

A couple of months ago I was doing my daily blog roll and I saw a terrific
TCP card designed by
Amy Rohl. I quite admired the simple elegance of the card and was surprised by her post. She said that though she liked
TCP stamps, sometimes she had a hard time figuring out what to do with them.
So, of course, I had to challenge her. After all, what doesn't kill you, makes you stronger, right? And boy, I'm so glad that I did.
Take a look at this wonderful notebook. She uses different variations of primary colors in a way that makes this notebook look anything but primary. Here is a closeup of "Bee A Girl" in one of our new Clearly Swanky Sets,
Hearts and Flowers.

I love the wonderful watercolor look she gives to the background and adds dimension to the girl and flower. And the glitter on her wings give mimic the glitter in the flowers of the red paper. The brad also adds dimension and the
faux stitching adds an unexpected bit of texture.

I am constantly amazed by artists and their preference for this technique or that product. Amy is no exception.
What's your favorite product?You know, it just depends on the day for me; I love so many
papercrafting products and the fact that they're changing so quickly. That's actually a good thing for me since I tend to bore easily.
The flip side of that is feeling overwhelmed by all the cool news stamps, paper and embellishments out there, wanting to gobble them all up, but sometimes being restrained by 1) monetary funds 2) knowing that there's always going to be greener grass and I just can't have it all.
Ok, so my favorite product right now? Of course, the new
TCP stamps being released this month. (
AWWW!) Seriously, I've found myself being more and more attracted to fun, funky stamps lately and all of the papers and embellishments to match, and the new
TCP stamps I've gotten to dirty-up have me in stitches! How's that for a round-a-bout answer?!
What's your favorite stamping technique or tip?I'm not much of a technique junkie, but my favorite tip would be this: less is often times more for me. I think that goes back to part of my answer from question number 1 in regard to being satisfied with what's on your stamping table/closet/drawers, etc. I think it forces those creative juices to flow when you have to
finagle the supplies that you have into the finished product you have imagined.
A couple more tips:Participate in challenges...I know, you've heard it a million times before, but it's so true. You will grow more than you can imagine by picking up 1 or 2 weekly challenges and committing to them on a weekly basis.
Last tip: look for inspiration anywhere and everywhere. I love catalogs and magazines that have lots of cool and innovative color combinations, such as Martha Stewart and Pottery Barn. Look around--be inspired!
Thank you for sharing with us, Amy. Don't forget to come back next Wednesday to see more of Amy's work. I can tell you right now, there are some pretty awesome things coming.