Sunshine Award

Brandy and I were surprised to learn that Karon over at Karon's Krafty Korner has honored us by awarding us the Sunshine Blogger Award. Thank you so much, Karon!  Karon has been a faithful and prolific commenter on our blog and we are grateful for her encouragement and support.  Click on the link above to check out her blog which contains details instructions for completing the projects she features.  Andie has lifted more than her share of ideas and methods from Karon.  Again, thanks Karon.

The Sunshine Blogger Award is a little like a chain letter, but a lot more fun.  The idea is that when you receive the award you answer ten questions about yourself and then bestow the award on ten blogs that you frequent. 

Here are the rules as Karon relayed them:

1.  Include award logo in blog post.
2. Thank the blogger who gave it to you and include a link back to them.
3. Answer 10 questions about yourself, that you have made up yourself.
4. Nominate 10-12 bloggers and contact them at their blog site to inform them.

Since Brandy and I share the blog, we thought we would each take a turn at answering the questions.

Question 1.  Brandy- What do you enjoy most about crafting?

I enjoy that my crafting allows me to be creative and think outside the box. Of course, crafting with my bff, Andie, is also a very enjoyable part of crafting for me.

Question 2.  Andie- What do you enjoy most about crafting?

I am a particularly rules-oriented, detailed person.  Crafting for me is an opportunity to turn on the creative side and express a part of me that has a hard time coming out otherwise.

Question 3.  Brandy- Why did you start up your blog?

Andie and I started the blog to review really great tools and share tips and tricks.  As it turns out, we really haven't done very many reviews of tools although we have included a few tips and tricks along the way. Now, the blog is more about spreading the "disease".  Check out our story here. 

Question 4.   Andie- Why did you start up your blog?

Brandy hit the nail on the head above.  I think I would only add that it is a good warehouse of the crafts I've done for the past few years.  I've enjoyed having a cataloged place to go to see what I've done or remember a particular technique.

Question 5.  Brandy-What's your favorite blog?

I work full-time- more than full time since I am usually at the office at least 10 hours on weekdays.  This doesn't leave much time for reading blogs.  When I do have time to stroll through a blog or two, Tim Holtz has to be my go-to blog.  His work is so inspirational.  He has prompted more than a few projects and/or ideas.

Question 6.  Andie- What is your favorite blog?

If you've read the blog, you know there are a couple blogs that I repeatedly frequently.  A two blogs I keep up with regularly are PaperCraftsConnection and MoxieFabWorld. These are commercial blogs sponsored by the owners of Paper Crafts and Creating Keepsakes.  Still, there is a vibrant community on these two blogs that I've found fun to watch.  

My all time favorite blog is probably Megan's over at NotMartha.  She shares a wealth of information that range from crafting to baking to reading to techie stuff.  A good portion of my inspiration come from regularly keeping up with Megan's blog.  Check her out.  Seriously.

Question 7.  Brandy- What paper crafting tool couldn't you live without?

I couldn't live without my paper trimmer.  I love my Gypsy, but I think I could live without it.  You can tell that I love my paper trimmer because I've bought a few different ones.  I think I might have one for every room in my house (**I have a small house**).

Question 8.  Andie- What paper crafting tool couldn't you live without?

I have to agree with Brandy about the paper trimmer.  However, in the interest of being interesting, I would add that I couldn't live without Glue Dots.  These little guys are so handy.  I've used them in crafting and non-crafting projects from home to office and back again.  When we first met, I didn't like them so much.  I would find them indiscriminately on clothing, shoes, etc.  However, since we've become fast friends I now know better how to keep them in check.  I always have a store on hand just in case I might need them.

Question 9. Brandy- How would you define yourself (creatively)?

I think of myself as no nonsense.  Everything I do is something I really want to do.  I am adventurous in that I will try new techniques, even if I've never tried them before.  If I get to a place that a project is not heartfelt or I'm not completely passionate about it, I'll stop it and it is done even if it isn't finished. 

Question 10.  Andie- How would you define yourself (creatively)?

I'm a copycat.  I am not an artiste. I think of myself as creative, but I struggle with formal concepts like design and artistic license.  There wasn't any coloring outside of the lines for me as a kid.  As such, my paper crafts tend to be pretty balanced and are often inspired by others work.  I use a lot of layering to create the scene I'm looking for.  I've noticed a new trend in some of my cards lately toward a clean and simple style.  Maybe that's my artist trying to come out.  It will take considerable effort not to lock her away, so I'll keep on trying. 

Hooray!  We've answered our questions and so now it is only left to pass the award to the following blogs-

1.Stephanie at Burlap Kisses

2. Jessica at Errant Scraps

3. Anni at Handgathered

4. Lori at Papercrafts by SaintsRule!

5.Laura Ann at Laura Ann's Breakfast Pizza

6.Megan at NotMartha

7. Tim Holtz at Tim Holtz

8. PaperCraftsConnection

9. Moxie Fab World

10. Kelle at Enjoying the Small Things

Thank you to everyone that takes the time to visit and to support our blog.  It is fun to post and receive feedback. 

Brandy and  Andie