Spotlight Sunday

Hello Fantabulous Friends! I hope you all had a very Happy Thanksgiving (for those in the U.S.) and that you enjoyed the holiday with family and friends!

This week I am finishing our Sunday Spotlight for our new FCCB Design Team members.

We are spotlighting:
Cathie from Creative Cutter
Melanie from Melanie Makes
Melissa from Create with the Cricutkateer
Peggy from Daily Grace Creations

First, we will take a look at Cathie from Creative Cutter. 1. When did you start scrapbooking/paper crafting and why?
I have been crafting almost my whole life since my mom is very crafty and was my 4H leader, but I really began scrapbooking after attending a Stampin Up party and the birth of my first child in 1990.
2. What is your favorite type of project to make (i.e., cards, layouts, mini-albums, etc....)?
I am addicted to making Mini Albums!!! I love the feeling of being done-and my kids love having something to "show off" to friends. I make lots of mini's for gifts and for my children so I rarely ever keep any of my creations, but I LOVE making them!
3. What is your favorite product to use on your projects?
Well besides a Cricut cut-which I almost always include in every project I make, I would say I am a huge fan of Bazzill cardstock and use it almost exclusively!
4. What is your favorite Cricut cartridge?
Not a fair question...they are like my children...how to pick a favorite. My go to cartridge seems to be Paper Doll Dress Up. Anything you ever want to cut seems to be there. I am also a huge fan of Storybook, Art Nouveau & Art Philosophy. I also couldn't Cricut cut without my Gypsy since I own over 175 cartridges having the Gypsy makes it so much easier to get it done.
5. What do you do in your spare time, when you are not paper crafting?
Mainly when not in my craft room I am with my kids. I have 6-four girls still at home and most days I feel like the taxi driver. When I get a minute to myself I love to read, listen to music, and cooking with my husband are my all time favorite activities. My husband and I are HUGE University of Utah football fans.....so during football season my favorite activity is to go to Home Games...we have season tickets right near the end zone...Awesome!
Any other information you would like us to know about you?
I am originally from Boston, Massachusetts. My family is of South American descent...they are Peruvian and I am very proud of my hispanic heritage. I had intended to go to law school before having a family, but now I am just a political junkie and love election time it's like my Superbowl!
I LOVE teaching! I never wanted to be a teacher...but since starting my Cricut and scrapbooking classes I love everything about teaching others about this wonderful hobby. I love it so much that next year I'm taking my teaching gig on the road 30 cities across the US and of course my Scrapbooking/Cricut Cruises. Now let's take a look at some of Cathie's creations! This is such a pretty card in pinks and greens, in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness.The sentiment is so cute and fitting! What a beautiful Fall banner. I love the scarecrows in each end, and that raffia, so cute! This pear card is so sweet. I love the delicate colors and the sentiment.

Now, let's take a look at Melanie from Melanie Makes, and find out more about her paper crafting.

1. When did you start scrapbooking/paper crafting and why?
I have always been a crafty person and even took it into my career as an Architect. I had done some scrapbooking for the birth of my first son, but really didn’t get into paper crafting until just about a year ago when I received my Cricut Expression as a Christmas gift. I started out making my son’s birthday invitations and decorations for his first birthday party. I was really honored when they were published in Cricut’s Birthday Idea Book (May 2011) since this was just the beginning for me. My paper crafting is such a creative outlet for me since I am a stay-at-home mom now. 2. What is your favorite type of project to make (i.e., cards, layouts, mini-albums, etc....)?
Creating cards is my favorite type of project. I love adding that personal touch to my projects and that I can share them with so many people.

3. What is your favorite product to use on your projects?
I would say that one of the most used products is the Zig Two Glue pen, it is vital for layering those Cricut cuts.

4. What is your favorite Cricut cartridge?
My favorite cartridge is “Create-a-Critter”. I have found so many uses for it; birthdays, get well, congratulations and holiday cards.

5. What do you do in your spare time, when you are not paper crafting?When I am not paper crafting, I am usually spending my time with my two beautiful boys, Tyler (4 ½) and Bryan (turning 2 on New Year’s Eve). They keep me busy as so many of you can understand, our favorite things to do are play with cars and anything outside.

Any other information you would like us to know about you?I can’t tell you how much I have enjoyed getting involved in this world of paper crafting. I love that there are sites like FCCB to help inspire us and push our creative limits. I am very excited to be a part of such a great group of talented designers. If you keep a look out, I have several more Cricut projects that are being published in Cricut Magazine and Cricut Idea Book in February, March and April.

Here are a few of Melanie's projects from her blog. Melanie has two boys, so she often makes boy projects. This is such a great card for a younger boy.
This little purse card holder is too cute! I love the flower on the outside.
What fun are these Halloween treats! They look so great displayed in their festive bucket.



Here are some projects you will find on Melissa's blog, from Create with the Cricutkateer
This is a great Halloween layout to capture the Fall festivities.
Melissa made this Smashbook for her family. What a great idea to make a mini book for a special holiday! Paper Doll Dress Up has so many cute images for different occasions. I love this mummy tag, so cute!

And last, but definitely not least, we have Peggy from Daily Grace Creations

1. When did you start scrapbooking/paper crafting and why?
My daughter introduced me to paper crafting 3 years ago. I resisted at first. I told her I didn't need to get into another obsessive craft to spend money on. I have done sewing, crocheting, knitting, painting, etc. You name it, I've tried it. Well I finally relented and it soon became my passion. My late husband was my biggest fan. After his passing, it became a way of honoring him.

2. What is your favorite type of project to make (i.e., cards, layouts, mini-albums, etc....)?
I love to make cards. I enjoy seeing people's reactions to receiving a card that I've made especially for them. I've done some layouts and have tons of photos I need to scrap but I'm guilty of putting that off in favor of cards.

3. What is your favorite product to use on your projects?
BLING. Anything to do with bling, Stickles, gems, pearls, glitter paper.

4. What is your favorite Cricut cartridge?
That's a tough question since there are so many to choose from. I seem to be reaching for Elegant Edges a lot. It is such a great cartridge for labels, borders and frames. I just got Santa's Village and I love it. However, it's seasonal.

5. What do you do in your spare time, when you are not paper crafting?
I work in my yard and travel. My husband loved gardening so I'm trying to maintain what he started. My daughter, son and grandsons live in different cities and states from me, so I have lots of places to visit.

Any other information you would like us to know about you?
I have been blessed by God beyond measure. Not only do I have a wonderful family, but I have many online friends who share my love of paper crafting. I have never met most of these friends but there is a kindred spirit among us. Thank you all for sharing your knowledge and talent. Here are some of Peggy's creations. I love this butterfly welded card Peggy made. The colors are gorgeous!



I love all the sparkle on this pretty card. It's so soft yet stunning!

This is the inside of the card. It's a tri-fold card.

This sweet doggie is adorable and I love him against the rosette embellishment!


Thank you Ladies for sharing your wonderful talent with us at FCCB! Stay tuned for a new Challenge Me Monday post tomorrow. We hope you all will play along with us. Happy Crafting! SabrinaFCCB Spotlight Sunday Hostess