Umm. So, Jen is my scrapbooking idol. I know, I know - I've said it before. lol. But she rocks! Her layered & lovely work is *so* inspiring and she has such a way with color & pattern. I'm so excited that she answered a few questions for me to share with you guys! Prepare to 'Ooh' and 'Aah'...Enjoy:
Visit Jen over on her Blog, and at Two Peas in a Bucket, Studio Calico, and American Crafts.
1. What's your name, and what's your game? (In other words, what do you: do? like to do? do for fun? do for work?)
Hi! I'm Jen Jockisch, I live in Central Illinois and am a Mama to two beautiful girls and a wife to Brad. I work full time as a high school secretary, so I have little time to scrapbook. Luckily I have a great husband who really understands that sometimes I need some 'me' time. I've been scrapbooking for 6 years, and in that time I've also become passionate about photography. I also love to read and cook and hang with my family.
2. When/how did you get started doing the lovely things you do?
As I said, I've been scrapping for 6 years. I began after looking for a wedding album for our photos and stumbling across www.twopeasinabucket.com. I had NO idea scrapbooking could be like that, and quickly fell in love. I've really noticed that the way I scrap has changed and evolved over the years, I hope it keeps changing and I hope there is always something new to rev me up.
3. You have such a way with colors and layers on your scrapbook pages - is this something that came naturally, or over years of working with paper?
This totally came over the years. About 3 years ago, something just clicked, and I was able to say that I did not care if anyone else liked my pages. The only thing that mattered was if I did, and they would always be beautiful to me because they came from my heart. Once I was able to 'let go' and stop comparing myself to others or worrying what others thought of my pages, I really noticed a huge change in my style. Now I just sit down and do whatever I want; if I want to put that paper there, I do it, not thoughts or worries if it looks right. It just is.
4. How do you keep yourself inspired and motivated?
This is tricky for me. I'm very hesitant to look at on-line galleries, for a few different reasons. I worry that things I see will bleed into my work, and I worry that I'll fall back into my old habit of comparing my pages with other peoples. So I try to get inspiration from outside sources. I love design blogs; Creature Comforts, Design Sponge and Decor 8 are favorites. I'm also very inspired by magazine ads, and my favorite source of inspiration is the little ads they have on Nick Jr. They are so colorful and fun and quirky and inspire me like crazy.
5. Do you have any vices that help the flow of creativity?
I like to listen to music when I scrap. Usually Foo Fighters or Metallica or Alice in Chains, anything heavy that makes my blood pound.
6. You've had so many great scrapbook opportunities & design teams - what's been the most fun, so far?
I've been so fortunate to work for some amazing companies. Being on the Creating Keepsakes Dream Team was awesome, it constantly pushed me and made me grow and work harder. American Crafts and Studio Calico are also so great to work for, there is so much inspiration there and I love all the product and the kits. But being a Garden Girl was like my personal holy grail; I think it's because Two Peas is what made me start scrapbooking and I used to stare at the Garden Girl galleries and think I would never, ever be there. But now, 6 years later, I am, and it is for me my biggest accomplishment in scrapbooking.
7. If you could travel back in time and tell yourself anything at 16, what would it be? Don't be so stupid. Slow down and THINK. I have changed so incredibly much since I was a teenager, and while you couldn't pay me enough money to go back there, I am thankful for all the lessons I learned.
8. If you could make any dream/idea a reality - right now! - what would it be? To be 40 lbs. lighter. :) I've not been very motivated to lose all the weight I gained when I had Nora, but it is ON now.
9. Any tips for scrapbookers who are just starting out?
Just believe in yourself. Seriously. Don't use anyone else's work as your yardstick; do what feels right and it will all fall together.
Thanks so much for a peek into your craft life, Jen! :)
