We have decided to feature a guest artist on the Melissa Frances blog each month, and for our first month, we are pleased to have the talented Hilary Shirley from Idaho Falls, Idaho.
HILARY SHIRLEY
Age: 35 on 8/15... yikes!
Where were you born, and where do you currently live? Born in Utah... raised in Washington and now living in Idaho!
Hobbies & Interests: Photography, computer, baking, decorating, reading...
Pet Peeves: Whining! Favorite Magazine: Real Simple...
Favorite Smells: Bread baking, Johnson's baby lotion, citrus, Scentsy...
Favorite Movies or Books: I love the Father of the Bride movies (and the house!), Best Friend's Wedding, Get Smart was hilarious, Mamma Mia was fun... I enjoy Jodi Picoult books... I loved "The Host."
Favorite TV show: Lost, Heroes, Grey's Anatomy, Project Runway.
Favorite Season: Fall/Spring. Tied. I just love May and September.
What time do you wake up in the morning? 7:30 or 8:00? That's bad, isn't it? I'm too much of a night owl!
Do you collect anything? Clocks.
SCRAPBOOKING:
When and how did you get into scrapbooking? I've scrapbooked since I was in junior high. I loved the old scrapbooks with photo corners... I doodled with markers and cut things out of magazines to embellish... When I was in college a girlfriend took me to a crop at Pebbles in my Pocket and the rest is history! I was hooked! What is your favorite Melissa Frances Product? I love the patterned paper and the chipboard. So, so cute! The Crystal Clear Stamps are amazing in quality... and the rubons are so adorable.
What music (if any) do you listen to while you scrap? I actually prefer silence.... I don't get enough of it during the day. (See Pet Peeve!)
What do you like to snack on while you scrap? Usually nothing, but at crops I love Junior Mints and Hot Tamales. Mmmm! How would you describe your scrapbooking style? Simple. Clean. Sort of cutesy, I tend to be more classic instead of going with what's "trendy."
What is more important to you…getting the photos into albums, or indulging in creativity? Creativity ... I'm too slow of a scrapper to be worried about catching up! I love spotlighting the "perfect" picture.
Where do you find inspiration? I find inspiration in the products I'm using, my photographs and browsing the internet. Do you like to crop with others or scrap alone? Both, but I get way more done when I'm alone.
How has scrapbooking changed your life? I love capturing moments... having a little moment that I have preserved for me and for my kids. Letting them know how much I love them and cherish them. I view life differently... which I love. I notice more. I take more pictures!! I also am thankful that scrapbooking helped me embrace my creative side. It is a blessing when you discover your talents.
What is one scrapbooking tool, you can't live without? Tombow Adhesive and my Fiskars Trimmer.
What format do you scrap? (12x12, 8.5x11 etc)? 12x12 mostly with some 8.5x11.
Which do you prefer? Scrapbook layouts, cards, altered projects? I'm not really an altered sort of gal. It doesn't come easy to me. Do you have any organization or time saving tips you could share? Label things... I love my little Dymo labeler. Try to make your organization pretty as well as functional-- it will make you happier. If you're kind of messy, find containers to disguise your mess (baskets, tins, etc.) Don't be afraid to invest in storage containers - how can you be organized without a spot to put things?! Occasionally go through your stash and get rid of things... Simplify! I love using Plano Fishing Tackle boxes to store my little embellishments.
Here are some of the beautiful projects Hilary created using MF products...
I had fun decorating cleaned out tin cans from beans and corn. Such a cute, cheap, easy container to make cute! For the can of daisies, I cut a scallop shape on one piece of paper and sewed it front to back to the other... I curled the ends of the scallop on a pencil. What a perfect, tiny present!
With back-to-school, here's a simple teacher gift using a tin can. Before adhering paper to the can, stitch on a label and some ricrac. Use glue dots to add colorful buttons around the base. Add some colorful dry-erase markers and you've got a great first day of school gift for your child's teacher.
I love simple little birthday gifts. Brown lunch sacks are always handy and so simple and cute. I loved this beautiful patterned paper... I cut strips and added a scalloped edge using circle punches... Distress and add the darling birthday stickers, fill with yummy caramel corn and you've got a birthday gift anyone would love."
Baby Shower....
Favors: Pass out delicious chocolates in cute little "sour cream" looking containers... make tubes out of patterned paper then crimp the ends in opposite directions. Attach some ribbon, a tag and a sparkly chipboard flower... so easy and so cute.
Successful parties don't skimp on the details. Consider adding patterned paper and a chipboard flower to water bottles to carry on with the theme.
Using Melissa Frances chipboard books, make a cute little book for party guests to write tips and advice for the new parents...
Add patterned paper to clothespins and play the following game. Give each person a clothespin and explain the rules to them. When someone says "BABY" or "PREGNANT," whoever hears that person gets their clothespin. The person with the most clothespins at the end of the baby shower is the winner! Another way you can play this game is by watching to see who crosses their arms or legs during the shower. Whoever catches a person doing this gets their clothespin
Another easy decoration or favor are little binkies made with white lifesavers and pink jelly beans. Just hot glue together or use white decorator's frosting to stick together.
