Hey Sweet Shoppers! This week it is so exciting to share with you our Featured Designer MandaBean! I’ve been a fan of Manda’s for as long as I can remember. I’ve always loved her bold use of color in her kits and of course her amazing Word Art.

Here’s a little more about Manda:

1. How did you get started designing?

I have always been both creative and computer savvy. I started using Paint Shop Pro more than 15 years ago for various things from creating “blends” or “sigs” to touching up photos. When my sister-in-law told me about an online community that showcased digital scrap-booking, I had to investigate. I had never heard of a digital scrapbook, and even though I wasn’t a traditional scrapper to begin with, I was really interested in this digital thing. So, after a couple months of dabbling in layouts, MandaBean the digital designer, was born.

2. Where do you get inspiration for your designs?

I actually have a super hard time with inspiration. I usually start with a color palette that I have pulled from a stock photo or magazine, and let the colors direct me into the theme of the kit. There are times when I have a theme and no colors too, so it just really varies. I am driven by the seasons and some holidays as well. Mostly, I just try to look for what the scrapper wants and do my best to accommodate.

3. What is your best selling product?

Without a doubt, Cupid’s Confectionary. I totally loved creating that kit and I was thrilled to see such a great response to it. It’s totally fun and a great representation of my design style.

4. What’s your designing “atmosphere”?

Well, I design in my office and there’s no TV in there. It’s a good thing though, because I am SO easily distracted. I do adore listening to music on Rhapsody when I’m designing kits and element packs, but I can’t listen to music when I’m creating a wordart set. My head gets stuck on these quotes I’m working with and then I hear the catchy lyrics in a song and it just becomes a total mess. I think I must have A.D.D. =)

I always love it when our designers scrap and you can check out Manda’s fabulous gallery right here! Also you can become a fan of Manda on facebook here or follow her on twitter right here.

I also asked Manda to share 3 of her own favorite products and let us know why she loves them:

Hey Sassy

This kit is so me! The bright colors and just all-around funky style are totally ‘Bean.

Cupid’s Confectionary

I just love all things candy, and this kit was so much fun to make. I had to force myself to stop adding things.

Dream, Wish & Believe

My husband and I are Disney lovers, so I finally decided to play around with the Disney theme and I really love how it turned out. It’s definitely one of my best ever!

Featured Designer Challenge (Bonus #1) for your April 2010 Scrapper’s Portfolio

Your bonus challenge this week is easy peasy!  All you have to do is use is make a layout of your own using mostly products by MandaBean. (It’s okay to add other designers’ products but most of your layout should be done using Manda’s)

**please note this challenge is worth 1 point and cannot be combined with other portfolio prompts except for NR bonus point for a total of 2 points.**

And now some examples from our very own SugarBabes!

By Tracy

using You’ve Got a Friend Bundle

By Meg

using Your Love is My Drug

By me (Nikki)

using Dude With a Tude

Don’t forget to edit your Portfolio with your page for this challenge!

NOTE: These Bonus Challenges are EXTRA on top of the Posted Portfolio Challenges.  They CANNOT be combined with any other challenge and stand alone (except New Release bonus pt).  Please feel free to PM me with any questions – nikkiARNGwife.  Thanks!