I'm so proud and delighted to introduce our first Monthly Guest Designer
Jill Byler from Ohio!!
Jill and I "met" online via a fun site called Making Memories for You.
Jill Byler from Ohio!!
Jill and I "met" online via a fun site called Making Memories for You.
Jill has been kind enough to share her creations
with me over the past year so I was delighted when she said "yes" to
gracing us with her talents as our January Guest Designer!
Here's a gorgeous photo of Jill along with a short questionnaire that I hope will give you a peek into her special world.
xoxo
I also asked her to share a few photos of her work space and a few inspiration pieces too.
I sent Jill a kit to play with and she will be sharing her
creations with us throughout January, but we'll start with two lovely
cards for today!
A big huge thank you to Jill and a hug too! xoxo
1) Tell us a little about you--where did you grow up, about your family, how'd you end up where you live now, do you have a career?
My name is Jill Byler and I live in a small town in Ohio with my husband of 18 years and my 5 children. I have lived most of life in Ohio, but I spent my teenage years in Southern California before moving back and settling down - the city life just wasn't for me! We live on a small farm (17 acres) with 4 horses, 6 dogs (3 are pups), several kitties and birds. Oh and the goldfish! It is pretty much a "zoo" around here! Kids and animals everywhere! But I love it! I am a freelance Graphic Designer, I design anything from print to web, and this really works out for me because I can make my own hours and I never have to miss a single sport or other event that my kids are involved in. They are truly my life and to me, my greatest accomplishment!
2) When and how did you get into paper crafting?
I started scrapbooking after my third son was born and I was introduced to Creative Memories. I have always been artistic in some way and this was a terrific way to release my creative energy while capturing the most precious moments of my growing family. It was until my youngest son was born that I ventured into the world of cardmaking. I love making cards and I honestly feel that when you give a handmade card it truly shows that you care about the person you are giving it to.
3) What inspires you or gets your 'juices" flowing?
What doesn't! I love color - bright, bold, vibrant colors!! But I tend to lean towards vintage things when I am looking for inspiration... shabby, antique, soft, beautiful. I could get lost for hours browsing shabby chic blogs and websites and I'll see something that inspires me and that really gets me motivated to create. I also love to see what the many other talented designers are creating. There is so much talent out there, I love to see the styles and techniques that other crafters use.
4) What is the most annoying aspect of our hobby in your opinion? What is the best part?
I love our hobby but if I had to pinpoint one annoying thing, I would say not having enough time. On busy days that I don't have time to create something I tend to be a tad bit crabby! The best part would be the satisfaction of completing a project and knowing that you designed it from scratch with your own hands.
5) If you could go anywhere/do anything and then capture the memories, where would you go and how would you show off your memories?
I am such a homebody! But the one place I would love to go is Ireland. I am half Irish and have always wanted to visit there, to see where my relatives originated, what their everyday life was like, the things they saw and did. If I was ever lucky enough to get there I would take a million pictures and journal while I was there so I wouldn't ever forget a single moment. Then I would come home and put everything into a very large scrapbook - one that you have to sit down and put on your lap. Fill it with photos, journaling and mementos.
This is the "Oh So Lucky" kit Jill is working with this month
I just love this "Totally Special" card that Jill made last year with one of our kits, too:
Here are a few shots of Jills workspace and inspiration pieces in the family basement!
More to come from Jill later this month!!
Comments
rox-ann
Congrats Jill!! I love your work and it was so fun reading about you! Your cards are gorgeous Congrats on guest designer for Kelly's beautiful kits you really make them shine!!
Tuesday, January 6, 2009 @ 6:41 AMJill Byler
Thanks Rox-Ann for your kind words!!! I am so excited! The "Oh So Lucky" kit is so much fun to work with! I love all the vintagy extras!!!
Tuesday, January 6, 2009 @ 9:06 AMtxscrapaddict
Congrats Jill! Beautiful projects!!
Tuesday, January 6, 2009 @ 4:16 PMChar- D
Great kit. No wonder it sold out. I love what she has done with it.
Wednesday, January 7, 2009 @ 3:14 PMBeth W
I fell in love with Jill's work last summer when you first posted the card made from the Daisy D Chloe collection. I didn't even like the collection
Thursday, January 8, 2009 @ 4:07 PMuntil I saw her card. Than I had to buy a kit with some in it! She is fantastic.
Pinky
Wow she just plain rocks!
Sunday, January 11, 2009 @ 9:23 PMKaren Patterson
Jill's work is fantastic, I love the cards she has made, they are really great and the peek at the January kit with the cards she made has me inspired and may have to buy that kit to see what it is all about. Looking forward to seeing more of Jill's creations.
Sunday, January 11, 2009 @ 9:49 PMKarenB
Congrats Jill!!! Great work!!! I enjoyed seeing your creations!!!
Sunday, January 11, 2009 @ 9:50 PMKarrie Cook
Congrats, Jill! Your work is always an inspiration!
Monday, January 12, 2009 @ 6:06 AM