Designer Chat with Rhonna Farrer

We have another special guest with us today for our Christmas love Campaign. It is a segment that I like to call ‘Designer Chat’ and I ask a few designers in the arts, crafts, and scrapbooking industry if they could share what Christmas Love Charity means to them. I also ask if they can share some of their awesome talents! 

Today I would like to introduce you to  Rhonna Farrer! Rhonna has been a freind of mine for a few years now ever since I was so blessed as to stumble across her blog one day when she was having a design team call.  I had been a long time admirer of her love of live, her faith, and the beautiful spark that she loves to share with others on a daily basis. Not to mention, I totally love her mantra of "Uplifting and Inspiring" others. How awesome is that!? Her designs are full of joy and are guaranteed to put a bounce into your step. So, without further adu, here is Rhonna Farrer...

I’m honored to be a part of Susan’s #ChristmasLoveCampaign….

because who doesn’t need more love during Christmas? I love using my apps to create cards or tags for friends…it’s super easy to use with the pre-designed cards & then adding their names to it to personalize is even more loving…it makes them feel so special. I love creating the tags in Rhonna Designs app suite & then printing out either at Persnickety Prints, or at home. Either way, when you cut them down into

cute 2x2s or 3x3s, add to a gift or goody..you’re sure to #craftuplove for those friends, family or even strangers! Merry Christmas!

Rhonna Farrer

Rhonna Designs-designs to uplift & inspire

Blog-ideas to uplift & inspire

Facebook 

Twitter: @rhonnafarrer

Instagram: @rhonnafarrer

Thank you so much Rhonna for sharing your fabulous App. 

Designer Chat with Ann Butler!

At this time of year, during the Christmas love Campaign, I {LOVE} it when here at Susan K. Weckesser Inc. we have guests on the blog. It is a segment that I like to call ‘Designer Chat’ and I ask a few designers in the arts, crafts, and scrapbooking industry if they could share what Christmas Love Charity means to them. I also ask if they can share some of their awesome talents!

So today I am thrilled to introduce a super talented and wonderful friend of mine:

The AWESOME DESIGNER Ann Butler

Hi Everyone,
I am honored that Susan asked me to be part of this years Christmas Love Campaign.  I found out about this a few years ago and it really touched my heart.  I believe that sharing with others, through whatever way you can, is the best gift you can give.  For many years during the holidays I was in charge of an Angel Tree Program, at a shopping mall I managed.  While it was heartbreaking to see all of the children in need, it was even more heartwarming to see the generosity of the community that always surpassed in giving what was needed.  
Christmas time is the perfect time a year to reach out and give to others. 
To me Christmas time is also about family and friends near and far away.  It is not always possible to see everyone during the holidays so I like to at least reach out with a card and for the past few years I have made it a point to created one of a kind Christmas Cards for everyone on my list along with a handwritten note just for them.  In this day of emails, internet and social media, it is rare to receive mail any more and I find that sometimes just that hand written note can mean so much.  While I do not receive as many cards as I used, I do save every one of the them, I have even used some of them to decorate the tree or a frame during the holidays.   And a few years ago I shared an idea on how to display those Christmas Cards to enjoy them during the holiday season.

You can find the directions Here. My stamps and inks with Clearsnap can be seen Here And Unity Stamps Here.

I feel so am blessed to have all of my kids (and grandkids) coming home for Christmas this year.  I have 5 grown children,  6 grandchildren (that range in age from 2 - 6) and two more on the way next year.  I hope all of you have a very Merry Christmas and wonderful New Year!!    

Ann Butler Designs
www.AnnButlerDesigns.com 

Thank-you SO much Ann for sharing with us!

Designer Chat with Christy Riopel

 

 I have been blessed to write for the Canadian Scrapbooker over the last four and a half years I have been so lucky to meet some simply amazing people! They truly are talented. One such {inspiring} and beautiful lady is Christy Riopel and I am so glad that I can call her a friend! Christy has always made me feel so comfortable at any event, she always makes me smile, and she always has a bed for me to crash in when I am teaching in Calgary. She gives the best hugs too!!! I invited Christy to be part of the Christmas Love Campaign’s Designer Chat to chat a little bit about Designing, Christmas & Love.

So… Without further ado, I would like to welcome…

                                                  Merry Christmas everyone!

Welcome to the Christmas Love Campaign and
thanks Susan for having me!
Growing up in a single parent family, Christmas was a difficult time
for my family. There just wasn't money for presents or extras. Through
out the year we often went without things or made do with what we had,
but my Mother would do her best to make Christmas as special as she
could.
A big part of that was making gifts for each other. One year I
remember getting a vanity table made out of wooden crates. I loved
that table and felt so grown up sitting at it. Some gifts were less
successful but still make us laugh; like a set a matching blue and red
striped nighties that   my mom made all of us. They made us vibrate
like a TV screen test pattern when we stood beside each other and were
so narrow you had the pull them up over your knees to walk up the
stairs to bed, making you look like a psychedelic penguin.
I learned to crochet, knit, sew, bake, can, make chocolates, and many
other skills in the pursuit of making a special gift for someone. I
sewed doll clothes out of scraps and old clothes for my sisters. We
would draw pictures, or make jewellery for each other.
The best part of those gifts was the anticipation you would feel as
you carefully planned and constructed your gift. As years went by we
could afford  to buy gifts for each other, but it never felt as good
as those gifts we welded by hand for each other, in fact home made
gifts are still my favourite to give and get!

Materials for card: Core ‘dinations card stock, fibre putty, Unity
stamps, Martha Stewart edge punch,  unknown ribbon and Susan K. Weckesser Inc. Crafter’s Workshop stencil!!

Be sure to visit Christy’s BEAUTIFUL BLOG and say hi and spread some Christmas Love! Make sure to also check out her work at the Canadian Scrapbooker because she really ROCKS!

I love how Christy used my Susan K. Weckesser Inc./ Crafter’s Workshop Stencil! AWESOME!

Thank-you SO Much Christy for stopping by & sharing your wonderful story! I SO agree home-made gifts are the best! xo

You can find my stencil here. 

Be sure to drop the Christmas Love Campaign Facebook page and see all the contests that are happening ! You don’t want to miss a thing!

           Our next Designer Chat will be on December 18 ….be sure to join us!

Designer Chat with Margot Potter

I have so privileged to meet so many super talented and amazing designers, crafters and artists over the last year from all over the world. They have have truly {inspired} me, so during this Christmas Season…. I decided to ask them to chat a little bit about Designing, Christmas & Love.

My first guest is the beautiful and super talented Margot Potter. I met her at the very first CHA the I ever went to and being the shy person that I can be (yes, this chatty little Ukrainian CAN be shy), Margot made me feel truly welcome. I think we chatted for maybe just five minutes but something about her lovely personality made me feel right so welcomed!

So… Without further ado, I would like to welcome…

Christmas Kindness

The Christmas season allows us a little glimpse into the best (and sometimes the worst) of human behaviour. The curtains are pulled back and people all get just a little bit more real this time of year. Everything moves at such a rapid pace, we’re busy and overwhelmed and disconnected. We spend more time staring at screens than we do staring at real people. It’s becoming epidemic, this constant need to be chatting or texting or messaging on social networking platforms. I’ve seen people stand in line at a checkout talking on their phone the entire time, completely ignoring the check out person as if they weren’t even there. People chat and text while driving, parking, shopping, dining. When we’re so distracted by virtual reality, it’s easy to forget to practice the little common courtesies, but I believe these have the biggest impact. A door opened for a frazzled shopper, a smile and quick conversation with the cashier, an extra something in the tip for the waiter...it all has impact. I like to think these small kindnesses are like ripples on the water, as they push outward they get bigger turning into waves.

It’s easy to point to the grand gesture or write a big check at the holidays, but these small kindnesses are important too. In fact, these small kindnesses are becoming an endangered species and they matter immensely. If we can move outside of what I call our ‘me bubble’ and allow for the opportunity to connect with others, magical things happen for all of us.

I’m going to try to hold this in the front of my mind this holiday season as I move through the world outside of my little studio. I, too, am busy, distracted and disconnected. Random kindness and senseless acts of beauty are at the top of my agenda.

Whatever you celebrate this time of year, may it be merry and bright.

Love,

Madge

www.margotpotter.com

Margot Potter The Impatient Crafter™

The Fine Art of Shameless Self Promotion e-book is getting rave reviews, do you have your copy yet? (http://www.margotpotter.com/products/the-fine-art-of-shameless-self-promotion)

                       Be Happy DIY Feather Ornament

Thank-you SO much Margot for your wonderful words and for dropping by!
Stop by Margot Potter's Blog today... not only is she talking about the Christmas Love Campaign, but she has a little gift for you too!
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Please take some time to check out Margot Potter’s Blog cause it really rocks!!!  And…. Margot has a new eBook out that is really super neat that you can check out HERE.

Remember to stop by the Christmas Love Campaign Facebook page to see all the amazing contests and give aways that are going on! If you haven’t already…come on over and join in the fun and help #craftuplove!!! The Next Designer Chat will be on December 14.

Have a super CREATIVE day!

hugs,

Susan