Meet Christa Paustenbaugh - our talented Guest Designer of the week!
She had tons of fun creating two layouts, two cards, and a mini album focusing on Bits!
Supplies: 8.5x11 White Cardstock (71273) - AC Cardstock, Viola Paper (34849) - Botanique, Ender Paper (35317) - The Classics, Huckleberry Fin Paper (35311) - The Classics, Three Muskateers Paper (35295) - The Classics, Letterbox Gracious (87646) - Ribbon, The Classics Tags (77246) - Bits, The Classics Dedication (82303) - Mementos, Dear Lizzy Enchanted Plastic Rose Brads (85522) - Elements, Aquatic Paperback (53132) - Thickers
"After my daughters' birthdays I like to do a little list of what they are into at that time, personality traits, etc. so they can look back and find out about themselves and we can all say 'remember when?'! The Classics Bits were perfect as both a banner and a journaling area for her 8-year-old traits. I punched a tiny hole on either side of the larger reinforced hole to string the ribbon through and create the banner."
Supplies: 12x12 Crimson Cardstock (71029) - AC Cardstock, Many Splendored Paper (35180) - Love, Always Paper (35175) - Love, Sir Paper (35014) - Letterbox, Dear Lizzy Lovely (89290) - Ribbon, City Park Stream (61733) - Mixtape, Love Reinforced Decorative Tags (85111) - Bits, Love Irresistable Stickers (42166) - Remarks, Powder Rockabye (42955) - Thickers, Kate Rub Ons (43144) - MiniMarks, Black (62311) - Precision Pen
"The Love Bits were perfect to create a Valentine's Day coupon card for my girls. I used MiniMarks rub ons and Thickers to create tags that they can trade in, like reading a book, playing a game, or my favorite: hugs! I created a small pocket where these fit in perfectly and I think they'll love it! I will probably make one for my husband too!"
Supplies: 8.5x11 White Cardstock (71273) - AC Cardstock, 8.5x11 Neutrals Cardstock Pack (71266) - AC Cardstock, Lakeside Park Paper (35224) - City Park, Gentle Badger Paper (35253) - Dear Lizzy Enchanted, Dear Lizzy Christmas Reinforced Decorative Tags (77241) - Bits, The Classics Large Fabric Brads (85524) - Elements, Kate Rub Ons (43144) - MiniMarks, Aqua Patchwork (42974) - Thickers
"I wanted to use the Dear Lizzy Christmas Bits as more of a winter theme rather than holiday theme. I cut three of them in half to use as strips behind the title of the card. Then I took two complete tags and adhered them together to make one large tag for the sentiment. The fabric brad was perfect for an "O". I'm not normally a card maker, but this one might actually get sent out to someone this winter!"
Supplies: 8.5x11 White Cardstock (71273) - AC Cardstock, Ender Paper (35317) - The Classics, Skyline Drive Paper (35078) - Abode, Roosevelt Way Paper (35071) - Abode, Hyde Park Paper (35238) - City Park, Fairmont Gardens Paper (35242) - City Park, Central Park Paper (35223) - City Park, Must Have Been Paper (35174) - Love, Preface Phrases and Journaling (42184) - Remarks, City Park Gazeebo (42176) - Remarks Dimensional Stickers, City Park Tags (77244) - Bits, City Park Tags 2 (77245) - Bits, Fieldhouse Blue Skies (77225) - House, The Classics Large Fabric Brads (85524) - Elements, Letterbox Buttons (85497) - Elements, Pastels Jewel Brads (85286) - Elements, Mustard Typo (42979) - Thickers, White Heart (53092) - Thickers, Yellow Vera (387998) - Thickers, Brown (62326) - Precision Pen, Other: 7Gypsies Chipboard Album
"I have been hanging onto so many photos from our amazing trip to Cost Rica last spring and when I received the City Park papers and tags I knew just how to use them! They coordinate perfectly with a city theme, but also a vacation/beach theme too. My downfall of taking so many photos on a vacation is what to do with said photos from the vacation and I'm so happy I have them (most of them anyway!) in a mini album now!"
Here are some fun facts about Christa:
How did you get started scrapbooking?
Way back in 1998 I was a newlywed and new to military life too. I was invited to a Creative Memories party and really enjoyed getting those photos and memories down. I started scrapping more after my two girls were born and the hundreds of pictures poured in! I got more serious about four years ago and am loving every bit of it.
What would you say your scrapbooking “style” is?
This is always so hard for me to answer and I never know how to describe it! I like clean, simple designs and I normally add a bit of layering and whimsy with some butterflies, jewels, and chipboard.
What is your favorite technique?
Oh, I’m also one of the most un-technique-y people I know too! If it’s considered a technique, I love, love, love border punches. I think they add great layering, texture, and great finishing touches too. I love using chipboard in lots of different places: for titles, for embellishment, and even journaling.
When do you find time to scrap?
I love my children, but so happy to have some “free” time during the week now that my youngest is in kindergarten. I have two days off from work each week and I spend a little time doing projects then since I’m by myself. I also do lots of scrapping at night after they’re in bed. My husband and I watch tv and I scrap!
On average, how long does it take you to complete a project?
Oh gosh, much more than I care to admit! My projects look so simple and I’m amazed sometimes at how long it takes. Probably 1-2 hours on average for each project. I’m always so excited when something actually comes together in no time!
What is your favorite thing about American Crafts?
Um, everything?! My first love is hands down Thickers. I love them all, hoard them all, and use them everywhere! I also love the chipboard too. So many different designs, colors, and shapes!
Here's a link to Christa's blog so you can find out more about her and see her sweet inspiration!
you rocked it girl .. congrats.
Posted by: Sasha Holloway | Wednesday, January 12, 2011 at 09:41 AM
Love the coupons card!
Posted by: Helene | Wednesday, January 12, 2011 at 10:03 AM
Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhh Christa, U know I love your work...congrats, I loved Costa Rica pictures, you're really an adventure person wow :)))))) XX
Posted by: Fabi Ormerod | Wednesday, January 12, 2011 at 11:21 AM
Big congrats, Christa!! These project are gorgeous. :)
Posted by: NancyD | Wednesday, January 12, 2011 at 11:37 AM
Hi Christa, awesome work, I specially love the album about your vacation in my country!!
Posted by: Maria | Wednesday, January 12, 2011 at 12:23 PM
Wow! You have a great style and technique! Very nice!
Posted by: Melissa D. | Wednesday, January 12, 2011 at 01:01 PM
These are great Christa love that mini!
Posted by: samantha | Wednesday, January 12, 2011 at 02:34 PM
Thank you all so much! Still in disbelief that I was given this opportunity!
Maria-we absolutely LOVED Costa Rica! When people are looking for somewhere to go we now always suggest going there-beautiful country!
Posted by: Christa P. | Wednesday, January 12, 2011 at 04:13 PM
So exciting to see you featured here, Christa! You rocked the projects!
Posted by: Mindy | Wednesday, January 12, 2011 at 04:38 PM
What a great pick for a guest designer! Christa makes such great, clean pages. I love that her pages still focus on the photos and stories that need to be told. :)
Posted by: AmyInKY | Wednesday, January 12, 2011 at 06:22 PM
Great work and style, I love it!
Posted by: Stephanie Buice | Wednesday, January 12, 2011 at 07:06 PM
Super cute projects!!!
Posted by: ShellyJ | Thursday, January 13, 2011 at 06:30 AM
Gorgeous! Love everything...
Posted by: Rachel Kaufman | Thursday, January 13, 2011 at 12:04 PM
Christa these are awesome! Big huge congrats on this gig. AC is so lucky to have you join them!!!
Posted by: Melissa Elsner | Thursday, January 13, 2011 at 04:22 PM