American Crafts Studio Blog: Guest Designer of the Week: Nancy Doren

In light of the new year we're starting something new! Each week we'll be featuring the work of a guest designer - starting with the über talented Nancy Doren!

Supplies: Dorian Gray Paper (35306) - The Classics, The Lion Paper (35316) – The Classics, Mockingbird Paper (35299) – The Classics, Grapes of Wrath Paper (35298) – The Classics, The Classics Journaling Stickers (42184) – Remarks, The Classics Journaling Cards (64006) – Just Write, Medium Brads Library Assortment (85525) – Elements, Aquatic Hard Cover (53138) – Thickers, Chestnut Salutations (35298) – Thickers

"As soon as I saw the new The Classics line from AC I knew it would be perfect for a layout about my book club! The phrases in the Remarks book are so clever — they’re lines from classic books that are the perfect scrapbooking sentiments, like 'It was the best of times.' Love that! On my layout, I included a few of my favorite titles from this year’s books."

Supplies: 12x12 Cardstock Kraft (71464) – AC Cardstock, Take a Chance Paper (35182) – Love, Can’t Help Falling Paper (35177) – Love, At First Sight Paper (35173) – Love, The Classics Journaling Gate (42184) – Remarks, Mulberry Darling (42912) – Thickers, Robin’s Egg Delight (53073) – Thickers, Parfait Heart (53093) – Thickers, Assorted Buttons Love (85509) – Elements, Eternal Love (72005) – Delights, Tenderness Love (78034) – Details

"I love a mushy, romantic layout as much as the next girl, but I also try to be realistic when I scrapbook. Although our marriage isn’t perfect (whose is?), my hubby and I are crazy about each other, and that’s what counts. I love how the journaling stickers from The Classics are a perfect match for the Love line!"

Wish card supplies: 12x12 Cardstock White (71259) – AC Cardstock, Gracious Hare Paper (35252) – Dear Lizzy Enchanted, Elated Iris Paper (35257) – Dear Lizzy Enchanted, Damsel Dear Lizzy Enchanted Rub On Transfers (43387) – MiniMarks

Magic card supplies: 12x12 Cardstock White (71259) – AC Cardstock, Gracious Hare Paper (35252) – Dear Lizzy Enchanted, Elated Iris Paper (35257) – Dear Lizzy Enchanted, Dainty Primrose Paper (35269) – Dear Lizzy Enchanted, Damsel Dear Lizzy Enchanted Rub On Transfers (43387) – MiniMarks, Dear Lizzy Enchanted (61734) – Mixtape, Dear Lizzy Enchanted Charming Metal Embellishments (82301) – Mementos

"I love the classic look of rub ons on textured white cardstock. So I added some jewels, a few patterned paper frames, and was done! I like to keep it simple when I’m making cards."

Supplies: Rock Creek Gardens Paper (35225) – City Park, Courtland Gardens Paper (35232) – City Park, Riverfront Park Paper (35233) – City Park, Skyline Park Paper (35235) – City Park, Hyde Park Paper (35238) – City Park, Bell Park Paper (35243) – City Park, Banana Sunny (53121) – Thickers, Limeade Fantastic (53109) – Thickers, Spinach Honey (43109) – Thickers, City Park Tags (77244) – Bits, City Park Gazeebo (42176) – Remarks, City Park Journaling Stickers (42175) – Remarks, Other supplies: Chipboard sheets, book rings, Silhouette file

"Originally the City Park line made me think of spring in the city, but the more I played with, I realized that it’s also perfect for the photos from our vacation in Mexico last year. I created this mini album by covering chipboard sheets with patterned paper, then binding them with book rings. Easy and fast! This mini will keep our memories fresh through the long Colorado winter!"

Let's get to know Nancy a little better shall we?

How did you get started scrapbooking?
The summer before I got married, I made a scrapbook with real scraps — movie tickets, dried flowers, etc. Then as a wedding gift my cousin Linda gave me a huge box of scrapbook supplies. When I saw the stickers and paper, I was like, “There’s STUFF for scrapbooking? Sign me up!”

What would you say your scrapbooking “style” is?
I’m shooting for colorful, organic, and composed. I love bright colors and honest journaling.

What is your favorite technique?
Machine sewing, no contest! I can’t make a layout without it!

When do you find time to scrap?
I’m lucky enough to have scrapbooking as my day job, but I love it so much I’ve been known to sneak it in on evenings and weekends, too. :)

On average, how long does it take you to complete a project?
I used to need 4-5 hours per page, and it was driving me nuts! Now I plan my pages out completely before I start cutting or gluing and I’ve gotten a lot faster. I’d say I can make one page in an hour, depending on how crazy I get with the sewing machine or paint.

What is your favorite thing about American Crafts?
I love how clean and graphic the designs are from American Crafts. The style is crisp and fresh and you can always tell that there’s a lot of thought put into each product, like clever names and cute packaging.

Make sure to check out Nancy's blog - she's always got fun and crafty inspiration!

Comments

Nancy is one of my favorite scrappers ever, and this post is a full testimony to the reasons why. Thanks for featuring her.

Posted by: Shaina | Friday, January 07, 2011 at 10:24 AM

I really like Nancy's ideas and cool techniques. Thanks for featuring her. My favorite idea from this: layering alphabets for a title,...I don't remembering noticing anyone do this before,..looks super!

Posted by: Janine Rachau | Friday, January 07, 2011 at 11:06 AM

Awesome projects, Nancy! I love it!

Posted by: Jingle | Friday, January 07, 2011 at 12:20 PM

Nancy, you ROCK!! I love that your projects are simple, yet soooo designed!

Posted by: HeatherC | Friday, January 07, 2011 at 12:24 PM

Awesome.

Posted by: Sasha Holloway | Friday, January 07, 2011 at 12:41 PM

Amazing stuff, Nancy! It's so great to have you here!

Posted by: Becky Williams | Friday, January 07, 2011 at 12:57 PM

Wonderful projects!!! :)

Posted by: ShellyJ | Friday, January 07, 2011 at 01:14 PM

What a talented lady- gorgeous projects!