Sweet Shoppe Designs

Sweet Shoppers, there are just a few days left of 2012 and we’re sending the year out in style with a Featured Designer who is near and dear to so many of you in the community. Meg Mullens has been part of the Sweet Shoppe family for years, starting her journey as one of our Babes before moving into her role as a Designer on our team. She’s been our go-to girl in the challenge department for as long as I can remember, and her products are well known and loved for being colorful, whimsical and absolutely adorable. I know most of you are familiar with and love her work, so you’re going to love getting your hands on her featured designer kit, Begin Again. It’s your gift FREE with any $10 purchase made in the shoppe between now and December 31st!

Just The Basics

When is your birthday?

December 12th..I just turned 36. This year was an extra fun birthday b/c of the date!

Where do you live now?

I live about an hour north of Atlanta with my husband and kids

How tall are you?

I’m 5’4..I have super long legs though!

What’s your favorite color?

Purple..or Green love em both

What’s your favorite fast-food?

I try not to eat too much fast food but Chick Fil A is my weakness

What’s your favorite season?

Fall…I live just a short drive from the mountains and the changing leaves are beautiful

Describe your perfect pizza toppings.

I’m SO boring. I only eat cheese pizza..if I’m feeling wild I’ll go with veggie pizza

What’s the last CD you bought?

Taylor Swift-Red–it’s a great one.

What’s your biggest fear?

Losing my memory..it’s a real crippling fear of mine. I’m so afraid I won’t remember my family when I grow old. Makes scrapbooking so much more special.

Mac or PC?

Mac all the way!

Inside The Artist’s Studio

When and how did you get started as a digital designer?

I started in 2009 by doing a couple of collabs with designer friends and the bug was born! I moved to my dream store SSD in 2010 and am so glad to be a part of this amazing group of women

Is there a color you really dislike creating with and try to avoid? Why?

I REALLY dislike designing with Yellow. Strangely enough though I don’t avoid it. I just gripe about it to myself the whole time i’m designing.

When you scrap, do you prefer to use your products or those from another designer?

I really like using other designers products. It’s almost always a fellow SSD designers goodies though. Usually when I’m finished with a kit I’m kind of tired of looking at it. Bad attitude I know but I’m kinda slow (designing and scrapping) that sometimes it’s weeks of looking at the same kit.

Do you have a design checklist of things you feel must be included in a kit or accomplished before you think it’s done?

I do have a checklist. I try and include theme specific elements along with basics. I want my customer to be able to use my kit exclusively for a layout and not have to go hunting for basics from elsewhere

Is there another designer you really love collaborating with? Why?

I love working with Traci Reed. We work so well together and our kits are always my new favorites.

Food For Thought

Do you think crying is a sign of weakness or strength?

I think it can be both…as I get older I definitely realize it’s a huge stress reliever to just have a greet cry sometimes

Which activities make you lose track of time?

surfing the net….it’s easy for “just 10 minutes” to turn into an hour

What would you regret not fully doing, being or having in your life?

When I was in high school and part of college I didn’t want children. I wanted to be a successful lawyer, have a n equally successful husband, and just live and travel with him…I’m so glad that my life has turned out differently than “my plan”

Which is worse, failing or never trying?

For me personally it would be never trying…I don’t like to fail but you can’t fail if you don’t try

What are you most grateful for?

My family.

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Now that you’ve gotten to know Meg a bit better, take a peek at some of her favorite products, and don’t forget you can pick up her fantastic featured designer kit, Begin Again, FREE with ANY $10 purchase made in the shoppe between now and December 31st!

The 1st of December is here Sweet Shoppers! Can you believe that we’re down to the final month of 2012?! I really, really can’t! It’s been a HUGE year for us here at SSD with our redesigned site and the addition of new features and most importantly, new designers! So this time around in our Featured Designer spotlight, I’m really thrilled to have you get to know our newest designer, Juliana Kneipp, a little better! I’ve been a huge fan of Ju’s for a really long time. Her style is absolutely gorgeous and unique, and her kits are filled to the brim with AMAZING goodies. I love that her products seem to feature the whimsical sweetness of days gone by and that her store has something for everyone. From the simple scrapper to the eclectic scrapper and way, way beyond, you’re sure to love scrapping with Ju’s scrumptious kits. Even more exciting is that she’s created an amazing kit that any of us who have kids will adore, and best of all, Playroom is your gift FREE with any $10 purchase made between now and December 15th!

Just The Basics

Where did you grow up?

I’m Brazilian, and it’s where I spend my whole life! I grow up here, in my city, I’ve never moved! I wish one day (soon) I can move! But I love to know new places, travel, learn new cultures… I do a lot of trips, maybe that’s why living in the same place never bother me! lol

How tall are you?

Oh… I am tall! When I was younger some people ask me to be a model or play baskteball… But I don’t think I’m good for that kind stuff… I’m 5’71!

What’s your favorite song?

That’s a difficult question… I love music and I have a lot of “favorite songs”… But I always remember 1 song: Why Georgia – John Mayer. I love so much this song just because of this part: “So what, so I’ve got a smile on But it’s hiding the quiet superstitions in my head”… I think this part represents me so much… I’m a quiet person, observing before say something and sometimes I’m not at my best day but I say “Oh…it’s ok, I’m fine!” even if I’m not!

What’s your favorite movie?

Could it be 2? lol : ) I LOVE “The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants” (I’m not a teenager, but this movie is so cute and represents my vision about true friendships…) and “500 days of Summer” – “It’s not a love story. It’s a story about love”…OH…I love so much this movie!

Where would you go for your dream vacation?

My dream vacation is Ireland and Santorini (Greece)! Maybe one day…

Besides designing, do you have another job or occupation?

Yes, I’m a LIBRAS (Brazilian Sign Language) interpreter in a college here in my city for a deaf boy who study Graphic Design (the same that I graduated too). And I work as a Graphic Designer freelancer too, creating blogs, sites and visual identity!

Do you talk to yourself?

Yes! Haha… Too much! Most of the time I call myself “stupid”… haha

Do you play a musical instrument?

No…and this is my biggest regret! Oh, if I could come back, I would learn a instrument when I was kid! I think that’s one of the best things a child can learn! One day I’ll play piano, violin and sax – my 3 favorite instruments!

Early bird or night owl?

Night owl…but I wish I was early bird…

Righty or Lefty?

Lefty!

Inside The Artist’s Studio

What’s your favorite kit ever? Why?

Old Sweet Times is my favorite.I love vintage, ephemera…!

How do you come up with the names for your products?

Sometimes I’m inspired by a song, so I use the song’s name. But other times, I ask for my CT girls and they always help me! Since English isn’t my first language, I like to ask them and know what they think and suggest!

Do you scrapbook too or just design? If you scrapbook, share your favorite layout. If you don’t, do you wish you did?

I scrapbook too! I wish I had more time to scrapbook, I love it so much! Here’s my favorite layout…

Are you a planner who knows what you’re working on way in advance, or do you work till the last minute?

It depends…sometimes inspiration comes and I create a new product without thinking of create before… But most of the time, I plan what to create for each week – and next weeks! Specially when I know I’ll be on vacation, I have to plan everything and get all ready to go before my trip!

What’s your favorite thing about being a digital scrapbook designer?

I think there’s more than 1 favorite thing… Be part of this community, have special friends, opportunity to work with amazing designers…And I love to see how  1 product can be used in so many amazing pages and projects!

Food For Thought

Do you celebrate the things you do have?

I always try to do that! Everyday I’m thankful for all that I have, for my family, friends, all the things I already have – and do…

What is the difference between living and existing?

I think living is making life itself valuable. Worrying about what is most important, not taking into account small things, seeing the beauty of life! Strive to be a better person every day, not only for yourself but for those you love … To live is to make a difference, do your part and be a better person every day. I think existing is have your place in the world, but not really seeing what’s important in life.

Who would you like to forgive?

Myself. I always try to forgive other people, and I can do that, but my own mistakes I never forget, this is the hardest part!

When does silence convey more meaning than words?

I am not a person of many words, I think sometimes realized further that the presence of a word … Silence is always welcome, whether at rest or when words fail … Everything has its time and silence is an essential part!

Who is the strongest person you know?

My father and my mother. For all that they have gone through, they maintain focus and joy, no matter what! They are the two people I love most in this world, people who I’d like to be like and I intend to do my utmost to make them proud!

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Now that you’ve gotten to know Ju a bit better, take a peek at some of her favorite products, and don’t forget you can pick up her fantastic featured designer kit, Playroom, FREE with ANY $10 purchase made in the shoppe between now and December 15th!

Hey Hey Sweet Shoppers! Can you believe it? We’re halfway through the month of November which means that 2012 is nearly history! I’m really excited because it’s time to put another of our incredible designers into the spotlight, and I know you guys are going to be thrilled by who it is! Zoe Pearn has been part of the Sweet Shoppe family from nearly the beginning, and her incredible designs are among those I count as absolutely iconic in the digital community. Scrumptious, hand-crafted, unique prints and patterned papers are part of Zoe’s signature style and her kits are packed to the brim with elements that make pages scrapped with her products stand out from the crowd. You’ll get an awesome taste of her talents in her featured designer kit, That’s My Girl, because it’s yours FREE with any $10 purchase made in the shoppe between now and November 30th!

Just The Basics

Where did you grow up?

I grew up in the city of Brisbane, Australia, and only just moved away from there after 30 years!  I have fond memories of my home town – we got married there, had our children there, had our first home there – it will always be home in my heart!

Where do you live now?

My family and I recently made a bit of a sea change – literally – and moved to a little beach-side town on the beautiful Mid-North Coast of New South Wales, Australia.  We fell in love with the place while on a short holiday and decided to take a chance on life and move away!  It’s been hard being a six hour drive from everything we know and love in Brisbane, but we are loving our new home so far!

Early bird or night owl?

Most definitely a night owl!  I seem to be most creative at night, in the wee hours of the morning, and am hopeless at getting up early!  If I could work all night and sleep all day, I’d be a happy girl… Unfortunately my kids and the rest of the world don’t agree LOL!

What’s your favorite number?

Either 6 or 16 – my birthday is the 16th of December, so it’s always been a bit of an exciting number for me!

Who’s your favourite author?

I love a lot of authors, but my absolute favourite would have to be Marian Keyes.  She is absolutely hilarious and her books are so much fun to read.

Coke or Pepsi?

I’m a Pepsi Max girl… I drink way too much of the stuff!  Which is probably why I’m awake all night, haha!

What’s your favorite fast food?

My favourite treat is Chinese Take Away.  I love Beef with Black Bean Sauce and Special Fried Rice… yum!

What’s your favorite season?

I absolutely adore Spring…  I have just always loved the feeling in the air as the weather warms up and nature seems to come back to life.  It always feels like the world is full of possibilities in Spring – plus it’s not as hot as Summer, which I love because we have such hot Summers here!

What’s your biggest fear?

I am terrified of spiders and am completely and unashamedly Arachnaphobic!  The only good spider is a dead spider in my opinion – LOL! I am so scared of the things that I have jumped out of a moving car to escape from one once!

Read the book or watch the movie?

Read the book, for sure!!  I love reading, and if I never laid eyes on another TV or movie screen in my life it honestly wouldn’t worry me.  I rarely watch TV or watch movies, and love when the kids are at daycare so I can switch the box off and have silence.

Inside The Artist’s Studio

When and how did you get started as a digital designer?

I discovered digital scrapbooking in 2005 when I was looking for some fonts to download for our wedding album.  We had just come back from our honeymoon, and I had bought some scrapbooking magazines while we were away and was excited to find that you could download free fonts. I came across digiscrapping on my travels and became instantly hooked!  I have always loved patterned fabric and stationery, so when I realised that I could make my own papers, I started designing my own.  I started selling my wares in December 2005, and have been at Sweet Shoppe since August of 2006… and haven’t looked back!

What was the first kit you ever made?

Haha, this is so cringe-worthy!!  I remember making this and I was so proud – this was one of the kits from my debut weekend at Sweet Shoppe – LOL!  Even though they are embarrassing, I like to look at my really old previews to see how far my style and skill has developed in that time!

Is there a color you really dislike creating with and try to avoid? Why?

Poor old purple is the colour I love to hate!  I avoid it at all costs as nothing seems to work for me if it has purple in it… And if I do happen to use purple, that kit will do really badly… I call it the “Purple Curse”.

Do you scrapbook too or just design? If you scrapbook, share your favorite layout.

When I get the chance, I love to scrapbook!  I scrap any which way – digitally, with traditional supplies, and lately I have been doing more hybrid work.  My favourite thing to do is make hybrid mini albums when I get time.

My favorite digital page:

My favorite hybrid mini album using my collab with Sugarplum Paperie If Friends Were Flowers:

Is there another designer you really love collaborating with? Why?

That would have to be my buddy, Kristin Cronin-Barrow!  She is one of my best online friends, and we chat at least a few times a week… We work together really well and I feel our styles really complement each other.  And we just have a lot of fun!

Food For Thought

Which is worse, failing or never trying?

I feel like life is just one big adventure… You only get one go around, so you may as well make it how you want it to be!  I have a terrible fear of failure, and like to play it safe… and that holds me back sometimes.  BUT I also believe in taking a gamble if you really believe in something – I think if you never try something that you really want to, you will always wonder “what if”?  I think that would be worse.  As they say, a life lived in fear is a life half lived!

If you were forced to eliminate every physical possession from your life with the exception of what could fit into a single backpack, what would you put in it?

Unfortunately, this isn’t a hypothetical question for me as I have been in this situation before when we lost all of our possessions in the Brisbane Floods of 2011… I am so thankful to still have my photos.  They were the first thing I packed then, and would always be the first thing I would pack in that situation.  They are the only thing you truly cannot replace, apart from human life, I suppose. Every photo is a moment frozen in time that you can’t get back, and that is extremely special to me… I have always been the family “photographer”, and I dearly love all my photos.

What do you wish you spent more time doing five years ago?

I wish I would have spent more time appreciating what I had back then!  For example, I would have spent more time just cuddling with my (then) new baby instead of wishing that the hard time of being a new parent was over!  In a month or so he starts school and I feel like it was only yesterday that we brought him home from the hospital, and I wish I could go back in time!

Oh, and I would have taken all the advice about sleeping when the baby is asleep instead of ignoring it and working instead… Nobody tells you that you don’t get to sleep when you have two – they NEVER sleep at the same time to give you the chance to have a nap!

What simple fact do you wish more people understood?

I wish more people would follow the saying, “treat other people how you would like to be treated”.  It is a motto I have held since I was a little girl in grade two – it was the first saying that I remember had an effect on me and I “got it”. It is such a simple thing, but it is so true, and I think the world would be a much happier place if more people just treated others the way they want to be treated.

What does your joy look like today?

My favourite thing at the moment is watching my two kids, Josh (5) and Lola (almost 2), grow up and the sweet relationship that they have together!  It makes my heart do flips just watching how much they love each other, and I hope they are always like that!

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Now that you’ve gotten to know Zoe a bit better, take a peek at some of her favorite products, and don’t forget you can pick up her fantastic featured designer kit, That’s My Girl, FREE with ANY $10 purchase made in the shoppe between now and November 30th!

Sweet Shoppers, I’m soo excited to be coming to you a day earlier than usual to introduce our newest featured designer whose AMAZING freebie is going to be part of our Digital Scrapbook Day promotions! Before our newest designers were brought onboard back in April, our community asked again and again for this designer to be part of our team and we are sooo thrilled to have her as part of our family! Yari Mower, better known as Jady Day Studio to most of you has an irresistible style that is sure to make your mouth water. She has an exquisite eye for color and detail and that is shown off brilliantly in her stunning featured designer kit, In My Happy Field, which is your gift FREE with any $10 purchase made in the shoppe between now and November 15th. It’s a great time to shop too because everything in the store is 30% off until November 4th as part of our Digital Scrapbook Day celebration. Read on to get to know Yari a little better…

Just The Basics

Where did you grow up?

My dear New York City and loved every minute of it.

What’s your favorite food?

I love Caribbean food, Mexican, Chinese, and Italian.

What’s your favorite guilty pleasure?

One I try to not do very much only because if I do it would not be good for me. I LOVE to eat. I love desserts in particular and nachos. Mmmmmm.

Besides scrapbooking, what other hobbies do you have?

I love trying to further and better my skills at digital photography so I spend quite a bit of time doing that. I also love decorating and fashion (putting together pretty outfits from head to toe makes me happy).

Besides designing, do you have another job or occupation?

Yep! I’m a mommy to four crazy, adorable, and gorgeous kiddos!

What color Is the “new black”?

Gray for sure. I seem to be wearing a lot of it lately.

What languages do you speak?

English and Spanish.

Bath or shower?

Shower for sure, and loooooong please!

Mac or PC?

Mac all the way. I’ve experienced the amazing difference.

Canon or Nikon?

Nikon baby!!! I love my Nikon D3100!

Inside The Artist’s Studio

What’s your favorite kit ever? Why?

I absolutely adore this kit because it so portrays how my life has been as a mom at some point with my children. Haha! I love those kiddos and there have been times when they have totally driven me crazy but this kit reminds me of also seeing the humor in the crazy stuff my kiddos have done (and continue to do). It’s like all my feelings and ideas were perfectly captivated and put together into a kit.

What’s it really like being a Sweet Shoppe Designer?

I love SSD! I love my fellow designers and the community here. I have had a few rough patches here and there where I didn’t feel like I was that great a designer or times when I was searching for some constructive criticism and these girls just totally helped me and lifted me. I love their designs, how friendly they are, and how we all have the same kind of love and passion for what we do. I am extremely lucky to be here and I’m loving every minute of it.

Do you scrapbook too or just design? If you scrapbook, share your favorite layout. If you don’t, do you wish you did?

I do both. I became a scrapbooker first before I became a designer and I strongly feel that this is how it needs to always be. I love to design and I love what I do, but I also believe in what I do and try to do it as often as possible.

What kind of colors do you naturally gravitate toward and can count on getting great results from when you work?

I tend to use a lot of light aqua in my kits, I have no idea why. It is one of my favorite colors, but it seems to me as if aqua (most of the time) brings a harmonious balance to the other colors I use.

Describe your designing process. Take us briefly from the start to finish of making a kit.

I first start with the general idea of what I want to make and look for inspiration for it. I pick my color scheme. I make a list of all of my ideas for embellishments, papers, and what not, I start on my illustrations first (get the hard part done first), then move on to the rest of my embellishments and leave my fillers for last. Then I make my alpha and then work on my papers with solids typically being the last things I do. And the final thing I do which lets me know for sure if I like the kit or not is make a preview, and this always lets me know that I am happy with it.

Food For Thought

What gets you excited about life?

My children for sure.

Do you think crying is a sign of weakness or strength?

Neither. I think that crying is a physical manifestation of something that needs to come out from inside and that is actually quite healing.

Is it possible to lie without saying a word?

Absolutely. There are silent ways of being dishonest. It all depends on what we are going to choose from the get go.

If you had a friend who spoke to you in the same way that you sometimes speak to yourself, how long would you allow this person to be your friend?

Wow, now this is an interesting question. Sometimes I can be a nice comforting friend to myself so in those times I would remain being friends with someone that treated me like that. On the other hand, I can be my biggest enemy so nope, no deal there. So I guess which one do I do more to myself? The mean one so this “friend” would not last long in my life. Guess I better be nicer to myself from now on.

When is it time to stop calculating risk and rewards and just do what you know is right?

The time is now. There is no need to wait, even if it is sometimes difficult to do what you know is right.

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Now that you’ve gotten to know Yari a bit better, take a peek at some of her favorite products, and don’t forget you can pick up her fantastic featured designer kit, In My Happy Field, FREE with ANY $10 purchase made in the shoppe between now and November 15th!

Every once in awhile, a designer comes along who shakes things up around here and adds a bit of flavor and flare to what we do here at SSD. This year, that designer is the brilliant Brazilian, Rubia Padilha, better known to many of you as Studio Basic Designs! Rubia fits in perfectly here at SSD with her choice of bright colors, loud prints and whimsical motifs, but she also pushes the envelope with a distinctly collage-y, art journal style that is all her own. I am personally a HUGE fan of what she does and the kit she’s designed for her time as our featured designer, Addicted To Lists, is an absolutely awesome introduction to her as a designer! I’m super excited that it’s yours free with any $10 purchase made in the shoppe between now and the end of the month! Read on to learn more about Rubia…

Just The Basics

Do you have a nickname?

Yes. Three. My family call me “Bia”. My friends call me “Ru”. My husband call me “Bi”.

What’s your favorite season?

Autumn. We don’t have the beautiful colors and you have, but for me is perfect. Not so hot or cold.

Where would you go for your dream vacation?

Italy, for sure. Eating. Like “Under Tuscan Sun”, one of my favorite movies!

If you had $100 to spend online today, what would you buy?

T-shirts! I’m addicted for cool t-shirts.

What is the last movie you saw?

“An Invisible Sign”, and it’s little different, but I love it!

Do you remember your dreams when you wake up?

All details!! And I have some pretty crazy dreams!

If you were a crayon, what color would you be?

Red! My favorite color. I’m definitly not a pink girl. I like red!

Do you believe in love at first sight?

Totally! I met my husband going to his blog and when I looked to his photo, I called my mother and told to her “I’ll marry with this guy”, and here I’m, 10 years later.

Texting or talking?

Texting for sure.

Early bird or night owl?

Night owl. My favorite weekends are when we go to the bed when the day is almost starting again and we can sleep until the lunch time. We don’t have kids yet, so I really like to do this.

Inside the Artist’s Studio

When and how did you get started as a digital designer?

I did a template freebie to a blog train and the girls started to tell me “you should do templates to sell”. Well, I believed them and here I’m. My first sale was on 5/5/09 – still have the email order. <3

How do you come up with the names for your products?

Considering that my english is not so good, I’m always listening some english songs or I ask for help to my husband that is addicted for music to help me.

Do you scrapbook too or just design? If you scrapbook, share your favorite layout. If you don’t, do you wish you did?

Yes, I do! Sometimes I decide that I NEED to do a page just for therapy and my favorites pages “born” from this process. My new favorite page is this one…

When you scrap, do you prefer to use your products or those from another designer?

I really really like to mix a lot of things and make a little mess, so, no, I don’t have to use only my products.

What do you look for in your creative team members?

They need to have fun! All my team knows my products are “generic”, not-so-themed. And they know that they’re free to mix and match my products. We are talking about her memories, so, they have to be free to work with what they want. And I have a different style, so I like when my CT is capable to follow her personal style adding mine, like do a clean page, with some of my “fun” products. She’s following her style with my style, you know?

Food For Thought

What’s the most sensible thing you’ve ever heard someone say?

“Respect your own feeling” and this changed my way of seeing and living my own life. I can say no. And I can say yes. If *I* wanna say.

Who do you love and what are you doing about it?

My family and friends. And I let them know the importance of them in my life.

Which is worse, failing or never trying?

Never trying. You can live with failing. You can’t live with the doubt.

Who do you think stands between you and happiness?

Me. And my fear.

What three words would you use to describe the last three months of your life?

Fear, hope and love. Not necessarily in that order.

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Now that you’ve gotten to know Rubia a bit better, take a peek at some of her favorite products, and don’t forget you can pick up her fantastic featured designer kit, Addicted To Lists, FREE with ANY $10 purchase made in the shoppe between now and October 31st!

Sweet Shoppers, today is October 1st! Can you believe it? I can’t believe how fast 2012 has flown past, and it’s been quite a memorable year here at SSD if I do say so myself. One of our most memorable moments was the addition of some spectacular new designers to our team back in May including none other than the fabulous Nicole Seitler, better known to a lot of you as Sugarplum Paperie. As soon as we received Nicole’s application behind the scenes, we were in love with her soft and shabby style which we thought would be such a wonderful addition to the yummy goodies being produced week after week for the shoppe. Her paper focused, journal centric style which focuses on telling your stories is really special, and you’re going to get an awesome taste of it when you spend $10 in the shoppe between now and October 15th, because her gorgeous kit, Here & Now,is yours FREE when you do! So read on to get to know Nicole just a little bit better…

Just the Basics

Do you have a nickname?

Nope. When I was in the 2nd grade, there were two other Nicoles in my class. They were more popular than I was and they were both called Nikki. Ever since I’ve refused to be called Nikki out of spite. No one wanted to call me Nikki then? Well, then I guess I’m not a Nikki. LOL!

But I did have a nickname when I was a little girl, one that you all may know. My mom called me her “Little Sugarplum.”

How tall are you?

I am 5’1″ (and 3/4–almost 5’2″, but not quite). Platform sandals are my friend.

Do you wear glasses or contacts?

I had dorky glasses in high school (it was the ’90′s!) and then wore contacts in college. Now, after having kids, I can’t seem to comfortably wear them anymore! I miss being able to wear sunglasses (especially since I live in Florida!). But I do have a really cute pair of glasses now and that makes up for it.

What’s your favorite color?

Green. I can’t keep it out of my kits! It’s hard. My husband walked over to see the kit I was working on for this feature and said, “Congratulations!” I said, “What for?” He said “You almost got by without using any green!” LOL!

Where would you go for your dream vacation?

To Paris with my hubby. I’ve been there with my mom. Now I want to go there with my lover.

If you had $100 to spend online today, what would you buy?

SCRAPBOOKING SUPPLIES! But (don’t shoot me!) they would be paper, not digi. I am a paper girl at heart.

Besides scrapbooking, what other hobbies do you have?

I love art journaling with ink and paper! I also love to knit and quilt/sew. And I am doing Project Life this year. (I think Project Life is such a massive undertaking, it should quailify as it’s own hobby outside of scrapbooking!)

Besides designing, do you have another job or occupation?

I design scrapbooking goodies for the paper world. And I also homeschool two of my four kids. Rest assured—my house is usually a complete disaster.

Do you talk to yourself?

Yes. All the time.

If you dyed your hair, what color would you dye it?

A few years ago I went pink. I miss it! It was super fun! But took a lot to maintain. I have two more kids now… I don’t have that kind of time. LOL!

Inside the Artist’s Studio

When and how did you get started as a digital designer?

In 2006 I was browsing the web one night when I discovered this magical thing called “digital scrapbooking freebies.” I’m sure you’ve all been there! I caught the bug immediately! I realized I could teach myself how to be a graphic designer so I set off and started by designing blog banners in order to save up money to upgrade from PSP to Photoshop. On November 3, 2007, I opened up my own little “Sugarplum Shop.”

Is there a kit you regret making or look at now and really dislike?

Yes. There are a few and they serve as a reminder that I should always follow my heart. For YEARS I struggled to find inspiration to do themed collections, especially holiday kits. My early kits that I made for Halloween, Valentine’s Day and Thanksgiving just weren’t up to par (in my opinion). Then, in 2010, I finally pulled off a school kit I could be proud of! Then a Halloween kit! Whatever I was lacking in the muse department showed up and I discovered how I could take these themes and make them my own. I’m the most proud of my Christmas collection from last year, which was a major accomplishment for me!

So, when I find that I’m forcing something and that it’s not me, I remind myself to go back to the drawing board and continue to follow my own muse.

Is there a color you really dislike creating with and try to avoid? Why?

Royal purple. I push my purples into the red whenever I can. LOL!

When you scrap, do you prefer to use your products or those from another designer?

I do not use my own stuff. My joy in making them is a hobby all it’s own! And I think that what I like to make and what I like to use are two totally different styles. I make shabby but I prefer more eclectic kits. For example, Jenn Barrette and Krista Sahlin are my two favorite designers (and most favorite people to get to collab with, too!)

What’s your favorite thing about being a digital scrapbook designer?

The complete freedom I have to make whatever inspires me and that I think people will like! Now that I have been working in the paper industry, I can see how good I’ve had it. LOL!

Food For Thought

What gets you excited about life?

Art. I love to make it. I love to look at it.

If you had a friend who spoke to you in the same way that you sometimes speak to yourself, how long would you allow this person to be your friend?

This is such a good question! I wouldn’t be my friend for long… because I like to be the kind of friend to others who’s 100% supportive and encouraging. But with myself, I am so hard! It’s something I’m trying to grow in—being nice to myself while being honest, too. There’s a balance between deceiving yourself that everything is okay and telling yourself flat-out lies that everything in life is wrong. I am consciously working to shoot for the middle.

Which activities make you lose track of time?

Reading. Scrapping. Playing games on my phone…

If you had to teach something, what would you teach?

Anything crafty! I started my artistic endeavors by hosting rubber stamping “workshops” and I just loved teaching people and showing them different tips and tricks (even if the main goal of the evening was to try to sell stamps. LOL!). Sharing a love of crafting with others is a joy!

Which is worse, failing or never trying?

NEVER TRYING! Failing is actually not that scary. At least you tried it! And you probably learned a lot…

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Now that you’ve gotten to know Nicole a bit better, take a peek at some of her favorite products, and don’t forget you can pick up her fantastic featured designer kit, Here & Now, FREE with ANY $10 purchase made in the shoppe between now and October 15th!

Sweet Shoppers, we’re halfway through September, and that means it’s time to put another of our fabulous designers into the Featured Designer spotlight. In this week’s newsletter I hinted that she was a fan favorite and I wasn’t messing around! Kristin Cronin-Barrow, also known as KCB to most of us, has been part of our team for ages now and she has been loved by all of you since day one. Her soft, unique, absolutely gorgeous style is one that’s all her own and it’s been such a pleasure to see her develop as a designer over the years. I can’t imagine our shoppe without her and I know you guys can’t either, so I know you’re going to love getting to know her better in our interview below. As usual, there’s a special bonus for each of you who spends $10 in the shoppe between now and September 30th too – you’ll get her amazing kit Manic Monday absolutely FREE!

Just The Basics

Do you have a nickname?

I suppose I do! KCB! I never intentionally created my logo to give myself a nickname but one person started calling me KCB and it soon followed. I gotta say it is kind of neat having a nickname because I always wished I had one growing up.

If you had $100 to spend online today, what would you buy?

I would actually buy a TOOL! I have started visiting so many home improvement sites and there are tons of things I would like to make and so many require the use of this tool called a kreg-jig. It makes pocket holes so you can create table tops and fasten wood together without nail holes or a bunch of extra work. I keep going to add it in my cart but haven’t committed to buying it yet!

What’s your favorite season?

Fall/Autumn is most definitely my favourite season! I LOVE that it isn’t hot and I love just everything about it. I try to make a point to go out and do lots of pictures with the kids during fall because the colors are just so amazing! I live in a beautiful area surrounded by mountains so fall is pretty glorious over here.

Do you have any bad habits you’d like to change?

I would like to be better at not visiting social media sites as frequently as I do, I’m sure my work progress would go so much faster!

Do you have any tattoos?

I have a small tattoo on my ankle. It is a maple leaf going into a puddle of water. I got it about 8 years ago. I sort of wish I would have thought a bit harder and made the maple leaf more natural in color, one day I would like to get it fixed up some but we’ll see when that ever happens.

Where would you go for your dream vacation?

The oregon and washington coast! OR Scotland. I have no desire to go to any tropical beaches because I just don’t like the heat all that much but I would just love to go down to the coast! Scotland is my ancestory so I would love to see some of the heritage over there.

Do you play a musical instrument?

I did in high school, not sure if I would still be able to now! I played the clarinet and the alto sax.

What’s your biggest fear?

I think my biggest fear is the same as many, losing those I love and care about too soon.

What’s your favorite food?

Popcorn.. I have such a crazy addiction!

Do you talk to yourself?

I believe I sort of am right now!

Inside The Artist’s Studio

When and how did you get started as a digital designer?

I started designing products back in 2004. I found digital scrapbooking when my daughter was 3 months old. At that time there really was only one main digital scrapbook site and stores hadn’t come about yet. When the site I was a design team member decided to open up a real store I decided to jump in and see about selling designs. I first learned photoshop in 2008 while I was in college studying visual arts and then I got a job at a printing shop doing pre-press. When I was home on maternity leave   and discovered digital scrapbooking I was so excited because I had been wanting to start scrapbooking but really didn’t want the mess or cost associated with it. So it was the best of both worlds since I already  had knowledge with photoshop. Anyways I sold at a few stores and eventually found my design home at SSD in 2007. I haven’t looked back since!

What’s your favorite kit ever? Why?

Wildflower is my favourite kit! Well not sure ever as that is so many kits but for recent kits I would say it is this one. It came together so easy for me. In fact I remember that I was working on it and was close to being done but it was late so I went to go to sleep. I ended up lying in bed and being hit with so much inspiration that I got up out of bed and worked until I was finished the kit.  The kit really reflects how I want to and strive to live my life (which is very much a work in progress but I am trying).

What is your “home office” or work environment like? Describe it or share a picture.

My home office is right in the corner of my living room. I have a younger boy who isn’t in full time school yet so I do have to somewhat work around him. Thankfully I have a great husband who makes it so I am able to work when he is off, I really don’t know if I would be able to design if it wasn’t for that!. It can be a bit crazy trying to work from home while also being a SAHM.

Are you a planner who knows what you’re working on way in advance, or do you work till the last minute?

I am a little bit of both. I have so many ideas that are jumbled up in my head and on my computer. If I get an idea for a certain kit I will jot it down or make an inspiration folder for it. However, unfortunately I am also a bit of a procrastinator and a tiny bit spacey so to actually get my work done can be somewhat difficult. I keep trying to get better at finding a good balance!

What’s your favorite thing about being a digital scrapbook designer?

Working in my pyjamas! Also being able to do something different each week. I feel very blessed to be able to do this as my job and I hope to be able to for a long time to come.

Food For Thought

How old would you be if you didn’t know how old you are?

A teenager! I keep waiting for the time where I will truly feel like an adult! I just still feel like a young teenager with so much to learn about life.

Who do you think stands between you and happiness?

My own fear and self doubt.

What makes you smile?

My children are able to make me smile every day! Even when one of them is up to no good!

What is the most desirable trait another person can possess?

Honesty and sincerity.

What are you an expert at?

Procrastinating!

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Now that you’ve gotten to know Kristin a bit better, take a peek at some of her favorite products, and don’t forget you can pick up her fantastic featured designer kit, Manic Monday, FREE with ANY $10 purchase made in the shoppe between now and  September 30th!

Sweet Shoppers, September is here, and not only does this mean that there are only 4 months left of 2012, it also means it’s time to put another of our scrumptious designers into our Featured Designer spotlight! This time around, one of our newest designers, Mari Koegelenberg is putting herself out there for you to get to know a little bit better. I am a HUGE fan of Mari’s work as I just love her colorful palettes and the little touches of whimsy she adds to each of her kits. She really has a unique take on designing and you’ll get a sample of her style as well as a pretty good dose of the whimsy she loves in her featured designer kit, Little Critters. This adorable kit is your gift FREE with any $10 purchase made in the shoppe between now and September 15th, but before you head to the shoppe to pick it up with some of your favorite sweet goodies, read on for a bit of insight into the fabulous Mari K…

Just The Basics

When is your Birthday?

I am a January baby and as a result always lost out a bit cause everyone was broke after Christmas…lol.

What’s your Sign?

I am a Capricorn and I can be very stubborn and I tend to want to run the show.

What’s your favorite guilty pleasure?

My Mom sends me a package every six months or so containing Lipton’s Pyramid Tea Bags all the way from South Africa. And let me tell you drinking my cup of tea in the afternoon is just about the best thing ever! I like it sweet with lots of milk!

Describe your perfect pizza toppings.

Cheese pizza with fresh Avocado, Bacon, Banana and lots of Garlic!

Do you talk to yourself?

Yes and I also answer myself…first sign of going crazy!

Texting or Talking?

I love to talk and can just about chat your ears off of your head if given the opportunity.

Early Bird or Night Owl?

Honestly I am a Early Bird but will probably be more of a night owl if there were no consequences in the morning! lol.

Mac or PC?

Mac Hands down!

Canon or Nikon?

I have a Nikon and love love my camera.

Cake or Ice Cream?

Both with a touch of cream on top!

Inside the Artist’s Studio

How do you come up with the names for your products?

It usually starts with the colors and the feel of the theme etc. Sometimes a kit just reminds me so strongly of a time/place/event and I name it around that.

Do you scrapbook too or just design? If you scrapbook, share your favorite layout. If you don’t, do you wish you did?

Yes I love to scrapbook. I probably do more paper pages than digital…I prefer to get away from the computer and just play with tangible goods. My favorite page was this page I did a few weeks ago. I love the beautiful pinks and navy together. I also stitched a chevron background which I absolutely love! It was so worth the extra effort!

When you scrap do you prefer to use your products or those from another designer?

I love both…it depends on my mood and how my schedule looks but I love working with other Designer’s kits and creating a page, and sometimes I cannot wait to scrap with one of my own kits.

Is there a website that you can always count on to inspire you in some way?

Pinterest…colors, design inspiration etc. everything nicely catalogued and visual. I can get sucked in and lose a lot of time there but I almost always have it open when designing especially for inspiration and ideas.

What’s your favorite thing about being a digital scrapbook designer?

As a Digital Designer and Hybrid Girl I love that it is really the best of both worlds. I almost feel like it is a little bit of magic…being able to imagine something and bring it to life on the screen or even making a 3d project all from your computer. I sometimes think how previous generations would view what we are doing now and how we create…it is so different than what it was ages ago. I dont think they could ever have imagined the technology and advances we have today.

Food For Thought

Who was the last person you said “I love you” to?

My Daughter…we have this game every day. ‘Have I told you today that I love you?’ and we always try and be the first to say it.

What is your favorite quote?

‘Not all who wander are lost’ by my favorite author JRR Tolkien. Wandering/meandering around and just absorbing your surroundings is such an absolute indulgence for me and I love that quote so much because it truly speaks to my heart.

If happiness was the national currency, what kind of work would make you rich?

Exactly what I am doing now. I love love creating and I am so blessed to be able to do this as a profession.

Which is worse, failing or never trying?

I vote for never trying…to regret for never trying in the first place and not knowing if you can achieve your dreams is even worse in my opinion. When you fail you can try again but if you never try all you have is regret.

Do you celebrate the things you do have?

Yes but as so easily happens I forget how very blessed I am. Every once in a while it just hits me…all of the amazing opportunities and people in my life, the reason why I can get up each morning and smile…I am so very blessed and grateful for my family and my work.

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Now that you’ve gotten to know Mari a bit better, take a peek at some of her favorite products, and don’t forget you can pick up her adorable kit, Little Critters, FREE with ANY $10 purchase made in the shoppe between now and  September 15th!

Hey, hey Sweet Shoppers, it looks like some of you are eagerly awaiting the reveal of our latest Featured Designer, and I am really excited to put this chickie into the spotlight because frankly, I think she’s awesome. Of course, I am incredibly biased and say that every 15 days, don’t I? Today, I’m happy to give you a little bit of insight into one of our newest designers, Erica Zane! When Erica applied, all of us fell in love with her behind the scenes because we adore her whimsical, doodlie style and her attention to detail! Each and every one of her kits have so much personality and she has such a knack for creating kits for every theme or occasion. Erica’s unique take on digital designing excites me as a designer and I hope after you get your hands on her incredible featured designer kit, Beachy Keen, that each of you will love her a little more too. Beachy Keen is yours FREE with any $10 purchase made in the shoppe between now and August 31st, so don’t miss it!

Just The Basics

Where did you grow up?

I was born in California but spent most of my childhood in a super small town in Washington.

What’s your favorite season?

Fall for sure!  I especially love those beginning days of fall, where the sun is still warm but there is a nice crisp feel to the air.  The perfect days for going on walks, playing at parks and just enjoying the outdoors.

If you were a crayon, what color would you be?

Of course I would have to pick green!  I love a good green (but really aren’t all greens good?!)

If you could change your name, what would you change it to?

I never liked my name growing up because I had a hard time pronouncing the “r” sound so every time someone asked my name I got even more shy and embarrassed.  When I was in high school I thought it’d be awesome to have a green name, like Jade or Sage.  I still think those would be cool, but I don’t know if either really fits me. ;D

What’s your biggest fear?

Heights!  I do not like heights at all and I get all freaked out when my kids get too close to areas that drop off.  Snakes are a close second – they just wig me out!  If I see one I will scream and run away, even thinking of them now is giving me the heebie-jeebies!

Where would you go for your dream vacation?

The beach!  I LOVE going to the beach with my family, we especially love the Outer Banks area in North Carolina.

What’s the first thing you do when you wake up?

First I have to get my toddler out of bed and get some breakfast going for my 4 kids.  While they are busy eating I check my email & the SSD forums & sometimes even design a little.

What is the last movie you saw?

In the theaters I think it was the last Harry Potter movie…yikes, it’s been a while!  At home, besides kid movies, we last watched Harry Potter & the Chamber of Secrets…I guess we like Harry Potter, haha!

Go out or stay in?

Stay in please!  I am such a hermit and my poor hubby has the hardest time getting me to go out.  I hate going out alone and would rather take my kids to the grocery store than go alone, but sometimes when I do get out alone I admit I kind of like the quiet! ;o)

Cats or Dogs?

I’m allergic to cats, so I prefer dogs for sure!  But my hubby is allergic to some dogs…so for now we just have a lizard and a bunch of fish.

Inside The Artist’s Studio

How do you come up with the names for your products?

I love coming up with silly names that go with my kits that make me laugh to myself.  But sometimes I am just stuck and pick a random name that sort of fits.  But often times I get the best names from my IRL buddy Denise (aka neeceebee), she’s come up with some great ones for me!

What’s your best selling kit ever?

At the Moment it is “With You

What is your “home office” or work environment like?

We have 2 desktops in our living room area where my hubby & I have our computers next to each other.  I’d like to say my desk was always clean but for some reason everyone (including me, ack) likes to leave random stuff on it where it stays until I can’t take it anymore and clean it off.  Then the next day the process starts all over again!

When you scrap, do you prefer to use your products or those from another designer?

Usually I’ve worked on my kits so long that I’m ready to move on and scrap with someone else’s stuff for a change of pace.  But if I’m in a hurry, I know where to find certain elements/colors in my EZ folders so I’ll head there.

Describe your designing process. Take us briefly from the start to finish of making a kit.

First I have to find colors I love, which usually takes quite a bit of tweaking.  Then I create my papers which sometimes causes me to tweak my colors again.  Elements come next, if I have a them in mind I’ll often start with those things then fill in with the more generic stuff.  If I have no theme in mind I’ll start with the generic basics and hope that something strikes me soon, haha.  The alpha is usually somewhere in the middle of the element process.  I have some things I like to include in every kit so when I think I’m done I’ll look though & make sure I got them all (like stitches and a staple and journal spots/tags and frames).

Food For Thought

How old would you be if you didn’t know how old you are?

Apparently 34 because I can never remember how old I am!  I usually have to ask my 10 year old how old I am, haha!  (Even as I type this I had to do some counting to make sure that’s how old I was!)

What is your happiest childhood memory?  What makes it so special?

My best memories are of camping at the beach every summer.  My grandparents had these huge army tents, so we had a main kitchen tent with some picnic tables and a wood stove and a mini fridge with a little tent off that for my grandparents (complete with TV & VCR so my grama could watch her Soaps, haha!).  Then each family had their own big tent around that.  Grampa would take us out in his little boat to an island where we’d dig for clams and collect crab pots, and if you wanted to be out all day, fishing.  The beaches were cold and it was often raining but we loved it!  (Since then I’ve turned into a weeny & prefer the warmer East coast beaches!)

What do you think about when you lie awake in bed?

I am all paranoid at night for some reason and will think about emergency escape plans like if there was a fire right now or if someone was breaking in or if we heard a tornado, how we’d keep everyone safe.  Or if I’m in the middle of a kit I will often think of things I want to add to it & will email myself from my ipod so I don’t forget the next morning, haha!

If I gave you $1000 and told you that you had to spend it today, what would you buy?

Oooh, can this happen please?!  There are so many things I could do!  School clothes & shoes for the kids, groceries & bills & boring stuff like that.  But I would really love a new camera!

What is your favorite quote?

I love a lot of the lines from Dr. Seuss in “Oh, The Places You’ll Go”, I think my favorite is “You’re off to Great Places!  Today is your day!  Your mountain is waiting, so… get on your way!”

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Now that you’ve gotten to know Erica a bit better, take a peek at some of her favorite products, and don’t forget you can pick up her amazing kit that’s perfect for Summer, Beachy Keen, FREE with ANY $10 purchase made in the shoppe between now and  August 31st!

Hey hey Sweet Shoppers! A brand new month is here, and with it the changing of the guard in one of my favorite new spotlights here at SSD, our featured designer highlight. This month, I’m really excited to get to know Lynnette Penacho, better known in the shoppe as Nettio Designs, a little bit better. Lynnette has been part of the Sweet Shoppe family for ages, scrapping as one of our talented SugarBabes and now contributing to the scrumptious goodies you can pick up in the shoppe week after week as one of our designers. Lynnette has always had a signature style that has made her pages jump out of the gallery and I love that you can easily add a bit of her style to your own pages with her amazing line of templates. If you haven’t tried them yet, get ready to be blown away, because her template pack, Circtangular, is your gift FREE with any $10 purchase made in the shoppe between now and August 15th…

Just The Basics

When is your birthday?

I just turned 30 on May 24th.

Do you have a nickname?

Nettio is my husband Adam’s nickname for me. He’s Adamo and I’m Nettio – it’s all very cutesy, haha. The names actually came from an episode of South Park we watched in college where Cartman made a robot named Awesom-o. We were joking around and I dubbed him Adam-o, he dubbed me Nettie-o (short for Lynnette) and the names stuck.

Where did you grow up?

California, specifically the Bay Area/Central Coast area of Northern California. I’m from a small farming town which shares it’s name with a popular teen clothing store, despite there being no tie between the two.

Where do you live now?

Where ever the Army sends us, which happens to be San Antonio, Texas right now. But in the past six years we’ve lived in Seoul, South Korea, Colorado and now Texas. I’m hoping for an Easy Coast move next so I can say I’ve lived in every time major zone in the U.S.

Do you wear glasses or contacts?

I’ve worn contacts since I was in middle school and I refused to wear my glasses full-time. Thankfully my dad had worn contacts for many years so my parents were cool with me getting them. I still remember coming home from the eye doctor when I got them and being amazed that all the green blobs I’d been seeing were actually leaves on trees.

What’s your favorite guilty pleasure?

Strong margaritas and good craft beer.

Where would you go for your dream vacation?

Australia. Adam and I are currently saving up in hopes of going for our 10th wedding anniversary in a few years.

What’s your pet peeve?

Drivers on cell phones. And drivers who think “hands-free” means putting your phone on speaker and holding it…in their hand. Seriously, your call is no where near important enough for you to block traffic because you’re driving 20mph on the freeway and don’t realize it.

If you dyed your hair, what color would you dye it?

I haven’t had my true natural color since I was 18 so I always have some kind of highlights or dye going on. Right now it’s an auburn-y brown with caramel highlights.

Right or Lefty?

Lefty. I’m the only lefty in my family. I’m pretty sure that makes me extra awesome, haha.

Inside The Artist’s Studio

What’s your best selling product ever?

My best selling product here at Sweet Shoppe Designs is my Instagram-inspired templates, Photogram 2×2.

How would you describe your design style?

Clean & modern with a paper-lovin’ twist.

Do you scrapbook too or just design? If you scrapbook, share your favorite layout. If you don’t, do you wish you did?

I’ve always considered myself a scrapbooker first, designer second, which is why I like designing templates because I can use them for my own layouts. It’s always tough for me to choose a favorite but this page is one of my favorites I’ve done this year. The photos, design and story are all very much me.

Is there another designer you look up to? Someone you “want to be when you grow up”.

I’ve always been a huge admirer of Ali Edwards. I love her clean and modern approach to storytelling and the way she’s crafted a brand that encompasses such a wide variety of formats (blogging, classes, digital & physical products) but still stays true to her personal style.

What do you look for in your creative team members?

I’m always on the lookout for awesome, creative and adventurous scrapbookers who aren’t afraid to take my templates and really make them their own. For me design is as much about design skills as it is about crafting a personal style. And of course, you have to have a personality that fits well with me and my team.

Food For Thought

When was the last time you tried something new?

A few years ago I chose “adventure” as my one little word for the year and since then I’ve pretty much made it a habit to regularly try new things, whether it’s a new food, new skill or whatever. It’s not always comfortable but it definitely keeps life interesting because you never know when that new thing will end up turning into an old fave.

What’s your favorite quote?

“Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all.”

What’s one downside of the modern day world?

Being connected 24-7. Not only can it be a huge source of distraction for an info-junkie like me but the expectation and pressure to stay connected all the time is so much higher now. Especially when running an online business, it can feel like your time is never really your own.

What is the biggest obstacle that stands in your way right now?

Time management. I’m not the best at detailed planning so trying to keep my procrastination and perfectionist tendencies in check while managing everything can be a struggle at times.

Are you more like your mom or your dad?  In what way?

I like to think I’m a pretty good blend of them both. I get my more artistic & crafty side from my mom and my tech-lovin’ side from my computer engineer dad.

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Now that you’ve gotten to know Lynnette a bit better, take a peek at some of her favorite products, and don’t forget you can pick up her whimsical and fun template pack, Circtangular, FREE with ANY $10 purchase made in the shoppe between now and August 15th!