Spotlight Sunday!

Hi all and happy Sunday!

This week we have a fun treat to spotlight!  Jaren from Purple Paradise Creations is a former teacher, a loving wife and mom of three that loves to paper craft and cook with a sweet southern charm!  Her first blog anniversary is coming up this April and even though she is new to the blogging world, her talent just speaks volumes of a well seasoned and passionate crafter!  Here is what landed her a spot on FCCB's Top 5 last week!

Jaren has some clever ideas in her creations and with spring fast approaching, here are a couple amazing inspirations!

Bunny Bait

Spring Layout!

Being a sucker for home decor crafting, how could I not pass up this cute idea for a kid's room {LOVE}!

Dino Room!

Now let's meet this incredibly talented crafter!
1: When did you start scrapbooking/paper crafting and why?  I started scrapbooking when my oldest daughter was born 6 years ago.  I TRY to make one album each year for each of my kids, but I've gotten a little behind to put it mildly.  With three kiddos, it is much harder to keep up.  My scrapbooking has definitely evolved since I got my Cricut Expression as a birthday present 4 years ago.  When I discovered this whole blog world, it completely changed how I did everything!  Also, I am obsessed with Pinterest and have a board dedicated to scrapbooking sketches and layouts.  

 2: What is your favorite type of project to make (i.e., cards, layouts, mini-albums, etc....)?

I am more of a scrapbooker than a card-maker, and I get SO EXCITED when I see a layout featured on a blog.  I also enjoy making treats for my kids birthday parties and class parties.  Yes, I know they take time and I know the kids just tear through them, but my kids get so excited when I make things for their classmates:).

 3: What is your favorite product to use on your projects? I have a few things I use on pretty much every project.  I am a big fan of Recollections card stock.  I find for the cost, it cuts just as great as the more expensive card stocks.  I also use a Zig 2 Way glue pen on every project.  Over the last year, I have learned how to use chalk and a gel pen for stitching on my cuts, and it just makes such a huge difference in the end result.

 4:  What is your favorite Cricut cartridge?  My new favorite is Create-a-Critter 2.  It has SO MUCH on it from cute critters to accessories to cute titles perfect for scrapbooking.  I also love Simply Charmed for the same reasons.  It is a great cartridge for year-round projects.

 5:  What do you do in your spare time, when you are not paper crafting? Well....my other favorite thing to do is to cook and bake.  I have a slight addiction to cookbooks and cooking magazines.  I also have a new food blog-Diary of a Recipe Collector.  I've always loved sharing recipes with friends, and I love the idea of having a blog dedicated solely to successful dishes I've made.  

Getting to know Jaren from Purple Paradise Creations has been such a fun and insprational experince.  Here is another fun idea to place in your back pocket for a great idea to give to teachers for end of year gifts.  This is straight from the horses mouth on what a teacher would love to receive! 

Teacher Appreciation 

As I sign off for now, I wanted to leave you with one last morsel of inspiration I found while perusing Purple Paradise Creation's blog . . . her foodie blog, Diary of a Recipe Collector!  Oh joy to the taste buds!  Here are a couple recipes that will really get you salivating.

Stuffed Sausage Bread

Red Velvet Swirl Brownies

Now be sure to head over and say HI to Jaren's craftiness and foodiness! You will not be disappointed!

Until Next Week!
Arin