Miss Fancy Pants

Pocket Chick Spotlight: Vicki Chrisman

Hello Everyone! I guess it’s my turn to share a bit about myself here with you on the Fancy Pants blog. Well, my name is Vicki Chrisman and I’ve been designing with Fancy Pants Designs' goodies since their very first lines where released. It’s been a joy to able to work with such amazing products, and to watch how Fancy Pants Designs has grown. I live in Nebraska with my husband and our dog Molly. We have two grown sons, Weston and Jarad, who we are lucky enough to live here in NE also. We will soon be adding to our family, as Jarad and his fiancée Kate, have set a wedding date for next June. Fun ahead! I’m honored to be today's Spotlighted Pocket Chick, and to be a part of this talented team.

Q; What is your favorite technique?
A: I would have to say that Stitching would be my favorite technique. I seem to end up stitching on a great deal of my projects. I love the look of it, the detail it adds, and the fact that it works with almost any style. There is no doubt I use my sewing machine for stitching on paper more than I do sewing fabric. Ha! 

Q: How long have you been scrapbooking?   
A: I have been scrapbooking for many years now. I really had to stop and think about it when I went to answer this question. I first started scrapbooking when our oldest son was about 14. That was 1996, so about 16 years now that I’ve been cutting and pasting with photos. lol Since my sons are adults now, when I do “kiddo” layouts, I scrapbook photos of my darling nieces and nephews. I guess I will have to patiently wait to see about grandchildren

Q: What kind of scrapper would you consider yourself to be?
A: I would have to say that I have always been a vintage girl at heart. But I love beautiful patterns and designs of any kind. I’m drawn to trims and buttons for sure. It’s the little details that I love.  Those little things that don’t pop out at you right way. But are the things that end up bringing your project together, so that when you sit back and look at it, it feels “right”.  
 


Q: Where do you find inspiration?
A:  I would have to say the papers would be the most inspiring thing for me when I’m ready to sit down and create. There’s nothing better than feeling inspired to create by a pile of fun new papers and embellishments, sitting on your desk waiting for you. I also find the photos themselves inspire me.  There really is inspiration all around us if we really take time to “look” at things. Pattern and colors in fabrics, billboards, ads in magazines,.. all kinds of things. I seem to notice things like that more when I’m sitting on a plane, waiting for an appointment or other situations when I slow down enough to really notice them more. I keep a little pad and paper in my purse, so I can make a really simple sketch I can refer to when I get home.
 
I thought I’d share with you a Fancy Pants Designs Brag Book I’ve been working on. I had no doubt that I would used the Childish Things line, as it would be perfect for this “1980’s” photos. As I mentioned my boys are grown, so what I did was go through some of my favorite photos of them when they were younger and put them together in this book. I thought I’d share just a few of the pages with you.







I love that these Brag Books have space to write down memories, and all pockets for extra photos and memorabilia.

Thanks so much for letting me share a bit about myself here today. I’m honored to work with Fancy Pants Designs and this super talented group of designers, who constantly inspire me.

-Vicki Chrisman
  
 
 


Pocket Chick Spotlight: Pamela Young

Hi everyone! Thanks for stopping by the blog today! Today I get to share a little bit more about myself for you all. I am so incredibly grateful for the opportunity to play with Fancy Pants Designs' products. I know I am lucky to be on the design team for Fancy Pants Designs. :) Well ... I am a scrapbook girl, who also plays around with altering, cards, and art. I most recently have created an art journal/prayer book using one of the fabulous brag books Fancy Pants Designs makes. It uses a lot of paint and ink and paper scraps. My faith is important to me and I recently did a study which had me rewriting some of the Psalms. I thought it would be fun to capture it in a book. It was therapeutic too.  



It's different than my normal stuff. I tend to do layouts most, with a lot of shapes and scraps and different papers.  



Q: What is your favorite Fancy Pants Designs product?
A: I love paper! Right now I am currently in love with the Be You collection.  

Q: What is your favorite technique?
A: Adding stitching to my pages ... or playing with shapes.  

Q: How long have you been scrapbooking?
A: About 11 years.

Q: What kind of scrapper would you consider yourself to be?
A: My own kind of scrapper, with my own unique style and desires, comparable to only myself.  :)  I kinda feel like everyone is an individual and this is true when it comes to our scrapbooks too.





Q: Where do you find inspiration?
A: Everywhere!!! I don't think there is a place that you can find zero inspiration in, it's all around us--color, design, feelings.

Q: If someone was to walk into  your scrap room/area right now, what would they find?
A: A huge mess! Anybody want to come clean it for me?

Q: What do you listen to or watch while scrapbooking?
A: I love to just put in my ipod, which has a wide range of music on it.  

Q: What time of day do you usually scrapbook and where?
A: Well it used to always be at night after everyone was in bed, but I have found that this is changing ... and I seem to do it more during the day, but often it's a little here and a little there.  

Q: Share something quirky about yourself.
A: I am a reality tv show junkie.  Like bad.  


Well thanks so much for stopping by today!!! I hope you have enjoyed getting to know me a bit more. Have a wonderful day!!



-Pamela Young

Pocket Chick Spotlight: Piradee Talvanna

Hello there everyone, Piradee Talvanna here to share a little bit about myself! First off, I'm absolutely honored to be part of the Fancy Pants Designs Pocket Chick family and would say that I’ve always been a crafty person, continuously creating or doing something. I was introduced to the world of scrapbooking in 2008, when I relocated from Thailand to Singapore for work (I’m originally from Bangkok). It was there that I walked into my first scrapbook store and quickly became addicted to all the beautiful papers and fun embellishments. Scrapbooking not only allows me to explore and challenge my creativity but also helps me de-stress after along day at work; as I scrap away the wonderful memories that hubby and me are creating here today.

Q: What is your favorite Fancy Pants Designs product?
A: I would have to say the pattern papers - I absolutely love the combination of colors and the fun designs (also have you seen the backsides on these papers - they're just as great to work with! Love that about Fancy Pants Designs).

Q: What is your favorite technique?
A: At the moment, it's banners (not sure if you would consider that a technique), but the ideas of banners hanging everywhere with loose embellishments here and there... I just can't stop creating with them!





Q: How long have you been scrapbooking?
A: As mentioned, I became addicted to scrapbooking once I moved to Singapore. It was here that I walked into my first scrapbook store and you should have seen me - like a five year old in a big big big candy store. And ever since then, I've been addicted! (also considering that I live about 5 mins away from the store, I think that helps fuels the addiction a bit). LOL

Q: Where do you find inspiration?
A: My main source of inspiration is from the products themselves, the colors and designs of each collection is what triggers the creativeness in me. Then there's also Pinterest with an ever growing collection of home decor and design pictures waiting to be adapted into layouts (and also sparks the every now and then home decor shopping sprees).

Q: If someone was to walk into your scrap room/area right now, what would they find?
A: Given that my scrapping area is part of my living room area, today you would find a nice clean scrapping table with a few tools here and there and my little computer (please do note, that this isn't always the case. At times, you might find me scrapping on the floor cause there's just not enough space on left on the table. LOL).  However right next to the table, is a not so tidy cabinet filled to the rim (and overflowing) with scrapping supplies.

Q: What time of day do you usually scrapbook and where?
A: During the week, I usually scrap in the evening or late at night after work and mostly on weekends, while hubby is away at his soccer match.

Thanks everyone for stopping by and hope you're having tons of fun creating with the latest Fancy Pants Designs collections!

-Piradee Talvanna

Pocket Chick Spotlight: Kim Watson

Hi Fancy Pants fans... I am thrilled to be the on the red carpet today. I love this fun hobby that keeps us all creatively busy. With the responsibility of being a Mom to a teen & a very energetic 7 year old boy, assignments, deadlines & scrappy projects, my life can get completely crazy. So I make sure I make time for myself, walking on one of the beautiful beaches or mountains that surround my home. Secretly my fave hideout is my (almost revamped) craft room surrounded by all the things that I find most beautiful: photographs of my cute family, color, texture, paper, fabric, wool and paint. Being able to scrapbook my happy life & thoughts through a medium I love and get paid for it, is a dream come true.

Q: What is your favorite Fancy Pants product?
A: Definitely the patterned papers. I love how they perfectly co-ordinate with each other which means they are great for layering. Oh & having 'textured plains' on the reverse side is so helpful especially for printing or typing journaling.
 
Q: What are your favorite techniques?
A: Layering, stitching, die cutting & sewing.

Q: How long have you been scrapbooking?
A: 7 years...was sort of forced into it by an enthusiastic bunch of friends.

Q: If someone was to walk into your scrap room/area right now, what would they find?
A: An almost revamped scrap space which means my chaos has to be organized chaos, although my family won't agree, especially my little boy who says it is 'dangerous in there'. Ha!

Q: What do you listen to or watch while scrapbooking?
A: The sound of silence which I prefer or the frantic chirruping of Tweet...my little finch.

Q: What time of day do you usually scrapbook and where?
A: Day night or when ever the gap comes. I need to stay flexible otherwise I'd go nuts!

Q: What are some other hobbies you enjoy?
A: Sewing, Graphic design.

Q: Share something quirky about yourself.
A: I have an old typewriter fetish and at last count have.... um.... around 15 of the little darlin's,  

Q: Is there anything else you’d like to share about yourself?
A: Although I live in an ultra modern house, I dream of a vintage doer-upper filled with retro furniture, crocheted granny square quilts & treasures. Getting my family to embrace the dream is proving really tough though :)

-Kim Watson

 

Pocket Chick Spotlight: Jing-Jing Nickel

Greetings! I am Jing-Jing Nickel. Pronounce it like there are nickels in your pocket making that jingling noise! :) I am so delighted to be an official Pocket Chick for Fancy Pants, whose innovative products have been staples in my scrap room for years! I have been scrapbooking since 1999. Back then it was the most perfect extension of my love for traveling and travel photography. Then with the birth of my first child, a new dimension of scrapbooking as well as a new realm of creative possibilities was born with her. Today and every day, I scrap my family, my trips, and my family on trips. No matter what my subjects are, I always stylize them with some humor :)  While I am not scrapbooking, I also work full time as an I.T. engineer.
 
Q: What is your favorite Fancy Pants product?
A: I have so many so I will pick three: 12x12 chipboard sets, die-cuts journaling tags (or booklets), stickers.
 
Q: What is your favorite technique?
A: Wit and humor.


 
Q: What time of day do you usually scrapbook and where?
A: I scrapbook on the weekends and usually in the afternoon when the sun is up. During summer I can actually scrapbook in the evening because it is light out for much longer. I have a scrapbook room and it is messy and disorganized. I scrapbook on a table almost completely covered up by stuff.  It is as uninspiring as it gets!
 
Q: What do you listen to or watch while scrapbooking?
A: I have my laptop next to me and I listen to KFAN podcasts. It is a local sports station :) I pause all noises when I compose my journaling.
 
Q: What are some other hobbies you enjoy?
A: If you can call it a hobby, I am really into group exercises right now. I work out seven times a week totaling six hours. My favorite classes are: BodyPump, BodyStep, and Cardio Kickboxing. I just tried Core Conditioning recently and I was sore for four days!

-Jing-Jing Nickel

Pocket Chick Spotlight: Nic Howard

Hi all, I’m Nic Howard coming to you from New Zealand and I’m thrilled to be joining the Fancy Pants team! I’ve been a fan of Fancy Pants forever, some of my favourite products include the 12 x 12 stamps sets and the Creative Cards—that shows just how long I’ve been a fan, right?!! I’m a long time scrapbooker, around 13 years now. I have plenty of photos to scrap with a fabulous hubby, three amazing kids and a pesky new puppy to run around after. That’s plenty to be inspired by, right?!
 
Q: What is your favorite Fancy Pants product?
A: I’ve mentioned I’ve loved Fancy Pants for a long time but some of my recent loves include the Happy Together collection from a few seasons ago—love the blues and I’m not going to stop using it in a hurry!

Q: What kind of scrapper would you consider yourself to be?
A: I’d describe my style as kinda shabby and perhaps romantic, but on the other hand I enjoy changing things up and can throw in a graphic or very different page as well. One thing that never changes is my love for layers of papers and clusters of embellishments.

 
Q: What is the most unique topic/photos that you have scrapbooked?
A: I released a book in 2007 about scrapbooking the everyday and it was full of pages that weren’t typical topics. It featured everything from the last banana in the fruit bowl, to my daughter’s tantrums to the moss growing on my car! Creating projects for that book was one of my favourite times of my scrapbooking career and my albums are full of quirky pages because of it!
 
Q: If someone was to walk into your scrap room/area right now, what would they find?
A: Right now I have the coolest garage sale purchase sitting on my office bench! I happened to I found the best little manual typewriter while out this morning, really similar to the one I had 30 years ago! It was in fabulous condition and it types beautifully! $5 well spent and I used it to do the journaling in my layout today. I love cool finds like that!
 
Q: What are some other hobbies you enjoy?
A: I’m a fitness fanatic—if I’m not working, travelling or teaching scrapbooking, looking after the kids or the family business, I’m at the gym. It’s not always been this way, those that know me from years ago are probably laughing at the concept of me even putting on running shoes. I’m real proof of how people can change!

Q: Share something quirky about yourself.
A: I put my footwear on sock shoe, sock shoe... most people don’t. Think about it... are you sock, sock, shoe, shoe... or are you like me? Got ya thinking now, huh?!
 
Q: Is there anything else you’d like to share about yourself?
A: Perhaps I should share the answer to one of the questions I’m often asked.  Is Nic short for Nicole?  Nope.  It’s short for Nicola.  But pronounced the English way—go on... say this out loud.. Nic-uh-luh. I’m not a Nicole and I’m not a Ni-cola. Nic has been easier for a long time!
 
I’m looking forward to creating more for the Fancy Pants blog, thanks for stopping by!


-Nic Howard

Pocket Chick Spotlight: Jess Mutty

Hi everyone! I'm excited to introduce myself to you today! I’m a costume designer turned stay at home mom living a bit west of Boston with my math/computer geek husband, our two year old son, three crazy orange cats, and a lot of dust bunnies. I’ve been crafting since I can remember. I've been lucky enough to be a part of many design teams over the years and currently design right here for Fancy Pants, Pink Paislee, Right at Home Scrapbooking, May Arts, and Miss Art's Papercrafting School. My work has been published in many popular scrap magazines and books and I teach classes locally. This hobby is my creative outlet and my therapy!
 

Q: What is your favorite Fancy Pants product?
A: I probably need to go to Alphas Anonymous. So *clearly* my favorite Fancy Pants products has to be the awesome and versatile chipboard alphas. I have them (multiples...gulp) in every color. They are the perfect size!

Q: What is your favorite technique?
A: It seems that I cannot create ANYthing without stitching on it! I have tried, believe me, but it never seems to look finished to me unless I have switched on my sewing machine. I think this has to do with me being a fabric person before I was a paper person.

Q: What is the most unique topic/photos that you have scrapbooked?
A: I began scrapbooking before I was married or had kids so, unlike many scrappers, I had too FEW photos to work with. I have pages dedicated to bread, cupcakes, my camera, and a purse. I also have a page that showcases my best friend pushing my husband in a shopping cart.

Q: If someone was to walk into your scrap room/area right now, what would they find?
A: A complete and utter disaster! It drives me insane to work with too much clutter so I try to clean up after every project but the chaos of CHA work and everyday life has left me a little ... err, behind. My room is a constant work in progress!

Q: What time of day do you usually scrapbook and where? 
A: My little guy goes to daycare three mornings a week, so I tend to try to work during those hours and at nap time. My scrap room is centrally located in the house so I am not locked away and I love it! My room is my favorite place in the house.

Q: Share something quirky about yourself.
A: Just about ALL of me is quirky. I have a house, husband, toddler and another baby on the way and I still feel like I am pretending to be an adult. I've won contests for the Irish jig, speech, acting, rap, and screaming. I love doing laundry. I sometimes eat mint chocolate chip ice cream with caramel sauce, much to the horror of my husband. I pretty much grew up on a boat on the coast of Maine. I don't drink tea OR coffee!
 
Thanks for stopping by and saying "hi" today! I can't wait to have a banner year with Fancy Pants and the rest of the Pocket Chicks!

-Jess Mutty

Designer Spotlight: Jodi Sanford

So, it looks like I'm the "Guest Blogger" for August.  Silly, I know, but since I rarely get to participate in the fabulous design team schedule, I thought it would be fun to at least show you that I actually do scrapbook when I have the chance!  Still, have no fear, we have some AMAZING guest designers coming up in the following months, so just stick with me through mine, LOL!!

First, for those who don't "know" me, I am the owner (with my hubby, Jared) /art director and a designer for Fancy Pants Designs!  I have four sweet little kiddos that I LIVE for ... they are amazing and I am so thankful to have them!  I am also very lucky to have a wonderfully kind and supportive husband that I also LIVE for!  When I'm not busy with the kids or working away, I enjoy exercising, road trips, and surfing the Internet for the latest news, celebrity gossip and inspiration!

Q: What is your favorite Fancy Pants product?
A: Well, I am afraid I have many, but I'll narrow it down to my top three—(aside from paper and everything that goes with it)—sound fair? Right now, off the top of my head I'm gonna say, Brag Books (love them), Filter Embellishments, and the 12x12 Stamp Sets—remember them :)?

Q: What is your favorite technique? 
A: I really don't feel like my project is complete without a touch of stitching ... usually from my machine, but also button stitching, etc.  It just has that chic feel that I love ... even on pages that aren't really all that chic!



Q: How long have you been scrapbooking? 
A: I've been a sticker and stationary collector for as long as I can remember, but I really started documenting my photos in high school (aka: A LONG TIME AGO) and then turned to "modern scrapbooking" just after I was married (also A LONG TIME AGO)!

Q: What kind of scrapper would you consider yourself to be? 
A: At the current stage in my life, I'd say I am more simple for time sake, but I would rather consider myself to be a vintage/shabby scrapbooker if I could!

Q: Is there anything else you’d like to share about yourself? 
A: I would just like to say thanks for all the continued support of Fancy Pants Designs!  It gets exhausting some days and getting on the blog and seeing the love for the hard work is a really great reward ... and a renewal for creativity!  And, lastly, because I am so fortunate to have access to some product ... I'd like to do a sweet giveaway from one of our BRAND NEW collections!  Leave any NICE ;) comment you want below and I'll make sure our winner will get something NICE delivered to them!

Leave comments before midnight (12:00 am) MDT, Saturday, Aug 6, 2011. Contest is open to US and international entries.

-Jodi Sanford

Pocket Chick Spotlight: Greta Hammond

Hey everyone! I'm Greta Hammond and excited to share a bit about me on the FB blog! I have been with Fancy Pants since 2007 and have loved being part of the team and working with their amazing releases. I currently work from home doing freelance work in the scrapbooking industry but love being available when my two kiddos get off the bus. I love what I do!

Q: How long have you been scrapbooking?
A: I have been scrapbooking for the past 10 years. Although I have always loved photography and documenting life that way, it wasn't until the birth of my first child that scrapbooking really became a part of my life.

Q: What time of day do you usually scrapbook and where?
A: I rarely scrap anywhere besides my scrap room. I'm not one for crops or taking my stuff elsewhere because I don't plan that well! I typically scrap during the day while the kids are at school and then after they go to bed at night.

Q: What is your favorite Fancy Pants product?
A: My favorites change all the time but I am really loving the new filter paper embellishments. They are so fresh and new and so much fun! I also adore the new "Little Things" line. The colors are amazing!






Q: What do you listen to or watch while scrapbooking?
A: If I'm home alone, I will watch tv on my computer or download something from Netflix. However, most of the time I don't have anything on because I tend to come and go too much! One of the downfalls of working from home, is always feeling the need to start a load of laundry or clean up the kitchen. It all seems to get done though, so I guess it works.
 
Q: If someone was to walk into your scrap room/area right now, what would they find?
A: Ummm ... yeah. A mess. I would love to say that this is not typical but I would be lying! I can't seem to keep up with organizing new product and the purging old. Every once in awhile I get things cleaned out and organized but it doesn't seem to stay that way for long. Oh well!


-Greta Hammond

Pocket Chick Spotlight: Cindy Tobey

 
Hello! Cindy Tobey, here – I am so excited to be able to share a little about myself with you today. I’ve been married to my college sweetheart, Allan for almost 16 years - I feel so old saying that! We have two amazing kiddos, Moya who is 11 going on 16 and Elijah who is 8 thankfully just going on 9! Church, homework, piano, basketball, soccer, volleyball, running, Cub Scouts, Legos and we can’t forget Super Mario Brothers are all a part of life at the Tobey’s. Sounds glamorous, doesn’t it? I certainly love it!  

I’ve been with Fancy Pants since 2007, and I have to tell you, the past four years as a Pocket Chick has been an amazing creative adventure that I’ve loved! I am so blessed to be working with such great people and products.

Q: What is your favorite Fancy Pants product?
A: While I love the beautiful paper collections, my love of Fancy Pants started with my first purchase of their alterable products (raw chipboard) and that is where it still is for me. I LOVE the Artists Edition collection. My favorites are the Mixed Media Books, and the new Banners and Filter Papers – which are super fun to alter with spray ink or even chalk ink pads. For my page above I inked the edges of the filter paper with a small chalk ink pad.

Q: What is your favorite technique?
A: Sewing. I love the detail and texture that it adds to a page.

Q: What are some goals you have for yourself, scrap-related or personal?
A: Scrap-related I’d love to author an idea book and possibly design product. My dream to work as an illustrator is still alive too. I love to draw and paint, and ever since working with illustrators (years ago) as an Art Director it has been a dream of mine. I was actually working on finding my own illustration style when I stumbled, or rather, Amy Peterman pulled me – and I'm so glad she did – into the scrapbooking industry.

Q: What is/are the most unique topic/photos that you have scrapbooked?
A: My daughter cleaning the toilet for the first time. Hey, we have to document all those firsts right? LOL! Actually the photos were too funny not to scrap. I just had to. Why do I have photos of her cleaning the toilet? I think the camera was probably just sitting close by and once the faces of disgust started the instinct to grab the camera and click away took over.

Q: If someone was to walk into your scrap room/area right now, what would they find?
A:  A freezing Cindy with her space heater on high! It’s cold in Michigan in February! My studio is pretty clean right now. I clean up after every project…or assignment. It will get messy this afternoon though.

Q: What type of camera do you use?
A: My husband and I share a Canon Powershot and a Canon Rebel XTi, though we really want to upgrade to a Canon 5D. I love that my hubby is into photography too – it gives me twice as many photos to play with!

Q: Share something quirky about yourself.
A: This isn’t so much quirky as it is just random information, but I’m the girl in the plastic bubble. I have a LOT of allergies, including food allergies. Grocery shopping with me or eating at my house is an interesting experience!

Thanks for stopping by today and letting me share a little about myself. Have a great day and come back tomorrow for our next Product Spotlight.

-Cindy Tobey