Because we realize that some of you aren't "scrapbookers" per say, but card makers, we've oriented the next couple of updates to be all about cards! We want to demonstrate that not only are our collections ideal for scrapbooking, but they're also great for cardmaking! Today's guest designer, Eva Dobilas, an avid card maker & scrapbooker for the past thirteen years, recently had a chance to play with some of our collections. She's choreographed an assortment of cards in a variety of sizes and styles for us to partake in today. Her style is both classic and clean, though with a hint of elegance. We encourage you to take a peek at her creations..even if you're not a card maker. Eva's cards are truly spectacular - thanks Eva for sharing your talent with our readers as we begin the journey into card making this week!
Eva Dobilas lives in Southern California and has been an avid scrapbooker/cardmaker for the past 13 years. She loves to create elegant, classy, sometimes dreamy cards, layouts and 3-D projects. You may have seen her work in Cards Magazine & Stamp Arts Magazine.
She loves using stamps on all her projects and among a few Design Team responsibilities; currently she is happily designing for Unity's {ippity} rubber stamp line and Helmar USA, Inc. She is also a Prima Endorsed Teacher and you will find her teaching in Southern California's local scrapbook stores.
Eva's blog can be found at www.evafromca.blogspot.com
And just because we asked...
When did you begin your creative journey with scrapbooking and how did you get started in the hobby?
I started scrapbooking 13 years ago, when a friend invited me to a crop, then another friend introduced me to stamping and I fell in love with creating cards. So today, after many years of playing with papers, stamps and other mixed medias, I can honestly say I would be lost without this hobby.
If you were to describe your scrapbook style in five words or less, what would they be?
Layered, shaped, detailed, colorful, playful..but it's so hard to find the right words.
What inspires you to create? What are your primary sources of inspiration?
Originally, it was magazines, than blogs came along with their challenges, and I love a good sketch and color combo. But, just recently, I fell in love with things you can find on Etsy. In fact, the flower idea on my Thank-You card totally came from there. I also follow and admire a lot of artists. Lately, most of them have been card makers, and just to name a few, I love Jennifer McGuire, Betsy Veldman for her colors, Amy Sheffer for her incredible style, and a scrapbooker I love is Christine Middlecamp and no, I'm not just saying this as she works for Crate Paper. I have been a long time lover of her amazing layered style and have spent hours taking apart her projects on my computer screen..he,he.
Where to you do most of your scrapbooking? What time of day are you most creative?
I create mostly in the afternoons and evenings. I'm fortunate to work from home and only a few hours early in the morning, so I can create almost every day.
What is your current favorite scrapbooking technique and why? What scrapbook techniques have you enjoyed previously and of those, which do you still use?
My current favorite technique would be 3-D flower making. Since I do love the layered look, it adds so much to my layouts/cards, and they are all very unique. I have always been a "shape lover" and I used to draw my own shapes in the past, but finally I got a Silhoutte cutting machine and boy, do I have a love affair going on with it..he,he.
What is your favorite Crate Paper scrapbook collection of all time?
I remember falling in love with the classy look of the Crate Avenue Collection and the gorgeous colors of the Samantha Collection, but I have to say today I'm all crazy about the Paper Doll Collection, as those are my favorite colors right now and the designs are just adorable, even though I don't have a little girl. I also adore the Pink Plum Collection, as the pink and orange combo is just gorgeous! Well, it's really hard to pick one, as I have always been drawn to Crate Paper's color palette's..in fact, that is always what I'm so drawn to every time they release a new line.
My first card is made with the gorgeous Pink Plum Collection. I chose to make a circle shape and created a beautiful flower using a mix of organza fabric and Pink Plum pattern papers. Up until now, I have only created paper flowers, or fabric flowers, but I have never really mixed the two of them, so this was a lot of fun to make!
To create the flower, I started out by cutting four 4" circles from organza fabric and holding them above a candle, I cinched the edges just a bit. I layered them on top of each other and then cut out six 1 3/4" size circles from three different papers. I distressed the edges of the six circles by crumbling them a little bit and layered them together to create the flower. I finally added another small flower, cut using a Spellbinders die-cut, and inserted a brad to hold the layers of my flower together. I really love how this flower turned out and I know I will be making more. I hand cut my leaf and again, I crumpled it a little bit to get the look I wanted and added it to my card.
My second card uses my current favorite line from Crate Paper, the Paper Doll Collection. I fell in love with the Sparkle Chip and as soon as I saw them, I knew I had to use the little girl dress shape! The little sentiment from Crate's chipboard accents was a perfect addition as well. My card shape was cut out with my Silhouette. It was just too cute to not use with these papers. The crinkled ribbon was made by me, using seam binding ribbon. I sprayed it with Glimmer Mist, crunched it up in a baggie and then let it sit overnight in the baggie before letting it air dry the next day. The color was just perfect for this little card!
My next card was created with the Brook Collection. There really is no special technique used on this card, but again, I did use a shaped card as the base and because I love Crate's Sparkle Chip, I added that to my card as well. Also, I love the little Celebrate chipboard accent and the Be Happy sticker, so I decided to hang them from my bow and button combo!
My last card includes stamping - showcasing how amazingly well this collection goes with stamps! Again, I created my flowers by stamping the same flower on different papers several times. I then cut them out via "sections" and layered them on top of each other.
Finally, I just have to add - "Thank-You" Crate Paper for having me as your guest designer, it has been so much fun creating with your gorgeous products and I know I will have many more projects showcased on my blog and galleries in the future!
"You're Welcome Eva!"
What a gorgeous set of cards Eva!! Each one has so many amazing details and shapes to highlight the fabulous Crate Papers!!
Hugs,
Karen
Posted by: karen m | May 17, 2010 at 11:10 AM
Those are absolutely gorgeous!
Amy S.
Posted by: Amy S. | May 17, 2010 at 11:20 AM
Eva is absolutely AMAZING! LOVE her talents and creativity and her amazing personality! LOVE the cards she has created for you here! So fun! Rock-on Eva!
Posted by: Heather Rolin | May 17, 2010 at 11:33 AM
OMG! these are fantastic cards-EVA rocks! You are soooo lucky to have her design for you. She did beautiful things with your Crate Paper products!
Posted by: Lisa Henke | May 17, 2010 at 01:24 PM
I LOVE Eva's work and she certainly knows how to make great Crate Papers look even more fabulous!! Beautiful, beautiful cards!!
Posted by: Kelly Landers | May 17, 2010 at 01:34 PM
Eva's cards are just stunning! Loving what she did with the great Crate Paper lines.
Posted by: Debbie | May 17, 2010 at 01:52 PM
You are such a beautiful cardmaker Eva ...and such a wonderful person ...
Posted by: kristin | May 17, 2010 at 01:58 PM
oh WOW, Eva's cards are AWESOME...I am just LOVING that first one...wowzers!! :)
Posted by: eryn hagen | May 17, 2010 at 02:42 PM
Wow always amazing work by the sweet and talented EVa I love these sooo gorgeous!!!
Posted by: stephanie muzzulin | May 17, 2010 at 03:07 PM
Fantastic cards!
Posted by: Mindy | May 17, 2010 at 04:49 PM
Wow, great job Eva!
Posted by: Laurel S | May 17, 2010 at 05:33 PM
I have been a fan of Eva's work for a while now and have also been a fan of Crate Paper - - I am absolutely enamored of the cards Eva has created with your yummy designs! I am inspired!
Posted by: Reel Girl | May 17, 2010 at 06:07 PM
Wow, Eva! Gorgeous cards and congrats on your Guest DT spot! Katie
Posted by: Katie Piotrowksi | May 17, 2010 at 06:28 PM
Oh my wordie, thank you everyone and Crate Paper..your kind words are making me blush...it takes an awesome product to create gorgeous things with and it makes me soooo happy to see all these sweet comments..thank you, thank you all!!!
Posted by: Eva | May 17, 2010 at 06:33 PM
Stunning cards, Eva!! As always.
Posted by: Karen | May 17, 2010 at 06:42 PM
Gorgeous work!!! Congrats on being showcased!
Posted by: emily (justem) | May 17, 2010 at 07:10 PM
Stunning and amazing cards, Eva! Wow! I am in love with all of them! Congrats!
Posted by: lori Gentile | May 17, 2010 at 07:38 PM
I adore Eva and her amazing style! So happy to see her featured here! What a fantastic job showcasing the different Crate Paper lines!
Posted by: Amy Sheffer | May 17, 2010 at 08:40 PM
Fabulous creations Eva!
Posted by: Lynda aka alrlsmom | May 18, 2010 at 06:16 AM
Wow, Eva! These cards are stunning! Who would not LOVE to receive one of these in the mail?? Thank you for sharing! I can't wait to try the flower you made for the first card and the glimmer misted binding ribbon!!
Posted by: Erin | May 18, 2010 at 07:36 AM