Past Design Team Members

Suzy Haghighi, Summer 2009

I am originally from California, but thanks to Allan's job we are currently living on the island of Newfoundland, Canada, or the rock as it is affectionately called. When we moved to the highest point of the island we were called crazy by the locals, and after our first winter we understand why.

When I am not nailing things down so that they don't blow away I love to hike gentle trails, read mysteries, bake, cook, and of course make cards and other papery craftiness. I love the cute and the quirky, and can color all day!

Visit Suzy's blog: PaperMonkey.org

Lauri Ingram, Summer & Fall 2009

I have come a long way from when I was a little girl, dreaming of being a tractor when I was 3, a cowboy when I was 5 and a teacher when I was 7. Although I have worked in the information technology field in the insurance industry for over 25 years, I have always crafted, always been creative and always secretly dreamed of a life as an artist. I first used rubber stamps more than 15 years ago, making my daughter's birthday invitations and our Christmas cards. While I put away the stamps for a few years, I dabbled in other crafts, primarily jewelry design and scrapbooking. Then, two years ago, I pulled out all the old stamps and was inspired at a Stampin Up workshop to go back to my roots! Coloring! How I remember that feeling of opening a new box of crayons . . . and I get that joy every time I create a card, a gift, a scrapbook page or just doodle.

My style is colorful and fun! I love to try new things, make gifts and teach! I have a 19 year old daughter and an 11 1/2 year old Westie and have lived in Connecticut my whole life. When I am not at work, you will find me at my craft table!

Visit Lauri's blog: Paperville

Alma Olhava, Summer 2009

My name is Alma Olhava. I am also known as stamping mutt or a1r601. Since I was a child, I was always into art — it was one of my favorite subjects in school. In 2006, I fell in-love with a newly found hobby of papercrafting when I attended my first stamp-a-stack. Ever since then I've been busy making gifts for family and friends.

My papercrafting style is simple, but I love to think out of the box as well to make my projects unique to my style. Most of the time, because I love to work with earth tone colors, my projects end up with a distressed vintage look. A few months back, I discovered the world of digital stamps. I was very comfortable working with a computer so I gave some images I found for free a try, and just like my first stamp-a-stack, I was immediately hooked. Unlike rubber stamps, you can easily manipulate the image by resizing or flipping it. The best thing I like about digital stamps is that it takes so little to store. So far, papercrafting has opened up a whole new world for me and always on the lookout for different ways to express my love for this newfound hobby.

Visit Alma's Blog: Me, Myself & I-N-K

Cheryl Rowley, Summer 2009

Like so many of you, I have always been a crafter. It is something instilled in me by my mother at an early age. There is a need to create something from nothing. I have loved candlemaking, macrame, crocheting, knitting, leather work and so many more. I had big success with tole painting and sold many things at craft shows. I have owned stamps for years because I am a teacher and we love that stuff! Cardmaking began when I went to a party about 12 years ago and I've never looked back. It is something that has quick results and so many supplies! I am married to my DH, Dave, and we live in Western New York with our two kitties, Charlie and Violet. My other loves include reading, kayaking, and flower gardening. I am so pleased to be on Judi's team for Angels' Landing.

Visit Cheryl's blog: Cottage Creations

Jennifer Scull, Summer 2009

I am a stay at home mom of 3 teenage boys, married to my college sweetheart for 22 years. I have always been a crafter, but didn't begin stamping until about 7 years ago when I went to that first Stampin' Up! party. After that, I was hooked. I still have that first set I bought at the party all those years ago, and funny how my love for the same style of stamps hasn't really changed that much. I am a hopeless romantic and love the shabby vintage style.

My favorite techniques involve distressing papers, whether through the use of ink, sandpaper, scissors, or whatever else I can possibly come up with — I love the look of anything old and worn by time. I am also all about embellishments — ribbons, buttons, little vintage finds, yep, it's gonna be incorporated onto my creations somewhere. I try to challenge myself to try new techniques, but still keep to my own unique style. Watch out though — ask anyone who has ever taken a class from me what my favorite word to use when stamping is, and they will quickly answer "WHIMSY"! So when you least expect it, a quirky little something might make its way onto one of my creations. :)

I am thrilled to be a part of this amazing team of talented designers. And I thank Judi deeply for giving me this opportunity to join her in creating with her phenomenal designs.

Visit Jennifer's blog:
Just Coffee Please… & Stamps & Ribbon & Paper

Sparkle Smith, Summer 2009

Since many people ask, yes, Sparkle is my real name. I'm half Hmong and half Chinese. My given ethnic names translate to "shiny light," and that is why my American name is Sparkle. I was born and raised in Portland, Oregon and graduated from Oregon State University. Now I live up in Seattle, Washington with my wonderful husband, Brent. I also work full time as an Instructional Designer, but my true passion lies within crafting. I have been scrapbooking and stamping for over 8 years now and can't wait to share with all of you.

Visit Sparkle's blog: Sparkle Creations