FAQ

How did you get started in the scrapbooking industry?
Scrapbooking
began for me as a hobby. When my son was 11 months old I got the urge
to create a baby book for him that would include all the photos and stuff
we had been accumulating since his birth. My quest for a modern-style
baby book was unsuccessful and through a series of online clicks I came
across Two Peas In A Bucket. It was there that I really learned about scrapbooking.

I became immediately hooked on the creative combination of words +
photos. I started uploading my layouts into a gallery and began meeting
so many really cool people who shared this same love. If you go to my gallery on Two Peas you can see my evolution as a storyteller.

In 2003 I entered Creating Keepsakes
Magazine Hall of Fame contest and was one of the winners that year.
That was really the beginning of my working relationship with Creating
Keepsakes and the start of so many crazy things. Since that time I have
written four books about scrapbooking, traveled and taught in some of the most amazing places, and in so many ways I have really gotten to know myself better.

What is your educational background?
I have a BA in American Studies (history, literature, & political science) and an Associates Degree in Graphic Design. Scrapbooking is the perfect blend of my passions.

What camera, computer, scanner, printer, software + other equipment do you use?
Camera: Canon Digital Rebel
Lens: Canon 28-105, Canon 50mm 1.4
Scanner: Epson Perfection 2480
Printer: HP Photosmart D7360
Computer: Mac
Software: Adobe Photoshop, iPhoto, Adobe InDesign, Adobe Illustrator

How can we get you to come teach at our store/event?
I am not traveling + teaching at this time.

Where can I buy your books?
AE Book Shop or Creating Keepsakes

How can I become a sponsor on your blog?
Email me for more information.

Below are some questions that appeared in an interview with Maegan Hall from Scrapjazz that address many of the questions I am often asked. [ Here is the link to the original article: May 2008 ]

A career, a husband, a child and a hobby? How do you keep up with it all? Do you schedule time(s) for things?
It's a constant work in progress with lots of dreams about balance.
When Chris is not in session (Oregon Legislature - he is a State Representative) we both work from
home - this gives us quite a bit of flexibility. I try to do most of my
work during the hours that Simon is in school and leave the late
afternoon/evening for family time. It's not unusual for both Chris and
me to do computer work after Simon goes to bed.

What is the main concept of Life Artist, your most recent book release?
The
main concept is this: capturing life through words and photos and doing
something creative with that documentation. For me it also extends
beyond scrapbooking - I want to live my life in a creative manner. I
believe that our own personal "art" can be the way in which we choose
to live our lives.

What made you decide to write Life Artist? Like, what was your goal for the scrapbooker; inspiration, freedom, education?
Life
Artist is a collection of my thoughts on scrapbooking. It is the book I
have always wanted to write. It is more focused on my philosophy of
capturing life in a creative manner: embracing imperfection, going with
the flow, not making it more complicated than it needs to be, and
celebrating the everyday. They are all things I try to live by as well
as mantras I use while creating.

What I really wanted to create with that book was something that I
would want to read. I wanted it to be a nice balance between words and
images, between philosophy and projects. When someone picks up that
book I want them to have the opportunity to really reflect on what
scrapbooking means to them in their life. I want the reader to get
excited about documenting their stories and stop worrying about trying
to make everything perfect.

What is the best part of it all?
Doing what I love. Working from home. Focusing on my family. 

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