Five Questions

Do you distress the edges of your paper?
Maura says: I just about always use ink to distress my papers. My usual choice is a dark brown ink, but sometimes I mix it up a bit. I like the way it defines the edge of the paper.
Sheila says: It totally depends on the project. Sometimes I am going for a clean, neat look so I leave it alone. I like the brown ink distressed look on some projects, but I really like to sand the edges of my papers to expose the white core underneath. I find that I sand a lot more than I use ink. I still have yet to find the perfect sanding tool though. Any suggestions or favorites of yours?

Which do you reach for more often - markers or color pencils?
Maura says: I use color pencils most often when I want to add some color to a card. One of my favorite techniques is to blend the colors with Gamsol, (odorless mineral spirits) so I get a watercolor look.
Sheila says: Definitely colored pencils and most definitely PrismaColor ones. I keep them within arms reach. I'm a big fan of the Gamsol technique also. I think Maura and I found it at a stamp convention we attended and we both bought it after seeing the demo. I find coloring with pencils very relaxing. Much more fun than markers I think.

Do you listen to music when you craft?
Maura says: I love to listen to music when I am crafting. I will either put in a cd, or go on the internet and "tune in" to WNKU - a station from Northern Kentucky University. I love the mix of music, and NPR, and it reminds me of being back in Cincinnati where I grew up (makes me think of Sheila, too). Sometimes, I will go in to Jango on the internet, where I have collected favorite songs to listen to. It's a free music site, and it's been a lot of fun finding old songs - a blast from the past!
Sheila says: I like music on iTunes when I am working on a new project. Maura turned me on to WNKU and I have to admit that that's about all I listen to now. I like the idea that maybe she is listening to the same music that I am as we work long distance. However, if I am working on assembly line items for my etsy shop, or multiple craft goodies for the neighbors or a type of project that is more assembly than thought, I like to put in a DVD of an old TV series that I never had a chance to watch and view those right on my laptop.

How do you organize your scrapbook paper?
Maura says: I used to have it organized by manufacturer, then reorganized it all by color. This works pretty well for me, but there are times I find it hard to figure out where to put it, if it is multi-colored. I also have found myself grouping some papers by manufacturer in a side basket - I think I must have some project in mind when I do that.
Sheila says: If it is a paper pack that is already coordinated like Cosmo Cricket or Basic Grey packs, I leave them in their packages and keep them together. Cardstock I keep organized by color. Patterned paper is a free for all. I have not found an organized system for patterns that works for me so I just keep it all together.

Right now, what is your favorite color combination to work with?
Maura says: Right now - red, black and cream/white combination. I think that combination is a classic!
Sheila says: Right now....anything kraft. I am currently looking for a good holiday combo and am getting excited to work with those papers.

5 Questions

Where do you find inspiration?
Maura says: I look through magazines like Paper Crafts and Creating Keepsakes for new ideas, and check some online blogs. I also find myself looking at everyday things like clothing designs and colors, the natural world, products, etc. with my "creative eye." But, probably the best source of inspiration is the spark I get from what other people are doing, like my sister Sheila and my friends.

Sheila says: There is some great inspiration online but you have to be careful that you don't end up spending all your time online instead of creating. I narrow down the overwhelming amount online and only look at a select few that really seem to spark ideas for me. I also like to draw inspiration from nature--patterns and colors. Catalogs are also a great source of inspiration, especially Stampin' Up.

When you scrapbook, are you neat or messy?
Maura says: Messy!!

Sheila says: Very, very neat.

What's outside the window in your scrap space?
Maura says: I look out over my backyard and fields with woods and the Adirondack Mountains in the distance. I love looking out over this scene when I am working, it gives me a sense of peace.

Sheila says: With the weather lately, one of my favorite spaces has been outside on my picnic table. But when I work inside, I look out on a 1900 farm house complete with a huge old barn, chicken house, pond, an old apple orchard, and more.

12x12? 8x8?...??
Maura says: I usually find myself choosing the smaller formats, like 8x8 or 6x6. I do make larger layouts sometimes, but I think I like the smaller size because I can finish faster.

Sheila says: I started our camping scrapbooks in a 12 x 12 size. It seems to be just the right amount of space to fit photos plus journaling about our adventures. But for everything else, I like any of the smaller sizes. Variety is best!

What is your favorite color?
Maura says: Green! I love green - every shade of green there is.

Sheila says: OK....I have to admit that I am jealous of Maura's answer here. Ever since I can remember--even going back to growing up--Maura's favorite color has ALWAYS been green. Everyone knows this about her. No change ever. Me, on the other hand...I don't have a favorite color. And, no, it's not because I like them all...I just have never had a favorite.

5 Questions--UPDATED

Do you scrapbook in the AM or PM?
Maura says: PM, sometimes a lot later than I thought I could stay up - interesting to see what you come up with in the wee hours...
Sheila says: Absolutely in the morning for me! I am an early bird-early to bed and early to rise and get crafting. I enjoy watching the sun come up and having the whole day ahead of me. I find it more inspiring and full of possibilities and I am definitely more creative first thing.

Coffee or Tea?
Maura says: Coffee is my staple drink, especially from fresh ground beans with a dollop of half and half, but Tea is my treat - especially Irish Breakfast, Earl Grey...a nice black tea with cream and sugar.
Sheila says: Definitely coffee for me. And definitely fresh ground beans also. My current favorites (besides the Sister’s Crafting Coffee of course) is Ole Black Magic and Obsidian from my local coffee houses.

What is your favorite type of project?
Maura says: My favorite is a challenge project - when someone limits what I am working with and I have to come up with an idea to make it work. Second fave I would say is altered items.
Sheila says: My favorite project is mini albums. I love being able to complete something in a short period of time. I keep them displayed on our library bookshelves or in a basket so that they can be picked up, looked through and enjoyed time and time again.

What are your favorite color combinations?
Maura says: Just about anything green; teal and brown; pink and brown; green, blue and purple
Sheila says: Maura is the bright colored crafter and I am the earthy colored crafter. Right now I am loving the kraft papers.

What is your favorite crafting tool?
Maura says: my Japanese awl - it has several size hole punches and can go anywhere!
Sheila says: my Genesis Paper Trimmer. It was expensive and I waited over a year to get it, but it is absolutely worth it!

If you feel like sharing your answers to these questions, feel free to add your comments - we'd like to get to know you better too!