Guest Designer :: Amanda Johnson

If there was ever a designer as passionate about all things vintage, it would have to be dear, sweet Amanda Johnson. Her simple, yet engaging scrapbook style is a reflection of this very passion that has generated a following of many from the scrapbook community. All one has to do is visit her blog to see why it is we asked her to be here today...she's worked up a few layouts using our Brook collection. She's also put together a photo series of her studio space to coincide with our questionnaire (a convenient, fun way for us to learn more about our guest designers!). The space is quite remarkable, so be sure to review the images before you leave. We think you might be inspired to redo your space after seeing where Amanda makes her lovely, crafty creations! Think "Decor 8" :) Yes, it's that cool! Run and take a peek..and then leave a comment letting Amanda know that it's been great having her here. Thanks Amanda for contributing as today's guest designer!

When did you begin your creative journey with scrapbooking and how did you get started in the hobby?

I Started scrapbooking in high school when I started receiving paychecks. Ah, disposable income...After picking up my Chick-fil-A paycheck, I was at Walmart and spied a scrapbooking "kit" in the craft section. Believe or not, that was how I got my start. :)

If you were to describe your scrapbook style in five words or less, what would they be?

Cheery, relaxed, simple, vintage and textural.

What inspires you to create? What are your primary sources of inspiration?

I feel inspired to create only after I force myself to sit down and start creating. But, I do love looking at collage artists (notpaper.net is a favorite source! I also love "Mint" - another design blog) and that usually makes me want to sit down with a pile of vintage paper scraps.

Where do you do most of your scrapbooking? What time of day are you most creative?

I have a table next to my brother's twin saw-horse leg Ikea table. It's not nearly large enough, and it's always covered in paper. His is always clean and minimalist. It warrants quite a chuckle when I take the time to notice the juxtaposition. And usually in the evening, after I'm relaxed, is when I like to be creative.

What is your current favorite scrapbooking technique and why? What scrapbook techniques have you enjoyed previously and of those, which do you still use?

I love square geometric shapes, and usually soften it up with machine sewing. In fact, if I don't stitch on a page, it just doesn't seem complete to me! I also love "free trimming", as I call it. If I need a piece of paper trimmed, I generally take my exacto blade to it and embrace the uneven edge.

What is your favorite Crate Paper Scrapbook Collection of all time?

Difficult question! Right now, I love the Prudence and Cottage collections, but I can remember when I bought three of the "Style" paper designs from Crate Avenue collection. That might not seem like a lot to some people, but I'm not the hoarding type, so it was quite extraordinary for me!

Here's a look at Amanda's Studio Space that was mentioned a short while ago:

And finally, the three layouts from Amanda using our Brook collection:

Thank you again Amanda! Believe or not, we have another guest designer debuting next week. We brought on an extra this month for some additional inspiration - we won't disclose the name of our upcoming guest designer just yet, but she's a *uber* talented card maker. We found her at Two Peas in a Bucket and have already posted a couple of her super cute creations here..she'll be with us next Monday! And for more exciting news, one of our blog contributors is working up a new tutorial for you this week. We have it tentatively scheduled to debut this Thursday! We welcome you to join us to learn how to create Lucy Edson's Paper Collage Board! For a quick look at the board, click here..we shared it with you last week. Lucy has kindly offered to show us how to recreate the board - it should be a good one!