back (from the worktable) and doing something else (not creative) for a little bit--but I can only clean the house so much!! When that doesn’t work, I visit my favorite blogs and see what my crafty friends have been up to--I’m sure to see something that alights a creative spark in me.

7. What's the best advice you have for new crafters? 

The best advice I could give to new stampers would be GO FOR IT and HAVE FUN!!

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I knew we were going to be great friends when I saw that she rivaled my personal best for usage of exclamation points! I was so excited that she'd agreed to be featured.

The Original

Like I said - this girl has such an amazing way with texture and layering, don't you agree? I love, love, love the vintage images on here and the chipboard arrows that just create such a great design flow.

My CASE Card

Instead of going with a tag, I kept the feel of one by creating a tall and skinny card. I created a background with circles to mimic Shari's design by sponging Festive Berries and Forest Moss Distress Inks through a stencil. I also wanted to incorporate lots of texture, so I added some Distress Crackle Paint in certain areas and then sponged over that with Vintage Photo DI. 

I kept the vintage feel by using a free digi image I found on Free Vintage Digital Stamps. This girl just looked so snarky that I had to give her a snarky sentiment to go along with her. I also cut out a jaunty hat, and layered, layered, layered ala Ms. Trumbull!

Shari's CASE Card

 Gosh I love this card!! She also kept the circle background and used many of the same colors and "messed" it up a bit by doing splatters all over! Loving the look. To see how Shari achieved her look, please visit HER BLOG - Ain't That Artsy Fartsy. 

Seriously. Please make sure you go and give this talented lady some extra bloggy love today. I'm sure it will bring a huge smile to her face. 

Due to the holiday next week, Featured Friday will be missing, so I'm not running a blog candy this time around (but check on the next time!)

I'm sending my card over to:

Merry Monday - Christmas Bells

Chocolate, Coffee and Cards - Favorite Holiday

Pile it On - Vintage 

The Mixed Media Card Challenge - Christmas (with Bells)
 

Thank you for stopping by! Follow my blog and leave me a comment below and I'll be sure to return the favor!