Yay! Here we are back again with another fun spotlight on one of our awesome designers here at Sweet Shoppe Designs! I am really loving this part of the month. Getting to know these designers is so much fun and I enjoy seeing how they’re all different, yet how they all bring such great stuff to the Sweet Shoppe.

This week our spotlight falls on the awesome Shawna Clingerman.
I really love Shawna’s designs. They’re so warm and fun with cool patterns and elements. You can begin to get to know Shawna by reading her bio HERE!

Let’s get to the interview, shall we?

Q: If you could describe your designs in one sentence, how would you describe them?
My designs are grungy, funky fun, and yet still a bit understated – the one thing you will almost ALWAYS see in my design is boy colors, since I am a mom of three little men.

Q: Where do you get the inspiration for each new kit?
Mostly from my boys, from things they do and play with and moods that they strike in me.

Q: Has designing ever touched your heart in a way that made you feel good about what you’re doing?
When I recently finished my kit Grey Day I made a layout with one of the pictures I had used to draw the color scheme from. It was incredibly fulfilling to see that picture of my sweet little guy on that page made with a kit that I had made for him. That in a nutshell is the first reason I design.

Q: Is there something design-related that you just won’t touch with a ten foot pole?
I can’t tie ribbons – lol, I’m still an elements user, and it is WAY over my head for now, but SOON I hope to upgrade and start some serious tying!

Q: What is your favorite kit you’ve designed and why?
My first kit Techno Grunge. It is so fun, different, manly and I made it because of my cool kids and my super cool geeky husband. What’s not to love!?
Grey Day is a very close second, I love the colors and the “mood” of that kit.

Q: What is your least favorite kit you’ve designed and why?
My first actual mini kit, I made as a freebie for my blog it was called The Icing On the Cake and it is decent enough, but it is pretty pastel, and blech… I don’t like pastels so much.

Q: What do you want the digital community to know about you?
I love Cabbage Patch Kids and Nine Inch Nails, Vampire books and “The Saddle Club” (seriously I watch it on PBS). I’m dying to get a very gothic tattoo on my foot and I also love pink glitter. LOL, I am a very “dark and twisty”/sweet and girly type of girl.

Q: What’s the most important thing to you when it comes to designing? I am not the quickest designer. As a mom of three little boys I don’t have the time (or the talent yet) to whip them out like some of the pros do – but in the end, I’m not trying to crank stuff out, I just want to make some things that make me feel good inside and I enjoy sharing them with the world. Even as I do grow as a designer I hope not to lose sight of the fact that I am doing this because I love it.

Q: How do you feel about being a designer at Sweet Shoppe Designs?
Sweet Shoppe Designs is “It” for me! This is such an incredible place to be and I’m beyond flattered to be able to be among these incredible women.

Q: Do you have any dreams, as far as designing, that haven’t come true yet?
I’d love to have a thread at DST created just about me! No, but really, this is all about a journey. I don’t have any dreams or visions of what I want in the future but I do look forward to the surprises it will bring my way!

Q: What have you always wanted to do but haven’t? Why haven’t you done it?
I dream of traveling to cities all over the world! I became a mom pretty early in life and didn’t really get to “spread my wings” as much as I dream of doing – so watch out 50ies, this empty nester is going to be living it up!

Q: What has always been your life-long dream?
Yikes! I have NO idea. I don’t really do a lot of that. I’m not a big planner but I love to experience life as it comes at me – so far I’ve been loving it and I know that I’m going to love whatever the future has in store.

Q: Think back 5 years. What did you think your life would be like today? How is it different?
This question took me off guard because I’ve been a mom for almost 7 years now. As soon as I knew I was pregnant with my first born this is the life I knew I’d have and 5 years and 2 years later, I’m feeling so blessed to be exactly where I am.

Q: What is your most important task this holiday season?
Santa Duty, of course! And just trying to do more enjoying and LESS stressing! Wish me luck!

Q: What are 3 New Years resolutions that you hope to work on this year.
I don’t usually do these, but actually there is one thing I’ve really been trying to focus on, and I’m looking forward to making it my mantra –

“Stop questioning yourself so much, and just trust yourself more.” I like it and hope to really be able to keep to it.
…oh, and I need to be better about shaving my legs!! LOL

LOL! That is one spunky personality! And not only is she spunky and fun…so are her designs!

Techno Grunge is Shawna’s very favorite designs and I can see why. The boldly stated elements and colors are just phenominal!

Grey Day is another one of Shawna’s favorites and the one she designed around the photo of her son shown in the following beautiful layout. It’s calm tones and wonderful elements make this a must have for any mom of boys!

Last but not least, U Cut is the perfect photo for those of you who cut your Christmas tree fresh every year. And…it’s so versatile that you can use it for every day of the year as seen in the fabulous layout at the bottom of the page by Kris Pack.

Thanks so much for joining us today to spotlight Shawna Clingerman! To celebrate her spotlight, please post kudos or links to your layouts using her designs in the comments section! We would all love to see what you do with her amazing designs!

Have a wonderful rest of the week!