Creative Blog Hop

Today I have something different for you – my first ever BLOG HOP! My sweet friend and fellow Stampin’ Up! demonstrator, Jamilla Ivits, nominated me to play along and honestly, I’ve been looking forward to it! Jamilla lives in Ontario and over the years we’ve enjoyed spending time together during Incentive Trips that we’ve earned.  This summer Jamilla and her husband will be travelling to Nova Scotia to stay with us for a visit and I can’t wait!


So let’s get on with today’s Blog Hop; I’ve decided to share a technique known as “Block Fill“.

I hope you give the Block Fill Technique a try – it’s really a ton of fun and the possibilities are endless!


We’re also asked to answer these 4 questions as participants:

What are you working on now?

Aside from making new stamping videos, I’ve been working a lot with my awesome “Serene Stampers” down-line team.  Many of the wonderful ladies in my group are close to promoting this year (by June) so I’ve made it a priority to help and support them anyway that I can. To do this I keep them posted on their progress, offer class ideas, share cards and projects, training and motivation and anything else I can think of (I’ve even been sending off HAPPY MAIL!).  We’ve also been having an absolute BLAST with our virtual team meetings via our Facebook group as well as monthly challenges.  We’re currently in the middle of a challenge to post in our group every day – it can be a card, a technique, something that inspires us, a business tip, a motivational quote, etc. It’s been so awesome that I’m not sure we’re going to stop once 30 days is up! LOL Creativity wise, I’m currently working on my Project Life album (so addicted!) and knitting shawls f0r gifts.

How does your work differ from others in your genre?

I’m not sure how my work differs from others but what I will say is that I dance to the rhythm of my own drum. Two of my favourite quotes that I live by are: “Be true to thine own-self.” and “Comparison is the thief of joy.”  I always try to do my own thing, put my own spin on my projects and just be ME. In fact, when I record my videos I literally pretend that I’m stamping with one of my friends beside me – instead of thinking about how many people will see it.  This helps me from becoming nervous or conscious of everything I say or do – and I also feel it keeps me authentic to who I am.  It’s also important to just have fun and not to sweat the small stuff.

Why do you create what you do?

Being creative is a huge part of who I am. From the time I was 4 years old I was creating (with finger paints) and I remember how much I loved it and how it made me feel. That feeling has never gone away and I love teaching others to find their creative muse too. Being a Stampin’ Up! demonstrator has enabled me to introduce the art of stamping to so many people and then expand on that with more techniques and projects. We get so busy in our day-to-day lives, with all the stresses, that quite often one forgets to nurture themselves, take a break and just BE. Providing an outlet such as a class or monthly stamp club is a great way to relax, unwind and recharge. This keeps me creating and learning and staying abreast of the art scene so that I can share with everyone else! It’s this passion that has inspired me to work towards opening a B&B retreat for crafters, as well as team building and wellness!

How does your creative process work?

Quite often I will find inspiration online, in books or sometimes I’ll even have an idea of my own. Then I start pulling out my supplies and start creating. The funny thing is, 9 times out of 10, my project or card ends up evolving and taking on a life of it’s own so I never quite know how it’s going to turn out until I’m done. The same is true for the cards in my videos. I know the technique, the stamps and usually the colours I want to use – but the layout and design usually just ‘happens’ as I go along, with no guidelines. I just hope for the best and go for it! LOL  The odd thing is, my true creative side is very vintage/shabby-chic, and I’ve been leaning towards mixed media. I’ve never really explored this in my “Stampin’ Up! business”…I’ve only just started making it a priority to play more ‘outside of the box’, in my spare time.

Jamilla, thanks so much for the nomination for this blog hop – it was fun! Friends, be sure to visit Jamilla’s blog HERE and check our her videos too – I’m always learning fun and new techniques from her!

 Enjoy the day and HAPPY STAMPING!