2008 Design Team Members:

Nicole Pealer, Special Events/Sponsorship Coordinator

Who: I am a wife of 8 years to Jeff, a mother to my two beautiful kids Jeffrey 7 and Jamie 4 and a scrapbook addict. I have been scrapping for about 6 years. I started after my son was born and haven't stopped since. It is my creative outlet and a way for me and my family to preserve all of the special moments we have shared. I also love shopping, reading and cooking!

What: I love all aspects of scrapbooking and paper crafts. Not only do I have a ton of scrapbooks that are in some stage of completion, but I also love to alter projects and create cards. I love sharing my passion with my family and friends. I also love to learn from others.

When: Well I used to try to scrap when ever the kids were at school or busy. Now I am a working mom again and have had to cram some precious scrap time into the weekends or evenings. I like to just turn on my music and get into the "zone".

Where: In the Cave! Also known as my scraproom/office. The cave is what my hubby calls it. He says I never leave it. I think he is just jealous because my scrap stuff booted him out!

Why: Scrapbooking gives me something to focus my creative energy in. At the same time it leaves behind a story of our family legacy. I do it for myself, my kids, my family and some day FAR FAR AWAY my grandkids!

Shana Dilldine, Design Team Coordinator

Who? Shana Dilldine aka Yayaprincess What? mother of four, wife to Robert, teacher of First graders, scrapbooker, sister, daughter and friend When? I began scrapbooking in the sense that it is now about 6 years ago. I scrapbooked as a kid, keeping memorabilia in albums and such. But now, many would say it is my obsession. Not a day goes by that I don't do something scrapbook related. Where? I live just outside Ft. Worth Texas with my dh, two of my kids, 3 cats, 2 dogs, 1 bird, 1 turtle, 1 goat and 4 fish. Why? Scrapbooking is my therapy. It keeps me sane, or some what? It is my creative release and it leaves a creative memory for my family.

 
Jennifer Key, Design Team Member

Who? I am a 39 year old wife and mom of three beautiful children, ages 12, 8 and 4. We live in California, and enjoy a crazy, busy, fun and love filled life. I work part time at a local hospital in the pool therapy program, where I get to play in the water and talk to interesting people all day! Our family loves the ocean, camping, and amusement parks. I love taking photographs and capturing the moments that make me smile. I also love to read, especiaily historical fiction, and I am a reality TV junkie. What? I have been scrapbooking for about 9 years, and really enjoy the creative process. I love to share what I love with others, and have led classes and workshops in card making, rubber stamping and scrapbooking for the last 3 years. At this point in my life, I am trying to focus on improving the quality of my work, spending time scrapbooking just for me, and learning as much as I possibly can. I mostly scrap my children, and they provide me with lots of great material! I love knowing that their best childhood memories are preserved forever, including special touches from me that will always remind them of how much I adore them. When? I do most of my scrapbooking after the kids get to bed - although I try to sneak in time on weekends and days off if they give me the chance! I often dream in scrapbook layouts, waking up with something new in my mind that I rush to get on paper. Of course it does not always turn out how I dreamed it, but it is fun to try! Where? I dream of having a home one day with my very own room with a door (to hide the mess) and a closet (to store all of my hoards of stuff!). But for now, I have converted the dining room to my scrap room - we just don't dine! It is small and poorly lit, but it is all mine! I love to scrap with friends or at retreats, but I tend to find it really difficult to do so, since I have so much junk, I am just not good at being portable. I like to work when it is quiet, and do my best work when I am all by myself with no distractions. Why? I scrap for the art of it. I often hear people say that they are in a hurry to get caught up --I don't even strive to get there. I like to take my time, don't mind if a layout takes me several days, and enjoy the process even more than the completed project. I scrap because it relaxes me, gives me an outlet to express myself, and it truly is therapy for me - I scrap the happy times, and this keeps me focused on positive, wonderful parts of my life. I scrap what is meaningful to me, and it helps to keep my priorities in perspective. I scrap the people that I love, and it reminds me that even when they drive me crazy (and believe me they do!) they are the most important thing in the world and I must treasure them and let them KNOW that I treasure them.

Keely Yowler,Design Team Member Who? I live in Georgetown, Kentucky with my incredibly supportive husband, Kevin, and our 5 wild & wonderful kiddies. What? Scrapbooking is my complete obsession. I have been scrapbooking for 8 years. I love creating 12x12 layouts, cards, mini-albums, tags, and altering everything I get my hands on! I am honored to be a designer for Scrappin with Grace, Frances Meyer, and My Sketch World. Why? Why do I love to create? This is a legacy for my children. It is my story. It is my creative outlet. It is my connection to many great scrapbook friends. It is my reason for wonderful shopping and travel adventures. It is my chance to take time for myself. It is my time to teach my children about the importance of celebrating life and family. It is an opportunity to pass my love of creating on to my children. Where? You’ll find me creating in my cool scrapbook studio. OK…it’s a corner of the basement, but it’s mine! It’s one of my favorite places to be. On the internet, you’ll find me at Scrappin with Grace, my blog, and searching those wonderful manufacturer’s sites for project ideas. When? My favorite time to scrap is in the evening after dinner. It’s when my mojo is at it’s best! Stephanie Ackerman, Design Team Member

Who: I have been married to Gary for 28 years and we have a 13 year old son, Christopher. Christopher is the focus of much of my scrapbooking. My son is a sports fanatic so I have tons of pictures of him at his various sporting events. I have been crafting in some form since I was a child, but have truly come to love scrapbooking above all else. What: I love all paper crafts and have found card making, stamping and altering items a natural addition to scrapbooking as I also love to create non layout items. I have a number of scrapbooks as "works in progress" and I love to create mini albums to document specific events. I love trying new techniques and finding new products to try. Since purchasing a digital camera, I am truly amazed with what can be done with digital photos. I still have a lot to learn about digital photography and am hoping to improve my knowledge and skills this year. When: I try to spend some time in my scrap room everyday playing with my papers, embellishments and stamps. I can usually be found in my scrap room in the evening after the guys have gone to bed, or in the early morning hours before they get up. Where: I have a dedicated scrap room that I love, but if I want to scrap and hang out with my boys, I bring my room down to them!! My supplies can often be found all over the house which drives Gary crazy. Why: Scrapbooking is my creative outlet. I have always had a craft obsession and scrapping has become my craft of choice. I have very few pictures from my childhood and I miss seeing how we grew up, where we grew up. I want Christopher to remember his childhood and the things we've done, so I scrap about them. I have also sewn since I was a child and my sewing machine is now being rejuvenated and is getting a lot of use on my cards and layouts.