Friday, February 13, 2015

Featured Friday: Tracey Mallaghan!!



Welcome to the February edition of Featured Friday!! If you haven't seen one of my Featured Friday posts, this is the segment where other extremely talented people have graciously accepted my invite to be interviewed and CASEd. Well... I'm not CASEing them, just their artwork.

This week's FF favorite is the incredibly talented, quirky and charming Tracey Mallaghan of Chronically Crafting Fibro Fighter.



Tracey is extremely passionate about raising awareness for people who suffer from fibromyalgia, a debilitating, but often unseen and misunderstood condition. 

Her artwork ranges in style, but never lacks texture and she always tries out heaps of new techniques. Just one pop over to her blog always leaves me thinking, "Now how did you do that?!" Luckily, if you ask her, Tracey is more than willing to share her crafty secrets, because she's cool like that.

But why wax poetic about Tracey when she can give you much better insight than my feeble words?

Here are 7 things you should know about Tracey:


1.     How did I get my start in stamping

I became ill in Nov 2011 and had to take a lot of time off work, flicking through the telly, oh how daytime telly dulls your brain, I saw Barbara Gray on Create and Craft (I think its making its way to the US) and was amazed at what she was creating with stamps.. I was hooked and started googling about crafting. I read a lot of blogs by people who also started cratting after an illness.  It has really helped me keep looking on the bright side and I've picked up so many tips both for crafting but also on coping with Fibro.

2.     What's the craziest/funniest thing I've ever made


Before I found papercrafting I first started crocheting, my Granny had taught me as a little but it wasn't until I got ill that I realised you could make things... not just long long chains!  
Anyhoo I thought I was it and made a scarf for each of my daughters. Well I got them out of storage for this winter and was mortified lol they were awful.  I showed them to the girls and asked if they had worn them, sensible things that they had pretended to, so my feeling weren't hurt and stashed them in their bags!!!  Now they know I am sharing my stuff with the bloggy world they are thankfully much more honest with me.... I think

3.     If I could be any craft supply, what would I be and why?

Glue,  so I can always hold my family together... cheesy but I am so lucky to have them.


4.     What kind of cards are my favorite to make

Im still learning so much about papercraft that I really dont know, Im still finding out names of styles.  I love Graphic 45 papers and Tim Holtz... well everything Tim Holtz and these are what I always find myself being drawn back to, I think these lend themselves to grungy, layered, mixed media styles so well.  Grungy distressed looks are also so good for covering up mistakes!!  
I love the look of Clean and Simple, too, though. I was struggling with getting this right so took an online course, oh how I love the internet.  
I most love making cards for my family, does that count? I change up the style depending on their taste but getting that really personal touch across that you couldn't get unless you made it yourself makes me feel all warm and fuzzy.

5.     What are my favorite card-making challenges?

 I actually started a blog so I could join in with the Compendium of Curiosities.. however, I think i only entered twice... there are just so many fab blogs out there and I do loose track!  I must make myself one of your challenge reminders.  I love Altered Eclectics and my first ever entry was with them. Elaine is such an awesome person and so talented.  And of course her other site Eclectic Ellapu ;)  Becca and I are both on the Design Team and not only do I have the honor of being chosen by Elaine and getting to share my stuff but the Team is full of such lovely ladies like Becca ;)  Also if you havent been NBUSed yet you really must, its not a regular challenge site but Darnell is just so so talented and her posts always, always make me laugh.

6.     What is my least favorite crafting supply

Grrr Too sticky supposedly low tack sticky stuff...  I have ripped so many pieces of paper using stuff that shouldn't stick too much, trying  to hold a mask or die in place.... grrrr.  any tips from you or your lovely bloggy friends on low tack sticky stuff that sticks but not too much would be most welcome.... Grrrr

7.     What is the best thing a new stamper/blogger can do?   


Play and chat,  just have a go with whatever catches your eye and look at lots of blogs.  The crafty community is so friendly and full of advice. If it makes you happy it is well worth doing.  Also try to get organised early on, my crafty stash grew rapidly and it took ages to sort through after a while of accumulating,  Jennifer McGuire has some awesome storage tips.

Oh and if you really want to know if your scarf has turned out well... ask a friend - not your daughters! ;)


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The answer to Tracey's question 4 was actually how I stumbled upon her amazing blog. I'd seen a card she'd linked up that was sheer grungy, distressed perfection and I had to pop over to her blog to see who the creative genius was!

Now comes the fun part - where I get to CASE one of Tracey's cards! If you're unfamiliar with the acronym CASE, it means Copy And Steal Everything.

Which is why I was sooooooo tickled pink and blue and all sorts of other colors when I came across this card of Tracey's:
The Original
It's so full of texture and pops with color, and I thought it would make the perfect day-before-Vday card to CASE. 

Tracey also graciously CASED her original creation and made a canvas mixed media collage. 

Tracey's CASE


I'm not sure if I could hang this in my house because every time I walked by it I would just have to stop and stare and its sheer loveliness. I'd waste hours! Remember what I said about all that texture that is never missing from a single Tracey project, This is a prime example. It's just layers and layers of gorgeousness!! 

After seeing Tracey's CASE, I wasn't sure mine would hold up, but I was pleasantly surprised with the end product.

My CASE


This is one of my all-time favorite CASEs. The color, the texture - just everything screams fun and bright and lovely and.... well I could go on, but I think I'll stop there. 
I'm sending my card over to the following challenges:

But I do want to tell you crazies to go check out Tracey's blog. She could use some new friends! She always leaves the sweetest, kindest comments and I promise your click will be worth the effort!
P.S. I know I'm behind on commenting - I'm sorry, my friends! This week has been... well... just unpleasant and that's what I'll say. I'll be making as many rounds this weekend as I can! :) 


40 comments:

  1. Really nice write up. Love mixed media art. Just getting into it more myself. Wonderful colors and texture.

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  2. wow she is talented!! LOVE her projects and mixed media!!! LOVE how you took her texture and background into your project!!!

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  3. I too share your love/hate for low tack sticky stuff!!
    Fun projects to peruse this morning!!

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  4. You've done a brilliant job with the CASE Becca!! Really love the rainbow colors and the tons of texture too!! Thanks for sharing with us at Tuesday Throwdown Hugs & Smiles - *Vicki*-DT member

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  5. Really good 'interview', Becca, love your CASE, lots of bright colours and textures. :)

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  6. What gorgeous projects by Tracey!! The colors and texture are amazing!! You CASE'd it perfectly, Becca!! I love the touch of burlap and the pretty hearts!! All three are stunning!! Have a great weekend :)

    Lisa
    A Mermaid's Crafts

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  7. What a terrific interview. Tracey's style is fabulous...went to her blog to check it out. All I can say is WOW! Wish I had the talent to do what you two seem to do effortlessly. Every time I try grunge, vintage, texturey projects, it looks like a hot mess. **heavy sigh**. Well, we all can't be artists, can we.

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  8. You both did a beautiful job with the CASEing! I'm following Tracey now - I really like her style and I'm hoping to learn how to do what you gals both do so well! You know, with all the texture!

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  9. Becca, i love your bold vivid colors! This is a great CASE card and I love all the texture too!!

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  10. Looooved Tracey's interview....just started following her, so I was THRILLED to see her bright bold beautiful work here....& your case is just perfect...loving the touch of hessian as well....AND it was fun reading your answers on HER blog as well. Nut tin' wrong with an English degree, I say, as proud bearer of same:)!!!! Thanks for a WONDERFUL Friday feature post :):)

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  11. Great to get to know Tracey better Becca. Love your case...love the original and Tracey's case too - such bright happy colours everywhere and loads of lovely texture. Carol x

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  12. What a beautiful mixed media project. Love the colors and texture. Thanks for playing along with us at Tuesday Throwdown!
    Huggies!

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  13. What amazing work and your CASE is fantastic!! Thanks for a great post!

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  14. Fabulous introduction to Tracey, Becca!! What fun CASEing you both did--LOVE the bright colors!! You just take it easy and don't worry about being behind in visiting blogs!! You don't need to feel that kind of pressure on yourself-OK!? :) :) We love you even if you don't visit!! Happy Valentine's Day!! XOXO-Shari

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  15. I am so sad to hear you have had a difficult week. It is the year of "firsts" as I call it and you will get through it. Your card above shows how much you love what you are doing and Tracey is quite the artist using so many different techniques. I don't have fibromyalgia but I have Ehlers-Danlos-another painful condition that does not show up on tests and many Dr's ignore

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  16. Hi Becca! Love your beautiful, fun, bright and textured creation! Thanks for sharing with us at House of Cards!

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  17. So beautiful and textured. I also got sick with fibromyalgia in 2005...it took 8 years to get pain levels under control. The past two years have been relatively pain free.

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  18. That was so interesting and inspiring!
    Thanks Becca!

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  19. Such bold, bright colors and distress, too?? Love these cards and her canvas is amazing. Going over to check her out now.

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  20. Becca I love your Case, your colours blend so beautifully together and your eye for embellishments is just Awesome. Thanks for making me your gir Friday, I didnt recognised myself from your lovely comments x Big hugs to you and to all of you lovely ladies for bring so kind about my effort, I have a nice cuppa and am really looking forward to popping over to your bloggy homes for a nosy.

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  21. Super post Becca and love your CASE...great colours and textures, hugs Carole Z X

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  22. Tracey really make a great mixed media card
    and you TOOOOO
    I love both your card and her card
    both with so happy color and so charming
    cool card Becca..love this

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  23. LOVE the fabulous bright colors, Becca! SO bold and fresh! Gorgeous! Thanks for joining us at House of Cards! HUGS! :) Mynn xx

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  24. I am on my way to check Tracey out! And WOW both of you did amazing jobs CASEing that stunning beauty!
    (I'm sorry this week sucked. It must be in the air. Hugs!!!)

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  25. Fantastic Becca and so lovely to see Tracey featured x

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  26. amazing texture on your project! and such bright colours! thank you for joining us at Tuesday Throwdown! Irene DT xx

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  27. Super feature and such beautiful projects too! I simply love that colourful canvas...it is just perfect and stunning!

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  28. Love love love your case, the yellows...yummers and embossing paste...was there ever a more fun thing to play with craft wise?

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  29. Both of you made gorgeous creations!

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  30. Oh, I love burlap, Becca, and it looks stunning against your beautiful bg!! Great texture and lovely colours!!! Love all the cute embellies!!!!! Lovely card!!!!

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  31. Love all the texture and colour ! awesome
    Mary

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  32. You always amaze me with your clever CASEs. I LOVE the texture on your card. The burlap is perfect!!!

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  33. Wow - so psychedelic! Love it. :)

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  34. Gorgeous and extremely fun!!! Way to go - you CASE others very well and Tracey is extremely talented!!! Awesome!!!

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  35. Beautiful card Becca! I love the bright color and you did a fabulous job with the CASE! Thanks so much for joining us at HOC this month!
    Tammy x

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  36. Love the fabulous bright colors and the bold textures! Great work!
    Thank you for joining us at House of Cards this month.
    Rosi x

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  37. Beautiful project. Thanks for joining us at House of Cards.

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  38. This is a bright LOVE card. Thanks for playing along with the challenge at House of Cards

    DT Merethe HOC 2015

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