Featured Blogger- Jennifer McGuire
For those new to my blog, on the first Monday of each month, I feature one of the bloggers that I follow. When I read blogs, I always enjoy getting to know the person BEHIND the blog. Whether it be a crafty blogger, a lifestyle blogger or a fellow young single gal- I love putting away the formalities and having a “conversation” with a blogger I enjoy.
My Featured Blogger today is one that is very well known in the paper crafts industry. She is Copic and Ranger certified, the Education Director at Hero Arts, has been a Paper Crafts Go-To Gal, and is one of the gals behind the super popular Online Card Classes phenomenon. I’m pleased to welcome Jennifer McGuire for today’s feature!
Let’s get started with the questions….
Tell us about your blog. When and why did you start it?
Ten years ago I quit my job as an engineer to do crafting full-time. So what was a hobby was now a job. About four years ago I wanted to bring back a bit of the hobby into my life – to make cards just for fun. Therefore, I started the blog. I enjoy it!
How did you get introduced to stamping/ paper crafts?
Eleven years ago, I volunteered to go on a mission trip with my church’s youth group. When we got home I wanted to make a scrapbook of the trip for the youth leader. This was my first paper crafting… and I fell madly in love. I did scrapbooking for many years, and then switched to card making thanks to my job with Hero Arts.
There are so many crafting trends right now, which ones are your favorite?
Tough question! I am normally not big on trends. (Can you believe I never used bakers twine or washi tape on a card?!) But I really am enjoying the many graphic stamps out there right now. Triangle patterns? Yes, please!
Is there a technique or style you admire, but aren’t able to “pull off” yourself?
YES! Clean and simple! I LOVE the clean and simple look. It is by far my favorite. However, I find it really difficult for me to do. I tend to go overboard on my cards!
If you could tell your “newbie” crafter self something, what would it be?
Honestly, I wouldn’t tell myself a thing. I think the adventure of figuring out your spot in the crafting world is a wonderful one.
How many hours do you spending crafting each week?
This is my job, so I spend a bit more than I would if it was a hobby. I probably create 15 hours a week… during Lila’s nap times! :)
Besides crafting, what do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
I spend all of my time with my family. I also can be caught volunteering at the schools, working in the garden (when it is not snowing – ack!) and traveling. I LOVE to travel.
What is something about yourself that many people don’t know?
I can’t sit still! I am a busy bee!
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would it be?
ANYWHERE. I love traveling anywhere and everywhere.
You have your choice to spend the day with any celebrity, who would you choose and why?
Kenny Chesney. Simply so I could ask him about his favorite islands. (Our family loves the caribbean!)
Top 5 things you are most passionate about:
- Family
- Faith
- Being healthy
- Stamping
- Sharing
I know that many of those in the stamping/ crafting industry have heard of Jennifer before, however, I have a feeling that quite a few of my readers haven’t been introduced to her work. Here are some of the places you can find her:
I hope that you enjoyed this feature and are just as inspired by this gal as I have been. Want to recommend a blogger, or yourself, for a future Featured Blogger post? Leave a comment with the blog link and you never know- you just might hear from me!
I’ll see you tomorrow for the 10 Minute Craft Dash Highlights, info on how you can get an exclusive sneak peek of the upcoming challenge AND a video showcasing the prize for the sponsor. It’ll be a packed day full of info and I know it’ll get you excited for the challenge on Wednesday- I hope you’ll stop by!
love JMcG! She’s solely responsible for my distress ink collection/obsession! love her, so sweet and generous :) great interview!
I love this feature, and Jennifer is so brilliant and talented. It’s fun to learn more about her, thank you! Another huge favorite of mine is Julie Ebersole. She’s a ray of sunshine, and I love her work: http://papertrufflez.typepad.com/ .
Jennifer is the person who taught me the most about crafting. Her personal videos and those done for Ranger and Hero Arts, not to mention her online classes, are invaluable tools for any paper crafter. Love her style, her energy and willingness to share with us! Thank you Jennifer! xx
Awesome interview with Jennifer! I love how she puts her family and faith above everything else. THAT speaks volumes about the type of woman she is. I’m with Sheryl262, an interview with Julie Ebersole would be so great. :)
I haven’t heard of Jennifer before this post. She sounds like a great person and I can’t wait to visit her site! Thank you for introducing her to me.
Great interview! Jennifer is a great craft person and it was neat to read more about her.
I always enjoy seeing who you pick for this feature; you always get great people. Thank you for interviewing Jennifer this month. I really appreciate her work and it was awesome to learn more about her. I look forward to seeing who you have next month!
I so loved learning more about you, Jennifer!! Thanks for sharing a few pieces of yourself :)