Simple Stories

Simple Introductions: Meet Natasja Cats-Verbeek

 

{2012 design team member Natasja Cats-Verbeek}

 

Today we are thrilled to introduce to you Natasja Cats. Natasja's creations are beautiful and include layering, depth and touches of that vintage feel we all love! Natasja will join us this year on our International design team. We are looking forward to seeing so much more from her!

 

{A SIMPLE glimpse of Natasja}

 

I simply am....            a down to earth person who likes to look at life with an open mind

I simply think....         this is going to be an amazing year here on the 2012 design team at Simple Stories!

I simply wonder....     how this year will evolve, especially since we’re having our second baby on its way!

I simply want....         everyone to get as excited about the Simple Stories products as I am.

I simply save....         some of the prettiest papers because I don’t want to cut them up.

I simply can't....         live without the delicious cappuccino my husband makes me every evening….next to chocolate of course

I simply must....         do something crafty every day

I simply wish....         that my designs will inspire a lot of people to get creative with Simple Stories!

I simply love....         Simple Stories!.....but maybe that’s to obvious as an answer? I also love working in the garden, enjoying some sunshine (which we don’t have to much off here in the Netherlands) crocheting and especially, at this moment, creating cute stuff for the baby.

I simply scrap....        because I love the creative outlet it gives me!

 

{More About Natasja}

 

• Natasja is from the Netherlands. She is a full time wife and mother who works outside of the home part time. She is also expecting baby number 2 this year!
• Natasja talents are very versitile! She enjoys scrapbooking, making video tutorials, teaching workshops and creating craft and home decor projects.
• In describing her style Natasja says "I always find it hard to categorize my scrapbooking style. It's definitely not clean. I like to add a vintage, distressed feeling to my pages and while I am at it toss in some ink or paints.
• You can enjoy more of Natasja's beautiful work on her online galleries here and here!

 

{Natasja's Creations}

 

 

 

 

 

 

Welcome Natasja! We are so excited to have you on our Simple Stories design team for 2012!

 

 

 

Simple Introductions: Meet Tonya Dirk

 

{2012 Design Team Member Tonya Dirk}

 

We are so happy to introduce to you today Tonya Dirk.  Tonya's eye for simple yet beautiful details and clean lines really captured our attention! Not only is her scrapbooking style full of beauty her photography is as well! Tonya will join our layouts and cards team for 2012!

 

{A SIMPLE glimpse of Tonya}

I simply am....          a mom, a wife, a daughter and a friend.

I simply think....        negativity gets you nowhere.

I simply wonder....    what each of my kids will be and be like in 15 years.

I simply want....        Starbucks to bring back their original blended Lite Mocha Frappucino, however my backside is better off without it.

I simply save....        my expired Registered Nurse license just to prove that I used to be somebody entirely different.

I simply can’t ....       go down to the laundry room for even five minutes without one of my four kiddos yelling for me.

I simply must....        play tennis at least once a week, it’s a new found hobby for me and I am so in love with it right now!

I simply wish....         that each of my children find something that they are passionate about and that they get to devote some time to actually doing whatever it is.

I simply love....         fresh warm homemade chocolate chip cookies right out of the oven.

I simply scrap....      so that my children have more than just memories, I love the artistic outlet it provides me and the stories it tells my children.

 

{More about Tonya}

 

• Tonya is a wife and stay at home mom of four beautiful children.
• In explaining her style Tonya states " I'm a little bit eclectic, a little bit shabby chic and usually pretty detailed.
• Tonya enjoys making video tutorials and creations that make Simple Stories products shine and we agree!
• Simple Stories collections always catch Tonya's eye and she says that things just seem to flow when Simple Stories products are sitting in front of her - the colors and designs are just so easy to work with!
• Check out more of Tonya's beautiful work on her blog here!

 

 

 

 

Welcome Tonya! We are so happy to have you on our Simple Stories design team for 2012!

 

 

Simple Introduction: Meet Jill Cornell

 

{2012 Design Team Member Jill Cornell}

 

Today we are thrilled to introduce you to Jill Cornell! Our 2012 Layout and Cards team is so lucky to have Jill's simple, eclectic and colorful style! We love the way she tells her story through two page layouts!

 

{A SIMPLE glimpse of Jill}

 

I simply am....         cheerful, blessed and optimistic.

I simply think....       that parenting is the most challenging and rewarding job I have ever had.

I simply wonder....  what the next few years have in store for my family.

I simply want....       my daughters to know how very much they were wanted, loved and cherished before they were even born.

I simply save....       memories and moments everyday.

I simply can't....       wait for summer! Lots of sunshine and fun outside with my girls!

I simply must....       start my day with a cup of coffee and a little peace and quiet so I make sure to get up before my twin girls do.

I simply wish....        that there were more hours in a day! ;)

I simply love....         my family!

I simply scrap....      with lots of pink and my sewing machine!

 

{More about Jill}

 

• Jill is a stay at home mom of two beautiful twin girls!
• Jill enjoys dabbling in all sorts of scrapbooking ideas, mediums and design but layouts are her favorite because she feels that they tell her story best.
• In describing her style Jill says she is clean and simple but loves to add homespun touches with ink and her sewing machine.
• You can enjoy more of Jill's creations on her blog here.

 

{Jill's Creations}

 

 

 

Welcome Jill! We are so excited to have you on our Simple Stories design team for 2012!

Simple Introductions: Meet Wendy Morris

 

{2012 Design Team member Wendy Morris}

 

We are excited to introduce to you today Wendy Morris. Wendy has been a Simple Stories fan and fabulous supporter from the very start! She joins us again this year on our design team . Her eclectic creations, eye for design and mini book magic make her a perfect addition to our Altered Art and Mixed Media team for 2012!

 

{A SIMPLE glimpse of Wendy}

 

I simply am...           carefree. world traveler. fearless. eccentric. supporter. full of laughter. confident. positive. full of random adventure.

I simply think...         just because I’m an auditor does not mean I am is not a creative soul.

I simply wonder...    where the yellow brick road will lead me in 2012...life is good.

I simply want...         to always be an original.

I simply save...        too many ideas in my art journal - it’s my version of a “little black book” - then again, life is full of living those aspirations and moving the mountains to make those aspirations a reality.

I simply can't...        stand rudeness, liars, ignorance, prejudice, and laziness.

I simply must...        make take time each.day for something “artsy”...those simple moments in living the motto: “find inspiration everyday everywhere”.

I simply wish...        we could function on 0 sleep because there are a million wishes, aspirations, interests, and opportunities on my “bucket list” and only so many hours in a day.

I simply love...        living only 30 minutes from the beach. the smell (and taste) of fresh blueberry muffins. Peanut Butter Snickers. Pretzel M&Ms. My Canon Camera. Strawberries. The Fresh Market grocery. Sweet pictures of my cousins. Panera. Apple & Mac.

I simply scrap...    because it is a calming force in a world of chaos. i’m a collector of good (and bad, yes, we all have “scars”...) moments, breathing it all in & creating it all out.

 

{More About Wendy}

• Wendy is an auditor who travels the world with her work- but always returns back to her home in Alabama!
• Wendy's states that her scrapbooking style includes delivering lots of details, mostly in mini books and blending the old + new + a funky edge + typically adding stamping always in the mix!
• Wendy is apart of many design teams and spends time every day in her art studio aka "happy place"!
• You can see more of Wendy's amazing work on her blog here.

 

{Wendy's Creations}

 

 

 

 

 

Welcome Wendy! We are so excited to have you on our Simple Stories design team for 2012!

 

 

Simple Introductions: Meet Kim Holmes

 

{2012 Design Team Member Kim Holmes}

 

Today we would like to introduce you to Kim Holmes! Kim was a very supportive member of our first design team and is a wonderful edition to this years team. Kim loves to create whether it's with paper, paints or fabric – working with her hands is what she does best! Kim's creative talents shine through in every part of her life.

 

{A SIMPLE glimpse of Kim}

 

I simply am a mom

I simply think everyone  is an artist

I simply wonder at the Lord’s Creation

I simply want to find joy in the little things

I simply save tons of money being a couponer

I simply can't stand to pay full price for anything

I simply must create every day

I simply wish happiness for all my kids

I simply love my husband with all my soul

I simply scrap my everyday moments

 

{More about Kim}

 

• Kim is not only a stay a home mom she also has taken on the role of teacher as she homeschools her children.
  
• Kim loves to dabble in all sorts of scrapbooking styles and mediums but always seems to return to 12x12 layouts as her favorite
• "My style is always adapting and changing based on what the papers and products call for" states Kim.. but if she must give her style a name it would be simple and graphic!
  
• Kim absolutely loves that Simple Stories products are all inclusive and they are always her "go to" company! She can create layouts, minis, or altered items about any subject with Simple Stories. Each paper line - even those with specific subjects will work for multiple themes.
• You can see more of Kim's beautiful creations and talents on her blog here.

 

(Kim's Creations}

 

 

 

 

 

 

Welcome Kim! We are so happy to have you as part of the Simple Stories design team for 2012!

Simple Introductions: Meet Ashley Stephens

 

Today we would like to introduce you to Ashley Stephens. Ashley's eye for design and focus on details and photo's make her perfect for our layout and cards team for 2012!

 

{A SIMPLE glimpse of Ashley}

I simply am....         so excited to be a part of the Simple Stories team this year! I can already tell that we have a great group of inspiring designers- I can’t wait to see what everyone comes up with!

I simply think....       that there is not enough time in the day. Either that or I need a housekeeper.

I simply wonder.... how we ever got along in the world without the internet?! I don’t think I’d last without it for more than a week.

I simply want....      to travel the world. I’ve had the chance to visit Paris, London, and all over Turkey but there are so many more places on my list. Hopefully Italy is next!

I simply save....     scrapbook supplies I love. I guess “hoard” would be the appropriate term. I’m terrible about this and, despite my best efforts, I have piles that will likely never be used because they’re too great to cut up.

I simply can't....     quit eating swiss cake rolls. I’m single-handedly keeping Little Debbie in business, I’m sure of it.

I simply must....    watch my TV shows every week. I’m thoroughly addicted to Fringe, Alcatraz, The Walking Dead, and New Girl.

I simply wish....     that I lived closer to my family. My husband is in the air force and we’ve been stationed overseas for three years now (with three more to go). We get to go back and visit every now and then but I miss having them a short drive away.

I simply love....     fabric. I started ‘collecting’ a few years ago (i.e. buying and not using) because they look so pretty all stacked up! I only recently decided that I needed to actually make use of all of it and have been putting together quilt after quilt for the past few months.

I simply scrap....  to remember all the funny things my son says, our travels, our milestones, and our ups and downs. I love being able to look back and read something I may have forgotten about, or to see a picture that brings back great memories.

 

{More about Ashley}

 

• Ashley is a full time graphic design student, mom to Luke and wife to Air Force Husband Josh. She lives in Germany but has traveled all over Europe!
• Ashley states that her style is clean and graphic with a focus on large photographs and always includes a pop of color!
  
• Creating video tutorials and sketches are also a part of Ashley's overall creativity and talent. She also enjoys quilting and knitting.
  
• Ashley loves that Simple Stories is accessable to everyone from seasoned scrapbooker to beginner! You can be simple or as detailed as you want. It's all there!
• You can see more of Ashleys creativity on her blog here!

 

{Ashley's Creations}

 

 

 

 

 

Welcome Ashley! We are so excited to have you on our Simple Stories design team for 2012!

Simple Introductions: Meet Kay Rogers

 

{2012 Design Team Member Kay Rogers}

 

Today we would like to introduce you to Kay Rogers.  Kay's clean and simple style caught our eye and fits perfectly with our Simple Stories philosophy! Look for Kay's creativity and eye for design on our layout and card team for 2012!

 

{A SIMPLE glimpse of Kay}

 

I simply am....   a mom. It’s my most important role.

I simply think....  coffee is a major food group.

I simply wonder....  why waking up in the morning is so painful.

I simply want....  world peace. That’s not asking for too much, right?

I simply save....   not so much. I don’t save enough money, don’t save old clothes, don’t save paper scraps. The older I get, the less I save.

I simply can't ....  be without a book. It makes me nervous.

I simply must ....  watch TV while scrapping. It’s more like listen, but that noise is essential.

I simply wish ....  I had more time. I hate that my job gets in the way of my creating. LOL!

I simply love ....  the creative process.

I simply .... scrap.

 

{More about Kay}

• Kay is a math Teacher of 21 years who also uses her teaching skills at her local Scrapbook Store. She is also a digital scrapper and teaches a photoshop class.
• Kays says she loves creating layouts but is also into mixed media. She also loves to document her life with Simple Stories and divided page protectors.
• Simple Stories is one of Kay's favorites; she loves how easy it is to incorporate with anything she is working on Kay loves the color and distressed feel and depth that  Simple Stories designs give her.
  
• You can see more of Kay's beautiful creations on her blog here

 

{Kay's Creations}

 

 

 

 

Welcome Kay! We are so excited to have you on our Simple Stories design team for 2012!

 

Simple Introductions: Meet Shellye McDaniel

 

{2012 Design Team Member Shellye McDaniel}

 

Today we are so excited to introduce you to Shellye McDaniel! Shellye impressed us with her beautiful detailed creations and her never ending energy! She will make a wonderful addition to our layouts and cards team for 2012!

 

{A SIMPLE glimpse of Shellye}

 

I simply....     am a wife of 20 years, a mom of 3 and a child of God of two great parents

I simply....     think that you should do what you love whenever you can…it will give you something to look forward to when having to do what you don’t love LOL

I simply....    wonder what my children will grow up to become

I simply....     want health and happiness (I figured I needed one politically correct answer)

I simply....     save well, not much, I love spending money and destashin’ and trashin’ clutter makes me crazy!

I simply....     can't eat seafood!  I’ve tried and I just can’t

I simply....     must do something creative each day…it cures crabby-mommy-syndrome

I simply....     wish that I could eat whatever I want and never gain weight

I simply....     love my life…it’s the best!  But I’m a realist, so I’m waiting on the other shoe to drop!

I simply....     scrap to share with others…I’ve met so many wonderful people through this hobby and can’t wait to meet more!

 

{More about Shellye}

 

• Not only is Shellye a mom to 3 beautiful kids and a part time labor and delivery nurse - she is currently apart of 4 design teams and 2 creative teams!
• Shellye describes her scrapbooking style as -CASS- clean and simple-shabby! She loves to include details, ink, layers and you'll almost always find machine or handstitching on her projects!  
  
• Shellye gives a 110% to everything she does - She believes that if you have a talent you should share it enthusiastically with others!
  
• Shellye states that Simple Stories is quite Simply "HER" the designs go along so well with everything she loves about papercrafting and the art works is like non other out there!
• You can see more of Shelley's wonderful designs and detailed work on her blog here!

 

{Shellye's Creations}

 

 

 

 

 

Welcome Shellye! We are so excited so have you on the 2012 Simple Stories design team!

Simple Introductions: Meet Guiseppa Gubler

 

{2012 Design Team Member Guiseppa Gubler}

 

Today we are so happy to introduce to you Guiseppa Gubler! Guiseppa's area of expertise is layouts - and we absolutely loved Guiseppa's simple clean lines and passion for our Simple Stories products (and for scrapbooking in general.) Guiseppa's love for perserving memories reaches deep and scrapbooking is more than a hobby to her - her creations document and save memories for generations to come and give her a creative outlet that she simply loves!

 

{A Simple Glimpse of Guiseppa}

 

I simply...    am a clean freak! I can't live in a messy house. I blame it on my mother and my grandmother. You know... passed down from one generation to the next.

I simply...     think I have the funniest, wittiest and cutest teenagers!  They keep me laughing and on my toes all the time.  They both are taller than me and can pick me up and throw me around. They get a kick out of that.

I simply...     wonder when by hubby will pack us up and move us to the warm, beautiful  country of Hondorus.

I simply...     want my own huge scrapbooking room, full of the latest and greatest!

I simply...    save and hoard scrapbooking paper.  I am bad, I will have more than I will ever use, but I love it all!

I simply...     can't pass up chocolate and a Diet Pepsi.  When my hubby brings it home to me, he is my most favorite person in the world.

I simply...     must dance when a good songs comes on.  My parents put me in dance when I was three and I danced until I got married.  It’s in my blood.  I really want to take salsa lessons.  Who knows…maybe someday I will dance for all of you!

I simply...     wish I could travel the world.  Mostly I would like to go to all the warm tropical places of the world.  I live in the frozen tundra of Northern Utah…right now, I  am freezing!

I simply...     love to do Zumba!  A couple of years ago I lost about 65 pounds and staying healthy and fit is a priority to me.

I simply...     scrap almost everyday.  With kids in school all day, I love retreating to my scrappy space and getting down with my scrappy self!

 

{More about Guiseppa}

 

• Guiseppa is a stay at home mom of 3 children and wife to Sam (her biggest supporter)!
• Her beautiful and original name has Italian beginnings but was given to her in honor of her Danish Grandmother.
• Guiseppa says she jumped on the scrapbooking bandwagon over 15 years ago and spends alot of time creating - she has created over 70 albums since she began!
• Guiseppa describes her style as clean with lots of layering and dimension. Pop Dots are her best friend!
• When not scrapbooking you can find Guiseppa enjoying time with her family in the mountains of Utah - camping, fishing, hiking and exploring on her four wheeler!
• You can see more of Guiseppa's fabulous designs on her blog here
  

 

{Guiseppa's Creations}

 

 

 

 

 

Welcome Guiseppa!  We're so excited to have you on the 2012 Simple Stories Design Team!

Simple Introductions: Meet Emily Lanham

 

 

{2012 Design Team Member Emily Lanham}

 

For the next few weeks on the Simple Stories blog we will be making some simple introductions where you get to meet our new 2012 Simple Stories Design Team members. We loved getting to know all of our new designers when reviewing their application and artwork - and now we can't wait to introduce them to you and show you just why we selected this cast of amazing and inspirational women!  

For our first introduction, we're thrilled to introduce Emily Lanham.  Emily joins the 2012 Simple Stories Design Team as an Altered Artist and from her samples you can see why.  We loved how Emily took our Simple Stories paper collections and created something extraordinary.  We can't wait to see what else Emily has in store for us in 2012! 

 

{A SIMPLE glimpse of Emily...}

 

I simply... am unique.

I simply... think with my heart.

I simply... wonder where my day goes each and every day!

I simply... want only the best for my family and myself. 

I simply... save everything that has any value to me. 

I simply... can't stop hoarding paper! 

I simply... must be creative. 

I simply... wish for more time in each day! 

I simply... love my friends & family. 

I simply... scrap what I'm feeling each day.

 

{More About Emily}

 

• Emily is a stay-at-home mom from Manchester, Ohio who loves all formats of paper crafting. 
• Emily says, "If it involves paper, I can probably make it! If I had to pick one thing, I would say making mini albums and home decor projects is my favorite thing to do with paper."
•  Emily also has a strong background in graphic design, where she went to college for design but chose to pursue a different path in life which lead her to her love of paper crafting.
• "I would describe my design style as Modern Chic," states Emily. "My style has evolved over the years as the style of products have changed and I've adapted into a style that I really love. I like to make projects that not only I would love to display in my own home, but also handmade items that I can give to others and they will enjoy as well."
• You can see more of Emily's work and creativity by visiting her blog!  

 

{Emily's Creations}

 

 

 

 

 

Welcome Emily!  We're so excited to have you on the 2012 Simple Stories Design Team!