Getting to Know Me Blog Hop

This is my second post of three today

For the CDD CIULIP post, click HERE

For the CDD Sneak Peek Day 2, scroll up

I was tagged by the amazing Dr. Sonia of Cards, Crafts and Kids Projects to be part of this Blog Hop (with a difference) where we share a little about our work and our creative process. First of all, I can't tell you how honored I am to be tagged by Sonia. Not only is she a doctor and the mother of a sweet and talented crafter, Prisha, but she is a phenomenally gifted and amazing artist!! She is such an inspiration!! She tagged me in THIS post and if you aren't familiar with her work, I encourage you to visit her now – I guarantee you will not be disappointed. Her projects are innovative and her attention to detail is beyond compare. She is not only creative and amazing, but she is so generous to share her tips and tricks with detailed tutorials. She is simply the perfect blogger and I'm thankful to know her!! Thank you so much for tagging me, Sonia!!  Please visit her blog HERE.

First of all, a little background on me. I started seriously crafting about ten years ago. I made the  tough decision to leave a very stressful job to pursue a career path I had wanted to take for a long time so it was a bit of an uncertain time for me.

I have always loved crafts but never had the time to indulge. Then I watched some of the crafting shows that HGTV and DIY used to air and my crafting passion was ignited. I saw Tim Holtz on the Carol Duval show and fell in love with his crafty style!!

I soon became immersed in the world of crafting. I purchased a Cricut in 2010 and started making cards for friends and family. I saw a challenge online for Cricut cards and decided to start a blog and enter. So in March of 2011, A Mermaid's Crafts was born :)

What Am I Working On Right Now

I am working on several design team projects that I can't share yet, but will be able to in the near future :) I also have four upcoming blog hops and a guest design position that I'm really excited about.

Why do I create what I do?

I create because it is a release for me. It's what makes me happy, keeps me grounded, allows my creative spirit to flow. I can get lost in time working in my craft room.

I hope that what I create inspires others.

How does your creating process work?

Most of my current inspiration comes from my design teams and the projects I have to design for them. When I am struggling for ideas, I like to visit my favorite blogs and Pinterest for inspiration. If I'm really at a loss on what to create, I like to take a couple of days off where I don't even go in the craft room. I use nature and art and the real world to start my creative juices flowing again.

What is my Signature style?

My signature style is that I don't really have a signature style :) I try to dabble in a little bit of everything – mixed media, shabby chic, die cuts, stamping, stencils… I will try anything. What's that old saying..."Jack of all trades, master of none." ;) I have just started to get into coloring with Primsacolor pencils and am enjoying that. Here's a small sampling of different styles I've tried:

Mixed Media

Shabby Chic

Stamping

Stencling

Inking

Die Cutting

Cricut

How does my work differ from others of its genre?

I don't think that my work differs from others, really. I just try to create projects that make me happy and hope that others like it as well.

I have tagged three friends who will share their post with you this coming Monday. The hardest thing about this is narrowing my list to three, because I love all of my friends/followers. I decided on these three because not only are they three of my oldest friends who have been with me from the very beginning of my blogging journey, they are three amazing crafters, but even more amazing friends. I am so lucky to know them and am so thankful for them!! I hope you will visit each one, let them know I sent you. I guarantee you won't be disappointed.

Karen of Kaleidoscopic Sparkles

I don't have enough adjectives to describe Karen. Everyone needs someone they can turn to when they have a crafty question, when they need help deciding between patterned paper or cardstock, crinkle ribbon or organza...Karen is that person for me and so much more. I also turn to her when I have questions about life and God and his meaning for us. She is simply my rock. When I am down, she lifts me up. When I confused, she is my confidant. I am so blessed to have her in my life. I sometimes think my reasons for becoming involved in the blogging world were so that we could cross paths. And wow, is she talented!! Amazingly so!! She has a true gift for making projects that touch your heart. Please visit here HERE.

Rhonda of Scrap Happens With Rhonda

My co-hostess at Decorate to Celebrate, Rhonda is one of the sweetest people in blogland!! There aren't many people who can look at a cereal box or a paper plate or a pringles can and turn it into a work of art. Rhonda can!! Her projects constantly blow me away with her creativity. And not only that, she is the queen of mini-books!! If you have been lucky enough to win one of her books from a DTC challenge, you know what I'm talking about. The details and designs of her minis are incomparable. And she generously makes and mails the minis at her own cost. Please stop by her blog HERE.

Diana of DL.Art

Diana is one of my oldest and dearest friends in blogland!! She is a true artist in every sense of the word. Everything she creates is unique and beautiful and truly inspirational!! But not only is she a gifted crafter, she is the most generous blogger I know. She offers several linky parties a month and has numerous giveaways throughout the year, all at her own expense. She and I have discussions before over the circle of life, of which I am a firm believer. Never take more than you give. Diana is so far over on the positive side of this...she gives way more than she takes. Please visit her blog HERE.

If you've come this far, thank you so much for sticking around!! I hope you will visit Sonia, Karen, Rhonda and Diana!! And thank you again Sonia for tagging me!!